2011: Year in Review

We had a very excited year! We are so grateful for all of the blessings our Heavenly Father has blessed us with. We cannot wait to see what 2012 brings and to watch our sweet baby girl grow!

January: Tanner enjoyed lots of mountain lion hunting and I enjoyed lots of school work...

February: We traveled to Provo to see Jimmer Fredette in action (Tanner went to 3 more games) and we found out we were pregnant.

March: We told our families that our family would be growing by two feet :) Life got busy as the planting season started.

April: We celebrated Tanner's 24th birthday and we heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time :)

May: We celebrated 2 years of marriage. Crazy how the time has flown.

June: We were supposed to find out te sex of our baby but stubborn, crosses legs made it hard. I felt the baby move for the first time this month! I quit my job because of morning sicknes difficulties and took more time to focus on preparing for the baby.

July: Finally found out we were having a girl after 3 ultrsounds! We enjoyed lots of family reunions.

August: Spent a lot of time preparing for baby. Buying the crib and dresser and had a great time putting it all together ;) I started helping Jennifer Beck & Hailey Bradshaw with the AHS cheerlearders

September: The Fair and Harvest consumer our time.

October: Getting very anxious about the arrival of baby Breckyn. Many false alarms ;) and riding in the beet truck to hopefully bounce me into labor. My family threw me a baby shower. We recieved so many wonderful gifts to help us get started

November: We welcomed Breckyn Fay Vollmer in our family!

December: Spent lots of time together as a family and snuggling our beautiful baby.

My Birthday & Christmas

I had a great birthday this year! I turned the big 2-2. I spent it with my family and it was so much fun. My mom, Devonee, Rebecca & Victoria put on an amazing dinner! Then we all celebrated Christmas together since it was everyone's year to go to the othe families. We Sure missed Heather, Tyler & Riley.

A few days before Christmas we got to celebrate with to Corbridge family. It was so much fun we ate a lot of great food and played games. We got all the great grandkids together and we got this shot. I love it! Each kid is in their own little world :)
(L to R: Treyton, Everly, Paislie, Daxton, Breckyn, Ashlyn & McKenzie)

We spent Chritmas Eve in Blackfoot and enjoyed watching the grandkids perform the nativity. We spent Christmas day with Tanner's family. It was such a fun relaxing day. I wouldn't have spent it any other way. I actually really enjoying having Chritsmas on a Sunday this year. I was so nice to start of the day to be reminded of the true meaning of the season and to reflect on the Savior's birth. There was such a special spirit in our home this year with a newborn baby. I spent a lot if time reflecting on Mary on the circumstances that she was in and the humblness of our Savior's birth. I always say that I am going to keep the spirit all year round but this year i hope I truly strive to do so. Merry Christmas everyone.She was so excited to open her presents This is the best picture I could get of her with her presents. Santa was good to her .Ready to party.Waiting for Santa to come.All the parties wore her out :)

Breckyn & Brynlee

Breckyn is very lucky to have a friend who is so close in age already. Marcus and Hailey Bradshaw's little darling Brnylee was born in August. We love that they are so close in age. Hailey's family and mine have been friends forever, so Brynlee and Breckyn already had a friendship laid out. My sister Heather and Hailey have been best friends for years and we are so excited that Heather is also welcoming a baby girl in January. They will all be such great friends!

Rub-a-dub-dub

Breckyn is 5 weeks old now and has really started smiling. Tanner and I have been trying and trying to catch a picture of it and finally today I caught this...

This little girl always makes my day better!

Napping with Grandpa

I love having both our families so close. I also love Sunday visits with family! I snapped this picture of Breckyn and Grandpa Karl. I love it!

Santa's Little Reindeer

This little reindeer is one month old today! I can't believe how time is flying. I love her Christmas pj's. My Grandma JoAnn bought them for her. Grandpa Karl says she has hooves :)

Snuggling

I can't believe I am posting this picture. Tanner snapped this yesterday during our nap. It reminds me of my dad. He use to always take pictures of us while we were sleeping. As embarrassing as the picture is I still love it :)

beautiful baby girl

We traveled to Rigby to have Breckyn's newborns taken when she was just 8 days old. There were taken by Katie Wells. She did an amazing job. We love them. I will cherish these photos forever. Here are a few of our favorites

Counting Our Blessings this Thanksgiving

On the16th my mom was on her way to a Stake Relief Society meeting with Becky Pulliam. The had just crossed the American Falls Dam when a teenager in a pickup pulled out in front of them. We are counting our blessings that they are both still here with us. It is simply a miracle. Mom only had to wear a neck brace for a few weeks and was very sore. I am so grateful for the protection of our Heavenly Father that was upon them that night.

