The Miner's

June 2011

2011-07-09T09:40:00.013-06:00

Well June started off with bang!!! My sister Sheree had her baby on June 4th. Little Joshua Steven Parent! He is so cute! That makes for the 9th grandchild for my parents! Holidays are going to be crazy from here on out! Then my brother Jon blessed his baby girl Mia Bella on June 5th. It was so nice to see everyone and spend time with family! One of my favorite things to do! Max got his first hair cut this month, by friend Elisa! She did a great job! Max did a lot better than thought he would do, which was good! He is a busy body and doesn't want hold still. He moved into his big boy car seat and is sitting up in the shopping carts now! He loves being able to see out and check out everything . He loves being his jumper and will jump for hours! He also loves watching t.v. in the morning after breakfast. He is eating every kind of baby food and seems to love anything we give him! He likes watching the dogs and his very interested in what they are doing all the time. He is great baby and is sleeping through the night! He also cut his first tooth at the end of the month ! Max is growing up right before our eyes and I wish sometimes I could slow it down. I'm excited for the months ahead and can't wait for him to talk and walk all over! It's hard to believe he will 1 in 6 months, which also mean Christmas is only 6 months!!! I better start shopping soon!

My little wild Man

Great Grandma Cluff and Max

Great Grandpa Gray and Max

Wendy and Mia

Brent, Mia and Max playing on the floor

Max, Jon and Mia at Mia's Blessing

First Hair Cut

First day in his big boy car seat

Max and the girls watching tv in the morning

Loves playing

Mister Serious

Playing with his ball and Macey wants to play too!

Our little Sheriff

First day holding his sippy cup

Loves his baby food!

Tune in Tokyo

Max and Eric with squash all over their faces!

Happy Father's Day 2011

Daddy and Max at the pool

Grandpa Kent and Max

Eric, Max and Grandpa Kent

How could you sleep like that??

Sitting on the rock like a big boy!

I love finding Max in different positions in the morning! He is a mover in the night!

Max's 6 Month Pictures

2011-07-08T19:59:00.012-06:00

May 2011

2011-05-29T14:02:00.013-06:00

Max is getting so big!! Eric and I can't believe how fast time is going by! Our little guy is growing so fast! At his 4 month check up he weighed 14lbs 7 oz, 27 inches long, so he is 90% for his height and 20% for his weight. He started eating baby food this month. He pretty much loves everything but green beans and peas. He is always happy in the morning and gives us great big smiles in the morning! He is sleeping 6-8 hours at a time and does sleep through the night about once a week! (which I'm hoping changes soon!). He grew out of his 3-6 months clothes at the end of the month. He loves sucking on his toes and is putting everything in his mouth. He loves watching the dogs play and pulling their hair, they don't seem to mind it right now but I'm sure that will change! He is sitting up all by himself and loves playing with toys on the floor. We had our first trip to the pool and the beach, well the beach at Sand Hollow Reservoir this month as well! Max is a fish! He loved the pool!

April in a nut shell........

2011-05-28T14:46:00.015-06:00

Max at 4 months: He is laughing, giggling, smiling all of the time, he loves playing with toys and watching the dogs play. He is rolling over from his back to his stomach, he is trying to sit up, eating 4 ounces every 2 hours and is sleeping 6-8 hours at a time. He is wearing 3-6 months clothes and 6-9 month pj's because his feet are too big!! He held his bottle on 4/22/11 for the first time! He is eating cereal and isn't really sure about it. At his 4 month check up he weights 14lbs and 7oz and is 27 inches long (90% for his height, 25% for his weight, and 11% for his head).

Eric and I are loving being parents to this sweet little boy! He has been such a blessing and we couldn't be happier right now! We really love every minute of it, even the hard ones!!! We had a wonderful Easter and Max was spoiled for only being 4 months old! He is growing up way to fast and I wish I could stop time for awhile so I could cuddle my little baby boy, who isn't so little anymore.

Blessing Photo Shoot

2011-03-10T08:17:00.004-07:00

From Birth to 9 weeks old

2011-03-03T17:42:00.006-07:00

9 weeks

8 weeks

7 weeks

6 weeks

5 weeks

4 weeks

3 weeks

2 weeks

1 week

1 day

1 hour

1 minute

Max's surgery story......

2011-03-02T07:35:00.010-07:00

This is a very long post but a lot went on and I need to get it written down for Max!

