New Pans

Out of a huge pan set we received almost 10 years ago for our wedding this….

is all that is left.  Almost all the lids and three pans.

Over the years I have bought a few Caphalon pans to replace the missing pans, but we really needed a couple of different sizes of pots and pans.  I asked for a few of the pans for Christmas and Kyle surprised me with a really nice commercial grade Caphalon pan set.  I am loving my new pans.  I especially love my 3 quart sauce pan and my 6 inch frying pan.

Since I have been a stay at home mom I have been cooking a lot more.  It is so nice to have nice pans to cook with.  Thanks hun! 

The Final Stretch

I have almost survived!  I only have one more week left of work.  I am so glad!  I have loved being a professional again, but I am ready to be home with my kids again.  I really miss them a ton.  Being a mom is a full time job, but then when you add work it is intense.  I have a new found respect for working moms.  I am grateful for a husband who has a good job and is able to support us so I can stay home.

"Christmas Means A Little Bit More"

I love the holidays! I love the spirit of the season.  It seems like everyone is a little kinder, more generous, and more Christ-like.

One of my favorite things to do is shop for people.  I usually think about a person and what I want to buy him/her for months!  I like to shop around and do some research about different items.  Buying a gift is a lengthy process.  For example, I have my brother this year and I thought of something I wanted to buy for him back in September.  I have thought of other things, but I really like this one particular item.  I have done some research and know exactly what one I want to buy.  I have been watching for sales this weekend to see if I can get a good price, but if I don't I will buy it any way.  I hope he will like it, but more importantly I hope he knows how much thought I put into the gift.

Speaking of "thought" I don't like the phrase "it's the thought that counts" because if someone really thought about a gift it wouldn't be something lame or something a person doesn't like.

I have been accused of being difficult to shop for.  I don't really think I am difficult to shop for.  The problem is I don't care so much about material items as much as I care about the thought.  I would rather have one very meaningful gift than 100 thoughtless ones. 

I don't like going to the stores around Christmas time because stores are covered in thoughtless gifts.  Thoughtless gifts often pre wrapped that won't mean a thing to the person receiving it.  Notice that after Christmas all those thoughtless gifts will be on clearance, why?  Because no one really wants or needs them.

As a child I remember wanting gifts and wanting to open presents.  I was excited for Santa to come.  I was excited to see what was in all those fancy packages.  As a young child Christmas came from a store.

However, like the Grinch figured out in the famous Dr. Suess story, "maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more."  I too have figured out Christmas doesn't come from the store.

Looking back on past Christmas's the ones I remember the most are the ones where the gift giving meant something.  There have been a few years where I have bought or made a fabulous gift for someone.  I remember how I felt giving it and how much the person loved and appreciated it.  

I also remember a few Christmas's when someone has bought me something very special.  The gift meant more to me than anything else in the world.  I knew they had spent a lot of time and effort (not money) into the gift.  I knew they loved me and wanted me to have something special.

I don't always get the best gifts, but I really try.  I enjoy making things homemade.  I often make calendars for a few certain people.  I know they appreciate them.  I enjoy making them.  It takes me a while making sure everything is just so. 

Gift giving has been a small sore spot between Kyle and I.  Kyle's family had all the gifts come from Santa.  My family had just a few things come from Santa.  This may sound selfish, but I like the credit of picking out something amazing.  I don't want Santa to get all the credit.  I want my children to know I love them because I spent time and money picking out a gift special for them. 

Sometimes I also feel like Kyle and I just buy things to fill a certain quota.  It bugs me.  I like gifts to mean something.  I don't like to just buy stuff because I have to be fair.  

I will be honest I have been a little grumpy lately because I am stressed about gifts.  I don't like it.  I want the happy feeling I get when I buy gifts.  I want to feel the  true meaning of Christmas.  With that I wish you all a wonderful shopping season!  Best wishes in your gift giving endeavors!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has turned out to be quite interesting this year.  We always spend the holiday with extended family.  Since we have moved away we have either gone to family or family has come to us.  This year however, we are alone.  

We contemplated boycotting the traditional dinner and going out to eat for Thanksgiving dinner.  We really did consider it, but for the kids' sake we are going to keep it traditional.  

I tried to find a widow or elderly couple who would appreciate a Thanksgiving meal, but I didn't have much success.  

