Steven, Whitney, and Paisley

2011-12-14T20:55:00.007-07:00

Well Steven has just finished his third semester of school and has three more to go! Now is the time when he is starting to think of what to do his thesis on and gather some research. I will be excited when he graduates.

Paisley and I hang out at the apartment most days. Sometimes we venture out to the public library for story time. Paisley loves to read and is starting to read to herself (well at least she thinks she is). She is building her vocabulary and I am waiting for her to surprise me with a sentence one of these days.

Paisley loves to talk on the phone. She will go around the apartment jabbering away to no one in particular. She'll say, 'uh yep', 'um', and then do some giggling.
Steven did Paisley's hair in this picture. She sits still for Steven extremely well. Anytime I even pull out a hairbrush she starts screaming. Steven better learn to french braid.

Paisley absolutely loves to help me cook in the kitchen. Sometimes we wear matching aprons and other times we don't. Her favorite thing to do is stir. She gets mad at me when I go to the stove to stir some pasta and don't ask her to come help. She's pretty good with electric beaters as well, with some help of course.
Yes, I know this picture is a tad blurry, but Paisley is so darn cute in it.

Paisley is getting better at letting me paint her toenails. We pick out a color, in this case two, and get painting. It took me less than a minute to do this. Then we just dip them in cold water for instant dryness. Her toes are so festive they make me want to paint my nails like that. However, I bet they wouldn't be quite as cute.

2011-12-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

A new star with a host of angels

Announce a wee babe's birth

This humble scene of ancient days

Seems lost in toys and decorations

But look with a careful eye and see

Candy canes and gifts exchanged

Christmas trees and colored lights

Symbols of that sacred night

When Jesus Christ was born

The multi colored candy canes

Should be consumed in memory

Of the shepherds who went seeking

For the One who'd save them

Gifts are given to show love

Just as the wise men did

They sacrificed and traveled far

To bring Him precious gifts

The Christmas tree is always green

And full of life year round

Every branch works in harmony

To point towards the heavenly sky

Lights on houses, lights on trees

Candles burn in windows

Bringing light as the new star did

For the Light of the World

December first, the countdown begins

For the most familiar symbol of all

Santa Claus--- full of joy, giving, and love

Is symbolic of Jesus Christ

If Santa is then, merely a symbol

Why do movies, books, and people

Say that he is real?

Perhaps it is because Santa brings peace

And causes the spread of love

He brings gifts to everyone and

Establishes special feelings within

His gifts and love are here

For just one month a year

But Jesus' gifts and love run deeper

And are forever lasting

And so it must be,

The symbol of Santa is believed to be real

Because of the real emotions that he makes us feel

Halloween Hauntings!

2011-11-01T15:11:00.004-06:00

Happy Halloween!

Paisley got an apple from one of the houses we trick-or-treated at. She loved it and munched on it all night. Steven's parents were in town and were good sports to dress up. We have Zorro, Elizabeth Bennett, a witch, a flapper girl, and a scarecrow without his stuffing (it had to be removed because even though Paisley was not a crow, she was still scared).

October

2011-10-25T12:33:00.006-06:00

Kyshel came down for a weekend to spend her fall break with us. We had a Halloween theme dinner while she was here: eyeballs in our drinks, fingers, bat wings, and Frankenstein brownies.
The day Kyshel left, Shanda arrived bringing treats from my mom. Paisley is enjoying the candy necklace that Grandma Tew sent her. She was on such a sugar high that she did not sleep well that night.Last night for family home evening we sang the Twelve Days of Halloween and carved pumpkins. Steven and Shanda had huge pumpkins with intricate carvings. Paisley and I shared a pumpkin. Paisley loved playing with her pumpkin. After we lit it and took itoutside Paisley did not want to leave it.

Spinning

2011-07-27T11:19:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, Paisley learned how to spin. I did not teach her. I was sitting on the floor putting pictures into albums and I hear her just laughing. Out of the corner of my eye I see her stumbling, so I look up and she is spinning in circles, loosing her balance and finding it all quite funny.

Oh I wish I were in the land of cotton

2011-07-19T09:47:00.021-06:00

Steven, Paisley, and I went down south to be with family. We flew in the Memphis and drove up to Kentucky. Okay let's see if I can get everyone in this picture named. On the couch from left to right is Thomas (he's sleeping), Becky, Paula and her girls (Kaylee and Kaitlin), Mama May, and Cherise. On the floor from left to right is Me, Aunt PP, Myleigh and Shanda.

One day of the reunion we went to Abraham Lincoln's birthplace in Kentucky. Surprisingly the weather was amazing and comfortable.

