Since having my 4th baby I have felt like I have been in a continuous whirl wind of life. It's not a bad thing; just some days most things get put on the back burner. Baby #4 (who is actually #5) has acid reflux (reflex) and is not always the happiest camper around. But one thing I have learned is that she LOVES music, singing and dancing. She especially loves Christmas music. So everyday after we take the kids to school we come back home and load up mommy's play list, get her settled in her swing and start the singing.
It's Sarah's Senior year. She is involved in so many activities and things with her friends that I haven't had the heart to pin her down to a practice schedule too. She is practicing and still singing but between my mommy & work schedule and her school & Senior year schedule it's been kind of crazy. I figure in the next few months things will level out and we'll get back on track. But for now Sarah needs to enjoy her Senior year and I need to enjoy my last baby :)
We wish all a Merry Christmas! Thanks so much for following us. And if you want us to come sing at your "going on's" let us know in advance so we can make it a priority :).
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Crazy Night!
I love my job. I am a hairstylist and I work at a salon in Centerville, UT! I work with awesome girls and we have an amazing clientel, and more specifically I have the sweetest clients. I do have a hard time leaving my babies to go to work but once I get there I'm ok :)!! I have been doing hair for about 13 years. That is not the crazy part.
Yesterday afternoon we were all sitting in the front of the salon (which has all glass windows) when a truck started backing into the parking stall right in front of our door. We all immediately noticed him because he was backing in and we have had a car come through our window several years ago. We were all sitting around (had a little down time) and when the man got out of his car we all just kind of watched him. He walked around the front of his truck and to the passenger side and looked like he might be coming in, but nope he headed towards Quizno's. One girl said he's a military guy so I looked up and said No he's just wearing a military camo hunting jacket. Then another girls said oh yeah cause he has dark jeans on. Another girl said "And he looks like he needs a shave"! So here we are picking apart this poor guy. I noticed that his one pocket looked like it had something heavy in it... his jacket was slanted (not hanging straight). It didn't hit me until later that he was carrying a gun. I was still checking out his sweet truck and my client came in and she commented on his truck too. Before we know it the salon is swarming with police. Asking questions about the man and the truck. We were able to tell them the make and model of the truck (yes, girls notice all sweet things including sweet trucks) and positively identify the man. That is when we are told he just robbed the bank and that he was armed and that is when it hit me that he was packin' when I saw him. How scary is that?? To make a long story short... we filled out witness reports, and one girl went and positively ID'ed the truck and finally they got the guy. I have to give a shout out to Centerville PD... they got their man! You never know what's going to happen. We've always been an observant bunch and it paid off.
Yesterday afternoon we were all sitting in the front of the salon (which has all glass windows) when a truck started backing into the parking stall right in front of our door. We all immediately noticed him because he was backing in and we have had a car come through our window several years ago. We were all sitting around (had a little down time) and when the man got out of his car we all just kind of watched him. He walked around the front of his truck and to the passenger side and looked like he might be coming in, but nope he headed towards Quizno's. One girl said he's a military guy so I looked up and said No he's just wearing a military camo hunting jacket. Then another girls said oh yeah cause he has dark jeans on. Another girl said "And he looks like he needs a shave"! So here we are picking apart this poor guy. I noticed that his one pocket looked like it had something heavy in it... his jacket was slanted (not hanging straight). It didn't hit me until later that he was carrying a gun. I was still checking out his sweet truck and my client came in and she commented on his truck too. Before we know it the salon is swarming with police. Asking questions about the man and the truck. We were able to tell them the make and model of the truck (yes, girls notice all sweet things including sweet trucks) and positively identify the man. That is when we are told he just robbed the bank and that he was armed and that is when it hit me that he was packin' when I saw him. How scary is that?? To make a long story short... we filled out witness reports, and one girl went and positively ID'ed the truck and finally they got the guy. I have to give a shout out to Centerville PD... they got their man! You never know what's going to happen. We've always been an observant bunch and it paid off.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Whew!!!
So this blog is still open for all to read. I figured it out. I'm not very good with computers and all this JaZz!! So only the family blog is private. I won't be posting pictures of the kids on here and may only comment about the kids every now and again. This blog is more for my sister and me anyway and following our singing which has been on the back burner while pregnant with this last baby! Things will be starting to get back into full SwInG as I recover and figure out life with one more sweet child added to the mix of our already CrAzY life :)!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Privacy
The time has come for our family blog to go Private. Because of recent events and certain people thinking they have the right to control or do with our lives what "they feel" is best, this is why we are going private. But I guess that blogger won't let me have just the family blog private I have to have all my blogs private.... unless someone can tell me how to reverse that so that this one can remain "open" anyway.... I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers and if you want to be added just send me a comment with your e-mail address in it. For your privacy I won't publish any comments with contact info in them. Comment moderation is in effect so I have to publish the comment it won't just pop up or appear for everyone to see :)!! Thanks again for understanding.
Friday, July 24, 2009
More "AH HA" moments
As I said in my last post... I have been reading the conference issue of the Ensign. Just a quick update... yup, I'm still pregnant. The short of it is the baby's heart is doing well so they want to keep her in as long as possible. My body has been through a lot with this baby, not to go into too much detail but let's just say I was done a few weeks ago when they first decided to put me on bedrest. Since then I have become increasingly discouraged as to why she just doesn't come or why they doctor hasn't taken her yet. My biggest fear in becoming discouraged has been that the baby will feel the discouragement and that she will feel that we don't want her or don't love her. That was my biggest fear with Easton at the very end when my body was hurting so bad and I just wanted him out. I have faith that this baby knows I love her and want her here in our family and I think that she knows how much her mother is going through so that she can have life and be born. So on to my "Ah Ha" moment.
I was reading Elder Kevin W. Pearson's talk Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And it reminded me of the book "The Secret" only from a Gospel perspective. Those who have read this book and then read his talk will understand. First off we are commanded that we (as parents) must teach our children to understand the doctorine... of faith in Christ. I had to stop and think am I teaching my children about having faith through this pregnancy? I am teaching them to endure to the end? Am I teaching them to trust in the Lord? "Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in small and simple things." Although this pregnancy doesn't feel small or simple to me am I still obeying the commandments and teachings of our Savior and Prophets? This time of being on bedrest has given me a chance to think about a lot of these things. How am I teaching my children? Am I living righteously enough to set a good example? (by this I'm not meaning am I perfect) Do I show them I love them enough? Do I tell them every day that I love them and praise them for the good things they do and discipline with love where needed? Elder Pearson goes on to say "Personal righteousness is a choice." I love that. It's our choice whether or not we choose light or darkness! Now on to the part that stuck me as part of "The Secret"
Elder Pearson quotes a scripture from March 9:22-24. "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." "Faith and fear cannot coexist. One gives way to the other." and one more.... "Consider it this way: our net usable faith is what we have left to exercise after we subtract our sources of doubt and disbelief. .... Is my own net faith positive or negative? If your faith exceeds your doubt and disbelief, the answer is likely positive. If you allow doubt and disbelief to control you, the answer might be negative. We do have the choice. We get what we focus on consistently. Because there is an opposition in all things, there are forces that errode our faith." All of these quotes from his talk combined just go to show that when we have faith and when we believe that positive things will come. Some take more time than others but that is where faith comes in. And here these last few weeks I thought it was patience Heavenly Father was trying to teach me when really it is to have unwaivering faith. Elder Pearson meantioned 6 destructive D's doubt, discouragement, distraction, lack of diligence, disobedience and disbelief. Then at the very end of his talk he states a promise from the Savior : "if ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." What a cool talk.
