hey...we're always

put on a happy face

2012-01-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

I don't think we're the only parents who teach our babes things just to make us laugh. Our newest thing is anytime scar is crying or upset we say, "happy face!" and most of the time she'll stop what she's doing i.e. crying, whining, playing, and cock her head to the side and give a big old cheesy grin.

Happy Face! from Brianna Hokama on Vimeo.

elder smith

2012-01-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight I said goodbye to my nephew for 2 years.
this is the 2nd nephew i will have on a mission (his older sister is on a mission as well)
But this kid I am really going to miss. He is always there and willing to babysit, run errands, or just hang out with us/my husband.
He is heading into the MTC tomorrow and 8 weeks later will be flying out to serve an LDS mission in Fiji.
If I think about it too much i get emotional. Scarlet loves her cousin Sky.
I was Scarlet's age when my oldest brother left on his mission. We were just as close as Sky and Scar but when he got home I had no idea who he was. This makes me so sad for Scar...but we'll be writing him and make her look at pictures all the time.

All I have to say is that the church is true and it's completely worth it to let my family go for 2 years to share the amazing message.

We love you so much Elder Smith!

if I look sick, it's because I have been sick all day. lovely.

Christmas extends to January

2012-01-04T11:13:00.002-07:00

I have just not been into blogging lately. I decided not to take the Jet Blue job and have just been home with Scarlet all day every day and I just get so wrapped up in being a mommy/housekeeper/wife/cook. Skyler hasn't had school for a month and I'm dreading when Monday comes around and I go back to seeing him for only an hour or 2 each day.

The week before Christmas we had a Christmas party with Sky's family up at his sister Fallan's home.

3 of sky's 5 siblings.

Then the next week was Christmas eve. Every Christmas eve there is a big party at my dad's home. This is my favorite meal of the YEAR! All finger foods. A few of my siblings were out of town so the party was a little smaller than we were used to.

we walked in and Scar went straight for the pile of presents.

When we got home we opened our Christmas Pajamas and watched the Muppet Christmas Carol with our mugs of Pumpkin Spice hot cocoa. Does Christmas eve get better than this?

This was one of the only pics we got Christmas morning. Our tree looks dead because it is, absolutely dead.

Scarlet was really confused as to what was going on. She skeptically walked over to her bike. We talked her into trying it out while we pushed her around the kitchen. Then she walked over to the stroller, picked up the baby and threw it on the ground and then proceeded to push the stroller all around the house. We have since had to convince her that the baby is supposed to be in the stroller

After a while and after some breakfast (mostly because scar was obsessed with her stroller and bike) we began opening presents. Scar got impatient with the wrapping paper once she realized there were toys underneath it.

Since it was such a beautiful (not Christmassy) day, we went on a walk to try out the new ride.

this trike is pretty much the coolest thing. It grows with the baby. You can take off the stroller part and the safety bars on the side. Scar loves it.

We spent the day just our little family all day. I even made a Ham Christmas dinner all my myself with home made crock pot hot chocolate which was to DIE FOR. This was probably the happiest Christmas surprise the Mr got.

We both agreed that this was the best Christmas we have ever had. Mostly because I think because we had so much food all day :)

obsessed

2011-12-27T14:47:00.001-07:00

random post, and i'll post about christmas, but just had to share what I currently can't stop watching or listening to. I don't watch So You Think You Can Dance, but I was watching it with my nieces and saw this dance last season. I loved it! I kind of forgot about it until last night I wanted to show Sky.

Enjoy. I know i have...like 50 times. Scar has been going around the house singing "got you"...she loves watching it just as much as me.

The dance is a story about a guy who is left at the altar on his wedding day and his best friend comes to comfort him, he then realizes he's in love with her. Tender, right?

I am COMPLETELY in love with their costumes!

Merry Christmas Weekend

2011-12-23T16:20:00.002-07:00

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

this was almost 1/3 of the pictures on our christmas cards we sent out. But Scar wasn't looking
She was also originally supposed to be holding the Happy New Year sign...you can see how she handled that little task ;)

I have been touched this season, more than any other, by the love that Christ has for me and for each one of us.

I hope that the joy and love of our Savior is the center of your celebrations!

the dreaded 'NO!'

2011-12-05T12:55:00.001-07:00

It's official, Scarlet now knows what the word, "No" means and uses it...like all the time now. Sometimes its' cute. Sometimes, not so much.

25

2011-11-30T13:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Skyler's 25th birthday. He had mentioned he wanted me to plan out the whole day.
So, i did. Then he decided to go golfing first thing in the morning and it took forever. So we did away with my plans (after i may have been a little sad) and did whatever we wanted.
The Jastals were nice enough to watch the scar babe for us. Best part about Lisa watching Scarlet? We get adorable new pictures of our babe with her buddy Ashlynn.

This one is my fav! Scarlet loves to give kisses!

I love that they are starting to look the same age but are actually almost a full year apart

(Ashlynn-2, Scarlet-1)

While Scar was having what was I'm sure the time of her life, Sky and I went shopping, ate at Outback, and went to a movie.

Then we took off as a family to get a Christmas Tree. But due to some christmas tree stand complications we were unable to put up and decorate said tree. Still fun to actually have a tree, leaning up against our wall.

So happy birthday, my other half, you!

Thanks for being born 25 years ago. You've made my life a million times better just by existing.

Thanks for being the most optomistic and forgiving person i've ever met.

What lucky ladies Miss Scarlet and I are.

gratitude

2011-11-22T12:02:00.001-07:00

I have always struggled really being grateful for the things I have. I think this was because honestly I never ever went without when I was younger. I was a lucky kid and my dad worked hard to make sure I had everything I could possibly want. Things came so easily that I never took the time to realize how truly grateful I should have been for all I had.

I still catch myself not appreciating all I have been given. I look at my life and it truly is so blessed and yet I catch myself wishing for other things to happen. This is something I'm working on! Happiness truly is a result of gratitude! I know this and am trying so hard to apply it to my life! So, without anymore rambling, here's a simple list of random things I am grateful for:

A beautiful healthy family.

Diet Dr. Pepper

My sisters and sister in laws.

The job I just got working from home for Jet Blue Airlines (doesn't start until December 27)

amazing friends who, even when I tend to get anti social, are always there for me!

the moments when i realize that i'm doing OK at this mothering thing.

Scar's kisses & snuggles

a husband in school (love-hate thing)

my nieces and nephews who are some of my best friends

Skyler's days off

The Hunger Games being made into what looks to be a pretty awesome movie!!!

video chat on the iphone

nap time

that glorious happy time in between scar first waking up and her getting tired again.

I even forced Skyler to get in on this action:

Skyler here. So Brie is thinking I need to contribute to this blog now...I have a pretty generic list but these are things that really my life would be nothing without!

Brie

Scarl (my nickname for scarlet)

gospel

My job that i love

place to live

my gorgeous wife and daughter

My friends (some of which brie thinks i would run away with if i could)

School

Guns

Scarlet's cowgirl gear.

added by brie--------------->Killing defenseless animals

Happy Thanksgiving all!

almost 16

2011-11-18T11:30:00.001-07:00

I didn't do a milestone 15 month post for Miss Scar. But now she'll be 16 months in a few days. So this is the 15/16 month update on our beautiful rugrat:

She had her dr's appointment and is growing great. Except for making the nurse really uncomfortable after she gave Scar her shots the appointment went well. The nurse even said, "ok, her glare is making me uncomfortable, i'm going to step out." Don't mess with my babes, she'll stare you down! Scarlet is still on the taller side and average weight. She gets her height from her mum's side for sure!

I have to say that having a toddler is the one of the most fun I have had as a parent (in my whole 1.5 years) Scarlet is figuring out so many things it is so great to watch her learn new things every day!

Scar's new favorite thing is saying boo and having people scream. She will continue "booing" until she gets a scream from the other person.

Right now Scarlet says quite a few words. She's always been a bit of a talker. Some of the words she is saying are:

Ya (answer to every question you ask her)
Ewww (whenever i change her diaper or wipe her nose)

Bye bye

ni-ni-ni-night (she says it like that because i do)

bobbi (her binky)

mom

Brie

dad

Sky
all done (said with her arms raised above her head)

nose

eye

thank you (dank eww)

please (peas)

amen

Jace (my niece's boyfriends name...guess who taught her that one??)

Scar

boo

...and i'm sure there are more i just can't think of them.

Scarlet love animals. She loves carrying or snuggling any stuffed ones she has.

With being a toddler Scar is also very much a handful! She is everywhere!!! Makes me miss the baby phase sometimes but it's also so fun to see her little personality blossoming!

OUCH!

2011-11-07T13:35:00.002-07:00

Friday I had a little bit of an accident. I was getting ready to go workout and was leaning up against the wood part of our glass table putting on my shoes. Well our lovely miss Scarlet was having a little bit of a rough morning, she started walking over to me crying. I lost my focus and with one leg on the ground fell back into the glass part of our table. *CRASH!* Skyler came running in from the other room. I got myself up and told him,
"I think I might be cut."
"um, babe go out to the car now we're going to the hospital"
"K, let me pull my hair up and find some slip on shoes."
"Brie seriously, I'll get Scarlet, Just go out to the car now. You need stitches."
Realizing i was bleeding on the carpet i hurried and ran over to the kitchen.
I hate seeing blood! So I was afraid to look at my arm but I did, and oy, it was gruesome.
I walked out to the car. Sitting in the car i started to feel so lightheaded and realized my leg was soaked with blood too. Lovely.
Standing in the waiting room I was starting to shake and couldn't stand, finally they just let me go back while Sky finished the paperwork.
Skyler walked into my room and I noticed he was in such a rush to get us here that he didn't even put on shoes. Adorable barefooted kid.

I had a few little minor cuts on my back but only 2 major cuts that had to be stitched.

40 stitches (32 on my arm and 8 on my leg) later, i'm a whole person again. The cut on my arm is almost double the length of my c-section incision, haha.

Below was after they had stitched up my leg (there was a lot more blood before) I got up to go and blood just came pouring out...so it was back on the table for a few more stitches.

After we were done with the hospital room the Doctor joked he'd hurry and get someone in there to clean it all up because it looked like someone had been murdered with the blood every where. I am so grateful for the great a great doctor and nurse who made the 3 hours I spent being stitched up bearable.

We have some pretty gruesome before stitches pictures but I figured many people may not want to see all that. But seeing them does make you admire what a great job the dr did piecing my arm back together!

This is the infamous table now. I am in no hurry to replace that glass anytime soon. Scarlet keeps dropping things down the middle of it. It's her new game.

all hallows eve

2011-11-01T16:01:00.000-06:00

Most of our weekend was dedicated to celebrating Halloween.

We went to the Loveland Gal's halloween bash which was a couple's only party.

we went as old school vampires and ate and danced our little hearts out.

skyler was kind enough to let me even put makeup on him.

Have you ever put eyeliner and eyeshadow on your husband? It's one of those moments you'll cherish...like forever.

The next day we did another spooky dinner. It was even better and I was in charge of the desserts so I made owl cupcakes, spider cakes, and witch hat cookies (thank you pinterest!)...sadly i didn't have time to get pictures. But I have quite a few witnesses that will testify that I really did make them...promise!

On Halloween the Mister had to work until 7:30. Knowing that our teeny one wasn't going to want to go trick or treating that late we decided that Skyler would take his break from work and go with us for the trick or treating at the mall. On the way down to the mall miss Scarlet and I stopped by her Papa's house to trick or treat. We ran into a few other characters there.

We picked Skyler up from work and it was off to the mall trick or treat extravaganza!

Scarlet was a riot as soon as she figured out what was going on.

We couldn't stop filming her.

Scar would not let anyone touch her candy bag the rest of the night! It was quite an ordeal getting it away from her for bath time. She lasted all of 1 minute in the tub, screaming the whole time.

After Scar was fast asleep my niece Jordan and her boyfriend Jace (they're the best!) came over to babysit and we went with Morgan and Chantelle to the Haunted Circus.

sorry crappy picture

I feel like I celebrated Halloween to the fullest

and am now all "halloweened" out.

Bring on Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T11:41:00.004-06:00

Love,

The Cowboy,

The Indian

and our little papoose.

