It is official...

We are having a BOY!!
We can't wait to meet you, Caden Christopher!

The ultrasound was amazing! We were able to see the heart and its 4 chambers, the spine, the hands and feet, and his cute little nose! We were finally able to hear the heartbeat as well...it was the coolest sound!
He was moving all around and throwing his legs up in the air! haha. Too funny. Everything is looking good and healthy with me and the baby.

They think that I am further along than I thought before...so my new due date is April 28th.

I am so excited and am now ready to start spoiling my baby boy and start setting up the nursery. :)
Yay- life is good!

T.h.is. W.e.e.k.

I am 20 weeks and 2 days :)
Have an ultrasound appointment for Thursday and will, hopefully, find out the sex of the baby! I can't wait and am praying that everything looks healthy.
I will let you all know what I find out!

Kickin It!

I have been able to feel the baby's kicks more and more each day. So exciting! Garrett was able to put his hand on my belly and feel a couple kicks too! His face lit up and he looked so suprised! haha. I love being able to feel my baby moving around, poking me, and kicking me. :) It is a huge blessing to me and makes me so happy each time I feel it...:)

Featured!

One of my stuffed animals "Sheila the Snail" is featured on this blog: http://foundhandmade.com/news/itemize under the Dec.3rd post labeled Bugs II.

Awesome!

A Busy Time

I have not been very commited to this blog lately. Things have been crazy and are finally settling down a bit, but will still be very busy for sure.
We finally moved into our own apartment and are starting to get unpacked and everything. It is a great place that has 2 bedrooms, a washer/dryer, dishwasher, new carpet, and a fireplace! It is, also, located 5 minutes from both of our jobs. I am starting to get into the habit of going to my new job and the duties that I have there. I feel very blessed to have been given this job. It is pretty ideal.
Garrett and I just got back from Oregon on Friday. We were there visiting some of Garrett's family for Thanksgiving. We had a great time and are now back in the real world and are both back at work today.
This past week I bought my first maternity clothes. So exciting! They are pretty cute and feel much more comfortable than when I was trying to fit into my regular clothes. haha :)
I definitely have a little baby bump developing and I love it! I am 18 weeks now and have been feeling the baby move a bit, which is awesome!
We will be able to find out the sex of the baby in about 2 weeks...I can't wait!
I do have a picture of my baby bump at 18 weeks, so I will be posting that soon.
Until then...have a great week and I will leave you with some things I am thankful for this season~

1. God saving me and pursuing me
2. A loving and godly husband
3. This little miracle inside me
4. A supportive family
5. Garrett and I both having jobs during this tough economy
6. A church where I can worship, serve, and grow
7. Food and shelter
8. God always providing and always working in my life
9. The future
1o. Love

Getting Settled

I haven't written in awhile. Garrett and I have been so busy with the big move back to Boise. We have been here 2 weeks now and we are finally getting settled a bit. We are living with my grandma for the time being while we save for a deposit on an apartment. We thought we might need to stay with her awhile while I looked for a job. As many of you know, I looked for a job like crazy in Moscow for 5 months and only had one interview. It was not a success. Well, within 5 days of being in Boise I got a job! It is only by God that I recieved a job so quickly and to top it off it is the kind of job that I was wanting. I am a runner at a law firm and work 20 hours a week. I work 1-5 pm Mon-Fri and have all holidays off. It is great!
God has really provided through all of this and I just praise Him for it!

As far as the pregnancy goes, I will be 15 weeks tomorrow and am feeling much better. Morning sickness is finally going away! Yay! :)
I still need to find a new doctor here in Boise and I need to do that soon so I can have my next appointment within the next couple of weeks.

Anyways, that is about it for now! Just very happy to be back in Boise. :)

Crazy People We Are!

Well, it is a funny thing how God works and where God leads...that being said, Garrett and I are moving back to Boise! haha.
I know what you are thinking...how often are you people going to move?! Well, we are hoping this is it.
There is a two part reason for our move back to Boise.
#1- Garrett has approached me multiple times since we have been here in Moscow that he feels God is really leading him to go back to doing full-time ministry. When he first told me I was just upset, because we had just moved here and I had planned on staying here until he graduated. I told him that I will pray about it and pray that God will change my heart if it is what we are supposed to do...Guess what? God changed my heart and aligned it with Garrett's and His! I knew that we were meant to be in full-time ministry and I think that it took us coming up here to allow God to really get our attention and get our hearts where they should be.