I was reading Elder Kevin W. Pearson's talk Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And it reminded me of the book "The Secret" only from a Gospel perspective. Those who have read this book and then read his talk will understand. First off we are commanded that we (as parents) must teach our children to understand the doctorine... of faith in Christ. I had to stop and think am I teaching my children about having faith through this pregnancy? I am teaching them to endure to the end? Am I teaching them to trust in the Lord? "Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in small and simple things." Although this pregnancy doesn't feel small or simple to me am I still obeying the commandments and teachings of our Savior and Prophets? This time of being on bedrest has given me a chance to think about a lot of these things. How am I teaching my children? Am I living righteously enough to set a good example? (by this I'm not meaning am I perfect) Do I show them I love them enough? Do I tell them every day that I love them and praise them for the good things they do and discipline with love where needed? Elder Pearson goes on to say "Personal righteousness is a choice." I love that. It's our choice whether or not we choose light or darkness! Now on to the part that stuck me as part of "The Secret"
Elder Pearson quotes a scripture from March 9:22-24. "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." "Faith and fear cannot coexist. One gives way to the other." and one more.... "Consider it this way: our net usable faith is what we have left to exercise after we subtract our sources of doubt and disbelief. .... Is my own net faith positive or negative? If your faith exceeds your doubt and disbelief, the answer is likely positive. If you allow doubt and disbelief to control you, the answer might be negative. We do have the choice. We get what we focus on consistently. Because there is an opposition in all things, there are forces that errode our faith." All of these quotes from his talk combined just go to show that when we have faith and when we believe that positive things will come. Some take more time than others but that is where faith comes in. And here these last few weeks I thought it was patience Heavenly Father was trying to teach me when really it is to have unwaivering faith. Elder Pearson meantioned 6 destructive D's doubt, discouragement, distraction, lack of diligence, disobedience and disbelief. Then at the very end of his talk he states a promise from the Savior : "if ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." What a cool talk.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Inspiration
As most of you have heard by now I am "officially" on bedrest and have been for almost 2 weeks. Bedrest is not my favorite and actually drives me insane; and how do you honestly do bedrest with 3 small children? For the most part my kids have been AMAZING. If you read our family blog you'll know that yep, I have "cheated" while being on bedrest too. We have gone for a few elevation drives (some including dirt roads) which is supposed to help the baby come and I have gone walking and even took blue cohosh root (in liquid form; yuck) to help her along. But I am still pregnant, I guess she is now just too comfy to want to come.
With being on bedrest (and totally bored out of my mind) I have read a few books, finished a few projects and yes even finally found the time to read from cover to cover my May 2009 Ensign. The Conference Report :)!! I love conference and I love reading and re-reading the talks. They are so inspired and hold so much truth and guidance. I have not yet made it to the back cover, but thought I would share a few of my "Ah Ha" moments and quotes while reading. The first big one came this morning, since I have been wide awake since about 6:15am. Elder Cook's Saturday Morning talk at the very end he says "Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious." Of course his talk is not talking about me an being in labor and having contractions since week 20 of pregnancy that have been on going and wearing on my nerves.... but I applied it to that anyway. On Wednesday morning I woke up just sobbing and all upset that I haven't had this baby yet. I cried for a long time. And this little quote made me think that this baby needs to be here on earth and in our family and she will come, but for some reason I get the privledge of having a crazy (tribulation) pregnancy. I'm not sure if it makes me love my kiddo's more than I would if I'd have a breeze of a pregnancy or if it's just that when she really does finally make it here... the destination is truly glorious. In most of the talks I have read so far they mention faith and endurance. Elder Eyring talked about Adversity... this pregnancy has been adversity for me but you know I have been dealing with it and I know "things will work out" but I need patience I guess. But all in all I know this too shall pass and soon I'll have a beautiful baby girl to finalize our family and what a blessing she'll be to us. I am getting super excited to meet her, see her, hold her and smell her sweet baby smell a heavenly scent. And hopefully it will be sooner than later :)!!!
With being on bedrest (and totally bored out of my mind) I have read a few books, finished a few projects and yes even finally found the time to read from cover to cover my May 2009 Ensign. The Conference Report :)!! I love conference and I love reading and re-reading the talks. They are so inspired and hold so much truth and guidance. I have not yet made it to the back cover, but thought I would share a few of my "Ah Ha" moments and quotes while reading. The first big one came this morning, since I have been wide awake since about 6:15am. Elder Cook's Saturday Morning talk at the very end he says "Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious." Of course his talk is not talking about me an being in labor and having contractions since week 20 of pregnancy that have been on going and wearing on my nerves.... but I applied it to that anyway. On Wednesday morning I woke up just sobbing and all upset that I haven't had this baby yet. I cried for a long time. And this little quote made me think that this baby needs to be here on earth and in our family and she will come, but for some reason I get the privledge of having a crazy (tribulation) pregnancy. I'm not sure if it makes me love my kiddo's more than I would if I'd have a breeze of a pregnancy or if it's just that when she really does finally make it here... the destination is truly glorious. In most of the talks I have read so far they mention faith and endurance. Elder Eyring talked about Adversity... this pregnancy has been adversity for me but you know I have been dealing with it and I know "things will work out" but I need patience I guess. But all in all I know this too shall pass and soon I'll have a beautiful baby girl to finalize our family and what a blessing she'll be to us. I am getting super excited to meet her, see her, hold her and smell her sweet baby smell a heavenly scent. And hopefully it will be sooner than later :)!!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
It's Summer Time
The sun is finally out and shinning with no rain clouds in sight. I love, love, LOVE summer!! Sarah and I have not been able to sing together since I sound "off" when I'm pregnant. I hope this baby comes soon so we can get some good summer practices in. My fingers are so swollen and huge that I can't play the piano either. Oh well, there is a season for everything right? My season right now is to be miserably pregnant :). I have always loved being pregnant but I think this is Heavenly Father's way of letting us know that this sweet baby is my last and since she was a surprise (I'd already decided not to have anymore because of how hard it is on my body and how many miscarriages I've had) I think I'm being told it's okay to have this sweet baby girl but let's not tempt fate any more. I am 32 weeks and 2 days today and I'm hoping I don't have to go much further. I have tried about everything I know to get this baby here. After 12 weeks of constant contractions and swelling my nerves are a little shot. I'm grateful for my AMAZING husband and my SWEET kids who are enduring well with me and hopefully soon little Ashleigh Kae with be here with us.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sshh!! It's a secret!
About 18 months ago I had a client in my chair who was telling me about a book that was featured on Oprah. The book's title is "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. She had amazing stories about what "The Secret" had done for people's lives. My client then continued to tell me how "The Secret" had impacted her life and her sister's lives and all their family members lives. She said it is hard to explain but you just need to read the book. So being a little skeptical but having a nagging feeling that I should read it I asked my Dad about the book. My Dad is an avid reader and reads a lot of books. Ironically he had just barely bought the book that day and had started reading it. So I went out and bought it too. Since then I have read the book several times and even have little quotes from the book as reminders laying around my house in certain spots that only I will see them everyday and a few that everyone can see.
