He is out the door and ready for his interview! This is a big step for us and we need lots of prayers and good luck wishes! Atleast Adam does.. Good Luck Babe!!
NO wonder so many people mistake him as a girl.. Look at his eyes, he's just so pretty!
I love this little man!
He is so smart, so fun, and simply amazing! I learn so much from him and I know he learns so much every day. He is my sweet baby! In these pictures he would smile at the camera and then really big at me to show me that he was smiling!( He does this every morning when we play with toys. He likes to show mommy and daddy what he is doing, because he is really good at whatever it is!!) Too bad I was never in the right spot for the camera, I kept moving over!
It was so much fun! The photographer said he was a great baby to photograph, he just sits sit and poses!! Ha ha ha!! I think he had an Adam smile in these pic's , you know not his normal smile, just the one he will use in pictures!! :)
We had TONS of old manual pictures in random closets throughout the church. I asked the Primary President if I could have some so I could make the nursery kids a Christmas gift. I put together a book of pictures that they can look at and later write stories about during sacrament, and then use for talks in primary, and...okay so I am still making the "things you can do with a reverence book" list so they know more ways to use them! I think they will be great!
Even in my childhood years I never understood why I should believe in Santa. I didn't get who he was and what the purpose was, other than reindeer and getting presents. I did go along with it and I don't remember why but I just stopped believing in the "story". When I got older a friend told me when she has kids she is not going to lie to her kids about Santa. I never thought I would do the same but from then on I had the feeling like Santa was a make believe character, like the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. (maybe I haven't understood them yet). But Santa... Santa is real!
My sweet smart husband believes in Santa and he explained to me who he is. Santa is the spirit of giving. As I have grown more and become closer to the church I ponder often about spirits and the Holy Ghost. I have to do this so I can receive the revelation & direction I so desperately need. So, when Adam said this to me it made perfect sense. Santa is very real! He is the image of a man so selfless that he spends everyday making gifts and presents for all of God's children. He truly forgets about himself and desires to serve his brothers and sisters. He watches over us and hopes and most likely prays that we are behaving ourselves and "being good". He wants to bless us for obeying and is sad when he cannot give us the gifts he would like when we sin.
There is a lot more I can learn and compare to the gospel. When I do I think about my Savior. The wise men knew to bring gifts to the baby Jesus to show their love, and devotion They believed. This jolly old wise man gives gifts, he gives back and follows the example set by Christ. The man who is so selfless, he knew the plan, and gave his life so we can receive blessings when we obey. This year.. I do believe in Santa. I BELIEVE IN SANTA, he is the spirit of giving and we should indeed follow his great example!
1. My Husband who loves me more than I can understand sometimes.
2. My Baby who loves to show me what he is learning every second of the day.
3. My Mom who has been very generous.
4. Friends who I can learn from and grow with.
5. Technology.
6. Our Country with all its privileges.
7. The Gospel that I so often take for granite.
8. Living in a good area.
9. All the people who wished me love on my 23rd birthday.
10. The ability to be happy.
I NEVER thought I would say this but I am SOOOO missing Utah. We will probably never live there again but such an important part of my life was spent there and I didn't know I would love it the way I do. At first I HATED half the things I miss so much now! Here are just a few things I miss about Utah Valley..
Substituting went really well. I still got it!! I love being with the kids and playing and learning all day long. It was so much fun. It made me want to get a job in January or even next year. Then I came home after a long day! My feet ache and I see my smiling baby! I sat and played with him and his rings for a little bit. When I left to get changed upstairs, Adam called me back down in a hurry! I came running in and J was calling my name... Maaa maa... Maa maa, and reaching out for me.
I keep thinking about my day and I can't help but feel in my heart that I CAN do great things in the walls of my home.
Okay, I am ready to talk about it. However, I need to go to sleep soon so I will probably be leaving some things out.
Adam has been applying for Coast Guard's College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative for 2 months. He has done TONS of things. He finally felt great about something he wanted to do and something that could possibly be accomplished in a decent amount of time. He hasn't give up even with all these "things" that have got in the way. Transferring schools was a pain in the rump. When we realized we were unable to go to school in the fall that college still wanted us to pay 1,200 for dropping our classes on the first day of school. We had to appeal and we got that cleared up. Then we had to sign up for school again for spring, they want your first child and his little dog. It has been a crazy struggle and all these issues keep rising up, they only tell you something new once you finish one thing. Thankfully Adam got accepted again. When they transferred his BYU credits they took everything except for the 4 classes he tested out of. That made a mess because that puts us down to 48 credits. We need 60 for the program. We ran up to the school today and found out it is possible to take the tests for their school and pay for the credits. We are just relieved that aren't full tuition value. If Adam passes the spanish examination for all 4 lower level spanish classes that will give us 60 credits and we can still apply and finish school within 2 years. He is taking that test tomorrow! Spanish is spanish, and he knows the language so we are not worried. He's done it before! Frankly, we are relieved.
We have encountered many of these "stumps" through this process and many people would have given up a long time ago. Which they have, Adam is the only person right now applying for this program in this area. I am so grateful for Adam's perseverance in something he feels will be beneficial for him and his family. The updates on the application: He has done his health physical passed perfectly, scored a GREAT score on his ASVAB and did all his backgrounds and paperwork. We are waiting for 2 more letters of recommendation (which has been a struggle all it's own). Adam then needs to write an essay and turn it in to his recruiter. Then they send in the application and before school starts, WE HOPE!!!!! the board can meet with him and interview him for their program. It has been stressful and you know how anxious and impatient I get! But, like I said, Adam has really taken great responsibility in this endeavor. He needs the rest of his stuff ASAP so the interview people don't go out of town for holiday and stuff, he also needs to get those credits! Isn't it amazing, if Adam didn't take even one of his classes so far he wouldn't be able to apply. We know all these stumps are worth something. Hard things are worth it, right!!
