A Thankful Heart #3 (Round 3)

Monday, November 24, 2014
Here I am again at the start of another new week writing another thankful post.
I swear I JUST did this.
I remember wishing the days away so often while Hunter was on his mission, now I'm wishing they would just slow down!
Time is flying much too fast.
In other news, bath and body works had a sale on Wallflowers that ends tonight. They were $3.
Score!
Hello holiday scents.
In other, other news... We're going to Miami!
And I think the excitement just hit me today as I was semi-freezing walking out to the car.
I'm so excited!
And somewhat nervous about flying on a plane at 7 months pregnant.
It's a good thing we'll be flying with like 20 doctors. 
Thank you BYU football :)
Also, as of tomorrow there are only 29 days left til Christmas!
If you haven't started thinking about Christmas yet... then you're crazy.
But let's get on with what I came to this empty post page for now, shall we?

1) A healthy pregnancy
I think I've completely taken this one for granted. I cannot believe how blessed I have been with such a wonderful pregnancy. Tomorrow I will be 28 weeks. I'm in the third trimester now. (what?) And have yet to throw up. Or have a complication. Everything seems to be going for the most part, pretty well. I'm able to move around easily and I'm just beginning to get a belly. I thank my Heavenly Father every night for this little miracle that kicks away and throws parties at 2 in the morning. I thank him for blessing me with the opportunity to learn and grow as a mother. I pray that she'll continue to grow safe and strong. And I will continue to thank him for blessing me with a healthy pregnancy. 

2) My wonderful friends
This goes out to both new and old friends. I just recently started my own photography business. And, I can already tell that this is exactly what I want to do other than being a mother. I am able to go out for an hour or so and interact with people then I can come home and be with my little girl. I get so excited when my playback pops up of a beautiful image I know will make my client happy. I love it. Since starting this up, I have received countless texts, facebook messages, and calls from friends and family encouraging me to pursue this. I cannot begin to thank all of my wonderful friends for supporting me. Not only now, but during many other times in my life. We were overwhelmed (in a good way) with how many people were happy for us when Hunter came home from his mission, when we got engaged, when we got married, when we announced we are expecting, and even this past weekend when he played in his first college game. I love the relationships I have formed with such wonderful friends and I will forever be grateful for each of you. So, thank you all! :)

3) Sundays
This goes a bit deeper than the actual day. I mean more along the lines of the way we go about our Sundays. I love knowing that it is the only day of the week when we literally have nothing to do other than go to church. We sleep in, we go to church, and we come home to rest. I love that we listen to church music as we get ready for church. It invites the spirit into our home and prepares us to open our minds and hearts to what we will learn in church. I love teaching primary and hearing the prayers of the sweet children. I love going to sacrament meeting and reflecting on the love our Savior has for us. I love coming home and eating a home cooked meal, having family home evening, and spending much needed time with my husband. Sundays are the perfect days.

4) Passions/Talents/Desires
So, I'm trying to figure out how to explain my thought process on this one. I just love that everyone has something that appeals to them more than others. I feel passionately about photography, cooking, crafting, and numerous other things that fill me with a sense of accomplishment. My mom has run like 15 marathons. That has got to make her feel accomplished. My husband plays college football. Though it can easily be frustrating at times, I know he feels passionately about the sport and he desires to do his best. I love that Heavenly Father has blessed us each with different talents and desires to strive towards bettering ourselves in different ways. I've tried to "like" and desire to do many things in my life that I later found out just weren't really "me." I guess what I'm really grateful for is individuality? Somehow in my head all of these things are running together and I'm just very grateful that each of us get to be our own person. 

I think I'll do one more post after this one.
November sure flew by!
Here's to being thankful! And... mashed potatoes and gravy. And, green bean casserole. Yum!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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Nostalgia

Saturday, November 22, 2014
Last night the wives got to decorate the locker room for the senior football game this afternoon. 
I brought my balloons, streamers, and poster board and walked into the lavell Edwards stadium locker room for the first time. 
A million memories came flooding back to me as I had done this all of high school for Hunter as well. 
Of course these lockers are bigger, nicer, and more official. Oh, and it didn't smell half as bad as the high school locker room! 
But... It brought back the exact same feelings of excitement and pride for our team, and love and adoration for Hunter. 
I've loved watching him play all these years and I'm so grateful it didn't end in high school. 
I stood back and looked at his locker all finished, just as I had in high school. I smiled and pictured him running out in his helmet, cleats, and shoulder pads just as I had in high school. Only now, we're married. And next year, I'll bring our baby girl with me to decorate daddy's locker. 
I was sure feeling incredibly sentimental, and incredibly grateful that we get to experience this journey, and all of life's other journeys... Together. Forever. 
So here's to your first year of college football lovebug! I can't wait for the years to come :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

Ps. It gets better... He played in his first college football game today and I thought my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. My eyes were wet, my heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking. I've seriously missed watching that stud play. He's incredible. And he's all mine ;)




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Photography!

