Here Comes the Bride...

Cordae and Preston are getting MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes my little sister is engaged as of December 22. We are excited to welcome Preston Stradling into our family. They are a perfect couple and meant for each other, even though Preston is from St. Johns, we still like him.

Swedyn is 1 month old today... time sure does fly. She is getting chubbier and growing every day. We love having her in our family, even at night we still love her when she doesnt want to go to bed till 1 or 2. She has been a good baby so far, she doesnt cry much only when she is frusterated with eating, we are still both learning it seems like. 1 month has gone by so fast, it seems I was just at the hospital having her.

Swedyn Punkin Love is 2 weeks

I love this little girl.. I try to take pictures of her when she is awake and alert, which is hardy ever, she sleeps ALL day.. She sure is fun to have and I want to brag and show her off non stop. ( those perfect little lips are to die for )

zzzzzZZZZ

Swedyn always has to have her hands out of the blanket when she sleeps. I am thinking this is how she was in my belly, she loves to sleep like this.

Don't Blink

My baby is already 1 week old. It seems like yesterday she came, it makes me kinda sad to think time is going by so fast, before I know it Swedyn will be 5. Being a mother is the best thing in the world, even waking up in the middle of the night is well worth it when I see her cute little face. Swedyn has been such a great baby, she eats, sleeps, poops and hardly ever crys. I hope it stays that way. I love when she is a awake and alert just looking around at everything new. We are still trying to figure out who she looks like, I think in person she looks more like me, but in pictures she looks like her daddy.

Swedyn Ann Vowell

7 pounds

20 1/2" long

Born 7:58 pm on November 20th

Our poor baby had to be on an iv and oxygen for 3 days.

How am I so lucky

Tomorrow, Yes Tomorrow our baby Swedyn will be here. I went to my last doctor app. today and I was dialated to a 5. How am I dialated to a 5 without having contractions? I am one of the lucky ones that have not felt them. (I think my body was made to have babies) The doctor called the hospital to try to get me in today, but there were alot of girls in there today, he said if any of them leave, the hospital will give me a call and let me know. Well the hospital called and said I could come in at 3:00 if I wanted to, but that option would probably leave me and the doctor up all night, soI decided I am staying with my 5:00 in the morning on Nov. 20th app. Hopefully I can make it till the morning though. He stripped my membranes, which mean labor could happen fast or stay the same. Anyways I am so excited for tomorrow, but also I have never been so nervous. I hope little Swedyn will come safe and be a healthy strong baby. I am so Thankful, Lucky, and truly greatful for this wonderful pregnancy.

One More Week!

Little Girl Swedyn is still warm and comfy in my belly, she does not want to come out. I have one more week, 7 days! I am waiting patiently for her to come. I wish she was here already, but I know she will come when she is ready. Scott and I went to the forest yesterday, which equals bumpy road and hiking with the dogs no progress though. I dont want to "make" her come. I want her to be healthy and ready to come when she wants. The next post will hopefully be beautiful pictures of our girl.

Swedyns Little Corner

Marla...Carol...Missy...Hera Ya go..Just for you.

Scott and I have the privalage of living in a 1 bedroom house, since it is only 1 bedroom we have to squeeze all of our stuff plus all of Swedyns stuff in the master bedroom. Swedyn has been given a corner of the room, and everything is crammed in there...she has alot of stuff. I wish I was able to have her own room and decorate it in all green and brown.. The ladies I use to work with have demanded me that by Monday that I post pictures of her room, it is still a little cluttered but it is getting there. . . . Only 2 more weeks till her due date.. She is coming early though, I can feel it....

Time on your hands

While I have been in Taylor with much time on my hands I have taken the hobby of making bows (thank you kacy for teaching me) and flowers for my little girls headbands, and someday hair ( I have a feeling she will be bald). I think she will have a hair accessory for every outfit she will ever own. My brother Trenton also made her name carved in wood in wood shop.

Our Freedom

I was blog hopping and came upon this post ( below ). I am not one to talk about politics or argue about them with people. But as I read this post, I was really touched. I hope on Tuesday that Americans will remember why we are FREE and why we are able to vote, and make the right decesion. Thank you Jill for your words.

