ELSIE

It was so fun to have my cousin come and take pictures of our little family! Katasha is such a talented photographer! She creatively managed to set up her studio in our 495 square-foot apartment and took some beautiful pictures! Please click on "Ms. Katasha" on the side bar to see the pics (just scroll down a bit)! :)

"Old Soul"

One of the sisters in church today held Elsie, looked into her eyes then looked at Corey and me and said with a smile, "She is an old soul." What a deep thought. I am absolutely sure Elsie knows a lot more than both Corey and me. I have already learned so much from her innocence, purity, and perfection. These little new ones are certainly more mature in spirit than we are. So the next time you look at your sweet one, look into their deep eyes and see the "old soul" they are.

Corey & Alisa's lil' Pumpkin

More of Sweet Elsie Jayne

Elsie Jayne Crowell

Monday 27 Oct 2008
9:45PM Just as Alisa is putting the final touches on Corey's haircut, strong contractions begin and her water breaks. Corey & Alisa call their parents to make sure Alisa's in labor and on the way out the door snap
10:30 Corey & Alisa drive to the hospital using the fast lane on the Mass. Pike, contractions continue.
10:45 Corey & Alisa valet park the car (watch out) and Alisa is admitted into the hospital.
11:10 Alisa and Corey arrive to the pre-delivery area and are told to "wait here" Alisa shifts uncomfortably in her seat, squeezing my hand saying "I think I am ok." It took 20 minutes to get us into a pre-delivery bed.
11:30 Alisa is given a bed in the pre-delivery room. Her OB, Dr. Mikilean is in an emergency operation and cannot come. Alisa's contractions intensify to the point that Alisa begins to raise her voice in pain, Corey begins pacing the hallway requesting urgent attention.
11:45 Alisa needs to use the restroom so Corey uses this as a good excuse to ask the front desk for assistance as Alisa continues to release her pain via voice. While in the restroom Alisa realizes she didn't have to go to the bathroom but she was getting close to delivering. She continues to raise her voice as contractions intensify.
Tuesday 28 Oct 2008
12:00AM Alisa's doctor is still helping another patient so a non-affiliated physician, Dr. Johnson (female) comes running to help Alisa. She measures Alisa and exclaims "She's dialated to a 6/7, let's get her into the delivery room, now!"
12:10 Alisa is leap-frogged ahead of another patient to the delivery room. Alisa's contractions are now extremely strong and frequent. She requests an epidural as she is entering the delivery room. Kristi the nurse tells her she's ordering the anesthesia right away.
12:15 Dr. Johnson measures Alisa and says "She's fully dialated." Corey asks if it is still possible for an epidural. "This baby's coming right now!"
12:26 Alisa begins pushing as Kristi holds her left leg, Corey holds Alisa's right leg and head, giving periodic kisses on her forehead for encouragement. Dr. Johnson and Kristi are very energetic and optimistic as makes rapid progress.
12:40AM On the 7th series of pushes little Elsie's head comes out of the womb, Dr. Johnson gently removes the umbilical cord around her neck and Alisa gives the final push as little Elsie breathes her first breath of life and is laid at the foot of the bed. Dr. Johnson sets up for removal of the umbilical cord and Corey conducts the "honorary snip" with the scissors.
12:50 Elsie is placed into Alisa's arms as the doctors assess the damage below (not too bad). Little Elsie is as quiet as a church mouse and she is wide awake looking at Alisa.
01:00 Elsie weighs in at 5 lbs. 10 oz. and 17.5" in length. She looks healthy and happy.

Everything Anne

I can't even explain just how fun it was to go with Lori and her friend Amanda to Prince Edward Island! We saw everything from Avonlea Village to "The Lake of Shining Waters" to the gorgeous Cavendish Beaches. The colors on this island are rich and breathtaking. The girls treated me to "Anne & Gilbert" the musical and it was a blast. A good friend of mine said that visiting PEI/Anne's Land is like going to Disneyland--but for adults. This is absolutely true. I enjoyed every minute of this vacation--we had a fun and relaxing time. Thanks Lori and Amanda!!!

Nova Scotia Trip

Lori and her friend Amanda came to visit and on our way to PEI, we went through Nova Scotia where we learned, from our relative Jayne Crowell, that Corey's ancestors landed and settled for a time. We decided to scope the area out: We went through Yarmouth, Shag's Harbor, Little River, and even Crowell, Nova Scotia. Here's to living Family History!!