Max had is one month check up on 1/17/11. His doctor said everything was great and that Max looked really good and healthy, he weighed 8 pounds 12 ounces. That night he had slept through the night for the first time and when he woke up, I found him covered in throw up. It was all dried in his hair and all over the crib. I freaked out and started screaming for Eric to help me. I was all worried that I didn't hear him and he could have chocked. I felt like the worst mother in the world. How could I not have heard him? Eric reassured me that Max was okay and it wasn't my fault. Well after we got him all cleaned up and I calmed down, my nightmare began. That day Max started spitting up after each feeding. It wasn't just normal spit up, but I'm a first time mom and wasn't really sure what was really normal either. It continued throughout the rest of the day. On Wednesday I went over to a friend’s house to get her opinion on the spit up and if I was making it a bigger deal then it needed to be. We went for a walk and on our back Max spit up all over in his car seat. She told me that wasn't normal and we thought maybe he was getting sick or something. So that night we took Max to the doctor. We told him what had been going on and they weighted Max fully clothed, he was 8lbs and 14oz, Monday at this checkup he was 8lbs and 12oz. So the doctor didn't seem concerned and told us it was just a cold and to put a humidifier in his room. Well Thursday, the worst day so far, Max was spitting up everything. It was thick and had a lot of mucus, which didn't seem normal. I didn't think he had a cold because he didn't really have any symptoms of cold; it had to be something else. As the day went on I thought maybe he was having an allergy to the breast milk, since I had a milk allergy as a baby, and had Eric pick up some soy formula. We tried that and the same thing happened but we wanted to give it a few more feeding to make sure. That day Max also started not having wet diapers. He would wake up from a nap and still be dry, which I didn't think was normal. Friday morning came and I was pretty much numb at this point. Max had been through 20 outfits or more since Monday. I had done 3 or more loads of laundry just of his stuff, which is a lot. I had a feeling something more was wrong with my baby, so I called the doctor’s office to have him seen. The doctor was busy so we had to see the nurse practitioner again, which I wasn't thrilled about since he was the one who told us Max just had a cold on Wednesday night, but I made the appointment anyways. So we got there and I made sure to tell him everything that was going on with Max. After he did his exam on Max, he thought Max might have pyloric stenosis, but he would need to have an ultrasound to know for sure. He told me to call radiology and said that Monday or Tuesday next week would be fine. I'm sitting there thinking to myself, here is a 5 week old baby who is spitting up everything he eats and not having wet diapers, and he think next week will be fine. Then he asked if they took his weight when I got there, which they hadn't done. He said someone would be back to get it then I could leave. While I was waiting I called radiology. The girl on the phone said they didn't have any appointments today and was asking what day next week would work for me. Ummm I have a very sick baby, who is 5 weeks old, I need an appointment today (said in a very stern voice, trying to be as nice as I could). She put me on hold and said we could come at 2:00pm today. After I got off the phone they came to take Max's weight. This time they took his clothes and diaper off, he was only 8 pounds. I was freaking out at this point. Max had lost 12 ounce in 4 days, so then I'm really feeling like the worst mother in the world. I called Eric in tears and I could barely talk to tell him what was going on with Max. I was so scared and didn't know what to think or do at this point. It had been a really hard week and this was just the icing on the cake. Eric got off work and we went to the hospital for his ultrasound. Well of course the tech can't tell you anything, so after the ultrasound we went back to the doctor's office to wait for the results. While we were waiting Max started to look gray and just seemed really lethargic and dehydrated. We had been waiting for what seemed like forever for the doctor to come in and give us the results. We were about to leave and just take him to the ER at this point because he wasn't looking good. He came in and told us that Max did have pyloric stenosis and was going to need surgery to fix it. He asked us what surgeon you prefer. Eric and I didn't know of anyone, so he just said he would see who was oncall for tomorrow. At that moment, Eric and I were so scared for Max. I couldn't believe that my perfect little baby was going to need surgery. There were so many thoughts going through my head and Eric and I were so overwhelmed with everything. We headed over to the hospital to have Max admitted to the pediatric floor. Max was really dehydrated by the time we got there and they needed to start an IV to start re-hydrating him. Well they tried 5 times and an hour and half later they finally got one started. We had to wait till Max's labs were normal before he could have the surgery done. Pyloric stenosis is where the muscle at the bottom of the stomach gets too thick and doesn't allow the food in the stomach to empty so you just throw everything up. They say it’s an easy fix with surgery. Max last ate on Friday at 12:00 pm, and while we had to wait for his labs to come back normal he couldn't eat anything. He was getting IV fluids but it was so hard not being able to feed him, it was rough night and we felt so bad for him. We had met with the surgeon that night and explained everything to us and told it's an easy fix and Max should be back to normal within 24-48 hours after his surgery. They finally came to get Max around 11:30 on Saturday morning and we headed over to the new hospital for his surgery. Max got to ride in an ambulance since they were doing the surgery at the new hospital. As we walked to the OR, Eric and I were both scared and handing over my baby boy to the OR staff was the hardest thing we've done in a long time. Your mind just starts to goes crazy and you can't stop thinking about all the "what ifs". As we waited, which seemed like forever, I knew in my heart that everything would be okay and that Max was going to get better. When you get pregnant you are so excited and you want to know if it’s a boy or a girl, but before you know, you always say, "I just want a healthy baby". Well it's so true; all I wanted right now was healthy baby. Finally the surgeon came out and said everything went smoothly and Max did great and that someone would come get us to go see him in recovery. Walking back to the recovery room was so scary for me, I didn't really know what to expect. There he was in this hospital crib completely out of it, and he looked so peaceful. I just wanted to hold him so he would know I was right there with him, but we had to wait till we got back to our room at the old hospital. He had a strict feeding schedule we had to follow and at first he could only have pedialyte for the first two feedings, then breast milk with pedialyte for two feeding, then he could have just breast milk. He seemed to be doing well and had only spit up a few times but they said that was normal after surgery. Sunday night we were getting discharged from the hospital and we had all our stuff packed and ready to go. I had just signed the discharge paperwork with the nurse and then all of the sudden Max spit up a ton. I started to cry and told the nurse not to send us home. I didn't feel comfortable in the first place when I signed the paperwork but our pediatrician said Max was fine and that the spit up was normal. They called the doctor to tell him what was going on and he wanted to stay overnight to make sure Max could keep his feedings down. That night Max did really well with his feedings. They took him to the nurse’s station all night so that Eric and I could get some sleep, which we were very grateful for. Monday morning we started getting our stuff packed and we were ready to go home. Being the hospital for 4 days was wearing on us pretty bad. We just wanted to take our baby home. We got home and things seemed to be going well, Max was doing great and was eating well. Tuesday morning he had spit up but it wasn't even close the amounts he was doing before the surgery. Wednesday we took him in to see the pediatrician for a follow up after the surgery. His said Max looked great and he had gained 7 ounce since last Friday. We were so happy that he was starting to gain weight! Well that night Eric and I were getting Max ready for a sponge bath and noticed his incision was really red and puffy. It looked like it was infected and so we took him to the doctor. Now we had just been to the doctor that morning and he said everything looked fine. Does an infection just show up all of the sudden? Well Eric and I weren't going to take Max back to that doctor so we headed over to instacare but they wouldn't see us since Max was only 6 weeks old and had just had surgery. They told us to go over the hospital where there was a pediatrician office. They got Max right in and were so nice to us. They wanted to call the surgeon to see if maybe he could come take a look but he wasn't oncall. Luckily one of the surgeons from his office was down in the ER seeing a patient and said he would come up after he was done. He told us that it was infected and ordered some antibiotics and said to bring Max into their office tomorrow morning. I took Max the following morning to see the surgeon but he was out of town. Another doctor took a look at him and said as long as it stopped oozing and didn't open up he should be fine. Well over the weekend it started to open up and we called the pediatrician Sunday night and he told us to come in tomorrow morning. He did culture to see what the infection was and put some gauze over it to keep it from oozing all over his clothes. Well Tuesday the gauze was soaked through and the incision was starting to open even more. We had our follow up appointment on Wednesday with the surgeon. I took Max to the appointment and the doctor came in, he was like “How is everything going?” I looked at him and was like not so good... (Ummm don't you know what's been going on with Max and the problems with his incision?). I told him that his incision was infected and he just got this look on his face like he was in shock, he couldn't believe it. He said that he had never seen this happen before from this type of surgery. He felt so bad that nobody in his office had called him about it, because he would have taken care of it sooner. The problem was that the incision was healing from the top down and not from the bottom up. So the skin was trapping everything in and not allowing it to heal properly. He opened up the incision and cut away the dead tissue then he packed the incision with gauze and told me that Max was going to need Homecare for daily wound care until it healed. I was just in shock; seriously what else could go wrong with my baby boy, hasn't he been through enough already. So Max was admitted to Homecare on Thursday, by Sunday it was looking really good. We had another appointment with the surgeon on Monday, he said it was looking good and that it didn't need to be packed anymore but wanted the nurse to check it tomorrow and Wednesday to make sure it stayed closed. He closed the wound with steri strips and was hoping that would hold it closed. He wanted to see Max the following Monday to make sure everything was healing up properly. The steri strips held and the incision was looking really good so Max was discharged from Homecare and we were on our way back to a normal life! I was so relief and so happy that everything was over. Max could finally have a real bath now and wasn't suffering anymore. He could eat and keep his food down. He was gaining weight! Becoming a mother has been life changing for me and it's been the best part of my life so far! I love being a Mom and I'm so lucky to have Eric and Max in my life. Eric is always right there supporting me and Max. We are very grateful for all of our family and friends that were there to support us. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for our little family. We love you guys!