The task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you.
I read many blogs, not just the average "mommy blog" talking about what they made for dinner last night {even though they are my fav!}. I read all kinds, even political ones. I want to get lots of opinions and facts from people of all walks of life. Just the other day I read a long blog exploit about how its such a great thing to NOT vote as our fathers have voted "way to not vote like your daddy" were the words, I believe. At first I was like, ya, way to be a thinker! But as the days go by and the election draws near, I have this thought that keeps entering my mind. Our FATHERS, our "daddys", thier fathers and thier fathers before them made our country. The freedoms they knew we needed, the freedoms we wanted! People came and still come to AMERICA to have the freedoms our forefathers voted for, the freedoms our "daddys" gave us. As I get older, I realize it's us kids that always screw it up. I'm talking in generals here, there are things we need to vote on that our fathers didn't even have to consider. That's the world we live in. All I'm saying is that Inspired men, our fathers, drew up our constitution, our independence. Our father's fought for our right to be here, to write on our blogs. Our father's gave thier lives for us to vote like they did. So here's to us to think it's alright to vote like our daddys!So in this election, I encourage you to vote for what is right, not for what is most popular-even if it is voting like your daddy. Obviously, I'm a Republican {like my daddy} and although I'm not a fan of John McCain, I do feel STRONGLY that voting for him is a much better option. Barack Obama has too many secrets, too many questions avoided. He's too popular, and that's always a red flag to me. When other countries are telling Americans who to vote for, when celebrities are telling us who to vote for {most of which don't even live in reality....} it should send up a RED flag to anyone with a brain. American is the greatest county, leave if you think it's not. I can't tell you how passionate I am about my right to vote, and about my right to tell anyone who I'm voting for and why. The values that made our country, the values of our fathers is who I'm voting for. I'll never vote for anyone who wants to take away our indepenence and make us dependent upon the government. That's why our forefathers came here in the first place, Independence.

There's my rant. I'm not much to make an argument and I'm sure just about anything I say can be torn to shreds in a second, but I'm happy to have the right to say it.

Also....

My brother Rustin sent our family a talk given my Boyd K. Packer, he talks alot about the world we are facing in the future. ( It is long, but worth reading, I cut some of it out to make it shorter)

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesSpeaking at the Forest Bend Ward, Salt Lake City UT Sunday, October 12, 2008'

Even though I regularly have the opportunity to attend Fast and Testimony meeting, I don't usually stand to speak. But today, I feel moved upon by the Spirit to share a message.Last weekend's General Conference was different than any before. We felt that down at Church Headquarters and have been talking about it all week. We live in troubled times. There is great financial crisis and we've seen something that hasn't happened in the last 60 years: the world's financial markets are collapsing. I was six years old when the Great Depression began: the 10th of 11 children. My father was a mechanic and times were difficult for all of us. Many familieswere suddenly out of work all at once.

In the Great Depression, people were frightened and growing more so. They began to be very resourceful. They had to be. Looking forward, we're all going to learn that lesson, one way or another.The Church is in excellent condition. You don't need to worry about that. But as individuals we will face difficulty. Some will come to the Bishop seeking financial aid and counsel.

Learn to apply the old Pioneer adage - 'Eat it up. Wear it out. Make do, or do without.' We're going to have to learn to do without. Again, 'Eat it up. Wear it out. Make do, or do without.'Even if we have the resources, we need to do more to be thrifty. Others will rely on us. The Church will rely on us. It is our responsibility and duty to be caring for ourselves, our family,and those around us. Be watching for need. Set something by that we can be of help to others when the time comes. Trust in the counsel of our wise elders/older people.

