Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Baby, Pres. Eyring, New York:

We haven't updated this in a while and we're sorry. Not because it hasn't been on our minds, but because we don't have internet at our house anymore and we haven't done anything about it because in our free time. Instead of being online at home, we are feeding our addiction of playing board games together. Two words: Life. Yahtzee.  Enough said.

Lots of updates though! We'll start with the biggest one yet, and if this is a surprise to you, you also must not be online ever either and be playing board games, too. We're having a baby! It was hard to keep it a secret for so long! We're due July 1st. Still unsure of the gender and it is killing us! If it is a boy, (and if we got to pick, this would be our pick, and yeah we know, we'll be happy either way, haha) we'll name him Crew Carraway. If it's a girl, we're thinking Aspen. So, now you know. I think Ben is more excited about going and buying maternity clothes than I am. And that's saying a lot, because I love buying them! They're so comfy I could wear them for the rest of my life.  He's just excited about it in every aspect. He'll even pick up the book 'What To Expect When You're Expecting' for an occasional read. I don't know what made my heart melt more. Seeing our baby on the ultrasound and hearing it's heartbeat, or seeing Ben's face watching it. I'm almost leaning towards Ben's face, though. He's #1. He still thinks I'm cool even after 3 straight months of falling asleep at 7 pm, that's love.

We had an incredible opportunity to meet President Eyring. Yes, THE President Eyring. And when we say meet, we don't mean see him on the street and shake his hand. We mean, we sat in his office and casually spoke with him for 2 hours.My assistant at work, although more than just an assistant because I think the world of her and love her dearly, is his granddaughter. We sat down, asked us our life story. Laughed. Heard awesome stories about his family, and some about his hobbies. He even referred to our baby as Crew! (We're jokingly hoping it was revelation that we're having a boy, haha) He is easily the most genuine, loving person we have ever met. Of course, I didn't expect any different.

We have a new addition to our family! It's not two feet, not yet...that's July. But we added 4 paws! We were hoping to be a foster home for dogs that are at the Human Society, but after going there and learning more, we fell in love with a stray dog that we tried to talk ourselves out of since we're having a baby, but couldn't. We love her! Ben went back to get her as a surprise early Christmas gift for me! She was pretty sick when we brought her home and were super worried we'd have to give her back, but with some TLC from us, a ton of food, and a lot of make-out sessions with our other dog Lucas, she's perfectly healthy and surprisingly potty trained! Ben wanted to name our baby Philly if it was a girl because of his mission. Instead, I brought up the idea of naming our new dog Philly. He loved it! And I loved it, because now our baby wont be named it ;)  Win-win.
ALSO! See, I told you lots of updates. We went to NY! We drove there.  ...I know. But it wasn't bad at all, I promise! At least the way there wasn't bad. We drove straight there, got there in 29 hours. Drove, slept on the side of the road for a few hours, then drove some more! It was awesome! I haven't seen my family and been home in almost 3 years! It was the first time my family (with the exception of 1 of my sisters) has ever met Ben! We stayed for a whole week. Was there for Thanksgiving. Feel in love with the game Quelf. Got all of my east coast food cravings taken care of. Met my increible niece Eva for the first time. Went to Palmyra and did all the church sites.  Had our NY Wedding Reception for my side of the family. (Thank goodness my dress still fit.) And yes, don't worry, we did a flash mob during it. What's an east coast wedding without ridiculous dancing? And Ben even left back to Utah sportin' a Buffalo Bills shirt. He actually had a harder time leaving than I did. I'd say the trip was a success.

So now it's the last day of 2013! And it's been incredibly eventful for the both of us, to say the least. Ben coming home from his mission.Starting school. Me speaking and everything else that's happened. Buying a car. New jobs. Moving. Getting engaged, married, pregnant. Excited for the new year. Excited for new adventures & blessings God has for us. To embrace. To learn. Experience. Love. And couldn't imagine it any other way then listening to the spirit, and do so holding hands, together, with the best companion there could be. Cheers to 2014.

28 comments:

  1. You guys are my favorite! And I LOVE the baby name choices! Happy New Year!

    www.writteninthemidst.blogspot.com

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  2. Well that's about the sweetest thing you ever could have written. Thanks for making the end of 2013 so bright for me! xoxo

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  3. Quelf is the best! Congratulations!

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  4. I found your blog because of your amazing story! I love the name Crew that is actually my little boys name, SO cute, not too many around. If you guys like games you should try Catan, there are 4 of them, and Ticket to Ride there are 4 or 5 of them as well. They are amazing and different to play every time. They are some of my families favorites. Congrats on the baby. I love your story and hope that someday I can find someone as amazing as your husband that wont judge me on my past. Good luck on your future!

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  5. Awesome post! I am so VERY excited for you both! What GREAT things that happened for sure this last year, so next year can only get better! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Sounds like you've been very busy! I always love reading your updates on both blogs. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with all of us. I feel like we are friends even though we've never met! Hope 2014 is even better than 2013 for both of you!!

    good enough teacher

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  7. Congratulations! I'm so excited for you...How busy you've been, too. It's all good!

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  8. Thanks so much for adopting a dog...and for wanting to foster. I absolutely love dogs and am a huge advocate of adopting dogs. and congratulations on your baby!