Talk about hard things... I finally got a subbing job. I am a little nervous because I don't know southern kids and I am kind of rusty in the bossy classroom teacher compartment... and I'll be subbing which might possibly be the hardest job in the world. Any how, please keep me in your thoughts and send warm fuzzies my way, because I am hoping for a SUPER wonderful day!!! I LOVE teaching and I don't want monster children who hate sub's to kill that in me.
Thanks.
*** These hand gestures are actions. I am going to attempt to explain each gesture with it's action and explination. Along with accompanying the primary hymn "The Commandments", pg 112.***
I guess I know why the easy stuff seems to always be the hardest. At least when it comes to the "Sunday school answers".... read your scriptures, say your prayers, etc. . but I still allow it effect me.
Unfortunately, I approach reading my scriptures the way I do exercise. I SO badly hate exercising, I only do it every now and then because it's good for me and I don't want people badgering me all the time. I hate when I am doing it unless it is under cover like dancing or playing sports (which is all wrong because I never know what I am doing). I love it when I am done, but obviously not enough because the next time I have to exercise I dread it.
I wish there was a way to study the scriptures "under cover".
I have read them straight, I have read them backwards, I have studied topics, and I have high lighted things I am looking for like the word faith or God. Right now I am reading a column and writing a short summary at the top of the page. I have a cheap-o because this year I really wanted to dive into the scriptures, mark them up like crazy, and gain that special relationship with my Savior.( I know it's in there). I WANT THAT DEDICATION, THAT DESIRE, AND THAT COMMITMENT TO SCRIPTURE READING!! I just didn't get it...I guess if I wanted it that bad, I'd make it happen.....
What things have you done to make it enjoyable or even just habit you cannot break?
My new favorite past time is ancestry.com's free family tree. I love transporting all the information I have about my ancestors. It isn't a lot but I hope to find more information once I can get into more historical files. The most difficult thing for me is to know if their temple work has been done. Sometimes, the IGI is all mixed up. Anyways, I have heard some stories recently from my grandma about the past. I love hearing these stories. I also love having my blog to record some of our stories. Stories for and about our children and their children.
In the summer of 2006 I decided to pack my things up in Orem & moved out to Provo. I wanted to serve a mission, & I knew I should get some preparing and chose to move into a shared bedroom. I found a great deal and took over the contract of some gir. Parris was my new roommate! That first night in my new place I smiled so much my cheeks hurt. My new roommates told me all about the boys in apartment 2. Adam was the guy who was so funny & they all told me I had to meet him when he came back into town (He was in St. Louis). Although Adam was "so funny" & "great to be around". However, he had a girl friend, the girl that I bought the contract from. Finally, Adam came back into town. You know when someone talks up a movie so much and once you go it's just O.K. That's how meeting Adan went. He was cool enough. Through the next month all the girls would hang out with all the guys. Adam broke up with his girlfriend and got really bored. I oved the people scene and would always go to the institute dances. Adam was my wingman and I was his. I'd always ditch him, because I was afraid other guys wouldn't approach me if I was next to him. Sadly, we never had a slow dance together. The truth, he wasn't that into me either.
One day after work, I saw a Red Robin billboard. I was craving a burger. Once I got home I ran over to apartment 2 to see if someone was home. Adam was on the phone & I interrupted to ask him to go to Red Robin with me. Later, I found out he was calling another girl to go out with that night. It was my favorite date ever. If you can cal it a date, I did pay for myself. Adam made me laugh the entire time. From that day on we were great friends. He was determined to help me go on my mission. He taught me the ten commandments with my hands. We really loved being friends.
It was confrence Sunday, October 1st. We drove up into the canyon with some roommates to gawk and the changing leaves. The whole way up I was memorizing ALL his brother's and sisters names. I was determined to get it right. Once we got home something strange happened. Maybe it was the avacado sandwich he was eatting but we ended up cuddling on the couch and I went into kiss him. Stupid Move. Doesn't everyone know once you kiss you start to like them even more.
That next Tuesday I went to the Stake President for my mission interview. He felt like I was suppose to go on a mission. Even after talking about my "new" crush. I was suppose to serve a mission.
That night I went to play games at his house. He wasn't there. He was out on a date with some blond girl he met at a dance. He even brought her over. I was completely jealous. Furious beyond belief. Needless to say, we started dating anyways, with the thought that I was going on a mission. IN October, the day the Cardinals won the world series, I got my mission call to Fresno, California spanish speaking. I was very excited but I had falling too deep with Adam. I cried way too much the month. A couple of weeks later I decided if I was going on a mission I didn't want any strings attached. I was going to serve the Lord with only Him in mind, and I needed to break up with Adam. But I didn't want to. It was a horrible game of flip flop. I just wanted him to make me not go, like he couldn't live without me but he knew how much a mission meant to me. He texted me one day when I was having one of these internal fights, which said: " I would love to say don't make me wait and we are meant for each other and there's no other place for you to be but it means more if you figure it out on your own".
Of coarse I had figured it out, I just didn't want to give up either one. The rest of the week I cried and prayed a lot. Then I made my decision. I wanted to stay with him.
Thursday, November 30th 2006, my 21st bitrthday. I woke up and got dressed up. I then went to work. Then Adam took me to lunch and dropped me off at school at 3:00. I got out of class at 7:00 and we were gonna celebrate my birthday! Side note: he received a speeding ticket on his way over. He then took me to Red Robin. What a perfect place to celebrate. After dinner we got into the car and Adam blindfolded me. He turned on our favorite VoiceMale CD and drove me to the temple. A place we often went to discuss everything. He gave me a frame with petals from the roses I got this morning pressed in glass, along with a poem.
