Thursday, December 10, 2009
Updates
Well, I have to include my little baby updates. First of all, I have started feeling my little girl move around all the time. I am starting to get really attached to her; I think this whole pregnancy thing is actually starting to get fun (even though my running has all but turned to walking and now Joe is planning mountain biking trips and all I can do is pout.) I imagine that every time I feel her kick, she is saying "Hi mom. Don't forget I'm in here." One night she was especially energetic, and Joe could even feel her kicking around--sooo cool. We are so grateful for apparent good health so far. Also, I had another ultrasound done. This one they did to look in detail at her anatomy. They also did a portion of the ultrasound in 4D. I have never seen anything like it. The actual ultrasound looked like a little baby moving around, sculpted from golden clay. I decided I would include a copy of the pictures, even though they aren't very clear and my friend Jared said she looks like something from a horror movie (isn't that what you want to hear about your little girl?) Anyway, I think she is precious (but I guess that is my job, right?) p.s. it is her umbilical cord that you see by her neck and arm.
Also, for the masses of people screaming for belly pictures, here you go. My sister took these at Thanksgiving when I was not quite 20 weeks (which of course, was like a whole week and a half ago) and I am getting more rotund by the day.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thanksgiving
Joe and I were able to spend Thanksgiving in Sacramento with Jenni, Dustin, and their family. We loved being able to get away from the traffic, people, and congestion in L.A. Jenni and Dustin live in a beautiful place. Unfortunately, I don't have most of the pictures of the trip, but we had a very peaceful, relaxing vacation. We went hiking a couple of time, rode horses, visited a salmon and trout hatchery, watched football, and just relaxed. It was so nice to get out of the city.
I have so many things to be thankful for; here is a list of just a few . . . Joe, good health, our coming baby, family, good friends, Joe's good job, living in the U.S.A. and our freedom, the church, the beautiful earth . . . this list could go on and on.
I have so many things to be thankful for; here is a list of just a few . . . Joe, good health, our coming baby, family, good friends, Joe's good job, living in the U.S.A. and our freedom, the church, the beautiful earth . . . this list could go on and on.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Beach and Stuff
Here is another really long post, so watch out folks . . . as always, I waited way too long to post anything, so now I have too much stuff to write about (or at least I have been taking too many pictures, which really is my favorite part about blogging anyway), so here it goes . . .
It is really fun to live by the beach. Jenni and Dustin came down and spent Nov 20-22 with us; really, they were just missing the beach because they lived on it for 2 years in Costa Rica, but we were more than happy to fill their beach void and enjoy their company. We spent Saturday at the beach during the lowest of low tides. There were scour holes in the sand because the water was so low; one minute you could be walking on solid sand, the next you could be up to your knees in salt water. I have never seen such a low tide before; it was pretty cool. Cute Jenni is also about ready to pop as you might have noticed. Her baby is due on December 21, and I can't wait to meet the newest member of the family.
It is critical that I mention that a couple of weeks ago I saw dolphins (at least 4, maybe more) at this same beach, swimming just offshore. Since I was there for a run anyway, I chased them about a mile down the shore before they finally headed off to deeper water. I was obviously the newbie on the beach because as I pointed them out to everybody that I passed nobody seemed to really share my excitement. I got a couple of acknowledgments, a couple of strange looks, and one little boy that sprinted in the opposite direction as fast as he could; really though, I lived in Hawaii for 4 months and never saw dolphins nearly so close to shore. I was surprised that the water they were swimming in was even deep enough for them. It was so amazing; I love dolphins.
A couple of weeks ago, my new neighbor Jenna invited me over to her house, and we made about 3000 of the most beautiful Christmas cookies you could possibly imagine. I want to do everything Christmas that I possibly can, because I feel like the holidays are just going to sneak away from me this year; I keep waiting for the leaves to change, for snow to fall, . . . (people tell me that it's happening elsewhere . . . I'll believe it when I see it :-)
We also had a bonfire on the beach . . .we roasted brats (Joe doesn't believe in eating hot dogs) and marshmallows. It was so nice and relaxing; we have been so lucky to meet so many nice and fun people in the time that we have been here in Santa Monica.