More pictures to come!

(This was our last minute costume since Scar's real costume didn't arrive in time, maybe we'll do taht one next year)

three, tres, trois, drei

2011-10-27T10:25:00.003-06:00

Tuesday was our anniversary. we were in st. george and having a marvelous time. my brother let us stay in a vacation home he owns. it was so nice to have our own pool and hot tub! we decided next time we stay there we'll have to invite other couples, we felt so wasteful with a whole 7 bedroom house to ourselves.

we have been married for 3 years!!! I really feel so blessed to have such a happy marriage. sure, we have our ups and downs but i would not trade what we have for anything! I love our love now, it's so much more real and comfortable than it's ever been.

We went hiking up Red Cliffs. Skyler found a crawdad and for some reason i was terrified it was going to pinch me, so i didn't take my eyes off of it. We said Hi to him then put him back where we found him.

On our anniversary night we went to Thriller at the Tuacahn. It was pretty amazing! I was terrified because before the show zombies were wandering around...i seriously loathe zombies.

This one made me laugh though, she was sooo good.

I was so glad to have a break with my husband. We won't linger on the fact that is was ridiculously hard to leave my baby for the first time over night. I missed her so much!

But the day before I left I made sure to take her to Barn Yard Boo at Thanksgiving Point.

I am just so glad Scarlet was so well taken care of by her Aunt Angie, Aunt Laurie, Aunt Lisa and Cousin Chantelle.

a duck says...

2011-10-14T10:10:00.000-06:00

so like a week ago we went to feed the ducks and fish at highland pond (previously mentioned already). The reason I am bringing this up again? Well, we taught miss Scarlet that ducks say, "Quack! Quack! Quack!"

Then the other day we went on a walk. We passed some horses. Scarlet starts saying, "cack! cack! cack!".

We get home and see the dog and scar starts telling the dog "cack! cack! cack!"

And every time she reads her big brown bear book all the animals say "cack! cack! cack!"

Am I a horrible parent that I think it's so cute and don't want to correct her? I mean a child can get along just fine in life without really knowing the correct sounds animals make, right?

does anyone else...

2011-10-06T13:38:00.003-06:00

want to become super craft-diy-chef woman whenever looking at Pinterest?

I am NOT a crafter or do it yourselfer. My first thought is always, "where can i buy that? I don't care what it costs as long as it's already made and ready to go."

but dang it Pinterest makes me want to create it all!

I am still new to Pinterest but I all the sudden find myself planning holiday parties too.

What has pinterest done to me?!

Note: i have yet to actual try to do something i've seen on pinterest. i have no crafting supplies, I guess I need to become familiar with Hobby Lobby ;)

on a completely other note: I have a pro-walker on my hands now people, i learned this as I chased her all around the Highland fishing pond on monday evening..it's just as awesome as we hoped!

Spooky Dinner

2011-10-03T15:03:00.001-06:00

October is here!

October is probably my favorite month of the year!

Starting with General Conference and then the celebration of halloween and beginning of the holidays

scary movies, haunted houses, {our wedding anniversary}, costumes...i love it all.

To kick off the Halloween season my brother invited us to his family's yearly tradition of Spooky Dinner.

Every October 1st they put out their halloween decorations together and then have a Halloween dinner. afterwards they watch The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and another scary movie.

We had such a good time!

We had to do it during the day time this year since the guys had priesthood session that evening.

This is a tradition Sky and I decided we are going to start for our little family and probably some friends next year!

Happy October to each of you!

just lucky

2011-09-26T20:57:00.001-06:00

you ever have those days or few days where you are just reminded again and again how lucky you are?

that was my sentiment all weekend long.

even when scarlet was being naughty...and we had to leave church. (sidenote: since scarlet has become mobile we have yet to last all 3 hours of church. if there is anything about this baby girl, it's that she does NOT like to be contained.)

I have so many reasons to be happy! I have really been struggling with life at times but really needed this reminder that life is still so good!

Another one of the reasons I really feel lucky is my opportunity to watch the general relief society broadcast. Especially president Uchtdorf's talk. I am sure many felt this way, but i really felt like this was a message I needed:

"Sisters, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love."

I cannot wait to listen to the rest of conference this weekend!

give the girl a hand!

2011-09-20T10:58:00.002-06:00

i must document that yesterday, Monday, September 19th at approximately 6:00 pm mountain standard time, my baby girl took her first steps all by herself!

Just shy of turning 14 months. It's been no surprise she has put off walking, she's kind of timid when it comes to taking physical risks.

I have been wanting this day to come not because I want my baby girl to grow up, but because i loathe how dirty she gets crawling on the ground all day.

So yay baby girl!

getting older doesn't have to be bad

2011-09-14T14:38:00.010-06:00

I had a birthday yesterday. And it was pretty fabulous.

Most of the time I am not a fan of my birthday. I just am kind of an awkward soul and don't know what to do with all the birthday attention.

But this birthday Skyler made the day for him and me.

We started our day at the Mount Timpanogos Temple and going out to breakfast.

We also went 4-wheeling complete with picnic!

Only a real man would sport his daughter's pink headphones

That night Sky had arranged for another babysitter for Scar. But since we had left her all day and I wanted her in on the birthday celebrations I decided I wanted to skip going out to a movie and just take her with us to dinner...I wasn't thinking.

We thought if we got her enough to do and eat she would be our little angel. Nope. Miss Scarlet has decided she no longer likes to have to sit in any place for more than about 2.5 seconds. So, after noodles, crayons, and water everywhere around our table and making our table neighbor laugh hysterically about our "adorable" 1 year old, we left the restaurant. (we tipped the waitress extra to help cover the clean-up of our table area)

We got home, put the naughty thing to bed, and cuddled up to watch Thor with my new minky blanket that sky gave me.

Sometimes I dig my birthday

life lately, according to my iphone

2011-09-06T19:19:00.002-06:00

This little thing i've seen done and I'm going to start doing it. I take so many pictures with my phone but they don't really warrant a whole post.

So this is our life as of late, according to my phone:

We've been spending quite a bit of time in the hospital for my mother. Luckily one of the days we were visiting Scar's cousin Emery was there so they could share an orange.

what having a girl is all about

2011-08-24T19:15:00.010-06:00

nope it's definitely not all the pink.

It's all about the pig tails!!

and my baby rocked them for the first time today!

I was such a proud mums.

I have dreamt of this day since the moment I was told Speck was a girl!

My little lovely grows hair just like her dad. As in, she grows a natural mullet.

But i won't cut it because mullet hair is better than no hair....I think.

Peectures

2011-08-18T21:48:00.001-06:00

Our lovely and amazing friend, Lisa Jastal asked us if we would do some family pictures so that she could try out a new spot for photos. I LOVE how these photos turned out.

We can't even choose which one we want to blow up for our wall!

We ended up with tons and tons of edited images! So enjoy the bajillion i have posted

If any of you needing a photographer, Lisa is doing this special for sessions booked in August and September in honor of her son, Aaron.

Thanks Lisa, you're pretty dang great

Another missionary!!!

2011-08-11T09:20:00.004-06:00

Holy cow I am on a roll at blogging lately!!!

One of my favorite people got his mission call yesterday: my nephew, Mr. Skyler M. Smith!

This will make 3 of my nieces and nephews out on missions.

Elder Chandler Allphin, who has been out over a year and is in Barcelona Spain right now.

Sister Whitney Smith, who has been out 6 months and is at the Mormon Batallion site in San Diego.

AND NOW.... Elder Skyler Smith is called to serve in.....

The Fiji, Suva mission speaking Fijiian. He reports to the MTC on January 11 2012.

When Sky gets home he and his sister Whitney will not have seen each other for 3 years!

I will miss this kid so much but he will probably be one of the best missionaries there ever was!

Weekend

2011-08-08T15:03:00.001-06:00

Last minute we went up with my Sister, Laurie's fam to stay for the weekend at their Park City condo.

{Park City= boating, lounging, shopping, eating and fishing}

Cole & Sienna had some fun playing with Scar's hair.

Ignore the bored face. Scarlet actually loved the boat this time!

This wasn't the worst of it. After this ride, we went again and Skyler started to fly off and grabbed me to take me with him. I wouldn't let go of the tube so we rolled the entire tube.

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Live every week like it's Shark Week!

2011-07-31T21:31:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again!!! SHARK WEEK on Discovery Channel! Oh what i would give to be able to sit in front of my TV all day this week to watch every single shark show they have.

Here is a few pictures of my little shark with her cousin Kai. Ahhh, these are the types of pictures they are going to LOOOVE when they are awkward teenagers.

Yeller Stone

2011-07-28T10:53:00.001-06:00

Our little family getaway ended up being to Yellowstone. My sister, Christina's fam happened to be going and invited us to share their campsite.

Skyler had never been.

I had last been when i was like 10 or something.

Scar slept almost the whole way there.

We camped up at West yellowstone and it was great! Except for the signs about bears all around. Does that freak anyone else out to pieces????? I was constantly on the lookout!

Here is an overload of pictures from the trip.

Day 1: Scar's birthday= lake time, shopping, and disgusting bbq dinner fixed by a pizza run later, baby covered in birthday cake, trying to clean said baby off before mosquitoes attack.

First night camping and she loved it. It's not very often that she gets to sleep with mom and dad.

Scar has now decided she likes to sit on her own, on the couch on her own chair, she's a big girl and wants to be treated as such.

Shopping for presents

This babes loved the 1st birthday cake time exactly like i knew she would.

Camping and trying to clean off little 1 year old was quite the challenge that included heating water up over the camp fire and wiping her down from head 2 toe all while she was still madly trying to get at the leftovers of the cake.

Day 2: Yellowstone Park, passenger window breaking = almost old faithful, scary water falls, and a picnic at the park with McDonalds.

My loves were kind of hard to wake up.

Day 3: layers of bug spray too much to handle, wife begs husband to find showers in town, pack camp, drive through yellowstone again on the way home, old faithful, paint pots.

Scar trying so hard to be patient waiting for Old Faithful.

the.end.

My 1 year old

2011-07-27T10:06:00.004-06:00

Seriously? I have a one year old? (as of July 23rd) I can hardly believe it.

Who would have thought that something so small could bring so much joy and love into your life?

Here is a little bit about Scarlet at 1 year old.

She doesn't seem close to walking at all. She finally started crawling when she was just shy of 11 months old. I was completly shocked because it really came out of nowhere. She wasn't even trying to crawl. Maybe that will be the same for walking?

Scarlet LOVES to eat. Whenever anyone has food she makes 'mmmmmhh' noises until that person shares. It can be embarassing sometimes when the person she's trying to get to share food is a complete stranger sitting next to you.

Scarlet is VERY social. She loves people. She loves being passed around by her aunts, uncles and cousins. Whenever we go somewhere with other kids she lets out a squeal. It's pretty much adorable.

Scar loves to say hi. When we are out grocery shopping or at church she will say Hi to random people and try to get their attention.

When skyler walks into the room or she's calling him she will sometimes say daddy and sometimes say Sky. I know I shouldn't teach her to call him by his first name but it's so darn cute.

***********************

Scarlet, mommy and daddy love you more than we ever thought we could love a little person. We thank the Lord every day that he sent your amazing little spirit to us. You bring such a light everywhere you go. Happy birthday my little love!

hiding

2011-07-19T10:11:00.002-06:00

This was me Sunday night. Wanting to hide thinking of the upcoming week of planning my almost 1 year old's party.

Then yesterday changed that.

First off, I have been planning a big party for Scarlet's first birthday.

She was going to have a little carnival themed party to be shared with her cousin Kai who turned 1 a month before.

I'm talking swimming, blow up water slides, carnival games, dunk tank, BBQ, and fireworks, and of course the adorable cake just for the babies to plow into.

well, all that changed.

I was stressing about the party because some things were just not working out.
I was stressing because some family members and friends were going to be out of town.
So after unloading on Skyler how upset I was that the party may not be the vision i had, he said we just shouldn't do the party.
What!? No 1 year old birthday party?! Scarlet will be scarred for life for sure.
But then, the Mr. brought up an even better idea,
"Let's just use the money we were going to spend and go on a little family getaway this weekend."
BEST>IDEA>EVER

Thoughts and Prayers

2011-07-13T16:04:00.001-06:00

We have a lot of catching up to do but this week has been consumed with thoughts and prayers for one of our favorite family's.

