4 years

I can't believe it has been four years since Craig and I were sealed in the Logan Temple. So much has happened in the past four years. Craig got his Bachelors degree and I am getting mine tomorrow. We bought a house, moved states, changed jobs, and are expecting a baby girl who we already love. I don't express how much I love Craig and how grateful I am to my Heavenly father for our serendipidous meeting so below is a small list of ten things I love about Craig.
10. He is always trying to make me smile..He is hilarious.
9. He inspires me to be better and work harder
8. He LOVES Christmas, probably more than anyone I know and I love that.
7. He is ok just chilling and relaxing sometimes
6. Everynight he pokes my stomach and asks the baby how she is doing :)
5. I am tearing up just making this list. He always encourages me to meet goals regardless of how ridiculous they are.
4. He will walk around the house singing and playing the guitar. He always asks me to name the songs even though he knows after 4 years I am horrible at that game.
3. He is one of the most caring people that I know.
2. He is a worthy Priesthood holder and has given me many blessings and he goes with me to the temple whenever he can.
1. The nubmer one reason I love, love, love him is because he chose me. Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed that I could marry such a goofy, fun, and loving guy but someone was looking out for us.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!I LOVE YOU!!!

Scary drive home

Craig and I left Ogden around 6:30 pm on Sunday night to come back to Boise. 6 1/2 hours later we were home. Normally this takes about 4 to 4 1/2 hours. The roads were awful and to make matters worse our tires are horrible. We are getting new ones today. I swear it felt like the minute the snow would stop and I would think "Oh finally the snow has stopped and we are on dry road" there would either be black ice, fog, snow covered roads, a blizzard or all of the above. I knew it was going to be a long trip when outside of Tremonton the Semi trucks were pulling over. Normally they drive through anything but some waited for this storm to pass. Craig was a trooper and drove the whole way which I was grateful for. I was freaking out just sitting next to him and would have been a mess if I drove. We feel very lucky and blessed that we made it home safe. We were also happy our home was here because while on our weekend trip we received a call that our smoke alarms were going off and the police and fire department were at our house. Although we were reassured that a faulty smoke alarm set of the chain reaction it was nice to know we still had a home. Below is a picture of the snow near Ogden.

Fun in Ogden with Andrea and Max

On Sunday we drove to Ogden and spend the day at Papa Dave's House. Ok so he is not my Papa Dave he is my brother-in-law Shane's dad. Him and his wife Kristen were kind enough to let us be at their house all day to hang out with Craigs sister Andrea and her son Max. We had such a fun time. It snowed about a foot on Sunday and we took full advantage of the snow. Max had built two forts on the deck for a snowball fight. It was me and Andrea vs. Max and Craig and it was so much fun(my arm hurt for about three days after :)). We then went sledding which was awesome. If there is one thing I love it is sledding and I made sure to do a lot of it. Some of you may be thinking...Your pregnant you shouldn't be sledding...and to that I say fooey. We had an awesome time making snow angels and part of a snow man and below are pictures.

It was so funny when Dave brought in a box of Snowboots from his garage it was filled with all of these Walnuts. Apparently a squirrel was saving up for winter because about 4 pairs of boots were packed full of walnuts.

Drea making a Snow Angel


Craig and I in the snow



Craig having fun in the snow...so happy :)



Andrea and Max Sledding


Craig and Max hold the record for the longest double person sledding track. Here is their victory picture after an awesome run.
After sledding we went back to Daves and played Ticket to Ride which our nephew Max did awesome on. He is 8 and caught on faster than Craig and I did when we first played. We also watched a movie and relaxed. Andreas mother in law made us a delicious Sunday dinner and then we headed home.
Here are some pictures from Daves house. Craig and I really like this house and would one day love to have one like it. It is set up on a hill with trees all around, a hot tub and a cabin seperate from the house. It was a wonderful day.

Fun in Logan w/ Kathy and Erik

Craig and I were lucky enough to be able to have a few days off in a row in which we went down to Utah to see our sisters. We left on Friday and spent Friday night and Saturday with my sister Kathy and her family and had so much fun. It snowed a little less than a foot while we were there which didn't really agree with us having older tires on our car which made driving a little scary and exciting. I had such a fun time getting to know my new little niece Eva. It is amazing how much she looks like her mom and older sister Violet. I literally spent most of the day either holding her or making funny faces and coming up with weird songs to entertain her. She is so sweet and I absolutely love her little cheeks. Unfortunately I only got one picture when I was at Kathys because we were having so much fun but it is a good one. Here is Kade playing with Eva while I snatched the picture.


On Saturday we went through a session at the Logan temple which was awesome. We were married and sealed there for time and all eternity exactly 4 years ago but have never been there for a session and it was very nice.