Grandma and Granddad with Paisley

On our way back to Aunt Celesta's house from Abe's birthplace we stopped in at Sulfur Well (pronounced suffa wells). We tasted the water that people come to get and take back to their house. As you walk down to the river you can smell the sulfur. This is me spitting out the water. Completely worse than what I was expecting. To quote my dad, he said the water tasted like old stale farts.

Steven thought he could get away with drinking it this way, but he was a good sport and drank the water that locals believe will cure you if you drink it. Who knows, maybe he will no longer have crohns.

One of the days at the reunion we celebrated everyone turning one this year. From left to right we have Paisley, Myleigh (Cherise's girl), Eli (Justin's boy), Charlie (Amber's boy), and Thomas (Becky's boy). They are all wearing Tennessee shirts that Shanda bought them all.

Not many people are lucky enough to partake in a five generation family picture. From left to right it me, Grandma Simpson, my mom, Mama May, and Paisley is in Grandma Simpson's lap.

Cuncle Mike, Uncle Mark, Myleigh, Steven

Papa Don and Paisley

After the reunion in Kentucky we parted ways and went back to Tennessee to be with my immediate family. Paisley had a blast and we loved watching her have fun. One day we took her to a splash playground where she got really wet. She loves my parents' dog and four cats. She even learned how to say dog and cat while we were there.

According to the movie "Journey to the Center of the Earth", the human body can only survive up to 135 degrees. It sure was a hot day and we spent it outside at Mud Island and the previous day was just as hot and we were at the zoo.

Paisley crawled back in the bag. I guess she wants to go back to Tennessee.

Princess Paisley

2011-07-17T20:06:00.010-06:00

This post is mainly a Paisley update, but then again so are most other ones.

How did this girl get to own so many toys? I'll tell you how. She is the only grandchild on both sides of our family.

She already loves jewelry.

She is always helpful, especially when we don't even ask for help, she just knows we need it. She is always helping me with laundry, sewing, or dishes. This time she is helping Steven fix things.

We've already got her trained to have food storage. In this case I think she's making sure we have enough pasta and tuna fish to last us six months.

Family Photos: Beware, Paisley frequents most of them

2011-06-11T14:40:00.020-06:00

Thank you Caitlin Sparks!

She did such a wonderful job with our family pictures. We just love them all. Also a big thanks to her husband Travis for holding Paisley while Steven and I got some pictures together. Quite the task since Paisley's not a fan of bearded men.

Baby Steps

2011-06-03T19:33:00.003-06:00

The end is Steven's favorite!

Let it be known . . .

2011-05-29T12:20:00.002-06:00

that yesterday, a Saturday, Steven got up earlier than he would have liked and fed Paisley breakfast. Then after helping two families move he came home and did dishes, wiped walls, kitchen cabinets, the oven, dishwasher, and fridge. He cleaned a stove burner and the stove top and re-foiled all the burners. He scrubbed sticky root beer from the bottom of the fridge and then took a nap with me. Later he helped me cook dinner and even fixed the toilet. I love this man! Oh, and he might have killed a really big flying bug (we can't find it) and didn't even make fun of me for being scared!

Happy Easter

2011-04-26T11:17:00.005-06:00

To celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Steven, Paisley, and I went to Provo to be with family and friends. We colored eggs, which Paisley loved. On Sunday Paisley slept through the egg hunt, which her cousin Thomas enjoyed. After dinner Steven hid eggs for Paisley to find. She did not know what to do and didn't really care to find eggs. I think she just wanted out of the grass.

2011-04-26T11:08:00.002-06:00

Stairs

2011-04-06T16:25:00.001-06:00

We got our family pictures taken yesterday. For some of them we were on some stairs and the photographer wanted Paisley to climb the stairs to me. Well Paisley had never climbed stairs because the ones in our apartment are, I thought, too tall for her. Since these particular stairs are on the shorter side she was able to climb them.

Today I was ironing and Paisley crawled over to join me. Then she went over to our basket of shoes. After being with the shoes for a little bit I looked over to see what shoe she might be chewing on when instead I saw her sitting on the first step.

2011-04-06T16:24:00.003-06:00

Videos for Grandparents

2011-04-04T17:40:00.007-06:00

We touched a Zebra!!!

2011-03-20T20:48:00.005-06:00

After all the excitement of getting a motorcycle, we had to leave it in northern Utah with some friends, just until we can get the bike and Steven licensed and a helmet for Steven. On our way home we stopped in Scipio to fuel up and Steven noticed a zebra. For those who do not know, there is a petting zoo in Scipio (pronounced CPO). Paisley loved looking at all the animals: alpacas, emus, goats, rabbits, sheep, chickens, and a zebra.

What do you think of the color yellow?