Our dear friends, Brandon & Lisa's baby boy Aaron returned to his Heavenly Father last Thursday. We were honored to be invited up to Primary Children's to see little Aaron and be there with the family. We are amazed at the strength of Brandon and Lisa. They have shown more faith than many would or could! We love them so and we are so glad that we all know that Aaron is their baby boy forever and that his journey doesn't end here!

Skyler is honored to be speaking at baby Aaron's funeral tomorrow. This is definitely one of those times when we are just so thankful for eternal families!

We love you baby Aaron!

Aaron's Obituary

remember that time we went to the rodeo?

2011-07-01T18:18:00.002-06:00

as mentioned before we hit up the strawberry days rodeo with some of our friends.

Miss Scarlet takes after her daddy and loved the rodeo.

Every time music came on Scar was up and dancing. We got video of her dancing but it won't upload. Just know, it was cute.

We had so much fun with the friends who came with us. We missed getting a picture of McKay and his date and Chris & Charisse together but we got Chris sporting McKay's cowboy hat:

Best part of the rodeo: The food for sure. I have been CRAAAVING a cheeseburger from strawberry days since we got home.

First dad's day

2011-06-19T13:07:00.004-06:00

Mr. Skyler Hokama is officially "milking" his first father's day celebration. It started with convincing me to go the Strawberry Days Rodeo last night and ever since then I've heard, 'Since it's fathers day...' escape his mouth more than once or twice.

but this daddy is totally and completely worth it!

Happy Father's Day

Skyler!

I am pretty sure that Scarlet knows how lucky she is to have you as her daddy.

Only you make her laugh so much it sounds like she's almost in pain.

I love that everyone tells me how much she looks like you...(but in a girly way.)

I love how excited she gets when she sees you are home.

Sky, I am so lucky that you are my baby daddy.
Thank you for being so loving and patient.
Thanks for letting me be home with our baby even if it means you are gone for school and work 12+hours a day. (We miss you like crazy!)
We just loves you so much!
Happy Father's day!

I also need to say a Happy Father's day to my Paps and all the other wonderful fathers out there!

Happy Father's day!

private no longa

2011-06-15T19:21:00.006-06:00

So, I decided my blog isn't going to be private anymore....for now. I keep changing my mind about it. For now i don't think I'm sharing more than I care that everyone knows. ...sorry, i'm so indecisive. Being private just means it takes longer to post on both blogs and to read blogs. i have to sign in and I don't have the patience

The fusing of 2 metals with a hot torch.

2011-06-06T15:46:00.000-06:00

That is how Webster's dictionary defines wedding. (quote for you Office fans)

Skyler's sister Dedee and her longtime boyfriend Tony got married on Saturday (june 4th)

The wedding was held up Settlement Canyon in Tooele.

The wedding was very different but completely fit Dedee and Tony's personality.

The girl who performed the ceremony was a friend of Dedee's.

Dedee & Tony's kids.

Dedee's Family (as least the couples)

Sky with his siblings (only missing SieAnna) Skyler-Fallan-Dedee-Angie-Chase

Scar loves her aunt dedee.

Anyways, that was the wedding. We are so happy for Dedee and Tony. We love them to death!

Lake Powell

2011-06-06T15:13:00.000-06:00

Obviously Scar is a little less than thrilled about her life jacket.

We went to Lake powell over labor day weekend and it was so great. The water was much too cold to get in so it was just a chill little getaway.

Skyler went fishing every day with my brother in law and nephews.

Scar and I hung out on the house boat with Laurie in our swimming suits eating and soaking in the sun.

Scarlet slept in the cubby accross from our room. It wasn't tall enough for a port a crib so she got to sleep on a sleeping pad.

Since there was no crib to cage her in, scarlet decided that she is mobile now.

Not in the normal crawling way though, she slides on her belly and rolls to where she wants to go.

This is how we found her one of then nights we thought she was asleeping accross the room in the pile of sleeping pads.

I love lake powell and want ot go back again when we can actually play in the water too!

Some congrats are in order...

2011-06-03T09:57:00.000-06:00

For my nephew and niece Skyler & Jordan who are part of the 2011 Lone Peak High school graduating class! Skyler even sang/played song with a girl during the graduation ceremony.

I love these two more than words can say!

Skyler is my sister, Christina's son. Skyler not only shares a name with my husband but he is so much like him in a lot of ways. I won't list all the ways but this kid is one of the most charming kids I know. He is a crack up too. He's always been a ladies man and i know he will have a few heartbroken girls when he leaves on his mission in november or december :)

Jordan is my brother Dave's oldest daughter. Jordan has been like a little sister to me my whole life. She is actually closer than age to me than my sisters. She has overcome so much and I'm SOOOO proud of her. She was out of school A LOT for health problems but she still was able to overcome it all and finish. She's amazing and I just love her so much!

We had a little graduation dinner beforehand at Magleby's.

Scar obviously wasn't too keen on graduating.

I would start blogging about our little trip to lake powell but i think i just heard the husband just pull in, time to go watch us some Chuck .

gone fishin

2011-05-03T14:03:00.000-06:00

Skyler is done with finals for the semester. As a celebration Sky wanted to go fishing, just him and me for a few hours.

So we dropped this little thing off with her Aunt Susan and Cousin Jordan.

And headed up to Jordanelle (sp?) to do some fishing.
I don't absolutely love fishing. I get bored easily. But it was a date that I didn't have to wear makeup or do my hair for so I was on board.

I stayed busy playing with Sky's hair.

We didn't catch anything but it was a beautiful day and a good little hike. Plus I got to hang with my best friend completely uninterrupted.

When we picked Scar up we found that she had eaten her weight's worth of food and was happy as a clam.

Good.Day

Little Miss Scarlet's first Easter and 9 month oldness

2011-04-25T14:24:00.001-06:00

The easter bunny came to our house for Scar...

I think mine and Sky's bikes are still in his basket.

Hopefully he'll be dropping off them things soon.

Scar was quite happy with her basket.

and her ring pops.

especially the blue-rasberry one.

oh ya, she liked her blocks too

Her aunt laurie bought her an Easter dress, but our church was at 9...and by the time we got home she was ready for it off and for a nap. So we didn't get any pictures in it :(.

I'll be sure to have her wear it next Sunday so I can snap a few pictures.

We also had the face's 9 month appointment on Friday.

She is still happy and healthy.

Length: 29" (75%)

Weight: 18 lbs (25%)

Head: 44.9 cm (75%)

Scar really is the light of our lives!

She tries to imitate the noises or things we say. Cracks us up cause she gets really close.

She still is just content to sit on her little pockets.

No crawling, no rolling all over the place. Just playing and reaching all from the comfort of her tiny bum.

We love our little brown eyed beauty!

Promenade

2011-04-11T13:21:00.000-06:00

Saturday night we were invited to Skyler's little sister, Whitney's promenade up at Grantsville High.

First things first, On the drive I realized that I want to live in Stansbury Park. I had no idea you could live on a lake in Utah! Gorgeous!

that's just a picture to show there are actually homes right next to the water.

So, back to the promenade. It was a little hard for Scar to sit through since it was past her bed time but We powered through and were so glad to be able to support Whitney. She looked beautiful!

Whit is the one in the orangeish dress.

Whitney's mom(Patty) & Skyler

Scar was barely awake...poor thing

what i've been waiting for

2011-03-28T19:49:00.003-06:00

Today was my official first day of being home with Scarlet.

It was pretty much great and i've been in such a care free happy mood all day.

I have spent most of today (at least while scar is napping) organizing my cluttered house. I use to be pretty good at keeping a clean house until I fell behind when i was working and trying to be a mommy and wife.

I began to worry I was going to be featured on hoarding buried alive.

Not even exaggerating

...alright, maybe exaggerating just a little.

I also have been busy setting up the mac computer we got. I am so excited for the photobooth. So be prepared for a lot of those photos and videos in the future.

Here is a little snippet of Scar's new trick, waving. She gets sooo excited when anyone says hi. i love it.

Also, the last thing we were waiting for happened! Skyler got a promotion to team lead phlebotomist at Biomat. We are so proud of our man.

I should also mention my babes is 8 months old! But luckily she still has barely any hair so she still looks like my little baby.

I only got her weight for her stats. She's a solid 17 lbs even!

As featured above, she LOVES waving Hi.

OK, and i want advice. I have been debating on getting her ears pierced. Part of me wants to so bad because it would be so cute, but then again part of me sooo doesn't want to do that to my baby for the sake of vanity. What are some of your thoughts?

changes in the Hokama household!

2011-03-15T15:28:00.002-06:00

So, 'member how I had some big things in the making? Well, big to us anyways. Most of them happened! (just waiting on 1 more!)

***I will just put it right up here so you aren't scrolling down looking for it, one of the news items is NOT that i'm expecting. I put this because I know if I saw this as someone's post, i would only expect this would be the news. So with that said,

First, we got a new car! It's a Honda Element. I will admit, I have not been a big fan of these cars in the beginning. I don't like the box. BUT after seeing all the room inside, and finding out they have all wheel drive (and finding a black beauty one) we were sold.

Second, This summer there will be 2 little college students in our household. That's right, I am officially going back to school! AHHHHH!! I have a very love/hate relationship with school. At times I am sooo into it but other times I never want to go back. I am not going back to school for any reason other than for me personally I feel I am supposed to get my bachelor's degree. I have my associates but to me, it's so important that Scarlet gets a college education and I want to lead by example.

The best part? I will be doing school through Utah State University's distance ed program. I won't have to leave home. So those nights (which is almost every night) when Sky is working and Scar is asleep (she goes to bed at 7), I can just work on 1 or 2 classes at a time. I am very intimidated/excited about all this.

Thirdly and the most exciting, I put in my 2 weeks notice at work!!! I will be a stay at home mommy at last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could go on and on with exclamation points on this one. For me, being a working mom was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I have been in agony over having to leave Scarlet these past almost 6 months of her life. Luckily, I have never had to use anyone but my sisters to watch Scar, but it still is so terribly hard. It never got easier for me as it does for some moms.

I can't even begin to describe how much i'm looking forward to not having to leave this little face all the time.

2-23-11 means 7 MONTHS

2011-02-28T12:36:00.002-07:00

on the 23rd our baby girl turned 7 months old.

and it's true, this is really the only thing I have to update the old blog with.

Besides my husband having 2 Valentine sweethearts.

*i did eat the chocolates...since i'm nursing, i figure Scar still gets them.

We have a couple big things in the making...one that i'm quite excited about. But it's still being all worked out so i'll have to wait to blog about that later.

So, for my little 7 month old!

Right now she weighs 15 lbs 4 oz.

and I could not for the life of me find our measuring tape so the height measurement has not been taken.

She has been sitting up for a bit over a month.

Scar will finally roll over too. Only if she's on her stomach will she roll to her back. She NEVER rolls to her stomach. I fear she may never crawl because she hates tummy time so much.

She absolutely LOVES mirrors. I am hoping that it's because she thinks it's another baby and not because she's super vain.

Scar has been having some weird digestive issues when she eats baby food. So currently her diet only consists of gerber prunes, breast milk, and apple juice (bet you can guess what digestive issues she was having). We're hoping in a week or 2 we can introduce other foods again.

Also, Scar has a TOOF. Skyler makes fun that I never ever call it a tooth.

My baby is too little to have a tooth. So toof it is.

Last weekend we went to visit friends and family down in Annabella/Monroe.

Scar got to take her first sink-bath in Grandma Christi's kitchen.

Overall Scar is a happy baby and healthy baby.

She makes us laugh all the time with her jabbers.

Just so you know, i'm yours to keep forever and ever.

2011-02-14T07:15:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentines Day!

xoxoxo

You are the only expert on your family!

