Our Own Washer and Dryer!

A few months ago, our landlord sent out a note with our rent stub telling us that we were all going to be getting hookups! I was so excited!! We've been playing with the idea of moving (however, not really wanting to go through all that again) but with the hookups, this makes it more than realistic to stick it out in our apartment for a year or two more. Our only other issue is that I have something majorly against girls and boys sharing a room; however, that's not reason enough to jack up our rent by $200- $300 a month. Also, I've thought about the scenario of two young children crying at the same time and not being able to be at two places at one time, and so it's probably better if they share for a little while. And some have suggested that we look into buying a house and that is realistic, since rent for a three-bedroom home would be comparable to payments of owning a home. But in this economy, Jason and I just don't feel safe with that idea and with him being in school; we may not even settle in Logan when he graduates. You never know what is going to happen, and we're happy with our responsibilities right now and feel good about our medical bills going down and being paid off in a year (yes year! we are so excited!!) So, slowly but surely, things are improving, and we're just not taking more on than we can handle and living within our means.... Ahhh, but it's nice to dream about the white picket fence, having both a family and living room, and etc, etc.... I feel safe and secure in knowing that someday in the near future we will have that home, white picket fence, and trampoline in the backyard (betcha thought I'd say dog right? maybe when our kids are old enough to appreciate the responsibilities, and if Lily gets better with being allergic.)

But for now, we are getting hookups! It's exciting! It's located out in our back patio (kinda weird, but closer than the building across the way or a laundry mat to drive to) and they put a lock and key on the door. It's really just right outside of our sliding doors, and so it's not too bad of an ordeal. Right now, the washer and dryer set we purchased off of the classifieds is sitting in our kitchen against the wall, so it's better off in the washroom versus my kitchen. Jason asked the workers yesterday when they thought they'd be done. They said they still needed to paint, and so probably mid next week. Mid next week!!!! Eeeks, but today they were painting so maybe it'll be done sooner. They are probably getting tired of me pestering. But they are behind schedule due to neighbors delays and such. I want my kitchen back and I also can't wait to have our own washer and dryer here, in my apartment, with the pleasure of doing laundry in the middle of the night just because I feel like it! I'm excited! Oh the things we end up loving and coveting when we're all grown up! This surely isn't the dream car I once had in mind-- it's better than that! It's a washer and dryer-- ensuring my family is clean and our bedsheets smell good all the time, and not getting a headache in the process. Plus, I feel so germy about using laundry mats, if I didn't have to, I never would have. I like our family germs and I'll stick with that. :)

Early Summer Fun

Yesterday we finally enjoyed some real summer-like weather! I think it was almost 80 degrees! Lily and I went outside to play and she just wasn't into her sidewalk chalk. She looked really hot! So, I decided to pull her little pool out, put her into some swimmer diapers and her suit and as you can tell from the pictures, she loved it! We can't wait for more nice, warm weather.

Photo Tag

Thanks for the tag Michelle!

1.) Go to your Pictures document

2.) Go to the 6th folder

3.) Click on the 6th Picture

4.) Then post that picture and talk about it

5.) Then tag 6 more people!

How ironic since Easter was only last weekend! I found this in our Extra Pics folder where we keep random photo's. This must be one of Jason's that he saved. I've never seen this one, but it's pretty funny.

I don't have a lot of people on my blog, I'll tag Toni, Hillary, Launi, Amanda and Britanny.

Where's Kyle?

Last night, Jason and I were asking Lily, "Where's Kyle?" When we ask her this she will usually pat my belly. However, last night it took us by surprise when she said, "Where's Kye?" right after we'd asked her. It was great! Every now and then, she says things that surprise us! Her vocabulary id definetely growing, and she's speaking more and more! Way to go Lily!! We tried to get her to say it again, but in her own tme I suppose! :)

Oh Baby!

So, this is my second pregnancy right?!!? Seeing as I've been through this before I shouldn't feel scared, unsure and panic-ful over the fact that it's getting close-- too close and I'm now in complete and total fear and dread over labor and delivery. Don't get me wrong, I am so ready to give birth and to see my little boy. But as far as anticipating fear and the epidural all over again, I feel like I've never been through this, and I have no idea how to put a brave face on. I might even cry this time! Last time, was so easy and no pain! Hallelujah! But what are the odds that I won't feel pain again? That I'll go into labor in the middle of the night, and Jason will be home? What if this and that... and yeah I am fretting!!!

