Madelyn's Birthday

On Saturday December 12th my baby girl turned 2. It was a very bitter sweet day for me. It breaks my heart to know that she is growing up but then she had the best day. We had cake and ice cream after opening presents at our house. Then we headed up to Rexburg for Maddi's first experience bowling. She loved it! She lost interest after the 5th or 6th frame but she was the best cheerleader you could ever have! Here are some wonderful pictures.








Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Headboard

So in our little 2 bedroom farmhouse, sometimes it gets a little crowded. We have 2 closets in the whole house which makes storage an issue. Because of this we cannot put up our sleigh bed. We have been sleeping with the mattresses on the floor. So being the nesting pregnant woman I am I told Tyler I wanted a change. But there is not a whole lot of money or room to do much. So we found an old door in the garage and redid it to make a headboard. It's not much but I am pretty proud of it. I know many people who are designers and do these kind of things because they are good at it. I on the other hand do it because I kinda enjoy it. Have a look.

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we made a last minute trip to Utah for a couple of days. We hadn't planned on going there for the holiday but somehow we ended up there. It was good to see family and for Maddi to play with cousins her age. The day after was the main event with the Black Friday sales. I love them! I went with my Mom and Dad while Tyler stayed back and slept and took care of Maddi. Utah is crazy with those sales but it was fun. After my shopping that morning Tyler took Maddi to Cabelas to see the animals and the fish aquarium. She absolutely loved it.

New Pictures

Again, not my favorite picture of me sitting down prego but it's adorable of Maddi!

She had to have some pictures with her cat!

A couple of weeks ago we went with Grover and had some more pictures taken. I'm not the biggest fan of these because I am quite large with the pregnancy but they did turn out really good.

News!

Well we have news! First off things went really well at the doctor's appointment today. The Placenta Previa has eased up and I'm no longer at risk for full bed rest which is a miracle! So still some "take it easy" but not full out in bed for 19weeks. But, all in all our little bundle of joy is absolutely healthy and beautiful. And for all of you ... It's a girl! Yup another one to add to the family of girls! Oh well we are super excited and Maddi is refusing to talk about it for the time being. :)

It's Official

I'm finally done with the business. I cleaned out all my files and boxed everything up today and closed my clients out. It's a bitter sweet feeling. It's odd going from being the one who supported our family and put Tyler through school to being the one supported. Don't get me wrong, I am excited to just be a mom and be with Maddi, but I feel kinda useless now. I know I will get over it in time but it is still a hard thought to grasp my head around. I'm excited for this new chapter to start in my life, and to see how it will work out.
More news, Grover's scores came back AMAZING! and he is for now not having to go through treatment and just monitoring the cancer for now. Also my brother Jonny and his wife Lindsay found out they are having a baby girl which makes it the 8th granddaughter out of 9 grandchildren for my parents. We just can't get enough of those girls. :)

Haircut

In the past I have tried to cut Madelyn's bangs a few times and always ended up crooked or too short. So now that her hair has gotten some length on it and it still has the wispy baby hair we decided to get it cut (all of it) professionally. We took her over to our Bishop's wife, Barbara's salon and she did a fantastic job! Madelyn struggled to stay still but all in all her hair turned out adorable!Maddi had to sit on my lap because she was a bit hesitant to trust Barbara. (Tyler took the pictures)Maddi kept turning and touching her hair during the process but we got it done!

A few pics from camping

I finally got a hold of some pictures from camping these last few weekends. These are from Tyler's birthday with the Albertsons.
Maddi and Jessica lounging by the fire.
Brandon and Maddi playing by the tents.Tyler and Jessica after a long day fishing!

Changes

There have been a lot of changes in the past month in our family. First things first, we found out that the surgery did not get all of Grover's cancer and it did spread to some lymph nodes. So he will be starting treatment in October. Because of this, Sue and I have decided to shut the doors of Families United Network. It will take us a couple of months to do everything and transition but by the end of October things will be no more. Which is good because I have started teaching piano and voice lessons, which is fun and less time consuming. Tyler was hired on at Jefferson County Probation as a Probation Officer and is doing great there. He loves it. So things have kinda flip flopped for us, but hopefully the changes will be good in the end. Pregnancy is doing fine, however I am still sick! But all is well for our little family. This last weekend we went up to Mack's Inn and stayed at Aunt Myrlann's cabin with Tyler's family. It was really fun and Maddi had a blast in the wilderness. She did get a pretty big spider bite on her head which is going down now. Pictures will be coming soon.