2011-02-04T10:19:00.006-07:00

I just started reading a blog called rockstar diaries. Today's post is from a guest blogger who is a new mother. The last section of her post really is what I've been thinking a ton about lately in my own parenting. She says,

"The most important advice I have is that there are no rules. You can buy lots of books about parenting, but you are the only expert on what works best for your family. Alice's bedtime is at 2am. She comes to meetings with me all the time. Her "security blanket" is a blue bath puff. This is all okay and following your baby's cues and fitting her into your life from the get-go is good practice for raising your child to live her own best life. Being a parent is so much more special and magical than any book or blog post can explain."

Let me tell you, I read SOOOO much "expert advice" on parenting. Slowly I am coming to realize, there is a reason Scarlet was sent to ME and SKYLER. There is a reason your babies are sent to you! Our intuition and love for our child trumps any expert or other mom's opinion.

I read other mom's blogs and keep wishing I was the type of mother they are. I wish i was more creative. i wish i was more patient. i wish i could sew. i wish i could cook. i wish i was so fun and happy all the time. If you're a mommy and reading this, you are probably one of the mom's I wish I was more like. I just have to keep reminding myself that Scarlet was sent to me and I have something special to teach her and learn from her.

I just hope I can be a mother who guides and helps her children to grow up and live the best life possible. That's all moms really want, right?

San Diego...so wish i was going there right now

2011-02-01T12:45:00.002-07:00

well the time is finally here.

my niece Whitney leaves on her mission tomorrow.

She will go into the MTC

Then a few weeks later to San Diego

ang, trace, me, whit, chantelle, shaylee, and scar missed the Bachelor to go celebrate one of Whit's last nights before she leaves. (Don't worry though, i'm watching the bachelor right now online whilst blogging...ugh, I mega loathe michelle!)

We went to Olive Garden

as a side note, aunt tracey gave Scar her first andes mint from Olive Garden

...she liked it...to say the least.
*note: i promise i didn't just have botox earlier that day...seriously

This was the last time for 18 months I will get to see Whitney before she leaves tomorrow.

Love you Whit! We'll miss you and I promise to send you plenty of updates and pictures. Good luck!

Scar baby is 6 months!

2011-01-24T22:51:00.002-07:00

6 months yesterday that is.

I barely remember my life without this little ball of fun.

As of right now Scar can roll to the side. She still can't do a complete roll to her stomach.

She arches her back to scoot herself around.

She loves the jumper that her friend Mason is letting her borrow.

She LOOOVES to watch shows on the laptop.

she throws fits that are the funniest things in the world. (we feel bad laughing, yet we still do it)

We love her tantrums almost as much as we love her laughs.

As for her stats this month:

Length: 27 inches (she got to the 90th percentile on this one!!!)

Weight: 14 lbs 9 oz (25th percentile)

Head: 43.2 cm (75th percentile)

The dr. is a little concerned about Scar's weight. She didn't gain much at all from her 4 month appointment. So I was told to stop cereal and baby food and just focus on nursing for a couple weeks. I don't think Scar will mind at all.

*look at the picture in the top right. My family jokes that Scarlet does not cry, she curses. This picture is a perfect example of her baby cursing.

But all in all Scar is a happy and healthy baby.

I found this little video on our computer. It was when Scar was 3 months. Why does it already seem like she was so small???

our cali vacation

2011-01-19T14:52:00.003-07:00

So looking through the pictures I realized we really didn't take as many as we should have. ah well.

Christmas at around noon we left for Cali. We ended up driving my sister's tahoe because we had some extra cargo...the cargo being my 3 beautiful nieces: Jordan, Morgan, and Ashton.

I had been feeling so bad for how long the car ride was going to seem for Scar...so for Christmas she got some headphones and we attached a portable DVD player to the back of the seat.

This was her right after she saw what a sweet setup she had goin on.

We drove to Vegas first where we were going to visit Sky's grandparents.

They rarely get visitors and were so excited to see us. Especially to meet Scarlet. Grandma Hokama (who had a stroke so she can't talk or stand) reached for Scarlet as soon as we were through the door. She and Scar share a middle name :)

Obviously Scar is overly excited about this meeting.

That night we stayed in Primm for the night.

Scar & Daddy got some reading done.

Luckily we had a king bed in our room cause the heater went out and so I kept Scar in bed with us until the maintanence man could come...we all fell asleep before he even showed up.

On the road again.

The beach houses were amazing. They were in Oceanside and right out the backdoors was the beach. Since my family is freakin enourmous we were split into the 2 houses. The only siblings who couldnt' make it were my brothers Ben & Dave :(.

Even though it wasn't super hot we all got our wetsuits on and went boogie boarding.

Yep, those folks are all Allphins

I swear, i wish everyday that I lived someplace warm and close to a beach. I would not miss the snow at all...not even around Christmas time.

While we were there we tried Scar on rice cereal again...same reaction

One of the days we rented a 6 person bike thing to ride along the beach...it was more work than we thought.

Sky and I pushed it up one of the hills to try and get a fast start...our fast start lasted for about a minute.

ah well, at least we can say we did it...and when we see people riding those things and think, those look so fun! We'll know, looks are decieving.

Such a great trip. I love the Allphin fam so dang much.

i have a running partner

2011-01-12T11:26:00.003-07:00

Her name is baby Scar-Face and she loves the new jogging stroller.

She just sits back and enjoys the ride. Making noises (that i like to call singing) along with whatever song is playing over the jogger speakers.

She's even more excited for when the weather doesn't freeze her little face.

But for now she gets to model her little beanies on our runs, including our favorite, this little number:

It's christmas time...again

2011-01-06T22:23:00.002-07:00

Not really, but I haven't posted about our Christmas yet. So if you are just done with the holiday season you might want to skip this post cause it goes through it all over again.

Christmas Eve we went to my parent's house. We had dinner and my dad, as he always does, gave a little speech about Christmas and our family...I love that man to pieces and it cracks me up how long he can talk.

My dad's family room filled with the Allphin clan.

We sang a few Christmas carols and opened presents. My freaking sweet niece, MO-FO drew Scarlet's name (which we may have rigged)...but that's not the point. She drew her name and spoiled her ROTTEN! Getting her pink UGGS and blue TOM'S (oh my gosh both pairs of shoes are completely precious!) a sock monkey hat, and 2 minky blankets which are to DIE for. My dad got us all personalized beach towels for our trip to Cali.

My brother-in-law Jim got everyone in the family the canvas below. It is was an old family picture that had been destroyed. We don't have many pictures where it is just the original 10 of us without spouses. So we were way stoked to get this one. Sorry, it's a picture of a picture but the "old schoolness" of it all just had to be shown. I am the baby in it. As you can see, Scarlet did not get her baby looks from me. Thank goodness I grew into my ears!

After all that our little fam went home.

Scar playing with daddy at home in her new Uggs, which might be a little big

We opened our Christmas Jams.

Then in our new PJ's we watched Muppet's Christmas Carol.

Scar lasted through the first song and was ready for bed.

Christmas morning I woke up before Scar and Sky. I kept asking Sky if we could go wake Scar up to open presents. He said not until Scar woke up. I was mostly excited to give him his big present that he wasn't expecting at all. (mostly cause i told him how mad i'd be if we went over budget...his present was WAAAY over budget)

First we got our stockings

Then we opened everything else...Scarlet made it 3/4 of the way through and was ready for her morning nap.

..And what I thought would be her favorite present: Rice Cereal.

This is a whole nother story but I decided to start her on Rice cereal Christmas morning and.....SHE HATES IT! She fusses while I feed it to her. I mix it with breast milk too so I don't know why she hates it so much. I keep trying hoping that maybe she'll acquire a taste

And Sky's big present: A Laptop, it went way over budget but the kid needs a new one for school. His old one makes me cry with how slow it is.

That afternoon we left for California. I will post more later on that.

This Christmas season was wonderful. I was so wonderful to enjoy the season and have some extra time with our little family and with our extended family. Hope yours was all great as well!

starting with a book

2011-01-06T09:53:00.002-07:00

I just want to warn everyone that I will be blogging more frequently and might get really detailed and sometimes BORING with my posts because of this little number I put together.

the beginning of our forever by Skyler & Brianna Hokama | Make Your Own Book

Isn't it so cool?! For those who don't know, thanks to my dear friend Nicole's suggestion, I started blogging right after Skyler and I got engaged. So the book above contains our blog posts from our engagement, wedding planning, wedding, and 1st year of marriage. I want to do a book with the posts from every year.

This is the reason I have decided I am going to be more thorough with blogging so my children or their children can have this to read when mine and Sky's memory of the past deteriorates. So hopefully it makes it better and not just more dull for everyone.

Sending our Love from California

2010-12-29T00:08:00.001-07:00

We are just here in Oceanside, California soaking in our Christmas break.

Scar is having all kinds of new experiences...one that might not have been her favorite can be seen below.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Scar's 4 month, Christmas trees (Prepare for a lot of pictures) and my niece's mission call...oye!

2010-12-05T22:16:00.002-07:00

Sorry, this is like 3 posts in 1...oh well, here we go.

Scarlet turned 4 months on November 23. We had her 4 month appointment and she's all good. Here are her stats:

Length: 25.5" - 75th Percentile

Weight: 13lbs 11oz. - 25th Percentile

Head Circ: 41.5 cm - 50th Percentile

my little chug after getting her 4-month shots. Don't let the smile fool you, I had to feed her right after her shots...THEN she was happy.

Scar is constantly making us smile.

She loooves bath time. She starts laughing as you undress her for the bath

She loves it when you growl or sneeze, seriously, it makes laugh like nothin else.

She doesn't quite roll over but is trying.

She'll be totally smiling then that flash goes off and she's a deer in headlights.

She has been sleeping through the night for a week exactly. We got her to sleep through the night by letting her just cry herself back to sleep when she wakes up. (don't think we're horrible parents! our pediatrician told us to do it this way...even though i felt like the most terrible parent in the world doing it to her) Anyways, she cried for about 40 minutes the first night and Skyler had to keep stopping me from going to get her...I was just as upset, if not more, than she was. But the few nights after that she would wake up, fuss, and then go back to sleep. Now 7 days later she sleeps around 11-12 hours a night without waking up. It's a beautiful thing!

Deer in headlights again

Saturday night we finally got around to our christmas tree shopping. hotchocolate.trees.christmasmusic. Loved it!

We just got done decorating our front room.

And the best part!

We got to hang our stockings above our REAL fireplace

and Finally! This happened happened over a month ago but haven't blogged yet... I'm sorry Whitney!

Whitney and her (my sister Christina's) family

My beautiful niece Whitney, got her mission call to San Diego, California in the Mormon Batallion Historic site. She'll be leaving February 2nd. Congrats Whitney! So excited for you to be all, a missionary and stuff.

24 years ago...yesterday

2010-11-30T09:29:00.002-07:00

Skyler Ray Hokama was born

We celebrated with Harry Potter, Texas Roadhouse(even though we would have preferred Outback), and shopping for his much needed wardrobe.

Picture from Halloween - Sky making me jealous with the witch who resided on Tracey's door step

There are so many things I love about Sky. But most of all, I love seeing him as a daddy to Scar. Skyler never had a dad around but he sure has figured out just what a great dad is supposed to be.

Thanks for all you do for our little family babes!

Love you! Hope we made it a happy birthday!

We're Moving!!!

2010-11-19T15:12:00.002-07:00

So this is random and so last minute...but we're moving to Lehi this weekend! We're moving into a home and I'll post pictures soon!!
SO EXCITED!

Young Mommies

2010-11-12T09:32:00.007-07:00

I just read a blog post from my friend Tanshyle. This girl is totally super mama, having 2 baby girls very close together. I love reading her hilarious stories! Yesterday she posted something that I think all young mom's need to hear. It's from President Holland (Hope you don't mind I stole it from you T :))

"In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. The young years are often those when either husband or wife -or both- may still be in school or in those earliest and leanest stages of developing the husband's breadwinning capacities. Finances fluctuate daily between low and nonexistent.... Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other times in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island... Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones."

I don't think I have loved any roles more than my roles as wife and mother but I don't think i've had to work harder or cared more about any of my other roles either. I want to work as hard as I can to be the mother who "gives more to others" even if it means I survive on less sleep and have shadows under my eyes all the time (which i'm pretty sure I do even though i've only been at this for 3 1/2 months). Anyways, I know I have a lot of friends who are young mothers so I hope this quote gave you kind of a pick me up like it did me.