2011-03-20T20:33:00.004-06:00

One of Steven's dreams just came true. Yes boys, he owns a motorcycle. A 750 cc (whatever that means) Honda Shadow. Ladies, I know you are all wanting to know why I "caved in" and allowed him to get one. Let me explain.

When we were first married I was totally against him owning a motorcycle. He was a scary driver in my eyes. That all changed the day we brought Paisley home from the hospital. He is so cautious now, even when she's not in the car with us. So when he brought the idea to me, he didn't even get a chance to tell me his rehearsed reasons of why he needed one. I said "ya that's a good idea." His apprehension of asking me about the bike left him as shock set in.

Does this mean I get to expand my sewing fabric selection? In addition to frills, lace, pink, and polka dots will I be adding leather, fringe, skulls, and bandanas?

To quote my parents: "I'm going to put books on your head to keep you from growing"

2011-02-16T09:28:00.007-07:00

I know I have been blogging a lot lately. There's just so much happening and I want it all documented.

On Sunday, Steven was holding Paisley in sacrament meeting. He leaned over to me and whispered, "Paisley just yawned and I saw a tooth." Yes, Paisley has finally broke the skin and there's a little tooth showing thru her bottom gum line. Not at all where we were expecting her first tooth to pop thru.

Ever since we started her on flouride and vitamin supplements she doesn't eat breakfast very well. She stays tight lipped. So today I made up some cereal and dumped it on her tray. It was her first time eating like this. The messiest Paisley got was a little cereal in her hair. Quite an accomplishment.

Paisley is crawling now, not exclusively. She still likes to army crawl occasionally. She really likes to stand and is starting to pull herself up on things. Steven and I have become jungle gyms; Paisley loves to crawl all over us. She loves to laugh, which is nothing new, however still fun.

2011-02-16T09:26:00.005-07:00

It's Sew Time to Blog

2011-02-10T17:49:00.005-07:00

It is not too early to teach Paisley how to sew. She helped me with the dress. As you can see she is ready to measure anything that I need measured. She also like to test out the pedal to make sure it worked. Oh did it work. I've never jumped so fast as I was trying to thread the needle and keep from puncturing my finger at the same time.

I made a dress for Paisley to wear when she will be 18 months old. I put the elastic ruching in myself. I used my cool ruffler foot to make the sleeves. I am pretty amazed that it turned out this good, especially since I didn't have a pattern.

Happy Groundhog Day!

2011-02-02T09:54:00.001-07:00

Mr. Groundhog says its going to be an early spring. Now on to other things.

Paisley is seven months old today. She likes to play with the heating vents and the springy door stoppers. She is fascinated with clear containers that have water within. She is learning to drink from a normal cup and really likes it. She's still needs help holding the cup though. We tried a sippy cup and she didn't go for it, but we will try again later.

She has a top tooth that can be seen just under the gums. She is such a trooper through the pain. I'll make sure to get a picture up when she has her first tooth.

Occasionally I see Paisley licking walls and floors. I think she wants to stick them in her mouth, but since they are flat she just puts her mouth right up to them and licks.

Steven taught Paisley to play peek-a-boo with her burp rag. He puts it over her face and says, "where's Paisley?" then Paisley pulls the burp rag off her face and we see a big smile. Another game Paisley loves to play is patty cake.

Paisley is learning to say "mom" or "mum" is more like it. She is also learning to make kiss sounds, all she has to do is learn to blow them now. She is still working on the crawling thing and getting to a sitting position.

She is really fun to have around.

Of Songbirds and Lullaby's

2011-02-02T09:52:00.001-07:00

A child I'm becoming

Discovery:

brightly colored plastic balls

loose carpet strings to pull on

new foods and funny faces

animal sounds and giggles

arms stretched out to share wet fingers

slobbery kisses full of love

indescribable joy with each accomplishment

true emotion in each tear

crawling through tunnels and building mazes

peek-a-boo and patty cake

dancing while cooking dinner

getting ready for bed to the hum of a Sleeping Beauty song

innocent smiles that melt my anger

curiosity that brings mischievous glances

A child I'm becoming - with you

For I am but your mother

Snow!!!

2011-01-31T13:36:00.005-07:00

I bundled Paisley up nice and warm. Then we went outside to see what the snow was all about. I had her taste the snow and she did not like it. She didn't know what to think, in fact I think she forgot how to move. I know Paisley looks like she can't move, but when we were still in the house she was rolling over and scooting. Thus she is not like that child on "A Christmas Story" that can't put his arms down.

Paisley's just having some fun

2011-01-12T09:28:00.004-07:00

2011 is movin' and so is Paisley

2011-01-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

This year is starting out well for us. Steven finally got his grades back for last semester and. . . drum roll please. . . he is a straight A student! Steven loves graduate school and is excited to start a new semester.