I am pregnant with baby #5 (this will make 4 living and 1 deceased) and my body is having a hard time. So lately I have forgotten to use the secret, BUT, I have seen the power of "The Secret" work in my life amazingly since the day I started reading the book. We bought our first home, we've bought Jess a Jeep (again) and it was everything he wanted (except it wasn't the 4 door; that's coming later), we were able to get pregnant and stay pregnant with this last baby and it's a girl, Jess got an amazing and very rare bonus check right at Christmas time from work, we have put our backyard in and have it the way we want it, all the walls in our house are painted the colors we want; just to name a few. There are many things little and big that happen on a daily basis that we know come from using "The Secret". If you haven't read it I highly recommend it and another book called "The Key To Living The Law Of Attraction" by Jack Canfield.
So I am getting back into the "frame of mind" that I need to be in to make my life the way I want it to be. I want it to be happy and peaceful. I think that being positive and setting goals and having dreams is important in life. This morning as I was flipping through the book I came across a section that really made me stop and think. It said" If you are complaining, the law of attraction will powerfully bring into your life more situations for you to complain about. If you are listening to someone else complain and focusing on that, sympathizing with them, agreeing with them; in that moment you are attracting more complaining situations to yourself." I thought 'how often do we complain?' Seriously on a daily basis how often do we complain about anything and everything? I know the world we live in is a very negative world and focuses on complaining but I have decided that I don't want that in my life. I want to be Happy NOW and always. We have to find ways to be happy and feel good Now no matter what our current situation. (Trust me... I've been contracting for 11 weeks now... I know how hard somedays it can be to not be cranky and just be happy). Once we feel good even though we may not having everything we want it will come. In the book it says "Make a decision that you are going to do everything you can to be as happy as you can in every moment. You will be amazed at how the Universe will flood so many things into your life that will continue to make you happy..." Some of you may be wondering about negative thoughts and feelings one more quote from the book I read this morning is "You do not have to erase negative thoughts you have had. All you have to do is feel good and think good thoughts NOW, and you will shift yourself to a completely different frequency where no negativity exists. No matter what you have thought in the past, whether 10 years ago or 1 minute ago, Now is where all your power is. Right now you can use your power to shift yourself. When you know this, you can move through your life without fear or regrets, because you can always think good thoughts NOW!"
So with that... I am going to do as Peter Pan and Tinker Bell say: Think Happy Thoughts!! I think Walt Disney must have known the secret inside and out :). I want to be Happy and have a happy life so today I am wiping the slate clean and starting fresh with happy, positive thoughts and feelings. And I think I'll keep a running post of the amazing things that happen in my life so my children will know to be happy and positive know that all good things will be waiting for them too and that they can do it too. I may not change the world, but my world will change for me and my sweet little family.
I am pregnant with baby #5 (this will make 4 living and 1 deceased) and my body is having a hard time. So lately I have forgotten to use the secret, BUT, I have seen the power of "The Secret" work in my life amazingly since the day I started reading the book. We bought our first home, we've bought Jess a Jeep (again) and it was everything he wanted (except it wasn't the 4 door; that's coming later), we were able to get pregnant and stay pregnant with this last baby and it's a girl, Jess got an amazing and very rare bonus check right at Christmas time from work, we have put our backyard in and have it the way we want it, all the walls in our house are painted the colors we want; just to name a few. There are many things little and big that happen on a daily basis that we know come from using "The Secret". If you haven't read it I highly recommend it and another book called "The Key To Living The Law Of Attraction" by Jack Canfield.
So I am getting back into the "frame of mind" that I need to be in to make my life the way I want it to be. I want it to be happy and peaceful. I think that being positive and setting goals and having dreams is important in life. This morning as I was flipping through the book I came across a section that really made me stop and think. It said" If you are complaining, the law of attraction will powerfully bring into your life more situations for you to complain about. If you are listening to someone else complain and focusing on that, sympathizing with them, agreeing with them; in that moment you are attracting more complaining situations to yourself." I thought 'how often do we complain?' Seriously on a daily basis how often do we complain about anything and everything? I know the world we live in is a very negative world and focuses on complaining but I have decided that I don't want that in my life. I want to be Happy NOW and always. We have to find ways to be happy and feel good Now no matter what our current situation. (Trust me... I've been contracting for 11 weeks now... I know how hard somedays it can be to not be cranky and just be happy). Once we feel good even though we may not having everything we want it will come. In the book it says "Make a decision that you are going to do everything you can to be as happy as you can in every moment. You will be amazed at how the Universe will flood so many things into your life that will continue to make you happy..." Some of you may be wondering about negative thoughts and feelings one more quote from the book I read this morning is "You do not have to erase negative thoughts you have had. All you have to do is feel good and think good thoughts NOW, and you will shift yourself to a completely different frequency where no negativity exists. No matter what you have thought in the past, whether 10 years ago or 1 minute ago, Now is where all your power is. Right now you can use your power to shift yourself. When you know this, you can move through your life without fear or regrets, because you can always think good thoughts NOW!"
So with that... I am going to do as Peter Pan and Tinker Bell say: Think Happy Thoughts!! I think Walt Disney must have known the secret inside and out :). I want to be Happy and have a happy life so today I am wiping the slate clean and starting fresh with happy, positive thoughts and feelings. And I think I'll keep a running post of the amazing things that happen in my life so my children will know to be happy and positive know that all good things will be waiting for them too and that they can do it too. I may not change the world, but my world will change for me and my sweet little family.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Put A Smile On Your Face
And make the world a (happy) better place!! Today I have had a pretty rotten day. It's a Monday and there really isn't anything too specific other than I am still contracting, swelling, getting headaches and my body just plain hurts. I decided since I had the awesome opportunity to go to work that I was going to put a smile on my face and make it all better.
Results are: I am still contracting, swelling and having nasty headaches and my body still just plain hurts... but while I was smiling and pretending that none of that was going on, I could actually bare it a little easier. When I got home from work I was greeted by happy, smiling, laughing children and a husband. They were so happy to see me :) and I was sooooo happy to see all of them. I realized that even though I am experiencing a pregnancy with tons of problems and that is hurting my body (literally) that I can still be happy and still let my sweet, beautiful family know how much I love them. I am not worried about this baby. I pray for her and I know she is meant to be part of our family. I love her so much already and I know that if she is born early that she is going to be just fine. So Put a smile on your face :) and see how it changes your day... even if you have just run into the garage with you car, ran over your husbands tools in the driveway or turned his G's pink in the wash, laugh and smile about it and see how much better the day can be. I have learned this goes far with our children too. When we laugh at them about the "small stuff" they seem to be much more apt to listen to why we don't do that and they get the whole sentence "let's not do that again!" :)
--J
Results are: I am still contracting, swelling and having nasty headaches and my body still just plain hurts... but while I was smiling and pretending that none of that was going on, I could actually bare it a little easier. When I got home from work I was greeted by happy, smiling, laughing children and a husband. They were so happy to see me :) and I was sooooo happy to see all of them. I realized that even though I am experiencing a pregnancy with tons of problems and that is hurting my body (literally) that I can still be happy and still let my sweet, beautiful family know how much I love them. I am not worried about this baby. I pray for her and I know she is meant to be part of our family. I love her so much already and I know that if she is born early that she is going to be just fine. So Put a smile on your face :) and see how it changes your day... even if you have just run into the garage with you car, ran over your husbands tools in the driveway or turned his G's pink in the wash, laugh and smile about it and see how much better the day can be. I have learned this goes far with our children too. When we laugh at them about the "small stuff" they seem to be much more apt to listen to why we don't do that and they get the whole sentence "let's not do that again!" :)
--J
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Let Freedom Ring...
