.:Six in the a.m.:.

What was I doing at 6:00 this morning? Helping Josh push the Accord out of the driveway so that he could take the Pathfinder to work. Accord won't start.

Seriously....when does it end?!?!

We've been so happy not having car payments, but I guess the trade off is the upkeep for having older cars. It doesn't really make sense to buy a car when we're about to start living on loans, but that option is sure looking pretty nice right about now!

.:Cavichi:.

A couple of weeks ago, Reece had the opportunity to be in a photo shoot! My brother follows a local photographer's blog, and told me about it when she had a casting call for babies to model for the Cavichi company. It's one of those things where of course you think your own baby is the most beautiful in the world, but will someone else think they are cute enough to do it? I didn't honestly expect much to come from it, but they picked Reece to be one of the babies!

I was a little worried about it because it was right during Reece's usual morning nap time. She slept a little in the car on the way there, but didn't get much of a nap in. It went okay. Reece started getting a little crabby. I think part of it was due to not getting her nap in, and the other part of it was due to there being a lot of people and kids all over the place at the studio, so it was kind of overwhelming for her. The photographer was really great, and the lady from the company was really great, and it was just kind of a fun experience. We didn't get paid for it with money, but have the option of purchasing prints of the photos or getting product from the company. Tonite we finally got the email with a link to view the pictures. We were waiting on that before we decided what to do.

So all in all, kind of a crazy day for us, but it was fun and something to remember. The lady from Cavichi said she wanted to keep in touch for future photo sessions. We'll see if they really ever call us back after how Reece was! :)

If you want to check out the pictures, go to Simplicity Photography's website. Click on kids, then on clients. The password is cavichi. You can view Cavichi's products in the pictures, or you can also see their products here. There aren't a ton of pictures of Reece, but all of hers are towards the beginning.

.:Nine Months:.

Our baby is nine months old. What?!?! It just keeps going by faster and faster. Here are the stats from Reece's nine month checkup:

WEIGHT: 16 pounds 2 ounces - 9th percentile
HEIGHT: 28 1/4 inches - 76th percentile
HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE: 17 1/4 inches - 47th percentile

So apparently, our baby is a worm! I really thought that her percentile was going to go up from her last appointment (she was in the 10th) because of eating solids and having formula now. But, she just has a great metabolism! She doesn't really look like a skinny little worm - she has a little belly, some respectable rolls on her thighs, and even a nice surprise package! But she got a clean bill of health, and she's growing and happy, so that's all that matters! Her pediatrician also said that he can see her two front teeth just under the surface, so I expect those will be making an appearance soon! We've thought they might be on their way in for awhile now.

At nine months Reece loves:

- Smiling
- Laughing
- Imitating sounds
- Blowing raspberries with her tongue (especially after having a drink of water or formula!)
- Crawling
- Talking
- Reading books
- Playing with toys: ball popper, cell phone, ring stackers, phone rattle, fish, keys
- Eating: beans, string cheese, noodles, mandarin oranges, yogurt, oatmeal, chocolate graham crackers, vanilla wafers, bread - pretty much anything!
- Making silly sounds
- Watching T.V.
- Baths
- Going for walks
- Mom's jewelry
- Head butting
- Being naked
- Kicking her legs
- Pulling up on to her knees
- Watching the fish
- Watching candles
- Buckles (car seat and stroller)

At nine months Reece doesn't like:

- Having her face wiped off
- Having her nose wiped


She is just the best baby in the whole world, and I don't know how we got so lucky! We couldn't have asked for a sweeter, cuter girl!

Here are a few pictures of our pretty baby! (Don't mind me being in a couple!)








Don't mind the food spit up all over her shirt in this one! Seems to happen a lot these days now that she's mobile!

.:Reading List:.

I got a few book recommendations from this blog, but I'm looking for more!

What are some of your favorite reads, or what are you planning to read this summer?

.:Hello:.

How can you not just want to kiss that sweet little face all over?

.:This Week:.

