More pictures of Baby Hoppy!

We started calling our baby Hoppy at the very first appointment because she was jumping all over the place (and since we didn't know if it was a boy or girl). This week we got to go back to the ultrasound place and get a better look at our baby! We know for sure now that it is a GIRL! Everything looks really good. We'll get more details at our appointment next week... almost 3rd trimester now!

Usually we think the 3-D images are kinda creepy looking, but I just can't resist this one...look at that nose! I'm counting the days til I can kiss that nose and the cute little toes, too!

Baby Maloney

I've been wanting to post for months about this new baby, but had to keep it private for a while (which is why I've made the blog "invitation only" at the moment).

We are so thrilled to be adding to our family! My due date is October 18 and we can't wait to see this little one in person....

Yesterday, we had the unexpected opportunity to have our ultrasound (we thought I might be having gallbladder problems, so they sent me for an ultrasound and looked at the baby while we were there).

The million dollar question, of course, is, "girl or boy?" Our answer: stubborn! The more we tried to get (her?) to move, the tighter those knees stuck together and then finally the baby crossed its legs! too funny! maybe we'll find out next time?

And a few more shots...love those little fingers and toes already!

Hopefully this will become public knowledge in the next day or two and I can start posting pics, etc. on facebook....

Happy 2010!

I realized I'd never posted an update during the holidays. We enjoyed a relaxing and fun winter break, spending time with each other and our families.

A few pics:

We decided to go for the cheaper option and purchased this 6 foot, pre-lit Christmas tree during the Black Friday sales! It was fun to use many of the ornaments that had decorated our reception last year. Happy memories!

We took advantage of lots of the fun winter activities around town, including the zoo lights, which we were both really impressed by.

Christmas Eve was spent with the Maloneys and Christmas afternoon was spent with the Forsgrens. We feel so blessed to have both families so close by!



Dec. 27th brought our first anniversary. We are grateful for our marriage and had a relaxing, enjoyable day. We each took a bite of our wedding cake (stored in the freezer) and despite appearances, it was actually pretty delicious.

We wish everyone the best for 2010!

Meeting Mykayla

Last night we were able to go to my sister's house and finally meet baby Mykayla (now 5 days old!). We also loved seeing Aiden, Mykayla's older brother, who modeled his Elmo costume for us. He calls Elmo "tickle tickle." Aiden loved all the attention from his uncle Jonny and latched onto him for most of the night! Aiden is a good big brother to Mykayla.

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone has a nice Halloween! Thanks to my sister-in-law, Jenny, for letting me borrow a costume!

New baby niece!

Introducting..................................My new niece, Mykayla! Isn't she cute? Look at all that hair!

My sister had her baby this morning. She is 8 lb 3oz and 21 inches. We can't go to the hospital because they aren't allowing visitors due to Swine Flu concerns, but all the reports are that everyone is doing well! They say she's a happy, peaceful baby. We are so excited to see her when she comes home!

Am I prepared?

This past week I had an interesting experience at school. Friday morning, I walked my students down to music class (taught by another 6th grade teacher), eagerly anticipating 40 minutes of "prep time." As I got to the door of his classroom, the teacher raced out and said, "I've had a family emergency. I need to go to the hospital. Do something for music."

It took me a few minutes to gather myself (I had the students listen to a story from www.storylineonline.net--love that site!), but I grabbed some copies of staff paper and started a lesson. By the end of the time, the students had learned some of the basics of reading music--the types of notes and the names of the notes. We had written rhythms and clapped them. Even though it was completely unprepared, I felt like it had been a successful lesson and would help the students when they started learning their instruments this year.

Later that weekend, when I finally had a quiet moment during stake conference, I reflected on that experience. It reminded me of the quotation by Thomas S. Monson, "When the time for performance arrives, the time for preparation is past." I thought back to the many hours, days, and even weeks I'd dedicated towards becoming a musician. My mind brought up memories of waking up early to practice before school, going to rehearsal after rehearsal, and the money my parents had invested in lessons. My hard work (and the dedication of so many teachers through the years) had brought me to this point, where on the spur of the moment I could teach basic music skills.

Then my thoughts wandered to the spiritual side of this lesson: If I was called upon spiritually without notice (a new calling, a friend in crisis, a new challenge in life....even death), would I be able to say that I felt somewhat prepared? Have I spent the time and dedication "practicing" and developing--reading my scriptures, praying, attending the temple, serving others? This was a humbling thought. I'm grateful that the atonement allows us to improve, because I certainly know I can. In my hectic day, I want to make sure I'm putting in the time so that, line upon line, when the moment arrives, I can feel more prepared. It can't happen all at once. It takes daily devotion. Now is the time...


P.S. I've also gotten the opportunity to work with a small group of flute players at school. It is so fun! I'm grateful for these chances to share my enjoyment of music. This week I'm teaching music again, but I'm prepared this time!