Sorry for the last post, sometimes you've just gotta say how you feel. Perhaps I shouldn't blog so early in the morning anymore. :)
Drew woke me up in the middle of the night with some weird dream. He kept slapping my shoulder like I'd told a really great joke or he was congratulating me on something else. It was highly amusing. He won't be living it down for quite some time.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta are scary people, and that's all I'm going to say about that.
Excited for the Christmas fun we're going to be doing in the next bit. Starting to feel festive, although I have yet to dig out our Christmas CD's.
Also had some cheese fries for dinner last night. Now why didn't the Pilgrims have THOSE at the feast?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Glum
Feeling kinda glum as of late. It's not that my husband isn't amazing, or that the kids are even driving me insane. Just issues...
1. Hard to be away from family during the holidays. People, we've lived here 7 years, and my parents are even planning on coming HERE for Christmas this year (YAY!) but I still can't get over hearing about the family parties and wishing I was there... {sigh}. I do enjoy hearing about all the medical drama and being glad that I'm here.... there are perks, don't get me wrong. ;)
2. My limbs ache. Does anyone else get this when they're pregnant? Personally, I attribute it to the fact that the baby is eating my bones. I'm not sure if it's that I haven't worked out in a couple of days or that I didn't take a calcium pill til' later yesterday or if perhaps the wind was blowing the wrong way but it's painful. Mostly my arms, but sometimes my legs. Anyone else? Am I a mutant?
3. Black Friday. I have never been one of those people who felt like Christmas was too commercial, blah, blah, blah -- but this day just made me feel like that. People buying junk, for too much, with nasty attitudes and nary a spoonful of joy in them. I told someone Merry Christmas, and they glared at me.
4. I literally hate Thanksgiving food. I always have, but this year it's even worse. Do you have any idea what a carb fest Thanksgiving is? Luckily I hate stuffing, and I'm not a big fan of mashed potatoes, but the yams and cranberry sauce could put me into a nauseated coma for a few months if I let them. No leftover pie for me either. {sigh} Perhaps I'll have some cheese and an apple.
5. My body is on the worst time clock EVER. I go to sleep at 7 pm (I beat both of my children last night to bed) and I wake-up at 5 am. I can't stop it, it doesn't matter if I have a nap, my eyes just open around 5 and there's no turning back. It does make for some lovely morning Internet surfing time. :)
6. I have obsessive compulsive disorder. Yesterday I bought fabric to make Drew and the boys each something for Christmas (which, has actually helped my commercial Christmas-ness -- I think everyone should make something for the ones they love). Anyway, I had Drew's finished within 3 hours of coming home from the store and I had to have the boys all laid out before we went to dinner. I literally thought my vertebrae were going to separate from each other my back hurt so bad -- but I just kept cutting and maneuvering, and sewing. Literally, I need help.
Anyway, there's an entire post about my complaints. I feel selfish being down at such a great time of year. I think I need to go search for my Christmas mix CD and start getting in the mood. Drew put up ALL of our Christmas stuff yesterday and I do get warm feelings seeing those up... I'm sure that if anything can get me out of a funk, it's Christmas.
1. Hard to be away from family during the holidays. People, we've lived here 7 years, and my parents are even planning on coming HERE for Christmas this year (YAY!) but I still can't get over hearing about the family parties and wishing I was there... {sigh}. I do enjoy hearing about all the medical drama and being glad that I'm here.... there are perks, don't get me wrong. ;)
2. My limbs ache. Does anyone else get this when they're pregnant? Personally, I attribute it to the fact that the baby is eating my bones. I'm not sure if it's that I haven't worked out in a couple of days or that I didn't take a calcium pill til' later yesterday or if perhaps the wind was blowing the wrong way but it's painful. Mostly my arms, but sometimes my legs. Anyone else? Am I a mutant?
3. Black Friday. I have never been one of those people who felt like Christmas was too commercial, blah, blah, blah -- but this day just made me feel like that. People buying junk, for too much, with nasty attitudes and nary a spoonful of joy in them. I told someone Merry Christmas, and they glared at me.
4. I literally hate Thanksgiving food. I always have, but this year it's even worse. Do you have any idea what a carb fest Thanksgiving is? Luckily I hate stuffing, and I'm not a big fan of mashed potatoes, but the yams and cranberry sauce could put me into a nauseated coma for a few months if I let them. No leftover pie for me either. {sigh} Perhaps I'll have some cheese and an apple.
5. My body is on the worst time clock EVER. I go to sleep at 7 pm (I beat both of my children last night to bed) and I wake-up at 5 am. I can't stop it, it doesn't matter if I have a nap, my eyes just open around 5 and there's no turning back. It does make for some lovely morning Internet surfing time. :)
6. I have obsessive compulsive disorder. Yesterday I bought fabric to make Drew and the boys each something for Christmas (which, has actually helped my commercial Christmas-ness -- I think everyone should make something for the ones they love). Anyway, I had Drew's finished within 3 hours of coming home from the store and I had to have the boys all laid out before we went to dinner. I literally thought my vertebrae were going to separate from each other my back hurt so bad -- but I just kept cutting and maneuvering, and sewing. Literally, I need help.
Anyway, there's an entire post about my complaints. I feel selfish being down at such a great time of year. I think I need to go search for my Christmas mix CD and start getting in the mood. Drew put up ALL of our Christmas stuff yesterday and I do get warm feelings seeing those up... I'm sure that if anything can get me out of a funk, it's Christmas.
Friday, November 28, 2008
The Blackest of Fridays
As I lay awake in bed at 5:30 this morning, mulling over if I should go to Walmart or not. I finally just decided to pull myself out of bed and go. Frankly, I didn't get that many amazing deals at Walmart, and I was in line for at least 45 minutes. I was A-mazed at what people were buying. These people were most definitely NOT well-off, but they were buying large big screens and carts HEAPED with stuff (most of it useless stuff). I kept assessing people's credit as I stood there, wondering how long they'd be in debt, if they'd just be another one of the households claiming bankruptcy. The goodwill of Christ was totally not out in force. People were yelling at each other as far out as the parking lot. I was mostly saddened. Will I go back to Walmart on Black Friday? No. I don't care how large the deal is, I will not. Because I was there without children I tried to take the "interesting" route to it all. People watching, seeing how people react to the stressful environment. I was intrigued, but mostly saddened by everything that I saw.
I also went to Joann's (hello, baby blanket flannel is the cheapest I have EVER seen it -- 1.49/yd plus 20% off -- I stocked up -- even got some girly stuff I will most likely be using for our little bundle of joy), Toys R Us (MUCH better prepared for the day than Walmart -- I was in and out of line within 15 minutes), and Walgreens (wrapping paper's a good deal, but i must admit I was there to get D some Dr. Pepper -- yes, I am that nice of a wife).
Reflecting, I did go over my budget, but I also bought baby presents at J's and some stuff for sewing (notions are 50% off plus 20% off this AM -- which is great, because I am low on un-wound bobbins). I'm done, it's over. I think I need to get one more thing for Spencer (ideas for a 4 year old boy?) but the party's done. I think that's what I enjoy about Black Friday, getting it all done -- without kids and being able to shove it all in a closet when I get home.
Did anyone else go today?
I also went to Joann's (hello, baby blanket flannel is the cheapest I have EVER seen it -- 1.49/yd plus 20% off -- I stocked up -- even got some girly stuff I will most likely be using for our little bundle of joy), Toys R Us (MUCH better prepared for the day than Walmart -- I was in and out of line within 15 minutes), and Walgreens (wrapping paper's a good deal, but i must admit I was there to get D some Dr. Pepper -- yes, I am that nice of a wife).