Swimming Fun

So I'm very proud that Maddi loves to swim so much since I was a swimmer for 14 years of my life and she is showing a lot of potential. Every hot day we get she runs for the pool outside. She has a blast. :)

Morning...no all day sickness

Well I am only on my 11th week of the pregnancy and I am still sick ALL THE TIME!! I just don't know what else to do. I have been on phenegran, zofran, eating crackers all the time and sniffing alcohol wipes (yes a nurse told me to do that) and yet I still find myself heaving over and over again. So any help in this area would be appreciated. :) Oh and by the way my due date is March 15th, 2010 so yes I still have a long road ahead of me. :)

A Day in the Sand

On August 5th we went with Tyler's family to Palisades Reservoir. Maddi had her first time on a boat and I wasn't able to take any pictures since I was holding on to her. But after the boat ride she got to play on the shore and have her first taste of sand and dirt all over her. She loved jumping in the water and digging in the sand.

For Your Information

Well, life has definitely been crazy around here. To update: Grover, did not have surgery on the 20th, it has been moved to August 12th because they have decided to go to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah. We all feel this is a better avenue for him. So please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers.


Another update...we have some news...It's not the clearest, but at least the heartbeat was strong! :) So yes there might be another Maddi running around. Kinda crazy!Isn't she a doll? We are so blessed!

Fourth and Sad News

Wow! It has been a while since I have blogged. Well things have been crazy here but we are establishing some normalcy. We had an amazing fourth of July. I wish I could share all the pics but there are so many. My favorite moments were when Madelyn ran the kiddie races at the Menan park. She took 2nd. Granted, she was in the 0-2 age group and not many were running, but she and her little doll took off and she did so good. She also loved the parade and the fireworks. She would clap and yell WOW! at every firework. It was so cute. Here is a pic of her running her race.

Other than that, we have been getting some bad news. Last week Tyler's father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It has really been a blow to us, but Grover seems to be pulling the family together. They are worried that the cancer has moved into his lymph nodes, and they will do surgery on the 20th of this month. We ask that you keep him in your prayers. He has a long haul ahead of him, but he is strong.
So that has been our lives in a nutshell the last few weeks.

Cool Dude!

Lately we are learning about all the things Maddi loves. She LOVES gum. Loves to chew it, piece after piece. Maddi loves summer, loves to be outside and in the sun. She also loves to wear sun glasses. Here she is while we were driving to Grandma Jones's house with her shades on. It is fun to watch her grow and crazy to think that she is 18 months old.

Home Again

Well I must update everyone on our lives. Tyler went to Training for the National Guard on May 4th. On May 8th we received word that he was being held for medical testing for a subdurral hemotoma to his right side of his brain. One long and agonizing month later he was released as an honorable discharge medical condition and sent home. YAY!!! Well yay for me I am very happy to have my husband home and out of harms way. For, him, I'm not sure quite how he feels about being released, but we will handle what is in the future together. I love him so dearly and am so glad he is home. Madelyn won't let him out of her sight. It's cute to see how clingy she is to him. When we picked him up from the airport she was a little shy and wouldn't go to him, then after a few minutes she realized who he was and wouldn't let go. It was precious. Here is a pic of her and Ty at the airport.

First Time on the Swing

Well we have been in Utah at my parents house for the past couple days and Maddi has learned a lot of new things by being around her cousins her age. She is saying more and being so much more polite (Thank you Season!) She has also learned how to swing on Grandma Bryson's swing set. Here is a video of her first time on a swing. (My brother Kenny is video taping on my phone.)