The worst blogger award goes to...............

2011-03-01T20:35:00.003-07:00

Ummmm, That would be me! I remember when I found out I was pregnant that I said I was going to blog every week about the pregnancy and that only lasted about 3 weeks, if that. Lately I just can't seem to find the time to sit down and blog but I really want to. I want to share the great times I'm having being a mother and all the cute latests and greatest things my little man is doing. Now I feel like I have something to blog about and don't. Seems silly to me so I'm really going to try this month to get caught up and make an effort to keep up on it! I don't keep a journal so blogging is pretty much it for me. I need to do it for Max! Thanks to everyone who reads my blog and I promise I'll be better!

Max's 1st Surgery

2011-02-23T07:45:00.010-07:00

Max's Newborn Pictures

2011-01-26T18:15:00.004-07:00

Maternity Photos

2011-01-26T12:15:00.006-07:00

I had maternity pictures taken a week before Max was born, so I'm 38 weeks in these! They turned out super cute for being ready to pop!!!

~ Maximus Gray Miner ~

2010-12-31T17:32:00.009-07:00

Well better late than never right...... I thought I was going to have all the time in the world to blog, well was I wrong. Having a newborn is the most time consuming thing I have ever experienced. Don't get me wrong, I've loved every minute of it, but it sure has taken time to get use to. I'm just going to post some picture and the story will have to come later, maybe when Max is sleeping through the night!

39 weeks, the night before I had Max

So ready to have this baby

In labor, still feeling pretty good

The Oxytocin- to induce my labor

This was about 15 minutes before I started pushing

He is here!!!!! Maximus Gray Miner born 12/17/10 @3:58pm

One proud Dad!!!!!

Minutes old

He is so precious

7 pounds 3 oz ~ 19 1/2 inches long

Alert and ready to take on the world

Joyce, Eric, Max and Kent

My Mom, Me, Max and My Dad

Me and my baby boy

Grandma and Max

Grandpa and Max

Grandma Miner and Max

His beautiful red hair!

Going home!

Going Home!!!

Max's Room

2010-12-07T17:02:00.006-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Max's room!

It's been so much fun getting it ready!

Now I just need my little man to get here!

Wall Hangings

Just the right size for Mommy!

Changing table

Storage for the closet

Shelve with his name

Mobile

35 Weeks and 3 days

2010-12-01T08:30:00.003-07:00

I went to the doctor on 11/22/10. Everything is going great so far! I only gained 1lb from my last appointment! Baby Max has a good strong heart beat and is definitely head down and planning his escape! I was dilated to 2cm which I was very happy about to say the least. Eric also came to this appointment and felt a little uncomfortable during the exam........ I sure hope he survives in the delivery room. :) I've been feeling great and things are moving right along. I will start my maternity leave on 11/29/10! I look forward to having time to rest and relax before mister Max gets here and takes over.

We also had Eric's parents down for Thanksgiving this year. They even cooked the whole meal! I did the dishes! It was nice to spend some time with them before the baby gets here. I know next Thanksgiving is going to be so different and I'm already looking forward to it! I also put up my Christmas decorations on Friday! I love this time of year and I love it even more this year. This year has been very special to Eric and I. I'm so grateful for my loving husband who has worked so hard to make it possible for me to stay home once Max gets here. Eric has been so wonderful during my pregnancy it almost makes me want to pregnant forever! He gets up with dogs every morning, makes me breakfast, cleans the house, does the laundry, cooks dinner and does the dishes. To say the least, he has been spoiling me and it's been so nice. We are all ready for Max to get here and I'm hoping my doctor will schedule my induction at my next doctor's appointment for the 17th of December! Next appointment is 12/01/10.

Total weight gain: -5lbs

34 weeks

2010-11-16T17:16:00.005-07:00

I'm counting down the weeks I have left!!! Only 5 more to go if everything goes according to plan! Things are going well and Baby Max is growing! Last doctor's appointment I gain 4 pounds...... WOW I know! So I'm only -6. I go to to doctor next Monday so we'll see what happens. I've been pretty hungry lately and I've been eating a lot more it seems like. Max moves a lot these days! He always seems to be having a party inside my belly! Eric gets pretty freaked out when I tell him to touch my belly and he can feel Max's butt or foot, it creeps him out a little bit. I had my last two baby showers this month and got a lot of great stuff! We are pretty set for this little guy to come! We just need a few more things and I think we are ready any day!!! Not sure Eric would say the same thing though. He is getting nervous but is really excited at the same time! It's a lot to fall on his shoulders as the Dad and the provider for our new little family. I'm also down to my last few days of work! I only have 6 more days left! I am very grateful that I will be able to stay home with my baby and raise him. I'm grateful to have such a hard working husband! Next week is Thanksgiving and Eric's parents are coming down to celebrate with us. They are very excited grandparents as this will be their first grandchild! Eric and I can't wait for little Max to get here and are ready to start the next chapter in our lives together. Next Monday I go for my 36 week appointment and we'll see if any progress is being made! Can't wait!

33 weeks

Total weight gain: -6lbs

29 weeks

2010-10-13T15:45:00.003-06:00

I was 29 weeks on 10/8/10. The pregnancy has been going really well these past few weeks. I'm over the nausea and vomiting all day long which is a huge bonus! Baby Max moves a ton! It's so neat to see my belly moving! I've loved every minute these past few weeks! I'm finally starting to look pregnant and all the sudden popped out! I had my doctor's appointment today and everything is right on track! I gained 4 pounds since my last appointment so I'm only -11 pounds so far. Which I'm sure I'll gain in the next 9 weeks! It's crazy to think that I only have 9 weeks to go! My doctor said he would induce my labor as long as my cervix looks good! Which I'm sure it will be fine! Eric and I are keeping busy and have had a lot of fun getting the nursery ready! Eric has been so wonderful to me and always makes me feel beautiful and special! He always makes sure I've had something to eat and checks up on me to see how I'm feeling! Eric is always talking to my belly and tells Max how much he loves him and can't wait for him to be here! It's pretty cute! I'm just starting to have a hard time sleeping and I hope it doesn't get to much worse. I've also cut my hours at work and plan to be done working at the end of November. I want a few weeks off to rest and finish getting everything ready before he gets here! I have two more baby showers in November, which I'm looking forward too! My family shower was so nice and my sisters did such a great job putting it together!