As everyone should know I have been called as Nursery Leader. I am loving it more and more every week. I love the new manual. We are also getting little $2 Book of Mormons for the 3 year old to have scripture time. We have thought of lots of fun ideas and everything is working out smoothly during class.
I have been called of God to be in the nursery. To make changes, to better the nursery. I have only been trying to magnify my calling by asking for things that will better our class.
I find myself complaining about minor issues because I am overwhelmed with the feeling of the church being a sanctuary, A house of ORDER and cleanliness. Over and over I rememeber the confrence talk a while back where he said he was in the men's bathroom wiping down the counters because this was God's house and it desreves respect. How grateful we should be that there is a meeting house for us to attend. We should work very hard to keep it clean and organized. I know the Nursery is our childrens VERY first experience in The Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter Day Saints. I have tried to design the organization of the schedule and the toys in a way to teach order, organization, and schedule. The way the church is layed out. To allow the spirit to feel welcomed and the peace to teach the gospel.
Finally, I love my calling.
*** This blog has been revised because I have been feeling unsteady the past couple days and I believe the previous blog was what was bothering me***
You're Up, You're Down. You're Comfortable, You're Out of Place. You've got all the directions, and then you don't know where to turn. I know I have said this before, but I always make a plan in my life, and Heavenly Father steps in and rearranges everything! I know he knows better than I. I know he has directions for us. I just get suprised because sometimes it makes no sense to me, and other times I feel it is absolutely the way it is suppose to be (whether I wanted it or not). You will soon learn more about what I am taking about, once we figure it all out!
This poem is one of my favorites! I received in some where but it makes me calm when I feel they way I do. Which has been very often lately.
Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on. You knew that those jobs needed doing so you weren't suprised. But presently He is knocking the house in a way that hurts and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one that you thought or- throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent cottage, but He is building a palace.
Every day I become more comfortable with my calling as a mother. I do a lot for the home and family. Sometimes I feel lazy and not significant because money means everything in the world. But, Adam always reminds me how much I do and I know J loves it. I love him so much! He is snacking on a little bit of homemade baby food every other day and he LOVES it! He is grabbing everything and it all goes into his mouth. This makes me so happy because he is learning so much by doing this! This week he said "da.........da" but I don't think he knew that! He is a little sensitive but he loves his mommy and I can't help but pick him up or let him sleep with me when he throws a fit. Life is going in slow motion but I learned a very important lesson this week. It came from my grandma and I know many people have told me before, but it just clicked this time. She told me to LOVE what I have. I know that seems so simple but I am always wanting a house, more kids, and a steady job. She reminded me of all the things I do have. I have a husband who loves me & takes care of me. That is very rare in this world. I also have a healthy baby, I have a mom who is understanding, Adam has a job, I have health care, I can eat food whenever I want. I really have it great!! And things will just get better with a little bit of down time I am sure. But like I said is going in slow motion and I am ok with it, but J is going to grow up so fast, and I don't want to miss a thing!!!
This week went by very fast. Mom went in for her 6th chemo and although she feel sick and horrible she is responding much better than last time. By that I mean she isn't coughing her brains out and she has a pretty steady appetite. Go MOM!! Last night Kelly took the kids and us out bowling. I did horrible, until I asked for bumpers like the kids!! hehehe..
P.S. What do you think of my bangs look? I needed something new and I always love cutting my hair for a drastic effect but Adam raves about how much he loves my hair long. So, I chose bangs. I figured they are the fastest thing to grow out. But, I love them!!
____________________
Happy Sunday!
I love changes in the church. We got a new bishop today and I know that every person called has something to give. They were called at that time for a special reason. Adam and I also recieved new callings. Adam was called to be the 2nd councelor in the Sunday School Presidency. He still isn't completely sure what it entails. I am called as Nursery Leader. As always I accepted my calling with excitment knowing I am able to do it.
However...Nursery?? Yikes!!
Adam is super duper jealous. He says Nursery was his favorite calling. I know I will learn a lot. I am a little sad to not have the opprotunity to learn the lessons in sunday school and relief society. I guess Heavenly Father believes the lessons these children teach me and the simple principals I teach them is going to be just what I need for this next year. I am very excited. If you have any neat suggestions I can implement into the Nursery please let me know. I am very excited for th new manual at the beginning of the year "Behold, our little ones", very exciting!!
Nursery Quote of the Day:
Pointing at the coloring picture of a milk jug I asked " what is this?"
child: milk
me: where does milk come from?
child: the glass
Tonight Adam and I went to a baptism. I love being out here because there is a new member every couple of weeks. J was so fixed on watching the boy in the water.
The baptism talk really reminded me of something. She began to tell her son how important baptism is. She turned to 3rd Nephi and said, "When Jesus came to the America's he didn't mess around. The very first thing he did was preach baptism among the people." If I truly am trying to be like Jesus I cannot be afraid to invite people to repentance and baptism. Also, I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot and will not even try to imagine how my life would be without it. I love that Heavenly Father can guide me so easily through the Holy Ghost. I can feel when something is right and I can feel when I've done something wrong. My life would be completely messed up with out this powerful gift. Even in my darkest hours I was able to feel the spirit testify, it all depended on if I would follow. How grateful I am for the Gift of the Holy Ghost!! It rescues me all the time!!
I have been thinking a lot about what significance my blog has. I talk about my family and things that go on. I love to keep everyone updated but some days are just boring. Today something happened. It made me realize what I should, what I MUST add to my blog. In every entry I make I will some how share a principle of the gospel from our lives. Whether it is a quote that touched me, a simple tender mecry, recognizing a blessing from my Heavenly Father, or a scripture that helped me that day. I know everyday I can relate something to gospel. The major reason I have felt the need to do this is so I can strenghten my own testimony and keep my life centered on living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Of making an extra effort to follow his example. This will force me to study more, testify more, and praise more. Yes, I will continue to share the "happenings" of our family it will just mean something now.