Tiny Dancer

So Maddi has taken after her mom, and has learned to watch Dancing with the Stars. But little does she know, I don't watch it to watch celebrities dance. I watch it to watch my baby girl dance. It is quite fun and I laugh a lot. She is so good at dancing. :)

Just a Thought

I guess I just want to ramble for a moment, so please bear with me. This has been a week for me emotionally. I got news this last Monday that there are complications with Tyler at Fort Sill, OK. There are concerns with a subdurall hemotoma (sorry if that isn't spelled correctly) that Tyler sustained to the right side of his brain by a 90 mile per hour baseball a few years ago. Well we go through all this drama sending him off and they put a hold on him for more medical testing. He could be sent home but we don't know when, and we lose insurance, and retirement, and such. I feel like I'm on a tilt-o-whirl and I don't know which way is up or down or who has just thrown up on me. Then I find out that the son of a woman I visit teach was killed Monday night. I feel so helpless as to what to do for her. I'm her visiting teacher but I don't know what to do or say to help her through this. Then I've been dealing with some clients of mine that haven't been (for lack of better words) the greatest parents. As I sit back and look around me I have this overwhelming feeling of unfairness. I look at a family who has just lost a son, who is a good family who loves him dearly. Then I look at a family who could care less what happens to their kids, and or does things that harms their child. I don't understand the will of God. I guess all I can do is have faith and keep in mind that this world is not the end goal. I was talking to Tyler who said, "I have to stop asking why, and start asking 'what can I learn from this?'" I need to keep that in mind. Leave it to my wise and loving husband to give me words of advice, without even knowing it. To all of you who read this, I just ask a small favor. Kiss your child goodnight tonight. Kiss them for those who can't anymore, and kiss them for the children who yearn for goodnight kisses and will never get them.

Small Triumph

Well for those of you who know me well, you will understand this. I did not grow up in the country. No I wouldn't consider Lehi, Utah a major city or anything, but it is nothing compared to the country life I live in now. All these people know everything about tractors, and big farm equipment. Heck, I have barns. So to make a long story short, I am not very good with machinery. It isn't my forte. In the past when I have had to mow my lawn, Tyler would go around the house, trees, and pipes so I didn't ruin something, then I would mow the rest. Well, he is not here now and my poor lawn needed some help. So yesterday I jumped on the trusty lawn mower. It took me a while, but in the end I did it. Plus I ran out of gas AFTER I finished. No it is not pretty. But I managed to mow the lawn without breaking the lawn mower or any pipes. I was quite proud of myself.

Soldier Boy

Here are some pictures of Tyler at drills with the National Guard. Tyler is the one on the left hanging on the log.

The soldiers have to climb to the top of the tower.

If you couldn't tell it's Ty pulling the guy up by himself.

Tyler is the one by the door with the gun.

Ty is bent over on the planks in the middle helping set the boards.

Happy Mother's Day

Well, I guess it's mother's day. It doesn't really feel like a special day to me, but it does make me grateful for being a mom. I would like to take a moment and express my gratitude for this amazing blessing. In early 2005 I had very severe endometriosis. I was seeing a doctor in Rexburg. To make a long story short, I was treated with a chemotherapy medicine called leuprolide that is more commonly used to treat prostate cancer in men . I was treated for a year with this medicine which caused problems with my reproductive organs. (I'm trying not to be too graphic). So when Tyler and I went to the doctor asking what our chances of getting pregnant were, I wasn't surprised to hear years to never. I think deep down I had accepted the fact of not having children a while before that, but I knew it had crushed my husband. So I talked to a friend at work and she suggested a doctor who was a fertility specialist. We made an appointment and with grateful hearts she told us we would be able to get pregnant. Long story jump again, Madelyn was born after a hard pregnancy and delivery. Now my baby girl is here saying "Momma" and giving the best hugs anyone could ask for. She loves to give big smiles, and kisses. We spend all day together, and she never seems to get sick of me. When I cry she grabs her "blanky", sits on my lap and pats my back. She is my life and my joy. I never thought that I would have her and am so grateful for the opportunity to hold and love the baby I thought would never be mine. So I am so grateful for being a mom. Because I have the greatest blessing, my daughter.