Steven got me a ruffler foot for my sewing machine, which if you don't know what that is I will tell you. It is a cool thing I hook onto my sewing machine and it makes pleats for me. So I will be spending time playing around with that. I might go a little crazy and put pleats on all of Paisley's clothes.

Paisley is six months old and getting pretty mobile. Soon she will be learning the word "no."

Videos!!!!

2011-01-05T15:01:00.005-07:00

2010 Sum Up

2010-12-11T17:38:00.008-07:00

This year has been amazing!

Steven got hired at Deseret Industries as a job coach, and then four months later he got moved to full time with benefits. He loves his job and the fact that he gets to actually use his degree. I love it when he comes home and tells me stories of how he has helped someone that day. Steven has started his Masters Degree at Southern Utah University and is very busy.

I started and graduated from massage therapy school. I am nationally certified and am waiting for my state license to come in the mail. I am trying to cook foods that are better for Steven to eat and it is an adventure. I am also working on keeping up with Steven's and Paisley's changing schedules to make sure we can all have some time together each day.

Steven and I are getting used to being parents and then it all changes when Paisley does something new. Paisley has learned to roll over, however she doesn't use this new skill to get around. Paisley does scoot herself, and rather quickly when she sees something she wants. She is also learning to sit up by herself. She's quite good at it and just needs to keep practicing her balance. Paisley is fascinated with my cell phone, books, and any form of paper. She loves to eat food. Carrots are her favorite and oatmeal is the messiest.

We hope you have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the following pictures!

Oink! Oink!

What a rough day

2010-11-16T09:11:00.006-07:00

I know the video explains it all, but for the purpose of one day turning this blog into a book, let me put it in print and with a picture. Paisley got her 4 month shots yesterday. Luckily we gave her some tylenol for the pain because later that day Steven laid Paisley on the couch. Despite having his hand on her, Paisley rolled off the couch and hit her eye on a book that was on the floor. When Steven told me what happened I guess he was expecting me to chastise him. He was glad that I only told him "to keep an eye as well as a hand on her."

This picture is what Paisley's face looks like this morning. It doesn't look too different from last night, luckily. I don't know what I would say to those out-dated opinions that people like to throw at new parents.

What is this stuff?

2010-11-03T16:45:00.003-06:00

This is a video of Paisley's first experience with eating food. This was taken a few weeks ago. Now she eats solids three times a day and still gives me funny faces. She eats pretty good and luckily she doesn't spit up as much like she used to, thank goodness. I think I am going to introduce a new food next week.

I didn't realize how much time it takes to feed a baby. First I nurse her, then we go to the kitchen and get ready for her solid food. I haven't been away from the house yet since she has started solids, but I have a feeling it's not going to be as easy anymore.

ceLebRaTe!

2010-11-03T16:16:00.005-06:00

Leading up to Halloween, my mom and sister came out to visit us. We took Paisley up to Provo for a few days and left Steven at home : (

We met up with Kyshel, Aunt Shannon, Becky, and Thomas. We spent one of our days at Gardner Village, which was all decked out in Halloween decor! Paisley's aunts bought her a tutu which she wore the rest of the day. She absolutely loves it.

Steven and I got a baby sitter and went to a Halloween party. We had a blast. There were fun games, great food, and amazing company. We think Paisley had a fun time without us as well because she wasn't waiting up for us and slept well that night. Can you tell what we are dressed up as? I am a CATastrophe and Steven is, well, Steve (from Blue's Clues).

Even though we didn't go trick or treating this year, Paisley still got to dress up. Yummy!

Our car brakes have been squeaking for some time now. We even took a trip to Idaho with them. Steven was able to put new brakes on the car on his day off, which happened to be rainy and cold. He is such a trooper. He even let me help him when he got to the second tire. I put the brake pads on. They just snap right on. Who needs a mechanic? Ok, so that's not all there is to it.

Paisley's fun developments

2010-10-14T17:59:00.008-06:00

Paisley is almost 3 1/2 months. She has been sleeping 11 hours at night for a month now. Last night, however, she decided to wake up and have a midnight chat with herself. I hope this doesn't become a regular thing.

This is what happens when Paisley has tummy time. I try not to give her tummy time right after eating, but she is a spitter. Side note: I want to cut my hair, but because Paisley is such a spitter I think I should keep it long so I can keep it pulled out of her way. One Sunday I left my hair down and she spit up and my hair just soaked it all up. Crunchy wet hair is not attractive nor does it smell good. Let's just say not many people sat by me in Relief Society that day.

Some of the most precious moments I have with her are while she is in my arms, especially when she's sleeping. She is so smiley. She loves to suck on her hands. She tries to shove her whole fist in her mouth and sometimes she gags herself. Paisley loves her hands so much that while she is eating she tries to sneak a finger or two into her mouth as well.