Reflecting, I did go over my budget, but I also bought baby presents at J's and some stuff for sewing (notions are 50% off plus 20% off this AM -- which is great, because I am low on un-wound bobbins). I'm done, it's over. I think I need to get one more thing for Spencer (ideas for a 4 year old boy?) but the party's done. I think that's what I enjoy about Black Friday, getting it all done -- without kids and being able to shove it all in a closet when I get home.
Did anyone else go today?
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thankful
Each year for our Family Home Evenings in November we build a Thankful turnkey -- a row at a time. This year the red part is things we're thankful for at church, orange is ways we can show we're thankful, yellow is things we're thankful for about the people in our family, and brown is people we're thankful for outside our family (the ones that live at our house). Some thoughts about our turkey: a) Spencer writes SO well for a 4 year old, it does my heart proud. b) It's a great tradition, and now that the kids can cut out the feathers it's pretty-well stress free. I enjoy seeing what they come up with even though sometimes when we say "what are you thankful for?" they shrug their shoulders and say they don't know (grrrr says the mamma bear). Anyway, I'm a big fan of the tradition, and especially because it puts us in a thankful mindframe before we get all greedy waiting for Christmas.
Today I am thankful for my family, but also for friends. The holidays are always hard as I hear about what my family back in Utah is doing, but I must admit that gathering at friends house is just as delightful -- and even if it isn't over the river and through the woods, it's still a tradition we're building with our family.
Online Shopping for Bargaineers
I'm not sure I'll be going out this fine Black Friday. I've allocated myself a few funds in case I want to, but I did almost all of my shopping online this year. Why? You might ask? Well, I get caught-up in the Black Friday frenzy. I over-spend on stuff that's a "great deal" even though we obviously don't need the items I buy. Also, I found better deals on stuff online than I did in stores, and with free shipping it was totally worthwhile. Plus, I went to Toys R Us minutes after they opened one day and they were already out of one of their "doorbusters" and made me wait 20 minutes to find even THAT out. {sigh} I figured Amazon wanted my dollars more than they did.
I'm also really trying to reign myself in. Unlike much of the rest of the country it's not because we can't afford it. Our financial situation is similar to other years, but I think it's just a time to cut-back, realize what's really important and hope that my children will cherish the 2 gifts they're each getting (getting a few more "both of them" gifts - since it's easier to share when the gift tag says it's to both of you) as much as they did the 5 last year.
What about you guys?
I'm also really trying to reign myself in. Unlike much of the rest of the country it's not because we can't afford it. Our financial situation is similar to other years, but I think it's just a time to cut-back, realize what's really important and hope that my children will cherish the 2 gifts they're each getting (getting a few more "both of them" gifts - since it's easier to share when the gift tag says it's to both of you) as much as they did the 5 last year.
What about you guys?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tired
Now, I realize that it's been 5 years since I was last pregnant but MAN I am asleep ALL. THE. TIME. Yesterday, I took a nap when Spencer went to his quiet time and Drew came home in the middle and was talking to me, and I couldn't figure out what time it was and I was mostly bitter at him waking me up and I totally went back into my coma. It was sad.
THEN, I was asleep on the couch by 7:30.
So, let's recap. 8 hours of nighttime sleep, at least an hour of a nap, and to bed at 7:30 pm.
My friend called at 9 and I was out.
It's embarrassing people. I'm in my second trimester, I don't have the fact that my body's growing a placenta to mask the fact that I'm a lazy loser. In other news I am feeling the baby move and true to her ultra sound, this chick knows how to drop it like a sock. She's all over the place already. Because I'm not used to it sometimes I think something's bustin' a move out of me and I let out a little gasp. Drew doesn't find me amusing (the sleepy gasper). Oh well, I'm sure he'll find it more endearing after being home for 3 whole days. :)
THEN, I was asleep on the couch by 7:30.
So, let's recap. 8 hours of nighttime sleep, at least an hour of a nap, and to bed at 7:30 pm.
My friend called at 9 and I was out.
It's embarrassing people. I'm in my second trimester, I don't have the fact that my body's growing a placenta to mask the fact that I'm a lazy loser. In other news I am feeling the baby move and true to her ultra sound, this chick knows how to drop it like a sock. She's all over the place already. Because I'm not used to it sometimes I think something's bustin' a move out of me and I let out a little gasp. Drew doesn't find me amusing (the sleepy gasper). Oh well, I'm sure he'll find it more endearing after being home for 3 whole days. :)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Schools
Today Drew's band took a tour of some of the elementary schools. Spencer and I followed him like little groupies (well, little groupies who get to sit around and wait a lot -- and a lot of whining, mostly from the littler of my group). ANYWAY, it was so interesting to see how the different schools handle things. At one the kids all walk out in lines, and stay in rows, at one they're running around and screaming, at Jr. High everyone's trying to so hard to look cool... and it reminds me I hope the second coming comes before my children have to get to that age.
Also interesting that little kids LOVE marching bands. It's nice for the kids to be in a place they're loved and thought of as cool... because heavens knows that doesn't happen often enough on the high school campus.
Go band, go.
Also interesting that little kids LOVE marching bands. It's nice for the kids to be in a place they're loved and thought of as cool... because heavens knows that doesn't happen often enough on the high school campus.
Go band, go.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Practical Gifts
This year is the year of being practical. At least it is in my mind. Drew isn't getting a new MP3 player, or a phone, or even a mouthpiece (sorry if you're reading this and I'm spoiling your life for you). Perhaps he can get something like that for his birthday -- but instead he's getting something totally practical. Something that we'll use and I guess if he hates it he can take it back. I'm asking for real winners like a meat pounder (yes, there's a better name for this, I'm sure), a cheese slicer that won't fall apart whilst slicing cheese, a potato masher, possibly a hand blender (do you have one of those? Do you like it?) Of course, being pregnant makes a person look to the practical, because everything else you'd buy is so very un-fun. "Oh, wow, a maternity bra. Thanks so much!" Oh, and we got wicked tickets. Not so practical, but something we probably would've done anyway, but are now calling it in the name of Christmas.
Anywho. I thought I'd share a few of the practical gifts I've gotten that I ADORE.
The Shark Cordless Sweeper. My mom got me one of these 2 years ago, maybe 3... and I recommend it to ALL my friends -- especially if you have hardwoods. I loved it SO much when Spencer was tiny, in the high chair and had a propensity to throw things. I just saw the newest model at Costco for around 60. I HIGHLY recommend it. The battery life lasts just about long enough to do our house twice, and it keeps its power until it stops (does that make sense). Anyway, ask for it -- you won't regret it.
William Sonoma Nutmeg Grater You always hear on Food TV how fresh nutmeg adds to a cream sauce, or whatnot -- and I'd always wanted to try it. This one's so handy that I do throw it in pretty often (plus I love to play with it). No, it's not super practical -- as you can just buy a 2 dollar bottle of nutmeg at the store but I promise this one tastes different, and it does add to sauces.
Do you have stuff that you LOVE? I'm still looking for ideas for Drew, and I'd love to get some recommendations.
Anywho. I thought I'd share a few of the practical gifts I've gotten that I ADORE.
The Shark Cordless Sweeper. My mom got me one of these 2 years ago, maybe 3... and I recommend it to ALL my friends -- especially if you have hardwoods. I loved it SO much when Spencer was tiny, in the high chair and had a propensity to throw things. I just saw the newest model at Costco for around 60. I HIGHLY recommend it. The battery life lasts just about long enough to do our house twice, and it keeps its power until it stops (does that make sense). Anyway, ask for it -- you won't regret it.