I am sitting in my bedroom with the smell of homemade bread sifting through the entire house and listening to my new neighbors (very annoying and very loud) air conditioner running non stop. I have been reflecting on our freedoms we enjoy. My freedom to complain about such an annoying a/c unit (which for my neighbors sake I'm not sure they are aware of how loud it really is just yet... since it's day time and I am sure they aren't in their bedroom yet and it's probably louder in their room than in mine), my freedom to bake bread when ever I want, my freedom to love my husband and children and family, my freedom of religion, of speech, of my rite to bare arms, to plant what ever flowers I want in my yard, to own what ever car I want (our new Beep Beep included), to have as many or as few children as my sweet husband and I so desire, what color of clothing I wish to wear, the freedom to paint my walls what ever color I want...and the list goes on.
What humbles me most about our freedom is this: That Freedom isn't Free. Never was; never has been. I am deeply grateful for those who sacrifice so much and give their all for my freedom. My husband is one of them, My father and grandfathers a few more, my brothers even a few more. I really am surrounded by amazing men who give up so much to protect what is most valuable to us FREEDOM. Because without it we wouldn't have anything else. Jess and I have many other friends and family (male and female) who currently serve or who have served and my hat is off to you.
I just found out that one of my brothers will be going back to the Middle East in the Fall. His wife has a baby due in the summer and my heart aches because I know, from experience, how hard it is to let them go. I know how hard it will be for him to go and leave behind a brand new baby. He'll miss out on seeing this sweet spirit grow and develop. I know the fears of a military wife who is left behind. But I also know that Heavenly Father will be watching over my sweet brother and that we ultimately have to leave things in the Lord's hands, have faith and trust and know that everything will work out the way it is supposed too. So May God Bless and keep him (and all our soldiers) safe and bring him home again and may we never forget the price of FREEDOM.
What humbles me most about our freedom is this: That Freedom isn't Free. Never was; never has been. I am deeply grateful for those who sacrifice so much and give their all for my freedom. My husband is one of them, My father and grandfathers a few more, my brothers even a few more. I really am surrounded by amazing men who give up so much to protect what is most valuable to us FREEDOM. Because without it we wouldn't have anything else. Jess and I have many other friends and family (male and female) who currently serve or who have served and my hat is off to you.
I just found out that one of my brothers will be going back to the Middle East in the Fall. His wife has a baby due in the summer and my heart aches because I know, from experience, how hard it is to let them go. I know how hard it will be for him to go and leave behind a brand new baby. He'll miss out on seeing this sweet spirit grow and develop. I know the fears of a military wife who is left behind. But I also know that Heavenly Father will be watching over my sweet brother and that we ultimately have to leave things in the Lord's hands, have faith and trust and know that everything will work out the way it is supposed too. So May God Bless and keep him (and all our soldiers) safe and bring him home again and may we never forget the price of FREEDOM.
Friday, April 10, 2009
A Little Something....
I found a quote today...acutally I think it was the title of a talk given by a General Authority but I decided that I like the title just a little quote that I will probably cut out of vinyl and definitely stick on my bathroom mirror or even somewhere that my children will see it daily. And the quote...drum roll please...
"Don't Let The Voice of Critics Paralyze You!"
For all who have a dream, know where you are going and what you want to do... don't listen to the critics. Take Jess for example; for 4 years his army unit (with the exception of one awesome company commander Capt. Hamilton) told him he couldn't go to school, wouldn't go to school and would be only good for enlisted army service. They laughed at his dreams of flying helicopters or being a dentist. Look where he is now. He has almost all of his schooling done for flying helicopters and is about half way through with a Global Aviation Degree (which by the way, you don't have to have in order to get an amazing job flying). Way to go Babe and show the world you can do what ever you have your heart set on. And don't forget...
"Don't Let The Voice of Critics Paralyze You!"
"Don't Let The Voice of Critics Paralyze You!"
For all who have a dream, know where you are going and what you want to do... don't listen to the critics. Take Jess for example; for 4 years his army unit (with the exception of one awesome company commander Capt. Hamilton) told him he couldn't go to school, wouldn't go to school and would be only good for enlisted army service. They laughed at his dreams of flying helicopters or being a dentist. Look where he is now. He has almost all of his schooling done for flying helicopters and is about half way through with a Global Aviation Degree (which by the way, you don't have to have in order to get an amazing job flying). Way to go Babe and show the world you can do what ever you have your heart set on. And don't forget...
"Don't Let The Voice of Critics Paralyze You!"
Furniture
I finally was able to take pictures of our new furniture that is about a month old now. We love it. It's microfiber and amazingly comfortable. Now we have an all matching living room. Jess hung the mirror and now we just have to decide on a few pictures and frames and then I think the front room will be done. With the exception of one wall that needs to be painted :).
This is a close up of the couch and the mirror. I love it. The kids love the furniture too. We just have to remind them to keep their shoes off it. Easton thinks it's his job to distress the center table with his matchbox cars and gets really upset when we tell him that's not for his cars. He'll get over it!!Tuesday, March 24, 2009
All About High School
Gininnia tagged me a while ago and I'm finally getting around to it so here goes... trust me it's not that impressive.All About High School Tag
1. DID YOU DATE SOMEONE FROM YOUR SCHOOL? Went on a few dates with guys from my school and a different school, but nothing serious :)
2.WHAT KIND OF CAR DID YOU DRIVE? My parents cars, nothing too cool :)
3. DID YOU PASS YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE TEST YOUR FIRST TRY? Yep!!
4. WERE YOU A PARTY ANIMAL? Nope!!
5. WERE YOU CONSIDERED A FLIRT? Nope...too shy!!
6. WERE YOU IN BAND, ORCHESTRA, OR CHOIR? Not in High School.
7. WERE YOU A NERD? No but I got good grades, I was just shy.
8. WERE YOU ON ANY VARSITY TEAMS? No
9. DID YOU EVER GET SUSPENDED/EXPELLED? No
10. CAN YOU STILL SING THE FIGHT SONG? No it's been too long.
11. WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS? Ms. Rose and Mr. Winder
12. WHERE DID YOU SIT FOR LUNCH? In the hall or off campus
13. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S FULL NAME? Woodscross High School
14. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S MASCOT AND COLORS? Wild Cat, blue, white and red
15. DID YOU GO TO HOMECOMING AND WITH WHOM? Yes. Can't remember the first guy but Jess took me to Homecoming too.
16. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN WOULD YOU? I think H.S. is over rated :)
17. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT GRADUATION? I was so excited and I didn't have to go back the next year :)!!