So far, I've been good... I'm not looking up birthing video's on pregnancy websites, and I haven't been at all tempted to look up a picture of what an epidural needle looks like-- nor do I plan to until well after my birthing years. And so far, these thoughts are only mostly creeping into my brain late at night before I fall asleep. Sometimes I think, 'What was I thinking!? Jason's cute, but I'll never cuddle or be around him again after this!!!!' Yes, I love my husband VERY, VERY much, but women are the ones filled with the obligation to carry, potentially give a painful birth to a possibly big baby.

I just have to remember the cute baby in the end. It's like a few weeks ago when I was at the doctors office, and I had to be there for 3 + hours doing a glucose test and had to give blood on the hour, four times. And towards the end it was really painful and I was on the phone with Jason, and yes complaining and telling him, 'I'm never going to do this again!' Then I saw a few newborn babies with their mom's who were there, and I melted and told Jason, 'I can do this. I'll be okay. I'm willing to go through the pain just to have our baby!' I try to remember this as I get closer to my due date... So, I don't think fear or anxiety will ever go away no matter how many times I do this, but it's worth it!

Easter Weekend Festivities & Then Some

Playing outside Easter Evening-- Such a nice day!

Lily loves her sidewalk chalk.

This is what Lily does when I ask her to
smile for a picture. Hahaha.

Posing with a clip in her mouth.

Meeting the Easter bunny at Lee's Store #2.

Getting ready to collect treats at the mall.

Waiting in line at the mall.

Meeting the bunny at Lee's Store #1.

Getting ready to go around town.

She was pretty excited!

Lily found her Farm Animals Easter Basket.

Finding some bracelets on her Caterpillar.

More treats!

She found her Princess Camera.

She's been wanting a camera for a while.

Finding treats and eggs.

Easter was a lot of fun! On Saturday, we started with a hunt at our house. We gave her the basket in the bedroom and led her out into the hallway where she spotted the first few eggs. She didn't really know what was going on, but she liked finding eggs, toys and goodies. Her favorite items were her carrot baseball and ball set, camera, and bracelets. She doesn't really care too much about the Farm Animals that were in her basket.

We also went to Lee's Marketplace her in Logan. They always have a great activity for kids-- definitely the best in town. Then to the mall. The mall was crowded, but Lily enjoyed being there and seeing a lot of kids. Then our last stop was Lee's Marketplace in Smithfield. We really like Lee's-- that store was giving out balloons and different treats, and she was able to see the Easter Bunny a second time. She was a little shy the first time, but this time around she was ready to sit on his lap!

Real Easter Sunday was a really nice, quiet day. It was also really nice and warm outside. We didn't do anything out of the house, but I did make a really yummy dinner-- pork loin ribs, corn on the cob, and rice. It felt like something was missing like another side, but I couldn't put my finger on it.... I was frustrated about that. We also enjoyed some Easter cupcakes that Jason's mom made. Before dinner, we were all outside and Lily was playing with her chalk. Our neighbor's daughter came down and these two had a really fun time. I didn't take a picture of their awesome art work on the sidewalk, but it was great!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter!

Ode To My Daughter....

This seems like it was just yesterday!

Christmas morning 2007

Posing for a picture.

One of Lily's ultrasound pics. I remember feeling so excited to see her on the screen! I can't believe this is the same little girl! What a miracle giving birth is! And we're about to do it all over again.

...

Lily is 18 months old today!!! I cannot believe it! She has been such an amazing blessing in our lives! As much as I used to dream about what she'd be like, look like-- she's nothing like I thought she would be and has brought more joy than I could have imagined! Happy 18 months Panilly! Love ya!

Ode To My Husband.....

Surprise Honey! :) I was browsing old pics on the computer today and came across some pictures of him throughout the years. I thought I'd post some pics for fun. I'll do the same for myself sometime soon, but my old pics are all on the laptop so I'll have to wait till I have time to get on it.

Jason wrestling with his brother Steven I think.....

Jason before a track meet....

Jason and his family in Vegas.

Vegas again

Jason when he was around 4 years old? I wonder if Kyle will look anything like this pic?

Jason on his mission in NC. They found an old car parked on the side of the road.

Jason and one of his prized possession in the world... his car.

So, there you go Honey! I hope you enjoy these pics! Love you!

