"The big bump!" :)

Okay, I've had some lovedones that live out of state that have requested I post a pic of "the big bump" :) so there she is in all her glory! :) That's at about 28 weeks. I am grateful for the big bump because it means growth, which is a blessing! However, you get comments such as one of my favorites, from my adorable 3 yr. old nephew Bradyn, who asked if he could "have the ball I was hiding from him under my shirt." Lol! Its awesome.

A Lil' Buckeroo is on the way! :)

Brady Fam Reunion, 7/11/09, 23 weeks

Man alive, the summer has flown by! And, as you can see, my high hopes for my blogging ability have deflated somewhat as I have forgotten to make an entry for a while! :) But, I couldn't put off posting our news any longer.... Colter and I are having a girl!! I am just about 26 weeks so I am due Nov. 7th. It has already been such a blessing and we are so grateful. Things have gone just right this time and I have even felt pretty good for most of it; still working, riding horses, and trying to be active but all while being cautious, of course. Colt is a good regulator of that and I appreciate it because it reminds me that he cares (plus he has a lot more medical knowledge than I do-- I just compare everything to equine (horse) pregnancy because of my studies- lol). I also appreciate how proud he is to be an expecting father. He makes me laugh because if anyone ever compliments me on looking a certain way while being pregnant, he always says "thank you!" like they're talking to him. He's a character :) Though I've been blessed with no complications as of yet, I won't beat around and say that it has been easy 24/7, or that I think it will be easy to cope with the changes physically/emotionally, but what good thing doesn't come with at least some challenges and experiences that can make you a better person/couple if you let them, right?!
The name we have picked out for her right now is Brighton (or Bryton). We think it sounds good with Bradshaw and I have been set on using that name if we had a girl for a couple years now. We think the middle name will be Odile, after my middle name and after my Grandma Odile Brady. She is due around my grandmother's birthday and that name has always meant a lot to me, as my Grandma Odile is one of the dearest women in my life- so kind and beautiful, elegent but yet a cowgirl, so warm and patient. I want to be more like her.
When we got the ultrasound pictures, there were some really fun things that we learned. First, the doctor said she has my nose (kind of the "BeWitched type nose" he said... which I still have not decided if it was a compliment or not, lol) so that was kind of fun to think that she was already developing traits from her parents. Than he asked if we had a "well built, athletic body type" in our family and we'd both really like to think so, so we said yes, and than he said that he could see muscle fibers developing already in her legs which he said was very early to see that. :) (I think at the moment Colt was picturing her scoring the game shot in a basketball game down the road and I was picturing her at the same time performing in dance/gymnastics attire). After that appointment, I called my mom and I couldn't hardly talk because I was so overcome with emotion from my gratitude that at this point, we have a healthy baby. I'll never forget that feeling.
My prayers go out to all of the women that are expecting, having difficulty getting pregnant, or who have had pregnancy that has led to heart aching loss. The good Lord made us the bearers of life for some reverencing reason... come good and hard times, I think we'll realize fully why one day.
I better try to get to sleep now-- this lil' gal feels like she is doing cartwheels inside me! But I have a lot more updating to do soon! Until next time!

April '07 To.... Now :)

Well, it was said (by myself) that us yokels couldn't get this blog deal done, but here we are! Woo hoo! Don't mind me if I don't know how to center my pictures yet or make this blog really fancy. Well, I am going to attempt to sum up these wonderful, nearly 2 years, that we have been married.

Colter and I were married on April 14, 2007 in the Mesa, AZ temple. We live in Coolidge, which is a small town about an hour southeast of where I grew up in Mesa. We have not been blessed with children yet, but our 2 dogs (an Aussie named Dally and our heeler, Kippy) and 2 horses keep us busy and bring us a lot of fun and smiles. Colt is a firefighter with Chandler and has really enjoyed the years that he has been there, and looks forward to many more! On his off days, there is work to be done and roping to do at the barn, as well as occasional construction work for my dad or driving an ambulance for PMT. I work for Wild West Performers and we provide western entertainment for events across the U.S. (corporate, private, city, etc.) such as mechanical bulls, trick ropers, wild west shows, etc. I work from my lap top during the week and than on the weekends that we have events, I often travel to them (and usually I am lucky enough to "hire" :) Colt to go with me). I really enjoy it. We are in Coolidge 1st ward and we love it. I am 2nd counselor in the Young Womens (shout out to my girls!) and Colt is a ward missionary. Both of our wonderful families are doing great. Colt and I like to ride horses together, rope, go up to the mountains, ride four wheelers, go on dates, and spend time with family and friends.