This is Paisley and her cousin Thomas. He is four days older than Paisley. I think its fun to hear them talk to each other. Its practically code talk. I hope they don't plan anything too crazy.

Since it is October, Paisley and I sing Halloween songs almost everyday. I have a video posted of us singing together. I love how she gets a serious face towards the end of the song.

I can FINALLY decorate!

2010-10-01T18:54:00.004-06:00

I am so glad October is here. Halloween is my favorite holiday and Steven said I couldn't decorate until October. (However, he never said anything about Halloween candy~I have consumed a whole bag of pumpkin candy corn before September ended). So after feeding Paisley and then myself this morning, up the decorations went! I even whipped out the Halloween clothes, and little does Steven know, I dressed Paisley in Halloween pajamas last night so that this morning she could start the haunting season off right.

Paisley will be 3 months tomorrow, holy cow! Paisley takes four naps a day. Below are some pictures of where she likes to take her 4th nap.

Yes, in her highchair. She sleeps in her crib all her other naps, but refuses to sleep there for her last nap. She definitely has a fun personality. I love this girl so much!

Zions National Park

2010-09-21T08:35:00.018-06:00

We went to Zions yesterday and hiked a little bit of The Narrows. It was way fun! Steven and I want to go back and stay a weekend so we can get more hiking in. We also drove through a mile long tunnel that went through the mountain~way cool. Paisley was such a great trooper. Here are some pictures of the day.

This picture was actually taken on the way to the Emerald Pools, but we ended up not hiking to them because we had some growling stomachs.

Welcome September!

2010-09-01T16:43:00.005-06:00

I love these!

Paisley~Becoming quite the movie star

2010-08-24T14:40:00.003-06:00

Most babies wear gloves to keep from scratching their face, not Paisley. She wears them to keep from pulling her hair. Usually she will start crying and either Steven or I will have to go help her get her hair unwrapped from her fingers.

Most Wanted Pictures

2010-08-24T13:44:00.010-06:00

This is Paisley in her first month

This is the brand new family, still in the hospital

Steven, the proud papa, and Paisley

This is Paisley in her first month of life

Blessing Day: July 11, 2010

Paisley is sporting the same dress I was blessed in

Paisley in her first month with really cool shades

Paisley in her second month of life

She loves to play with her dad!

Paisley Mae Holyoak

2010-08-24T11:58:00.005-06:00

I know I am late in getting this up, but we just got internet yesterday.

I tapped Steven on the shoulder around 3 am saying in whisper, " I think my water broke." We got up, gathered some things and got in the car. As we are driving Steven asks if he needs to be breaking any traffic laws. I told him no, everything I read has said that once your water breaks then labor generally starts in 12-24 hours. So no rush right? Half way to the hospital I told him I felt like I had to push and man that pedal was on the floor and a few stop lights were behind us. We arrived at the hospital around 3:30 am with contractions already two minutes apart. I did not have any IV's, no pain medication, no epidural, and no doctor. Well at least not my doctor. My doctor was out of town so I had the one that was on call.

We are parents of a beautiful baby girl. We named her Paisley Mae Holyoak. She was born at 5:31 am on July 2, 2010. She was 7 lbs 14 oz and 19.5 inches long.

38 weeks

2010-06-21T14:09:00.007-06:00

Back in April, Steven got moved to full-time at work. Now the paystubs say we make more money a year, but we are still bringing in the same amount as always. I guess that's what happens when you have health insurance and retirement being taken out.

In May, I received my massage table. Now all I need is to graduate, take the national exam, and become licensed and I will be an official Massage Therapist.

We are at 38 weeks in our pregnancy. Last Monday I was effaced 40% and dilated to a two. Today was another appointment and nothing has changed since last week. Our doctor is going out of town June 30th and won't be back until July 4th. We are praying that Paisley Mae will either come early or late, just as long as our doctor is in town.

Baby Shower

2010-04-25T17:58:00.021-06:00

I had a baby shower on Saturday, April 24th. Kyshel, Aunt Shannon, Becky, Angela, and some of Shannon's friends (Shannon, Laurel, Julie) came down to celebrate with me. They brought gifts down and then we went shopping with the money my friends and family sent.

Kyshel stuffed her shirt to give everyone and idea of what the future might hold for us.

This blanket was made by my great grandma Simpson for me when I was born.

This is a hooded towel.

The pink onesie says, "100% loved by grandma."

These pants are leopard print in case you cannot tell.

These Dr. Suess books are from my dad. They are just a few of the ones he read to me growing up. Now Paisley will get to read some of Steven's and my favorite books.

This is a toy from my brother Calvin. It is an octopus pirate. He also got me another toy where it is little cup things that store inside of each other and then they also stack up on top of each other. It will be fun playing with Paisley and her toys.