18. WHERE DID YOU GO SENIOR SKIP DAY? Shopping with friends.
19. WERE YOU IN ANY CLUBS? Pep club and FBLA
20. HAVE YOU GAINED SOME WEIGHT SINCE THEN? Well I've had 4 kids so yes I think so.
21. WHO WAS YOUR PROM DATE? Jess Haag
22. ARE YOU PLANNING ON GOING TO YOUR 10 YEAR REUNION? Nope
23. DID YOU HAVE A JOB IN HIGH SCHOOL?Yes. I worked at Classic Skating and that's where I met my awesome husband (and for all those wondering no Rob had nothing to do with getting Jess and I together or even married, although he claims too.)
Now I tag Renna, Rachel, Megan, Kim, Jen and anyone else who wants to join in the fun. Post and let me know so I can go read yours :)!!
--J
1. DID YOU DATE SOMEONE FROM YOUR SCHOOL? Went on a few dates with guys from my school and a different school, but nothing serious :)
2.WHAT KIND OF CAR DID YOU DRIVE? My parents cars, nothing too cool :)
3. DID YOU PASS YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE TEST YOUR FIRST TRY? Yep!!
4. WERE YOU A PARTY ANIMAL? Nope!!
5. WERE YOU CONSIDERED A FLIRT? Nope...too shy!!
6. WERE YOU IN BAND, ORCHESTRA, OR CHOIR? Not in High School.
7. WERE YOU A NERD? No but I got good grades, I was just shy.
8. WERE YOU ON ANY VARSITY TEAMS? No
9. DID YOU EVER GET SUSPENDED/EXPELLED? No
10. CAN YOU STILL SING THE FIGHT SONG? No it's been too long.
11. WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS? Ms. Rose and Mr. Winder
12. WHERE DID YOU SIT FOR LUNCH? In the hall or off campus
13. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S FULL NAME? Woodscross High School
14. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S MASCOT AND COLORS? Wild Cat, blue, white and red
15. DID YOU GO TO HOMECOMING AND WITH WHOM? Yes. Can't remember the first guy but Jess took me to Homecoming too.
16. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN WOULD YOU? I think H.S. is over rated :)
17. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT GRADUATION? I was so excited and I didn't have to go back the next year :)!!
18. WHERE DID YOU GO SENIOR SKIP DAY? Shopping with friends.
19. WERE YOU IN ANY CLUBS? Pep club and FBLA
20. HAVE YOU GAINED SOME WEIGHT SINCE THEN? Well I've had 4 kids so yes I think so.
21. WHO WAS YOUR PROM DATE? Jess Haag
22. ARE YOU PLANNING ON GOING TO YOUR 10 YEAR REUNION? Nope
23. DID YOU HAVE A JOB IN HIGH SCHOOL?Yes. I worked at Classic Skating and that's where I met my awesome husband (and for all those wondering no Rob had nothing to do with getting Jess and I together or even married, although he claims too.)
Now I tag Renna, Rachel, Megan, Kim, Jen and anyone else who wants to join in the fun. Post and let me know so I can go read yours :)!!
--J
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
R&R
Just what the Doctor ordered. I was getting a little too stressed out and I needed a "breather" so Jess and I left the kids with Grammie and Bubba Gramps and got away for a few days. We went to Port Angeles/ Sequim, Washington. We saw a lot of things and did a lot of sight seeing from the car. We did some walking but kept it mild since I'm a fragile (high risk) pregnant woman :)!! We went to Bainbridge Island, Forks, La Push (where the beaches are), Victoria B.C., Port Townsend and Seattle.
While we were away my swelling went down but now that we are back it's rip roaring again. I did get a lot of rest, but after being home for two days I'm almost as tired as when we left. The thing I am learning to do is be a little more "lazy"! I am always on the go and always have a project going or something that needs to be done. I'm also a perfectionist so things have to be done right. A clean house to everyone else is not the same to me. I'm learning that it's okay to have dusty shelves, toys on the floor, books out of place, laundry in baskets and beds not perfectly smoothed. I have always loved "meditation" and have learned that instead of once a day I get to do this two or three or four times a day. Naps are essential and as long as the kids sit quietly on the recliner in our room and read books or watch a little show while I take a 30 minute snoozer, it's okay. Once our sweet Ashleigh is born I think I'll go back to having the tons of energy I've always had but I think I will still keep mommy nap time and maybe leave books out of place :).
--J
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Allergies...
...or so I thought! At the beginning of this last week we had some awesome wind which kicked up a bunch of junk in the air. By Tuesday night I was suffering from allergies but because I am pregnant and very high risk I can't take my allergy meds :( !! That's okay. I thought it would go away and my Doctor told me I could take a decongestant to help. Friday evening I called my doctor since I couldn't breathe through my nose and asked if I couldn't take something else, yep I could take a stronger OTC degcongestant. Saturday I went to work and nothing was helping by the time I got home I was really suffering. So I layed down, felt a little better and then we went to dinner. I couldn't eat a thing. I drank some water and Strawberry Lemonade and was just miserable. So I broke down and went to Instacare...which I hate going there, so you know I desperate. It was the shortest visit I have ever had there. Ofcourse there wasn't anyone in the waiting room but we could hear a kid screaming in the back. We checked in and sat down for just a few minutes, then we were called back. The nurse took all of my vitals, asked a few questions one of which is "Are you allergic to any medications?" Yep sure am...Pennicillin. "What's your reaction?" Closes off my air way instantly and should only be used in life or death situations. She says "oh it's already on your chart." Great. The doc came in just a minute later asks all the Q's about my symptoms and when they started. Looks in my ear..."Oh that ear drum is bulging" as I am pulling away from him cause my ear feels like it's going to explode. (it really hurt) Then he's tapping all over my forehead and along my cheek bones, which was killing me again. He says you have sinusitius. Great I knew it and...... So then he gives me a perscription for a maximum strength decongestant and says take this for 10 days if you don't get better here's a perscription for an antibiotic then take that. Um, okay. I'm 17 weeks pregnant and I'm very high risk so I'm thinking I'll give my own Doctor a call when I get to the car. We were seriously in there only 15 or 20 mintues. So crazy.
I call my Mom and tell her what the doctor said and she asked what perscriptions he gave me. By this point we are on our way to the only open pharmacy at 8:30 pm on a Saturday. I read her the first one and then I look at the antibiotic. Ammoxicillin. Um... ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I'm sure it was just an oversight... but one that would cost me and my unborn baby our lives. So now I'm overly concerned and call my Doctor (who happens to be AMAZING) and he's working on call at the hospital. I leave a message and he calls me right back. He said the decongestant is just fine to take and then calls in a different antibiotic but he told me I need to start taking it right away, especially if my ear drum is bulging. Then he asked where I went and what doctor I saw and he took care of that :)!!
