Derek at Nationals!!

I am such a proud wife!! Derek had Nationals in Kansas City a couple weeks ago. In April he competed for the Advertising in Graphic Design and got 1st place in State and was invited to compete in Nationals which were held in Kansas City. He got 3rd place in his department!! Way to go Sweetie!!!

Happy 4th of July!!

We had so much fun on the 4th of July! We kept the tradition of going to the Provo Parade, but this year was especially special. My Grandpa was recognized at the Freedom Festival and was also in the parade along with my Grandma. He's cruisin' in style in the Cadillac. Way to Grandpa!!

Derek and Mandy's earlier days!!

Freedom Festival Gala!

Grandpa Mills serving in World War II. Here he is in front of the Arc De Triomph in Paris.

My Grandpa Mills was recognized at the America's Freedom Festival at BYU on Saturday evening along with a few other people. Grandpa is a World War II veteran who was awarded for his service on Saturday evening. It was a big night for ALL the family to support Grandpa. He was interviewed about his experiences in war and was also asked to speak to everyone that evening. It was such a wonderful event. We are so grateful for all that Grandpa did. We are so proud of Grandpa!!

30 weeks!!

HOLY COW!! (Though at times I do feel like one:)) Well, I am 30 weeks along now. Umm..goodness gracious I can't believe how flippin' fast time is passing. This pregnancy has truly flown by. Derek and I are very excited to be parents of our little girl. I have officially entered into the "uncomfortable" stage. Sleep has become a little more challenging with the restless legs, aching back, having to pee every half hour:), hard time breathing, and all that great stuff that goes along with pregnancy. The last month or so, I've been having pretty challenging breathing episodes that have come to the point of blacking out. The bigger episodes usually happen when I am driving longer distances like when I drive to work. It's no good when you black out while driving on the freeway. SO, now Derek has to take me to work. I did go to the hospital and they ran tests and told me I could have hyperventilation syndrome and to carry a brown paper bag with me everywhere I go. I've been doing that but it hasn't been very effective. My baby doctor is sending me to a Cardiologist next month to see if he can pin point what it is. I wish someone could give me some answers of what it is. Who knows. But the most important thing is the baby seems to be doing healthy. It will be ALL worth it when she comes to us safely and soundly. Derek and I are looking forward to her arrival. MUCH TO DO to get ready! :)

Step 3 of the baby's room

As you can tell, I am just throughly excited to get the baby's room all finished. On Saturday, my sister Pam and brother in law Dan came over to help us put up the bead board in the room. They helped out SO much, we couldn't of done it with out them. It turned out darling. We're excited to get it painted white and touched up, then we can start getting the baby's furniture to complete the room.

Derek left at 5am this morning for Kansas City for National Competition in Graphic Design. He will be gone ALL week. Yes, it will be a very long week. We've never been apart like this, so it's pretty hard. Let's just say I will need to keep very busy this week. I MISS HIM SO MUCH!!

Step 1 and 2 of Baby room

STEP ONE- Derek and I got started on the baby's room. We are re-painting everything such as the ceiling, the molding, and doors all spic and span white. My sister Pam has been such a huge help in helping us get started with this project because Derek and I have felt clueless on the starting process of this project. Thanks Pam :) Derek of course has been working so hard in getting it all done. I've only done a little bit at a time.

STEP TWO- Last night we finally started the minty green painting process. I think with taking on a project like this, the taping process takes the very longest. We got the taping done last night and were excited to get the green on last night. Derek continues working hard on it this morning, bless his heart :)

The white wall is where we will be putting the bead board. Derek was doodling!!