Next doctor's appointment is schedule in two week!

Total weight gain: -11 pounds

Measuring to my belly button is 40" at 29 weeks

Getting ready for baby Max

2010-10-12T15:59:00.006-06:00

It's been a lot of fun getting ready for the baby! Here are just a few things we have gotten so far that I'm most excited about......

Diaper Bag

Car Seat and Stroller

Car Seat and Stroller together

The Nursery.....

2010-10-12T15:22:00.007-06:00

The nursery is coming together! It's been so much fun working on it and getting things ready for our little baby Max!

Before

Monkey Tree

The crib

The hutch

Bumper Pads

24 weeks....

2010-09-04T09:22:00.003-06:00

I went to the doctor 9/1/10. Everything is going well. I lost another 2 pounds since my last appointment so the doctor wants me to come back in two weeks to see if I gain anything. I'm measuring right on track so he wasn't too worried about the weight loss at this point. Maximus has strong heart beat and it a busy body! He moves all the time now. I love that feeling! 24 weeks down only 16 left to go! 9/15/10 will mark 100 days left to go! Time is sure flying by fast now that I'm feeling better and have more energy. I have my first baby shower in two week up in Salt Lake. The nursery hasn't even began yet, the room is full of dinning room chairs, mattress and box spring, all my scrap booking stuff and holiday decorations. I have a long ways to go in a short amount of time. We have some projects in the garage that are keeping us a little behind schedule. I want the nursery to be done before my first baby shower so we could bring everything home and put it in it's place. Not so sure that will be happening now. Eric and I are getting excited and I'm counting down the months, weeks and days till I'm due!

Total weight gain: -17 pounds

Measuring to my belly button is 37" at 24 weeks

Getting Creative.......

2010-08-10T16:12:00.004-06:00

So my friend and I are decided to get creative and make our own crib bedding and bumper pads! It's been super fun so far! We made everything with minky fabric which is super soft and has different textures which is fun. It turned out super cute! Bumper pad is still in the works right now.

20 weeks

2010-08-10T15:57:00.004-06:00

I'm half way there!!!! I'm 20 weeks along now! Doctor's appointment went well. I hadn't been feeling all that well and found out that I had infection so the doctor put me on antibiotic and everything cleared up in week and I'm feeling much better. Vitals were good and previous weight was maintained which is good. I have had more energy the last few weeks and the morning sickness is pretty much gone. I get a little nauseated in the evening but it's not to bad. Maximus is right on track and has a strong heart beat! We had our second ultrasound and everything looks great! Next doctor's appointment is on 9/1/10.

I think we have a name..................

2010-07-27T18:57:00.002-06:00

So I think we are going to name our little baby boy Maximus Alexander Miner. Eric has loved the name Maximus for as long as we have been talking about having kids. At first I wasn't so sure about it but the more I think about it, it's starting to grow on me! We can't wait to welcome our little Maximus into the world in December! It's getting closer everyday and I'm so excited to start putting things together!

16 weeks

2010-07-17T13:16:00.002-06:00

I was 16 weeks on 7/9/10! My belly is pretty small right now, but I'm sure next time I post a belly shot it will be huge!!!!

It's a BOY!

2010-07-17T12:55:00.003-06:00

Eric and I found that we are having a baby boy and we couldn't more excited about it! Eric is a super proud little daddy! Now I can start planning and get things ready for our little guy! My friend and I are going to make a quilt and bumper for the crib! I'm super excited for it and I hope it turns out! I'm not much of a seamstress but I'll try! Our little guy still doesn't have name picked out yet but we have a few in mind!

My last doctor's appointment was June 30th and everything went well. We met Dr. Lunt and are very happy with him! He is a great doctor and took some time to get know us which was nice. I had lost another 5 pounds at this appointment. The doctor didn't seem worried at this point and said I need to find foods that I can keep down and eat them over and over. I'm sure by my next appointment I will have gained some weight. Baby is doing well and I've been feeling him more the last week which is pretty cool.

Next appointment is on 8/4/10.

Steven David Gabbitas

2010-06-15T12:31:00.002-06:00

Steven David Gabbitas 3/14/1985 ~ 6/10/2010 Steven David Gabbitas, our loving son, brother, and friend returned to his Heavenly Father on June 10, 2010. Born March 14, 1985 in Provo, UT to the late Michael Rex Gabbitas and Jerrilyn (Gabbitas) Gray. He was a graduate of Brighton High School and was enrolled at Salt Lake Community College working on an Associate degree in Welding. Steve was an adventurous personality who lived life to fullest. Camping, hiking, fishing, snow boarding and anything to do with nature was his passion. He loved animals of all kinds having a variety of pets growing up. He is survived by his Mother Jerrilyn Gray; Stepfather John Gray; Siblings, Sean (Brandi) Gabbitas, Sheree (Wayne) Parent, Mindi Gray, Jon (Mirta) Gray, Scott Gray, Cindi (Eric) Miner, Seth (Andrea) Gabbitas, Serena Gabbitas. Steven was adored by his young nephews and niece. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:00 am at the Salt Lake Butler Stake Center 7035 S. Nutree Dr. Cottonwood Heights, UT. Friends may call at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 South) Tuesday June 15, from 6-8 p.m., and at the Butler Stake Center the day of the service one hour prior to services. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a Trust Account in Steven's name has been established at Mountain America C.U. Online condolences may be shared at www.cannonmortuary.com

10 weeks and 5 days

2010-06-01T18:51:00.002-06:00

So today I'm 10 weeks and 5 days! I had my 3 doctor's appointment today. We found out that my first doctor wasn't in my network so we had to find a new doctor. I'm going to see Dr. Lunt. I've heard great things about him so I'm feeling okay about switching. So today I had my first appointment with the new doctor. My appointment was at 2pm, after an hour and half of waiting and see other women go back when I had arrived before them was getting on my last nerve. So I went to the front desk and asked what was going on. She told me that I was the next one up. Well the nurse came out and called another name, I was pretty bugged by this. Then this lady that was there with her daughter went up to the front desk and was like when is Cindi going to called back. I was like it's okay I'm fine waiting. This lady was nuts. It was kind of weird. Then the receptionist called me up and told me what had happened. My chart had gotten missed placed and that's why I was waiting for so long. When they finally called me back it was 3:50. They took my vitals and then I waited for the doctor. I was able to hear the heart beat today which was good and strong! Everything is going well and the baby is doing great. Since my last appointment I've lost 8 pounds so I'm in the negative for my total weight gain to start off which isn't so bad! I hope the next few weeks get better and I start to feel some what like myself again. My next appointment is on 6/30/10.