Hill Cumorah Pageant

At Hill Cumorah Pageant we not only saw the Richardson Family--one of the neatest families here in our Keene, NH Ward, but our very own Sister Danelle Nielson!! The Pageant was amazing. The cast was friendly and made visits to the audience before the production. The special effects were incredible, but the message was even more powerful. For those who haven't seen the Hill Cumorah Pageant--especially if you are near by--it is worth a visit. :)

Happy 4th of July!!!

Celebrating the 4th in Boston was quite historic! We heard the Pops play along the Charles River, enjoyed a BBQ with some good friends, listened to the Declaration of Independence read from the balcony of the Old State House, and just had a good time. :)

Happy 4th Anniversary

Corey is the very BEST thing that ever came into my life. He never complains and is always the first one to be positive. He has taken me more places in the world than I ever could have gone on my own and fulfilled more dreams than I ever could imagine. I love you Corey.

24 for sure!!

It's so crazy to think I'm 24! Not only that, but Corey was 24 when we were married...and that doesn't seem so long ago. :) Thanks to Corey and Kyle for ensuring one of the happiest birthdays ever!






There are also a few more pictures on my family's blog--with an incredible waffle breakfast and a full out decorated apartment! :)

Kyle Visit's Boston!

We had so much FUN with Kyle here! We saw a whole lot of Boston and New Hampshire. Kyle is pretty tech saavy and saved the day in my book with my cell phone, speakers, and computer to say the least. It was way fun to share with him all of our favorites out here. Thanks for sharing your senior trip with us Kyle--we'll always remember it!

Corey and I went for an ultrasound and were pleasantly surprised to find out that we're having a baby GIRL!! We both will admit we'd been expecting to hear "boy," but we immediately honed in on all the girls names we could think of. We've had 2 techs and 1 doctor tell us it looks like a girl--so we're pretty sure of this one. :) I guess it was time she helped set things straight and to tell mom to please stop calling her "bud." I now call her "sweetie" and I think she likes it a lot better.

Welcome Connor!

My sister and brother-in-law just had their first baby--Connor. He's an alert little guy and seems to take every chance to scope out his environment. He's a cute baby boy and we wanted to wish Cameron and Sarah congratulations!

Keen about Keene

Keene is one of the most refreshing places Corey and I have lived. It's quiet, there's lots of green, lots of trails, and just the right amount of stores. We surveyed the place in a day or so and thought it was quite pleasant. :) I was reminded of how small it was when I walked into Dollar Tree, was at the check-out line, and this woman says to a man with a patch on his head, "Oh, were you in that accident on Winchester?" The guy says, "Nope, but I was in the one yesterday on [such and such] street." Welcome to Mayberry---well, Keene that is--and I guess it's not that small.

So, that's a little tour of our place and the area surrounding it. We're excited to learn more about this charming of a place and we'll be sure to post you on the new with Keene as it comes!

Tiny Miracle

For some time now, Corey and I have been wanting a little one in our family. Just as we were seeing doctors and undergoing testing, the doctor told me his conclusion: Either I had one of three diagnoses OR I was pregnant. In my mind, the pregnancy diagnosis was out of the question since we'd been trying for so long. After doing a pregnancy test (which read positive), it took the doctor to tell me "congratulations!" for me to believe we were pregnant! It was a miracle. We certainly know we are not in control, and that there is Someone who oversees all things. We are convinced that all things happen in their own time, when they need to. He is the Creator. We are so thankful for this tiny miracle in our lives and thank so many for their prayers and love.




Luckily Tiny, the nickname we gave the babe on our first ultrasound when he/she was 2.3 cm, sat still for a minute so we could snap a good profile shot. We are now at 14 weeks making our due date Nov. 19. A perfect month to express our gratitude for this little blessing. The above ultrasound is at 12 weeks! We'll be sure to let you all know the gender in a month or so. :)

Private

Friends and family,
Corey and I have decided to go private with our blog, but would love you to visit our blog any time. Please let me know if you'd like to still visit our blog!

Newport Ball

We went to the cozy town of Newport, RI this last weekend and had a ball! We dressed up all fancy schmancy and danced in one of the mansions along the coast. It was fun to be around friends we've gotten to know throughout the year. I regret not taking more of the pictures at the ball--I must not have been in a picture-taking mood. It never hurts to take too many pics! On Saturday we toured the harbor and then went to visit the famous Breaker Mansion--"summer" home of the Vanderbilt family. It was sold to a preservation committee for only $360,000 when it is worth millions. This place is spacious--4 spouts come with each tub (2 for salt water, 2 for fresh water). This home easily compares to a palace in Europe. It's incredible! If you ever visit the East, Newport is a must and the mansions are worth seeing!