***Going private on Monday. Get me your e-mails!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T21:58:00.006-06:00

Love,

The Hokama's

*Going private November 15-Get me your e-mails!*

Year 2 of The Hokama

2010-10-28T10:17:00.004-06:00

Monday was our 2nd Anniversary.
We stayed at the Zermatt Resort in Midway then in Park City.
We took baby Scar-Face with us.
I'll post pictures of that later.

On our anniversary we watch our wedding video together. Last year I also created this video of our first year.

Well i'm super dorky and decided to make it a tradition to do a little photo montage for our anniversary each year.

So here is this years. I had almost zero time to create it so it's nothing fancy at all.

The date that we're going private is November 15. So if you want to keep reading just get your e-mails to me before then and be sure to add http://www.skylerandbrie.blogspot.com/.

Scarlet's Blessing

2010-10-19T10:09:00.009-06:00

This post is a few weeks late.

The blessing was on September 26th.

Scarlet was blessed at my sister Laurie's home.

We decided we wanted a more intimate setting for the blessing.

Mostly because Sky was worried with all his friends and all my brothers/bro in laws in the circle it would just be too distracting in sacrament meeting.

We were so greatful to all the people who were there (even if it did get hot because of how many bodies were there). We felt so loved and so much support!

My little Scarlet Setsumi's blessing was absolutely beautiful. I am so proud of my hubbs and baby girl! :)

We didn't have my camera but we had like 10 cameras there. I stole Susan's pictures :)

You better believe I got a flower as big as her head

Zach's parent's and brother Tyson. Skyler's 2nd family.

By the end Scar was so hot! So we stripped her down.

Sorry we didn't get pictures of everyone there. Thanks to the million people in my fam, Lou & Juli, Brandon & Lisa, Zach & Heather, Tyson & Brigitte, Sjon, Tony & Sarah, Mark & Raelyn...I think I got them all :)

*I'm still going private. I am still working on it. So if you want to keep reading send me your e-mails!!

Going Private

2010-10-12T15:25:00.009-06:00

So I talked to Sky and we decided it's time to make our blog
P.R.I.V.A.T.E
I love that people read our blog but think it's just better that we make it private.

If you have been reading our blog just leave a comment with your e-mail and i'll send you in an invite.

It doesn't matter if you just came accross my blog randomly or are a friend of a friend I will send you an invite!

Once you have permissions to read our blog just add the blog http://www.skylerandbrie.blogspot.com/ to your blog list. This is a separate blog that was created just so my blog will show in your blog update list.

New niece!

2010-10-12T09:58:00.006-06:00

....Well, sort of.
She'll be as close to us as a niece.
Zach and Heather had their adorable baby girl!
Brinlee was born on October 8th.

The Hokama's already love her!
She is just as cute as ever!
With a ton of hair! (if she and Scar had the same hair color I would ask Brinlee if she could lend her some)

Congrats Zach & Heather! She is beautiful in every way!

We can't wait to see what good friends Brin & Scar become (cause we'll force them)

Believe it or not Scar was actually a little smaller than Brinlee when she was born. HOLY COW, where has my infant gone?!

English when you're made in Japan

2010-10-03T21:45:00.008-06:00

Quote from Skyler

"When i'm writing an English paper I always try to think, 'How would Brie say this?'"

I know it's hard to believe because I don't always write on the blog this way, but i'm kind of an english nerd. I am always correcting Skyler when he speaks in addition to correcting all of his papers (He got an A in english last term and I take some credit for it). I attribute this to the fact my mother was an english teacher when she lived in Brazil so she was ALWAYS correcting us when we spoke. I swore I would NEVER do that to my husband or children...well, i've obviously failed :P.

And to end the post...The Made in Japan shirt that we made for our little Scar-Face.

We made this for Scar to match her dad's shirt which was made for him by one of his friends in high school. (For those who don't know, Skyler is 1/2 Japanese)

Skyler would like to add to this picture "Just grabbin the bull by the horns...It's a metaphor. That really happened though"

2 month checkup

2010-09-30T14:03:00.007-06:00

and what comes with the 2 month checkup?

SHOTS

Yep...my babes got shots today - 3 of them to be exact.

I was holding her little hands and she was just smiling and talking to me and then

POKE.POKE.POKE

she got this little look of panic and bright red face and crying. Don't worry, I cried too.

We came home and she's just been sleeping next to me ever since.

Besides having to be poked in the thigh 3 times my little love is doing great!

Length: 24" - 75th Percentile
Weight: 11 lbs 4 oz - 25th Percentile
Head: 40.2 cm - 50th Percentile

This picture has nothing to do with anything...it just makes me happy

The flash of my camera kind of caught her off-guard.

Oh, and her blessing was wonderful! I will post about it with pictures later :)

Up to - up to

2010-09-21T09:54:00.008-06:00

So I had a birthday (September 13).

another year older

I still don't feel like i'm old enough to be married AND have a baby.

But...there are girls younger than me who have more kids so I guess I might be old enough to be a mommy to this adorable babes.

My birthday was great!

Skyler had school in the morning so I just hung out with Speck and got ready for the day.

Then I had lunch with my sisters.

After lunch Skyler pulled up with our car completely decorated with writing on the windows and balloons tied everywhere for my birthday. I SOOOO wish I had gotten pictures.

It was great. I spent the rest of the day with Skyler & baby Scar-Face.

I recieved so many great presents from friends and family.

I pretty much have the best husband.daughter.sisters.nieces.friends ever-ever! Thanks you guys!

Also, our little Speck is getting blessed this Sunday.

I am so excited to hear her blessing. I know Sky is really nervous. He keeps threatening that he's going to have his friend Zach's dad (Lou, who is also like a dad to him.) perform the blessing. I am not nervous about the blessing....

What am i nervous about?

providing food for everyone after

I have a HUGE family and Sky has a lot of great friends coming to be in the circle.

I have never been in charge of feeding this many people.

I need ideas for what to serve!

Sleepin

2010-09-02T14:24:00.008-06:00

I am trying to hurry and write this post during the few times Speck actually sleeps during the day. Yes, she stays up all the time during the day because I swear she's afraid she will miss something. I don't mind, because it makes it so she usually sleeps well at night and it's nice to have a buddy since Sky is at work and school all day long. (miss his guts!)

I seriously LOVE being a mom. Honestly, i thought being a mom was going to be really hard for me to enjoy. But I absolutely love it...did i say that already? I never knew how much you could love a little human who has more than quadrupled your work load, taken all your free time, and wakes you up 2-3 times a night. But I just love the little Spawn of Hokama.

Life.Is.GREAT!!

Oh, and how cute are these two?
Cousins and best friends.

It cracks us up cause Kai is almost double Scar's weight.

He will be her bodyguard growing up.

Newborn Shoot and Family Pics

2010-08-19T15:41:00.004-06:00

We are so lucky to have a good friend who also happens to be an AMAZING photographer. We were able to do a couple photo shoots with our little Scar Face. Here are a few of the pictures...To see more go to Lisa's blog http://lisajphotography.blogspot.com/

L.O.V.E

2010-08-11T11:24:00.006-06:00

How lucky am I to be a Mama to this little beauty & a Wife to this major hottie?

These 2 make me so happy!
Seriously, how cute are they?
I love my little family so much!

Hospital Shots

2010-08-02T08:45:00.006-06:00

So, the hospital photographer came by and offered to take pictures of Scarlet for free. If we wanted copies of the pictures we would just have to pay a fortune for them later. WE aren't going to buy them cause we have our friend Lisa Jastal doing pictures for us anyways. But I thought you all might like to see them.

So, to see them go to http://www.bellababyphotography.com/login
and type in the password 0723scarlethokama
BE SURE TO TYPE IN THE PASSWORD. COPYING & PASTING DOESN'T WORK.

Scarlet Hokama: A Birth Story :)

2010-07-28T18:45:00.006-06:00

I'm going to try and relate the day of Scarlet's birth.

So much happened, it really was one of the best and worst days of my life.

So here goes....

Friday morning I was 1 week over my due date. So at 7 AM we went to AF hospital to induce labor. Skyler was so excited. I was totally all nerves. We got all checked in and in the delivery room. They asked me if I wanted an epidural and I told them I wanted to wait for as long as I could since I knew sometimes labor progresses faster when you are not numb.

The dr came in and broke my water. Then they started the pitocin. Labor started and wasn't too bad at first. Skyler laughed at me through the contractions cause I would say random things to take my mind off the pain. I labored that way for about 1.5-2 hours. Then once I was dialated to a 5 I was done and ready for my epidural :). Sadly i had to wait for 30 minutes after that...OUCH!

After a bit some of my sisters started to show up to keep me company. It was so nice having them there to keep us company.

At around 5:00 pm I was dialated to a 9. I thought i would be pushing my little Speck out soon...I was wrong. I stayed dialated at a 9 forever. What was worse is that I had been in labor so long that my epidural was becoming ineffective on the left side of my body. They kept giving me more but it just wasn't doing anything.

At 9:00 pm the dr came in to check me and I was still stuck at a 9. He had me push to try and push Speck past it but she just wasn't budging. So, he told me that he would wait another hour to see if I would complete. Well at 10:00 (after 17 hours of labor) he checked me again and we had no such luck. He let me know that I would need a C-Section because the baby's head just could not get past my pelvis. (I found out later that I will most likely have to deliver all my babies via c-section because my pelvis isn't big enough for their heads)

I was terrified. I wasn't completely numb and they couldn't give me a spinal block. So they gave me a shot of linacane (sp?) which mostly numbed the rest of me but there were still some places that the dr's would work on that would be tender. The pain was completley bearable until after they sewed me up. Skyler had gone with Scarlet to the nursery and I was being taken care of before I was taken back to my room. The linacane had worn off so I could feel again on my left side. The dr's had gone and the nurse came and pushed down on my uterus to get the blood out and the pain was excruciating. I cried out and started sobbing uncontrollably. It was the worst pain I had ever felt. They wheeled me back to where my sisters were waiting and I think I scared them all a little. The nurse gave me several different pain meds then continued to work on me. I begged her to stop until the pain meds kicked in.

After the pain meds kicked in Skyler came back from the nursery to get me. They wheeled me into my room on the mother baby floor and brought my baby girl to see me. I couldn't even believe i was a mom. I just kept looking at her...it could have been the pain meds but I felt like I was in a dream.

So that was her birth. She is totally worth all the pain & discomfort of labor and pregnancy. I just love my little girl so much! She is so dang sweet and I can't get enough of her. We are completely smitten!

Headin into the hospital.

An hour into labor

Going in to get my C-Section

Welcome Scarlet!

First family picture while i was being sewn up.

My first time holding my little punk. just loooover her so much!

Scar had low blood sugar so they had to give her an iv to keep it up. It was the saddest thing ever because her veins kept rolling so the only place they could get the IV was in her head :(

I bawled for forever when I saw her with the IV in. My poor baby.

We didn't name her Scarlet until Sunday. Until then the nurses referred to her as Speck...even after we named her they would call her Speck.

We finally got the approval to go home!

Skyler had gone home early to get some things ready for us.

So this is Speck...

2010-07-25T20:50:00.007-06:00

We are completely in love!
Our family couldn't be happier!
All thanks to this little critter...

Introducing!!!
Scarlet Setsumi Hokama
(A.K.A: Speck)
Born July 23, 2010
7 lbs 7 oz
19.5 Inches
Makes her parents the happiest people on earth!!!

"The doctor said there were claw marks on the wall of her uterus"

2010-07-12T10:21:00.004-06:00

I know, pretty gruesome title. It's a quote from Arrested Development and makes me laugh every time when i think of this baby not wanting to come out.

So here I am, 4 days before my due date. I have dialated to a 2+ and am almost completely effaced....but nothing much else seems to be happening. I can't decide if I mind or not. I started my maternity leave a week ago. It has been so nice being able to stay home every day and get paid for it :). For example my big job today is reviewing a paper Sky wrote for his english class.

My due date may be this Friday but I can't be induced until a week over my due date. So, my induction date is set as the 23rd. I have very mixed feelings about not being pregnant anymore.