Monday, November 17, 2014


I'm SO excited about this post right now!
I can't tell you all how long I've been dreaming of becoming a photographer.
With the support and help of my husband, family, friends, and readers, I get to finally make this dream come true!
My photography blog is still a work in progress but it is up and running and I am thrilled about it :)
More shoots to come! :)

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A Thankful Heart #2 (Round 3)

The weeks have seriously been feeling like days lately. 
I cannot believe how close Christmas is.
I can't believe that baby girl will be here (exactly) 3 months from today!
I can't believe football season is almost over. 
I can't believe 2015 is coming so soon.
Time is just crazy to me.
It always has been, but more so than ever lately.
So, here's to another week in November and another week to be thankful :)

1) My Baby Girl
I'm sure that half of the people I know think that I'm crazy for purposefully getting pregnant at 20 years old about 3 months into our marriage. But to me, she is the greatest blessing already. I really do feel that she is bringing Hunter and I closer together in a way we didn't expect. I love him deeper because we have created a life together. It's still crazy to me, that the two of us will be parents so soon but I really do think we are as ready as we'll ever be. She occupies a lot of our conversations and brings us so much joy. I cherish every sweet kick, even when she wakes me up early in the morning. We have three stockings hanging up right now. When I hung hers, I had to hold back the tears. I'm a mother now, I have a daughter, we are a family of three, and I've dreamed of this day for SO long. She has a name, and has for quite a while, and we really love it. Because we love it, we aren't exactly "announcing" it quite yet because I don't want anyone else's thoughts or opinions to persuade me otherwise. But I will tell you that she is taking my middle name, and it truly could not be more fitting. She has already brought us so much Joy, and I know she will continue to do so throughout the years. We sure love her :)

2) Both of Our Families
I must admit that I was a little nervous as to how getting married will change your relationship with the family you grew up with. I'm so glad that it hasn't changed much and that even though we are beginning a family of our own, we still are close to our own parents and siblings. 
I love going back to San Diego and seeing everyone. I also love when they come visit us! My parents just came for the weekend and it was so much fun seeing them and talking to them. I love the relationships we have with our family members and that they will always be there to love and support us. I'm so excited to see my parents become grandparents and Hunter's to become grandparents (for the 7th time) to our little girl. I know she will love all of them and feel so comfortable with her families. I love that Heavenly Father gave us families and has blessed me with truly the best families out there. 

3) Hot Water, and a Heater
I don't think I've ever been so thankful for a heater than I was on Saturday night. It was 27 degrees with wind at the BYU game. It felt like it was 10 degrees. I really should invest in a heavier coat... We got back to the condo and I could finally feel my toes. Taking a warm shower was the best feeling. I've always loved warm showers but I was SO appreciative of it this weekend. And will continue to be as the weather gets even colder. 

4) Knowledge
Knowledge truly is power and I'm beginning to realize that more and more as I get older. I didn't always try my hardest in school. I wish I could go back in time now and change that. Though there were definitely certain things we learned that I feel I'll never really need in life, there are plenty of other things we learned that I wish I would've paid more attention to. Being "book smart" however, is not the only way to gain knowledge. I'm grateful that my parents took me to other countries growing up and that I was able to see so many historical sights and gain a better understanding of other cultures. I'm grateful for the knowledge I've gained religiously, creatively, and academically. I have been trying more and more to push myself into spending my time learning about all the things there are to learn about instead of zoning out and looking at my phone. I'm also grateful for the knowledge I'm so close to gaining when I  become a mother. 