#2- Obviously I want to be near family and friends for the arrival of my first baby! It is very difficult up here since I do not really know anyone. I want my family to have a really close relationship with my baby and I definitely will need the help and support!

So, Garrett is going to attend Boise Bible College and we are moving back to Boise! I know that this is where we will settle down and be for a long while. I can't wait to be back home and be with all of you.

I know we seem crazy sometimes, but we just have to follow where we think God is leading. :)

First Ultrasound

We had our first appointment and ultrasound on Monday and it was so amazing! It was unbelievable to see our baby's heartbeat. It was going so fast at 162 bpm. It was cool to put an image, somewhat, to what is inside of me.

I found out that my official due date is May 2nd. I will be 11 weeks on Sunday. This is such a cool time in our lives!

I am so glad that Garrett could be there with me at my appointment. He was just as thrilled as I was. :) Our next appointment is November 2nd.

I can't wait to meet our baby in May!

On My Mind...

1. Leaving tonight for my best friend's wedding on Friday! We can't leave until after Garrett gets off work at 7, and therefore won't get into Boise until 1:30 or 2AM! Tomorrow is so busy with rehersal, rehersal dinner, and the bachlorette party. And Friday is the day! So excited for Trent and Jess to be married! :)

2. I am worried about tripping at some point during the wedding due to the fact that these are the highest heels I have ever worn...but are very very cute!

3. Still need to pack for Garrett and myself...not looking forward to that part.

4. It is so windy and chilly here today, but I love it. I got to wear my scarf and boots for the first time since winter, and I love it!

5. Bought some new fall hand soaps at Bath and Body Works and love them. My hands smell delicious!

6. Am so anxious for my doctor's appointment on Monday...hope the baby is strong and healthy!

7. Wishing my in-laws a safe trip to DisneyWorld today...I wish I could have gone with them! :)

8. Garrett and I will be making another trip to Boise in two weeks for Phil and Emily's wedding.

9. Am hoping that Garrett and I will be able to attend the Fall Harvest Party in Washington next week. I love Fall so much. Can't wait to pick our own pumpkins!

10. I am hungry and had better go get something to eat and start packing!

A Basic Ramble

Things have been a little bit difficult lately. I am trying to get used to this new way of life: being sick constantly! My morning sickness has really taken me out. I honestly didn't expect this. Not to complain or anything. :)
Poor Garrett has had to make a lot of his own meals. I can't stand to be around most foods and the kitchen is a place I have been avoiding.
I feel overtaken by the pregnancy right now, even though I am not even showing yet! I just don't feel like myself. I haven't been getting out as much, I am more moody than ever, and I hardly have any energy. I am behind on cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping! Oh my...I can't wait for the second trimester...I heard it is the best one! :)
I am in my 9th week and my first appointment is in one week! I can't wait.
Garett and I will be coming to Boise twice this month for weddings. First, we have Jessica and Trent's wedding this week. I am honored to be the maid of honor and have been planning a fun bachlorette party the night before the wedding and have been pondering what I will say for my toast. Two weeks after that we have Phil and Emily's wedding.
It will be a fun time celebrating with friends. Such an exciting time for them. I think everyone has such fond memories of their wedding day...at least I hope so! :)
Anyways, I just felt like writing a little bit of my feelings down. Sorry it was so ramble-like. :)

A Positively Yes!

Garrett and I are having a baby! I can't believe it! But this test and the doctor's test prove it! haha. The morning sickness that kicked in almost 2 weeks ago proves it too. :)

Here are some answers to your many many questions:):

1. Was it planned?

No, we weren't planning on having kids until Garrett was done or almost done with college. We believe that it was God's perfect timing, though, and are very grateful.

2. How far along are you?

Tomorrow I will be 8 weeks along. I was going to wait until I was closer to the second trimester to start telling people, but couldn't hold it in any longer!

3. When are you due?

I haven't had an official doctor given due date yet, but it should be around April 30th or May 1st.

4. Are you going to find out the sex of the baby?

Yes, I can not wait that long to start buying pink or blue clothes! :) I am not very patient with these things.