William Sonoma Nutmeg Grater You always hear on Food TV how fresh nutmeg adds to a cream sauce, or whatnot -- and I'd always wanted to try it. This one's so handy that I do throw it in pretty often (plus I love to play with it). No, it's not super practical -- as you can just buy a 2 dollar bottle of nutmeg at the store but I promise this one tastes different, and it does add to sauces.
Do you have stuff that you LOVE? I'm still looking for ideas for Drew, and I'd love to get some recommendations.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Oprah's Big Clean
Did anyone watch Oprah go to those people's houses and organize? She advocated that people spend 10 minutes/day organizing one area of their house and I am a HUGE proponent of this. I think it was some fireside or something we had at church where the speaker mentioned as housewives, trying to get one extra "project" done each day will help you to keep your house more orderly. I took that to heart and it really helped. I think I also read somewhere else that your time is SO much better spent organizing than cleaning because it will save you time in the long run (in trying to find stuff, or buying 2 of something you already have).
Finally that evolved into each area of my house having a day dedicated to it. Monday's the kitchen, Tuesdays bathroom, Wednesdays bedrooms, Thursdays playroom, Fridays the office/living room, and on Saturdays I just give 20 minutes to organizing.
It makes a big difference because I can see projects as I go about my week and I can tackle them in the 10 minutes I've given to that area. It just seems less overwhelming.
Anyway, I've just been meaning to say that I agreed with Oprah, at least on this one thing. And you are welcome to mock how much TV I'm watching lately. My couch is my friend.
Finally that evolved into each area of my house having a day dedicated to it. Monday's the kitchen, Tuesdays bathroom, Wednesdays bedrooms, Thursdays playroom, Fridays the office/living room, and on Saturdays I just give 20 minutes to organizing.
It makes a big difference because I can see projects as I go about my week and I can tackle them in the 10 minutes I've given to that area. It just seems less overwhelming.
Anyway, I've just been meaning to say that I agreed with Oprah, at least on this one thing. And you are welcome to mock how much TV I'm watching lately. My couch is my friend.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Ultrasounds
First off, my thoughts on ultrasounds. NO ONE is more giddy than me when a couple doesn't know what they're having. I think it's SO exciting and thrilling, much more than usual. I love to announce it and see their reactions to the big news, and hear their calls to family. Oddly enough, I think I've had more lately who've wanted to make it a surprise. But we found-out today and the reasons are 2 fold.
1. I have access to an ultrasound machine 24/7 at any point I want it. That means my will has to last until the end of April, and what are the chances of that. Low, at best -- fyi.
2. In a situation where you might have some inkling of disappointment when you find out, I think it's best to find out when your baby is just a peanut instead of when it's crying on your chest. Just my own personal opinion, but I have seen the disappointment, and it breaks my heart.
BUT, without further adieu....
Hilary will be shabily dressed, because this baby's gonna need some new clothes. We'll be welcoming a baby girl into our home in the end of April (she put my due date on April 24th -- which is what I have suspected, but Kaiser will keept it at April 17th -- which is fine, because I will go on maternity leave earlier). I made her make SURE she was sure. We saw all the girl parts (both sides, I don't want some labia confused with a penis). Anyway, she was pretty sure, and she even made me pretty sure -- and heavens knows I'm a skeptic. I will most likely have another one at work where we all gather round and see if we see anything. So, the wait is over, and I am happy to have that done with. Now bring on the isles of pink stuff. :) Oh, and for all the rest of her body it seemed to check out. Of course, the ultrasound tech can't tell us anything but I didn't notice her being bothered by anything, and I didn't see anything (but let's say my ultrasound skills are limited, I thought I saw a penis at least 3 times -- I'm guessing it was probably a foot or something upon further evaluation).
1. I have access to an ultrasound machine 24/7 at any point I want it. That means my will has to last until the end of April, and what are the chances of that. Low, at best -- fyi.
2. In a situation where you might have some inkling of disappointment when you find out, I think it's best to find out when your baby is just a peanut instead of when it's crying on your chest. Just my own personal opinion, but I have seen the disappointment, and it breaks my heart.
BUT, without further adieu....
Hilary will be shabily dressed, because this baby's gonna need some new clothes. We'll be welcoming a baby girl into our home in the end of April (she put my due date on April 24th -- which is what I have suspected, but Kaiser will keept it at April 17th -- which is fine, because I will go on maternity leave earlier). I made her make SURE she was sure. We saw all the girl parts (both sides, I don't want some labia confused with a penis). Anyway, she was pretty sure, and she even made me pretty sure -- and heavens knows I'm a skeptic. I will most likely have another one at work where we all gather round and see if we see anything. So, the wait is over, and I am happy to have that done with. Now bring on the isles of pink stuff. :) Oh, and for all the rest of her body it seemed to check out. Of course, the ultrasound tech can't tell us anything but I didn't notice her being bothered by anything, and I didn't see anything (but let's say my ultrasound skills are limited, I thought I saw a penis at least 3 times -- I'm guessing it was probably a foot or something upon further evaluation).
Look Up In the Dictionary under "Freaking Out"
You'll see a picture of me.
Heavenly Father has been gracious to grant my request to live a life that isn't consumed by the fact that my ultrasound is today. I'm sure many of you are thinking I'm freaking out about gender... but not so.
I tried to explain it to my friend Lara, in a musical term.
You are in charge of the musical performance for the evening, and you've heard this particular performance go VERY badly before (in fact, you can think of 100 ways how the performance might go badly), and you are completely in charge but have no control and if the performance goes badly it will change your entire life. And that's where I am right now.
Freaking out.
Thankfully, I scheduled it for a Tuesday. I'm helping in Conner's class and we have preschool. I won't have much time to let my mind wander. And believe me, it wanders -- kidneys, heart, brain... it wanders over all those areas, and I must admit working more in the perinatal clinc has not helped things {sigh}.
So, today -- 1:30. Hold your breath.
Heavenly Father has been gracious to grant my request to live a life that isn't consumed by the fact that my ultrasound is today. I'm sure many of you are thinking I'm freaking out about gender... but not so.
I tried to explain it to my friend Lara, in a musical term.
You are in charge of the musical performance for the evening, and you've heard this particular performance go VERY badly before (in fact, you can think of 100 ways how the performance might go badly), and you are completely in charge but have no control and if the performance goes badly it will change your entire life. And that's where I am right now.
Freaking out.
Thankfully, I scheduled it for a Tuesday. I'm helping in Conner's class and we have preschool. I won't have much time to let my mind wander. And believe me, it wanders -- kidneys, heart, brain... it wanders over all those areas, and I must admit working more in the perinatal clinc has not helped things {sigh}.
So, today -- 1:30. Hold your breath.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Google Reader
As a firm bloglines reader I have been saddened by how LONG it's taken to get my blogs as of late.
So, I switched to google reader, and before you gasp, it's TOTALLY EASY!!!!! You can just export your subscriptions as an XML file and import them into reader. HORRAY!
To celebrate I made a list of blogs that I really enjoy (or I am related to -- in the case of Drew, who never updates -- but you know, it'd be tacky to leave him out).
If you're on there, and you don't want to be -- please email me, I won't be offended in the slightest, and if you're not -- be more amusing, perhaps I'll add you. :) I am gonna mess with it to get like a top 10 blog list going -- or something like that. :)
So, I switched to google reader, and before you gasp, it's TOTALLY EASY!!!!! You can just export your subscriptions as an XML file and import them into reader. HORRAY!
To celebrate I made a list of blogs that I really enjoy (or I am related to -- in the case of Drew, who never updates -- but you know, it'd be tacky to leave him out).