Highlights from April '07.... to now :)

• April 14, 2007- We were married in the Mesa temple and had our reception at my parent's, the Diamond b ranch :) Of course, it was the most joyful day of our lives. :) Honeymooned in San Diego, CA.
  
• Lake Tahoe, 6/07- This was a great family trip because all of my family got to go and Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places on earth. But an even more special place near by is the Diamond B Ranch where Grandpa and Grandma Brady live. Ever since I was young, I have looked forward to bringing my husband there one day and it was so fun to finally get to do that to share that special place and loved ones. WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA & GRANDPA!
• Boston, MA area, 10/07- Colter served his mission in the area and the fall is amazing there! It was so touching to meet the families that Colt taught, worked with, and just enjoyed. They mean so much to him and now to me as well. My admiration for Colter grew as I realized first hand how hard he worked on his mission.
  
• Acapulco, Mexico, 11/07- That was an AMAZING week! It was actually our original honeymoon trip but someone's passport didn't arrive in time :) But is was so fun to go as a 6 month anniversary celebration. We stayed at a super sweet resort and just relaxed and enjoyed each other and the beauty of that area. Random detail- we went to Luchas de libre while there which is like Nacho Libre (fav movie of ours) but the REAL thing! It was hillarious!
  
• Rose Bowl parade, 1/08- The group I ride with, Cowgirls Historical Foundation, once again, had the opportunity to perform in Equestfest and the Rose Bowl parade. That is a pretty amazing experience, well worth all of the work and time it involves. Colt had to work but he surprised me and flew in a couple days before the parade, which meant a lot.
  
• Kellan gets home from his mission, 3/08- My little brother is already (and has been for a year now) a big RM! I can't believe it! It was one of the best days ever! He had never met Colter! I knew they would get along so great, and they do. We took Kellan to Bass Pro Shops and than watched all the "Bourne" movies to break him in, but he was already normal. SO fun to have him home! We missed him and are so proud of him!
  
• My sweet nephew Issaac is born, 3/08- How do I tell this story in a nutshell? We are so blessed to have sweet and adorable Ike with us! He is and always will be a strength to me. He was born at just over 2 pounds and his precious twin sister Ireland passed on. She will always be in our hearts and is waiting for us in heaven. My sister Shanda and her husband Don and their kids will also always be a strength to me for their faith in this trial. Now, Issaac is a healthy, bundle of joy and we thank the Lord for him.
• My cute nephew Jace is born, 4/08- My sister Marjon and her husband Jon Brown were blessed with a beautiful baby boy Jace. He came into this world with a few scares as well but he is so happy, healthy, and adorable. I look forward to every time I get to see his smiling face. We have the CUTEST nieces and nephews on both sides.
• Ireland trip, 5/08- This, was the trip of a LIFETIME! Colter and I, as well as my parents, Kellan,Taryn, and several other dear friends from the city of Gilbert and the GPC, were able to go to Newtown Abbey, Northern Ireland as part of the sister city exchange to share with the people our cowboy culture! We were treated like royalty by their town council; nice hotel, private chauffeur, fancy meals, tours, and more, but the best part was the amazing and giving people that we met. We toured schools with kind of a "show" about our western heritage and they loved it, but we were just as intrigued with their lives. Colt and I went a few days earlier than the group and flew into southern Ireland, rented a car, and drove north choosing farm roads on a little map as we went! It was like a dream. We even stopped in on a farm that I believe the Lord led us to because the family we met, the McKnight Family, will be our friends forever. If you can ever go to Ireland, GO! A piece of my heart is still there. I feel my heritage there. I love it and can't wait to go back.
  