Thanks for letting us crash your house. We had such a fun time.

Slide show from Salt Lake Trip in Sept

Ok, so Craig and I got sick of the music playing everytime we opened our blog and I'm sure there are some of you who did too, so we are reposting the pictures without the music.

It's A Girl

Yes we are having a baby girl. It was amazing to see her move around when we got our ultrasound on Thursday. She brought tears to our eyes :). The lady doing the ultrasound said everything looks perfect on her,she is about 10 oz and 7-10 inches long. There are some pictures of her below. I have been feeling really good lately and finally feel like myself again after the last few months feeling like a zombie. I can't believe I am 1/2 way through my pregnancy being 20 weeks and 4 days. Time goes by fast. Enjoy the pics!!

Sorry for the bend picture this is her sweet profile shot.

This is a picture of her spine which I love..it is amazing how developed she is since our last picture looked like a bean.

Here is another profile shot.



This is the morning of our appointment we were so excited to find out the gender.


I can tell this little girl with be a daddy's girl.

And a momma's girl too :)



Craig has wanted to park here forever and finally he has an excuse....well at least when I am with him he does.



This is my 20 week belly shot.

BOY OR GIRL????

It is time to start guessing. We will find out on NOVEMBER 19TH if we are having a Boy or Girl and we thought we would give you some time to think it over and comment what you think. The time is going by so fast I can't believe we will find out in 3 1/2 weeks. Whoo hoo.

Pumpkin Carving Fun

Every Sunday we try to get together as friends and do something fun but Sunday appropriate. Lately we have been having Family Home Evening together as friends but on Sunday night. Craig and I look forward to every Sunday and the fun times we have getting together. Yesterday we carved pumpkins and it was a good time. Brett and Robin, Frankie Kelly and Jake, and Craig and I had a wonderful time. Below is a slide show of our fun and crazy pumpkins.

Our Eggo is Preggo!!!

Yep Were Expecting!!

We have know for a little over a month and we have tried to keep it secret but that didn't really work. I wanted to wait until about now but Craig couldn't wait so we told our close friends and family. We are very excited. I was amazing to hear the baby's heart beat and it was around 7 weeks and we were so excited to see our little baby. I am currently about 9 1/2 weeks along. Which puts my due date on April 8th.We found out we were pregnant when in Nevada for our nephews baptism. This is at our Dr.s office after our first visit. In case any of you are wondering I have been extremely tired and have had some nauseous mornings but all in all feeling good. Craig has been super supportive and is very excited for our little sweet baby. We are excited to meet you baby Shannon.

Yep Were Expecting!!

Braydens Baptism

We went back to Reno two weeks after the race for Braydens Baptism. It is crazy to think he is eigth years old. Here are some pictures from our time there.

We had such a fun time visiting Bob and Heathers family the weekend of August 1st. They took us on this beautiful mountain trail. Craigs parents and sister Brandi were also there and we had an awesome time.

My sister in laws Heather and Brandi where we stopped at our hike.

Dan and Brandi walking up the trail.
After we got done hiking Craig, Bob,and I went on a mountain biking trail. I have to admit for the first time I have ever mountain biked this was quite the adventure. I don't have any pictures from me but here are some of Craig and Bob. I did end up with some pretty sweet battle wounds of scrapes on my legs and bruises. Thanks for going slow so I could ride with you guys.
Bob riding

Bob and Heathers little girl is very selective of the people she likes.(she is not too sure about me yet :)) But one thing is for sure she loves Grandpa. I believe he is the only one other than Bob and Heather that Lily will let hold her. I love this little dress.

Sadly I don't have any pictures of the baptism but there are some really good ones on Heathers blog.

Time with the Shannons

We were able to go to Reno twice this past month. The first was to help Craigs brother while he ran a 50 mile race. It was amazing. This wasn't just 50 miles but it was up and down the mountain ridge by Lake Tahoe. This was at Tahoe Meadows which was 1/2 way through, Brayden and Colby made the cutest signs for their dad. It was nice to be there to support all of the runners.

I believe this is up by Tunnel Creek where Craig hiked to meet Bob. What a beautiful view. This is either Lake Tahoe or Marlett Lake(sp).

Here is Bob with his boys at the end. They were so happy to see him and did an awesome job entertaining themselves while we waited. There are pictures of this on Heathers blog.

Hagerman

Craig and I went to Hagerman yesterday to spend some quality time with my family. The whole family was there and as you can see by the pictures there is a lot of us. We had such a fun time playing with nieces and nephews, playing Apples to Apples, playing volleyball, emptying the swimming pool(some chemicals got put in the pool..not good), taking family pictures in the wind, and just being crazy. Enjoy pictures of the Stewart Clan.
Here is Alyssa and Annie they are the youngest of the family well except for the little baby Kathy is expecting.

