Thanksgiving 2013 Wrap Up

Christmas is coming, and I figured I better write something about Thanksgiving before I get too overwhelmed!

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving we had our anatomy check at the doctors to find out what we were having. My parents were coming that evening, so we thought we would reveal the gender with a present and wrap the color of the gender in the package. It was so fun waiting for the anticipation to show them.

Just found out the big news! Waiting to see the doctor. November 26, 2013.

So excited!!!

After the doctors apt. we rushed to the dollar store to pick up some balloons. We hurried home to make dinner for when they arrived. When my parents and sister arrived we went straight to opening the package!!!



The video on this is a little poor, but you can see the blue balloons!

IT'S A BOY!!!!

                                       

                     We are so happy, and cannot wait to meet this little guy!

After dinner I went with them to the resort, and Rhett stayed home so he could work on Wednesday (I took the day off). It was so fun to finally have my family with us in Vegas!

On Wednesday my Mom, Melody, and I went on a little shopping trip to find a little baby outfit, and my Mom wanted to find me a cute maternity outfit. We had a lot of fun (except for maybe Melody, she doesn't like shopping very much) going to the Gap checking out all the good sales. We found a cute dark blue and white polkadot shirt for me with a cute blue scarf. My Mom bought it for me, and it was such a treat especially since I do not go shopping that often. We finished the shopping trip up with a stop at Smashburger, and had a nice time to just sit and chat.

When we came home Rhett was waiting for us with Dad, and Jeff, Sarah, and the kiddos were going to be there soon.

Thursday November 28, 2013-
Thanksgiving was quite the adventure because we had to cook the huge meal in a kitchen that was fit for two. Literally only two people could fit in the kitchen! We magically worked it out, and had a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner with Dad, Mom, Jeff, Sarah, Delsie, Ross, Melody, Rhett, and ME!! Thanks to Mom's quick thinking and good cooking skills!
Before we had dinner we all went for a swim in the heated pools at the resort. It was so fun to go swimming at the end of November! It was a little chilly when we got out, but we just bundled up!

For dinner we had to put two end tables at the end of the table to make room for all the food, but we managed to have a great dinner. Mom is a great cook! Rossy was sleeping during the dinner, but he got to enjoy some food later.

After dinner we watched Real Steal with everyone, and cuddled with the kiddos.

The next day we enjoyed going to the strip, and seeing all the fun lights. Enjoyed an $11 dollar hot chocolate, and walked till our feet hurt.



Bellagio water show was our favorite :)

Needless to say we were very tired after that night. Saturday morning we checked out of the hotel. We went back to our apartment to drop our stuff off, then Mom, Dad, Sarah, and Jeff went to the temple while we watched the kids. Rhett and I had so much fun watching them! They are little angels. Melody and Delsie watched movies in our bedroom while Rhett and Ross watched football. It was super fun!

Later that night we headed to the Santa Fe Casino for a buffet. It was pretty good, and we all left feeling pretty stuffed!

Sunday we went to church with our ward. It was really fun to have my family there. I missed them so much!

My little Delsie girl. Love her to pieces!



Playing after church.

My mom has a lot of the pictures on her phone that we took so I will have to get them later.

After church we got home and had a leftover turkey casserole (which was yummy), and then smores made by Dad for dessert. Then we sent Jeff and Sarah on their way. Sending them off always makes me cry to see them drive away. We had a very fun time with them! 



Luckily Mom, Dad, and Melody were staying another day, or I would have had a complete cry fest! So that night we put up our Christmas decorations, Rhett made cookies, listened to Christmas music, and then we played a couple of rounds of Mexican train. We had a fun evening!

On Monday, Rhett and I had to work, but later that day Mom, Dad and Melody came to visit Rhett's school to see his classroom. We went back to the  resort that they were staying at on the strip and walked around a bit. Dad bought us some yummy Mexican food, and then we hit up the M&M factory. That place is a lot of fun, Melody was so cute with the Coca-cola bear. 

I love this one. So cute!

We had such a fun time there, Melody even put on a show for us in the middle of the store ;)

This girl has moves!