If you're on there, and you don't want to be -- please email me, I won't be offended in the slightest, and if you're not -- be more amusing, perhaps I'll add you. :) I am gonna mess with it to get like a top 10 blog list going -- or something like that. :)
Morning Rituals
THE MORNING IS KILLING ME.
Well, the morning with my oldest son.
My kids are both up at around 6:30 am, and then they set to playing and fighting while I finish my workout. Then, Conner's supposed to started piano and get ready while I'm getting ready.
But it doesn't happen.
Well, the fighting happens. I wake-up early to work out, but they always wake up too early too and end-up driving me insane.
So I have banned playing in the morning. I don't know what else to do? Conner is consistently not ready for school, has lost some component of his homework and is blaming it on me. We need to leave around 8:10 so you can see they probably have too much time on their hands from their early morning exploits.
I am going to have a nice heart to heart with Conner after school this afternoon, outlining what I need to be done, and him sharing his concerns.
But what works for you in the morning? I am husbandless, and I worry even more about doing it once the baby comes (which, I am aware is like 6 months away, but regardless).
Anyway, tips ladies?
Well, the morning with my oldest son.
My kids are both up at around 6:30 am, and then they set to playing and fighting while I finish my workout. Then, Conner's supposed to started piano and get ready while I'm getting ready.
But it doesn't happen.
Well, the fighting happens. I wake-up early to work out, but they always wake up too early too and end-up driving me insane.
So I have banned playing in the morning. I don't know what else to do? Conner is consistently not ready for school, has lost some component of his homework and is blaming it on me. We need to leave around 8:10 so you can see they probably have too much time on their hands from their early morning exploits.
I am going to have a nice heart to heart with Conner after school this afternoon, outlining what I need to be done, and him sharing his concerns.
But what works for you in the morning? I am husbandless, and I worry even more about doing it once the baby comes (which, I am aware is like 6 months away, but regardless).
Anyway, tips ladies?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Prop 8 Lore
{TOTAL MORMON ENTRY, I apologize for those of other faiths reading this, it's too long and too totally-undoctrinal to explain in the bandwidth that blogger as allotted for me}
My mom used to tell stories of people in her ward meeting one of the 3 Nephites. Or you'd see people in the paper saying they helped them along the road. Stuff like that. I used to be so jealous, we don't see the 3 Nephites anymore (although one time in seminary brother Roberts pretended to be one - ah, the Timpview Seminary), and I don't know anyone who had such a faith promoting story (that I could later have a nice chuckle over).
But now I do.
The Prop 8 lore.
The snipers on the spires of the temple, the viscious wind that kicked up blowing the protestors away ala Mary Poppins, the cop who was converted after feeling the "special spirit" on the temple grounds (and armed to keep out protestors).
I'm totally getting into it.
I mean, possibly they're true. Most likely as true as one of the 3 Nephites coming to fix your car on I-15.
Now a days we don't need a newspaper to spread such blasphme -- we have the internet, and what a joy each forward is.
Admit it, you'll tell your children some day how you saw a gay rights protestor flying above Moroni as you saw countless angels protecting the temple.
Write it in your journal now. You know you want to.
My mom used to tell stories of people in her ward meeting one of the 3 Nephites. Or you'd see people in the paper saying they helped them along the road. Stuff like that. I used to be so jealous, we don't see the 3 Nephites anymore (although one time in seminary brother Roberts pretended to be one - ah, the Timpview Seminary), and I don't know anyone who had such a faith promoting story (that I could later have a nice chuckle over).
But now I do.
The Prop 8 lore.
The snipers on the spires of the temple, the viscious wind that kicked up blowing the protestors away ala Mary Poppins, the cop who was converted after feeling the "special spirit" on the temple grounds (and armed to keep out protestors).
I'm totally getting into it.
I mean, possibly they're true. Most likely as true as one of the 3 Nephites coming to fix your car on I-15.
Now a days we don't need a newspaper to spread such blasphme -- we have the internet, and what a joy each forward is.
Admit it, you'll tell your children some day how you saw a gay rights protestor flying above Moroni as you saw countless angels protecting the temple.
Write it in your journal now. You know you want to.
A Moment of Silence for my Non-Elastic Waistband Pants
May you wait blissfully for me until my return.
Perhaps then you will be too big.
But I doubt it.
I touch you lovingly as I place you in the box where once stood pants with ugly inserts.
Those now take your place in my drawer (but not my heart)
{tear sliding down my cheek}
Perhaps then you will be too big.
But I doubt it.
I touch you lovingly as I place you in the box where once stood pants with ugly inserts.
Those now take your place in my drawer (but not my heart)
{tear sliding down my cheek}
Friday, November 14, 2008
Babies and Band
I'm not even referring to MY baby.
I'm referring to the countless numbers I will deliver in the following years.
Yesterday I went to a fetal monitoring class. That's right, EIGHT HOURS on how to read those little strips that come out of the machine. My personal favorite part is the good hour we spend on how the reading the strip is just about as good as reading tea leaves, but regardless -- the lawyers want to see that we know what we're talking about, so we're all endlessly trained on it. If you are pregnant or thinking about it right now, let me give you the gist of it. If your current fetal monitor tracing looks reassuring (and yes, I had a good 2 hours on what that kind of a tracing looks like) that means that at that very moment your baby is not in metabolic acidosis. If there is something on there that we dont like, there is a 50% chance that something might be wrong (and that something might be as little as the baby rolled over his/her cord). So, when nurses run in the room, don't freak out. We just like to be anxious people. We get anxious because we spent 8 hours in a room learning how to look at tracings.
We're fun like that.
We even got a magic ruler. I know, you're jealous.
Sometimes I just sit there and let her words flow over me. I can't believe I can understand them sometimes. The fetal metabolic acidosis due to a depletion of base excess causes possible cell death and blah, de-blah, blah, blah.
Two very big happenings are happening this week.
1. It is the LAST MARCHING BAND TOURNAMENT OF THE SEASON {halllaaaaaah}. Picture streamers, confetti, marching bands -- of course. I am VERY happy that this is almost over with. Of course, between the football game tonight and the very long tournament tomorrow, Drew will most likely be in the fetal position sucking his thumb for most of the day on Sunday, but who can blame him?
2. It's the LAST SOCCER GAME OF THE SEASON. It's very exciting. Not quite as exciting as #1, but close.
Anyway, I'm totally gonna live-up the single parenthood this weekend. You know, bask in the glory of being totally in charge. It's just so much fun, how can a person resist?
Go team.
I'm referring to the countless numbers I will deliver in the following years.
Yesterday I went to a fetal monitoring class. That's right, EIGHT HOURS on how to read those little strips that come out of the machine. My personal favorite part is the good hour we spend on how the reading the strip is just about as good as reading tea leaves, but regardless -- the lawyers want to see that we know what we're talking about, so we're all endlessly trained on it. If you are pregnant or thinking about it right now, let me give you the gist of it. If your current fetal monitor tracing looks reassuring (and yes, I had a good 2 hours on what that kind of a tracing looks like) that means that at that very moment your baby is not in metabolic acidosis. If there is something on there that we dont like, there is a 50% chance that something might be wrong (and that something might be as little as the baby rolled over his/her cord). So, when nurses run in the room, don't freak out. We just like to be anxious people. We get anxious because we spent 8 hours in a room learning how to look at tracings.
We're fun like that.
We even got a magic ruler. I know, you're jealous.
Sometimes I just sit there and let her words flow over me. I can't believe I can understand them sometimes. The fetal metabolic acidosis due to a depletion of base excess causes possible cell death and blah, de-blah, blah, blah.
Two very big happenings are happening this week.