Announcing the Arrival of...

Breckyn Fay Vollmer

After being three days overdue, and several false alarms, I was definitely beginning to think that this little one would not make an appearance any time soon. But Sunday morning in Sacrament meeting I definitely felt a little different. We went to Marcus and Hailey's after Brynlee's blessing and kept feeling some pain but I didn't want to get my hopes up. As soon as we got in the car I told Tanner I had been having pains and I started timing. There were coming about every 8-10 minutes and were lasting about 40 seconds. When we got home I tried to stay busy to make sure that the pains would keep coming and they did. Tanner even made me go speed walk on our treadmill and see if it did anything. Sure enough the contractions started coming every 6-7 minutes lasting 50 seconds. It was definitely time to head to Pocatello.

By the time we hit the freeway the contractions were 4 minutes apart. We got to the hospital at 8:00 pm. They checked me out and I had dialated to a 3 but they wouldn't admit me will I was a 4. We walked around the hospital for half an hour and they hooked me up to a monitor to watch my contractions. I am not going to lie the contractions hurt! An hour later I was a 4 and I was admited. I asked for the epidural right away. About an hour after I got it I started feeling some pain again and I could tell that I wasn't numb on one side. It hurt so bad I couldn't stand it. They tried to turn me on my side but nothing worked. The doctor finally said he probably put it in a bad spot...really?! So I had to get it again but after that I felt great. I was able to sleep through most of the night and I would wake up and look at the monitor and wonder if I was really having contractions because I couldn't feel anything. That was very nice.

I was relieved to find out that Dr. Cox, who wasn't on call, had called in to see if any of his patients had been admitted. When they told him I was there he said to let him know when I was closer and he would be there for my delivery. I was so relieved because I LOVED my doctor. A nurse came in a 7:30 am and decided that it was time to start to push. Dr. Cox came in soon after that and we worked on helping this little one make her appearance. I had started to run a fever and it was causing her body temperature and heartrate to increase and Dr. Cox said that she was getting tired and we would have to use the vacuum to help her along. I was scared but at the point I just want to see her face. Finally at 9:00 am Breckyn Fay Vollmer arrived. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 6 oz and 19 in. long. I could not believe the rush of emotion that came over me. Even Tanner said that he held back tears. She is perfect in every way and we could not be more happy that she is finally here and she is healthy. Tanner was great through the whole labor. He helped me a long and talked me through the pain. I honestly was so impressed and I could not have done it without him.

We feel so blessed to have this beautiful baby girl come into our lives. It was very important to Tanner to name her after his sister and I am so glad we did. There is already an added spirit in our home with this new baby and I feel it even more every day. We have to much to be thankful for this year. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for blessing us with Breckyn in our lives.

Ten Days to Go (hopefully less...)

I found this picture the other day. We took it the day we cound out we were going to be parents. Right now that seems so long ago.We are finally in the home stretch. We just keep crossing our fingers that this little one will decide to show up soon. The nursery is finally finished, her clothes are washed, our bag is packed and in case we've taken advice and put the car seat in the car. We went to the doctor today and everything looks great. we're just playing the waiting game. I can tell there is not a lot of room in there, so I hope she decides to come soon. I cannot wait to sleep on my belly again. Through out my pregnancy I have found a new found love for raspberry sherbet. Tanner has learned that if the freezer is not stocked with it, it makes for a rough night these days :)

It is weird to think that in a week or so it won't be just me and Tanner anymore. I found this fun questionnaire on a friends blog and I thought I would be fun to do.

