Coming soon to a hospital in April....Baby Noah!

We were overwhelmed by everyones votes on our poll! Boy votes ended up pulling in the lead. We had our ultra sound appointment this afternoon. It seemed like days until 2:15 p.m. Luckily, Steven knew the ultra-sound specialist, and she was very cool. She checked his brain, heart, spine, and even counted his fingers and toes. So far our little wonder is a healthy baby! He was very active when we were taking various glam shots...and he gave us the "rock on!" sign with his little hands. Very cool. His feet are still very tiny about 3 cm long, but they look so perfect! Steven is ecstatic that our first baby is a boy, and I am too!! I hope you can see the pics, they are alot clearer than the first ultrasound that we posted. We can barely wait until April 8th for baby Noah to arrive...^^



Here is baby Noah looking at the camera....I promise I'm having a human baby....not (Ahem...Steven!) an alien!



Baby Noah's little hand...so eensy weensy!




Sorry, it's taking forever to post these pics so hopefully a couple will hold you over until April 8th..... you'll get to see little Noah in person soon anyway....^^

Who can guess what our baby will be?

We should find out by the end of October, but we are really curious to find out what the viewing public thinks! (O.K.....family and friends that can stand us in small doses, who are we kidding!)^^

Training, Overheads.....and such stimulating thoughts!

Is it just me, or does it seem that training is really long? I know I shouldn't complain it's only once a week for 3 months every Wednesday from 4:30-7:00. It's just that "C'mon, I have been teaching for 7 years and so far I have written down 3...yes three sentences to take notes!" I'm not trying to brag about my intellectual status as an educator...but I have to say that this class has been a complete waste of time. I will persevere and try to change my obviously BAD attitude but it is very difficult to do so. In my particular district you are required to take Phase 1 Literacy training if you have only been employed with the district for 1-3 years. I feel that it is grossly inaccurate on their part not to account for the years you have taught outside of their district. Let's be honest....if I don't know how to teach my students how to read, or to refine their overall skill level when I have been teaching for seven years I shouldn't be teaching!!! Anyhow, I find that I am invigorated by the light at the end of the tunnel......as Steven and I will be heading to Washington for about a week in October. Hurray!! So for those of you on that edge of the woods....we are coming SOON!! WAAA HAAAAA HAAAAA^^^

First photo's of our baby currently residing in my tummy!

In case you haven't heard Steven and I are having a baby! The baby is due around April 7th. These are some of the first pics we were able to take. Hopefully you can now tell it has all of it's parts, and is no longer the size of a peanut! I am on my 13th week, and we should know if it is a boy or a girl at our October appointment (end of October!). Since I'm in my second trimester I'm feeling a lot more energetic, and I have been able to get some uninterrupted sleep. Hurray! So far I feel really great, and hopefully our baby will grow and be healthy. I wish we could have saved the pictures we saw on Friday. They were much clearer, and our baby was sucking it's thumb when my stomach grumbled, it had to take its thumb out of its mouth to hiccup!^^ So very cute.

I feel GRUMPY!!!!

This has just been one of those weeks. I'm thinking of relocating to a deserted island, and selling shells to tourists.....

Home, home on the range......

I couldn't believe all of the wildlife we saw while in Yellowstone National park. The buffalo were my personal favorite, possibly because it brought back memories of making my clay buffalo replica in 6th grade for my infamous North Dakota state report. Thinking back, my teacher must have really had it out for me! She gave me one of the most boring states in the union....I must have been shy, because I would think I would have begged for something more exciting to report on. Like....hmmm.....Hawaii for starters!

I love Yellowstone!

I loved the castle geyser. It was so fantastic to watch!



This waterfall is so picturesque. It literally took my breath away! (Well that and my fear of heights!)^^


Steven and I had the chance to go camping for a few days before school started. We were able to see many colorful mineral pools, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. If you have never had the chance to make the trip it is definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the west.

Bear tracks!