This Weeks Happenings

33, 35, 37, 38, 39, & 40! That's all the weeks I have left for appointments until my due date! So, in a month I'll start going to the doctor weekly, and we can have a better idea of when and if I'll be induced. There is a possibility that I may not have my 39th or 40th week doctor's visit! That would be nice, because I am so sick of the doctors!!! Between myself and Lily... I'd be happy to not see the hospital or the doctors for a while! But since our doctors are located in the hospital, I'm sure there won't be an end. Also, Kyle will be going to quite a few visits in the first few months for regular checkups. I will say this, it's nice that our doctors work inside the hospital because they seem to know what's going on and we have medical attention immediately versus a private doctors office.

The past few days we've been enjoying some really nice weather, so Lily and I have been spending a lot of time outside in front of our apartment. She's been enjoying drawing pictures with her sidewalk chalk and riding her little car/bike. In the past we've struggled with her running out into the middle of the road and parking lot. But lately she has gotten a lot better and has listened to me when I call her back. Today she did test me.... so she was put in time out for two minutes.... I know... mean mommy!! But you have to teach them to be safe! It's been really fun being outside though! Lily plays for a long time, just taking breaks to come get a drink or snack. We leave the front door open so she comes in and out switching toys, and I get my much needed down time reading in the shade of the front porch.... Ahhhh so nice! I'm loving it! We were sure to get our fill today since we're expecting a storm tomorrow.

Jason is almost done with the semester and is tired of school. Just a few more weeks Honey!! Then Summer break! Also, a baby! :) He's getting excited to have his mornings free and for more down time. Finals are coming up fast and quick and he has projects in a few of his classes. It will be nice when he's done and can de-stress. He works hard, and I'm grateful that he has that quality. He takes care of us and hardly misses a day of work. We have been blessed that he hasn't been sick. Thanks Honey for how hard you try and what you do for us! I also want to say, that I'm proud of him for starting to work out again! (he started a while ago though) He's gaining a lot of his muscles back, not that he didn't have any... but the insane muscles back that he had before the baby. :)

Lily is starting to feed herself, not just putting food in her mouth, but really feeding herself, not making a mess, using utensils, and finishing almost all the food on her plate! There is a catch though, she has to really like/love what I'm serving or else she does resort to throwing or making a big mess. I'm so proud of her!! I just can't believe how much she's growing up!! And she has also added some new words to her vocabulary! She is now saying, 'Take it,' 'Give it,' and 'Thanks.' Jason says that when I hand her something, I say 'Take it' a lot.... I'm just surprised that she picked up on that of all things.... It was absolutely cute though when she was handing her friend Olivia a toy the other day and she said, "Take it." I wasn't sure if I heard her right, so I watched for a while and sure enough that's what she was saying! I love that kid!!!!

And me, well I'm known as 'Dear' and 'Mommy.' So, I'm busy as always! I never did try the sewing machine out this last weekend, but soon very soon! I'm trying something new with dinner though. I'm tired of having no idea what to make and the clocks ticking and sometimes literally a half hour before Jace gets off work, I still have no idea. So, weekly, I'm doing an inventory and making a menu for the week. I could always start out with a weekly or monthly menu and shop that way.... but I'm not quite ready to dive in, for now this is making my life a tad less complicated and isn't taking too much effort. I'm proud to say that I haven't stressed over what to make for dinner for almost a week now! It's been nice!

Easter is right around the corner! We're planning a fun hunt for Lily in our house and a little bit outside in the front lawn. We're excited to see her reaction as she finds and collects eggs and other goodies! I'll be sure to post pics of our fun day! We're also taking her around town to a few events. I'm not completely sure how she'll be since on Friday she is getting immunizations. I hope she still has a good time. Well, till next time! We're doing great, hope everyone is too!

Randomness

Last nights craving! Chocolate cake! Jason got this at the store. It was super rich, but just what I wanted. I only took like two bites and I was good! :) It had thick fudge on top with marshmallow cream in the middle, then the cake! Not your average cake folks! The good stuff pregnant women crave!

Thought #1: As of tomorrow, I will have 9 weeks before my official due date of June 6-- and that's if I go full term and am not induced. I can't believe it! It's so close, yet still feels like decades away. In fact, in just a few weeks, I'll wash all of Kyles clothes and start organizing them. It feels so strange... It's hard to explain, but it's almost like I am finally realizing that I'm having another baby! Woot!

Thought #2: Nesting Projects! I am not a fan of nesting! Everywhere I look I see projects! Places that need to be organized, scrubbed better, things that I want to throw out or sell.... Also, nesting includes a sudden want to bake more and start sewing again. I think I'll ask my husband to get my sewing machine out this weekend. It has been retired for about three years but will once again be revitalized!! I do love a clean, organized home. I just wish it'd clean itself, sew itself and bake itself! :) I don't even know what I want to sew; maybe nothing at all, just sew across fabrics for the heck of it! That sounds fun!!

