Let me first just say thank you for all the kind and supportive words on my last post. Like I mentioned, it's the love and support from people like you that Russ and I have found such comfort and strength from. 

And now for a completely random topic. I hate politics. There, I just said it. Don't get me wrong, I love this country and I love how we as citizens get to vote for our leaders. But I hate what politics does to people. This election in particular seems to have brought out the seriously nasty sides of people. I see things said on Facebook, blogs, and news articles that are quite appalling. All because of politics. Ok, before I rant much longer, the whole point of this post goes back to the debate last Thursday night between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan. I was so frustrated watching this debate I couldn't stand to sit in front of the TV and watch Joe Biden's creepy laugh one more time. 

So I made falling leaves out of a book.

A while ago I bought a book from the thrift store for $1 with the intention of using it for crafts. Who knew it would result in a political-debate-craft-making session. If you are needing a little more fall decor in your house and hate actually spending a lot of money on it (cause let's be honest, holiday decorations are expensive), bust these out. 

Here are my super complicated steps:

1) Trace 4-5 different leaves on a page from a book you don't care about. Your tracing doesn't need to be perfect. (I used this website to trace my leaves).

2) Cut -- again, doesn't have to be accurate. You can cut a bunch of leaves out at a time. None of this one-at-a-time business.

3) Sew the leaves together (I sewed about 10-12 leaves per strand, just to add variety in lengths).

4) Hang from the location you desire! Voila! Falling leaves. 

PS. If these look familiar to you, that's probably because they are. I made a very similar project a few Valentine's ago. Hey, why re-invent the wheel? :)

Everything Is OK

This is a phrase I've been reciting to myself for a few days now. It works, I promise. Sometimes in life I think we let a single isolated incident get the best of us. It bogs us down. We have blinders on and think the world is going to end if this incident is not solved to how we want it, and fast. 99% of the time life goes on, the problem will work itself out, you are not alone on an island, and really, everything is OK. 

This was a big week for Russ and I. As a lot of you out there know (assuming you are still out there, sometimes I doubt), we have been struggling with starting our family for almost 2 years now. I've mentioned this struggle only a few times on the blog. Sometimes I want to share more, but a lot of experiences and feelings are so personal and emotional I don't even know how to put it in words. But back to this week. We received the results from our third IUI (Intrauterine Insemination... aka Artificial Insemination) on Tuesday, and as you have probably assumed thus far, it was another disappointment. I cried. Hard. It was our last chance to get pregnant before moving on to the big, scary, intense IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) process. Luckily, the next morning we had a consultation with our doctor, who to my great relief, addressed every. single. one. of our questions and concerns. We left feeling at peace with progressing with IVF. Perhaps it's the idea of not sitting still and actually doing something that brings me comfort. Or perhaps it's just that this really is what we are supposed to be doing. But either way, I know somehow that everything will be OK.

And with that, I just want to thank all those who have been a support and will continue to support us through this process. Infertility is a tough trial, but we couldn't get through it without you.

image via

Foggy River

Things that make me happy lately:

- Our river. Ok, it's not our river, but the view from our backyard this morning was breathtaking. I literally ran downstairs and grabbed my camera to capture that foggy river from our back patio. Fall mornings are the best, aren't they? The crisp, cool air is a welcome change from the hot summer we all experienced. It felt so good to just stop and take in a beautiful sight before the crazy hustle and bustle of a workday morning. 

- New music. Mumford & Sons, Babel, and Dave Matthews Band, Away From The World, are two newly released albums that have made me very, very happy. If you are wanting some new tunes, I highly recommend checking both of these out.

- Funny dreams. While I'm on the topic of the Dave Matthews Band, if any of you have known me for a while, you will know I'm a super-obsessed DMB fan. I'm talking SERIOUS fan-dom here. My mom has always said when you have Camille as a fan, she'll be your fan for life. Case in point, during the height of my DMB obsession, I used to have really random and funny dreams where Dave and I were best friends. He would invite me over to his house to hang out with his wife and kids, and I even babysat for him. Lucky me! I would always wake up feeling kind of like a crazy person. Well, I had another creepy fan dream last night. It must be the new album I've been listening to on repeat, but I was one of the 5 lucky fans who were selected to hang out with Dave at his house (which was also a Fieldstone Home, I must add... which is the same builder of our home, fyi). His wife, who worked at Costco, even had me take some grilled pineapple to Dave and the other fans because apparently "it's his favorite." Anyway, you can say it. I'm crazy.