Here is a rather large bear track we found on the banks of the Colorado River; and no..the size has not been photo-shopped!



The Colorado River is such a gorgeous river!



The forests here reminded me of my Northwestern roots, I loved all of the lush green.

Steven wanted to go fishing in the Colorado river when we were at his cabin. So we headed to a remote part of the river with a few select spots. Then we noticed a very fresh bear track! I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but we decided that it was a rather large bear! We decided to think nothing of it. Steven continued up the river a little ways, and I continued photographing the beautiful landscape. Then a few minutes later I heard a low breathy growl, I honestly thought the bear was right next to me...I looked quickly over my shoulder and couldn't see the bear. It continued to growl loudly. I started motioning to Steven, who thought by my gestures that the bear was about to attack. Suffice to say we made it safely out of the river bed without becoming Yogi's afternoon snack! Phew!!! My advice to the reading public.....if you find a rather large bear track that is not cracked or dried, you have a good chance of receiving a visit from said owner of said bear track!

PS. I don't advise that you run as if you are in the Olympic hurdles! ( I wish I could have clocked myself on an accurate stopwatch!) Apparently bears think chasing quickly moving smaller objects parr for the course so to speak....^^

Hummingbirds and butterflies in my stomach!

Have you ever had a hummingbird land on your finger? I have to say this was my first encounter. It really feels pretty exciting such tiny little feet resting on my index finger. You feel like you have to hold your breath.....I loved doing this. At Steven's cabin they hang a hummingbird feeder and so they come from all over for the nectar mixture. At one point I think five were all fluttering around me at once! Definitely an experience to remember!

We're Going On A Moose Hunt!

Here is a Mama moose with her baby!


It looks like they won't stay at the dock for very long!


It looks like this duo is going to take their act to the lake!


We saw so much amazing wildlife while we were in Colorado. These pictures were taken from the cabins dock. I was wondering if they would eat gumdrops, but Steven thought they might get sick..... stay tuned for more!

Happy Birthday Fox!

We hope you have a wonderful 3rd birthday! Here is a special birthday poem just for you.....


The birthday march has begun,
Big grey elephants play the saxaphone,
Silly pink hippo's start to hop,
Lions dancing non-stop,
Green alligators bring up the rear,
The baby tiger starts to cheer,
Together they shout, "Fox is three this year!"
The band of chimps strike up a tune,
A trio of parrots start to sing, "Happy birthday to you!"
It's time for the parade to make it's last stop,
"Here we are at the house of Fox!"
Purple Kangaroo presents a gift,
Three kisses from panda,
Giraffe stutters, "Make a special wish!"
So blow out your candles,
1, 2, 3........
Happy Birthday little Fox,
To you from me!





Love Always,

Auntie Dena & Uncle Steven

Happy Birthday!

I dedicate this post to my neice Kaya, who is celebrating her 9th birthday today! On Princess Aurora's birthday, all the magical fairies came far and wide to bless her with gifts. In case you didn't know magic still exists, and so even though we are far away, the moment you turned nine these are the gifts we wish to give you on your very special 9th birthday:

Nine hugs and kisses just for you,
Nine candles for wishes waiting to come true,
Nine smiles to keep in your pocket when yours is lost,
Nine compliments free of cost,
Nine happy thoughts when you could use a friend,
Nine lucky coins at every rainbows end,
Nine pinches of stardust to help your dreams to fly,
Nine gentle breezes to lift your spirits high,
Nine giggles to make you laugh out loud,
Nine compasses so that you won't get lost in the crowd,
Nine rays of sunshine to keep you warm,
Nine prayers that you never come to harm,
Nine whispers in your ear to tell you how much you are loved,
Nine moonbeams to watch over you from up above.

Happy Birthday Kaya!
With all our Love,
Auntie Dena & Uncle Steven

The continental divide......

I am trying to build suspense, and only do one posting of Colorado pictures every week. It is absolutely beautiful there, and I loved every minute of it! These pics are at the great continental divide.....enjoy!