Our Sealing

2010-05-28T08:34:00.005-06:00

Eric and I were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 1, 2010. It was an amazing day that we both will never forget. Our family is now for eternity. We were so blessed to have many family and friends there to share our special day with us! Thank you to everyone that came to support us! Eric and I shared some very special moments together in the temple that we will never forget. I'm so grateful for Eric and everything he has done our family. He works very hard to provide a good life for me and our little one on the way. Eric is so excited to be a dad and can't wait for the little one to start kicking and then be here! Eric I love you with all my heart always and forever you are mine!

Sheree, me and my Mom

Lacey, Me and Megs

Jordan, Joel, Eric, Nate and Hugh

Jordan, Joel, Eric, Hugh and Nate

Eric, Me, Michael, Kayzin and Sophia

May 1, 2010 for all time and eternity

Me and Eric

It's raining

Salt Lake Temple 2010

Salt Lake Temple

Week 7

2010-05-08T18:20:00.002-06:00

So I'm 7 weeks along now! This week started out pretty rough but I'm doing much better now! I bought my first pair of maternity clothes last night. Eric thinks I'm crazy but I'm already getting uncomfortable in my jeans. I'm going to the doctor this Tuesday to have our first ultrasound and to hear the heart beat! Eric and I are so excited! I hope that I continue to feel better and that the morning sickness stays under control! I am taking a unisom and B-6 each night before bed and that has seemed to make a world of difference!! Our little baby is growing!

Week 6

2010-04-28T18:16:00.004-06:00

So I'm 6 weeks and 3 days as of today 5/2/10. I've been feeling pretty good but I'm still throwing up. I almost made it through the whole weekend without throwing up but on our drive home today that ended. I'm still very tired and can't seem to catch up on any sleep. I can't wait to hear the heart beat next week! Eric and I are still so excited about this pregnancy and we can't wait for December to come, so we can meet our little one. Our families are also very excited for us.

We went to Salt Lake this past weekend and had an amazing trip. Eric and I were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Saturday. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends that were there to support us. The weather wasn't the best but it didn't ruin our special day. I'm so grateful that our baby will be born into our eternal family and that we will be a family for eternity.

5 weeks 3 day

2010-04-28T18:02:00.003-06:00

I went to the Doctor for the first time on 4/26/2010. Our doctor is Dr. Chalmers here in Saint George. I met with the medical assistant for the first appointment. She did a full medical history and then blood work and a urine test. My HCG level was 3171 which is really good! Eric is really excited to go to my next appointment on May 11th. We will get to have an ultrasound and hear the heartbeat for the first time. I can't wait! So far I've thrown up everyday this week, which really sucks but I'm sure it's just the beginning. I've been really tired and can barley stay awake past 10pm. Other than that I feel pretty good! I'll be 6 weeks this Friday, only 34 more weeks to go!

Week 5 Development ~

• First heartbeats begin

• Umbilical cord develops

• Blood is now pumping

• Most other organs begin to develop

• Arm and leg buds appear

Exciting News for the Miner's...............

2010-04-19T17:49:00.008-06:00

We are having a baby!!!! We found out on 4/18/2010. I am due on 12/24/2010. At first the thought of having a baby on Christmas Eve kind of sucked, but we are so excited to be having a baby that we don't care when she or he comes! We just want a healthy baby. Eric and I are so excited to become parents! We have been trying to get pregnant since November of 2008 and we are so grateful that it happened now. Eric has been so sweet since we found out. He is making me breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus getting me snacks when I ask or feel hungry. He asks often how I am feeling and if I need anything he is right there to help me out! We told my parents and Eric's parents that Sunday. Eric's parents are so thrilled, since Eric is an only child they couldn't be happier for us! They can't wait to be grandparents! My parents are also very excited to add another grandchild to the clan! We have been slowly telling close friends and family the last week, but we wanted to wait till we had gone to the doctor to make sure it was real first! This Friday I will be 6 weeks so we are just at the beginning of our adventure! We also went through the temple last Saturday and Eric and I both had an amazing experience together! My sister Sheree and her husband Wayne were able to come down to be with us. I'm so grateful to have my family and that they are always there for me! We are looking forward to this Saturday and sharing it with close family and friends. I can't wait to be sealed and have my family be an eternal family. To be able to have our child born into our family after we have been sealed will be a great blessing!

I'm going to try and blog once a week about that latest happenings to Baby Miner!

It's been awhile.......

2010-04-12T17:55:00.009-06:00

Well Eric and I celebrated our 5 year of knowing each other and dating! Eric and I first met in my parents hot tub! Funny I know. How could he not like me, right? We met on April 9th, 2005. We stayed up till 4am talking and I really didn't think I would see him again because I was still in High School and Eric was 23. But we exchanged phone numbers and he called me the next night and the rest is history! Eric and I went through a lot the first year and we managed to still stay together through it all. Eric is an amazing person for sticking by my side through such a tough time in my life. I will always be grateful for the love and care he had shown me. In June of 2007 Eric moved to Saint George to start his business at Elite Nutrition Center inside Gold's Gym. I came to see him every weekend that whole summer, 7000 miles later I decided I was ready to leave home and move down to Saint George to be with him! I was scared and my parents weren't all that happy about it. My dad thought Eric should be chasing me, not the other way around. Eric and I got engaged on April 9,2008 and we were married on August 8, 2008. We bought our first home on May 29, 2009. Our first year of marriage was amazing and we made it through the house buying adventure, which says a lot! We love living in Saint George and don't plan on leaving any time soon, if ever! We have been trying to start our little family for over a year and half now and haven't had any luck yet. But we aren't in a huge hurry yet! We are going to be getting sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 1, 2010. We both have been looking towards this day for awhile now and are really excited to make our marriage and family an eternal one! We have our two puppies, Chloe and Macey. They are both Yorkshire Terriers and a lot of fun. We call them trouble 1 and trouble 2 lately though. They keep us pretty busy! Eric is busy working at the store and also has a few new business plans on the horizon. I've just been working and want to be in school but haven't found the right mind set yet to go back. I'm hoping to go back when I can work part time and go to school full time. So we'll see what the next few months bring us. We love working on our house and have done a lot to it. We will be working on our backyard this spring and summer, and hope to get a fence to keep our wild ones contained! Well that pretty much sums everything up, until next something new comes along!