Hello all. It's me Tyler, well I am on my way to boot camp in the morning, so I am in Boise just waiting until morning to get on the plane to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. I have been pretty bored all day it has been a long, tiring day that started at 4:30 am, most of the day was spent waiting at the MEPS office at the Federal Building. I am already missing my beautiful wife and daughter like crazy, I have had a lot of time to think about them and wonder if I made the right choice by joining the military, it has always been something I felt I needed to do. As I sit and think about it though I know it is what I am suppose to be doing and where I need to be. Although as hard as it is to be away from my family and to have had to say good bye was heart wrenching for me, it will be worth it in the end. I just want to say thank you to everyone who supports me and my family and who is helping my Jilinda, it means so much. I want my wife to know that I love her with all my heart, and I will miss her dearly, it will go by fast, "piece of cake" right?! Take care hun, I love you, give hugs and kisses to Maddi for me everyday. Love, Ty

XoxOxXXOo (big Kiss, little hug, little kiss, big Hug, little Kiss, big Kiss, Kiss, big Hug, little Hug)

Goodbye

So I sometimes struggle with saying goodbye, especially to those I love very deeply. So for me this weekend is extremely difficult. As you all know Tyler flies out on Monday for training with the National Guard in Oklahoma. I know he will be back, but I know that this time away will be difficult for him mentally, and physically. As a wife, I want so badly for everything to go well for him. To have him succeed more than he ever would think he could. But I can't be there to help him, or to encourage him. I barely will get phone calls, if I get phone calls. He is so strong and I know he will do well and get through it no sweat. But I want him to know I stand behind him 110%. I want him to know how much I respect him and am proud of him for his decision so many others would never make. It will be a hard 17 weeks for both of us, but it will go quickly. But I must admit this is by far the longest we have ever been apart from each other in our marriage, and the longest he will go without seeing Madelyn. It rips my heart out to know he won't be able to hold her or kiss her goodnight. She loves him so much and calls for him all the time. But the time will go fast and will be forgotten when he is home. But how do I send my husband off with as much support as I can muster without bawling my eyes out because I will miss him? As I stated before, I struggle with saying goodbye.

Daddy Daughter Nerd Night

Frog Rice Pack Pal

So my mom sent me some patterns for some rice pack pals. (That is what I call them) They are stuffed animals you make that have a velcro tummy. You open up their tummy and put a warmed up rice pack in them, and then you cuddle with your little animal and it keeps you warm. It's great for kids. So I made one for Maddi for easter. I made her a frog. It was interesting making it, but I had major help from my friend Lisa. It turned out cute so I just wanted to share it with you all.

FINALLY

Well it finally happened, sorry I'm so late. But Tyler Graduated last Thursday. I'm am so proud of him for sticking with it. It was a long haul with the University canceling his program and everything and he had to start all over. I admire his dedication and am so grateful for doing it for our little family. He could have quit so easily. But yay! We are done for a year or so until he goes for his Master's. We are so proud of you Tyler!

Anniversary

Well today is me and Tyler's three year anniversary. Gosh, where has the time gone? I can't believe that it went so fast. I remember sitting in the celestial room with Tyler so nervous to be married, but so excited at the same time. I must say that was the BEST decision I have ever made. I love him so much and can't imagine my life without him. Three years isn't very long at all, but I have loved every minute of it and can't wait for what is to come.

I loved you then, I love you still,

I always have, I always will!

Love you Ty!

More words and just more

Well lately Maddi has been hitting the terrible two's a little early! She has gotten into the habit of throwing fits and screaming at me. Yes, mostly me her mom, no one else. I try not to take it personal. Today was no exception. I was feeding her breakfast and as usual she would not sit down in her high chair. I told her no, and to sit down before I gave her more cereal. She looked right at me and with a scowl said "I want Papa" (papa is grandpa). So I was blissfully happy that she is starting to use phrases, but so annoyingly mad that she said that to me. So any advice would be gratefully appreciated!
Well I found out the score to the sugar game 12-2 Rigby. Today was supposed to be a double header against South Fremont, but with the snow falling so hard we only got one game in, and sad to say we lost 5-14. The good news is that I got to see my college buddy Traci for the first time since graduation. Love you Traci! Tomorrow we are supposed to play Shelley, but if the weather doesn't get any better we probably won't, we'll see.

Win Win Win

I am loving this weather for baseball games. Maddi got to go outside at all the games last week, and she even got a little sunburned. I will show pics when I get them from Grover. Hopefully Spring comes fast! Well last Friday we beat Sugar-Salem by a huge amount. (can't remember the score at this time) But like we 10 runned them. Then on Saturday in a VERY close game Rigby beat Century 14-10 and then in the second game 15-1. So it was a very fulfilling weekend in Baseball. Today we play Madison again then a double header Wednesday with South Fremont and then another game Thursday with Shelley. So go RIGBY!