Heidi, the Boston Marathon Runner

We were super lucky to cheer Heidi along with her family (Dave, Heather, and Alan)! It was incredible to think someone could run 26 miles and then some with a smile on their face until the end! Talk about motivating! We had a great time and it was fun to spend the weekend with them! Thanks for letting us be a part of the run!

Patriot's Day

We just happened to see this reinactment while touring Lexington and Concord with our friends from Utah! It really set you back a few years to the time of the minutemen and regulars. There's a reason an entire day is dedicated to the Patriots who fought in behalf of our country. As Corey and I have been here, we've realized it took a lot more than we understand to have liberty and freedom in this country.

Petah Pahn

Way to go Kyle! Truth: Peter Pan and Hook have always been two of my favorite movies. Truth: One year for Christmas, I really asked Santa if he could make me fly. Luckily, I can vicariously live Peter Pan through my own brother! It's been so fun to hear about Kyle's performances during Peter Pan. We totally wish we were there to see him! If you're in or near Ogden, tomorrow night (Monday the 21st) is your last chance to go support the BHS arts. :) If you do go, mention Kyle's name for Corey and me when you buy a ticket--it would be greatly appreciated

Life a little more elevated

Yesterday we had the grand privilege of riding the brand new elevator in building 1 of Soldiers Field Park. The experience was certainly refreshing and I could ride it from the 1st floor to the 6th back to 1st just to enjoy the smooth and quick lift. This is quite a different ride from our previous elevator which would randomly stop and try to decide which way it was going "up or down"--leaving you with a sort of Labyrinth experience. I now step into the mod elevator and bask in the fresh new, clean smell and then reality hits when I step out into the 70's hospital-structure-like building with the scent of global cuisine down the hallway to my apt. Needless to say, I look forward to pressing that glowing button made of chrome every day. It's the small things that make a difference.

Tribute to Dad

Today is Dad DeYoung's 50th Birthday! He is such a great father and I respect him so much. He has always provided me with the best counsel and has always helped me realize who I really am. I will never forget the father to daughter, heart to heart chats we've had while driving home in the good ol' red Toyota. Dad has always helped me feel confident in reaching my goals--ever since I can remember. He seems to be inspired in everything he says. Dad has such an incredible testimony of the gospel and lives this testimony every day. Dad, you are a great example to many. Happy Birthday!

Bawstin Definitions

Frappes have ice cream, milkshakes don't.
If it is fizzy and flavored, it's tonic.
Soda is CLUB SODA.
"Pop" is DAD.
When we want Tonic WATER, we will ask for TONIC WATER.
It's not a water fountain; it's a bubblah.
It's not a trashcan; it's a barrel.
It's not a spucky, a hero or grinder,... it's a sub.
It's not a shopping cart; it's a carriage.
It's not a purse; it's a pockabook.
They're not franks; they're haht dahgs; Franks are money in Switzahland.
Police don't drive patrol units or black and whites they drive a "crooza". If you take the bus, your on the "looza crooza". It's not a rubber band, it's an elastic. It's not a traffic circle, it's a rotary. "Going to the islands" means Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket.

The Sox = The Red Sox
The C's = The Celtics
The B's = The Bruins
The Pat's =The Patriots

Things not to do:
Don't pahk your cah in Hahvid Yahd .. they'll tow it to Meffa ( Medford ) or Summahville (Somerville).
Don't sleep on the Common. ( Boston Common)
Don't wear Orange in Southie on St. Patrick's Day.

Things to do:

Enjoy Bawstin!

Dinner with J

J is for Corey's section at John Harvard's for dinner! It was fun to meet again with some of the partners from the section--they are all so nice! I had a pasta dish with a little Italian sausage, chicken, fresh tomato, and tips of asparagus while Corey enjoyed a chicken pot pie. We had apple crisp afterwards, but it was NOTHING like homemade apple crisp.

Skiing in Stowe

Picture (from left to goggle reflection): Patricia, Alisa, Corey, & Patrick

Although we brought a little shame to Utah with our not-so-professional skiing/snowboarding, we had a really fun time! It was kind of rainy, but ya know, sleet feels quite refreshing on the face. The highlight of our trip was to see our really good friends (who live downstairs) Patrick and Patricia, who were also on their section ski trip! It felt like seeing family! Thank goodness there were people who could appropriately demonstrate black diamonds and respresent good ol' Utah!