I am not going to share the reason why I feel so strong to make this my blogs theme. I just know this will help me realize everyday that we may live in the world but we are not of the world.
This quote comes from the song "His Love" by Jake Rau on the Stand in the Light EFY04 CD. After the "thing" that happened today I remember hearing this quote in my heart a few minutes later and when I ran upstairs and played up lifting music in order to make my home a place of peace and safty I heard it again and it touched my heart.
Help! Jo has a low temperature. It has never been over 100 and his is normaly a really sweaty sleeper. He has been really fussy lately. I think it may be his teething because he eats his hands non-stop all day. The part that worries me is the many times a day where he pulls his ears. Does this mean something is wrong? or that he has just found his ears. I wish I had insurance for his four month appointment. I was just going to go to health department for shots. Ghetto huh?? How sad, I guess I just need to make an appointment. What are other signs?? and how can I make him feel better mean while. He has slept A LOT lately and cried the other half of the time. I know he is not feeling well because he gets calm when i strap him to me or rest with him or hold him close. He really gets me confused when he smiles and laughs during the day. My poor baby and what a horrible mommy I feel like.
Adam wakes up at 6 am and doesn't get home until 7 pm. I know sometimes he wishes he was doing something else but we are going to get out of debt here. He works so hard and gets to speak spanish all day long with the Mexicans. That is what makes him happy all day. He is bruised, burned, and beat up. He has splinters and sore muscles. Today he got some type of chemical burn up and down his arms and on his face. He claimed the coldest shower wasn't cold enough. He has such a great attitude and he is learning some great skills! He loves learning new things. There are those who know a lot of one thing or those who know a little of a lot of things. I believe that is how Adam will turn out!! The "Go- To" guy!! I LOVE him!!
Adam does AllScapes which is MUCH more than plain 'ol landscaping. He is really proud of his work and will take pictures of his work soon. He wakes up at 6:30 and doesn't get home until 7:00 or so. They are super long days but he hasn't complained too much. It is 108 degrees with MAJOR humidity where if you have asthema you are asked to stay inside.. YIKES! We'll on his first day of work he FORGOT to wear sun screen. He came home looking like one of them RED NECKS down here in the south.
He comes home filthy and he gets beat up pretty bad but he gets to "work out" at work.
Whatta hunk!!
My mom turns 45 next month on July 8th. Rose Marie was born in Bronx, NY and lived there throughout her childhood. At 19 she joined the Navy. While in the Navy she married my dad, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, had 3 children, recieved her bachelors and masters degree, tranfeered over to officer status and traveled the world on the Abe Lincoln and the Ike air craft carriers. She worked in the field of weapons and had many leadership postitions in the military. Although this 5'1 125lb woman seems small and fragile she is "hard core" and you didn't want to get on her bad side. She was put in a situation where she had to work and provide for her family and she never let down her responsibilites. She retired last February after 23 years of active duty service.
Momma always wants the best for her family. She has high standards for them and has given all she can to make them happy and to provide them with things to succeed in thier lives. Although she has always worked hard she has ALWAYS remained a lady. She loves looking beautiful, latin dancing, word find puzzles and shopping. She has a weakness for nice shoes and purses. She sees what she likes and she gets it. She has worked hard for all the beautiful things she has, including her children. Among many things she taught me to always get my eyebrows waxed, to give my unused things to Salvation Army, and to always feed the missionaries or any one who comes over.
When I was a young adult I became unactive in the church and it was her who constantly put my name on the prayer list and pushed me to join institute. Without her constant push and sometimes annoyance she is the reason I have gained the testimony I have. She is the reason I am a strong member today and the reason I was able to come to a realization of my purpose on earth. Although at times I thought she was making me the most miserable person, she is the one who introduced me to the way of true happiness.
To me, my mom has been superwoman. She has always done it all and never slowed down. Unfortunatly, last month she had a breast tumor removed. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer and all my thoughts about her are changing. After her surgery I couldn't stay long to see her because I didn't want her to think I was sad. I left the room sick inside almost in tears. For the first time I saw my mother as a little girl, hurting and sick from the side effects of surgery.
She has to go through 16 weeks of chemotherapy in hopes that her cancer will go away. They say it is a cureable type but they are not sure where the cancer is coming from. Next week is her second treatment. Adam has been so nice to sacrifiice his education at BYU to travel with me to my mom's so I can give to her what she gave to me, constant care and love. A little chance for me to return my appriciation. My mother is Heavenly Father's little girl and every day I notice that more and more. She is not superwoman and she will not be able to do it all. I just hope I can be there to support her, to help her, and that with her kids there and her grand-baby, she will feel her purpose in this trail.
I ask that you will have a prayer in your heart for my sweet mother. That she will be able to fight the dis- ease that has attacked her body. I will be sure to post her progress throughout the next 6 months. Heavenly Father has provided us both with comfort and confiedence. I love my momma and I really hope that she doesn't mind that I posted this.
Like this months Relief Society message stated: " [We] were taught and prepared for the circumstances [we] would personally encounter in mortality.." What a relief that we are truely able to handle all that is asked of us!!
My latest Investments
Bouncer
We have a swing but it was getting super hard to drag that thing all over the house. Plus, at times he did not want to in there and he did not want to be set on the floor or on the boppy. I knew we really need a bouncer. Finally, I ran out and got this perfect little guy. It is rainforest which matches our bedroom theme and the theme of the play-pin my mom has at her house. When you move the little bird or monkey the music plays which is wonderful because our bedtime music is rainforest sounds so the sounds keep him calm. It is a great hour of day where he can play with that. Then in the middle of the night at 2 or 3 when he wakes up I can feed him and then set him down and the vibrations make him sooth back to sleep. Then he wakes up at 6 or 7, eats and sleeps until 9 or 10. Sure he still wakes up but I know he is getting all the sleep he needs!