A river runs through it!

Ok, I know that I am not the typical woman, but I've learned to embrace it! I have always wanted to learn how to fly fish. Steven and I went to a wilderness outfitters store and purchased some hip waders, and a fishing hat. Then we went to a pawn shop to buy an inexpensive fly pole so that I could begin pursuing my dream. I did practice a little bit in Colorado on the lake, but I knew I needed a river! Yesterday, Steven and I went to the Provo river near Heber. It was pretty hot yesterday, but I was so excited! I think that fly fishing is so much fun.......and hopefully I will acquire top notch skills. I did get my rhythm of casting down, but there is so much more I have to learn. I love standing in the middle of a river, feeling the water swirling around my feet, and just being out in the quiet, hearin the swishing of my line as I dry cast. Seriously euphoric! Anyways, I digress. I hope you enjoy the pics. Get out in nature this summer and try something new... you won't regret it!

I will always be by your side Steven!

Exactly one year ago, I met Steven Ivan White, and we have been inseperable ever since. So I dedicate this song to him....BFF!!^^

"I need a vacation....a vacation from my problems!" Bill Murray in What about Bob^^

As of June 30th, I was officially done teaching sixth grade! I was ecstatic. So the next day, Steven and I drove to his cabin in Colorado and met up with his parents.Their cabin is near the source of the Colorado river, and on a small fishing lake. I will try not to overwhelm you with too many pictures. I loved it there! The mountains are gorgeous and it was good to have time for some much needed peace, tranquility, and just all around fun! It was so good to be able to spend time together and not have to worry about school or work. I love summer!

Steven.......my one and only!

With you I can climb the highest mountains,
I can reach out and touch the stars,
Your smile lights up my darkest days,
And fill up my loneliest hours,
I can't help but laugh at your silly jokes,
You are my nearest thing to hope,
For your love is my unsinkable ship,
The castle for my moat,
One look still can give me butterflies,
My stomach does a little flip,
You are my long drink of lemonade,
From the sun you are my shade,
You are the spring in my step,
The last dream as I slept,
I cannot capture how I feel,
Though it's my heart you did steal,
Sunrise to sunset,
I have no regret,
You are the one I want to see,
Hour by hour,
Into eternity,
My hair will change into shades of silver,
Yet side by side we will love each other,
I cannot express my deep gratitude,
For the day that you said, "Dena, I love you...."

Poolside...................

I decided I needed to reconnect this weekend with the rest and relaxation. I went to my friends pool and tried to do the whole rotation like a hot dog. Unfortunately it was about 100 degrees in Salt Lake on Saturday, so even though I was only outside for a little over an hour I am definitely "lobsterified"! I went home and had to drink tons of water. I used my down time to finally hang up some of our family momento's and I am happy to say our little apartment is no longer just white walls! I'm getting so excited for Rachel and Tracy's visit on Thursday.......double trouble!!!^^

Memoirs of a beginning golf girl.......

A beautiful sunny Saturday at the driving range in SLC


Christy and I were excited to sharpen our novice driving techniques!


Seriously.....who needs Tiger Woods?


Better not "T" me off!


Elvis doesn't have anything on me!


I love to play golf in the sun,
To me it is rather fun!
I like to hit the ball quite far in the grass,
Watch my club as it flies past,
Over head but not too far,
I can feel the sweat dripping down,
A slurpee craving coming on,
Golfing gives me quite the high,
I watch the sun sinking lower in the sky,
Time to call it a day,
To my friend I say,
"Until next time, eh?"

Let the camping begin!

Steven and I enjoying a smore fest in the mountains^^

Steven and I went camping this weekend. It was just an overnight trip, but we had fun roasting marshmellow's, playing games, and being in the mountains! Hopefully we will continue to explore the mountains that are so close. I look forward to learning how to fly fish, and donning those hip waders. So sweet! Summer is almost here, I have about three weeks left of school, and I just hope I can hang on that long!