Parts of pregnancy I'm D.O.N.E. with:

Waking up to use the bathroom 20 times a night
Complete strangers telling me the "intimate" things I should do to induce labor. You would be suprised how much people you don't even know will share...so awkward!
The major anxiety about EVERYTHING that is coming.
Not being able to ride the rides at the carnival. I considered wearing a loose shirt and trying to "suck in" my belly so they would let me on...Skyler wouldn't let me.
Not feeling cute no matter what I do! Even my forever popsicle stained orange lips don't change anything.
The constant fear every time i get on the scale at the dr's office and see the look on the nurse's face. I may be just imagining it but I'm pretty sure she's judging me ;).
Constantly remembering that Speck has to come out of me some way...and I don't really care much for either of my choices. I find myself asking Sky, "What do you think the chances are that dr's will discover a better way of delivery in the next 2 weeks?

Parts of pregnancy I will miss:

Sky and I making up what we think Speck is saying inside the womb. "What is this? CHICKEN!?" (We'll probably still create dialogue for her when she is here.)
Wondering and talking about what Speck will look like and be like
Feeling her move and watching skyler's face light up when he feels her move.
The amazing bond that has grown between skyler and I in these 9 months. I have always been a very independant person. I don't like needing help. Being pregnant kind of forces you to need help and rely physically and emotionally on someone else. From the out of control crying to the flashes of temper, Skyler has truly been my rock.

So that is my update. Still no name. Nursery almost done. Baby moving like crazy. Maternity leave rocks :)... That is all.

temples , toddlers & goats

2010-06-25T08:48:00.009-06:00

I got so excited blogging about my adorable new nephew I forgot to post about the weekend before he was born! Oh, by the way, Josh & Trace decided to name him Kai. I can't get over how tiny he is!

So we went to the Manti Pageant. It was just as fun as it always is!

We put our blankets out on the grass at 6 pm then left to find something to do until the pageant was going to start at 9:30.

We went to the gas station and got a Red Box movie. Then to the concessions a block away from the pageant to get some dinner.

Then, we set up a little theater in the back of our car. (it was too hot to watch a movie outside)

After the movie we walked back over to the pageant.

We had a pretty sweet setup :)

With a gorgeous view of "our temple"

After the pageant we left for Monroe to spend the weekend with Sky's mom, his sister SieAnna and her kids.

The best part of the weekend for me was seeing this kid.

This is our nephew Trevlyn. I am in love with this kid!
Whenever we visit or he comes to stay with us he follows us around making sure we don't leave anywhere without him.
Before this picture he had been following us around carrying his booster seat because he knew we were getting ready to leave somewhere.
He also happens to know i'm a sucker for him and tends to have me carry him around a lot when i'm there.
I don't mind.
Even though carrying around a 3 1/2 year old at 9 months pregnant is a little more difficult.
I loved it.

Sky went with his friend Sjon golfing (it was one of his father's day presents)then later we went fishing with Trevlyn & Sjon.

(sorry, no pictures of fishing. I was too busy chasing Trev around trying to keep him from slipping in the water.)

I did get a picture of SieAnna & Trevlyn helping sky wash our car.

While they were all washing the car I was sitting on the porch and happened to look over and see this group of teenagers walking their dogs...then i looked closer and noticed one of them was walking a goat.

Still makes me laugh. I still can't get over seeing this type of stuff when we visit Severe County.

Such a fun weekend.

Baby No-Name Whitby :)

2010-06-22T10:58:00.006-06:00

MY NEW NEPHEW IS HERE!!!

So hot right now - Josh & Tracey - So hot right now

Born yesterday (June 21st) at 4:38 pm.

The little nub was 7 lbs 3 oz and 19" long.

The name....still undecided.

They are deciding between either Nathan "Gage" Whitby or Nathan "Kai" Whitby. (Tracey's boys all go by their middle names.)

His big brothers and sister have been sooo excited!

Kade with his new baby brother.

Jace wasn't sure what to think about being a big brother.

Big sister, Camryn.

Tracey let my sister Ang and me in the room for the delivery.

This was only the 2nd time i've been able to witness a birth.

We have the same OBGYN and he kept telling me to not expect my labor to be so easy.

Thanks.Alot.

The delivery went sooo smoothly.

Once his head was out we saw that the cord was around his neck twice but he was still fine.

Sky and I stayed at the hospital for most of the day.

Just talking and holding the babes.

Skyler couldn't stop talking about how excited he is for our baby now.

He didn't want to leave.

Pretty sure he was hoping i would just hurry and go into labor too.

We are so happy for Tracey & Josh and know that little Speck and Baby No-Name will love each other to pieces!

2 years since it "officially" began!

2010-06-16T14:00:00.005-06:00

It was 2 years ago this weekend

after a few months of being best friends.

This hot kid finally asked me out on an "official" date.

I say official cause he and I had hung out/texted/talked almost every night for a few months before this night.

For the date, we went down to watch the Manti Pageant with some friends from Sky's mission.

Brandon & Lisa Jastal who were already married at the time and
Braden & Mandy Boyer who had just gotten engaged.

Sidenote: Both those couples are now the parents of beautiful baby girls.
We'll add another girl to that group...Crazy huh?
Something about those boys from the Vladivostok, Russia mission ;).

Anyways, this was one of the reasons we chose to be married in the Manti Temple.

It is where we really decided we wanted to be more than friends.

Where we first held hands

Where first snuggled.

Nope...not where we first kissed...the kiss didn't come until a couple days later.

The reason I bring all this up is because we are going to the pageant again this weekend.

We went last year again and decided it's our tradition to go every year.

I can't wait!

This picture was day 2 of our first date. We ended up spending the night at sky's 2nd family's home. (Lou & Juli's)

Don't worry, we weren't drinking...we just had slept in our clothes and sky thought we looked hung over so while we were at sky's mom's we took this picture.

and it ended with a chair

2010-06-01T09:38:00.005-06:00

we started out the weekend with a really fun photoshoot with our friends Brandon & Lisa.

We went to an old abandoned home in PG that Lisa had heard about. She totally knows Sky and my style! We loved it..besides the awful graffiti on the walls, luckily Lisa is a pro and photoshopped it all out.

We are so happy about our pictures. (Even if I had to get used to seeing myself all huge ;))

To see more of Lisa's photography click here.

On Sunday we had a big Allphin family BBQ at my brother Dave's house. It was so much fun We all ate, rode horses, and played with the chicken and geese.

Skyler was having so much fun on the horses. We stayed until about 11 pm.

Dave ended up giving Sky this horse.

Pretty sure this made Skyler one of the happiest guys alive.

Sky named him Atticus :).

He just has to go over and ride him as much as possible so Atticus can get to know him.

Our memorial day wasn't as eventful. Skyler had to work but after he was off Mums and Paps took us to go get a recliner for baby Speck. I thought they were just going to buy us a rocking chair.

But they wanted to buy me something that we could sleep in if we needed to.

Pretty sure we got the comfiest recliner ever! I'll post pictures once it's delivered.

Thanks Dad & Mom!

I hope you all had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend!

yep, this might be all i post about

2010-05-26T08:54:00.007-06:00

I just have to say i'm in love with this nursery!

Yes, Speck's nursery colors are Black (big surpise), White, & Yellow.

If only I had hundreds to spend on the nursery.
The bedding in this photo costs over $300!

I lover my babes.
But my bedding doesn't even cost that much!

The only thing we've done to get the nursery ready is moving Skyler's office/study area into the other room.

We are debating on whether we want to paint

I am getting so overwhelmed!

I want to do so much but it seems like things take longer and so much more effort.

Skyler is SOOO wonderful about just taking care of things we need done, but I can't help but feel like a slave driver-sitting back with my Dr. Pepper telling him what needs to be done.

This is the first time in my life that my body is limiting what I can do and it's so frustrating.

We were at the movies the other night and we had to get out to our car fast.

I told skyler we should run.

He kind of laughed and said that I probably couldn't run.

Well, of couse this means I had to show him I can still run. So I started running. Skyler just laughed. I guess I looked pretty ridiculous.

And the next day i realized why you probably shouldn't run when you are 8 months pregnant.

OUCH!

Don't get me wrong, I am not ready for this little squirt to come out yet.

I have way too much to do.

Hopefully i'll feel better after my baby showers.

Oh, and if you read this blog, and I know you, you are invited to this one that my sisters are putting on.

The only correction that needs to be made on this invite is the address is wrong.

If you want to come just text and i'll get you the right address.

The picture was just taken specifically for the invite a couple of days ago.

Our talented friend, Lisa Jastal, offered to take the actual maternity pictures for us this weekend.

Last thing, My nephew Chandler enters the MTC today. He got his mission call to Barcelona, Spain 5 months ago. I know he has been waiting and preparing for this day his whole life. I am so excited for him and know he will be an amazing missionary!

and she'll be known as

2010-05-18T13:40:00.008-06:00

nope, still don't have a clue.
Our baby is due in just over 8 weeks and we are no where near deciding on a name.
Everyone refers to our baby as Speck/Specka. (Pretty sure some actually really believe this is her name)
I do have a name that I have LOVED since I was young.
It was assumed, when my fam found out I was having a girl, that this would be our daughter's name.
Now, you all will think it's ridiculous but I love it.
The name is Scout.
Yep, you read that right, Scout.
I know it's different and everyone tells me it's not a real name. To Kill a Mockingbird was my favorite book/movie from when I was a little girl (i know it's just the main character's nickname but it's freaking adorable!)
The Problem: Sky isn't a fan of this name.
My family all joked with us before we were married that I should have him sign a contract promising our first girl would be named Scout.
I was dumb and didn't follow through with that contract.
So we are back to the beginning. LAME!
We have a couple other names we are tossing around but we just can't suck it up and name her.
Does anyone want to share some of their name suggestions?

RANDOM: I love my husband to pieces! He and I were in Park City for a couples getaway for the days before Mothers Day so he wasn't able to break away to get me anything. So instead he wrote the post below. It made me more happy than any present could. Lover you babe!

My Tribute to Brie C. Hokiemama.

2010-05-09T14:59:00.003-06:00

I am so incredibly in love with the best, most lovely, patient, HOT woman of all time. Let me tell you a brief story on how this came to pass.

I remember the first time I saw her sitting on the floor at FHE. We glanced and caught eye of each other and hurried and looked away. Ya, she wanted me!!
Not that long after that we became friends, and then best friends. I finally realized that Brie and I had everything in common. We loved the same Music, had a lot of the same hobbies, we came from similar back-rounds and were completely in love with each other.

Our first kiss….

We were lying in bed just talking the night away, and then it got silent as if we knew what was going to happen next, But too scared to say or do anything about it. So the question was asked. “what are you thinking about” I answered, “How I want to kiss you”………………………………….”tempting isn’t it?”….LOL we laughed and she said” you are so cocky”. I was totally kidding, but she didn’t think so. (Even up to this day). Then, like a blink of an eye we had our first kiss. So hot right now!! Lol.

After that scrumptious kiss and a long engagement we got married for time and all eternity. After a great year of marriage; she is carrying one of the biggest blessings of all time. Our daughter.
I love you Brie! You are the one I dreamed I would marry. You are everything that I have ever wanted. I love everything about you!!! The way that you hold me and tell me you love me is a contant rememinder why I chose you. Your smile fills my soul.
When I am down you know exactly what to do to make me happy. You are tolerant, loving, enduring, and going to be a great mommy. I cannot wait to see how you are going to be with our daughter!!! She is going to love you just as much as I do. You are so amazing at everything you do.

I am the luckiest Asian man alive!! Thank you so much for giving me your Forever!!!!!
I hope you have a great Mothers day!!! I love you baby!!

wishing i had a camera inside my belly

2010-04-27T11:36:00.011-06:00

I think one of the funnest things about being pregnant is trying to picture what our little babes is going to look like/be like.

We both wonder which one of us will she resemble more?

Her mum?

believe it or not I had light hair until I got to junior high

or maybe like her paps?

she'll only be 1/4 Japanese but maybe she'll be just as dark???

(oh so proud that my hubbs at one point rocked the mullet)

I still have just under 12 weeks to go and I am getting so excited/nervous. We start our prenatal classes tonight!!!