I still don't have a job, so on the days that I lose motivation to perfect resumes and cover letters (this happens a lot), I end up with a lot more free time than I am used to. One day I decided to ride my bike on this little path that runs along the beach. I rode until the path ended before finally turning around to ride home. I took a few pictures along the way, so I thought that I would include them. It was another beautiful Southern Cali type of day.
Okay; here is the last thing that I will mention for this post. Joe and I attended an educational volunteer opportunity on Back Bay in Newport. The Department of Fish and Game taught us about the health of the local ecosystem; then we helped them with a few basic studies that they perform weekly in the bay. We evaluated the mud critters, water salinity, fish count, measurements, and type, etc. It was very interesting and informative (although I still have no more scientific name for critters that live in the mud). I really enjoyed it because I don't really know anything about coastal ecosystems; it was really good to learn more about the world that now surrounds me.
Here we are fishing for some mud . . .
The catch . . .
Rinsing out my mud to find out what little critters I caught
Learning about a sponge . . . (this one was not caught in the mud traps).
I love this boy!
It is really fun to live by the beach. Jenni and Dustin came down and spent Nov 20-22 with us; really, they were just missing the beach because they lived on it for 2 years in Costa Rica, but we were more than happy to fill their beach void and enjoy their company. We spent Saturday at the beach during the lowest of low tides. There were scour holes in the sand because the water was so low; one minute you could be walking on solid sand, the next you could be up to your knees in salt water. I have never seen such a low tide before; it was pretty cool. Cute Jenni is also about ready to pop as you might have noticed. Her baby is due on December 21, and I can't wait to meet the newest member of the family.
It is critical that I mention that a couple of weeks ago I saw dolphins (at least 4, maybe more) at this same beach, swimming just offshore. Since I was there for a run anyway, I chased them about a mile down the shore before they finally headed off to deeper water. I was obviously the newbie on the beach because as I pointed them out to everybody that I passed nobody seemed to really share my excitement. I got a couple of acknowledgments, a couple of strange looks, and one little boy that sprinted in the opposite direction as fast as he could; really though, I lived in Hawaii for 4 months and never saw dolphins nearly so close to shore. I was surprised that the water they were swimming in was even deep enough for them. It was so amazing; I love dolphins.
A couple of weeks ago, my new neighbor Jenna invited me over to her house, and we made about 3000 of the most beautiful Christmas cookies you could possibly imagine. I want to do everything Christmas that I possibly can, because I feel like the holidays are just going to sneak away from me this year; I keep waiting for the leaves to change, for snow to fall, . . . (people tell me that it's happening elsewhere . . . I'll believe it when I see it :-)
We also had a bonfire on the beach . . .we roasted brats (Joe doesn't believe in eating hot dogs) and marshmallows. It was so nice and relaxing; we have been so lucky to meet so many nice and fun people in the time that we have been here in Santa Monica.
I still don't have a job, so on the days that I lose motivation to perfect resumes and cover letters (this happens a lot), I end up with a lot more free time than I am used to. One day I decided to ride my bike on this little path that runs along the beach. I rode until the path ended before finally turning around to ride home. I took a few pictures along the way, so I thought that I would include them. It was another beautiful Southern Cali type of day.
Okay; here is the last thing that I will mention for this post. Joe and I attended an educational volunteer opportunity on Back Bay in Newport. The Department of Fish and Game taught us about the health of the local ecosystem; then we helped them with a few basic studies that they perform weekly in the bay. We evaluated the mud critters, water salinity, fish count, measurements, and type, etc. It was very interesting and informative (although I still have no more scientific name for critters that live in the mud). I really enjoyed it because I don't really know anything about coastal ecosystems; it was really good to learn more about the world that now surrounds me.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The news . . .
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Whitewater
This post is long over due . . . we took this trip in July (and I had the best of intentions in writing about it back then), but it was so fun I that it is still worth writing about, even a couple months late.