I have so much to be grateful for that I can't possibly put it all down into a single post.  I have attempted to put a list of gratitude together over the course of the entire month of November, yet I still don't feel like I can cover it all.  

However, this year I feel like everything in my life boils down to one simple truth and that is:

 I believe in Christ.

It is through Christ that I find hope, courage, joy, peace, and faith.  Characteristics I need to be a mom, a wife, a friend, and a daughter of God.

I believe that all of my blessings including my family, my children, my shelter, my life, my health, and everything else are all a result of Christ loving me and blessing me.

I am thankful for this simple and profound knowledge.

Some Thoughts

I have had many thoughts running through my head lately.  Most of them scattered and random, which makes them very difficult to put into words.  Here are a few of them.

• I am so glad I can stay home with my kids.  I worked a few days last week and it was absolute torture. I only worked 2 days and for a total of 3 hours, but I hated it.  I am dreading working for 3 weeks around Thanksgiving time.  I want the extra money, but money is not everything!
• I am LOVING going to the gym every morning.  I get up at 6 AM.  (I have NEVER been a morning person and so it may come as a shock that I get up this early.)  I work out for about an hour and then come home and get ready for the day.  My kids sleep in until about 9, which is why I can write this post right now, and so I have a little time to myself each morning.  I love it. (I should mention that I would never do this by myself.  I have a neighbor who goes to the gym with me.)  I love this time to think and get myself ready for the day.  
• I have thought a lot about positive energy.  I have really tried to be positive and look for the good in others.  I find myself a lot happier when I do.  I want to be a good friend and someone people enjoy being around.  
• I have also thought a lot about past friendships and acquaintances.  I often wonder how people are doing.  Facebook has been good to connect with people, but sometimes I just want to call people.  I have tried to follow through on promptings to contact people, but I could do better.  I think I might try and write someone an email or call someone every day.  Let them know I am thinking about them.  I like that idea.  I am going to start right now....

Working At Home

I have been a stay at home mom now for almost 4 months.  Most days I really love it!  Sometimes it is very tiring and sometimes I want to DIE!

It has been an adjustment for me.  I have found having something planned every day really helps make the day go smoother.  This week we have had something every day.  Having something every day gets me motivated to use my time more wisely.  If I don't have something planned I am about ready to go crazy by 3 PM.  By 5 PM when Kyle gets home I am about ready to pull my hair out.

I am looking forward to school starting just so I can be on a little bit more of a schedule.  I know it will be another adjustment.  Honestly, I am really going to miss Grant.  He is so sweet and such a great helper.

One thing I have enjoyed about being at home is the cooking!  I know some of you might find this a little ironic, but I have thoroughly enjoyed trying new recipes and perfecting old ones.  I have perfected cinnamon rolls this week.  (Third time was the charm.)  I made homemade breadsticks with our spaghetti dinner.  Last week, I made three batches of peach jam.  Today I made homemade salsa with my home grown tomatoes!

I have had fun using my new food processor.  I asked for a food processor for Christmas last year.  I had to put the food processor in our storage unit without even using it because we were still living in our apartment.  I just didn't have enough room for it.  Now that I am in my house I have had fun using the food processor.  It is like Christmas in the summer!  It has been great for making my salsa and jam.

I am so glad I can be home to take care of my children and make healthy food!  Yum!

More Than A Doctor

In February of 2011 I had a miscarriage.  I was so devastated, like so many other woman.  I had tried to get pregnant for about 6 months prior to that and the loss was heart breaking.  The same week I miscarried Kyle got offered a job in Boise, Idaho.  To make a long story short we moved to Boise in June 2011.

I loved Dr. Gary Fowers in Logan.  I told him we were moving and in between sobs I tried to convince him to move with us.  It didn't work.

I was very nervous about finding a new OB/GYN and I did a lot of shopping around.  A friend of mine referred me to Dr. Kerry Lowder.  She had seen him for a few months during her first pregnancy before switching for insurance reasons.   I felt good about Dr. Lowder and decided to give him a try. 

I liked him from the moment I met him.  We just clicked!  He is kind of goofy and says the dumbest things sometimes, but so do I and it works.  For almost a year I met with him on a monthly basis, if not more than that as he helped me get pregnant with Celeste.  We did a long list of fertility treatments before I finally got pregnant.  Then I continued to see him through the whole pregnancy.  I know more about him than I do a lot of other people I would call friends.