Janna, Kathy, and Ben playing Apples to Apples.

Craig, Teresa, and Janna with Ken in the background.

Craig and I under my parents Apricot tree.

The family I will start from the top left to right:Me, Craig, Erik, Melissa, James, Violet, Teresa, Kade, Kathy, Janna, Ken, Alyvia, Amanda, Annie, My Dad, My mom, Ben, Kenton, Emelynn, and Alyssa. Yes the house was very full.

More family pictures.

It was really windy so we decided to take pictures of us blowing over.

Cinnamon Roll Recipe....Yummy

Cinnamon Roll Recipe....Yummy
This is my Mother-in-laws cinnamon roll recipe that is absolutely delicious. Laura made a comment on facebook about how good they turned out and for all of you that wanted the recipe here you go. I love this recipe because it is quick and easy. Enjoy because they are absolutely delicious. The secret she said is to keep the dough as sticky as possible. Oh and funny story I accidentally posted this twice on our old blog. haha

IN LARGE BOWL:
Pour 2 C Boiling Water over:
1/2 C. Sugar
1 t Salt
2 Tbl butter or margarine-Stir until butter melts. Let cool(Put in Fridge).

Meanwhile,Beat 2 eggs in separate small bowl and set aside.

IN ANOTHER SMALL BOWL:
1/2 C Warm Water(not too hot or yeast will deactivate)
1 Tbl Yeast(1 Packet)
1 tsp sugar

When first mixture is not hot anymore add eggs and whisk slightly, then add third mixture.Add Flour until slightly sticky to hands(approx 6 cups). Mix with beaters, then spoon towards the end. Cover with Pam sprayed Saran wrap and rise to double.(Can heat oven to 225 and turn off, and put dough in over to rise faster).

Soften 1 C Butter.

Flour Counter, place doubled dough on counter and knead slightly. Press out to wide rectangle shape approx 1/2 " thick. Rub softened butter all over top of dough. Coat with brown sugar, sprinkle with lots of cinnamon and walnuts if desired. Roll top to bottom. Cut 1" wide with Pam Sprayed spatula. Place in 9x13 pan or muffin pans and bake at 375 for 12-15 minuets. Make sure center is done.

FROSTING:
2 C. Powdered Sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 C. Butter
1/2 Tbl milk

CRAIG GOT A BETTER JOB.... AT CITI

Thats right. I finally heard back from CITI. I accepted a job as a TAP (Talent Acceration Program) associate. Which is basically a 2 year manager in training program. We are so excited. I have been looking for an opportunity to join citi for quite some time and finally am able to. I will be starting on the 20th of july.
I wish to offer our sincerest grattitude to each and everyone of you for your thoughts and prayers and your support. I have no doubt that our Father in Heaven has heard our prayers and has decided that I have learned what I needed to. (or that I will never learn so I might as well work hahaha)
I also want to say to my loving wife how much she means to me. She has supported me like no-one else could. Through her faith and positive attitude I have been able to make it thru this dark part of my life. She never uttered a negative word about my loss of my last job and has been so supportive of me in all my endevors. She has worked so hard at her job to get extra hours and work as much as possible to help us meet our bills. I feel that if any good has come of this it is that I have grown to understand her love for me and my love for her.
I LOVE YA CYNTHIA!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Party when I get my first pay check........ everyones invited :)

Craig got a Job Whoo hoo

I am happy to post Craig has accepted a job as a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist. For now it is only part-time but I am so happy for him. He has really been starting to go crazy being at home all day and any time away will be great for him plus the extra money won't hurt. We are still waiting to hear from Citi for a full time job with them(this is the company I work for), but for the time being we are very grateful to our heavenly father for giving us this opportunity. We also want to thank all of you for your prayers and works of concern and encouragement. I guess now that he has a job I can start posting again so I will do my best.

So its Been a While.......

So we keep waiting to put up a new post until I (craig) get a job so we can post good news. But since the Lord see's that I am still in need of patience, I wanted to post a few things. Here are some pictures of when my family was here for graduation. So here are some from when we went to the bike park. We had a blast and I appreciate all the well wishing and congradulations. Working The teeter......

We don't have a single picture of ethan without a huge smile even though we kept making fun of his helmet (it wasn't actually his but its huge)

Even Danny had a huge smile on his face after a good save

Bob T working a sick turn.... props to my bro

Cynthia working a nice bank

I like to say this is dad surveying and pondering
the best way to attack the run but i dunno