1. Where did you meet your husband?
I had known him for a while since we had grown up in the same town, but I was reintroduced to him after his mission at single's ward.
2. When was your first kiss?
August 9, 2008
3. How long did you date before you got married?
We got engaged after 7 months of dating and were married 3 months later.
4. How long have you been married?
2 1/2 years
5. What does he do that surprises you?
He will randomly leave me notes around the house. Yesterday I woke up to, "I love you, Krys" written on the fridge. He never ceases to amaze me!
6. What is your favorite feature of his?
Definitely his smile
7. What is his best quality?
His sense of humor. He always keeps me laughing.
8. Does he have a nickname for you?
Krys
9. What is his favorite food?
He loves steak, funeral potatoes, and fried shrimp.
10. What is his favorite sport?
Football and wrestling.
11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
This makes us sound really dull but we love just sitting on the couch and talking. That is when we have the best conversations. Lately I have loved going out to the field and riding in his pickup with him. We just talk about random studd and we have had some hilarious conversations!
12. Do you have any children?
Little girl, due any day now :)
13. Does he have any hidden talents?
He can do a standing back tuck.
14. How old is he?
24
15. Who said "I love you" first?
He said it first but I had been feeling the same way for a while.
16. What is his favorite music?
He pretty much listens to anything and everything but his favorite band is Def Leppard.
17. What is his favorite color?
Red
18. What do you admire most about him?
His love and dedication to the gospel. He helps me stay on track. It is so comforting to know that we have the Spirit and Priesthood present in our home.

I love this man! I am so grateful that I have him in my life. He is going to be an amazing dad!

We LOVE Harvest Time

Harvest is honestly one of my favorite times of the year. I love the smell that is in the air (dirt!) and I love the feeling that all of the hard work that was put into planting and irrigating through the year has finally paid off. I love the tractor rides I get to take with Tanner and the funny stories that he tells me about the truck drivers. It definitely makes me wonder what the men who were opperating the digger throught of me as a driver. Growing up I never thought I would marry a farmer, but I am glad that I did. I would not have it any other way. Tanner loves what he does and he reminds me of my dad in that way. They share a bond through farming and I love that I get to witness it every day. Devonee and Heather came up about a month ago. Devonee helped my dad out by driving truck and Heather helped my mom make yummy raspberry jam (mom's garden was over flowing with berries this year). My dad took a great picture of Tanner and I on the tractor, but I still need to get it off their camera. So I have stolen a few from Devonee and Heather.

Devonee took this picture of us from her truck

The Driscoll Sisters lovin' the truck I had to share this picture of Riley. He had been helping Grandma Dayna in the garden

"I Know the Scriptures are True"

Our primary theme for this year has been "I Know the Scriptures are True." My love for the scriptures has grown even more over the past year watching the children of my ward learn about the scriptures and seeing their faith grow has brought so much joy to me. After months of preparation our primary successfully had our program yesterday. The preparation is a little hectic. The weeks leading up you are worrying if the kids are going to know the songs and if they will sing loud enough, or will they behave when they are up there on the stand. I don't know why I worry because these children never cease to amaze me. I am often reminded of how close to the Savior these children really are. I love the spirit they can bring into a meeting without even knowing it. They have such great faith and they never waiver from it. Being in the Primary has definitely brought on a stronger meaning of the scripture "become as a little child." I know that as I become a mother I will see that even more as I go through each day with my children. Through the year that I have served in the Primary it has been a blessing to have the confirmation from the Spirit come to me through the children of the ward.

I was given the opportunity to play my violin while the children sang Praise to the Man. It is definitely one of my favorite hymns and holds a special place in my heart. It takes me back to the moment when I recieved my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I love the opportunities I am given to play but they do come with a lot of anxiety. I tend to panic when I play in front of people. I love playing in the comfort of my own home, but I know that it is good for me to share my talent with others. My patriarchal blessing says that I will use my musical abilities as a way to share my testimony. I have found my violing to be a place of comfort. I am not good at speaking in front of people but I love it when I play a hymn and I can feel the Spirit come closer to me.

I love the gospel! I cannot imagine my life without it. It brings such joy and peace into my life. It is so comforting to know the purpose behind this life and know that I am never alone. I love reading from the scriptures and the new lessons I take away each time I read it. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for everything he has given me and he continues to bless me each day.