I call my Mom and tell her what the doctor said and she asked what perscriptions he gave me. By this point we are on our way to the only open pharmacy at 8:30 pm on a Saturday. I read her the first one and then I look at the antibiotic. Ammoxicillin. Um... ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I'm sure it was just an oversight... but one that would cost me and my unborn baby our lives. So now I'm overly concerned and call my Doctor (who happens to be AMAZING) and he's working on call at the hospital. I leave a message and he calls me right back. He said the decongestant is just fine to take and then calls in a different antibiotic but he told me I need to start taking it right away, especially if my ear drum is bulging. Then he asked where I went and what doctor I saw and he took care of that :)!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Storm
Ok, time for a break from my homework. Lately I have been a wreck. I just haven't been myself and it was hard to face each and every day. My friend Staci introduced me to a song that I absolutely love. It is Storm by Lifehouse. Here are the lyrics:
How long have I been in this storm?
So overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form
Water's getting harder to tread
With these waves crashing over my head
If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
I know everything will be alright
I know everything is alright
I know you didn't bring me out here to drown
So why am I ten feet under and upside down
Barely surviving has become my purpose
Cause I'm so used to living underneath the surface
If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If i'd see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
And everything will be alright
And I will walk on water
You will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
I know everything will be alright
I know everthing is alright
Everything is alright
Everything is alright
So overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form
Water's getting harder to tread
With these waves crashing over my head
If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
I know everything will be alright
I know everything is alright
I know you didn't bring me out here to drown
So why am I ten feet under and upside down
Barely surviving has become my purpose
Cause I'm so used to living underneath the surface
If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If i'd see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
And everything will be alright
And I will walk on water
You will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
I know everything will be alright
I know everthing is alright
Everything is alright
Everything is alright
I seriously cried the first time I heard it. I look at it as if God is the one who will catch me when I fall. I love this song so much. It is as if it was written from my life. The first verse of the song is sang acapella and the rest of the music is so wonderful. It is just simply amazing.
I cannot wait for Joleen to have her baby. First because I'll have another neice, and second, we can sing again!! I'm not in choir this year, so I really miss singing everyday. I have written a bunch of new lyrics, and can't wait for Joleen to help me with the harmony. Well so long for now!!
~Sarah
p.s. If you can, listen to Storm. It is just so amazing!! :(|)
What a Week
Wow. It has really been forever since I've gotten on. There has been so much going on in my life lately that I just haven't found the time. Second semester started, and then about a week later while walking to church, I slipped down some concrete stairs and hurt my head, neck, and back. (The fact that I already have a broken back and kyphosis, didn't help any) But, I'm doing better and everything is okay. Last week was torture for me. I had three major tests for my CE (college) classes. I passed the first two, one with 90%!! and am still waiting to hear on my chemistry test. It was so stressful studying for them and I am so entirely grateful to Staci and Cherie for helping me, and especially Jacob, who came over to my house unannounced the night before the test to help me study. He left his mutual early and even sacrificed his homework for me. I will be forever in debt to him. I have a big project in my CE Interior Design class to do, so I will get going for now, but I will be back later. Sorry for not posting in the longest, longest time!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Furniture
Jess and I just bought new living room furniture. I love it. It's nice and comfy to sit on and looks good in our front room. The kids love it too. Now we just have to finish painting the last wall and the living room will be pretty close to done. Jess is going to hang pictures too. I love how it is all coming together. I promise I'll post some pictures as soon as I can get some that the kids aren't in :)!!! We also bought a new mattress for one of the kids bed and it is a little on the tall side so we are having to make a few adjustments there and then that childs room will be close to being finished too :)!! I love having a house. It's so much fun to paint and decorate.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Vacation
I am so excited about going on vacation. It has been 2 years since I have had a real vacation so I am jumping on the chance to celebrate my anniversary on vacation and without the kids. Jess found the most beautiful and romantic bed and breakfast on the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Check it out at Colettes dot com. The place has absolutely beautiful gardens (which probably won't be in full bloom while we are there but hey it's still beautiful) and we are right on the ocean. Our room has a huge window that looks out onto the ocean too. I'm super excited. For those who don't know I am DEATHLY afraid of water, having almost drowned twice (acutally three times so far in my life). By the way we are not going to San Antonio, we are going to Washington State. We fly into Seattle and then drive to Port Angela's. The problem isn't staying at the B&B it's that we have to cross two bridges to get there. I'm already hyperventilating and I have two weeks until we leave. The first bridge I'm sure will be easier than the second bridge (which is a floating bridge and Jess made the mistake of showing it to me.) the bridge basically sits right at the water level :( and when it's windy the water can blow over the bridge, am I nervous about this? Sure Am. Plus it's not just once I have to cross it, it's twice AAAHHHHHH!!! But what I am concentrating on is all the beautiful sites we will see and how much fun we will have. We are planning on taking TONZ of pics and we are eating our Anniversary dinner at "Bella Italia's" !! For all you non-Twilight fans that's the resturaunte Bella and Edward eat at in the first book. There are a bunch of wildlife refuges and marine life centers that I think we will visit and a few light houses we may make a trip down to Forks (if I am feeling up to it) and we'll probably spend most of our time on the beaches, I love the calming sounds of the ocean (as long as I am not over top of it) I am a land lover!! There is a reserve called Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island that we may go to, if I can get up the nerve to cross another bridge or go on the ferry. Like I have said before, Jess really knows how to plan a vacation and finds the best B&B's and hotels to stay at. I have never (in 8 years) been disappointed. I couldn't figure out how to post pics from the B&B but I'll be able to once we get home. You'll have to stay tuned!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
JEEPERS...
Jess and I love Jeep Wranglers. They are so much fun and a great second car to have. In the summer we sold our Jeep because there were only two seats in the back and we have 3 kids (going on 4). Lucky for us the new Jeep Wranglers come with 4 doors and 3 seat belts in the back and a "trunk" space. This means that we'll have enough space to put in a jump seat and still have room for all the camping gear and what not. Jess and I are very picky about features and colors and tires. Since it will be a "second" car and we DO plan on having it longer than a year or two we are taking our time and waiting for the one WE really want. We don't want some junker of a Jeep that was owned by some teenager (or dumb guy who thought he was all that) who trashed it either. So, in the near future the newest member of our family will be a new Jeep Wrangler. Our baby girl may beat it here since we are very paticular, but really unless she comes early we should have our new "BEEP BEEP" soon after our vacation. Am I spoiled, yeah! What can I say, but Jess is spoiled too. Ask him about his Saturday "honey do" lists and he'll tell you 9 times out of 10 they consist of taking a nap, 4 wheelin' with the kids and playing at the park. Such a hard list. But I have to say he is very on top of most things that need to be done around the house. Only that one time out of 10 do I need to have him do something more than just have fun with the kiddo's!! That's another reason we are so excited to buy another Jeep. We really miss 4 wheelin' in one. It's like our family pet :)!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Bored!!