I could make a long list of the wonderful things he has done for me.  The little random acts of kindness that most doctors don't do for their patients.  I have a very special place in my heart for this man.  He is almost like a dad to me.  Kyle and other people think I have an odd relationship with Dr. Lowder, but after going through so much it is hard not to.  I have cried multiple times in this man's office.  I have shared the most personal experiences.  I have asked the most embarrassing questions.  I have trusted this man with my health and future children.  To me it isn't a mystery why Dr. Lowder has such a special place in my heart.

After I had Celeste I really wanted a picture of Dr. Lowder.  I think he was kind of shocked when I asked him to pose for this picture, but I am glad I did.  I have another one of him smiling at Celeste.  It is a little blurry, but it is very sweet.  I am so glad I got this shot.  This picture means a lot to me.

Uncle Lee Comes to Town

Lee was able to fly up from Arizona and stay with us for about a week.  He was Grant's little buddy the whole time!  They did a number of things together including going out to lunch and to the jump house. Grant thought he had died and gone to heaven.  

One day they went shopping and found this Hulk mask. We have looked all over for this mask and can't find it.  Grant loves to "dress up" and play Avengers/super heroes.  I say "dress up" because it usually just means pack swords and shields around.  

Lee was a big help in the kitchen!  He cooked us gourmet meals every night.  His pulled pork sandwiches and chicken tortilla soup were my two favorites.  Lee was also great company!  I was grateful to have another adult in the house to visit with.  I only wished I hadn't been so tired.  I would've liked to visit more instead of taking a nap every afternoon.  Oh well!  

Thanks Lee!

Thanks Sierra

Thanks again Aunt "Zeba!"

Granny's Visit

My mom was able to come and help me for a few days! She was such a huge help!  I was able to get caught up on some sleep.  She took care of Grant and he had so much fun!  My mom cooked us dinner every night and cleaned for me.  She even braided my hair one day.  It felt good to be taken care of.  I was sad when she left.  I wish she could have stayed a few more days.

Baby Blankets

As we anticipated having Celeste we were flooded by generosity.  I couldn't believe how generous our friends and family were.  I feel so blessed! We have received countless outfits and gifts.  I have loved all the cute little girl clothes, bows, and socks!  I am especially grateful for outfits that are a little bigger. We have some darling dresses and outfits for the winter and next summer.  Celeste's closet is bursting at the seams with clothes!  

In addition to countless outfits we have also received a handful of adorable blankets.  I know how much work quilts and blankets are to make.  I want to say a big THANK YOU to a number of family and friends!  I have posted pictures so I can show off how cute all the blankets are!

This beautiful Afghan was crocheted by my sister.  She even put darling little crocheted flowers on the corner with little beads in the center.  I think I will use this Afghan for Celeste's baby blessing.  It is so elegant!

My friend Noel from work made this darling princess rag quilt.  I love the blue and pink together.  So sweet!  

My cousin Amy made this darling blanket! I love the bright colors!  I couldn't get a good picture of the edge, but Amy crocheted the edges in brown eyelash yarn.  It is adorable!

Aunt Lorna made this cute dragonfly blanket.  She also made matching burp clothes!  I love it!

My mom made this pink and green turtle blanket shortly after I had Grant.  I have loved turtles for a long time and pink and green are my two favorite colors.  I was afraid if she made it for me I would be jinxed and never have a girl.  Luckily, I was wrong!  

The next three blankets Granny also made.  I love flowers, birds, and bright colors!  Having a girl is so much fun!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!  

I am so proud to be the mother of these two cute kids.  I love them with all my heart!  I am so glad I have the chance to be there mom. 

I am so grateful I have the chance to be a stay at home mom for a while.  These cuties need me and I need them.

I am also so grateful for my own mother.  She is a great example of hard work, dedication, and honesty.   She is also a great example of testimony.  I don't know of anyone else with the faith my mother has.  I am grateful she could come and help me get adjusted to having a new born this last week.  I couldn't have done it with out her.  

I am also so grateful for the many other mother's in my life.  My grandma, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, and many other friends!  They are all such wonderful examples to me.

May 1, 2013

On May 1, 2013 we welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our family.  

