Exciting News!

Okay, so I know it's been a terribly long time since I updated so I'm sorry if you've been trying to figure out what's going on. There are lots of rumors flying around out there. I specifically wanted to post this because one of my good friends (Heidi) is out of the country, and I thought I texted her, but she must not have gotten it. I have no idea what her cell number is now. Anyway, this post is for you, Heidi!

Brad and I are going to be having a baby on April 4th! We're so excited. Brad's excited and calm about everything. I'm excited and nervous about everything. Very typical of our relationship! Good thing I have him to calm me down!

I'm working as a 6th grade teacher and Brad is going to school. Life is good right now, as long as I ignore the nausea and just keep eating. Saltine crackers are doing wonders. I told my students the good news and they are convinced that my baby is a cracker-lover. They see how many crackers I eat at recess!

Here's a picture of me at two months. Now I'm at 3. I am having technology problems and can't seem to get my ultrasound picture on the blog, sorry. Just trust me when I saw it is a very cute black and white lump of a picture right now. I have to get back to work, so I can't write anything else for the moment. Let me know if you have any questions!! I love you all!

Day 21---Week 4: Seattle, WA

Ok, so I've let the blogging get away.. and because of that, keeping up a daily log seems too much. So, now I'm making it a weekly log to try to catch up. Week 4 I came home to Everett and spent the week with Brad.

On Tuesday Brad and I got to go to my friend Amber's soccer game. I made an awesome poster for the event that said "Go Amber! She's got sweet soccer skills!" but, I forgot my camera. It was fun to watch her play. It made me miss soccer even more.

On Wednesday I found out that my Uncle Bob had passed away. This terrible news left me in tears as I sat all alone in my apartment. His passing had come quite unexpectedly. Because of this, and also because of Stefani's (my sister-in-law) due date coming soon, Brad and I planned to go home back to the Tri-Cities for the weekend.

Baby Marcela Kae Dickman was born on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. Stefani and Kyle have a beautiful baby girl. I was so busy staring and her cuteness that I forgot to use my camera and take a picture of her! Trust me though, she is adorable! I will get pictures of her on here when I see her next. They are wonderful parents, and a good example to Brad and I. Congratulations Kyle and Stef!

On Sunday June 28th I spent the evening with my family at my Uncle's viewing. The event was bittersweet. It was heartbreaking to see my Uncle and his family and their obvious heartache, however, many of the cousins came to be with the family. It was good to see most of the family again. I have been so blessed with a wonderful family. I consider us to be a very close family: my aunts/auncles/cousins. We seem to always be there for eachother when it matters most. I love them all so much.

On Monday June 29th was the funeral for my Uncle Bob. The funeral brought more tears, but it also brought the comfort of the spirit stronger than I had felt through this ordeal. Bob's family did an amazing job talking and remembering Bob's faith and positive influence in others' lives. My father gave a talk that spoke of the peace that the knowledge of the gospel brings. Knowing who we are, where we lived before coming to this earth, and where we go when our mortal ministry is done. The plan of salvation truly is a plan of happiness and my testimony was greatly strengthened by the messages presented at the funeral. I know that I will see my Uncle Bob again.

Here are some pictures from Week 4 in Everett, WA:

These are from Greenlake in Seattle, WA.
I thought this picture of our feet actually ended up representing a little bit of each of who we each are. What do you think? :)

Here are some pictures from when we spent the weekend in Kennewick. I got to go to one of my little brother's "gigs". He's such a rock star!!
Kenzie loves watching her crazy Uncle Chris rock out.

Day 20: Provo, UT

My family and I stayed Friday night at the house Brad and I are living at in Provo. On Saturday, we spent the day as a family walking around BYU campus. We went to the Bean Museum, the Museum of Art, the Creamery, and the Eyring Science Center. We had so much fun, especially because my nieces are so cute to have around. Unfortunately, I was having too much fun with my nieces and family to take pictures. Just know that it was a very, very good day.

Day 19: Salt Lake City, UT

Friday was the big day of the party. The rest of my family came into town. We hung out at Grandpa's and then we went to the church to set up for the party. We had a great turn out. Around 200 people came. I only share that number with you so that you can understand a little better of what a wonderful man my grandfather is. He has blessed the lives of so many people, including mine, through his love, service, and hard work. Here's to many more happy years, Grandpa! I love you!!

Day 16, 17, 18: Salt Lake City, UT

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday my mom and I spent our time at my grandfather's house. We ran errands like mad to get ready for the big 80th-cowboy-themed-birthday that was going to happen on Friday. Luckily, we had some breaks for comedic relief. Here's proof that we did stay sane:
Did I say "stay sane"? I think I meant here's proof that we went insane.

Day 15: Boise, ID

My mom and I spent the day on Monday with my sister, brother-in-law, and adorable nieces. Here are some pictures from the day with them.

Day 14: Kennewick, WA - Nampa, ID

I said goodbye to Brad for the upcoming week and drove with my mom to Boise, ID. Our final destination was actually Salt Lake City, UT. We stopped in Boise to spend the next couple nights at my sister's house. We were excited to have some quality time with my sister and nieces.