5. How have you been feeling? (why thank you for asking:) )

Morning sickness kicked in 2 weeks ago and is going on strong. I feel sick almost all day long and can't keep a lot of food down. The joy of pregnancy I guess. :)

6. What are your plans?

We aren't sure how everything will work out, but we are trusting that God will provide. Garrett is going to continue to go to school and work the job he has now. I am still looking for a job and am praying that I will have a way to earn money and stay with my baby. We will see how everything works out. :)

But, we are so excited and can't wait to be first time parents! We have been married for 3 years and feel that we are strong enough as a married couple to raise a child that will have a loving and godly home. We could use prayer as we embark on this very new journey! :)

PhOtO TiMe!!

Finally, finally I have some photos to share! I know that you were all anxiously waiting, right? haha.

Here are some of my favorite photos from Colorado:

THE DENVER AQUARIUM-

(Top: a crazy fish, Middle: my grandma Helena and me, Bottom: Garrett and me)

THE DENVER ZOO-

(Top: my little brother, Ryan, Middle: Lauren and Ryan chasing a peacock, Bottom: polar bear chilling out)

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY:

(Top: the happy couple, papa Jim and grandma Helena, Middle: the Miller cousins with great grandma Hope, Middle: garrett and me in our 50's outfits, Middle: my little sister Lauren and me, Middle: papa Jim and grandma Helena with their kids(my dad is on the far right with the glasses), Middle: grandma Helena and me, Bottom: my dad, maureen, brandon, matthew, ryan, lauren, garrett, and me (the Dan Miller fam.)

OTHER-

(Garrett and me in Downtown Denver)

(Saying goodbye to grandma and grandpa)

It was a really good trip and I am so glad we were able to make the loooooong drive to Colorado to see them. It was definitely worth it!

My My My

Well, Garrett and I got back to Moscow last night from a 6 day trip to Kiowa, Colorado. It is a little town about an hour SE of Denver. We were taking this trip with my dad and family to celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. I am so proud of them for sticking through the hard times and making it 50 years! It is such an accomplishment.
We had a great time and did some great things: went to the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Aquarium, Denver Zoo, shopped, ate, talked, and on Saturday had a 50th anniversary party!
I will post pics soon...I lost my camera's battery charger again! I really don't know how that keeps happening!
I had an interview scheduled at a denist office this morning and so we hurried back so I could get ready for that. So, I show up this morning and the lady I had the interview with tells my they hired someone while I was on vacation and they had dental experience, so they gave the job to that person. She said she forgot to call me! I couldn't believe it. I thought it was so inconsiderate that she didn't call and let me know. I was also heartbroken because I have been searching and applying like crazy to jobs since we moved here in May and this was only my 2nd call back...I thought I was going to get it. I was so dissapointed. I just started crying the second I got back into my car...what can you do, though? Every one keeps telling me that God will provide in His own time and I know that to be true, but it is still dissapointing and frustrating. I will just keep praying and trusting God with it all.
I am now getting settled back home. I still need to unpack. But, I have put away some things, went grocery shopping, filled the car back up with gas, dropped Garrett off at work, mailed bridal shower invitations, bought Jess and Trent a shower gift, and now am about to clean the kitchen and make some cupcakes.
I am tired and a little sad. But, I know that everything will be okay. :)

Updates, Trips, Jobs and Cupcakes

Things have been pretty busy around here. We have had multiple family members come and stay with us this past week. Garrett's mom came up for a weekend and then my mom and brothers came a few days after that.

It is always nice to spend time with family and we had a fun time. Here is a few pics of my family on our hike up Moscow Mountain:

Garrett and I are going to have another busy week because we are leaving tonight for a week long trip to see my dad's side of the family in Colorado. It is my grandparent's 50th anniversary and they are having a big party for it. It will be so much fun to spend time with them and get a break from hectic life here in Moscow. :)

I will definitely be posting pics of our trip when I get back.

I have been applying to SO many jobs that I can't keep track of what I applied to and what I didn't! And finally I have a job interview! This trip is sort of in the way, but luckily they were very willing to wait for me to return! I am just praying and praying that I will get this job. It is at a pediatric dentist office here in Moscow as a receptionist. I think I would just love it! So, prayers for that would be greatly appreciated...my interview is August 12th @ 10 AM.

I would also appreciate prayers for a safe trip to Colorado as we are driving and it is a 13 hour drive from Boise.