1. It is the LAST MARCHING BAND TOURNAMENT OF THE SEASON {halllaaaaaah}. Picture streamers, confetti, marching bands -- of course. I am VERY happy that this is almost over with. Of course, between the football game tonight and the very long tournament tomorrow, Drew will most likely be in the fetal position sucking his thumb for most of the day on Sunday, but who can blame him?
2. It's the LAST SOCCER GAME OF THE SEASON. It's very exciting. Not quite as exciting as #1, but close.
Anyway, I'm totally gonna live-up the single parenthood this weekend. You know, bask in the glory of being totally in charge. It's just so much fun, how can a person resist?
Go team.
Eliminating Friends
I'm not talking about real friends.
I'm talking about facebook friends.
When I started I'd befriend anyone. People I sorta knew in high school, all that jazz. While I LOVE Facebook I am not so in love with some of the choices I made. Some of them are consistantly negative towards the church and viewpoints that I have and I want to take them off. So, here's my question for you:
a) How bad is this?
b) Has anyone ever done this?
c) Is there a nice way to do this?
I mean, the people I would take off were never great friends, and I'm not one to burn bridges but....
K, thoughts people.
I'm talking about facebook friends.
When I started I'd befriend anyone. People I sorta knew in high school, all that jazz. While I LOVE Facebook I am not so in love with some of the choices I made. Some of them are consistantly negative towards the church and viewpoints that I have and I want to take them off. So, here's my question for you:
a) How bad is this?
b) Has anyone ever done this?
c) Is there a nice way to do this?
I mean, the people I would take off were never great friends, and I'm not one to burn bridges but....
K, thoughts people.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Jon and Kate: I'm irrate (not really, but it does rhyme)
Who watches Jon and Kate plus Eight?
I have loved this show from the beginning, and honestly, I think I liked it more then, then now. Why? Let me tell you.
1) Kate doesn't seem to question anything she does as a parent. I realize she's just trying to get through, but sometimes she just seems so self-assured I want to shake her. I mean, I talk a good talk when I'm with my kids, but get me with a friend or Drew and I'll ask them all sorts of things about stuff I could do better.
2) Jon is now home all the time. This drives me crazy. Is he working any more, or are they just living off the show? If they're living off the show I think the show ceases to be what it was before -- them trying to survive with that many kids.
3) They're doing SO many things totally out of the reach of most families (not to mention ones with 8 kids), and while they do it, they get a ton of "special" experiences that no one else can do. I'm not sure exactly what I'm getting from the show anymore (before it was learning to survive as a stressed-out mom and how it affects the marriage relationship -- anymore, I don't see that very much).
3) Kate's hair drives me insane.
And yes, I do watch too much TV now that I'm pregnant. Thanks for noticing.
I have loved this show from the beginning, and honestly, I think I liked it more then, then now. Why? Let me tell you.
1) Kate doesn't seem to question anything she does as a parent. I realize she's just trying to get through, but sometimes she just seems so self-assured I want to shake her. I mean, I talk a good talk when I'm with my kids, but get me with a friend or Drew and I'll ask them all sorts of things about stuff I could do better.
2) Jon is now home all the time. This drives me crazy. Is he working any more, or are they just living off the show? If they're living off the show I think the show ceases to be what it was before -- them trying to survive with that many kids.
3) They're doing SO many things totally out of the reach of most families (not to mention ones with 8 kids), and while they do it, they get a ton of "special" experiences that no one else can do. I'm not sure exactly what I'm getting from the show anymore (before it was learning to survive as a stressed-out mom and how it affects the marriage relationship -- anymore, I don't see that very much).
3) Kate's hair drives me insane.
And yes, I do watch too much TV now that I'm pregnant. Thanks for noticing.
Feel Free to Comment with Wild Applause
I know, the SAME HEADER for MONTHS.
It's been disgusting.
I'm mortified.
I hope you can forgive.
This one's not a particular winner, but I think I'll start working on my one for Christmas now. :)
It's been disgusting.
I'm mortified.
I hope you can forgive.
This one's not a particular winner, but I think I'll start working on my one for Christmas now. :)
Sticking to the Diet: I gained 3 pounds yesterday
Now you know my crazy secret. I weigh daily. I'm not sure I will keep it up the entire pregnancy but so far it has really helped the whole weight gain thing. I know when I'm messing up, and I know immediately so I can correct it. So, I was SHOCKED when I gained 3 pounds yesterday, but not too surprised {mostly sad}.
The kids and Drew were both out of school yesterday so I was off of my usual routine. I forgot a snack (I HAVE to put Fiber One bars in the car for myself, it's no longer a question at this point, I always forget them). Anyway, so I went about 5 hours between meals in the AM (and I was RAVENOUS when I got home), and then I had a long nap (horray) and slept through my next snack and when I woke-up we went out to dinner. I really wish they'd make restaurants post their nutritional info -- it's hard to make decisions when you don't know what's really in the dressing, etc. Esp. when you're trying to stay within 30-45 carbs, you can make a decent guess -- but that's all it is. Oh, and they shouldn't serve fried cheese. Mmmm Fried cheese.
ANYWAY. I think being off your routine is the worst time to lose weight. What kind of stuff do you guys do to try and stick with it? Christmas break is coming up (not soon enough) and I'm worried the kind of blimp I'll be after that (don't worry -- not eating fried cheese is already on my "list").
The kids and Drew were both out of school yesterday so I was off of my usual routine. I forgot a snack (I HAVE to put Fiber One bars in the car for myself, it's no longer a question at this point, I always forget them). Anyway, so I went about 5 hours between meals in the AM (and I was RAVENOUS when I got home), and then I had a long nap (horray) and slept through my next snack and when I woke-up we went out to dinner. I really wish they'd make restaurants post their nutritional info -- it's hard to make decisions when you don't know what's really in the dressing, etc. Esp. when you're trying to stay within 30-45 carbs, you can make a decent guess -- but that's all it is. Oh, and they shouldn't serve fried cheese. Mmmm Fried cheese.
ANYWAY. I think being off your routine is the worst time to lose weight. What kind of stuff do you guys do to try and stick with it? Christmas break is coming up (not soon enough) and I'm worried the kind of blimp I'll be after that (don't worry -- not eating fried cheese is already on my "list").
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Working Out While Pregnant... with your husband. :)
I got a Lindsay Brin workout set for pregnancy. I really like it (and I got it somewhere else if anyone wants to buy it -- I can email you the store -- they were great, and actually have a lot of great pregnancy DVD's). It has one DVD for each trimester and it has a cardio and a yoga on each DVD -- totaling about 1 hour of working out (but I NEVER do cardio and yoga together, because I am lazy). I think it's important to have pregnancy DVD's for working out at this time. I know that some yoga poses are not that great when you're pregnant and I enjoy how they work certain parts that tend to get more tense or need to get stronger as your belly grows. I can't stand doing her cardio all week though, so I supplement that with some Denise Austin (whom I also hate -- anyone else seeing a trend here?). I do notice it when I don't work out, and I really need to make sure I'm doing the yoga twice a week because it does make me feel so much better.
This morning (HAPPY VETERANS DAY -- which isn't celebrated in Utah, so it's just exciting that we get it out here -- kind of like a freebie) Drew finally bowed to my wishes and did yoga with me. He's always complaining about some ache or pain and I think yoga would help him a lot. He was even a good sport to do the prenatal yoga that is specificially for women. He really enjoyed flexing his "bra muscles" and losening his hips for childbirth. :)
Anyway, just wanted to say Yoga is tolerable (and I am a HUGE fan of it for pregnant women -- I recommend it to ALL of my patients), and my husband is a winner. And I'm sure he feels vibrant today after our little workout. Also, we are going to the dentist today so I can get all tense and un-do all the stretching I did during yoga. Does anyone know where you can get some cheap mexican Zoloft that is OK to take during pregnancy (I hate the dentist, in case you can't tell -- I'd rather get a pap smear, actually).