Thought #3: Snowing again... nothing new. I just feel bad for my little girl; she was absolutely loving the nice weather, sidewalk chalking, and going for walks, etc. It's been difficult for her to stay in and be occupied indoors, now that she has had a taste of nice weather. We did rebel yesterday and while daddy was replacing the brake lights, we played outside and though our noses were very red from the cold, we had fun!!

Thought #4: Please oh please stay awake for General Conference! I am so terrible! But for the last two years, I've been preggo on Conference (except for last April), not to mention that it's during the weekends and so I nap a lot since my dear hubby is home. Pregnancy is not a reason to miss Conference! I will do better! I will do better!

Thought #5: Grateful! This should be at the top of my list!!! I'm grateful that my husband has a job, and is able to continue with school in this economic crisis. There are so many families struggling and people losing jobs. It's truly hard out there! What a blessing!

Thought #6: Another important one I should of listed first... In large cities they have organizations that go to restaurants to pick up any unused, yet still very good food at the end of the day, to donate to shelters, versus throwing it all away. I don't think Utah has this??!!? Correct me if I am wrong, and I'd be happy to be wrong, but I think this is found on the East Coast. I read an article a few months ago that said for the homeless in Logan, the closest homeless center was located in Ogden. My heart broke... In this time in our world with so many people struggling to put food on the table, I wish more cities participated in organizing a food pickup and delivery from restaurants. I've also heard The Food Bank has struggled (shortage on food vs. demand) to make home deliveries to older residents in their local areas, who are alone and are not able to make meals for themselves. I am planning on looking into this, and finding out if it's possible to make it happen here in Logan-- I'm sure it will have a lot to do with demand.
UPDATE: I called the Food Bank here in Logan and guess what--- They do that!!!! Big thanks to Olive Garden and Pizza Hut for participating! However, the person I spoke to did say that we are a little behind the East Coast on programs like this. Please check in your hometowns if there are programs like this! It breaks my heart to think of anyone going without!

Thought #7: It's Friday!!! My hubby's last work day! Yay! No fun plans really... just homeward bound! But that's music to my ears! It's been about two months since we haven't had commitments or errands on Saturday. :) Have a great one everyone!

The Love Dare

So, a few weeks ago, our friends Michele and Wayne suggested we rent the movie Fireproof. Michele said it was a must see for any married couple, dating couple, or anyone who intended to be in a relationship. So, long story short, Jason and I rented it one night from the Red Box. Michele warned us it was cheesy, but had a great story line. Just to note, Kirk Cameron from the family show, "Growing Pains" is one of the main characters. If you're around my age, you'll appreciate seeing what show's he's doing now.

So, Jason's and my consensus.... Rent it! Yes, it was cheesy, but any couple (whether you are in complete bliss, or dire need of counseling) will benefit from this 2 or so hour long movie! If anything, it will at least enlighten your mind to being more open, and considerate of your spouse! Now, I was a little shocked. This couple on the show definetely had their marriage hanging by a string. So, it was an inside look on just how two people could treat each other so badly. Although, my parents are divorced, and my mom twice divorced... I am blessed to have a great marriage, and so perhaps I've forgotten how bad a bad marriage can be. That being said, marriage is being attacked in so many ways! And the reason divorce exists is because people can be so nasty. I don't what I think of love being lost in a marriage-- obviously two people were in love at one point. Whether or not that was nurtured is another story. So.... rent it!

A few facts about the show: I thought it was LDS, but as I got into it, I realized through some scenes that no it's not, but it is a movie that the Catholic Church released. I'm grateful for this show, and the morale and importance they have placed on marriage. Also, Dr. Phil has featured this movie on his show-- just a fun tidbit! Here's the official website for the movie: http://www.fireproofyourmarriage.com/

Now, you're probably wondering why I posted my title as, "The Love Dare." In the show, there is a love dare journal, I won't say anything more than that, but know that it can be purchased and it's a real book. I cried and really enjoyed this movie! Hormones maybe?? Who knows, but I really wanted the 'The Love Dare' book. Jason found it on Amazon as a surprise for me. The movie was a little too intense for me to want to own-- but I think the journal is useful and beneficial. That being said, Jason and I haven't really broken it out yet, but we have been planning to.

So, there you go! I just got thinking about it today as I saw the journal on the bookshelf! I hope you like it! Thanks Smith's for the reccomendation!