Here I am just an hour or so before I deliver.  Yes, my hair is beautiful, toes are manicured, and make up is perfect. No, I am not sweaty, I am not in pain, and I have no drugs.  ...yet...  I had been a little nervous about a having a scheduled c-section.  I knew in my mind that it couldn't be any worse than the  emergency c-section I had with Grant.  However, I really wanted it to be a positive experience.  I wanted to be able to have wonderful memories of the birth of our daughter.  I had a Priesthood blessing a few days before the surgery.  I also had said many prayers to calm my nerves and to bless the doctors so everything would run smoothly.  

At 9:30 AM I received a spinal and went numb from the chest down.  I laid down on the operating table and tried to just relax.  I was a little nervous at this point, but I had a peaceful feeling knowing things would work out.  I had faith in my doctor and knew I was in good hands.  Cheryl, the anesthesiologist nurse, who was sitting by my head also brought many words of comfort to me.  When the spinal took full affect my blood pressure dropped and I was instantly nauseated.  I tried not to throw up, but couldn't help it.  Cheryl was so sweet and took care of me.  She talked me threw the whole procedure and let me know what was going on.  At 9:53 AM Celeste Lucille Maybury entered the world!

I was able to see Celeste just moments after she was born.  The nurses checked her over and made sure she was healthy.

She weighed 7 pounds and 13 ounces.  She was 21 inches long at birth, but 5 days later had "shrunk" to 19.5" at her doctor appointment.  I am pretty sure the first one was less accurate although her birth certificate will say 21 inches.

I was holding my sweet little girl just a few minutes after birth.  As I held her on my chest her little hand reached out and touched my neck.  The sense of joy washed over me and I could hardly hold back the tears.  I felt my Heavenly Father's love for me as I held Celeste in my arms.  She was so perfect and the whole birth experience was so perfect.  I couldn't help but feel God's love for me and my family.

We actually didn't know her name until almost noon.  Kyle and I had a number of different names we liked, but no single name that stood out.  After the delivery, we went back to recovery and were able to toss names around.  

I am so happy with how smoothly everything went.  I am truly blessed!

Great Things Come In Small Places

We have lived in our little 800 square foot apartment for almost 2 years.  It has been 2 years too long!  We are so excited to get into our new house in a few weeks.  We can hardly wait to have more space among other things, however living in this small space has given us a new sense of gratitude.  Here are some things we have come to appreciate.
1.  As in ONE bathroom.  I only have to clean one toilet, one sink, and one tub!
2.  Two bedrooms and a living room only take about 20 minutes to vacuum.
3.  It only take 3 seconds to run across the entire house in an emergency.
4.  No yard work for two whole summers.
5.  A community pool we have enjoyed for FREE for two summers.
6.  Utilities are included.  We haven't had to pay a water or gas bill in two years!
7.  Rent is a LOT cheaper than a house payment!
8.  We don't have to shovel a driveway!
9.  If things break we just call the land lord to come and fix it.
10.  We are super close to everything!  For example, we are 1.7 miles from our parking lot to the parking lot at Kyle's work.  We are .5 miles away from the river and an AMAZING walk/nature path.  We are 1.0 miles away from the post office and the library.  We are 2.0 miles away from Wal-Mart and 3.2 miles away from Target.

2012: A Summary

I have seen many people on blogs and face book express their gratitude for 2012 to be over and excited for 2013!  I have to say the Maybury's 2012 wasn't terrible, but it didn't all go as we had planned.  Then again when does life ever go as planned.  We have definitely  had some major trials and some wonderful blessings this past year.  We have definitely seen the Lord's hand in our lives.

1.  In February Grant turned 4!  He had been looking forward to this birthday with great anticipation.  Granny and Evy were able to come up and celebrate with us.  It was so much fun!  Grant is such a wonderful boy!

2. We sold our house in May!  We had no idea it would take 14 months to sell the thing.  It was a huge financial obstacle we gladly washed our hands of.  We felt very blessed because the house sold for $400 more than what we owed.  We obviously didn't make a profit off the thing, but we also didn't have to foreclose on the house.  

3.  We sold our Dodge Ram truck.  In order to pay for close to $10,000 in closing costs on the house we had to sell Kyle's baby.  It was a tough decision for him and he really hated to see this sweet ride go.  It was a major blessing to be able to almost instantly make $10,000.  In the end we came out smelling like a rose on this deal.  We sold it for exactly what we paid in 2008.  We basically drove this truck for free for 4 years!  If only we could have made that much off the house!

4. In July, Kyle turned the big 30!  He was not looking forward to this birthday at all.  Now that it is past he is ok with it.  The birthday has inspired him to start being a little more healthy!  