Rhett was here, but he was taking the picture! 

After the M&M factory we checked out New York New York, MGM, and walked the strip a bit. Lots of good exercise! We said our goodbyes at the resort, and would see them in 3 weeks! 

I can't even tell you how awesome it was to have my family in town. I have missed them so much, and so badly wish we lived closer. I can't wait to see them over Christmas break in Caldwell! We will get to be there for almost 2 whole weeks. This is such a wonderful time of year, and I am so lucky to be able to spend it with family. 





Day Off for Veterans Day

Today we had the day off of work, because it is Veterans Day. I think it is really cool that Nevada does that to honor Veterans. So grateful for all the men and women who have served to keep this country safe! We didn't get Veterans Day off in Utah so it is very nice. This morning we did a couple of errands. I really wanted a pair of grey boots, and Rhett wanted to get his hair cut so we made a trip out of it.

Love my new grey boots! My right leg looks broken. Ha ha

After boot shopping there was a place right by the shoe store that had eyebrow threading. Rhett's eyebrows are out of control so I suggested that he try it out. I had done eyebrow threading when I lived in Seattle, but I couldn't really remember if it hurt or not... So I had Rhett try it!

He said it hurt REALLY bad... Beauty is Pain right?

Then we had Rhett get a hair cut. 

After we got his hair cut we checked out the hospital we will be have our little baby in. It was super fun to see the nursery, and the one little baby that was in there. He was only an hour old! We got so excited after we saw that baby! Can't wait for little baby Palfreyman to join us! Not too exciting of a day, but trying to keep up with my journal writing and do something productive! I am excited to be 18 weeks on Tuesday! Still only have a little bump. You can't really tell that I am pregnant unless I wear a tight shirt. Feeling great still, and I can't wait for Thanksgiving when my family gets here!!!

We're Pregnant!!

So this post is coming in at 16 weeks 4 days, but better late than never! I decided to write down some things that I have been experiencing since being pregnant (the good and the bad). I am a terrible journal writer, and when I do get to writing it down it turns out to be a novel!

The first week of August we went to visit Rhett's family in Arizona. During that trip I constantly had to pee. (TMI I know). I really wasn't drinking more water than usual, but I was constantly going to the bathroom. I thought it was weird, but didn't really think twice about it. Turns out that that is a very common early pregnancy sign. The other indicator was when Rhett's Mom did Reiki healing on me. Reiki INFO  When she felt my stomach she said, "Wow there is a lot of energy in this area, are you pregnant?" I assured her  I wasn't, but couldn't help but think maybe I was?

1. First things first: We found out we were pregnant on August 8, 2013. We were about 5 weeks pregnant at that point. We weren't really trying, but we weren't not trying either. It happened a lot sooner than we expected! After I had taken the test, we were both in super shock that I was actually pregnant. It was a happy/nerve-wracking/exciting time. It took us a few days to actually embrace the fact that I was preggos. I kept saying no way I don't think I really am so I took another test, and sure enough it was positive! It seemed like the very next week the morning sickness set it...

The day we found out! 

Happiness 

2. Morning sickness: Weeks 6-10 were the worst. Every morning and all through the day I felt nauseous. WORST FEELING EVER!! The hardest part was trying to figure out what to eat, and constantly making sure there was at least something in my stomach. Once I ate something the nausea would subside a little, but would still constantly be there. I kept telling Rhett that we were only going to have one kid! Ha ha, but seriously it was the worst. The things that I craved, or even felt like eating were fast food, and crackers. Fast food was mostly hamburgers and fries, which is horrible. It really did help the nausea though. Anything greasy made the nausea go away the most. That was really hard, because if anyone knows me I like to eat healthy, and have lots of fruits and vegetables. I couldn't even stomach a salad, unless it had a ton of ranch! It has gotten a lot better, and I have been able to start cooking meals at home! Yay, for me! Still need the motivation to work out, but I walk around a lot at work. That counts right?

So this was around 8 weeks. Mostly just bloating, and feeling chubby. I stopped taking pictures until after 12 weeks, because I felt less than par. Not sure I like this pic, but hey documentation! 

