I'm moving

Come check out my new blog! You probably know by now that Dave and I have applied for adoption. I wanted to include our blog as part of our information so that potential birthparents could get to know us better, but our blog address wasn't compliant with LDS Family Service's privacy requirements. So a new blog has been in the works. Please change your links, update your google reader, and follow us to our new address.

Day 14

The equipment has gotten bigger...

and so has the hole.

from the inside looking out-

and from the outside looking in.

wish us luck!

Day One

This is what I woke up to yesterday morning. So I guess it's official: we're digging out a basement. Yes, I'm a little nervous and unsure about the whole thing. But I'm also excited and looking forward to the addition. And let's face it, it was only a matter of time before Dave started another house project! More updates to come...

projects

Right now I feel like I have about one hundred long-term projects going on. So I decided I needed a project I could start and finish in one day, giving me a sense of accomplishment and confidence that I can tackle the bigger projects. I followed this tutorial and I love how it turned out! It has the colors of early spring and the warm yarn for the late winter, a great addition to my door for the month of March.

gray + yellow = love

I find it hard to resist the combination of gray and yellow. Maybe it's this time of the year- the sky is often gray, but a peek of sun coming through makes everything beautiful. And as spring draws closer, the bright colors bring hope, happiness, and signs of a new beginning. I think that's how I've been feeling lately: there are many moments, hours, or days where I feel sad and gray. But then I'll get a splash of yellow- a ray of hope concerning the future, a kind word, a prayer answered, a heartfelt conversation. Maybe the gray makes the yellow even more vibrant and happy, and the yellow shines a light on the gray which makes it look not so drab. But I believe the true beauty comes from the combination of the two.

Romp to Stomp out breast cancer

On Saturday we participated in our first snowshoe race, with benefits going toward the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I signed up thinking it would be a fun little activity on a winter morning. I had NO idea how hard it would be! I guess there are snowshoes made specifically for running, and that is not the kind we have. So while everyone else was trotting happily along, I was tripping over myself, panting for air, and feeling a bit embarrassed. Also keep in mind that it was a cold, windy, snowy day, so I had come prepared with all sorts of gear. Well, shortly into this "last chance workout" I was pulling everything off and handing it to Dave to carry. Quite a sight to behold. "Am I this out of shape?!!" I asked myself. Although I didn't run the whole time, at least I never stopped walking! And thank goodness for the Luna Bars and water at the finish line- I was in need of a little pick-me-up. Looks like next year I'll need to do some training for the event (and get a different pair of snowshoes!)

Look how big those suckers are!! YOU try running in those things! Other people had snowshoes half that size!

call backs

From Park City to Salt Lake, I guess I've been following the stars. Watching the SYTYCD auditions was even better in person! The tickets instructed us to dress "hip," which left me looking into my closet with a blank stare, but I guess I managed somehow because they let me inside! Yes, I saw Nigel and Mary. No, I wasn't trying out myself- I didn't want to make the others look bad...

Sundancing with the stars

Dave's work hooked him up with film festival tickets all week- tough job, right? We were able to go together one night when our friends invited us to join them- lucky us! Dave did some star-searching throughout the week, but I just saw one: Ronald Reagan.....on film, that is. Either way, it was entertaining.

Viva Las Vegas

Dave surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas!! Actually, his boss surprised both of us with flights, a hotel stay, and gift cards! 3 days full of spa visits, shopping, gourmet eating, and roller coasters- we felt like we were in the lap of luxury...

On their way to California, A&D remarked, "What do you Svay we stop in Las Vegas?" Yeah!

Christmas 2010

Joey gave Dave a golf club cover, guess who it looks like?

New golf clubs for Dave!! Thank you, Santa!

She's got a Ticket to Ride...

Surprise!! Look who showed up Christmas morning!

June's wondering what Dave's got up his sleeve...

An iPad was necessary this year to keep Dad in the 21st Century.