My sister Jenni and her husband Dustin planned a kayaking trip down the Snake River from Jackson to Idaho Falls. They paddled the whole stretch in about a week. Joe and I were able to join them for part of their trip.
The first day of the trip started with rain, hail, and horribly cold weather. I missed this day (oh so sad) but the rest of the group paddled through. The second day I joined the group and we covered about 20 miles (Jenni and Dustin correct me if I am wrong). It was leisurely paddling on a bright sunny day, with the Rocky Mountains serving as backdrop. It was so peaceful and beautiful.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Changes
Wow, I guess life is crazy. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and then runs away really, really fast. I don't even know what to talk about first because so many things have happened since the last post. But I guess first things first . . .
Joe and I are expecting our first baby. I am about 15 1/2 weeks pregnant, making our due date April 21. In honor of the newest Webb-to-be, here is a clip from The Office.
Joe and I have joked about the whole pregnancy vomiting thing . . . at first he was so sympathetic and sweet whenever I, well, you know . . . now, he has become so accustomed to watching me throw up that he doesn't even pause mid-story. He just keeps talking (as if I keep listening :)
Really though, we are very grateful for the opportunity to be growing a family. Here are our earliest pictures of the little munchkin. Not much to look at, but it was amazing to be able to see all the little fingers and toes, even this early on.
On to other big news in our lives . . . we now live in Santa Monica, California. Joe got a job working for an engineering firm, named CDM (Camp, Dresser, and McKee) in downtown L.A. It is a fantastic job. He is getting involved in some amazing water/environmental engineering projects, doing exactly what he wanted to be doing.
We have definitely felt the hand of the Lord in our lives as everything has just fallen into place for us. We found an awesome apartment (just 12 blocks from the beach . . . calling all family and friends to come and visit!!) and the manager talked the owner down about $300/month in rent. I don't have a job yet, but have started my search in earnest, so hopefully sooner than later something will turn up. Here are a couple of pics from our Sunday evening walk on the beach (just to further lure you out to our new home.)
Here are a few pictures from our early days in Santa Monica. We went mountain biking in Crystal Cove in Orange County (which, by the way, nearly killed pregnant, tired, me) (p.s. thanks again for the bike Diane!!!!!) and we went hiking up to the Griffith Observatory (see Dean, James). We have also been lucky enough to have both my brother Jeff, with his buddy Matt, and Mindy, Nick, and Tabs, out to stay with us.
It is always fun to have new adventures, explore new places, and meet new people, but it is also very hard to say goodbye. Provo has been our home now for several years, and there are many things that I am going to miss . . . just to list a few . . . BYU football, finding a soccer game anywhere and anytime I wanted it, the weather (yes I know I just moved to Southern Cali, but I love the seasons), the mountains, Provo River Parkway Trail (the most beautiful running trail in the world), and ESPECIALLY family and friends. Thanks so much to everyone whom we have been close to and had so much fun with over the last few years. We love you! Here are just a few pics from our last few weeks in Provo.
Joe and I are expecting our first baby. I am about 15 1/2 weeks pregnant, making our due date April 21. In honor of the newest Webb-to-be, here is a clip from The Office.
Joe and I have joked about the whole pregnancy vomiting thing . . . at first he was so sympathetic and sweet whenever I, well, you know . . . now, he has become so accustomed to watching me throw up that he doesn't even pause mid-story. He just keeps talking (as if I keep listening :)
Really though, we are very grateful for the opportunity to be growing a family. Here are our earliest pictures of the little munchkin. Not much to look at, but it was amazing to be able to see all the little fingers and toes, even this early on.
On to other big news in our lives . . . we now live in Santa Monica, California. Joe got a job working for an engineering firm, named CDM (Camp, Dresser, and McKee) in downtown L.A. It is a fantastic job. He is getting involved in some amazing water/environmental engineering projects, doing exactly what he wanted to be doing.