Here is what I am looking forward to this week:

- Reece's 9 month checkup (I can't believe I almost have a 9 month old!)
- Volunteering at the Oquirrh Mountain temple with Josh
- Date nite with Josh (maybe??)
- Hanging out with Natalie
- Hanging out with Britney
- Book club
- Working on some crafts!
- Working out
- The rain being gone....finally! Hooray for warm weather!

Happy Monday!

.:Father's Day:.

I'm a day late with this post, but better late than never!

Josh is just the best dad to Reece! He adores her so much, and can't get enough of her. She always is so excited to see him when he comes home every day. He was out of town this past week, and before he left, it was almost like she knew he was leaving because she was just following him around the house as he was packing to go! He always makes time for her, even after his long days at work. I so appreciate how willing he is to be involved with her and to help me with her! He also works so hard to provide for our family, which allows me to stay home. We didn't really know how it was going to work out, but I'm glad that he was willing to have faith that we were making the right choice. He is also so spiritually minded. He helps me to be a better person, a better wife, and a better mother. Josh is just a great husband and a wonderful father, and Reece and I are both so blessed to be a part of this family!

I also have my dad to be appreciative of. Growing up, he was super busy (still is!) but he always had time to come to all of our concerts, games, and recitals. He showed us that family is important. He worked hard to provide for us, and always showed us and my mom that he loved us and cared about us. I didn't always make that easy! :) He has always been such a great example of what I was looking for in a husband and father.

And of course, my Heavenly Father. He is so mindful of me. I have just been having a tough time these past couple of weeks dealing with the stresses and frustrations in my life, but I have felt as though I was being watched after. He has helped to remind me to just take a deep breath, and take it one day at a time. I feel so grateful that He has chosen to bless me with such a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter, and both of our great families.

We had a nice Father's Day. I got Josh the most boring, cliche father's day gift out there: a tie! BUT he asked for it, so I guess that is okay! He was looking for a black and white tie, and I found a nice one at Kohl's that he loved. I was surprised because I'm not usually the greatest at guessing what his kinds of things he would like. I always think I have it figured out, and then I end up being wrong! We also had his family over for dinner. I smoked up the house frying up the tortillas for the carnitas, but it turned out great. It is always nice to spend time with everyone! Reece was all over the place, showing off her crawling and being a crazy little baby! It was a great day!

Happy (late!) Father's Day!

.:Spread the word:.

Many of you know that I started a craft blog recently to share the projects that I'm working on. I'm considering starting to sell some of my stuff, but am not really sure how much of an interest there is out there. So, I decided to have a giveaway on my blog and see what happens! It's kind of a tricky thing, because I like what I make, but I don't really know if other people will think it's all that great! But anyway, check it out, and spread the word. Even if it doesn't amount to much for me, who doesn't like free stuff???

Give me the goods!

.:Crawling Baby:.

Here is our sweet girl crawling! She's still kind of wobbly, as you can see, but she is getting there! I imagine she'll be pretty efficient within the next week or so! I can't believe we have a crawler! Time to babyproof! (Sorry, there are two videos!)

.:This Week:.

Here is what I'm looking forward to this week:

- Hanging out with Sarah and Stacy today
- Seeing Natalie sometime this week???
- Going to the doctor (okay, not totally looking forward to this, but at least I'll be able to cross it off my to-do list)
- Craft group!
- Working out
- Weather getting warmer (I hope! Rain, rain, go away!)
- Getting Josh's Father's Day stuff ready (Any ideas, anyone? I'm still open to suggestions!)
- Reece getting better at crawling (Yep, she's starting to move. Pretty clumsy still, but I'm pretty sure she'll be getting efficient in the next week or so! Yikes!)
- Celebrating Josh's first Father's Day! He is such a great dad!
- Super Saturday for enrichment!

What I'm not looking forward to:

- Josh going out of town for three days :(

Happy Monday!

.:Decision Time:.

Josh made a decision!

He will be starting the radiologic technology program this fall! He just felt that it was a better fit for him all around. I had a feeling this was what he was going to pick! There were so many pros (and cons!) either way, so it was a tough call. Ultimately, he figured that with either degree, he would have to do three years to get his bachelor's. If he ended up not liking nursing, he would have to go back to school for three years to do the rad tech program. If he does rad tech to start with, and ends up not loving it, then the U has a fast track program that he could get his nursing degree in one year. So, he thought that was the better option, especially since he was already leaning towards rad tech.