'til next week my friends!
Also, I'm grateful for all of you that responded to my post about $30 shoots! I'm so excited for each of them!
I still have some slots open before we leave Provo and would love to do pictures for my San Diego friends when we come home for Christmas! 
Email me, text me, or leave a comment to set up a time :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy 
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Pictures!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Hey Hey Hey!!
Check this out:


I would LOVE to take pictures for any of you!
I'm not limiting these shoots to just those three things... if you can dream it I'm sure we can make it happen!
Shoot me an email to set up a date and time before it's too late!
Also, I am located in Utah Valley

ps. I waited for my husband while he served his mission and I remember wanting to send him cute updated pictures of me and I realllyy wanted pictures of him coming home. If you're in the same boat aka a missionary girlfriend in need of pictures: I'll give you a discount ;)

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A Thankful Heart #1 (Round 3)

Sunday, November 9, 2014
For the past few years I have dedicated a series of posts in November to recording many things I am thankful for.
They are both big and small, random and predictable, but I seriously love doing this!
November sure snuck up on me this year and I just remembered I haven't begun my thankful posts yet!
Our Christmas tree may be up (all three actually), we may watch a Christmas movie every Sunday, and Christmas music may be playing over here frequently, but that doesn't mean I have forgotten about Thanksgiving. 
So... Here's to being thankful for all the many blessings in my life :)
If you want to read from years past here ya go!

Also, I would love to read all your thankful posts too!
Let me know if you join the "thankful heart" challenge! ;)

1) My Husband
Didn't see this one coming did you? ;) I know everyone thinks their husband is the greatest and of course I think mine is as well so I'll just say, my husband is the absolute greatest man out there for ME :) I loved him the first day I met him and I can't believe I was lucky enough to marry him. He's literally everything I could have ever dreamed of in a husband. He keeps me on my toes and never ceases to make me laugh. He rubs my sore pregnant feet and thanks me for carrying our child. He is so driven to be able to support our family and focused on the bigger picture in life. He is always reminding me what it means to be Christlike and he strives to better himself every single day. Everyone he meets loves him and respects him for who he is because he is always himself. A guy on his football team told him the other day... "Hunter, you're the perfect definition of a real Mormon." I just love that! He really does practice what he preaches. He loves me in ways I've always dreamed of being loved and will go out of his way to make me happy. He helps with dishes, he sweeps the floor, he always thanks me for making dinner, he patiently listens to all I have to say, he works, he goes to school full time, he plays football, and he is thrilled to be a daddy to our little girl. I married the man of my dreams, and I am beyond thankful for him.

2) My Camera
I invested in a nice camera around this time last year. I was so skeptical to spend so much money on one toy for myself. It was my first big purchase and it took me forever to decide if it was really worth it. I'll just say, it was SO worth it! I LOVE having memories preserved forever and I love that these images are good quality. I'm working on pursuing a business in this area and will hopefully have the courage to one day really get it going. Photography has been a growing hobby of mine. I've always been the one that is rounding everyone up for a group picture. I cannot wait to take pictures of our baby girl! If you need some pictures done for Christmas cards, let me know and I would love to take pictures of you and your family :)

3) BYU
I may not attend this school, but my husband does and I am SO thankful that we are here for his education. This university is perfect for both dating life and for married life. We have met so many wonderful married friends at this school. I love that Hunter is able to take religious classes for credits and that they pray before classes. I'm SO thankful for the BYU football program and what it stands for. I love that the team does firesides, watches Mormon messages during some meetings, prays together, are able to give blessings together, and even has a wives club. What other school has a wives club? There wouldn't be enough wives! It really is a wonderful school and the spirit definitely dwells on campus. I sure hope our children decide to attend Brigham Young University one day too.

4) Food to Eat
I have never had to worry or wonder if there would be food on the table for me at dinner time. That is definitely something I have taken for granted. Since being a newlywed and trying to balance everything out on a small budget, I have really understood how blessed I am to always have a warm meal in front of me. I LOVE cooking. I'm so thankful I am able to continue pursuing that love by cooking for my husband and being able to get all the ingredients I need. 

I'll end there today.
Those are just a few things I am constantly feeling thankful for, but there are many more to come!
I love keeping a list throughout my week and jotting down things I'm thankful for.
I love the happiness it brings me knowing that this life I'm living may not be perfect, but it is so so wonderful :)
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25 Down. 15 To Go!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Hey, look! A baby bump!
I figured I should probably do more little updates before baby girl is here!
Because seriously, the time is going by SO fast!
She has a pile of clothes, a rocking chair, crib coming soon, hopefully a dresser in the near future, a bottle, a pacifier, diapers, and even some baby food. 
This is really beginning to feel Moore and more real.
We talk about her often and hope she's comforted by our voices. 
She totally already loves Taylor Swift, and pumpkin bread.
I think she's a daddy's girl already. Whenever she's sitting funny and Hunter tells her to move, she does. Like right away. I tell her to move, and she stays put. 
I found out that I have really low blood pressure. I guess that's better than high!
The glucose test will be happening at my next appointment. I'm less than thrilled about fasting for 12 hours.
If the whole saying that the more heartburn you have, the more hair your child will have is true... then baby girl will be born with hair clear down her back. THANK GOODNESS FOR ZANTAC!
I've been feeling really good for the most part.
Even though I'm getting really sick of the sharp pain I get when I sneeze, I wouldn't trade this experience for the world :)