We have definitely felt the hand of the Lord in our lives as everything has just fallen into place for us. We found an awesome apartment (just 12 blocks from the beach . . . calling all family and friends to come and visit!!) and the manager talked the owner down about $300/month in rent. I don't have a job yet, but have started my search in earnest, so hopefully sooner than later something will turn up. Here are a couple of pics from our Sunday evening walk on the beach (just to further lure you out to our new home.)
Here are a few pictures from our early days in Santa Monica. We went mountain biking in Crystal Cove in Orange County (which, by the way, nearly killed pregnant, tired, me) (p.s. thanks again for the bike Diane!!!!!) and we went hiking up to the Griffith Observatory (see Dean, James). We have also been lucky enough to have both my brother Jeff, with his buddy Matt, and Mindy, Nick, and Tabs, out to stay with us.
It is always fun to have new adventures, explore new places, and meet new people, but it is also very hard to say goodbye. Provo has been our home now for several years, and there are many things that I am going to miss . . . just to list a few . . . BYU football, finding a soccer game anywhere and anytime I wanted it, the weather (yes I know I just moved to Southern Cali, but I love the seasons), the mountains, Provo River Parkway Trail (the most beautiful running trail in the world), and ESPECIALLY family and friends. Thanks so much to everyone whom we have been close to and had so much fun with over the last few years. We love you! Here are just a few pics from our last few weeks in Provo.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
2 months and lots of stuff later
Wow, time flies. I will try to briefly summarize our last 2 months, but they have been fun and busy, so this post may turn out to be a short novel, with the chapters somewhat in or out of order and TONS of pictures.
Chapter 1: Shingle Springs
I drove out to Shingle Springs, CA (near Sacramento) with my parents to visit my sister Jenni and her husband Dustin. The area is beautiful and peaceful, dense with trees and past
ure land for horses. We went horseback riding, hiking by the river, had a hot dog roast over a bonfire, and most importantly, . . . Jenni is pregnant. She is scheduled to have a baby girl on Dec 21. I can't wait! Jenni and Dustin will be awesome parents!
Chapter 2: Good Old Friends.
My old buddy Kris was in town for work. It is to Kris that I owe my love for mountain biking because he is the one who convinced me to take a mountain biking class when I had never even contemplated the sport before. Appropriately, we attempted to go biking on the Ridge Trail, my favorite trail of all time. Unfortunately the road to the trail head was still closed, my bike decided to brake (meaning that I rode with the brakes on for the entire hour and a half ride), and our ride ended up somewhat in shambles. Luckily we were still able to bike up the canyon road and enjoy the beauty of the mountains in the spring.
Chapter 3: Congratulations Joe!
Joe finished and defended his thesis. After ridiculous amounts of ridiculous formatting changes, Joe was finally given the okay . . . you can be done now. Although he technically doesn't graduate until August, he has received his letter of completion and has been on the job hunt ever since. We had a fun dinner and ice cream with family and friends celebrating the completion of his work.
Chapter 4: American Fork Canyon
We had a weinee/mallow roast up AF canyon with Joe's family. His parents, brother, sister, and their families (including 9 nieces and nephews) were all there. It is always fun to enjoy the beauty and peace of the mountains. The proximity of the mountains is absolutely my favorite thing about living in Utah.
Chapter 5: Happy Anniversary!
Joe and I have been happily married now for 4 years. I love you babe!!!
Chapter 6: Havasupai
We made a last minute decision to go to Havasupai with our friends Jared and Rachel. I think pictures speak louder than words in describing this trip. It was a beautiful and exhausting hike, followed by the great reward of beautiful waterfalls, swimming, cliff jumping and camping out in what we somewhat affectionately named hobo village.
Chapter 7: Happy Independence Day!
We traveled to Idaho Falls for the biggest fire work display west of the Mississippi. We ran the customary Fireworks 5K, watched the oh so impressive IF parade, and then really enjoyed the fireworks, all the while looking forward to the next week because . . .
Chapter 8: Welcome Home Jeffrey!!