This little sleeper says, "My auntie loves me." It is from Shanda.

We had a game where life was compared pre- and postbaby. The "then" statements were given, but the "now" statements had to be completed. Here are just a few of them.

Back then, a romantic dinner was wine, candles and music...Now HAHA! More like pizza and milk in a hurry. But don't worry when they're still small it's a lot easier. Sleeping babies are the best!

Back then, a night out was dinner and a movie...Now what's a night out???

Back then, you thought 'hemorroides' were for those over 70! Now hope they still are.

Back then, bags under your eyes from no sleep meant you had a wild night out...Now bags under your eyes means your baby did not sleep and baby had a wild night.

Back then, a long weekend meant three days at the beach...Now time in the bathroom alone for 10 minutes is refreshing!

Back then, visiting your mother-in-law was something you had to do...Now you're happy when she comes so you can get some sleep.

Back then, a romantic dinner was wine, candles, and music...Now it's when he changes one dirty diaper : )

Back then, you thought 'hemorroides' were for those over 70! Now I found out real quick at the age of 20, after giving birth to my first daughter something was on my butt that should not be there. Hemorroides-ouch

Back then, a 'leak' referred to the kitchen faucet...Now a leak is a leak honey no matter what hole it comes out of.

27 Weeks

2010-04-05T18:37:00.004-06:00

Easter Sunday, I woke up to find colored eggs hidden all around the apartment. The easter bunny treated us good. Steven and I enjoyed general conference, especially Elder Holland's talk.

Today I came home from school and Steven exclaimed, "Woah, is that my shirt?" After a few laughs I pulled out his shirt and we took a picture. Aren't we adorable?

Steven's Cooking

2010-03-17T13:13:00.003-06:00

Steven made a gloriously wonderful dessert. It was (past tense because I have practically devoured the whole thing) a chocolate chip peanut butter torte. Give him a recipe and measuring cups and he will make wonders.

Spring is Coming!

2010-03-06T15:48:00.008-07:00

I think I am 20 weeks in the pink shirt. I am 23 weeks in the white shirt.

We bought a crib, high chair, stroller, and carseat all thanks to getting our taxes back. Hopefully we have all of the big purchases out of the way now. However, our small apartment is becoming cluttered, maybe we should think about moving soon.

Just a little update on us:

Steven has a new job, working at Deseret Industries as a Job Coach (pretty much a fun way of saying "I am the manager over small-as-is products"). He has put in his application for graduate school and we are waiting to hear back on that.

I am attending massage therapy school and Steven loves it when he gets to help me study for my hands-on tests. I don't know what better school to go to when you're pregnant, I get massaged almost everyday. So far I know how to give a swedish massage, lymph drainage massage, and lots of spa techniques. Next week I am learning craniosacral massage. Just four more months of school!

19 weeks

2010-02-10T17:19:00.004-07:00

Sometime around July 3, 2010 we will be welcoming a little girl into this world.

We are pretty excited. Steven is so excited that he wants her to be here today. He is going to be such a good dad.

End of the Year Letter

2009-12-08T11:48:00.003-07:00

It's that time of year to write that traditional letter that sums up your family's year. So here goes:

We celebrated our one year aniversary this year!

In July, Steven graduated from BYU Idaho with his Bachelors degree; so now he has a piece of paper that tells him he is smart. We moved to Utah in August. Despite the economic crisis, we were both blessed to obtain jobs. Once October came our apartment seemed to collect holiday decorations and baby magazines. Yes, on October 31st, we found out that we are going to be parents. From November on it has just been lots of reading about baby must have's and the developing process.

Happy New Year!

Halloween Dinner

2009-10-08T11:32:00.004-06:00

This dinner actually occured in September, but I am just now getting around to writing about it. Whitney was making a halloween skirt one day. When she finished it, she was inspired to make dinner a little on the spooky side. When Steven got home, she welcomed him (in a croaky voice) to the dead man's inn and instructed him to change into a halloween shirt that would keep the vampire in number 3 away from him. Bleeding giant fingers (aka stuffed breadsticks dipped in spaghetti sauce) were served for dinner. All in all, the evening was a haunting success.

The Red Foothills

2009-09-03T17:28:00.002-06:00

During our first night in our apartment, Steven spotted deer in our backyard. A doe and two little ones. One would think that we lived near a forest or out in the country, however the rumble of semi-trucks and motorized vehicles on the highway is heard clearly 24/7. We spend a lot of time at the library looking and applying for jobs. The rest of our day is spent unpacking. Once jobs are in tack, a more exciting life will pick up. Until then we are signed up for institute and are working on getting to know the members of our ward. We have attended church once so far and have come to find out that our ward is bustling with activity and old people. A big difference from our other ward where newlyweds and babies were spotted everywhere. It seems like our ward has an activity planned everyweek.
The culture is different. The people and landscape are very diverse, of the which will take some getting used to. It is comforting to meet a fellow Latter day Saint. We can't wait to see what the winters are like (if they are really as cold as the locals say it is). We are surviving all our adventures and are loving it!