Bra
I have always bought bras under $20 which means they pretty much suck. The nursing bras I have are awful, they are NOT my size. (It is so hard to find my size). I have horrible posture already because of my chest but with non supportive bras I am still having problems. It is getting worse everyday and the pain in my shoulders and center back are horrible. I wish I could get a massage once and a while but I begged Adam every day to let me buy a new bra. In the stores they didn't have my size and the lady at Nordstoms said she could order it but I really wanted a white one, and a cute one, and I was a little scared about the wire while I am nursing. Which I guess would still be ok. I chose this cute one and although the lady gave me a 5 minute talk about "fit not size" I bought the same brand and the size she fitted me in. I sure hope it fits. At this point I am sure anything is better than what I have. I have to make new wholes in my bras just to make it stay put.
This pacifier has been a life saver! Before I left town J was taking the nuk binkies a little bit but still loved his newborn pacifier the SOOTHIE! Adam took out the pacifiers from my bag to give to J the night before and in our rush to the airport forgot to put back the binkies. It was a nightmare in the airport and on the plane but thats a different blog. Anyhow, when in Atlanta I went to buy a binkie while he was in the car but they didn't have any soothies so I just bought the cute nuk kind. He refused to take it. Then back in Mississippi I was in need for a passy so I bought them while in WalMart and he was crying at the top of his lungs I broke open the package and gave him the soothie and he was the happiest baby!! He doesn't need to suck all the time but when he wants it, HE WANTS IT!! So, its the soothie to the resuce and I am planning to buy the soothie bottles. I know he will love them!
I have been wanting and needing glasses for some time now. I wear contacts all the time but with all these frequent naps I have been wishing my glasses weren't 5 presciptions behind. When I first got pregnant I went to the eye doctor and my eyes got one step worse. It has done this every year since I have been in school. When I went back to check them after having a baby one of my eyes got one step better. This only means I need to pay attention to which contact I am putting in. Any how, Medicaid and my mom helped me get my new glasses. I have the bold plastic kind and I really wanted something traditional.
J is still having a hard time breathing with all that gook in his nose. He has the hardest time falling asleep. I thought he was having a hard time eating so I made sure by offering him a tiny amount of formula. He didn't want it. I guess he just wants to be on me since he isn't feeling well. It is the only way he will fall asleep. If its time to go to sleep or I just need him to stop screaming, I have to carry him in my little baby bjorn. Thanks Paige! It makes him happier. We have been sleeping with the humidifier. I do think it is making a difference. It is also collecting some nasty stuff from the air. Adam said our bedroom felt like stepping into Florida. I don't mind it!! This is our baby all proped up to keep him from choking. He is the cutest thing alive. I will often check on him and he will be cooing and smiling in his sleep. The cutest thing alive!!
No, not me. J
I put him down and a couple minutes later he was screaming at the top of his lungs. So, I rushed in to see him all red and his hand tightly holding a chunk of his own hair. I had to peel his hand away and relax him. Then 5 minutes later he was screaming again. He was pulling his hair out again. I put the baby mittens on and looked at his head.
He had some dry skin maybe cradle cap. Does cradle cap hurt??? I treated it with a tiny bit of olive oil and he hasn't pulled his hair again but SCARY!! I don't want him pulling all his hair out. I guess there is a down fall to a full head of hair! But, it sure does make him cute!
Yes, Graduation Day! I felt gorgeous and wonderful this day. It was great walking and knowing I AM a certified elementary school teacher! Go ME!!!
I had such a fun week!
I finished school, I hung out with Rachel we went to the mall, lunch and the movies (27 dressess* so cute!!). Then Jake came for the weekend we all played games until 2am two nights in a row, tons of fun.
I made wonderful blueberry waffles for Saturday morning conference. I don't know how I did it because our cupboards are bare, but we managed! However, I felt like the most miserable person all weekend too. I seriously thought I was going to have this baby already! If he was me, I would be in labor tonight! (that's how early I was).
I am ready for serious contractions, serious pain, and serious baby having. I am sick of a uncomfort and pain to just wake up the next morning on top of the world. I should be crying and dying by now!! I waited until 37 weeks and 2 days to try some self induction trick. Even though everyone knows the baby will come when he wants to- I have no say, no matter what- Nothing has worked yet it just brought on contractions that went away 24 hours later. So, I won't be so bossy anymore. Anyhow, heres a pic of the belly. 37 1/2 weeks, full term baby!!
I did it! I stopped procrastinating and I sat down at 10:30 this morning to finish my Senior Project which is a beautiful 26 page evaluation on a single unit I taught during student teaching. It only took 8 hours to compose! Then I burned it with the rest of my professional portfolio onto a CD at 7:15pm.
In two days, on April 3rd, 2008 I will turn in my very last assignment. I will have no more classes and no more papers to write!
I will be free and anxiously waiting the day of my graduation as a real professional and eligable elementary school teacher! YEAY for me!
Mrs. Larson is SO sweet! All the kids have been sneaking around trying to make me all these good-bye notes! I actually got mad at them during reading because they weren't reading. I didn't know what was going on. Then they got me a bag for hersey "hugs", she got the baby an outfit that says "stud muffin", a cute blankie with a whale on it, and some books! One of the books she got me was "Where I Serve a Mission, Where Will I Go?" It is THE cutest book ever! Mrs. Larson's son served in the same mission as Adam just a year later so we had a lot in common. In this book there is a page all about Santiago Chile! Adam read the book when I got home and it was so cute! I can't wait to read it to our baby!!