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  9. So excited for both of you!! The Lord is truly amazing isn't he? My oldest son left on his mission in June and his little brother finished 3 1/2 years of chemo and my hubby 10 years of schooling. After we thought we could relax BOOM! The man of my dreams was called to be Bishop!! Love the Lord!! Best of luck you two.

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  10. Love you and your living example so glad the Lord has given you and your new family all the blessings you deserve! !!

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  12. Congrats, Al! I'm due at the end of April with my third. Such an exciting time, bringing your first new little one in the world. Savor the moments you have with just you and Ben because before you know it, your life will forever be changed! (For the better, of course -- just a really big change!)

    How neat to meet President Eyring. He is such a kindhearted, gentle man. I bet you had a great time chatting with him.

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  13. I NEED a blog button!!! not WANT, NEED!! :) You guys are great. :) I gotta share!

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  14. Hi Al! I just wanted to share with you that I have shared your story with the women I work with. Several of them have been investigating the church after hearing your story! Missionary work is amazing! Thank you for sharing your lives! Congratulations on the new addition!!

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  15. I served in Philly too! (But long before your husband... 2005-2006.) I've loved hearing your story, Thank you for sharing! Congratulations on the baby! They're so exciting! I'm holding my newborn & watching my 2 year old play with the dog. :) Lots of good times coming to you!

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  16. Lovely Couple, The joy in your lives shines thru, exciting news of your little one preparing his/her arrival to earth planet!!! Meeting President Eyring must of being just awesome!!!

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  17. You are a true inspiration. My daughter, Ashley, heard you speak at the Joseph Smith Memorial building this last summer. You have touched her heart. Congratulations on your baby. July 1st is a great time of the year. Ashley was due July 2nd and came on the 12th. Thanks for sharing your story and testimony is such a beautiful way. I am a very grateful mother for your example to my children.

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  18. Babies are truly the highest blessing from our Heavenly Father, I am so happy for you both. Valerie xxx

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  19. your life is going the right direction ! al and ben you are both treasured by all and especially our Heavenly Father and our Savior. keep the faith moving forward. a true blessing to visit with President Eyring. one of his sons was my sons stake president in idaho, my son said he is amazing. good luck in your carraway adventures. would love to have ben, al and baby come visit missouri ! i would be happy to show you around the church sites and see the kansas city missouri temple.

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  20. Crew is a darling name! Aspen is cute, too, but she may get called Ass in school.

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    1. I enjoyed reading the BLOG, as well, the comments... It brought back memories of the time we named our 5 children. Timothy(Timmy) after his dad, he was born the day after my 21st and husbands (DAD) 20th birthday... July 16, next day.. July 17 came Our beautiful baby boy. Then Andrew Super bowl baby, Feb 1, I wanted to name him Arron Bradley but, Dad said not after the name of a car, I kept calling him (An) so Andy for short, Elisabeth with an (s) named she was a personal revelation, blessed for MOST FAITHFUL... I call her Tis Beth and Dad calls her Lizzy, Jan. 29, another superbowl baby, Steven named after my baby brother,Aug 31, first day of school and Sariah (Sy) or Shazzz getta mae... not sure why but that is what I call her, BLESSED as MOMMAS JOY ..Nov 28, Turkey baby... I suppose what I have discovered is that NAMES are important part of the person we become, fitting. ... Aspen could be a negitive as "has been" or as positive as jazzmine... you see I believe the name Aspen is because she is spiritually a song written in the hearts of the two artist that the two of you are, as , I do not know you personally, but, I hear the name of your daughter and the beautiful spring sounds of birds and wind and trees whistle... NEVER DOUBT... GO WITH YOUR GUT.

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  21. Thank you for making our New Year brighter. I loved reading about all of your adventures. You are loved by the Fielding Family always and forever. Congratulations on the new puppy and the new baby. You will be such good loving parents. Ruby Fielding

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  22. Congrats to you both!! And can I just say, if you have a girl I am in love with the name that could potentially be hers. That's my daughters name and I am secretly flattered that you would even consider the name Aspen! LOL
    Best wishes for the New Year and all the fun to come!

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  23. OK you met President Eyring and you are having a baby and two dogs.. all these three things I don't have. Man you guys are having the time of your lives :D I am happy for you. I wish to meet President Eyring too someday. I wish we could have dog pets here in our small apartment as well but the apartment owner does not allow pets here. And of course I will never be happier if my wife and I will finally be blessed with babies (we've been married for almost four years now) .

    Aight you both stay safe and keep the faith!

    Cheers from your brother in Manila!

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  24. Love both names. Any middle names?

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  25. Sounds like a great way to end the year! So many exciting things going on. Love both of the names and can't get over how adorable your dogs are!!

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  26. Although I am a former Mormon I really enjoy reading both your blogs. I love how you found you spiritually. It's an amazing feeling. You are very inspiring you show a huge example that anybody can change their lives if they choose. Congrats on the baby and everything else in your life. You are truly beautiful. From one Utah girl to another, I totally love your tattoos and you are right. They are not who you are. Cheers! Happy 2014! http://nomoreramennoodles.blogspot.com/

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  27. Kids love to play Free Baby Games and these kids are a considerable measure of fun. All you have to begin is some attractive letters. It is not important to make perfect lines. You can have the letters all moved up. To start, demonstrate your kids a letter in its capital and lowercase structure.

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