Macey Joy

2010-02-26T14:15:00.004-07:00

Eric and I got a new puppy for Valentines. We got another Yorkie. She is from the same parents as Chloe so they are sisters. She was 8 weeks when we got her! She is so small and has the biggest personality! We just love her! Chloe didn't seem to fond of her at first but she warmed up after a few days. Chloe had been sleeping in our bed since we got her last September. We knew that we couldn't handle two dog in the bed, so we bought a really big kennel for the two of them to share. Macey didn't have any problems sleeping in the kennel. Chloe on the other hand..... wow what a nightmare. The first few nights were rough. Our first night Eric and I were sleeping on the couch with the kennel next to us. Well Chloe didn't like being away from us so then we slept on the floor next to kennel. I couldn't believe that we were sleeping on the floor. We got up almost every hour to take them outside to go potty. Later that week we found out that Chloe was in heat.. Oh that's another story! So Chloe really hasn't been her self around Macey yet. They are together all the time now. It's really cute! Chloe has done really well with Macey. They both sleep in the kennel now and Chloe only whines for a few minutes then she goes to sleep. It's great to have our bed back! I've slept a lot better since she has been in the kennel. Here are a few pictures of our little Macey Joy.

Our little Macey Joy

Macey is pretty fast. Looks like she is flying but she is so tiny it's hard to see her!

Sweetest face

Oceanside.....

2010-01-21T07:43:00.014-07:00

Eric and I took a trip to Oceanside, CA. My parent gave us our room for Christmas. We drove from Saint George. It was 422 miles and the drive was really nice. A change of scenery was nice, since we always drive to Salt Lake. We have some friends that live in Oceanside so we were able to spend some time with them, which was nice. We ate at some great restaurants and some not so great restaurants. We had a blast at Magic Mountain until I got sick. Eric and I love roller coasters! We walked the boardwalk in Newport beach. Eric had spent many summers there growing up at a beach house. We hope to do that with our kids one day! Of course we went shopping! Eric and I both like shopping, which isn't always a good thing. We encourage each other to buy things when we don't really need them. The weather was amazing and but the people there drove me crazy. We were driving down the Coastal Highway and there was the this huge group of cyclist in the lane next to me. They starting coming into my lane and I was freaking out at this point. If Eric was to put his hand out the window it would have been ripped off. They were so close. There are so many people in California and the traffic alone makes me never want to live there. I have a bad case of road rage so that wouldn't mess well with me! The trip was a great get away! I'm ready for another! I love spending time with my husband and love how much we grow together. I can't wait to see what is in store for us next..... (a baby maybe)!!!!! ;)

Oceanside beach

Eric being silly

Eric + Cindi = LOVE 2010

At the ocean

Running from the waves

My hubby

Newport boardwalk

Newport Beach

Coastal Highway View

Redecorating......

2010-01-18T11:44:00.004-07:00

Eric and I spent the weekend painting! We painted our master bedroom and repainted the laundry room. I had painted the laundry room this really ugly light blue and Eric and I just hated it. Eric is always really good to help me out with the taping and painting. I love it a lot more than he does!

Sealing Date is set........

2010-01-14T10:50:00.003-07:00

Eric and I are getting sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 1, 2010. I can't wait! We are both very excited and can't wait for this special day in our lives. I know it will be an amazing day we share with our family and friends.

Homemade Christmas Gifts

2010-01-05T19:27:00.009-07:00

Well I out did myself this Christmas by making a lot of homemade gifts. They turned out way cute though and it was worth it for sure! Now I need to start planning what to do in 2010!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-05T19:15:00.015-07:00

Eric and I spent Christmas in Salt Lake with our families! We had a great time! We were so glad to come back home were it was 50 degrees!!!! Salt Lake was way to cold and the inversion was nasty. We are grateful to live in such a beautiful place! Eric was sick most of the Christmas break so that was bummer. We also got to see the Mckenzie on Christmas Eve and exchange gifts. Mckenzie is getting so big and is growing up way to fast! She has a lot of personality and is a fun loving little girl! She is going to be 4 this March.

The Christmas present we gave to my parent for all the kids! It turned out to be pretty amazing! They loved it!

One big present.... but I didn't get any pictures of it all unwrapped.. It was a big clock

Christmas Morning

Merry Christmas!

Michael, Sophia and Kayzin

Sophia

Sophie

Michael and Kayzin

Grandpa Gray

Listening to the Polar Express

Wayne and Kayzin

One big happy family!

GO COUGS!!!

Sophie and Cricket

Family Pictures

2009-12-30T13:13:00.006-07:00

My sister Mindi came down to help me finish up making some Christmas gifts and we needed an updated photo so we went found a awesome spot and got some great shots! It was a lot of fun! Thanks Mind for all your help! I wouldn't have got it all done without!

I'm going there someday.......

2009-12-06T21:16:00.009-07:00

Eric and I just finished our temple prep classes. We both made the decision that we wanted to be sealed in the temple for all time and eternity. We will have our endowments done in the Saint George Temple and then we will be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. I am honored that Eric made me his wife and now it will be for eternity. I love my husband so much and I am truly grateful for all that he done for me and our family. I look forward to our many years to come. The children we hope to bring into this world, and the family that we will have for eternity.

I love to see the temple.

I’m going there someday

To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I’ll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple.

I’ll go inside someday.

I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth:
A fam’ly is forever.

A Little Update!!!

2009-12-01T19:24:00.012-07:00

Here are some pictures of what's been happening these past few months.... not much though!

Hard at work
Our little helper
We got grass!!!!!!!!!
We now have grass for our little Chloe!
Halloween
Our little witch!
Chloe's first grooming, isn't she cute.....
Eric cutting the turkey on Thanksgiving
Our Thanksgiving table. We had Eric's parent down this year at our house for our first Thanksgiving in the house!
Getting Ready for Christmas
Our Christmas tree and stockings
Chloe by the Christmas Tree
The lights on the house was a MUST!!

Our New Puppy~ Chloe

2009-09-16T14:41:00.005-06:00

Over the weekend Eric and I got a new puppy! Her name is Chloe and she is 3 months old. She is Yorkie. Chloe has a really cute personality and has a lot of energy. She is already a "Princess" and spoiled rotten! She is so cute and we just love her. Eric and I feel like we have a newborn baby! She goes to bed early and wakes up several times at night. Chloe is defiantly getting us ready for a baby. It's been pretty rough potty training her but I think she is starting to get the hang of it now. Going to bed in the kennel is still an issue. Other than that Chloe is amazing! She is pretty smart dog and size doesn't matter to her. She acts tough and seems to think she is 20 times bigger than she is. She is pretty funny! We love our little Chloe and are so excited to have her! Thanks baby for the early birthday present! Best Birthday Present Ever! (so far)!