Oh and just a little note to my beautiful baby girl,

I love you so much already. Feeling the miracle of your little life go on inside of me is something I never dreamed I would enjoy so much. On that note, will you please oh please stop smushing my diaphram. It is really distracting when mommy can't breathe. Also if you could find a better hideout than up under my right rib I would be oh so happy. Oh, and I don't know how much you could control this but if you could somehow not make it so mom has to use the bathroom 2-3 times a night I would be FOREVER in your debt. Lover you my little Speck!

not my favorite beverage

2010-04-14T08:56:00.015-06:00

Last week I took the dreaded Glucose test to check if I have gestational diabetes. Really not as bad as I have heard...but I would prefer never to do it again :P. Basically it tasted like i was drinking Soda syrup, not my fav.

Skyler was out of town when I had to take the test. So I sent him this picture to let him know of my suffering so he would hurry up and get home and maybe bring me a present.

The picture is kind of blurry cause I had to hurry and take it with my cell phone after I realized I had only 1 minute to finish the rest of the drink. ya...part of the test is you finish the bottle of orange goo within 5 minutes.

I didn't get a call about my test which is a good sign. They only call if you test positive. So YAY! no 15 lb baby and dieting for me ;).
And also, Thank you all so much for your prayers! We went in for the ultrasound and Speck is doing GREAT!

My amniotic fluid has more than doubled! In only 4 weeks!

The cord isn't around her tiny little neck anymore...she had it wrapped around her shoulder during the ultrasound (i'm thinking she has found that it makes for a good toy).

Also! The dr confirmed that we are having a baby girl! So glad because this munchkin has been referred to as a 'her' for a long time.

The only thing now is that the dr wants to make sure my fluid stays where it should be and our babes is growing big and strong (hopefully not too big though...eek!) so I will have another ultrasound to check everything out again at 32 weeks.

After some begging I was able to get my sister Tracey to take a belly shot with me.

Trace is due with her 4th baby, a boy just 3 1/2 weeks before me!

..and nope, neither of us has any clue what we're naming our little goblins.

I've gone 62% of the way!!!

2010-04-01T08:37:00.004-06:00

That's pretty much right!! I may or may not think too much about pregnancy and i've figured out i'm 62% of the way done!! Just about 15 weeks left (maybe less if baby has to come early). I pray pray pray she doesn't come early!

You guys!!! I have NOTHING ready! NOT EVEN A NAME for our little love chunk. Well, I guess first the dr wants to confirm it's a girl at this next appointment. He isn't satifsfied it was a girl with the 2 ultrasounds we had. The 2nd ultrasound dr said that at 15 weeks (when we had the last ultrasound done at the fetal studio that said girl) it's a little early to know for sure so they want to "make sure" But Sky and I are still planning and feel pretty sure we are having a little girl :).

I haven't posted hardly any belly pics and after it was requested by Nicki I figured it was time. I was going to post one when i was 1/2 way at 20 weeks but I didn't have much to show for it.

Now, almost 5 weeks later I still feel like I just look like i have just a gut thing going on but that's ok. I stick that gut out proudly :).

I was really annoyed because all the pictures we took of me smiling just made my face look like a marshmallow. Sorry I look annoyed :(

Oh! And Sky felt the baby move for the first time last Friday! I so wish i could have gotten a picture of his adorable face after he felt her. It was priceless. He got this huge elated grin on his face then all the sudden his face just dropped and he said, "Um, i'm scared! When are our prenatal classes?"

kind of an update

2010-03-25T10:15:00.001-06:00

Just a few updates of what we've been up to...

Sky now has his associates degree in medical assisting! He even got on the Dean's list! I am so proud of him and how hard he works! He finished early this month and now we have just been preparing him to start on his biology degree at UVU this May. I love that he has a couple of months off of school. Since we've been married i've never had my husband home every night all week because of school. Now I can't get enough of having him home.

also

Speck is moving more than ever and honestly it's the one of the coolest feelings in the world. It seems like it took me a lot longer than most to realize that the little fluttering in my stomach was our little spawn. I have only been feeling her actively for about 2-3 weeks. Skyler still hasn't felt her squirming from the outside and neither have I. Hopefully soon!

We don't have a real update on the sitation with the low amniotic fluid and cord around her neck yet. Our ultrasound isn't for about 1 1/2 weeks. I talked to the dr and he said they aren't too worried about the cord around her neck at this point. It's just the low amniotic fluid that has them worried. Usually they don't see issues of low amniotic fluid until the 3rd trimester. They think this is an issue with the placenta not producing enough nutrients for Speck. So I have to keep drinking tons of water and hope the situation fixes itself. If it doesn't they will consider starting to give me steroid shots (to mature speck's lungs) and just prepare to deliver her early. This scares me more than anything!!! The dr. didn't say how early they would deliver her but I just hope we can wait as long as possible. When I think about it I do get really nervous but I really do just have a feeling that it will all work out. So to keep myself from going too crazy I just try to keep that comforting feeling with me. Also feeling the little thing swimming around in my tums always helps me feel a little more at peace.

I just want to say thank you for all your sweet comments on my last post. I really do appreciate the expressions of friendship and support! Thank you thank you!

I hope you all enjoyed the little peaking spring! We really really did. Sky and I went on a picnic up the canyon the other afternoon. it was completely lovely. I can't wait for all that is to come this spring/summer!

thumb sucking runt.

2010-03-10T21:36:00.001-07:00

So, we did go to the doctor for the ultrasound on Monday. We were sooo excited.

Zach & Heather came to see too. (Heather is also prego and just about 10 weeks behind me so they got to see what was coming)

I got into the dr's office, they did the normal check-up stuff, then gave me the stuff for my glucose test that I have to do next month (so not excited for that).

Then, it was showtime

Exposed my belly....dr squirted the blue jelly on my tums...can't remember what design he made.

Good ol Dr. Bean started the ultrasound and started to check out our little Speck. Problem was, Speck was not surrounded the amniotic fluid. All the fluid was on one side and she was on the other with only her feet in the fluid. I didn't know this but when the baby isn't in the fluid it makes it hard for the ultrasound to work that well. It is really blurry. We were able to see that she was sucking her thumb the whole time. The dr was also able to do some measurements and found out that she's a pretty small baby (30th percentile for her size) which explains why i've been taking so long to poke out. The dr. was able to check out a few other things but just kept repeating, 'this is one of the hardest ultrasounds I've ever had to do.' Ah well, that just meant I got to go have another ultrasound at the hospital. (they have better machines)

So yesterday Sky and I went to the hospital for my ultrasound part II. The tech came in and did about a 20 minute ultrasound. Luckily Speck was surrounded by some fluid this time but apparently I have 'hispanic' skin (because my skin is darker) so for some reason with darker skin my ultra sounds are a little harder to read....

After the tech looked around a bit she went to get the dr. The dr. came in and looked around a bit more then let us know that there were a few things she is concerned about. First thing is that the baby is not producing enough amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid protects the baby and helps the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system. So if levels are too low it could be a sign of problems. They aren't sure why she isn't producing enough right now so they have to monitor it. Another concern the dr had was that the cord is currently wrapped around our baby's neck. This could be contributing to her not having enough amniotic fluid. The problem with both of these issues is that I can't do anything about it. Speck just has to figure out how to get herself untangled from the cord and then hopefully start producing more fluid. So I will be going back in for another ultrasound in a few weeks to see if anything has changed.

Of course after the ultrasound Sky and I were really down and scared for our little baby. It's hard not knowing what is going to happen and that everything is going OK. We got home and Sky gave me a blessing. It was the sweetest blessing and I could just feel the love that my husband and the Lord has for me and our baby. We really have been so comforted. Not only from the blessing but from our friends and family. We are so blessed!

For fun here is a picture from the ultrasound on Monday. Speck sucked her thumb the whole time and it was the cutest thing! Sky and I got a dvd and just keep watching her over and over.

I will keep you posted when we get back for another ultrasound. I joked with the dr's that Speck probably realized that she was being too easy on me and decided she needed a little more attention.

Jade's Baptism

2010-03-08T09:29:00.010-07:00

This Saturday we got to go see Sky's niece, Jade get baptized. Jade has been going to church with her grandma Sandy every Sunday and made the decision she wanted to be baptized. Jade called Skyler when she turned 8 back in January and asked if he would be the one to baptize her. I can't tell you how excited we both have been. Not only because Jade was making such an important choice but because Sky was going to be able to be a part of it. We are SOOO proud of Jade!

Just before the baptism

Sky's sister's Fallan & Dedee with his niece's Kayla & Jade

Jade with her mom & grandma (Mama Christi)

Weird angle but we had to get a picture too :D

Jade's other grandparents

Sidenote: I am going to get my full in-your-face ultrasound today! I'll hopefully post about it tomorrow!

and now for some cali

2010-03-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

I guess it's about time i add our Cali trip to the blog. It was about 2 weeks ago and was soooo good.

highlights of the trip:

Favorite Ride: Tower of Terror

Favorite Cruisin' Song: Don't stop Believin' by the Glee Cast

Favorite Eating Place: Taco Bell (just cause we went there twice two days in a row)

Favorite Car: Goldi (the nickname we gave the gold Kia Rio we rented)

Favorite Navigation System: Katinka (she led us astray a few times but we couldn't have survived without her)

Favorite moment: Skyler playfully biting Brie a little too hard so she slapped him accross face harder than she meant to (there was a red mark)...we had to keep Morgan entertained.

Favorite time to watch the Olympics: At 3:30 in the morning after Brie woke Skyler up because she wanted to make him drink some theraflu for his blistering fever.

Favorite hotel Lady: Kiki...this might be because she had a fun name.

Biggest mystery: when sky was able to find the time to sneak out to get our Valentines goodies.

Landing in LAX

of course we got our handy map!

Sky and I have a tradition now that our first ride is ALWAYS Indiana Jones

Haunted Mansion (almost didn't post some of these pictures because of the lovely pregnant no-waist figure i'm sporting)

Don't remember which ride...the western type roller coaster?

The California Adventure parade!

Ready for the ZOO!!!

the GORGEOUS panther...I love panthers oh so much! (might be because they're black)

Sky spent forever getting this picture.

Another day at Disneyland!

Denny's...right before the infamous bite & slap.

The pier at Long Beach.

What do you think he's doing??? Yep, looking for crabs.

Beautiful little M0-Fo

We had to run back from crab watching to protect the bikes.

Sky's little present to both of us on Valentines day

Something a little more personal...

2010-02-26T12:23:00.005-07:00

So, I usually keep this blog contained to light and fluffy stuff but lately (blame it on the pregnancy) I have been having just an emotional time. Mostly, I have been pondering the trials that we sometimes have to go through. Sometimes I feel (as I know we all do) that the trials just keep on coming and we don't get much of a break. I know that the Lord never gives us more than we can handle but I can't help but wonder that he might be overestimating my strength sometimes.

I am not sure why but during times of trial I tend to think back to my time growing up. For those who don't know, Skyler and I both came from fairly rough growing-up years. This was another reason I think we bonded so quickly before we started dating. I won't go into too much detail of the types of trials we faced but they were both very similar and different at the same time. As I think back on those trials while in the midst of more trials I find myself thinking, "Wasn't that enough?"

Today started out as one of those days. I was just feeling overwhelmed with the things going on around me. The trials that I face, that my husband faces, that my family and friends face...all of it was just bringing me so far down. I was at work just staring at my computer screen wondering, 'what is the point of it all?'

I decided I had to do something about my mood since crawling into a black hole wasn't an option. So I went to http://www.lds.org/ and came across this quote,

"The thorns that prick, that stick in the flesh, that hurt, often change lives which seem robbed of significance and hope. This change comes about through a refining process which often seems cruel and hard. In this way the soul can become like soft clay in the hands of the Master in building lives of faith, usefulness, beauty, and strength. For some, the refiner’s fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such refining is part of the perfection process." -President James E. Faust

This was exactly what I needed to read. I love this gospel with all my heart! I know that the trials Skyler & I faced when we were young have molded us into the people we have become and have made, not only us as individulas, but our marriage even stronger! I just need to have faith that the trials experienced now by our families, friends and us is helping us all become 'soft clay in the hand of the Master'.

um...YUM!