Those who need our help may not always ask us.It's about time the Lord taught us a lesson. A great catastrophe is coming. Now I probably shouldn't say that because then it will happen. But it is going to happen. That's what it will taketo turn our hearts to the Lord. And we will learn from it.Our prayers will be different, less selfish. The scripture says 'If ye are prepared, ye need not fear.' Renew your prayers. You can [also] think a prayer. Carry a prayer in your heart throughout the day. Learn to pray for that which is of worth. Another scripture says '.do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.' (2 Nephi 9:51) That can be applied both spiritually [to prayer] and physically. Use what we have. If something is broken, fix it. Our young people are going to see different times than what they are used to. To you teenagers, your life will be different. Things are changing. You will have todo without some of the things you are used to expecting. Don't be afraid. Change your life to do without the extravagances and luxuries that you've expected.Learn to pray. There's a difference between `saying prayers' and praying. A wonderful time is coming - it's not going to be easy, and it's not going to be short. But don't be afraid. It's an apostolic calling to teach the gospel to every nation, people and tongue. They'll know what to do and will lead and counsel where they are called.Take care of what we've got. Begin to save. The rainy day is coming. Reset our expectations. Give up selfishness. Wickedness is all around us. In today's world, it's not safe for children to be outside alone. We need to be ever watchful. We need to protect ourselves from the wickedness, avarice, and greed in the world.Read the scriptures and the revelations. The guidance and counsel are there. Read with new eyes, and the scriptures, the Book of Mormon, will take on new meaning.

As President Bush and world leaders gather in the coming week and the weeks ahead, there will be no easy answers or solutions. Hard times are ahead and it's difficult for them to see what to do. It's important to listen to the Sprit. We are led by prophets and apostles. We can see ahead. We can be and are prepared.I pronounce upon you an Apostolic blessing. Comfort our children. Little children can be afraid of things we might not think of. Comfort them and strengthen our families. Turn off the television and focus on family. Pay your tithing. The promise is there - pay your tithing and you'll be watched over. You'll be alright. None of us is exempt from trials. If hard times come upon you and your income dwindles, remember that tithing is equitable for everyone: 10%. If you have nothing, then it's 10% of practically nothing. Pay your tithing, do what you're supposed to do. You'll be comforted.Sure trials will come. Because of them, faith will increase. Happiness will increase. Security will increase. You'll be glad to be alive at this time. It's a good time to be living. To be raising children. I leave this testimony, counsel, and blessing with you in the holy name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.'

Happy Halloween

My Hump, My Lump, My Lovely Baby Bump.

I am 36 weeks this week! 4 more weeks and I will be a mom. I went to my weekly app. yesterday and found out I am already dilating and thinned 75%. The doctor said the app. next week is going to be very interesting, she did ask if my mom went early with her kids, which means she thinks I am going to have her early, she said my body is getting ready and I should have an easy delievery.. hopefully... this pregnancy has been a charm so far, so hopefully it stays a charm till she is here. I couldn't be more grateful for feeling so good these past 8 months. Being Pregnant has been the best experience I have ever been through. I was truly amazed as I was going through my belly pictures and seeing the miracle of my baby growing. I sure am going to miss feeling her kicking and nudging me all the time, but then again I get the kicking and nudging hands on soon.

5 more weeks till Swedyn will be here!!!!

Los Angeles Fires

More than 2,000 firefighters battle the Sesnon fire in Porter Ranch and the Marek fire .

The twin fires in Los Angeles have already claimed two lives and 49 structures, prompting authorities to suggest a hair-raising worst-case scenario -- that one of the blazes, which began near Porter Ranch, could burn all the way to the Pacific Ocean about 15 miles away.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-wildfires15-2008oct15,0,95467.story

Why you ask would I be posting this...

My love Scott left this morning to spend up to 2 weeks fighting the wildfires near L.A. He received a call last night from the Show Low fire cheif saying they need him to leave in the morning with 2 other guys from the SLFD. We were both freaking out. Scott was freaking out because he was so excited, you would of thought this kid won the lottery or something, he was so excited to go, he even is giving up his deer hunt with his 2 brothers. I on the other hand was at a doctor app. when he told me the news and I bawled the whole time, my doctor is AWESOME and said though he cant replace my husband he is there for me if I need him. I am so scared for a couple reasons, fighting a fire of course is dangerous, I know he will be safe and protected, but it is still a scary thought that he will be so close to a huge wildfire, I am scared that I am 34 weeks pregnant and I need to stay calm and not worry or I am putting my baby in danger. Everyone please keep all the firefighters and people in L.A in your prayers, there is alot of people being evacuated from there homes and leaving behind alot.