In Limbo

2009-08-05T22:28:00.004-06:00

The end of the semester came and brought on celebrations. Steven and Whitney celebrated Steven's graduation from Brigham Young University Idaho with a bachelor's degree in communications, minor in psychology. Right after the graduation ceremonies, Steven and Whitney took off for Jerome, Idaho, where they are right now. Jobs are scarce, not even the temp agency is giving them work. Sanity is on the brink, not because they are living with Steven's parents, but because the life of no work and no money can be quite unfulfilling.

One might ask, why are they in Jerome if they already have housing in Cedar City, Utah? They are waiting for Ryan, Steven's brother, to come home from his mission; who, by the way, comes home August 18th from Taipei, Taiwan. After Ryan's arrival, Steven and Whitney will move into their apartment in Utah and search for jobs. Steven will hopefully study and take the GRE/GMAT and apply and get into SUU for a master's program. Whitney will start school in January of next year. All they hope for is that they will find jobs to pay for all of their endeavors.

You crazy?

2009-07-12T20:05:00.008-06:00

That was a common question asked at the Grant reunion. The best answer Whitney could come up with was, "how can you not be if you're in this family?"

Our family adventures took place in Kentucky and activites included: sliding down the alpine slide, good food, lots of pictures, matching shirts, fireworks, visiting Guntown Mountain, an onyx cave, Cumberland Falls, Mill Spring Mills, and Opryland hotel. Whitney's mom broke Celesta's (soon to be Justin's) car.

There were some illnesses, brought on by excessive eating of sugary and greasy foods, and even fewer injuries (actually the only one I can think of was Steven).

Barbeque Fest at our home

2009-05-24T18:09:00.006-06:00

Yummy home cooked ribs, what more is there to say

Six months and still alive

2009-01-22T16:24:00.017-07:00

Well we are sure there has been questions, and possibly rumors, but we are still alive despite what has been said. It has been six great months with lots of updates. In the church world, Steven works with the Sunday school division and Whitney helps out in the nursery. In the academic world, Steven is in his second to last semester and Whitney is graduated with her associates degree, but she still takes classes until Steven is done with school. We have moved from our little apartment to the building that you see in the picture above. It needed a little work when we first bought it, but it looks much better now.

One day we drove out to Swan Valley. There was this beautiful waterfall that we were able to hike to. We like to take day drives to sights that are in our area. We figure, people always go on vacation to other places, but they seldom ever get to see the neat things in their own town.

Our ward did a Pine Wood Derby. Steven made and entered a car. It did pretty well off in the races. It didn't place or anything, but it sure didn't come in dead last. He named it "catchi batchi".

Well the holidays rolled around. We bought pumpkins from a farmer and carved them. We went to our church's trunk-or-treat and we won the scariest car award. Kids would come up and kick our scarecrow to make sure he wasn't real. It was lots of fun.

Then for Christmas, we decided to go green this year. We saved the environment by not cutting down a tree,
instead we used butcher paper and made a paper Christmas tree. It was pretty fun putting it together. Steven is a natural when it comes to putting on the lights.

So now we are in a new year with lots of potential, despite what the economy tells us. Steven plans on graduating with his bachelor degree. We both hope he will have a job when he graduates. And then the year will be half way through! Hope is in the air.

P.S. that first picture is not our house. We saw it on our way home from the waterfalls. We stopped to check it out. It is an old school house.

a June Bride = a bride for life, a Tennessee bride = a wonderful wife

2008-09-10T16:45:00.014-06:00

If you couldn't guess, this one is about our wedding. Sorry it has taken so long to get pictures up, but we do not have internet. So if we want to do anything like this, we have to tote our laptop somewhere to do so.

We were married in the Memphis Tennessee Temple. It was very green, very beautiful, very hot, and we were very sweaty.

Our cake was delicious. It was a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. It was definitely picked out by Whitney. The groom's cake was a simple sheet cake with a picture of Whitney and Steven on it.

Whitney chose not to have a wedding gown, but to have a simple outfit instead.

Along with throwing birdseed, some of the guests had sparklers that they held as we ran through the crowd of well-wishers. And for some wedding trivia: As we ran through, a little piece of birdseed found its way into Steven's ear. Have no worries, it was removed quickly and his hearing was saved from becoming damaged.

Welcome to our beautiful palace

2008-07-11T15:54:00.004-06:00

This is our new apartment. We are so excited to move in and see what we get it to look like.