Yesterday I wasn't feeling super well so I decided, as I was laying down with my feet up, that I would do some research. I wanted to take my mind off of things so I focused on something that makes me happy. My gardens. I went on line and researched out the best times to plant my flowers, veggies, and berries. I learned a lot about strawberries so we'll see if this year I can make them grow. And I learned that I need to go on the hunt for Peach trees if I want them planted this year... because you are supposed to plant your peach and nectarine trees between the begining of December and the end of February. That was something I would have never guessed. I was done with my research sooner than expected so I decided to start reading "Midnight Sun". For those who are not Twilight fans this is the book that Stephenie Meyer was writing from Edwards point of view. She gave a rough draft copy to a friend who posted it on the internet so it's just a rough draft and it's not all the way finished. I was hoping that she would finish writing and publish anyway but I don't think she is going to do that now. So I broke down and went on her site and started reading. And that was my day yesterday :)!!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
LOVE
Happy February!! Just thought I would post a little note. We have made it through the worst month of winter...January. February is the shortest month and it starts to warm up from here on out. (Although it starts out a little slow) Also the days are getting longer and hopefully no more below freezing temperatures. Probably a few more snow storms but the snow shouldn't last too long. January is such a depressing month, I'm glad it's gone :)!!
I love Valentines Day!! I love it for the fact that it's my day (and month) to show my kids and husband how much they mean to me and how much I love them (which I try to do every month of the year) but this month it gets done in pinks, reds, purples and white. I love it. I leave heart shaped notes on beds and in lunches, under pillows and on dinner plates and even rolled up in their napkins. This year I'm worried I won't be able to do as much because of my pregnancy but I'm still going to try. I love holidays and making my kids faces light up even with the smallest gestures and the littlest pieces of paper covered in I Heart U's!! I might even go to my hubby's work and let some hearts explode in his work truck. Wouldn't that be fabulous :)!! I may need some help with that one. But hey... it's all in the name of LOVE!!!
I love Valentines Day!! I love it for the fact that it's my day (and month) to show my kids and husband how much they mean to me and how much I love them (which I try to do every month of the year) but this month it gets done in pinks, reds, purples and white. I love it. I leave heart shaped notes on beds and in lunches, under pillows and on dinner plates and even rolled up in their napkins. This year I'm worried I won't be able to do as much because of my pregnancy but I'm still going to try. I love holidays and making my kids faces light up even with the smallest gestures and the littlest pieces of paper covered in I Heart U's!! I might even go to my hubby's work and let some hearts explode in his work truck. Wouldn't that be fabulous :)!! I may need some help with that one. But hey... it's all in the name of LOVE!!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Twilight
Yes I am reading Twilight again. It sure is taking me a long time though, since I've been at it for about 2 months now and I'm not even half way through. I've just been super busy lately. The last two weeks Jess has been out of town. The kids all wanted to sleep in my bed and were sad daddy was gone... not to meantion our drama the first night he was gone. So they asked me to read to them. Well I was reading my Twilight book and decided why not. I read them a chapter of Twilight and Emma is hooked. She is an Edward fan but thinks Bella's name should be changed to Emma. Oh the lovely mind of my four year old :), isn't she sweet. Even Jackson likes the books, of course he doesn't like the mushy stuff, go figure, he's a boy :)!! And Easton he could care less, he goes to bed pretty easily still even when daddy is gone. We just have to worry about him getting up at 3 am and wondering around the house :)!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Blessed!
I love reading blogs and reading people's experiences and how human we all are. Today I feel especially blessed. One blog I follow had a makeover contest. People were nominated and then 6 fnalists were chosen. I read the stories of these 6 ladies and I have to say most of them made me grateful for my own trials. One sweet woman has a boy who was born without a brain but is still alive (he's 3 or 4 years old) and she has other children too. Can I say I think she took the cake cause I don't know how people do it. Easton was in the hospital a month and I thought I had it bad. Another lady has had 2 children. The first died when he was 5 weeks old and the other when she was 7 weeks old. That tore my heart out and stomped on it. I've lost one baby but two and in a row and to not be able to have anymore.... I can't even image what she must go through everyday. Another was a woman who has a small child and tried very hard to make her marriage last but her husband (for lack of other words) is pretty much a jerk and is very abusive towards her. And one more I'll tell you about, she has two boys and had a baby girl on the way. There were complications and this sweet baby was born just a few days ago but died during labor...there again...my heart is aching. So I feel very blessed. I have my own little trials that seem big and hugemongus while I'm going through them but honestly I have it a lot easier than most so I shouldn't complain. On these days I just think Count Your Blessings and know that Heavenly Father is aware of you and he knows your limitations. He also sends us Angels to help us through. Those Angels range from the seen to the unseen. I think my seen Angels go without naming but there are many and I appreciate all of them in my life.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
MLK DAY
Friday I picked Jackson up from school on our way to the babysitters. He got in the car and he started telling me about what he learned in school that day. He asked me if I knew who Martin Luther King Junior was. I told him yes and he got so excited and started telling me stories about this great man. Finally I asked him "What did Mr. King do that was so great?" (I asked this question because he had told a lot of stories but hadn't really hit it on the head yet) To my great surprise he said "He made everyone equal. We are all the same." I was so proud of him. I asked him "Why is that so important?" And he said "Because Heavenly Father and Jesus want it that way and we are all God's children." My cup runneth over and so did my tear ducts. I love that he looks beyond skin color and sees the person inside. I love that he is so smart and has wisdom beyond his years and I love that what we are teaching him here at home is sinking in too.
--J
--J
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What's on the Menu?
For the past 7 plus years that I have been married, Jess and I make a menu for the week and then go grocery shopping for the things that we need. This helps keep us on track with our bugdet and helps us not to over spend at the grocery store. Although sometimes it still happens. Here is one of our Menu's from a few weeks ago:
Monday: BBQ hotdogs and steak
Tuesday: Lasagne
Wednesday: Left overs
Thursday: Hilda's Rice
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Dad's night
Sunday: Chicken parmesan
We generally try to have a left overs night since some of the recipes can't be cut down anymore and lets face it not every meal can be frozen and used at a later date. But anything that can be we try to freeze. My kids get to help out with the meal planning and they even get to help cook. Their favorite thing to do is to help me make bread. My mother-in-law has the most amazing recipe and generously gave it to me and taught me how to make bread... it is divine!! My kids are hooked and now super spoiled. We also love, love, love freezer jam. I can't wait for fruit season. The sad thing is most of the fruit will be rippening and ready for canning and making jam about the time my baby is due :(. So this year might be slim pickin's for my kids and husband. But hopefully my baby will come on the day I've told her too (Ha Ha Ha!!) and I should be up and moving around enough to at least get the basics done. And if we have another spring in Utah like we had last year... the fruit will all be a month or two behind and then I'll definitely be okay for canning :)!!
The one really sad thing is...that my menu's have gone out the window since becoming pregnant and let me tell you how much that has thrown me through a loop. At the same time I'm so tired I can't even begin to think about cooking let alone actually doing it. Hopefully my first trimester will come to screaching hault and I'll feel better over night and be able to resume our normal routines and even try out some new recipes :)!!!
Monday: BBQ hotdogs and steak
Tuesday: Lasagne
Wednesday: Left overs
Thursday: Hilda's Rice
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Dad's night
Sunday: Chicken parmesan
We generally try to have a left overs night since some of the recipes can't be cut down anymore and lets face it not every meal can be frozen and used at a later date. But anything that can be we try to freeze. My kids get to help out with the meal planning and they even get to help cook. Their favorite thing to do is to help me make bread. My mother-in-law has the most amazing recipe and generously gave it to me and taught me how to make bread... it is divine!! My kids are hooked and now super spoiled. We also love, love, love freezer jam. I can't wait for fruit season. The sad thing is most of the fruit will be rippening and ready for canning and making jam about the time my baby is due :(. So this year might be slim pickin's for my kids and husband. But hopefully my baby will come on the day I've told her too (Ha Ha Ha!!) and I should be up and moving around enough to at least get the basics done. And if we have another spring in Utah like we had last year... the fruit will all be a month or two behind and then I'll definitely be okay for canning :)!!