5.  We were able to see two new temples open this year.  The Brigham City temple opened in September.  We feel close to this temple because it was announced while we were still living in Northern Utah.  If we hadn't moved we would still be a part of the Brigham City temple district.  It is a beautiful building and we are so happy for our old friends and neighbors.  

In November, we were able to attend the Boise, ID temple open house.  The temple had been closed since July 2010 for remodeling.  It is so exciting to have the temple open again!

6.  We are pregnant!  We have struggled with infertility for almost 2 years now.  It has been a major trial of our faith.  I literally have to pinch myself every morning to remind myself I am pregnant.  

This picture of our baby was taken in October at our first ultrasound.  I was so nervous to go to this first ultrasound for fear the doctor would tell me we were having another miscarriage.  I burst into tears when the doctor told me everything looked wonderful!  We are so blessed!

Birthdays, better health, temples, financial freedom, and a new baby...in our books 2012 was a huge success!

Christmas Dinner

It has been hard living so far away for the holidays.  We are excited to see our family soon.  Having a Christmas dinner with our parent's is one of our traditions.  Since having our parent's over isn't really an option I almost did away with doing a big dinner.
I decided while Kyle was in China last week that I would do the dinner.  I made turkey, potatoes, stuffing, the whole works!  It was so tasty!  My rolls even turned out good.
Then the best part was Kyle did ALL of the dishes for me.  It took him a good 30-45 minutes.  I got to sit and read the Sunday paper.  It was a little weird and a couple of times I walked in and helped, but got kicked back out.
Kyle was very grateful for the dinner, especially since he was eating duck blood soup just last week.  It was nice to be so appreciated.  I am glad I kept up the tradition of Christmas dinner.

I am thankful...

I am thankful for ALL of my many blessings!  I have had a great time doing the 30 days of gratitude this year.  It has been a lot of fun going through all the many blessings I have.  I am so grateful for Kyle and Grant.  I am thankful for the gospel and the priesthood.  My family and friends are such a blessing in my life.  I am also grateful for YOU, thank you for reading.

I am thankful...

I am thankful for the kind words of friends.  The last few weeks have been a little bit of an emotional roller coaster.  I have had some of the kindest people come up to me and give words of encouragement.  Just little "I am thinking about you" or "you are in my thoughts" goes such a long way.  I was so grateful when I showed up to work today and a friend had bought me a limeade.  Oh how sweet the small and simple things in life can be.  I am grateful for close friends who look after me.

I am thankful...

I am thankful for a good night of sleep!  I have been so tired with the holiday and such.  It feels so good to sleep until I wake up.  Luckily the 3 year old is still sleeping too.  I think we all needed some serious rest!

I am thankful...

About a week ago I did a whole post to half of my in-laws.  I have more in-laws that I love and so here is a tribute to them.  

In 2006 my sister married my brother's best friend, Isaac!  It has been so fun to have Isaac officially in our family.  He has been around since Isaac and Trace were about 5 years old.  My sister couldn't have hand made a better husband than Isaac.  He is always up for a good time. I love Isaac's sense of humor.  He can do the best impersonations and impressions!  He is honest and sincere. I admire him for his ability to stand up for the things he believes in.  Isaac is great at following his passions.  One of his passions is videography.  I love watching the videos he makes.  His creativity and motivation is truly inspiring.  I really hope he is able to pursue his dreams.  He is dedicated to his beliefs.  Isaac is a great dad!  I don't know very many men that could thrive as a stay at home dad like Isaac did.  I am grateful my sister married Isaac!

Isaac was such a good sport about being Fred Flintstone!

In 2007 my brother married the sweetest girl, Sierra!  She is the perfect companion for my brother.  Sierra has so many talents.  Sierra is one of the most dedicated people I have ever met.  I have seen her accomplish so many things in the few years I have known her.  Sierra is strong mentally and physically!   Spiritually, Sierra is a power house!  I love being with her because her testimony of the gospel is apparent in everything she does.  I had a hard time finding pictures of Sierra because ever since her and I took a photography class together neither one of us are in very many pictures!  I am a little envious her photography talent has blossomed faster and better than mine.  (Its that dedication I mentioned.)  Sierra is the best sister-in-law! I am glad my brother found and married her!

I am grateful for Isaac and Sierra!  They are both great additions to our family.  Isaac and Sierra are exceptional people!