How Far Along? 25 Weeks!
Weight Gain: I don't even know, I'm just trying not to care...
 Maternity Clothes? Still totally loving my maternity pants! So far I'm loving my motherhood maternity ones (and all the coupons they gave me) but the H&M ones are really awesome too. I'm able to wear all my old shirts still. and truthfully minus a few, I probably will the whole time. I've always liked looser fitting clothes.
 Sleep? Still sleeping like it's all I know how to do. I blame the fact that I wake up having to pee so often so I'm still tired once my alarm goes off. I mean I might as well sleep now right?
 Best moment this week? There were THREE baby blessings at church Sunday! Two were girls. I don't know the families but I still teared up picturing my sweet husband blessing our little girl :) Also, picturing her in the most darling pink ruffle dress she now has! Oh, and receiving a sweet package from my mom :)
 Weird pregnancy moment? Seeing my belly button poke out a little. That was definitely a weird sight for me. Also, running across the street and feeling slightly off balance... I was a gymnast and a cheerleader... I've always had balance. Now I run across the street and feel like I've never ran in my life! 
 Movement: Oh yes, little missy doesn't let me forget about her. She especially likes to have girl talk at 2 in the morning.
 Food Cravings: Salt, yogurt, almond milk, LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER, orange juice, and bread to name a few ;)
 Anything making you queasy? Even though meat almost never sounds good... I wouldn't say it makes me queasy anymore. So that's good!
 Gender: They're still telling us it's a girl! Which is perfectly exciting to me :)
 What I'm looking forward to: Looking pregnant instead of just "possibly pregnant" haha. 
Best Advice Learned So Far: Just ignore everyone. Okay not everyyyoneee but I'm pretty much just listening to my mom and a select few others at this point. I'll also pretend I didn't hear the "I bet your husband wishes you were having a boy" remarks. The "Just wait, your heartburn will be much worse soon!" And the "Oh look! You're starting to get fat!" comments. Like, really people? Oh well. 

There ya have it!
The 25 week update :)
I can't believe we're already over halfway done until we meet this little girl! :)
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Halloween '14

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Halloween definitely wasn't my favorite holiday growing up
I don't like scary anything. I tried to like it during one phase in my life.
Then I stayed up all night thinking a birthday balloon was a person.
Never again.
Good thing I married a guy that enjoys the "fall" side of Halloween much more than the scary part of it just like me!
This isn't our first Halloween together since we "dated" before marriage but it sure was fun having a husband to celebrate this "holiday" together :)

Every time I've ever carved a pumpkin, I get frustrated and just kinda give up.
So I was quite pleased that all I had to do was draw the outline for Hunter to carve.
I also washed, dried, and baked the seeds!
Yum!!
Also, we listened to Christmas music the entire time we carved our pumpkin.

Did you ever "boo" anyone growing up?
I hope you did.
It's seriously so much fun :)
Hunter and I did together this year and we loved it!
We sure can't wait to share these traditions with baby girl next year and every year to follow :)
Here's the link for the printable just in case you plan on doing it next year!

We went to a football Halloween party this year!
It was SO much fun!
I love that we have built in friends thanks to football.
One game we played was fear factor.
Hunter had to eat a ridiculous amount of jello.
He looked like he was going to throw up.
I was also paranoid the whole time that he was going to stain his white shirt,
I had to eat Harry Potter jelly beans and identify them.
I was pretty pleased with myself for knowing so many, not so pleased that I got the rotten egg flavor...
I brushed my teeth 4 times when we got home. EW!

Our couples costume involved our wee one this year!
I was so pleased with the way that shirt came out.
Who would've known my puffy paint collection from high school would be so handy later on?
Thank you Hunter for being a good sport and wearing that terrible mustache.
Ha, I love him! 

Yesterday, aka actual Halloween, Hunter was flying to Tennessee for football :(
I went to work and we took the daycare kids to the grocery store to go trick or treating! So cute :)
I also drank way too much root beer (I never drink soda!) and baby girl was not a fan of the carbonation.
Her kicks were definitely more on the aggressive side than the loving side yesterday


Well that's a wrap!
'til next year Halloween!
I'm secretly so happy that you've come and gone because I can now focus all my attention on Christmas without sounding too crazy ;)
Speaking of which... the first craft of Christmas is up on our Moore sisters blog!
Yay!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy



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