No need to remove your shoes - - you may need them to get out fast!

2008-07-02T10:12:00.007-06:00

Note: this blog happened summer 2007. Due to learning difficulties, our blog has been under construction and some of the first blogs are out of order. Luckily, we have mastered some skills and all blogs from here on out should be in the correct chronological order.

Trantula
We found this little guy hanging around our sleeping quarters. Don't worry we learned all the ways this guy could attack us before we played with him

Narrows Zions Canyon
While I was working a Jacob Lake in Arizona I had decided to take the day off and go hike the narrows in zions canyon. Of all the boy scouts that my parents put me through I should have known that the buddy system is the only way to go, however, I decided to go off on my own. I hiked for about two hours into the canyon when it started to get dark. As I moved out of the canyon I actually felt pretty scared, like a little boy. Time moved fairly slow. But here I am alive and well smiling like a new man.

Bryce canyon
Yet another day in Arizona. This hike through Navajo loop took us about three hours to do. It all pretty much looked like this. Something I've never seen before. Loved it.

Somethin about Whitney

2008-06-30T15:33:00.005-06:00

“Southern girls are God's gift to the entire male population. there is absolutely no woman finer than one raised below the mason-dixon line and once you go southern may the good Lord help you - you never go back.”- Kenny Chesney

Straight out of the land of Elvis came Whitney to Rexburg and many of you have wondered...who is this girl and how did she end up with him. Well, my questions aren't too far off from yours...only I simply inquire as to how it is she is still with me? Trust me if you've spent enough time with us Holyoak boys you'd know I'm not skipping a beat to think twice on that.

I know you may think she's from Utah by the looks of this hair. But you'd be wrong. She only went to visit friends in Utah. Whitney has always been resilient against the Utah hair poof. You can tell that she tried to compensate that style with the western cowgirl shirt she has on. Tough to buy Whitney. I know deep down inside you like it. I can tell by the gregarious smile you have on. I like it.

Whitney had taken a plastic butter knife and used it to plaster chocolate frosting all over her lips. She then called me from my comfortable apartment to come over and visit her, (she made it sound urgent). As always I cheerfully skipped to her place not knowing of the tasty treat that awaited me. Knivingly she opened the door before I could get in. She jumped literally out of nowhere into my face. If I remember correctly I sort of blacked out for about three seconds -I knew something was up when I saw her face and noticed her lips were different than usual. Knowing that she hates to use lip stick and factoring in the discoloration together

with the sudden urge of hers to kiss me then and there...I panicked and like a little kid who never wanted to get kissed on the lips by his grandmother, dodged the situation as well as I could- She had roommates all watching and yelling, "just kiss her its only chocolate"! Well, as you can see I finally relented and succomed. I had always heard the stories but now I know that kissing is just as fun as eating.

How we met

2008-06-30T15:17:00.003-06:00

We were going to a church meeting. Whitney was walking with her roommates when Steven joined them. It was February 2007 and Steven claimed he was cold. Whitney, completely out of her nature, linked arms with him. Then, reality hit her and to make things look more natural, she linked her other arm with her roommate. Whether this event scared Steven or his life just became busy, we never really talked again until May.

In May 2007 we went on our first date. It was to the zoo in Idaho Falls. After visiting with all the animals, we went to the splash park in Rexburg. We had fun getting each other wet in the water. Then the summer feeling was getting to us and we had to have some watermelon, and of course a watermelon seed spitting fight that was only one way. Well for some reason, there were no more dates that summer.

Steven went to work in Arizona and Whitney went home to Tennessee. We talked on the phone occasionally and Whitney sent him care packages. This is when we learned a lot about each other and became really good friends. Then school started in the fall, Steven came back. We started dating in November, the 15th for those of you who want exact dates.We dated a while. Steven went home with Whitney in April 2008 to talk to her dad. A short few weeks later, we became engaged on May 1st.

April 2008 trip to Tennessee

2008-06-30T09:21:00.008-06:00

Steven and Whitney spent a week in Memphis. They hung out with the family and did some sight seeing.

Believe it or not, but there is an Elvis Holyoak!

We spent some time on Beale St. and also looked at the pyramid. Did you know that there is a Memphis in Egypt?
This is a video of Steven eating crawdads for the first time.

This is how many crawdads Steven ended up eating. Scrumdidilyumptious!

Grand Canyon

2008-04-01T23:39:00.000-06:00

I lived only 45 min from the Grand Canyon but only went there a couple of times. Odd huh! This is a view looking down in the canyon from Cape Royal point.

Funny Video

2008-04-01T20:14:00.001-06:00

I thought this video was good. It reminded me of my younger days living at home w/ my brothers.