Fun at the Fair

I love the Eastern Idaho State Fair! I have been craving the food ever since the very beginning of my pregnancy and Saturday and Monday that craving was finally fulfilled. We always have to go to the fair the first few days it starts because Tanner starts potato harvest at the end of the week. We went Saturday night with Devonee and Neal. That whole morning all I could thing about was the candy apples, chocolate covered strawberries, and the italian sodas. I took it easy because I knew we would be back but Tanner went for it in full swing. He was quite proud of himself. :) Devonee, Neal and Tanner braved one ride. The carnival workers always make me kind of skeptic about riding, but they survived. We watched the hypnotist show that night. We watch it every year. We always get a good kick out of the people who voulonteer to make fools of themselves :) Of course we had to stop by Grandpa Wally's restored tractors. We thought he would be there but he wasn't that night. My grandpa usually stands there so he can be sure to tell people that they are his and fill them in on their history. The picture is of me and Tanner infront of one of grandpa's friends restored combine. We tried to get pictures in front of my grandpa's but the lighting was horrible.
Monday we watched the horse races. Tanner got really into it. Ever since we saw the movie Secretariat he informed me that he wants to own a race horse once day... I did find the Indian relay races very entertaining. I can't believe that those boys can so fast on those horses riding bareback and not fall off. Of course we ate some more and that concluded our EISF experience for 2011. Maybe I will sneak over there another day with my mom? :) The fair is definitely one of my favorite things about this part of Idaho. You cannot beat the food. When I lived in Iowa, people would always tell us that their fair was ranked as one of the top in the nation. I will say that it had some cool things to see(a cow sculpted out of butter?), but the food at the EISF definitely beats all. Until next year...already can't wait for that funnel cake!

World's Greatest Dad

Happy 57th Birthday to the best dad I could ever ask for!!

On my mind...

Out of our adversity we might seek our greatest triumphs, and the day may well come that from our challenges we will understand the familiar words "for thy good."

Richard C. Edgley

For some reason Iowa has been on my mind a lot lately. I went over to my parents home yesterday and they said that one of their sister missionaries, Sister Stratton was stopping by. I shouldn't say that I had favorites but this sister was basically a sister to me when my sisters weren't able to be with me. I could not miss out on the opporunity to visit with her again. We spent a couple of hours reminicing on Iowa and shared funny memories. I could see how happy my parents were to have someone else around who truly felt the joy and love of that place that holds such a special place in their hearts.

Sister Stratton, or Carrie, asked my parents what they felt they gained the most from their experience in the mission field. As my parents shared their thoughts I thought about what I would say if someone were to ask me the same question. A lot of the time when people ask me about Iowa I am quick to say that I am so glad that I was able to come home and when people ask if I miss it, truthfully most of the time I say no. BUT there is a bit reason why and as I have gotten older I regret saying no, because Iowa truly does hold a special place in my heart.

Iowa has been on my mind lately because it truly was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I had to leave my home, family and friends and start over in a new place. It was hard! I cried myself to sleep a lot. I remember my first day of school when I got home I just cried. Things got easier as time went on, but it never became home for me. I was blessed to have made great friendships and I had amazing experiences with my parents and missionaries but I always missed home. I was able to return home for the last half of my junior year and I finally felt like myself again

The greatest blessing or lesson I gained from that experience was how strongly I came to know that my Heavenly Father was aware of my struggles and that he was always by my side. I truly came to know of his love for me and feel his constant companionship as I went through hard times. I have been given many opportunities to reflect back on those three years and I have truly come to know that it was an experience I was meant to go through. Even though it was hard, I know that it was meant for me good. It has definitely become a reference point for me in my life when other trials come my way. It helps me to remember that I must always put my faith and trust in the Lord and he will help guide me through and I will come out stronger. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and the love of my Heavenly Father that helps me through this life.

Dirscoll Reunion 2011

This past weekend we traveled to Island Park for a reunion with my parents and my siblings. We were definitely in need of a little get away. Even though it was only a weekend it felt so good to forget about real life for 72 hours. I went up a day early with my mom and helped her get a lot of the food and the cabin ready for the rest of the family. I forgot my camera so I had to rely on my sister Heather and I am so that she sent me a few of her snapshots. My mom's parents have a cabin just down the way from the Driscoll family cabin. We planned on a few of us staying down there and we soon found out that we had a few visitors...BATS! Eric's family stayed there the first night and killed 4 bats. Little Brooklynn told me that Batman visited them :) My mom asked me if Tanner and I would stay down there, I feel bad but I said no way! My mom along with my dad, Devonee, and Neal braved the bat invested cabin. They weren't visited the first night, but on the second night they killed 5. It was so nice to be surrounded by family for the weekend. A few of us went to the Playmill Theater and got our tradition scoop of ice cream from our favorite parlor in West Yellowstone. Saturday was full of boating and riding the four wheeler. Saturday night we had dinner around the camp fire and mom's homemade ice cream. A few of us played games late into the night and enjoyed lots of laughter. Devonee's boyfriend Neal told her that he found it really neat that our family was so close to one another. I truly feel that when we are together. We laugh for hours and I never get tired of their company. I am so grateful for the knowledge of eternal families and the gift that it is to know that I will be with them forever.