The end.
This morning (HAPPY VETERANS DAY -- which isn't celebrated in Utah, so it's just exciting that we get it out here -- kind of like a freebie) Drew finally bowed to my wishes and did yoga with me. He's always complaining about some ache or pain and I think yoga would help him a lot. He was even a good sport to do the prenatal yoga that is specificially for women. He really enjoyed flexing his "bra muscles" and losening his hips for childbirth. :)
Anyway, just wanted to say Yoga is tolerable (and I am a HUGE fan of it for pregnant women -- I recommend it to ALL of my patients), and my husband is a winner. And I'm sure he feels vibrant today after our little workout. Also, we are going to the dentist today so I can get all tense and un-do all the stretching I did during yoga. Does anyone know where you can get some cheap mexican Zoloft that is OK to take during pregnancy (I hate the dentist, in case you can't tell -- I'd rather get a pap smear, actually).
The end.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Computer game for an 8 year old Boy?
I will confess. I think we have every toy ever created for boys, or a version of it. If we have another boy this time I will have to re-wrap stuff we already have because there will be nothing else to give that is new.
Embarassing but true.
However, I was briefly considering getting Conner a DS or possibly even a wii. But, then after realizing it would be his entire life (my kids would play video games all day every day if they could), I decided against those two. But, he does love stuff like that -- so I am in the process of trying to find some COMPUTER games that will be really fun with a learning component to them as well. Like how Carmen Sandiego was when I was a kid.
Do you guys have computer games that you think are great for your kids?
Santa wants to know, I'm just sure of it.
Embarassing but true.
However, I was briefly considering getting Conner a DS or possibly even a wii. But, then after realizing it would be his entire life (my kids would play video games all day every day if they could), I decided against those two. But, he does love stuff like that -- so I am in the process of trying to find some COMPUTER games that will be really fun with a learning component to them as well. Like how Carmen Sandiego was when I was a kid.
Do you guys have computer games that you think are great for your kids?
Santa wants to know, I'm just sure of it.
Aversions TMI pregnancy week forever
I have never had really strong aversions during either pregnancy. Until this one, and the very thought of popcorn makes me want to hurl. This is very amusing to my husband since I ate it almost every day all summer (which is quite possibly the reason I am so strongly opposed to it now). Less amusing to him since our children get a "popcorn party" every Sunday when they have good behavior during church. Guess who's in charge of making it now? Hee, hee.... Other than that I'm pretty good.
As far as cravings, it's all about cheese. Oh, and deli sandwiches (subway 5 dollar menu is my friend -- esp since they will toast your sandwich now and you're supposed to have deli meat unless it's heated in pregnancy -- supposidly) and PIZZA. Did I mention I made Drew go get me a slice of pizza at Costco last week while we were watching election returns. He wasn't amused.
Wah.
So far I haven't really gained weight (except for Saturday but I blame it on the cheese fries I enjoyed on Saturday night -- delish!), but I mostly just hoping to stay under 200. I doubt I will lose any more from here out now that I'm 16 weeks, but perhaps I'll start throwing up one of these days.
You know, I have some hope. :)
As far as cravings, it's all about cheese. Oh, and deli sandwiches (subway 5 dollar menu is my friend -- esp since they will toast your sandwich now and you're supposed to have deli meat unless it's heated in pregnancy -- supposidly) and PIZZA. Did I mention I made Drew go get me a slice of pizza at Costco last week while we were watching election returns. He wasn't amused.
Wah.
So far I haven't really gained weight (except for Saturday but I blame it on the cheese fries I enjoyed on Saturday night -- delish!), but I mostly just hoping to stay under 200. I doubt I will lose any more from here out now that I'm 16 weeks, but perhaps I'll start throwing up one of these days.
You know, I have some hope. :)
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Freak-Out
I'm done with my freak-out. Yesterday was much better, and included going to lunch with one of my best friends. All is well (especially when you add carne asada nachos into the mix).
Thanks for all the sweet words on the blog. Sometimes I just write to get my thoughts out (and have it in my blog book when I'm missing my sweet littles (which I can not humanly imagine as of late -- but whatev.). I have some interesting insights on my life though.
1. The blacks and the Mormons are both being trashed, together. Who knew? I doubt anyone could've predicted that one.
2. Saw a letter from the Catholic bishop of Sacramento today standing by his Mormon peeps. Again, who knew? It's times like this that you really get to know your friends.
3. I've had a few friends who were closely following the whole prop 8 thing reveal that they too have had a cry session. Interesting. I know it's hard for us to see our sweetest thing be trashed by thousands, but I think there's more to it.
Talked to Drew too. He was up with me at 6 am (did I mention I hate daylight savings, almost as much as I hate my cell phone provider Sprint -- but that's a blog for another day) cleaning and pretty well hauling the handcart while I balanced the checkbook. He's a real keeper.
And now it's off to a very chilly game of soccer (2nd to last of the season!).
Thanks for all the sweet words on the blog. Sometimes I just write to get my thoughts out (and have it in my blog book when I'm missing my sweet littles (which I can not humanly imagine as of late -- but whatev.). I have some interesting insights on my life though.
1. The blacks and the Mormons are both being trashed, together. Who knew? I doubt anyone could've predicted that one.
2. Saw a letter from the Catholic bishop of Sacramento today standing by his Mormon peeps. Again, who knew? It's times like this that you really get to know your friends.
3. I've had a few friends who were closely following the whole prop 8 thing reveal that they too have had a cry session. Interesting. I know it's hard for us to see our sweetest thing be trashed by thousands, but I think there's more to it.
Talked to Drew too. He was up with me at 6 am (did I mention I hate daylight savings, almost as much as I hate my cell phone provider Sprint -- but that's a blog for another day) cleaning and pretty well hauling the handcart while I balanced the checkbook. He's a real keeper.
And now it's off to a very chilly game of soccer (2nd to last of the season!).
Friday, November 07, 2008
Love
I am teaching Relief Society on Sunday. It's about love. It's a real issue for me, since much if it is about family love, and marital love. I am in love with neither of these things right now.
I am losing my mind.
So I have 3 goals for the day, in hopes it will help my lesson.
1. No more looking at the news. I can't read any more about how people hate me and my church. It's their problem, not mine.
2. I am gonna proof pictures for at least 10 minutes.
3. I'm gonna write down 3 positive things about all the loves of my life. Hopefully working on the lesson will be just what I need. And hopefully it won't end with me drooling, asleep on the keyboard.
Go team.
I am losing my mind.
- I haven't worked in about 2 weeks, and I'm not doing so til' late next week. This is the only alone time I have during this time of year.
- I am so tired that I'm not doing anything for "me". In fact, I let part of my cleaning slide yesterday, and of course now I'm having to make it up today (which usually only happens when my blood sugar is 37 and I am in a coma).
- My husband is very busy with his job right now but I feel like I'm parenting 3 boys. Or parenting 2 boys and being the maid, chef, personal assistant for the other. I get that he's busy with work, and I know that when Thanksgiving break comes he'll realizing that I'm pulling the handcart with not only all our stuff, but he's lounging in the back as well. It always happens, I know it will, but it doesn't mean that I'm not at my tipping point.
- Because I'm so tired it always leads to behavior issues in the kids because I'm too lazy (and then a busy ornery husband comes home and doesn't seem to help our little mix).