- Our new maple trees. I'm loving the hint of fall colors we have in our yard.

- Lots and lots of family time. Family really is what it's all about, isn't it?

What's making you happy these days?

Insta Update

I'm home sick from work for the second day in a row. As much as I love being lazy and laying around all day, part of me has a hard time doing that because I feel like I'm wasting valuable time to be productive! REST AND RELAX CAMILLE. You can do it.

Whew. Ok, anyway. I thought it time I actually did a little bit of an update on life, and since I have no other picture besides instagram photos, you lucky folks get another insta-update!

From top left:

- We went to the Utah State fair with Andrew and Elyse. We rode some silly fair rides and devoured my first funnel cake ever. (can you believe that?? I've finally lived!)
- Rocking out to Fictionist at the Rooftop Concert Series. They did awesome.
- Obsessing over Grayson any chance I get.
- Seeing Head and the Heart for the second time with Russ and Jace. They are absolutely amazing performers!
- Receiving the cutest little note from one of my piano students. Sometimes while teaching piano you feel like you aren't getting anywhere, and then there are those few lessons here and there where "it's all worth it."
- Fall leaves in Utah. I love the changing of the seasons.
- Being at the University of Utah vs. BYU game. What an experience! BYU played horribly, which was sad, but it was also pretty hilarious watching the U fans rush the field at the wrong time -- twice. Oh rivalries. Such a silly thing.
- I took Lucy out on a date (McDonald's -- her choice -- and Trafalga family fun center). She was all smiles all night long.
- Going to the symphony at Abravanel Hall. It was a tribute night to Billy Joel. Quite simply awesome.

Grayson's Blessing

It's been a while since I had a post devoted entirely to Grayson. I'm a little obsessed with his chubby cheeks (and believe me, they are chubby, but really, who would have it any other way?). Anyway, a few weeks ago Grayson was blessed. It was a perfect day, and I couldn't get enough of Grayson in his little suit. Ahhhh... that face kills me!

And that is all for today. But stay tuned, I've been working on a fun little house project that {hopefully} gets wrapped up very, very soon.

Second Annual Trinity Lake Trip

A few weeks ago we returned home from another amazing week at Trinity Lake, a remote and gorgeous lake in Shasta National Forest in Northern California. Our family is a big boating family, so this is the perfect vacation for us. By staying on a houseboat in the middle of the lake, it ensures that we catch the perfect water early in the morning and before the sun sets at the end of the day. Although catching perfect water on this lake isn't really that hard, considering we saw about 4 other boats the whole week. I'm not even kidding. It was pure heaven. Plus, I love that it's remote - ie: no cell phones, internet, etc. Completely disconnected. So without further adieu, here is a rundown of our week on Trinity Lake:

Grayson, the shark baby

We all had fun practicing our aim off the end of the boat. In case you were wondering, my aim is bad.

My cute mom

We like water sports

Brittney also has mad water-skiing skills, but since she had a baby like 5 weeks earlier, she had to refrain from showing us all up.

Stuart managed to not lose his glasses in the water this year. SUCCESS!

I like this guy.

Dude-in-laws.

More wake surfing experiments. It's hard.

My "little" bro.

A new type of water sport Stu invented, called "dragging."

We all had tons of Grayson time. I loved every second.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for planning another amazing family trip! Good memories!

Trinity Lake 2011

Lost Kid

My blog is feeling a little neglected. I apologize for a 3 week hiatus. It's been a bit crazy around here. Among all the busy-ness, I also think I was slightly avoiding writing on this here blog. Sometimes I feel like I have so much to say that I don't even know where to start. It gets overwhelming, and I'm not sure how to write all my feelings down. This blog, after all, is intended as a documentation of life -- the good and the bad.  But there are times when documenting is the furthest thing from your mind. And that seems to be me lately.

Before I get too random and theoretical on you, I'm just going to share a song that seems to be my life mantra right now. I seem to express my feelings best through music most of the time, and today is one of those days. (If you have time, you should also listen to other songs by this fun band I found a while back. I sure do like them). 

 

Again, sorry for the absence. Some real updates should be on their way soon. Hooray!