3. Forget about working out: I don't think I have ever felt so tired as I did in the first trimester. I would get home from work and literally lay on the couch until it was time to go to bed. Working out seemed like an impossible task. I felt like the laziest person in the world, but there was no way I could do anything. Laundry got put to the side, cleaning felt like the biggest chore ever, exercising forget about it, and cooking dinner... what? I read a lot about what makes you so tired, and it is because your body is making the placenta that your baby will live in for the next few months.

4. I don't think I have cried this much in my life: Moving to a new place does not help the already hormonal pregnant woman that I have become. Being away from friends and family has been especially hard. This time is one of the biggest in our lives. It is just hard being away, and not being able to share it with friends and family. That has been the biggest emotional roller coaster thus far, but literally a toothpaste commercial could make me cry these days. On my way to work one day I heard the Rocky movie theme song, and thought of my brother Jon who loves Rocky, and started bawling. ( Rocky Music Video ) I know it sounds ridiculous, but it reminded me of growing up, and the awesome family that I have.

One of the best series of Movies ever (except for maybe 5 and 6). 

5. After all that, it is an amazing feeling to know you are creating a human: It really is indescribable. It is not like you can really feel the baby growing other than all the physical symptoms, but you know it's there. You already worry about the safety of that little human growing inside of you, and wondering if you are doing the right things to keep it healthy. Newly pregnant first time Mom's can agree with me that you constantly are looking on Baby Center, or What to Expect to make sure you are doing everything right. After awhile, I started to realize that I probably shouldn't look up stuff anymore. There is always going to be somebody out there with a horror story that they post online, and I just didn't need to read that to freak me out. Rhett and I are both super excited to meet our little one, and to see what it looks like!

After the first appointment at 9 weeks. This is when we told our friends and family. 

Last weekend we had some fun visitors that truly made my month! I loved having Sarah, Delsie, and Ross come and visit it us! We went to the strip and saw the lights, watched Toy Story of Terror, and had lots of fun playing. 

Delsie!

Rossy!

The day they left was a super sad day. I was doing OK, until Rhett said in Sacrament meeting how fun it was to have them with us for the weekend. I pretty much lost it, and cried for the rest of the day. I really miss my family, and it is really hard to have them so far away.

 Halloween seemed to come early this year, and as usual we scrambled for a costume. Our costume for our Ward Trunk-or-Treat; Farm girl and boy:

Halloween 2013

I stole this from a friend, and thought it was a cute idea to write down facts:

How far along: 16 weeks 4 days

Baby is the size of a: Turnip

Total weight gain/loss: 8 lbs! Yikes

The bump: Just a little one right now, but it has taken my lower region for sure! 

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good as of lately, the only thing I hate is that my nose is constantly stuffy! I sometimes wake up with tension headaches, and occasionally will get cranky ;) Poor Rhett! 

Food cravings: I don't really have cravings except I constantly want a large avacado salad from Kneaders. It is in Utah, and we live in Vegas. :( Oh and SUSHI!!!

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Strong Smells! Sometimes leftovers. 

Sleep: Sleeping is pretty good. Depends on the night. Sometimes it's good sometimes it's bad. 

What I miss: SUSHI!!!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!

Weddings Rings On or Off: On

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes, but don't steal them. Noah or Rivers. We just have boy names so far. 

Gender: Not sure yet!

Movement: I am not sure if what I am feeling is gas bubbles or baby flutters. 

Maternity Clothes:  H&M maternity pants. Best ever!!!

Labor Signs: Nope thank goodness!

Best Moment of the week: Going to our Doctors Apt. and hearing and seeing baby! Baby is healthy and growing!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Finding out what we are having!!!!! Almost 3 weeks to go!!! 

Summer 2013 = A long post.

This summer has been really crazy with travelling, moving, and settling into a new place. A week after we got back from DC we packed up our stuff, and moved to Las Vegas. Rhett has a job teaching 7th and 8th grade History and Geography at Somerset Academy. We were very sad to move, but excited for our new
adventure.