The fourth grader I taught, taught me a lot. I hope I taught them a thing or two!
Today we were Michaelangelo and they made great water paintings from my favorite book "Hailstones and Halibut bones"! It was a great LAST day!! I will miss these kids!
Adam wanted to show me how many hours we have been married. So, he cut a little piece of paper to represent each hour and made 8,750. Then he wrote "I love you" on all the ones we've spent together (not including sleeping). It was a relatively small amount compared to all the hours. Anyways- He dumped them all on the floor so I could have a visual! Now, he's kindly cleaning them all up!! Romantic, Huh??
Adam got sick on Friday and has been aching all weekend. We bought fruit last night and some new games,"Monopoly Electronic Banking" and we got "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" for free!
NO, we are not smarter than 5th graders!!
Then he got all crafty on me! When he proposed to me he wrote me a poem called " Our Ocean Churning". He put in a beautiful frame and bought me a piece of the ocean floor. For our first Year Anniversary he painted the ocean. He also made me this awesome "G" burnt into wood.*** Then he bought me some Hemp lotion. Which I LOVE!!! I cannot wait for spring time so i can go tanning!!
Anyways- I got us this paint by number so we can work on it while I am at home all fat and uncomfortable when I am done with Student Teaching.
It took 34 weeks but it finally happened. Those wonderful stretch marks ( I count 4). The baby has dropped and those lovely red marks appeared.
I am so sad.
I know they come from the inside out and no amount of cocoa butter or olive oil is going to prevent them but how I tried. My doctor told me not to count any stretch marks until after delivery. I guess it's then you get the mother load. Ha!
We got to Target! We got our crib! We selected the Tiddliwinks Safari Collection 2 for your baby style. It has ALL different colors and can go with anything. Plus, animals are so cute. Sure, I loved the turtles but even at Target it was just too expensive! You gotta work with what you've got! So, we picked out the animals: the 3 piece set, the mobile, some baskets, a changing pad cover, and another matching sheet. I'll still need to find the bed skirt and anything else. So, we checked out! Then headed out to the car.
THEN IT HIT ME!!! We drove my car!! The crib was not going to fit in my car!! They debated taking it out of the box after trying to stuff it in, but I told them it wasn't going to work! Thankfully, I called Matt. It was 8:30pm. We had to have the crib picked up before the store closed at 10. I know it was probably annoying for him but he drove an hour to come meet us at Target so he could help us take the crib home. Thanks Matt!!
When we got home Matt tried to take the crib out and set it next to our door but the man at the store had opened the box and Matt didn't know. The box opened and the crib slid out. I thought everything was broken. However, they got all the peices in the house and we tossed the box. Even though things screwed up AGAIN and AGAIN! We made it home and everything is ok. Last night we made the drawers, trundle, and shelf. Today, it's crib time!!
Tony (my ex-step dad) and Stephanie (his wife) must be out of their minds. One thing is for sure, they have a lot more open shelf space! This afternoon when I came home from school there was a HUGE box on my front step. When Stephanie said they were going to send me some little things I thought she was serious! However, upon opening the box I almost had a heart attack of all the things she sent. There was always something still in the box! Everything looks brand new & most of it is!
This is more than we ever expected from anyone. I love hand me downs!! Mostly because he will out grow everything so fast! I am so thankful for people who love me!. It is the very first thing we have recieved (which makes it extra exciting!) and it is nice to know if this baby comes early I will have something for him! A million and one thanks to Tony and Steph, you two seriously made my day!! I love you!!!
APRIL 25TH.
I am very excited for graduation day! I needed an offical count down. I am such a count down girl. I LOVE crossing off days on my calendar! So, this is the count down to the BIG DAY!! YEAY for me and all my hard work!! The truth: I am so thrilled for graduation because it mean completion!! However, I am a little scared for new baby because that means a new beginning (and the whole pain thing is starting to worry me).
I love the song "Me and God" by Josh Turner.
I have listened to it over and over the past couple of days.
I absolutely love it and I love Josh Turner.
One day I want to get his album.
If you haven't noticed already I LOVE country. I mean, I LOVE OLD country, bluegrass, and gospel country! I just do!!
My grandpa taught me at age 8 there were only 2 kinds of music Country and Western and it kind of stuck with me.
I drove my daddy crazy and now I drive Adam crazy.
PHYSICALLY-
Blood Pressure is normal!
Heart Beat sound GREAT!
His bum is at the top and he's heading south!
I should only gain 5 more lbs.
Otherwise, my wieght is great!
I am energetic and active.
My feet look a little swollen today (I can tell because my ankles disappeared).
I wanted to have this baby already but after doing some reading on early babies and premies, I have decided it is best to let him be healthy and ready. The way my doctor put it we like our steaks medium or medium well but baby boys are much better if when they are well done. Therefore, he needs to cook a little longer. He said, "If your baby is only 5 days late he'll be born in May. I reassured him my baby is coming early!" He said, "that's what the lady next door said". I have a 1 out of 5 chance! But like I said, I'll be ok until he's well done!!
MENTALLY/EMOTIONALLY-
I feel guilty, like I have done something wrong or wronged someone.
I feel bossy and unorganized.
I feel uncared about, but selfish because I feel that way.
I feel drained and sick of yelling.
My mind feels full and empty at the same time.
I am worried and I know worrying just wastes time but I don't know what I am worried about.
I feel annoying and bothersome.
I feel incomplete and unhelpful
I feel late and off-task.
I feel UNPREPARED and INCOMPLETE.
I feel wide awake and exhausted....
I can't sit, I can't stand, I can't sleep.