- On Monday night at dinner we gave our highs and lows for the day, and mine was going to my pap smear appointment (well, my doctor doesn't do pap smears on pregnant ladies unless they're high risk but a speculum appointment doesn't sound all that fun now either, does it?).
- When I tell my kids that mom's on the edge they push harder, and then say "wow, you're in a bad mood."
So I have 3 goals for the day, in hopes it will help my lesson.
1. No more looking at the news. I can't read any more about how people hate me and my church. It's their problem, not mine.
2. I am gonna proof pictures for at least 10 minutes.
3. I'm gonna write down 3 positive things about all the loves of my life. Hopefully working on the lesson will be just what I need. And hopefully it won't end with me drooling, asleep on the keyboard.
Go team.
Big Eyes
Yesterday I was rushing to get dinner (before Soccer, of course) and had been half listening to Oprah when the news came on of a giant protest at the LDS temple in LA. Wide eyed I re-wound to see what they were saying.
And while I was gonna let prop 8 go -- I just can't let this go without a few comments.
1. Did the actual church donate money? I don't think so. I think they made a few "in kind" donations of flying some GA's to CA to help out, but I think that's it. Anyone know for sure? They keep saying the "church" gave money, and I think that's a myth, but I could be wrong (I know, shockingly, it happens). They did encourage us to donate, but any money we did was all on our own.
2. There is no way to separate your "church self" from your "regular self" and if there is, you're a hypocrite. If you're asking me to vote without taking any of the morals which I so strongly believe in (which also just so happen to be many of the things I learn at church) I might as well not vote. It's just not possible. That's all we're doing. They didn't ask us to vote for McCain, they asked us to vote what was in our hearts. Do I separate my church self from the one that brings casseroles to a sick friend, or volunteers to watch their kid? Nope, that's my church self too.
3. I'm kinda freaking out. I have a BYU licence plate holder, and I obviously had a Yes on 8 sign in my front yard. I was kind of expecting to be attacked as I took Conner to soccer last night, but I realized people are just using their rights of free speech. Hopefully that's where it ends, yesterday seemed to be pretty peaceful, all thing considered (unless you were trying to drive around there -- that would've stunk!).
4. Half of CA voted for this. Mormons apparently are only 4% of the population (somehow I think that's wrong, but I've heard it quoted). We were NOT the only church you backed this, but we are organized and we did a grass roots efforts for which we should be proud. Any campaign would be lucky to have as many volunteers. I wonder if those who are protesting went door to door to share their thoughts. I wonder if they donated money to their campaign. I wonder if they thought about any of this before we all cast our vote.
I think that's all I'm going to say. It will be interesting to see what the courts do with this. I know it will hurt all of our vote if they decide to overturn it. However, they've done it before. And I do believe in this instance Gavin Newsom was prophetic. "Whether we like it or not..."
And while I was gonna let prop 8 go -- I just can't let this go without a few comments.
1. Did the actual church donate money? I don't think so. I think they made a few "in kind" donations of flying some GA's to CA to help out, but I think that's it. Anyone know for sure? They keep saying the "church" gave money, and I think that's a myth, but I could be wrong (I know, shockingly, it happens). They did encourage us to donate, but any money we did was all on our own.
2. There is no way to separate your "church self" from your "regular self" and if there is, you're a hypocrite. If you're asking me to vote without taking any of the morals which I so strongly believe in (which also just so happen to be many of the things I learn at church) I might as well not vote. It's just not possible. That's all we're doing. They didn't ask us to vote for McCain, they asked us to vote what was in our hearts. Do I separate my church self from the one that brings casseroles to a sick friend, or volunteers to watch their kid? Nope, that's my church self too.
3. I'm kinda freaking out. I have a BYU licence plate holder, and I obviously had a Yes on 8 sign in my front yard. I was kind of expecting to be attacked as I took Conner to soccer last night, but I realized people are just using their rights of free speech. Hopefully that's where it ends, yesterday seemed to be pretty peaceful, all thing considered (unless you were trying to drive around there -- that would've stunk!).
4. Half of CA voted for this. Mormons apparently are only 4% of the population (somehow I think that's wrong, but I've heard it quoted). We were NOT the only church you backed this, but we are organized and we did a grass roots efforts for which we should be proud. Any campaign would be lucky to have as many volunteers. I wonder if those who are protesting went door to door to share their thoughts. I wonder if they donated money to their campaign. I wonder if they thought about any of this before we all cast our vote.
I think that's all I'm going to say. It will be interesting to see what the courts do with this. I know it will hurt all of our vote if they decide to overturn it. However, they've done it before. And I do believe in this instance Gavin Newsom was prophetic. "Whether we like it or not..."
Thursday, November 06, 2008
TMI: Glucose Intolerance -- week 6 or so
Again, if you don't like reading the nitty gritty, feel free to stop reading here. This one won't be near as bad as the last though. :)
Anywho, I went to the Kaiser class (yes, 8 years of childbirth experience and I still had to attend the Kaiser class, which was thankfully only 45 min.) in which they told me I had to get a 1 hour glucose test because of my family history of diabetes. I glumly went and took it, and it was high. SO, that triggered the need for a 3 hour glucose. I had an awful time when I had to take it with Spencer but I went anyway (thanks to some help from some friends -- can't stand the fact I waste 3 hours doing absolutely nothing). So, for those of you not versed in this, during the 3 hour glucose tolerance test (which is pretty-well only given in pregnancy) you get your blood taken (a fasting result), then you drink a VERY sugary drink (I think it has something like 150 mg of sugar or something), and you have your blood taken 3 times (every hour) thereafter. Here were my results:
My body obviously had a pretty severe reaction to all that sugar (I am in no way a candy whore, more a baked treat whore). Anyway -- as I was reading online guzzling down a gallon of OJ after the test I read that anything less than 40 usually goes into a coma. Of course, I was driving home, picking up Spencer, feeling the "joy" (I had taken a PB and honey sandwich with me, which Drew LOADED up the honey on -- so that is probably what kept me from dying). I felt absolutely awful the rest of the day, and of course it was a band day so I had no assistance with children -- isn't that always the way? I actually threw-up the next day, which is the first time I have ever done it in any of my pregnancies.
ANYWAY, because my initial fasting was high I have what is considered fasting glucose intolerance. It can also be termed pre-diabetes, which isn't surprising since I have a pretty severe family history and I'm still overweight (but not obese!-- YAY).
Kaiser had a dietician call me, and she was really helpful (most places would only place you on a diet if 2 of the 4 results were bad, but Kaiser has found it's helpful to start the diet portion at least, if only one result is bad). So this is my diet now: I eat 3 meals during the day, and these consist of 30-45 mg of carbs with some protein. I also have 3 snacks during the day which consist of 30'ish carbs and some protein (plus any low carb veggies to my heart's delight). The dietitian was concerned that I don't eat after dinner. I haven't since I started my fancy diet back when I was losing weight. She said that's a myth that eating later in the evening makes you gain weight, we just need to be careful of WHAT we eat. Essentially I would eat around 6 pm and then not eat again until 7:30'ish am (and I work out before I eat). She's right, I haven't gained weight, but I'm also eating a smaller amount then I might have normally and the food is better for me (lately it's been a portion of sugar free pudding and possibly some roasted soy beams).
So far the diet is really helping. I don't feel nearly as nauseated (I'm not supposed to eat fruit for my first meal, and I noticed when I did that I would feel REALLY nauseated afterwards -- and the times when I've REALLY gone off the diet I have felt pretty nauseated). I haven't gained any weight so far and I enjoy the things I'm eating. Now, I must admit that in 2 of my 6 meals, I a most likley eating cheese (as my protein), but really -- it's my crystal meth. Also, I'm not eating a ton of it so that helps. There's not supposed to be any sugary stuff. So no halloween candy, no treats at FHE, nothing like that -- but so far so good. I am sure I'll probably mess-up a couple of times during Christmas but when I feel sick afterwards that is a good reminder to stick with what they told me.