On a lighter note, I am starting to have a new dream/goal in my life (besides being a mom, growing my business June Tree Designs, and serving in a women's ministry)....it is to own my own cupcake bakery! I don't know how serious about it I am, but I like the thought and have been making cupcakes like crazy! Here are the pics of my two favorites that I have made so far:

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Fun stuff. :)

Well, that is it for now...and I won't take so long in between posts next time! :)

Freedom

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! It was pretty low key for us. Garrett had to work earlier that day and since we don't really know anyone up here yet, it was just the two of us.
We played some basketball at the park, did a little shopping, and then that night went into Pullman,WA for a firework show.
It was so amazing. There were tons and tons and tons of people in the city park with a live band and at 10 PM they had a huge display of fireworks. Garrett and I were right beneath them. We laid in the grass facing towards the sky and just took in the beautiful display. They were so close to us, I couldn't believe it.
Sitting there with Garrett watching such beautiful fireworks in celebration of our freedom really put things into perspective for me. Things are tough right now with me not having a job, but I am very blessed. I wouldn't trade my life for anything. Not only do we live in a free country, but we are free from sin and death by the power of Christ...can't get any sweeter than that.

Hiking Day

Garrett and I found a great trail up Moscow Mountain this last weekend. We planned to go hiking on Garrett's day off and we wanted to get an early start, so Garrett woke up at 6 AM and I woke up at 7:30 AM...haha. Garrett wasn't too happy about that, but I was. :)

We packed a lunch, a couple water bottles, a GPS, and our camera and headed out.

The trail was a total of 7 miles up the mountain...very tiring. Needless to say that we didn't make it the entire way!

It was so beautiful. I haven't been on a trail like that in years. It was a small dirt trail twirling up the side of the mountain, surrounded by pine trees, plants, and a creek. It was just breathtaking.

We were out there for a total of 3 hours.

I took a lot of pics of the pretty surroundings, but not really any of us. There is one of me and one of Garrett...none of us together. :( Oh well, maybe next time.

Garrett and I both agreed that this day officially kicked off our summer.

Here are some of the pics from that day:

*a cool mailbox we found on the way to the trail*

A RaMbLe HERE a rAmBlE there

After a month of applying I finally had my first interview today! I have never applied to so many places without getting an interview! I felt so thankful that someone had finally called me back.
I was pretty nervous beforehand, but I think it went pretty well. He still had more interviews to go through, so he couldn't tell me if I was going to be hired or not. I will find out on Tuesday or Wednesday when he is finished interviewing.
All I can do now it wait...I did the best I could.
I REALLY want this job, though. I NEED this job!
But, I know that God will provide and now I just have to be patient and keep applying other places in the mean time. I still could use prayer concerning this. Thanks for all the prayers so far. I feel so lucky to have so much support behind me. :)

It has been so much colder up here in Moscow. The last few days have been rainy and windy. I actually wore my winter coat to church on Sunday! Crazy.
Last night was a little bit warmer, so Garrett and I took a bike ride. It was really nice.

Has anyone been watching the Bachlorette? She is really starting to frustrate me! Why does she continue to keep Wes around? I can't stand him. I thought Jake would make it to the top 3, but for some reason she eliminated him last week! Why can't she give any of these guys reasons for why she is eliminating them? Oh well.

That is about all of my rambling for now.
I better go make some cookies before I pick up Garrett from work. So, snickerdoodles here I come!

Update Central!

Well, I finally have my battery charged and pictures loaded on the computer! Yay! So this post will mainly be photos that I haven't been able to post for a month.

Our Apartment:

*Yes, the kitchen and bathroom have pink counters! Nice, huh. haha. I don't have a good pick of the office because it is our last priority right now and itsn't put together yet.*

Spokane & Silverwood Theme Park:





*That is the Spokane River in the picture. We are stading in front of the "CorkScrew." A roller coaster at Silverwood theme park that is located right outside of Couer d alene.*

Snake River Picnic:





*This park of the Snake River feels more like a lake. It is more calm and people can fish and swim. There is a big picnic area right by the river and we had a great picnic dinner there one warm evening.*

Water Tower:

*Here is Garrett in front of the U of I water tower. We say that we are Vandals now, but will always have Boise State in our hearts. :)*

This is about it for now! I hope this enough catching up for at least awhile. :)