Rhett, Jenn, Jacob, Stephanie

A couple nights before we left. Best neighbors/friends ever! We are going to miss them so much. 

We spent the 4th of July in Vegas. We chilled by the pool, and then went that night to the strip to see the fireworks over Caesars Palace, and have dinner. We ate at a Mexican restaurant called La Salsa. It wasn't too bad. We were kinda in a bad spot for fireworks so we left early. Plus there were a million people there! Too crazy!

A week after we moved to Vegas we had our family reunion in Bear Lake, Utah. Such a beautiful place. I loved every minute of being with my family. It is hard to be away from each other for so long. Hopefully in the future we can all move close to each other.

Here are just a few fun pictures courtesy of Matthew of us all together having a great time :)

Probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Mark and Jeff put on Hailey's clip on extensions. It was hilarious.

Minnetonka Caves.

Little Karl having some laughs.

Grandpa and Melody with Emma, Decker, and Robbie.

Grandma having some fun with the kids launching water balloons.

The amazing view from the Cabin.

Autumn and Layla having some laughs.

Water balloon time!

Matthew and his candid photos! Pretty sure I was eating something...

Jeremy bringing water to build Sand Castles.

Hiking the Minnetonka Cave.

Minnetonka Caves.

Sleepover altogether! 

After hiking the cave. There is a lot of us!

Jeff and Sarah.

Little Karl bug! 

Mark and Hailey with Decker and Crew. 

We had such a blast with everyone, ate great food, enjoyed the beautiful weather, and had some fun game nights! I have the best family in the world! 

After the Pittard Reuion we headed up to the snake river in Heyburn for the Luke Reunion. We always have it at the P river Ranch. We try to get all of the extended family on the Luke side to be there. We had such a great time. Steven and Melody Ann were in charge this year, and they did such a great job!! This was Rhett's first time to come, and he loved the water slide!!

We didn't get many pics from the Luke Reunion, because they are on everyone's phones. I stole these ones from Jeff and Sarah when we were in Yuma.

Rhett, Matthew, Jeff, Jon, Mark, and Jeremy. 

I will scrape up some more pics and post more on the Luke reunion!

After the Luke reunion we headed back down to Utah, and spent some days there with some friends. While we were there our friend Laura got engaged! We were chillin on Tyler's couch when they both busted through the door smiling ear to ear with Laura holding out her hand with a ringy dingy on it!!! It was so fun to be there when that happened!! Loved every minute of it! I am so excited for her to get married. Tyler is the best. Their wedding is set for Sept 21, 2013.

 Tyler Laura's fiance was kind enough to let us stay at his pad while he was away for work.  The timing worked out perfectly, because we were able to see Julia (Rhett's Sister) and Lincoln (Rhett's nephew) while we were there. They were staying with Grandpa and Janet. Sunday we had an amazing dinner at Grandpa's house. We took Lincoln to the Reservoir (can't remember where it's at) later that week with Mika and Robbie. We had a fun time, and Lincoln got some courage to swim out all the way to play on the big gigantic floating tree stump. 

 We headed back to Vegas on Wednesday for another week until we left for Arizona. In the meantime that weekend we went to a softball tourney in St. George with Rhett's softball team. We only stayed one night, because Rhett kinda twinged his knee during the first game. It was fun to see some of our friends even though we mostly slept :)

Picture taken at 2:30am... Long night for Rhett. I went to the condo to sleep ;)

Back on the road again to Taylor, Arizona to stay with Rhett's sweet Grandma. It rained most of the way there which was a nice change from the heat. Here is a pic from the roadtrip to AZ.

Don't worry... Rhett had two hands on the wheel ;) 

The weekend in Taylor was amazing. It is so beautiful there. It was so fun to see Rhett's family, and visit with his Grandma and Mom. It was fun to hear stories about Rhett's Grandpa "Trapper". He was a stud in WWII. They have a photo album of these amazing soldier pictures of his grandpa and great uncles during the war. One of Rhett's Great Uncles freed a concentration camp in Europe, and they have pictures of it. It was really quite amazing. Rhett comes from a really cool heritage, and it was fun to hear the stories. 