I wouldn't be who I am today without the support, love, advice, friendship, style, and humor from my 2 older sisters.

I don't know

How do I go on when my world has fallen apart?

Why must I say goodbye to my child when our life together has only just begun?

How can I be brave when my worst fears have come true?

How can my eyes physically produce this many tears?

What can I do to feel better when nothing can change what has happened?

I don't know.

I DO know that little Miles is a part of our family now and forever, and I will be with him for eternity.

I know that Heavenly Father loves me, Dave, and our children and has a plan for our family.

I know that I am surrounded by prayers, fasting, thoughts, support, and love from everyone we know.

I know that I am honored to be the mother to a beautiful baby boy who is too perfect for this imperfect world.

I know that when I feel like I can't face another day, the Lord answers my prayers through each person who gives me courage, strength, and faith to endure.

Thank you for being that person. Thank you for each hug, note, prayer, thought, and bit of love. Not only do I appreciate it more than you know, I think I need it more than I know.

Trick or Treat

This is what you'll find when you come knocking at our door tonight. What would you pick?

And this is who you'll find standing inside.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Monster Mash

Looks like Dracula himself decided to throw a party, with the help of his witchy wife, of course. Let the cosume parade begin!

the gypsy from Transylvania

Life really is a circus with the Walkers

I don't know how that little mermaid survives the spookiness around her!

You would think Mario would bring his go-kart.... and interesting how Jeff just happened to have all the ingredients for a nerd costume....

Practicing for next year's event... turkey legs on a string!

If you like it then you should've put a ring on it... oh oh oh

I wonder if the ladybug is Team Edward or Team Jacob

Prizes to suit all your Halloween wishes, from glow stick wands and stretchy spiders to grow-your-own skeletons. It's like a Hogsmeade store!

you can call me...

Call me lazy... I haven't been to the gym in months, and don't plan on going any time soon.
Call me unadventurous... we have no vacations planned for at least the next 6 months.
Call me a picky eater... my selection of favorite foods has been narrowed down to Golden Grahams, grilled cheese sandwiches, watermelon, and BLTs.
Call me a teenager... I've never had more zits in my life than I do now.
Call me the sandman... 11 hours of sleep each day seems to be barely enough.
Call me chubby... the pounds keep creeping on and I assume will continue to do so.
Call me hopeful, determined, excited, nervous, and a bit crazy for even trying this whole thing again.
Call me what you want.... I'm calling myself pregnant.


This whole process of becoming parents has not been an easy one for Dave and I. It's been filled with some of our highest highs and definitely our lowest lows. This little one on the way will always know it has 2 older brothers and an older sister in heaven, watching over our family members here on earth. I deeply and truly appreciate all of our family and friends that have continued to offer their support, encouragement, understanding, and love. I hope that I can offer these same things to others that may be going through similar trials. Throughout this journey, I continue to learn more and more about patience, faith, prayer, hope, and trusting in the Lord's will and timing. I know He has a plan for the Watkins family, and Dave and I couldn't be more excited about this addition- our little peanut is quite the big deal around here!

Brittany, aka Lucy

Yesterday was a sad day for my family. I could write pages about our loyal, tender, patient dog but I think this puts it perfectly. Thank you Lori for writing something so eloquent and perfect for our special Brittany.

rockin' the suburbs

Ben Folds + Utah Symphony + Deer Valley + 2 days before my birthday= favorite concert. Ever. If only it would have lasted 12 hours instead of 2!

peas please

peas: one of the first of the summer vegetables. bright green, crisp, delicious. but what to do with pounds and pounds of them? suggestions would be appreciated...

El San Juan

Thanks to dave's super-cool boss, we were able to spend a few extra days in Puerto Rico... just to relax after a week of stressful cruising :)

What a way to end a vacation- massages on the beach, brunch overlooking the ocean, enjoying the ocean breeze with pina coladas in hand.

This cruise was a long time coming, but definitely well worth the wait, some of our favorite days we've spent together.