A Green Table

As much as I love a good shopping trip as the next girl, I would never consider myself a major shopper. However, a few days ago my sister and I met up a few times and had a good, healthy dose of retail therapy. Ok guys, this works sometimes. I hate to admit it. Sometimes you feel like life just is NOT working out. A lot of things you normally do to make you feel better just aren't cutting it. Enter retail therapy {and queue sigh of relief}. 

Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But really, my sister and I both picked up some fun things on a much-needed-sister-time shopping trip on a particularly crappy day. One of these random things I picked up was a bright green table. Necessity? No. Awesome? Yes.

We were at TJ Maxx and I pointed it out, and then just set it back down saying I didn't really need it or something (which I didn't). And then my sister, being the wise person she is, promptly changed my mind by saying it is only $20 and it is totally awesome. It's the perfect punch of color that my porch needed. I look out my front window and it makes me smile.

And sometimes, especially lately it seems, if a green table will do the job then so be it.

Insta-Update

Life has been so eventful lately! I feel like we do nothing but go-go-go every day! Luckily a lot of this is fun and good, so I can't complain. For documentation sake, here is an instagram-update with some of our recent happenings and events:

* Finally celebrating our 3rd anniversary at Communal restaurant -- one of our very favorite places to eat!
* A photo that makes me chuckle every time I see it -- Stu, Russ and Baby G having a "moment" at the Provo Rooftop Concert Series.
* Racking up my brand new road bike! This bike has been a long time coming. Seriously, I've waited years to have my very own bike, and I think she is quite pretty. (her name is Ruby, obvoiusly).
* Ruby's first ride, in none other than Provo Canyon. We had a great time, even despite a large, ignorant man swerving on his bike and thus crashing into me as I was cruising down the canyon. I was a bit sad, as it was literally the first time I was on my bike and the wheel got a little bent (or, as true bikers say, "out of true," which supposedly is a pretty easy fix). Got a nice big bruise on my hip as a souvenir as well. Oh well, life goes on, right?
* Crossfit -- still kicking my butt on a daily basis! I love it, though. It's been therepeutic, to say the least.
* Our first harvest from the garden -- yummy cherry tomatoes! It's so rewarding to see the fruits of your labors! :)

Russ the Spudman

For the last few months, Russ has been training so hard for the Idaho Spudman triathlon. The Spudman is an olympic length triathlon (1 mile swim, 26 mile bike, 6.2 mile run). Russ definitely doesn't mess around... especially for this being his first triathlon! Usually Russ is the supportive spouse on the sidelines cheering me on during a race, but I had a blast being on the other side. Not only was it nice not feeling completely exhausted and like I kind of want to just lay down on the side of the road :), but I loved seeing Russ achieve something he has worked so hard on. And he did amazing! He is one speedy athlete.

Russ before the race with his awesome orange swim cap.

The Spudman is one of the most organized and well-planned race I have ever seen! And believe me, I've seen some pretty poorly organized events. It's a huge race with around 1,600 people, but everything was totally seamless. And I was so happy that I even got to catch Russ at every transition point. He always flashed his classic Russ-smile. 

We still don't know his official finish time -- the number below is not accurate as he was in the second wave. But either way, he did amazing. I keep asking him if he wants to another one now -- I still haven't gotten a definitive answer. :) 

 ... all I can say is that hopefully he is up for another one, because next time I want to be out there with him! He totally inspired me. I'm so proud of my triathlete!  

THREE

3 years ago today I married my best friend, the love of my life, and the best husband I could have ever dreamed of. I'm so incredibly grateful for these last 3 years, and I can't wait for the many years to come! Life sure can be a roller coaster, but luckily I have Russ by my side, and I know with him anything is possible. 

Happy 3 year anniversary, husband! Hurry home! 

wedding day // 1st anniversary // 2nd anniversary

Sunday Drive

I'm a little sad that by posting this blog post, Grayson's face won't be the first thing you see. But I guess it was inevitable, right? We've had lots and lots of family time lately, you know, with the new and highly anticipated family member who has come into our lives and won all of our hearts over. 

Anyway, we had a lovely Sunday afternoon around the house, and then my mom had the brilliant idea of going on a little Sunday drive. I'm so glad she did. We went up the beautiful American Fork canyon that is just a short drive from our house. We ended up at Silver Lake. My dad and Russ had perma-grins on their faces as my dad pushed his Land Rover to the limits and literally "roved the land." Oh men and their machines.