• Colt's surprise party, 7/08- Colt turned 25 in July and I accomplished a surprise party for him, which he was about 1.5 hrs late to because he was roping. I was grateful to everyone that drove all the way out here and waited, but it really made it funny once he finally got home. His face was adorable when he saw everybody and he appreciated it very much. We had the mechanical bull there. Props to all those that rode. It was a blast.
  
• My b-day in Show Low, AZ, 8/08- I turned 24 in the end of Aug. and Colt out did himself! :) He had a masseuse there for me when I woke up and rolled out of bed, than he'd made an appt. for me to get a pedicure and manicure, and after that he picked me up with the horses and we drove up north and stayed in our friend's amazing cabin in Show Low for about 5 days. It was so much fun! On Labor day, we entered the Pinetop roping and it was fun to compete together. I'm excited to say I never missed a steer but.... imagine that with team roping, I didn't win any money :) But, it was a weekend that I will never forget! More great times with my hot stuff.
• UT house, Summer '08- My parents have finished building their "cabin" in Midway, UT and it is so beautiful! It has an apartment on it for Grandpa & Grandma Pugmire which is all the better to have them! Colt and I have enjoyed going up there many times, first to help build, and now to relax or stop in on our way to a gig for my job. It is one of our "home away from homes" and it is especially nice to be so close to all of our family and friends while we're up there.
  
• Exciting news, 9/08- I found out in the beginning of Sept. that I was a few weeks pregnant. Of course, we were thrilled! I was feeling well and it seemed like the time was just right. More to come on this subject...
  
• Boston, MA area, 11/08- We loved this trip so much last year, and we had free airline tickets, so we went back! We love our "family" back there and we were so excited that we were there to see our buddy Wilmer open his mission call! And thanks to dear friends, Doyle and Diane, we yet again, had a warm and welcoming place to stay. We did the same fun things as last year; made visits, went to Lawton's, ate lobster in Maine, enjoyed the colors, the beautiful scenery, and especially the people.
  
• My miscarriage, 11/08- On the flight home, I unexpectedly began to bleed a lot, and it was one of the scariest moments of my life. I just begged the Lord to comfort me and He did, every minute. I found out the next day in an appt. that my baby no longer had a heartbeat. I was about 3 months along. It was hard to grasp but the Lord and family, and my sweet husband surrounded me. That day, Colter and I were actually reminded of how truly and infinitely we both have been blessed in this life and with each other, and if this was a trial that we needed to bare, we decided we'd continue to be grateful. I had the D'n'C surgery. They told us to wait 2-3 months to try again. I'm glad that is behind me and we can look forward to the future.
• NFR, 12/07' & 12/08'- It seems Colt and I may have started a "dangerous" (in the fact that it may never be broken) tradition of going to Vegas to watch the NFR every year. Last year we went with my parents and this year we went with good friends, Joe & Pam Sirrine. Both years were a blast! Thanks for always being so fun mom, dad, & Sirrine's!
  
• The new year, 2009- I rode in the Rose Bowl parade again, and it was another great year. I did not participate in the equestfest performance. I still felt like I was healing in a lot of ways. The new year is always refreshing in that it brings new opportunity to better ourselves and look forward to all of the joys that life has to offer.
  
• The past month- Colt and I were in a car accident about 3 or 4 weeks ago, luckily it wasn't our fault though. It was a pretty good one-- the police were very surprised that no one was really hurt, and they guessed our sweet, red, Chevy 3/4 ton D-max truck was totalled. But it just got done getting fixed... ugh. But, experiences like that also make you very grateful. We came home that night and just held each other and were so glad we were both alright. We have been going to our brother-in-law for physical therapy on our neck and back. Plug for Diamondback Physical Therapy-- they're awesome! :)

Well, I figure I am at my blogging limit for a single entry. I hope you have enjoyed this lengthy update. If you skipped over it, let me update you: we are well. Now you are updated. The pictures attached are just some random pictures from "us" and some of these highlights. We love all of our dear friends and family and hope and pray all is well with you too! I'd like to close up in the name of... oh, sorry, it just seemed like that was where I was going with that.... Anyway, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes (author unknown), "Live each day like its your last, but still plant a cherry tree!"

Cheers,

Kelsee