2010-02-23T10:22:00.012-07:00

yes...i still need to post about the wonderful trip that was Cali.
It was such a great vacation!!! I will hopefully post tomorrow about that...

But in the mean time i am wondering why????

My baby only wants me to eat:
I've always had an addiction to Dippin Dots...But i'm pretty sure Speck loves them even more. I crave them all the time.

AND

Ok, so i'm really really trying hard not to go to Training Table all the time. I told myself I can only go there twice a week now. I KNOW, IT's RIDICULOUS! I usually go for lunch and I suspect the lady at the counter secretly laughs when i call in my order. I just keep waiting for her to ask, 'Will it be the usual?' I think it's mostly the fry sauce and ranch they put on the sandwich...oh my gosh i love it. I know JCW's has a similar sauce but I swear it's not the same. Nothing else sounds good! Not even OUTBACK or PF CHANGS!

I don't know why part of me was hoping this baby cakes would make me crave fruits and learn to like them since I've always hated fruit.

Ah well, here's to hoping I don't gain 200 lbs.

This was taken on the beach at 18 weeks. My belly isn't normally that pokey-outie but for some reason if I walk a whole ton or do something physical (we had just ridden bikes) she pokes right out.

Does anyone else?

2010-02-08T14:08:00.007-07:00

Get super excited for their pregnancy check-ups?

Today I have just a normal appointment.

But I always get so excited and watch the clock all day until it's time to go.

It's just so fun hearing the baby's heartbeat, hearing about what to expect in the next few months and all that stuff. I love it!

Some of the excitement could also come from the fact that tomorrow at 5:00 pm i'm flying with 2 of my favorite people to California!

Hap Birtday Mo-Fo!!

2010-02-01T13:07:00.009-07:00

Tomorrow is my niece Morgan's 15th birthday. I love my Mo-Fo with all of my heart! She is just completely beautiful inside and out! She is one of mine and Sky's best friends.

For her birthday, Morgan asked if we could go to Disneyland (Cali) with her again (she came with us back when Sky and I were engaged). We found out (back in October) that my wonderful brother, Dave (Morgan's Paps) is going to pay for Skyler and I to go as a birthday present to us as well. So we actually kept it a secret from Sky until his birthday. So, it's finally here and we get to go next week! We are so excited to spend 5 days in Cali with our lovable Mo :D.

As a sidenote: I have a baby bump!....sort of. The sad part is it's only in the middle of the night. The first time I got it I woke Skyler up to make sure it wasn't just my imagination (it was 4 in the morning). He laughed at first but then got really excited when he felt that there was one! But when I stood up in the morning the baby bump was gone. We figured out she only shows in the middle of the night after i've been sleeping on my back. I'm pretty sure our little critter doesn't like the back so she curls up higher. Oh well...maybe this means i'm getting close to popping out.

P.S. I know i'm going to look back on this post when i'm 35 weeks pregnant and laugh because i'll be longing for the times when I could look down and still see my feet.

Our little punk is a....

2010-01-26T09:24:00.006-07:00

GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so up in the air as to what gender I wanted the baby to be. When the tech said it was a girl I just felt like it was what I had always wanted. When we got 100% confirmation it was a little girl Skyler just started laughing. The rest of the night we couldn't stop smiling and talking about our baby girl.

Now that we got the exciting part of the ultrasound out of the way i'll tell you about our little Speck.

She is a MOVER! The tech kept saying, "Oh my!" because she was just moving her legs and arms all over the place. Skyler asked "Are you sure you can't feel that?". Nope, i can't feel the little punk but she sure is active.

She has really big lips right now. The tech pointed that out to us and laughed. This made Sky nervous that she won't grow into them. I had to reassure him that big lips are ok and that I'm sure she won't come out looking like a fish.

I am not showing at all yet and i'm not sick so seeing the little babes inside me just made me so happy and actually feel pregnant again. I will hopefully start showing soon cause it looks like she is running out of room. It was fun, the tech poked on the top of my belly and we could see it on the ultrasound. It actually kind of made Sky a little nervous cause he was afraid the tech was going to hurt her (he's already a paranoid daddy).

Speck doesn't have a real name yet :(. Before we found out what she was we thought we had a solid girls name. But then when we found out a bunch of other names came up. So hopefully we can decide sometime soon :P

Sorry this post is kind of long but I can't even begin to express how happy I am about this little baby girl.

a little early?

2010-01-25T14:45:00.003-07:00

So, after like 2 minutes of hard-thinking and discussing with Skyler about what to do for Family Home Evening we decided...

We are going to the fetal studio at South Towne mall tonight to find out the gender of Speck!

and now i'm wondering...

WHY AM I FREAKING OUT!? I have wanted so bad to find out what Speck is but now that it's a possibility I almost don't want to. Wish us luck! (luck for what? I have no idea)

my favorite kids

2010-01-22T12:57:00.005-07:00

These are my nieces and nephews and my gosh, I just lover them tons. Most of them are more like little brothers and sisters since i'm closer in age to some of them than my actual siblings. I just love these punks!!!

Top row: Ashton-12, Chantelle-15, Whitney-20, Skyler-17, Jordan-17, Avery-2, Mylee-18 mo, Chandler-18, Robbie-15, Morgan-14, Shaylee-14, Justine-16, Jantzen-13
Upper Middle row: Harrison-11, Lindsey-12, Josh-12, Abraham-10, Brandon-10, JJ-10, Sydney-9, Brooklynn-11, McKenna-10, Kade-11.
Lower Middle row: Hunter-6, Cole-6, Sienna-8, Jaxon-9, Ammon-8, Hailey-7
Bottom row: Zariah-8, Jace-3, Camryn-5, Danielle-5, Celeste-7, Brittan-8
Only kiddos missing are: Carter-10 (he lives in Alabama), Baby Stubbs Whitby and Baby Speck Hokama.

Called to serve!

2010-01-14T08:41:00.005-07:00

Last night at about 9:15 we went over to my brother Ryan's house to see my nephew Chandler open his mission call. They had a big map there and we all got to make guesses as to where we thought he would go (1 state side guess and 1 foreign guess). Even Speck guessed!

It was so sweet. Chandler was shaking opening his call. It took even longer for him to read it.

he did finally open and read it

and......

Elder Ryan Chandler Allphin, is called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spain, Barcelona mission. He leaves at the end of May (he turns 19 in April).

We love Chan and know he will serve the people of Barcelona well! Our whole family couldn't be more excited for him!

Chan with his 3 coolest aunts minutes after opening his call

are you freaking serious?!?

2010-01-12T18:11:00.007-07:00

We recorded Sky's, my family's and Sky's family's reaction to us having a baby.
Somehow the recording of my family got deleted. Just picture a room of 40 people (my brothers & sisters and all their kids) first thinking it was my sister tracey's ultrasound pic then realizing it said Baby Hokama and then gasping and cheering :).
This is Sky's family reacting. His mom is opening a picture of the ultrasound pic and it says Baby HOkama on the sides of the frame.

This is Sky's sister DeDee's reaction. She came in a little later so she had her own. Lol, we didn't catch it but she kept looking at us and just saying, "Ewww!!". haha I love Dedee!

Many of you may have seen this one. He's such an excited daddy

the pregnancy low-down

2010-01-07T10:38:00.005-07:00

So yay! I can finally talk about being pregnant!!! I even kept the secret from most of my family until Christmas! It was SOOOO hard but it was pretty fun just being excited and planning with Skyler.

I just want to share a little background information. Anyone who knows us knows that Skyler has been sooo excited about starting a family. I, on the other hand, have not always been so sure. I was never been one of those girls that always knew she was going to be a mother. The idea really didn't appeal to me. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE kids. I have 9 older siblings all who have kids that I love so incredibly much. I love being an aunt and really thought that was enough for me. The idea of being completely responsible for teaching, guiding, and taking care of a little human was just so scary and overwhelming to me.

Well, it was a couple of weeks before our first anniversary, Skyler had felt strongly that is was time to start our family and he let me know (He always knows first! He knew we were going to get married before I had even processed that we were officially dating). I simply was not there yet (to say the least). I really was so upset because I was feeling more like I absolutely did not want to be a mom yet...or even at all. It was a really hard week. I was trying so hard to feel the same way as Skyler. But as I thought more about it the more against the idea I was. That Sunday we were sitting in sacrament meeting and there was a little family with a baby sitting a few rows in front of us. I didn't think anything of it until later on in the meeting I was watching this baby and just had the thought of mine and Skyler's children pop into my head. To sum it up, I all the sudden I knew without a shadow of a doubt there was a little spirit that was ready to be a part of our family. Well 2 weeks later....I was pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I am still scared out of my mind! I still get so worried and cry about being a mom some days but I am always comforted and reminded that I will have all the help I need from my wonderful husband, family and most importantly from Heavenly Father. Don't worry, most days I am more than happy to have this little Speck growing inside of me.

Ok so here are the details:

When am I due? I will be 13 weeks along tomorrow. I am due on July 16. Yep, right in the middle of summer. I am 4 weeks behind my sister Tracey who is due with her 4th baby on June 22.

Am I showing? I am not showing at all yet. I keep hoping for a bump to appear but it never does. Skyler laughs at me cause I ask him all the time to feel and see if he thinks i'm getting a baby bump.

Have I been super sick? I really haven't been too sick as long as I eat. The only problem is that nothing ever sounds good. I have to force myself to eat. Milk is the only thing that ALWAYS sounds good to me. I was never a huge milk drinker but can't get enough now. I was really scared because I got the swine flu when I was only 5 weeks along (that's the sickest i've gotten during this pregnancy). I have been really tired and have no energy but even that hasn't been bad. I feel so blessed to have such an easy pregnancy so far. My sister Ang throws up her entire pregnancy. I don't know how she does it.

Boy or girl preference? Skyler is kind of leaning towards wanting a boy (most guys are). I would love to see him with a girl because he is so darn cute with his nieces. Here's my thing though, I have never been super girly. I was a tom boy all growing up. Now that i'm older i've gotten in touch with my girly side but the idea of having a girl makes me nervous. Other than that main fear I think i'll be fine with either ;).

So that about sums it up. I can't wait to have our little baby here but I know I have a long road ahead.

I have video of me telling sky and us telling our families. I will upload them later.

Maybe, i'm sort of, a little bit.....

2009-12-31T09:42:00.004-07:00

PREGNANT!!!!

lazy lazy

2009-12-15T13:44:00.003-07:00

So sorry, i've kind of sucked it up with blogging lately. Not a ton has happened.

Went to Sky's grandparents down in Hurricane for Thanksgiving and that was tons o' fun.

November 29th was Sky's birthday. We were mostly traveling but he got a few presents which were some snowboard boots and Roller Coaster Tycoon the computer game (which also crashed his laptop...LAME!)

We got a calling to teach the 9-10 year olds starting in January. We are way excited to be in senior primary!

That's pretty much it...except for the fact I am really loving this time of year (like most everyone).

Family Pictures

2009-11-18T14:05:00.013-07:00

Sky decided that, even though we don't have any cute kidlets to show off, we need to do family pictures every year. So this year our friend Heather's sister was so sweet to come last minute and take pictures of all of us (since zach and heather are basically our family too).

We had to include a few from Zach & Heather's...Stinkin cute!

It was so COLD!

We weren't sure what we were doing...

hmm....

no words...

Pretty sure we look like brother and sister :P

We may be looking too serious but I dig the coloring

Sky tells me i look like i'm on drugs...i admit i don't look very good but i think it's funny

Jusy funny

This is what Heather and I are doing whenever we're all together.

Sky's Anniversary Present

2009-11-06T01:00:00.001-07:00

The above video is something I created for Sky. We decided not to do anniversary presents to each other so we could spend the money on our little getaway. Instead I created a little video of our first year. Well I actually recreated our whole wedding video but i'm just posting the part of our first year...and for my present Sky got me Bajio gift certificates. YUM!

Our anniversary trip was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! It was a much needed break for both of us. We can't believe it's been a year. We can't wait to make this year just as good if not better than the last!