4-1

Well as I said I would let you know the score. We beat Madison 4-1 yesterday. On Friday we play Sugar-Salem. I say the team did mighty well yesterday. It was also Maddi's first baseball game she has been to in person. She had a GREAT time and it helped that the weather was nice. So on we go hopefully to win another game!

Well it's Official

Well we are now a private blog, and I must say that I am a bit more optimistic now. It feels as though a weight has been lifted somehow. Anywho, baseball season has started! Today is the first game (without being canceled). We play Madison and I hope we kick some booty! Ty and Barry have been going over lineup after lineup and trying to figure out who to put on first base. Well I hope they choose wisely and it works out for the best. I'll let you know the score!

Update

Well sorry it has been so long since I have last blogged. As most of you know, a little over a week ago I broke my right arm. I will spare you the lame way it happened and will let you imagine the most exciting accident and believe that to be true. For the last ten days I have been in a soft cast from my fingers to my upper arm. Yes, it has been a chore changing poopy diapers, feeding my baby, feeding myself, folding laundry, doing my hair, makeup, etc. I am so grateful for two arms!! Today I got my hard cast. Bright Pink and only from wrist to elbow. So I have regained some mobility. To all of you who have given sympathy, help, and haven't laughed when you heard what I did, Thank You!

My Birthday

Well as most of you know Sunday was my birthday. But I must tell of this fabulous birthday to you all. So I was not excited for my birthday this year. Not because I felt I was getting older, but because Tyler had drill with the National Guard that weekend and wouldn't be here for my birthday. As some of you might know I am a holiday freak. I love holidays and especially birthdays. They are just fun to me! So this one really was looking like a downer. But my dear friend Lisa planned to take me out on Saturday and just have a fun day and dinner to get my mind off Ty being gone. And my sweet mother in law offered to take the baby so I could have a fun day without worrying about the baby. So then I was a little happier about my birthday. So Saturday comes, and Tyler gets in his uniform, kisses me goodbye, and heads out the door. Bummer. So I get myself ready, the baby ready, and head out the door to drop Maddi off so I could get over to Lisa's. I walk in my in-laws house and am greeted by a vase full of roses, balloons, and of course the best present EVER, my wonderful husband. I was in tears! He had talked to his commanding officers and got the weekend off. So then he hugged and kissed me and sent me on my way to have a day of pampering. Lisa took me to the spa and we got manicures, went to the mall and did some shopping, and met my husband and her husband for dinner and ice cream. I can't even tell you how WONDERFUL this birthday was. So thanks to my amazing husband who is very good at surprises, my fantastic friends Lisa and Corey, and my thoughtful mother in law for making this weekend happen. I love you all!

Broom and Dustpan

So Maddi has started to like to clean with me. She loves to push the swiffer around and cries if she can't hold my broom. So I've decided to get her her own set of broom and dustpan. I CANNOT find one ANYWHERE! No one has any. So as a desperate mom to all of you out there if you know where I can get one please let me know!

Being a Mom

I read this poem when friend sent it to me. It sounded to perfect to the way I was feeling. It's kinda long sorry.

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys
or forgot the words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on,
Pooped on,
Chewed on,
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind,
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
So doctors could do tests,
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night,
Watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
When I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
Could affect my life so much.
I never knew I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
Could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
ever 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment,
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I never knew I was capable of feeling so much,
Before I was a Mom.

Talking and Babble

Well Maddi is starting to say more and more words. She can say Mom, Dad, What's That, Jesus, sign Please, and can tell you what a cow says, a dog says, a cat says, and what a horse says (when she wants to). Her latest favorite thing is the telephone. And yes, she has called 911 twice. She loves to walk around the house with the phone and talk and talk. So if you accidentally get a phone call from us, that is why.

Finally Some Christmas Pictures

Well I decided I better post some pics of Maddi on Christmas. She got her cabbage patch doll and a rocking horse and it was so cute how excited she got!

Baseball time

Once again, in the Wray household, baseball time has come. Yes I know it is not baseball season yet, but with your husband being a coach, it sure feels like it. Open gyms have started for the boys which means it has started for Tyler too. So I will kiss goodbye my afternoons and nights until baseball comes to a close. But I have to say, Go Rigby!