Swedyn's Shower

Today was Swedyns baby shower.. I am truly blessed with wonderful freinds and family. I am lucky to have all of them in my life. Thank you to all who have given there talents and gifts to my baby. Thank you to my neighborhood girls, my wonderful Whitton office girls, Friends, and family. Swedyn is one spoiled girl already.

( Belly Shot )

So Long Sweet Summer { 31 Weeks }

Summer is officially gone, it is now fall, and fall is totally in the air. Mornings and nights are becoming sweater weather, which will soon be jacket weather, and I am not a Winter person. My winter baby will soon be here in 2 months or 9 weeks..AHHHH, atleast I will have a good excuse to stay inside all the time. This summer was kind of a bummer for Scott and I we really didnt do anything at all, No camping, No lakes, No beach, No traveling, total bummer..but life has been busy with many changes.

I am now in single digits for weeks left till little Swedyn is here...9 weeks!

9 reasons I LOVE being pregnant.

9. Eating-its a lie saying you "have to eat for 2" I honestly dont think that matters, but you get away with eating more anyways...

8. Shopping, Decorating -for the baby room

7. Attention- I am the last person in the world that wants attention drawn to me, but being pregnant brings so many comments and looks which brings me talking about my baby which I love

6. Taking life easy for 9 months

5. Chosing a name. Swedyn Ann Vowell- I love wierd/unusal names, and my brother Rustin is on a Mission in Sweden, so I thought it would be perfect to name my little girl after her uncle in a way.

4. Buying, Making baby girl stuff- Girls have so many accessories

3. I love my belly- I think this will be the only time those words will be said.

2. Hearing my babies Heartbeat, feeling her kick and move

1. Creating a human life for 40 weeks.

{Life is a miracle}

My bun in da oven

30 weeks

I cant believe I am already saying this...but I only have 10 weeks left...

10 weeks is nothing...

So far everything is going GREAT, I have nothing to complain about, I have found out I am a very lucky Pregnant girl... my back is a million times better after not sitting in an office chair 8 hours a day which makes my days alot better. Swedyn is growing every day, I can tell, the kicks get a little stronger, and my belly is getting a little bigger every week. I have been bored....so bored so I have been spending my free time making bows and flowers and headbands for my little girl, I think she is going to have millions by the time I am done.

Scott and I are almost all moved in to our new pad, and I will post more about that later, But we are excited to be here, and life is alot different than the rush of the valley.

Boys will be boys..

Labor day fun.... Scott and my brother Trenton went Dove hunting a couple miles away from my parents house, the proud boys shot 10 poor little birds and enjoyed every second of it. Scott took our lab with him and she would retreive the birds after they were shot, Scott loves training his dog to do stuff like this. Scott is loving living in a small town where he can go do stuff like this anytime he wants.

My Little Nudger.. My Swedyn

My little girl is moving like crazy, I can finally feel and see her from the outside of my belly. It has been so strong these last couple days, her legs have definition, I can feel her bones. I have a feeling I am creating a soccer player.. YAY.. or on the other hand the way my back is feeling I might have a half vampire half human growing inside of me and crushing all the bones in my back one by one. I love you Swedyn.

Finally...

It's official... Sept. 1st we will be living in Snowflake/Taylor..... For those that dont know, the title of my blog sums it all up in one word.......finally......

I have been living alone ( with my protective dogs ) since the middle of May, almost 3 months. Scott moved in with my parents to work part time with the Show Low fire Dept. in May, he had to be atleast 30 min. away in case they needed him to come in.. and until now I can finally say I am ready to leave my job and income and know that we will be fine up there. It's a hard and long process trying to get hired onto a fire dept. even small town fire depts. but I know this is Scott's dream and I love to support him in working hard to get that dream, even if we struggle. I am so happy to know that in a couple weeks I will have a full time husband instead of a weekend hubby. Being away from him sure makes me love him even more, I am so greatful for everything about him and everything he is doing for our family.