So that's where things stand for us!

I know I already said it, but I am so proud of Josh and how hard he has worked! He is so amazing!

.:Smart Hubby:.

I have the smartest husband! Josh found out a couple of months ago that he was accepted in the radiologic technology program, starting this fall. He had also applied to IHC's nursing program, but didn't really expect to get in. Well, we found out on Monday that he was also accepted into the nursing program!

This has thrown Josh for a loop, as can be expected. He thought he had already decided what he was going to do for a career, so it is kind of a surprise to be deciding again. I know it is stressing him out, and I feel really badly for that.

I think that it is such a blessing that not only does Josh have TWO jobs in this economy, but now he has TWO choices for a future career. It really makes me feel that the Lord has been mindful of us, and knows that we are doing our best to live right. It is really a credit to Josh and how smart he is and how hard he works that he has accomplished this. I'm so proud of him, and feel so grateful to be married to such a great man. I know that whatever he decides will be the right decision for him and for our family. Either are great careers and he will be awesome at whatever he chooses. Reece and I are lucky to have him as the head of our home, and taking care of us!

We love you Josh!

.:Family Fun:.

This weekend was filled with family time. Saturday we had a family party in Grantsville with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Reece was an absolute doll, and had fun playing on this little toy with her cousin Millie.

Sunday we headed over to my aunt and uncle's house to have dinner with their family, as well as my grandparents, who were in town visiting from Arizona. Reece was a little crabby, but she hung in there! She had her first taste of pork and seemed to like it! We also learned she is just like her mama, and the other Stewart women, when she snatched a piece of watermelon off of Josh's plate and went to town! Here is a picture of Reece with her Grandma and Grandpa Great!

.:Sometimes:.

Do you ever sometimes feel like the world is against you? Lately, I've just felt like everything in my life is working against me. From the big things - our car being in the shop and costing us money we don't have, to the not as big things - like not being able to lose weight and having skin like a teenagers, to the small things - like the hanger getting stuck when I'm trying to hang up my clothes and stubbing my toes! I've just felt like things will not go my way! My church calling has been taking up lots of time - which is nothing new - but just the combination of everything had me close to a breakdown last week.

Yesterday at our welfare meeting, our bishop closed the meeting talking about how the adversary targets us, as leaders, and tries to make us get discouraged with ourselves. He encouraged us to 'fight the good fight' and that even though things aren't always easy, they are always worth it. Trials are what helps our faith to grow. It was just what I needed to hear. I can't say that these things aren't going to keep bothering me - they probably will! But it was good for me to have someone help me re-direct my energies on the things in my life that are blessings - there are tons of those, too! I have the best husband, the cutest, sweetest little girl, great families on both sides, great friends, and we're healthy and happy and together. Lots of people can't say the same, and I need to remember to be grateful for those things, instead of focusing on the negatives.

.:This Week:.

This is a busy week!

Here is what I'm looking forward to this week:

- Birthday lunch for Stacy
- Crafting with Natalie
- Hanging with Britney
- Going to the temple open house with Josh!
- Getting the pathfinder back
- Working out
- Having a date nite with Josh....maybe???? (We've been trying to have one the past two weeks but it just hasn't happened quite yet!)
- Subbing on Friday at my old school (don't like being away from Reece, but at least I get to see my old students!)
- We have an exciting opportunity on Thursday, but I'll post more about that after it happens.

Happy Monday!

.:Surprise:.

So, I just put Reece down for her afternoon nap before we head out to our family party. Lately, when she is sitting up, she can get herself down to her tummy or a crawl position. Well, I just put her down on her back. I looked on the monitor a few minutes ago, and she was, as usual, on her tummy/rocking on her hands and knees. Well, I just loooked up a second ago and she had somehow pulled herself back into sitting position! Who knew? I think this is the beginning of some new sleep disruptions! Good thing we lowered her crib last weekend!