Neal was a hit when he brought the 4-wheeler that actually worked

It looks like a leisurely tube ride, but Braden really punched it after this picture was taken

what great little helpers grandma has!

Saturday night hot dog roast

Brooklynn loves hanging out with Great Grandpa Dan

Our best attempt at getting all nine grandkids together for a picture

Can't wait till next year!

"Sure Love Ya!"

Last Monday I was able to attend Chet Wahlen's funeral service with my parents. The Driscoll/Wahlen friendship has been there for years and I loved learning so much more about Chet and the great person that he was. President Lankford got up at the end to give a few remarks and he told a story about how everytime he got off the phone with Chet he would say, "Sure love ya!" I thought that was so neat! During the closing song my dad slipped me a note a little piece of paper that said, "Krystle, Sure love ya! Love, Dad" I looked over to smile at him and he had a small tear in his eye. It was a very tender moment for the both of us. I kept that note and I put it in my scriptures. I love my dad so much. He has done so much for me in my life and every time I talk to him on the phone he asks if there is anything he can do for me. He is always thinking of others and continues to be one of the greatest examples for me in my life.

Sure love ya dad!

Goodbye Harry...Goodbye Childhood

With the last movie out, it is hard for me to believe that there is no more Harry Potter. I feel like my childhood has officially ended. Harry Potter was the first series of books that really got me interested in reading. My mom surprised me with the 5th of 6th books as they came out. I even had to chase down the mailman for my 7th book, because he thought no one was home and he was taking it back to the post office. I love the characters of these books and J.K. Rowling's writing is amazing. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is by far one of the best books I have ever read. I was eleven when I read the first book. That is my niece Halle's age. She finally got into them this year and she went through all seven books so fast and started the series over recently. It makes me very happy to see that another genereation is going to fall in love with Harry all over again. I can't wait to read them to my kids!

Third Time's a Charm

When this little one had its legs crossed in two ultra sounds, Tanner and I kind of accepted the fact that we might have to wait till its arrival to find out weather we'll have a boy or girl. But yesterday we found out that third time is a charm and we are very happy to announce that we're having a ...GIRL! We're very excited and cannot wait to meet her!

I feel like I kind of knew that it would be a girl. A lot of our family was guessing that it was a boy, but I always had this thought in the back of my head that it was a girl.

The first ultra sound was really neat. She had the hickups and it is amazing to see that through the ultra sound. Yesterday the ultra sound tech was so much fun. We got a few glimpses of her face and the tech asked which one of us had a chin dimple. Well, that would be this little ones daddy and she said that she could tell she had that dimple. Pretty crazy!

We're so grateful that everything looks great and the baby is healthy. We have four months to go and it is kind of a scary thought but I am ready to meet this little girl!

2 years ago on May 29th...

I married my best friend. This man makes me so happy. I cannot imagine going through this life and eternity with anyone else. He makes me laugh non-stop with his crazy sayings and hilarious come backs. It is hard to stay mad at him for very long, because he just ends up saying something that makes me laugh. He definitely has become my best friend. I am so grateful that I have him to go through this journey with me. We didn't think that on our 2 year anniversary we would be expecting our first child. Our family is getting ready to begin and we are excited and nervous to begin the journey of being parents. I was going through our wedding pictures the other day and I thought that I would share a few of my favorites...

This is one of my favorite candid shots the photographer caught that day. I don't know what we're talking about but by Tanner's face it must have been funny :)

I love Tanner's face in this picture. My husband is HOT!

Sometimes I wish I could go back to this day

A funny side note...I was cleaning out my car last week and I found my movie stub from our first date. Pretty crazy! It brought back a lot of good memories :)

There really is something in there...

Tanner and I went to the doctor on Tuesday. We were a little anxious because we would finally be able to hear the little one's heartbeat. That is definitely an incredible experience. It hits me more and more everyday that there really is a tiny baby inside of me. Tanner's face was priceless when he heard the heartbeat. I think it was finally starting to hit him a little harder too. The nurse had a hard time keeping track of it. She would get the heartbeat on one side and then she would have to go find it on the opposite end. Tanner made me laugh so hard when he told the nurse, "I think it's doing cart wheels in there." :) I definitely let a sigh of relief when I heard that sound. I always wonder if everything is going ok and that helped me to be a little more reassured. It also helped me to stop complaining about all the crummy days and the sick days and remember that this is truly an amazing expierience and I should be enjoying every step if it. Now we are just anzious to find out if this "it" is a boy or a girl. I just want to go shopping for this little one already!