Honestly, In one night I feel like I have gained 50 pounds. I am in so much pain. I feel like my whole body is breaking down. The baby is very strong and I get random stabs of pain in wierd places. I know I have 60 days left but if this is just suppose to get worse I don't know how much longer I can take. I feel so heavy, I am even starting to waddle. Hopefully, he will find a comfortable postion that we can both agree on! Help!! I need to get rid of the discomfort. Can I get an epidural now??
Battery Dilema: We don't have any. That is why I haven't taken enough pictures. I look so darn cute some weekdays when I go to school I just haven't had batteries. I asked Adam to get some for the camera. He kind of complained and said he wasn't buying them if my camera sucks them up too fast. I told him to get the rechargable ones. Later on in the day I took the batteries out of the TV remote. He said, " If those die, I'll be at the gas station in 4 minutes to get more". JERK!!!!
Don't let the baby blues fool you! He's pure evil.
I love my husband and he loves me. He works so hard to make me happy! Everyday he is always so excited to see me and he can't wait to hold me or talk to me. I am really blessed. I have decided that I have been going at this being poor thing all wrong. I can't want everything RIGHT NOW! Getting there is half the fun and these will truly be the best days!
As a teen I was often told that I was a spoiled brat. This made me so angry! To me, I was normal!! I had nice things and I worked hard to earn things from my parents. I was a good kid and got rewarded like any one else. HOWEVER, when I got married I realized their opinions were correct. I am spoiled and marriage has really made things difficult. I haven't bought myself a single new thing. I haven't even had the desire. I know we need to be frugal so I don't worry about things I need (except for an occasional eyebrow wax). Any how, money has been tight and since I have been only student teaching and not bring in income I feel like everything is falling apart. I am not making my own money. I have to "depend" and "rely" on someone to take care of my needs. It has been driving me crazy. I feel like I have been screwed in this whole deal. Making sacrifices left and right. I am a good girl, I do good things, don't I deserve something extra??
Adam and I are from completely different worlds. I was an only child until I was a teenager. Adam has always had 3 or 4 siblings to play with at any given time. In the beginning of our marriage we would go out for dinner and Adam had such a hard time sharing a bite of his meal with me. I am from a family where everyone shares and trades, and its not big deal. Adam had issues where it was his food, he FINALLLY had ownership over something of his own and he wasn't about to give a little piece away. It's much better now!
The reason I bring all this up is because we keep looking over our finances. Our income vs. out go and comparing all the numbers. No matter how many loving relatives donate money to our "broke as dirt" foundation it will only help for a little bit. I was advised to sell my car so I posted it and walked to school for 2 weeks. No buyers. Our situation has changed with jobs and money. This weekend Adam said he thinks I can keep my car. That made me so excited! Honestly, I bawled some nights because I worked so hard to pay off my car thus far. I love her and she loves me. However, last night while reviewing our finances and future goals again, selling the car will help us make and keep money without having to search for pennies to pay bills. However, neither of us WANT to do that. We will see how things go.
The reasons I need my car:
1. I am still in school I travel to school once a week.
2. Adam works a crazy schedule and doesn't get home until 2 oclock and buses don't run that late.
3. I will want to do things. I can't imagine being happy locked in my home all hours of the day. I know many many many women do it all the time but I can't take that little bit of freedom away from me.
4. We don't have the support system out here. If we lived closer to family and friends who we could depend on then everything would be okay. It is not like that! We are on our own and it is just nicer to be able to take care of ourselves. Finally, 5. Don't I deserve it??
Back to me being a brat. I brought up the fact to Adam that I haven't bought myself anything. I told him I was taught to save and buy myself one new thing every month. Even if it was a 4 dollar lip gloss or a 5 dollar top from TJMAXX. It is something! He was so disgusted with the thought. He told me he was going to teach me how they did it in his home: that I would get new things once a year. ONCE A YEAR!! I was about in tears. I simply said, "Don't you want me to have everything? Don't you want me to have nice things and don't you want to shower me with gifts and items??" He laughed and said "no way!" I don't understand the way he thinks. I guess we have a lot of compromising to do. Right now we just have a lot of money making to do! As for me, I will hold my head up high and believe deep down inside that I still deserve anything and that my husband will always spoil me rotten......one day!
The Baby shower has been assigned a date. April 12th. I really think this is the most ideal day. I have a wedding reception, anniversary saturday event, finishing studnet teaching, finishing all my final assignments for school,a nd then general confrence weekend. March and early April is just busy, busy, busy. I don't have a single bit of free time away from everything until the second week of april! Maybe that is too close to the due date, but we will have to make it work!!
I am reading Fascinating Womanhood by Helen Andelin again now that I am married. I read parts before I was married but I think I need a refresher.
Appearently men don't really care how beautiful, superficial, or dolled up you are. They don't care how fat or skinny. They actually fall in love with and are attracted to a whole different set of characteristics.
F.W. says THE IDEAL WOMAN from a man's point of view has 2 sets of qualitities.
The Angelic Qualities: Understand Men, Has Inner Happiness, Has a Worthy Character, Is a Domestic Goddess. These qualities "awaken a feeling near worship. They bring a man peace and happiness".
The Human Qualities: Is Feminine, Radiates Happiness, Has Radiant Health, Is Childlike. These qualities "fascinate, amuse, enchant, and arouse a tender desire to protect and shelther".
So, the book has me identify which qualities I already posess and how to enhance the others.
Assignment #1: In becoming the Ideal Woman, you are not starting at zero. Take a good look at yourself and you'll find things to appreciate. Write down 25 things you like about yourself.
1. I am friendly 2. I am a good cook 3. I am usually high spirited and energetic 4. I have good skin 5. I am smart 6. I am organized 7. I am giving 8. I take care of myself 9. I am helpful 10. I am willing to give advice 11. I have cute toes 12. I am a good teacher 13. I am creative 14. I have good cleanign skills 15. I like to smile 16. I finish projects 17. I like my height 18. I am forgiving 19. I can do hard things 20. I am a good dancer 21. I am honest 22. I am punctual 23. I am accepting 24. I have good ideas 25. I have pretty eyes.