.:No Way:.

Remember how we spent a lot of money on our car last week?

The check engine light is back on.

You've got to be kidding me.

.:Fun with friends:.

Reece and I are lucky to have some good mama friends and good baby/toddler friends that we get to spend time with. Here are a few pictures of some of our favorite friends. (We're missing a couple, so sorry to those mamas/kiddos!)

Here is Reece and Dawson. Sarah (Dawson's mama) and I have been waiting for the day they could sit side by side in the cart together. It's so cute! (They even hold hands when we go on walks in the stroller!)

Here is Reece with her friend Luke. We get to see Luke close to every week or every other week on average. He's such a cutie!

And here is Reece with cute Lilly. We haven't seen Lilly a ton, but we plan to these next few months before she moves away. (In fact, we're going over to play today!)

.:Waving:.

Here is Reece waving. She doesn't totally associate it with the word 'waving' and won't do it on demand - in fact, she does it a lot of the time for no reason! But it's still super cute! We're proud of her first 'trick'!

.:Lately:.

It's hard to believe that it is already June! When did that happen? Time is going by way too quickly.

This past Saturday was the Youth Temple Celebration. Words can't even describe how incredible it was! About 7000 youth from our temple district (Oquirrh Mountain) participated, and I think close to the same participated for the Draper temple district. Each stake had a dance that they learned, and the youth had the opportunity to choose between doing the dance or being in the choir. It has been a lot of time for these kids and the leaders, and while I admit I grumbled about it sometimes, I feel so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to participate. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. While I was watching it on Saturday nite, I was just so overcome with the Spirit. I don't think there was probably a person in the whole conference center who didn't feel it. I kept thinking how empowering for these youth to know that there were 7000 other kids there who had made the same committments that they had - to take the time to prepare and come closer to the Lord by being a part of the celebration. When President Monson walked into the conference center, it was amazing the reverence that was shown to him. Softly, people started singing We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet. It was so touching. I feel so grateful to work with the youth, and to have been a part of this whole experience. If you ever get a chance to watch the DVD of the performance, you should! Josh and I have both received assignments to volunteer at the open house of the temple, which starts today. We get to be ushers! I'm really excited to fulfill that assignment - it's not often you get to live right by a new temple and be a part of everything!

The theme of the celebration was Come Up to the Mountain of the Lord, meaning come up to the temple. Thinking about the theme just made me reflect on how thankful I am that we have temples, and that we live in a country where we are free to practice whatever religion we choose. It is such a blessing to know that I will be with Josh and Reece, our future children, and all of our family members forever. I love my family!

Other than that, we spent some time with Sam and Nikki this weekend. Pizza and the Wii - doesn't get much better! (I really stink at Mario Cart). It is so nice to live close to them and get to spend time with them often. Reece sure loves them, and they spoil her rotten! Yesterday we had dinner with Josh's family. It is fun to see Reece and Millie together. I think once Reece gets mobile, they are going to be trouble!

Josh has started his two online classes for the summer. He is doing a great job at staying on top of his reading and assignments. I don't know how he balances two jobs and two classes, but I'm sure grateful for all of his hard work! Even though we'll be living on loans come this fall, I'll be glad for him to not have to be so crazy busy all the time!

Reece has learned how to wave! She is not consistent with it yet, but it is so cute. The first of many tricks I'm sure! She is really close to crawling, too. She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks. She's pretty good at scooting and rolling wherever she needs to be! She has already discovered the DVD rack and the wallflowers! We had to lower her crib this past weekend. She was good at reaching up and over the front railing of her crib! Silly girl! She is just such a cutie, I can't get enough of her!

So that's what's been going on in our little lives. Nothing too exciting, but sometimes that's pretty good!

.:This Week:.

What I'm looking forward to this week:

- Working out
- Warm weather
- Going on walks
- Reece waving more!
- Spending time with Josh - maybe date nite??
- Getting crafty with Natalie
- Seeing Britney
- Going to Sam's club with Sarah
- Getting back to normal with young women's
- Family party in Grantsville on Saturday

Happy Monday!