Forget Bieber...Tanner has Jimmer Fever

Tanner turned 24 on the 13th!! The whole week before I was praying that I would feel good that day just so I could make everything special for him and he wouldn't have to be doing stuff for me for a change. I didn't feel too bad, but of course getting up and doing a lot of stuff makes me tired very easy now a days. My mother is my hero. (Everyday of my life I gain more and more admiration for her) I asked her if she would help me make Tanner's cake...she made it for me. I ask her for the recipe for funeral potatoes (his favorite)...she made him a whole pan. I am convinced that my mother is super woman. I don't know what I would do without her. Tanner had a few of his close friends over after work and they grilled some steaks and then we had family over for some cake and ice cream. He tells me he had a great day :)

The poor guy had to wait till Sunday for his presents. Devonee helped me out a ton and was bringing them down with her this weekend. He had to be patient because I was helping with Jr. Miss all week and we couldn't get together to give them to him till Sunday afternoon. But I don't think he was too disappointed. Devonee and I collaborated and got him the Jimmer jersey and the BYU Basketball shorts...

As You can tell he was a little excited and had to put them on over his clothes :).But wait...there is more. We had one more present coming that wasn't going to arrive till monday. Tanner was begging me to know what it is, but I assured him that it was going to be the presents of all presents. I don't have a picture of it yet, but what it is you may ask?... an autographed basketball signed by JIMMER FREDETTE. I can't take the credit, Devonee found it. She is the queen at finding everyones dream gift. Tanner is beyond extatic. I don't think he can even find the words to describe how he feels.

Happy Birthday Tanner!

my thoughts exactly...

About 8.5 weeks into it all and this sketch describes exactly how I feel. People tell you about morning sickness (I don't know why they call it morning sickness...it should be all-day sickness) and you hear all the stories but NOTHING compares to actually going through it. The first week was brutal. My doctor first gave me Promethzine and all it did was make me sleepy. The only good thing...while I slept was when I felt the most relief. After 2 days of that I called in again and they gave me Zofran. I was finally able to keep food down and I can honestly say that I had never been happier ;) BUT...we are almost back to square one. The Zofran works...if I don't end up throwing up a few hours after I take it. And for the past few days that has been rare. I hate the feeling of having to constantly eat, when I don't feel hungry but if I don't eat I know I will throw up. If I never eat another saltine cracker, piece of toast, or mashed potatoes...it may be too soon. I really do not want to sound all "woe is me, " I just think I needed a litte venting time :) because believe me I do not what is at the end of all of this and that does make it 100% WORTH IT! I just can't wait for this part to be over with and I am hoping that it doesn't last much longer. Tanner has been 100% AMAZING through this whole thing. I feel so bad because the thought of cooking makes me want to throw up, but he has been so great and understanding and has found ways to feed himself. I have to have a little bragging moment...Last night after we got home from a game night, I got very sick. I was so tired but I knew I needed to eat something, because I had just emptied my stomach. I was crying because I new I was exhausted, I was so sick and nothing sounded good (it was close to 11:30). Tanner reminded me there will be good days and bad days but we just have to remember the blessing that we will have at the end of this. Then he told me that he would help me find something to eat and would sit on the couch with me while I ate. It may not sound like much...but to this hormonal pregger, it was just what I needed.

The Secret is Out

...Our family is growing...by two feet...November 4, 2011

It is true, Tanner and I are going to be PARENTS! We are still in a state of shock but are very excited! We were going to wait and tell out families on April Fools, but I just could not hold it in any longer. We've known for a couple of weeks and we finally were able to go to the dr. on Friday. We decided to tell our parents that night, since we were pretty sure after 5 pregnancy tests and a dr.'s confirmation that we were indeed going to have a little baby coming our way. Both of our parents are extatic, which makes us even more excited! We were going to just tell our parents and siblings but of course the word got out and we're ok with it :) It kind of helps to make every thing seem a little more real.