One Year Anniversary

2009-08-11T12:07:00.011-06:00

Eric and I celebrate our one year anniversary on Saturday 8/8/09. We went to Salt Lake for the weekend. On Thursday night we had dinner with some friends. Friday we went shopping to find me a dress for our special dinner on Saturday night. We spent Saturday night at Little America. It was so beautiful inside! We had an awesome room that overlooked downtown! Sunday morning we had breakfast in bed. It was so nice!
We spent almost all day looking and running to every store we could think of. I found this really cute dress at Dress Barn, the shoes at DSW, and the jacket at Dillard’s. Eric took me to Flemings for dinner at the Gateway. It was so good!!

We have done a lot in our first year of marriage and look forward to the many years to come!

I love you Eric! Happy Anniversary!

The view of down town from our room at Little America

Happy Anniversary!

Pictures of the House

2009-07-23T17:39:00.008-06:00

Our First Home

View from the front door

Entry Way

Guest Bathroom

Guest Room

The back yard

Side yard

back yard

The Laundry Room

Master Bathroom

Master Bedroom

The Kitchen

The Great Room

From the Front Door

Our First Home

2009-06-25T17:09:00.006-06:00

Our First Home

Eric and I started looking for homes in April. It was a really long and stressful process! But well worth it! We got an amazing first home! We officially moved in June 1st, 2009. It was built in 2009, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, 3 car garage on .30 acres. We have been there for almost a month and have already repainted all the ceiling white, painted the garage doors and the front door. We have also changed out all the light fixtures, thanks to my in-laws who came down over father's day and helped us out! Eric and I love being homeowners and can't wait to see what this new chapter brings to! I'll post some pictures of the inside once I get my camera fixed!

Spray Paint Picture

2009-04-02T08:27:00.004-06:00

This guy was at the marina one night making pictures with spray paint! He did amazing things. It was so cool to watch him. He made this picture for us in like 6 minutes. We also bought a finger painting he did that is really beautiful.

Whale Watching Video

2009-04-02T08:04:00.004-06:00

Caution: This might make you sick! It's a little bouncy! I was trying to record the whales jumping while trying to stay inside the boat! The ocean was pretty ruff that day.

Cabo San Lucas

2009-03-31T11:46:00.012-06:00

So finally I have some pictures from my trip ! Eric and I went to Cabo San Lucas with my parents last month for 9 days! We had a great time! I can't wait to go back someday!!! We both loved it there! The weather was awesome! Cabo is beautiful. We went 4 wheeling on the beach, which was super fun! We did a sunset cruise on a pirate ship but that night there wasn't a sunset cuz it was cloudy...bummer but we still had a good time! We were dancing and singing and grooving to the music! I think my parent thought I was a little crazy! It was their 15Th Wedding Anniversary that night so that was fun to share that night with them. We enjoyed just hanging out at the pool and having time to relax. We played card games, which I love. Eric and my Dad went deep sea fishing! While my Mom and I had a spa day!!! Eric and I went to Cabo Wabo with my parents and their friend Jodi.... man that was kind of weird to be rocking out and dancing with my Mom and Dad watching!!!! But, I would have to say that best thing we did while we were there was the whale watching! It was amazing! To be 50 feet away from a whale and it's baby was something I'll never forget! I was so excited and could barley stay in my seat the ocean was so wild!

This were the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean meet
The maid made this cute doll holding our TV remote

This is Scooby Doo rock

Eric at the beach on our 4 wheeling adventure. Eric got his nickname "Crash" during this adventure for the rest of the trip!

Me on the water taxi going to see the arch and lovers beach

Whale Watching....the most amazing thing ever!

Eric and I at the beach during our 4 wheeling trip

The Arch

Eric and I at our resort

Good old Tag

2009-03-26T16:53:00.003-06:00

I'm waiting to get my pictures from my Dad of our tirp to Cabo so I'll be posting those next week!!!

What are your middle names? Cindi Marian and Eric Richard

How long have you been together? 4 years(Married for 8 months)

How long did you know each other before you started dating? Not long, like a week or so

Who asked who out? Eric asked me

Whose siblings do you see the most? Well, since Eric is an only child… MINE!

Do you have any children together? No but working on it!

What about pets? Not tell we get a house

Did you go to the same school? Nope, Eric was a senior in high school and I was in 8Th grade

Who is more sensitive? That would be me for sure

Where do you eat out most as a couple? Texas Road House! We get a lot of coupons

Where is the furthest place you two have traveled together as a couple? Mexico, twice in the last 8 months!

Who has the worst temper? Depends on the day and the situation I think

Who does the cooking? Eric does the most cooking. I’m working on it!

Who is the most sociable? Me

Who is the neat freak? Me.

Who is the most stubborn? We both are pretty stubborn

Who hogs the bed? Eric for sure!!!

Who wakes up earlier? ME!!!!!! Eric can’t ever get his butt out of bed! He has like 5 alarms in the morning!

Where was your first date? PF Changs!

Who has the bigger family? Well I do no question about that! Eric is an only child

Do you get flowers often? Nope

How long did it take to get serious? About a year or so a little less

Who eats more? Ummm Eric, I do eat a lot of candy!!!

Who sings better? Not sure, I suck and Eric doesn’t sing that often

Who does the laundry? Me of course!

Who’s better with the computer? Oh Eric for sure!!

Who drives when you are together? I always drive!

Who picks where you go to dinner? Depends! We can’t ever pick

Who is the first one to admit when they're wrong? I'd say it's about 50/50. When I'm being stubborn he will give in and when he is being stubborn I will give in.

Who wears the pants in the relationship? We are equal in this I think

Who eats more sweets? Me by far!!!

Who cries more? Me

Who is more athletic? Eric for sure! He owns a nutrition store!!

How long before you had your first kiss? The first night I met him!!! ;)

Who is better with finances? Eric is, I’m learning

Who gets jealous easier? I don’t think either of us does

Who has better taste in music? For the most part we both like the same music

Favorite couple moment? Our wedding! Every time Eric looks at me with that sweet face and love in his eyes!

2009-02-18T12:06:00.003-07:00

My new hair! Yes I have purple hair! It's a little crazy and not really something I ever thought I would do but I love it! My dad told me I should have done blue for the Utah Jazz! He doesn't love the purple but that's okay with me! I told Michelle, my hair lady to do something edgier so go with my edgier hair cut and this is what I got! I'm not going to start wearing all black or dark makeup. I'll still be sweet Cindi but with purple hair!

Star Wars Name

2009-02-10T15:30:00.003-07:00

Okay we did this at one of our staff meeting and I thought it was kind of fun!

For your first name:

1. Take the first 3 letter of your last name.

2. Add to that, the first 2 letters of your first name.

My first name is: Minci

For your last name:

1. Take the first 2 letters of your mother's maiden name.

2. Add to that, the first 3 letters of the the town or city your were born in.

My last name is: Lowes

So my Star wars name is Minci Lowes!