The one really sad thing is...that my menu's have gone out the window since becoming pregnant and let me tell you how much that has thrown me through a loop. At the same time I'm so tired I can't even begin to think about cooking let alone actually doing it. Hopefully my first trimester will come to screaching hault and I'll feel better over night and be able to resume our normal routines and even try out some new recipes :)!!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Miracles Happen
Babies are miracles! Plain and simple. But my babies are not only miracles but an act of God. I have endometriosis. I was diagnosed when I was 18 but knew by 16 that is what I had. To be diagnosed with endometriosis you have to have surgery. It can't be detected through ultra sound or just by symptoms. It is very, very painful also causes women not to be able to have kids. I grew up in a rather large family (13 children all from the same mom and dad) so at age 18 when the reality of this devistating condition was setting in I choose not to believe that I would never have children. I had considered adoption and what an amazing gift these young girls give to not only their baby but to the adoptive parents. In the back of my mind I knew I would have at least one baby.
Jess and I started dating a few months after I was diagnosed. He was still in his Senior year and I had just graduated the year before. Jess and I knew after several months that we were supposed to be married for eternity. Jess still had a two year mission a head of him and I encouraged him to go. Shortly after he left on his mission (about a month) my endometriosis got worse and my doctor wanted to see me. I went into his office and he said to me that I needed to get married right away and try for children but there were no gaurentees that I would ever be able to have kids. My endometriosis was very severe and getting worse. I couldn't help but laugh and he said I'm not kidding. I told him I just sent a missionary off and he's the one that I'm supposed to marry. He has two more years. This doctor was LDS himself and he said all I can do is help you with pain management and we'll leave the rest up to God. 18 months later I was back in his office for a pre-surgery consultation and to have him sign my papers so I could go on a mission my self. He asked about this missionary and I said "oh, he said he'd wait for me." And he said when does he get home. I said six months. He just grinned and signed the papers. After my surgery it was confirmed just how bad my endometriosis had become, but they lasered it all out I was free to go on my mission. While at the MTC, 3 days before my plane was to leave for Florida I had a severe "endo attack". The MTC doctors wanted me to go home get on this medicine for 3 months and as long as it was working they would send me straight back to Florida. This was 2 months before Jess got home. I didn't want to come home. I told the doctors "No my doctor already signed off that I could come out." So they sent me to see the MTC Mission President and his wife. I will never forget this couple and how amazing they are. The Mission President told me Heavenly Father was testing you. Just like with Abraham and Issac. He just wanted to know that you were willing to do anything he asked of you. You have served your mission well and it's now time for you to go home and begin a new mission. He gave me a blessing that said I would be able to get marrie and have children in the Lord's time.
Little did I know that the Lord's time was sooner than my timing. Jess came home two months later and the week I was to give my Stake President a decision as to wether or not I was going back on my mission Jess asked me to marry him. 8 weeks later we were married and 8 weeks after that we found out we were expecting a baby. Talk about the Lord's timing. My doctor couldn't believe it and made me take several pregnancy tests... all which came out positive. Miracles Happen. With Emma I had surgery again and months later after I thought surgery had failed found out we were pregnant again. Both Jackson and Emma had tramatic entries into this world. After each child was born my doctor would pull up a chair and tell me just how special each baby was and how they should not have survived birth. Emma was most amazing because she had a knot tied in her chord so tight the doctor worked on untying it for the longest time and couldn't. It was also wrapped around her neck 3 times. He told me he'd only seen a knot two other times and the babies were both born still born and the knots were easy to untie. Our next baby Ammon only needed a body and was born too early to live longer than his brief 7 minutes. Then Easton came along...and I want to say what miracle didn't happen with him. Now we are 9 weeks and 2 days pregnant with our last baby that we never thought would be possible yet here we sit and look at the ultrasound pictures and I have heard her heart beating twice now. And all I can say is Miracles Happen!
--J
Jess and I started dating a few months after I was diagnosed. He was still in his Senior year and I had just graduated the year before. Jess and I knew after several months that we were supposed to be married for eternity. Jess still had a two year mission a head of him and I encouraged him to go. Shortly after he left on his mission (about a month) my endometriosis got worse and my doctor wanted to see me. I went into his office and he said to me that I needed to get married right away and try for children but there were no gaurentees that I would ever be able to have kids. My endometriosis was very severe and getting worse. I couldn't help but laugh and he said I'm not kidding. I told him I just sent a missionary off and he's the one that I'm supposed to marry. He has two more years. This doctor was LDS himself and he said all I can do is help you with pain management and we'll leave the rest up to God. 18 months later I was back in his office for a pre-surgery consultation and to have him sign my papers so I could go on a mission my self. He asked about this missionary and I said "oh, he said he'd wait for me." And he said when does he get home. I said six months. He just grinned and signed the papers. After my surgery it was confirmed just how bad my endometriosis had become, but they lasered it all out I was free to go on my mission. While at the MTC, 3 days before my plane was to leave for Florida I had a severe "endo attack". The MTC doctors wanted me to go home get on this medicine for 3 months and as long as it was working they would send me straight back to Florida. This was 2 months before Jess got home. I didn't want to come home. I told the doctors "No my doctor already signed off that I could come out." So they sent me to see the MTC Mission President and his wife. I will never forget this couple and how amazing they are. The Mission President told me Heavenly Father was testing you. Just like with Abraham and Issac. He just wanted to know that you were willing to do anything he asked of you. You have served your mission well and it's now time for you to go home and begin a new mission. He gave me a blessing that said I would be able to get marrie and have children in the Lord's time.
Little did I know that the Lord's time was sooner than my timing. Jess came home two months later and the week I was to give my Stake President a decision as to wether or not I was going back on my mission Jess asked me to marry him. 8 weeks later we were married and 8 weeks after that we found out we were expecting a baby. Talk about the Lord's timing. My doctor couldn't believe it and made me take several pregnancy tests... all which came out positive. Miracles Happen. With Emma I had surgery again and months later after I thought surgery had failed found out we were pregnant again. Both Jackson and Emma had tramatic entries into this world. After each child was born my doctor would pull up a chair and tell me just how special each baby was and how they should not have survived birth. Emma was most amazing because she had a knot tied in her chord so tight the doctor worked on untying it for the longest time and couldn't. It was also wrapped around her neck 3 times. He told me he'd only seen a knot two other times and the babies were both born still born and the knots were easy to untie. Our next baby Ammon only needed a body and was born too early to live longer than his brief 7 minutes. Then Easton came along...and I want to say what miracle didn't happen with him. Now we are 9 weeks and 2 days pregnant with our last baby that we never thought would be possible yet here we sit and look at the ultrasound pictures and I have heard her heart beating twice now. And all I can say is Miracles Happen!
--J
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