Ok, It is not that easy. Maybe some of these are lame and kind of generic. I challenege you to write down 25 things you like about yourself. I know I added some outter appearance qualitites but I have to remind myself that I was so happy to come to earth to obtain a BODY!! I wanted it so badly, and sometimes here on earth I have only bad things to say about it. I think it is important to love some of those physical things too. It is so easy for us to think of the things we lack but I challenege you to re-examine the qualities do you already possess!!
I want to do a Tag thing, but I don't have anyone to tag and I don't know how. I'll make this little Count Down Information and try to figrue it out!!!!
10 YEARS AGO...
My dad died and I moved to Virginia with my mom, my new young step dad, and new baby sister. I was in the 7th grade and someone made an awful rumor about me. I was miserable and I got in trouble alot. I was suspended for punching my friend in the face. I also spent many days in In-School- Suspension. I was having a rough year. I was also in LOVE with this boy named Adam K.( He didn't love me back until I was a babe in high school, I didn't want anything to do with him then). I lost all my baby fat, and grew taller and thinner. I loved the group Hanson (zac was hot!), I still played with Barbies, and I loved rollerblading.
9 DAILY USES...
Powerful deoderant, Body Spray, Cell phone, Cocoa Butter Formula, Toothbrush & Paste, Contacts ( my glasses are too old), Chapstick, Radio, and an Orange or Orange Juice.
8 THINGS ON MY TO-DO LIST...
Geneaology, Educational Portfolio, The next math and reading unit plans, Read the Book of Mormon, Put the dishes away, Get address for baby shower invitations, Floss my teeth, and Vacuum or sweep my carpet.
7 PLACES I HAVE LIVED...
Conneticut, Michigan, Orlando, Tampa, Virginia, California, and Utah.
6 THINGS I ENJOY...
Pedicures, Cooking & serving people food, Coloring, Teaching, Taking a bath, and Curling my hair.
5 FACTS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME...
I don't love cinnamon, I wish I would have continued dancing in college, 80% of my closet is hand me downs from my mom, I use to be in Kappa Delta Sorority, & I am half Puerto Rican.
4 JOBS I'VE HAD....
Steak-n-Shake Server, Famous Footwear Sales Assosiate, Car Dealership Cashier, & Substitute Teacher.
3 BAD HABITS....
I don't rinse off the dishes when I am done, I pick my nose GROSS!!( I am getting better at using a tissue!), and I leave my shoes around the house.
2 BOOKS I LAST FINISHED...
Harry Potter 2 ( Adam and I are reading the series together, it's taking forever), and How to be Lost by Amanda Eyre Ward
1 FAVORITE...
Animal: The Orca, I really hope I get to go to Sea World soon!! maybe Anniversary #2.
Tags: Paige, Terica, Michelle
This has been the hardest month of our marriage. Money has been SO tight, ok non- exsitent. Which really makes things difficult. I have been trying really hard to make little sacrifices. I really hope my efforts are being noticed. Once Adam returned to the resturant after quiting his "dream job" (which turned out to be a nighmare). He was recommmended for the opening management position. Five people were interview the same day. Then the husband talks to his wife and they pray about it. Later that day Adam found out he got the job. It was really exciting!! I really hope he loves it. It will help us tons with baby and schooling. Anyways- You can't help but grown closer to one another when you don't have anything else. Adam loves me and I love him. That's the ONLY thing that matters, I guess.
Money is so yucky. However, this experience HAS made us stronger. I really got into a good habit of reading my scripture, which i needed badly. I've love reading them and i just got to 2nd Nephi, YIKES. Never give UP, right??!!
One a side note: I have complained about our neighbor's smoking for months. It seeps into our house. I can't even walk into the kitchen it gets so bad. The management told me they were getting an eviction notice last weekend and all week they have smoked us out. We can't take it anymore, it's not fair. I don't know else I can do. I don't mind my apartment, I know they are old and cheap but the smoke smell is a problem. I hope it gets solved fast.
Question: Is it neccessary to take a pre-labor class?? Can I learn all I need to know some other way, and is it ok to just swing it?? I need some advice and quick tips.
Valentines Day in elementary school is so much fun! I came home with lots of goodies! Then my mom gave us a little gift of money to go out to a special dinner. THANKYOU MOMMA!! So, Adam and I went to RED LOBSTER. I was CRAVING crab legs. I told him we should have left at 4, not 5. He bought dollar movie tickets for 7:30 and we waited for a hour and a half before we got sat. It was worth every second. We shared coconut shrimp, walts shrimp, brocolli, and crab legs!!! YUMM-O. I really showed my east coast skills at dinner. I broke that crab up, and didn't leave a single scrap of meat. Adam was so cute and clueless on what to do first! So, I helped him out some. Just talking about it makes me salavate for lemon and butter. Needless to say, we missed the movie. However, we were able to return the tickets and get some for the 10:30 showing. We went home and fell asleep. OOPS!!! Maybe it's not too late to return those too.
For Christmas my grandma gave us a Wal-Mart gift card so we bought our gifts with that. I made Adam a cute pop-up valentine. The princess kisses the frog and they spend their lives in the pond on a heart shaped lily. It was cute. I bought him an Almond Joy, Airheads, a planner for his NEW JOB!!!!, and black ankle socks. This boy loves to wear his white socks with his dress up shoes to work and church. So, I tried to help him out some! In return, I got a rose, a huge chocolate bar ( I don't do the mystery stuff), and a fancy bubbly drink. It was sweet, but to fall asleep on your first Valentines together--SAD!!