Eric's Star wars name is Miner Ansal.

Leave my a comment with your Star wars name!!

6 Months of Marital Bliss

2009-02-09T21:17:00.003-07:00

Well, Eric and I have been married for 6 month this past Sunday! We have had an amazing marriage so far and I can't wait to tell someone that I've been married for 60 years! Eric is an amazing husband. He is my best friend! We love being married and what it has brought to our relationship. Eric has always been there for me no matter what the situation was or is, he is always there with his big hugs and even bigger heart! The past 6 months have been great! We went to Lake Powell in October and endured one crazy wind storm! It was a blast though. We spent the holiday with our families, which I am so grateful for! We spent many cold nights cuddle up on the couch watching movies and eating popcorn! In January we went to Las Vegas for the weekend. It was fun but I realized that Vegas really isn't for me anymore. We watched the Utah football game and Eric was glad that they won. Now me on the other hand had to bite my tongue the whole game! My blood bleeds BLUE!!! I'm a huge BYU fan and a even bigger Jazz fan!!! I love basketball! We enjoyed a quite Super Bowl Sunday at home with lots of goodies! Next month we are going to Cabo with my parents! I'm so excited! It will be super fun and we need a vacation!!! When we back we hope to start looking for house and start a family!!! We really don't have a whole lot going on right now so I don't blog often... I don't want to bore everyone with my little stories of how awesome my husband is!!!! I'm one lucky lady! Well I hope all my family and friends are doing well!
Till next time,
Cindi

Looking Back at 2008

2009-01-05T16:05:00.005-07:00

Here are some thoughts:

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
I got engaged and married! The best thing ever!!! I'm so happy and I have an amazing husband! Life couldn't be better!

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I can't even remember what they were! Oppps! Eric and I both made some this year! We want to eat better and work out more often than we are (which is rare right now)! Communicate better with each other! These are just a few.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Brother Jon: Sept. 2nd Brent Andrew Gray
Friend Elisa: Nov. 14th TWINS! Anna and Ethan

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My Grandma Gray died Nov. 28th
A few on my patients at work that I was close with

5. What countries did you visit?
Eric and I went to Mexico on our Honeymoon!

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A BABY!!!!! A HOUSE!!!!!!!

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
April 10th: Eric asked me to marry him!
August 8th: My wedding day!
Nov. 28th: My sweet grandma passed away

8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
Planning my wedding in 3 months

9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't think I've failed at anything but there is always room for improvement.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Eric and I were very health this last year!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
IPhone! My Dyson!! 50" Plasma TV! Eric bought me an amazing wedding ring!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Everyones!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

14. Where did most of your money go?
Our wedding and saving for a down payment on our first home!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My Wedding

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Lots!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a)happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer? A- Happier for sure! B- Fatter. I got married so I don't have to try anymore, RIGHT? I'll be working on that. C- Richer now that I have a second income to help pay the bills

18. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stress and worry if Eric would ever ask me to marry him and planning my wedding was really stressful.

19. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I fell in love with Eric all over again on our wedding day!

20. What was your favorite TV program?
American Idol, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, The Hills.

21. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope.

22. What was the best book you read?
Twlight.

23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Eric is great at singing Church hymns!!!

24. What did you want and not get?
A house

25. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight, Twlight and lots more

26. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
We went to dinner and a movie! 22!!! I'm getting old!

27. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting Married to Eric!

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Scrubs daily and pretty girl on the weekends!!

29. What kept you sane?
My family during my wedding planning days

30. When you think about 2008 what sticks out in your mind?
My wedding day

31. Best moment of 2008?
When Eric and I became husband and wife! I will remember that day forever! He said "I do" twice. It was so funny! I won't forget that!

In Loving Memory of Grandma Gray

2008-12-22T16:52:00.003-07:00

All the Grand-girls made bracelet's for my Grandma's old jewelry and we all wore them to her funeral. I'm grateful for my family and love them all very much. I am glad that we all have something to remember her by. I'll think of her every time I wear it!

Winter Wonder Land

2008-12-19T14:01:00.005-07:00

Well it's true! Saint George does get snow! We had a huge snow storm this last week! I loved it! I finally felt a little Christmas spirit! I love the snow and I think it's so pretty! The snow was gone by the middle of the day but it was pretty while it lasted! Eric and I are headed to Salt Lake for Christmas! I'm so excited and I can't believe it is this Thursday! This year has gone by so fast! I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is my early Christmas present! I love it!

We don't have a fire place so we hung our stocking on the stairs! Well Eric finally broke down and he let me get a Christmas tree. We aren't going to be home for Christmas and he didn't see a need for a tree this year. I couldn't imagine having Christmas without a tree, even if I'm not home to see it on Christmas morning. I can look at everyday till I leave! Now that the tree is up, Eric loves it! It was really fun putting the tree together with Eric! He helped pick out all the decorations! Our home now has a little Christmas spirit!

Grandma's Obituary

2008-12-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Grandma~ I love you and I'm going to miss you dearly. I will love you always and remember you forever!

Joe Ann Tatton Gray "Loving Wife & Mother" Joe Ann Tatton Gray passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 28, 2008. She was born October 19, 1932 in Manti, Utah to Ralph Brown and Viola Peterson Tatton. Married Frank J. Gray, Jr. June 10, 1950, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Joe Ann's pioneer heritage provided inspiration and direction in her life. Joe Ann's life was dedicated to the service of others and her family. She spent her life focused on raising her four children. Her greatest joy was her family. Her interests and hobbies included sewing for her family, music, singing in chorale groups, crocheting, cooking and planning family events. She was an avid BYU sports fan. She had a deep love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a faithful strong testimony. She served in many callings, including Relief Society President, Primary teacher and Young Women's leader. Her kind heart and tender thoughts touched the hearts of many. She loved to see others enjoy life and had a kind thought to say to everyone she met. Survived by her husband, children; Joseph (Kerry) Gray, John (Jerrilyn) Gray, Steven (Lorraine) Gray, Jennifer (Bill) Nehmer; 24 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Heath. Preceded in death by her son, Jordan Brent Gray. The Family wishes to thank the Legacy Assisted Living Center of Taylorsville and Haven Hospice for their loving care and kindness shown to Joe Ann. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2008, 12:00 Noon at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 S.), where friends and family may call Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service. Interment, Elysian Burial Gardens.

First Post

2008-11-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

This is my first post. Well I don't have much to blog about right now but here go's nothing. Eric and I have been married for 3 months now and things couldn't be better! We are loving married life! Eric is pretty busy with his store so I don't get to see him that often. I take him lunch and dinner pretty much everyday! I'm a good wife! We are getting excited for the holidays and love this time a year! Looking forward to spending time with our families.