Welcome to Bawstin (Boston)

This intro to Boston was so great I've decided to share it with you all a few segments at a time--starting with basic info surrounding this fantastic city! Enjoy!

For those of you who have never been to "Bawstin", this is a good guideline. I hope you will consider coming to "Beantown" in the near future. For those who call New England home, this is just plain great!

Information on Boston and the surrounding area: There's no school on School Street , no court on Court Street, no dock on Dock Square , no water on Water Street . Back Bay streets are in alphabetical "oddah": Arlington , Berkeley , Clarendon, Dartmouth , etc. So are South Boston streets: A, B, C, D, etc. If the streets are named after trees (e.g. Walnut, Chestnut, Cedar), you're on Beacon Hill . If they're named after poets, you're in Wellesley .
Massachusetts Avenue is Mass Ave ; Commonwealth Avenue is Comm Ave ;
South Boston is Southie. The South End is the South End.
East Boston is Eastie. The North End is east of the former West End . The West End and Scollay Square are no more; a guy named Rappaport got rid of them one night. Roxbury is The Burry, Jamaica Plain is J.P.

How to say these Massachusetts city names correctly:
**Say it wrong, be shunned**
Worcester: Wuhsta (or Wistah)
Gloucester : Glawsta
Leicester Lesta
Woburn : Wooban
Dedham : Dead-um
Revere : Re-vee-ah
Quincy : Quinzee
Tewksbury : Tooks berry
Leominster : Lemin-sta
Peabody : Pee-ba-dee
Waltham : Walth-ham
Chatham : Chaddum
Samoset: Sam-oh-set or Sum-aw-set but nevah Summerset!

Theh awh mowah great ways to get to know this place called Bawstin... so stayed tuned.

Iceskating at Frog Pond

There is a reason the classic thing to do around here is go iceskating at the Boston Common! We had a blast! My first skates were a little shaky--I think Corey was worried we'd only make it around the rink twice in the 3 hours we'd be there. I switched over to the hockey skates which brought a lot more hope to the picture. You can see the evidence from the twirling picture. :) Should you come to Boston during the winter, skating on Frog Pond is quite the delight!

busy, busy, busy

As the magician on Frosty the Snowman says, "busy, busy, busy"! It's no excuse, I know. It's amazing how quickly you feel so out of touch when you don't enter the blogging world for a month or so. I've got a lot of catching up to do so there's an update coming soon. Our computer's fan is sort of running out of steam, so I only have a few minutes to work on a few things. We're getting a new CPU here in the next couple of days--so stay tuned (I know you have for a while now).
Snowy in Boston,
Alisa

ALL for the LOVE...

Valentine's Day is such a great one! We are so grateful for our friends and families and love them very much! Corey and are forever blessed to have each other. Happy Valentine's to you!

Winter Dinner

The Winter Dinner with the HBS LDSSA was really nice. It is so wonderful to be surrounded by such great friends.

Happy 28th Birthday Corey!

Corey celebrated his 28th in Boston with a lobster meal and white cake with chocolate frosting both accompanied with lots of love and wishes from the family! Life couldn't get any better.

Welcome Home Derek

It was so lovely to be home to see Derek! We absolutely loved being all together.

Immersed in the Middle East

We are so grateful to have gone on the Middle East Immersion through HBS! It really was a chance of a lifetime. Below are some pictures of us on our trip! If you'd like to see more pictures of the Middle East, click on the link "Middle East Gallery." Should you have problems with the link, please let us know via post comment!

Happy New Year 2008!

We celebrated the New Year in Dubai this year! It was crazy to wake up New Years Day and realize friends and family were just about to welcome it!

Hot Air Balloon and a Faluka

The hot air balloon ride was one of the most exciting things we did on the trip. Although we had to pull ourselves out of bed during the wee hours of the morning--it was worth it!! You could see the Nile Valley and compare it's lush farmland with that of the barren desert next door! Later that evening, we went on a Faluka ride down the Nile River. What a trip.

Some Egyptians

Egypt was SPECTACULAR! It was so fascinating to be standing next to something about 5,000 years old! All those pictures and things you learned in your 5th-grade text book--they're all real!! :) The contrast between Dubai and Egypt was really astounding. The one being SO new and the latter surviving for thousands of years. It really was an experience never to be forgotten.

Two Dudes from Dubai!!!

We had such an AMAZING time in Dubai!! We did everything from fine dining, to desert sand duning, to skiing indoors! We really had a blast. Enjoy!