Saturday night we got a crazy awesome rainstorm with thunder. It turned the power out for almost and hour and a half! I love rainstorms! After the rain, it smelled amazing outside, and Rhett took me out and danced on the porch. It was pretty romantic. <3

We of course visited Trappers Cafe! Named after Rhett's Grandpa. I had been dying to try it and their amazing pies since I heard of it ! Rhett's Uncle owns it now, but for years Rhett's Grandma ran it. We ordered the banana cream pie, and  peanut butter swirl . So awesome!They didn't disappoint! The food was great, and the atmosphere even better! 

We went to church with Grandma and Rhett's Mom on Sunday. After church we had an amazing pot roast, and yummy salads!

Rhett's Mom Denise left on Sunday afternoon, but we decided to stay one more night. We had such a great time in Taylor, and I am so glad we were able to make it this summer. On Monday we headed down to Phoenix to stay with Denise. We went to dinner that night with  Markus (Denise's friend), Joe, Brenda and their daughter. The next day we went to Wolverine with Denise. It was pretty awesome! We are all huge Hugh Jackman fans, especially Rhett. He has a man crush on him... ha ha 

Later on that week we got to spend time with Matt and Kelly. It was so fun to see them. It has been since Christmas! Too long! They have the two cutest little girls. It was our first time seeing baby Claire. She is too cute! I just love her.  We went swimming with Matt and Kelly, the girls, and Kelly's brother at this awesome swim park that only cost us $2.25 to get in. Steal of a deal! It was a pretty awesome place too. 

Swimming time with this cute baby Claire!! 

So after Phoenix we headed to Yuma to see Jeff and Sarah! We got there on Friday afternoon, when we pulled up to the house Delsie was jumping up and down, and singing! It was the cutest thing ever, the pavement was really hot so she just kept switching her feet back and forth so excited to see us. She gave us snuggles which always melts my heart. I just love that little girl! We hung out with Jeff, Sarah, and the kids on Friday night. We watched Warrior with Jeff and Sarah, and then just stayed up talking. 

Saturday morning Sarah made us a yummy breakfast with German pancakes. It was a fun day to just chill and hang out. That night their friends were having a pool party so we headed over there for some good food and swimming! 

Little Characters these two! 

On Sunday we went to church, and then had a yummy dinner! Sarah introduced me to so many good dinner ideas! After dinner Jeff took us to see his facility (which is awesome), and took us on a tour of Yuma. (Never knew Yuma was so big). It was way fun to see where Jeff worked, and what he has been working on. The patients and workers are lucky to have him there! Sunday night was spent chillin, and hanging out with the kiddos. 

When it was getting late, I was holding Ross, and he would do this little snuggle thing where he would put his head on my shoulder. I would pretend like I was going to put him down, and he would just reach up at me like he didn't want me to let him go. Oh my goodness... talk about melt your heart. I got to tuck Delsie in, and read her stories. We sang Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, and then she gave me kisses good night. Ah I just love my little Delsie. Wish they weren't so far away. We stayed up late talking to Sarah,  Jeff went to bed a little earlier, because he had to work in the morning. I just love my family. They are the best. I am so glad we got to spend some time in Yuma and see them. 

Snuggles with my Delsie.

We left the next morning back to Vegas. We were at a close to all of our travels, and it was kinda sad. Back to Vegas where we don't really know anyone, and back to reality. As a huge reality check our car broke down on the freeway 20 minutes from our place in Vegas. We were pulled off on the emergency lane with cars wizzing past us on both sides of the freeway, and trust me cars don't slow down for nothin in Vegas. It was a pretty scary experience. 

Luckily we are members of the church, and called our Elders Quorum President, and he found us someone to take care of our car. Everything worked out, but it was a good back to reality check. 

Right now, I am writing this as Rhett is at school for his second day of work. He loved his first day, and told me that the people he is going to be working with are awesome. Which is a nice relief, and hopefully we have a fun successful school year. Time to welcome in the fall, and bring on new adventures in Vegas.