The nurse asked us if we were hoping for any gender in particular, I told her I really didn't have a preference but Tanner wasn't afraid to tell her he is hoping for a little girl. I am scared, if it is a boy, I will lose a very long and hard fight and I will end up with a little boy named Jimmer Fredette Vollmer....

P.S. - I had to share this story...

So the night before we went to the dr. Tanner went into his parents house and his mom was giving him as hard time and asking him when we were going to be adding to our family. Well, Tanner has a great sense of humor and decided to tell her that he was thinking of going to the dr. because he thought something was "wrong" with him :) He never ceases to keep me laughing :)

Working hard...or hardly working

I had to share this picture of my dad. He came into the office last week and fell asleep in the chair waiting for my mom to come and meet him. It was a pretty funny site. To top it all of...he was even snoring a little bit :) He woke up after I took the picture and said that he would get me back...but this is my pap back. I cannot even tell you how many pictures my dad has taken of my sisters and I while we have been asleep. He has one of me when I'm about 8, sleeping with my doll and curlers in my hair.

My dad is such a hard worker! He needs to take a nap every now and then :)

"I can hear the bells..."

Two of my very good friends, Tiffany & Rachel, are getting married this month and I absolutely could not be more happy for them.
Last weekend I was able to go up to Idaho Falls and attend Tiffany's bridal shower. It was so good to see her. She is an absolute gorgeous, glowing bride-to-be! I have so many memories with this girl. We go way back. We rode the mini-bus to kindergarten together and I remember being so sad, because we weren't in the same class in 1st grade but that mess got cleared up and we resumed having the same teacher in 2nd grade. We were together almost every friday night through elementary school, so we could watch TGIF together. (remember Boy Meets World, Sabrina the Teenage Witche, etc.) We were actually going to room together my second semester of college. We had everything planned out. We had gone and looked at apartments and chosen one and we were so excited...but Tanner's proposal got in the way ;)
Her family moved to Idaho Falls, so I don't get to see her as often as I like. It was so nice to get to see old friends from high school at her shower. Some of us even got to go to dinner after and it was so fun catching up and talking about old times.

Tiffany is definitely one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She never has a negative thing to say about anybody or any thing. I am so happy that she was able to find the man of her dreams, and I am so excited for the new chapter she is about to begin in her life. (Ashley, Tara, Trynda, me, Tiffany, Rachael L., & Rachael A.)

{Just Like Old Times}

Trynda, me, Tara

First of all I need to say...I LOVE these girls! I've grown up with them and they are two of my all time favorite people. After high school we of course have gone our seperate ways but we have remained close and I am so glad! We were able to get together one night this week and I laughed...and laughed...and laughed. I love reminising about the "good ol' days" and remembering all of the fun times we had. It really felt like we were back in high school again. Trynda and Tara are always there for me. I am so grateful that I have them in my life. I am truly blessed to have amazing friends.

I just have a funny side note story. Our senior year we were in our school's production of Beauty & the Beast. Trynda played Mrs. Potts and was so good at her part. Well, we were eating at Chili's the other night and I said "Tryn, you know what song reminds me of you?" She replied with "Please don't tell me that it is Tale As Old As Time..." I busted up laughing because I remembered seeing her in her tea pot costume and that was not the song I was thinking of, ha ha! I love my friends :)

Driscoll Family Bowling

About twice a year my family gets together for a fun filled day of bowling. I, personally, am NOT the best bowler but everyone else in my family can really hold their own. We definitely missed Heather, Tyler & Devonee, but they were their in spirit :)

getting started

Fries are a given any time we go bowling. My dad always makes sure of this. The kids always make sure that they get eaten :) I was surprised at the end of the game he said maybe he shouldn't eat so many fries because the ball began slipping out of his hand :)All the girls love Uncle Tanner :)

Halle was always willing to help the little ones :)

And for the main event...my dad got 6 STRIKES IN A ROW!!! bringing his total score to 224. Pretty impressive. When Tanner and I were dating I told him that my dad was an amazing bowler. And I am pretty sure that he thought I was over exaggerating, but then he was able to witness it for himself. After this game my dad kept telling us that he needs to get his own ball and it needs to be custom made to fit his fingers, ha ha! I was pretty proud of myself as well. If you can see that 109 on the score board...that is my all time high :) I was coming off a game of more than half gutter balls, so I was pretty happy. Can't wait for the next bowling day with the Driscoll Fam!