Chapter 9: Kayaking
Jenni and Dustin brought 8 kayaks to Idaho with them from California; we had a couple of fun kayaking trips while we were up in Idaho. The first was out to Rirey Reservoir to shore up our kayaking skills. We were able to find some rocks to jump from had a fun, relaxing day, soaking up some sun (which was very much needed as you may surmise from our overly white bodies) and practicing with the paddles.
For the second trip, we paddled 10 miles of the Snake River, found more jumping rocks, and had some more fun, still practicing for the real trip (which I will just have to write about next time, because this novel is coming to a close).
Finally, after tons of fun (with more yet to come, of course) and for better or worse, we are back in Provo with life continuing pretty much as normal.
Chapter 1: Shingle Springs
I drove out to Shingle Springs, CA (near Sacramento) with my parents to visit my sister Jenni and her husband Dustin. The area is beautiful and peaceful, dense with trees and past
ure land for horses. We went horseback riding, hiking by the river, had a hot dog roast over a bonfire, and most importantly, . . . Jenni is pregnant. She is scheduled to have a baby girl on Dec 21. I can't wait! Jenni and Dustin will be awesome parents!
Chapter 2: Good Old Friends.
My old buddy Kris was in town for work. It is to Kris that I owe my love for mountain biking because he is the one who convinced me to take a mountain biking class when I had never even contemplated the sport before. Appropriately, we attempted to go biking on the Ridge Trail, my favorite trail of all time. Unfortunately the road to the trail head was still closed, my bike decided to brake (meaning that I rode with the brakes on for the entire hour and a half ride), and our ride ended up somewhat in shambles. Luckily we were still able to bike up the canyon road and enjoy the beauty of the mountains in the spring.
Chapter 3: Congratulations Joe!
Joe finished and defended his thesis. After ridiculous amounts of ridiculous formatting changes, Joe was finally given the okay . . . you can be done now. Although he technically doesn't graduate until August, he has received his letter of completion and has been on the job hunt ever since. We had a fun dinner and ice cream with family and friends celebrating the completion of his work.
Chapter 4: American Fork Canyon
We had a weinee/mallow roast up AF canyon with Joe's family. His parents, brother, sister, and their families (including 9 nieces and nephews) were all there. It is always fun to enjoy the beauty and peace of the mountains. The proximity of the mountains is absolutely my favorite thing about living in Utah.
Chapter 5: Happy Anniversary!
Joe and I have been happily married now for 4 years. I love you babe!!!
Chapter 6: Havasupai
We made a last minute decision to go to Havasupai with our friends Jared and Rachel. I think pictures speak louder than words in describing this trip. It was a beautiful and exhausting hike, followed by the great reward of beautiful waterfalls, swimming, cliff jumping and camping out in what we somewhat affectionately named hobo village.
Chapter 7: Happy Independence Day!
We traveled to Idaho Falls for the biggest fire work display west of the Mississippi. We ran the customary Fireworks 5K, watched the oh so impressive IF parade, and then really enjoyed the fireworks, all the while looking forward to the next week because . . .
Chapter 8: Welcome Home Jeffrey!!
My little bro returned from his mission to Brisbane Australia. We met him at the airport, teased him about his Aussie accent, and spent a wonderful week in Idaho with my family, playing frisbee golf, eating good food, listening to Jeff play his didgeridoo, and staying up all night talking. One evening we drove to Jackson, WY and ate at Bar J Wranglers. Basically, it was just awesome to have everyone together for a week (I guess the last time that happened, was oh, about 2 years ago).
Chapter 9: Kayaking
Jenni and Dustin brought 8 kayaks to Idaho with them from California; we had a couple of fun kayaking trips while we were up in Idaho. The first was out to Rirey Reservoir to shore up our kayaking skills. We were able to find some rocks to jump from had a fun, relaxing day, soaking up some sun (which was very much needed as you may surmise from our overly white bodies) and practicing with the paddles.
For the second trip, we paddled 10 miles of the Snake River, found more jumping rocks, and had some more fun, still practicing for the real trip (which I will just have to write about next time, because this novel is coming to a close).
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