Next month I will post more about this BIG transistion, and post pictures of the place we will be living in.

I sure am going to miss all my freinds here in the valley....

( its too hot... )

24 Weeks! 24/40

Thank you to those who commented on my previous post, it has totally helped so far, and I hope you ladies can still give me some pointers and items that I should invest in.

I cant believe I am already 24 weeks, I still have a couple months to go, but at the rate time is going, I will have this little girl in no time. I am starting to get things ready, I want to be prepared, and I am shopping all the sales and deals I can. I love finding good deals and sales on baby items.

being pregnant is so much fun, even the wieght and double chins, not chin, chins is so worth it. It is such an amazing feeling to feel my little baby inside of my belly moving and kicking, life is truly a miracle, and I cannot wait to bring a little angel into this world.

ATTENTION:

IF YOU READ MY BLOG AND YOU ARE A MOM YOU MUST COMMENT

...................EVEN BLOG HOPPERS.................

Since I am having my first baby, I need to know " MOM MUST HAVES".

what saved your life?

what made things easier?

What are good brands?

Where to find good deals?

ect....

basically just anything I "need" to have for my new baby or for me..

I am down to less than 4 months, and it is coming faster than I know it.

I would love all the comments and advice pointers I could get, I have been reading books, but it is not the same. HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS-

We are having a........

It has been such an exciting day.. We were so nervous to find out what we were having, it makes the whole experience seem so much more real, we can now call "it" a her, and start shopping for the little girl... My mom and Sister Cordae were able to go with us to the ultrasound, along with Scott's Mom. When the doctor said it was going to be a girl we were so excited ( i wanted a girl ). The lady was 100% positive its a girl, our baby was not shy....

Scott already has this little girl wrapped around his finger, she is going to be daddy's little princess. -

7 days

ONE WEEK TILL WE FIND OUT....

IS SHE A GIRL..?

OR IS HE A BOY..?

I cant wait, I am already so nervous, so excited, and ready to shop....

check for update on 7/8 the news will be posted...being a mom is already exciting..

18 weeks & More

Today I am 18 weeks!

Wow time flies, but also it is going so slow. being pregnant is awesome, it is crazy to think that there is a little baby being created inside of me, I am starting to feel the little baby move and it is amazing, I cant wait till I can see and feel it more. I love to hear the heart beat also, I recorded it on my phone and listen to it many times a day, it is so cute, and so fast. I had a new niece born this past week, Ms. Brynn Aubrey Vowell, she is so cute and so tiny, I hold her and I cant believe I will have my own baby in 5 months, Ms. Brynn is going to to have to start teaching me how to be a good mom. As you can see in my ghetto taken by my camera stand picture I am starting to show a little, I want to start posting pictures so I can go back and look at the changes I will be going through. July 8 is the ultra sound to see if we are having a boy or girl, so everyone cast their vote.

*another ugly picture ( I had to take it my self- gag ) , but some have requested to see it. I chopped my hair off, which means Kiara is back. I realized I was always meant for shorter hair, I am glad I tried the long thing, but it wasnt me, and many people didnt reconize me with long hair. Scott loves my short hair, I kept my hair long for him because he "loves" long hair, but he decided my short hair was much hotter, oo la la.. I think in July I am going to go a little shorter.

Homemade Bedroom Set

Scott is so awesome let me tell you.

I am doing our master bedroom in shabby chic, we have had this door for a headboard for a while, and decided we needed something in our room to match the headboard. Scott worked at a cabinet shop so while he was there on his lunches he made a tv stand for our tv, and 2 night stands, we painted them the same color as the headboard and they are perfect, he even found the same looking doors to match the headboard. ( I still need to rough them up to look more like the door)
I am so happy with them, and it makes it better that Scott made them.

Thanks Scott your the best husband .

the headboard

( I have an obsession with doors and door knobs )

Tv Stand

Night Stands


..I cant wait till I have a baby to post about..