Utah is so pretty with the amazing mountains that surround us. Sadly, going through the day to day routine causes one to take these mountains for granted (I know I do!), but nights like tonight remind me how grateful I am for the beautiful world God has created. This really is a beautiful place, isn't it? I feel renewed to start this next week of work, plugging away at our many responsibilities. It's amazing how a short drive out of your normal routine can remind you, once again, how good life really is.

PS. Aren't my parents cute?

Grayson Stuart

These last 48 hours have been some of the most intense and emotional, yet beautiful moments for our family. My older sister, Brittney, gave birth to her first baby, Grayson Stuart Maxfield. Many of you know a bit about my sister's story that she has so bravely shared on her blog. In a nutshell, after 3 IVF's, one miscarriage, and 4 years later, a miracle came true today. 

I will let Brittney tell the nitty gritty about her labor experience if she wants, but I do need to say that my sister is the strongest person I know. I have always known this. I look up to her in more ways than I can count. She is unwavering, decisive, independent, and resilient. She has never given up. Even during her nearly 24 hours of labor that resulted in a somewhat emotional and stressful C section. She did whatever it took to get Baby G here, safely. And yes, that includes years and years of an emotional roller coaster we call "infertility." 

But he is here. And that is all that matters. 

I feel so honored to have been by her side during the labor experience. I sat in awe of her as we waited all day Saturday, through the middle of the night, and into Sunday morning. I sat in awe of her husband, Stuart. He will be the best Dad. I was in awe of the nurses and doctors that did what had to be done. I was in awe of all the family support that was there for B and Stu. This baby will be so loved he won't know what's coming! We think he is an old soul. He cried twice when he first came out, and then was wide eyed and alert for hours, just staring at all the expectant family members who smiled and talked to him. It's like he was listening, and telling us, "It's OK guys, I'm here now!" He is such a beautiful and calm baby.

I love being an aunt to Baby Grayson. I love that B and Stu now have a family of three. Life is good.

** All photos taken by the lovely Caitlin (Stu's younger sister you see in the above pic) **

California Dreamin'

We had a fantastic week in California over the 4th of July holiday. It was absolutely lovely! I must say getting back into "real life" was quite hard, but I guess that's the mark of a good vacation, right? 

We started the week in sunny San Diego and started the whole trip by running along the beach to one of the best doughnut shops I've ever been to. That totally makes sense, right? :) We then spent a lovely day at the beach. I'm not the biggest ocean fan, so I enjoyed my time on the sand. I got to hang with this cute kid. He pretty much melts my heart.

After San Diego we drove up to the "happiest place on earth" for a few days. Disneyland is fun, no doubt, but for some reason going with little kids really makes it magical. I think little Lucy was in constant awe for a good 24 hours. Mouth dropped and everything. (see the bottom left picture. adorable.) Oh, and by the way, Cars Land in California Adventure is awesome. Everyone needs to experience the beauty of Radiator Springs in real life.

Oh, and Benny was quite the brave little boy. He even conquered Space Mountain -- twice. What a champ. :) I sure do love that kid. 

We then drove up to the absolute gorgeous city of Santa Barbara. Holy moly, that place is amazing. Picture an ocean-side town with historic buildings complete with modern amenities and magnificent mountains overlooking the valley. It's quite breathtaking. We went to attend the Lewis family reunion in Grandma Lewis' hometown. We had such a great time with the whole family (a total of about 34 people sleeping under one roof!). It was great getting to know everyone better as I'm a relatively new member of the Lewis clan. One of the highlights of the trip was the bike ride from the top of Santa Barbara to the ocean. 

Other activities include a bonfire on the beach complete with smores and beach volleyball, an epic hike to Montecito peak, shopping on main street, 4th of July parade and fireworks, seeing the Santa Barbara sites, picking oranges off the orange tree in the backyard (best oranges ever), and lots of good food and good company. 

Thanks again to all of the Lewis clan for the good times. Can't wait till next time!

** By the way, I am posting this at 2:30 am from a hospital labor and delivery waiting room. That's right... my sister is finally having her baby! As most of you know, this day is a very long time coming. Come on Baby G!!! We are waiting for you not so very patiently! :)