Anyway, I don't have to check my blood sugar, so that's a bonus (but I don't actually know what it is when I'm feeling sick). I will have to take the test again at 28 weeks (well, the 1 hour, and then if I fail that I will have to take the 3 hour again -- although, my doctor is going to stop it at 2 hours so I don't go into a coma this time). I'm bummed about that -- but Spencer was a 9 pound baby. He's probably only gained 21 pounds in his 4 years on this earth so I think something was up with that pregnancy. I'd prefer to go under 9 this time if I can.
And there you have it. Glucose intolerance in a handy blog entry. :)
Anywho, I went to the Kaiser class (yes, 8 years of childbirth experience and I still had to attend the Kaiser class, which was thankfully only 45 min.) in which they told me I had to get a 1 hour glucose test because of my family history of diabetes. I glumly went and took it, and it was high. SO, that triggered the need for a 3 hour glucose. I had an awful time when I had to take it with Spencer but I went anyway (thanks to some help from some friends -- can't stand the fact I waste 3 hours doing absolutely nothing). So, for those of you not versed in this, during the 3 hour glucose tolerance test (which is pretty-well only given in pregnancy) you get your blood taken (a fasting result), then you drink a VERY sugary drink (I think it has something like 150 mg of sugar or something), and you have your blood taken 3 times (every hour) thereafter. Here were my results:
Fasting 98 (high -- should be <95)
1 hour 160 (normal -- should be <180)
2 hour 91 (normal -- should be <155)
3 hour 37 (freakishly low -- should be <145)
ANYWAY, because my initial fasting was high I have what is considered fasting glucose intolerance. It can also be termed pre-diabetes, which isn't surprising since I have a pretty severe family history and I'm still overweight (but not obese!-- YAY).
Kaiser had a dietician call me, and she was really helpful (most places would only place you on a diet if 2 of the 4 results were bad, but Kaiser has found it's helpful to start the diet portion at least, if only one result is bad). So this is my diet now: I eat 3 meals during the day, and these consist of 30-45 mg of carbs with some protein. I also have 3 snacks during the day which consist of 30'ish carbs and some protein (plus any low carb veggies to my heart's delight). The dietitian was concerned that I don't eat after dinner. I haven't since I started my fancy diet back when I was losing weight. She said that's a myth that eating later in the evening makes you gain weight, we just need to be careful of WHAT we eat. Essentially I would eat around 6 pm and then not eat again until 7:30'ish am (and I work out before I eat). She's right, I haven't gained weight, but I'm also eating a smaller amount then I might have normally and the food is better for me (lately it's been a portion of sugar free pudding and possibly some roasted soy beams).
So far the diet is really helping. I don't feel nearly as nauseated (I'm not supposed to eat fruit for my first meal, and I noticed when I did that I would feel REALLY nauseated afterwards -- and the times when I've REALLY gone off the diet I have felt pretty nauseated). I haven't gained any weight so far and I enjoy the things I'm eating. Now, I must admit that in 2 of my 6 meals, I a most likley eating cheese (as my protein), but really -- it's my crystal meth. Also, I'm not eating a ton of it so that helps. There's not supposed to be any sugary stuff. So no halloween candy, no treats at FHE, nothing like that -- but so far so good. I am sure I'll probably mess-up a couple of times during Christmas but when I feel sick afterwards that is a good reminder to stick with what they told me.
Anyway, I don't have to check my blood sugar, so that's a bonus (but I don't actually know what it is when I'm feeling sick). I will have to take the test again at 28 weeks (well, the 1 hour, and then if I fail that I will have to take the 3 hour again -- although, my doctor is going to stop it at 2 hours so I don't go into a coma this time). I'm bummed about that -- but Spencer was a 9 pound baby. He's probably only gained 21 pounds in his 4 years on this earth so I think something was up with that pregnancy. I'd prefer to go under 9 this time if I can.
And there you have it. Glucose intolerance in a handy blog entry. :)
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
It's Finished and it's Just Begun
{sigh}
SO happy it's OVER! I mean, the guy I voted for didn't win but I'm excited for the changes ahead for many reasons:
1) He seems like a sincere person who wants to work for the greater good.
2) Michelle Obama will be a much better first lady than Cindy McCain -- again, only an opinion, but I like her. It will also be amusing to watch his girls travel down this wobbly path.
3) It's good PR for our nation.
4) It's exciting to see changes. I hope things actually happen.
5) I dunno, just felt like there should be a five.
Now comes the cabinet picks where we can decide if #1 is really the truth or not. And of course the inauguration and the balls. I always love the pomp and circumstance of that whole thing.
And then there's prop 8. As of this writing it's ahead 52 to 48 with 95% in. As I inspected the CA map there aren't many ways they're going to win it. Most of the places that aren't fully in went for the prop, only a couple against it. No one has called it yet though, although I think people are coming around to the idea... maybe...
But what do I read when I google Prop 8? Well, the legal wrangling has already begun. Of course they can't file since it's not officially law n' all that jazz... but once it is they're ready to file -- saying it's unconstitutional (didn't this change the constitution to make it constitutional?). {sigh} Let's not pretend like this is a surprise. Literally, if we have to wage this campaign again I am moving. I would most likely rather live the law of consecration than go out on those mean streets again (one in particular).
The soccer mom in me hates how there are winners and losers. I do feel badly for the people who strongly feel that Prop 8 shouldn't have passed. I know that they had hopes and dreams based on this law and I do see their points. I don't agree, but I can see how you'd be very hurt today. That makes me sad, seeing as they are my friends. I hope we can put this behind us quickly. I went out and did a quick photo shoot of Spencer in front of our sign this AM and then pulled it out of the ground. It was a happy moment.
I do feel a new sense that things will work out, that God is watching over all of us and that things will be fine. As in voting, it's always up to us to do our part. We can't place all of this on our leaders, if we want change we can believe in -- it's up to us.
Go Team.
SO happy it's OVER! I mean, the guy I voted for didn't win but I'm excited for the changes ahead for many reasons:
1) He seems like a sincere person who wants to work for the greater good.
2) Michelle Obama will be a much better first lady than Cindy McCain -- again, only an opinion, but I like her. It will also be amusing to watch his girls travel down this wobbly path.
3) It's good PR for our nation.
4) It's exciting to see changes. I hope things actually happen.
5) I dunno, just felt like there should be a five.
Now comes the cabinet picks where we can decide if #1 is really the truth or not. And of course the inauguration and the balls. I always love the pomp and circumstance of that whole thing.
And then there's prop 8. As of this writing it's ahead 52 to 48 with 95% in. As I inspected the CA map there aren't many ways they're going to win it. Most of the places that aren't fully in went for the prop, only a couple against it. No one has called it yet though, although I think people are coming around to the idea... maybe...
But what do I read when I google Prop 8? Well, the legal wrangling has already begun. Of course they can't file since it's not officially law n' all that jazz... but once it is they're ready to file -- saying it's unconstitutional (didn't this change the constitution to make it constitutional?). {sigh} Let's not pretend like this is a surprise. Literally, if we have to wage this campaign again I am moving. I would most likely rather live the law of consecration than go out on those mean streets again (one in particular).
The soccer mom in me hates how there are winners and losers. I do feel badly for the people who strongly feel that Prop 8 shouldn't have passed. I know that they had hopes and dreams based on this law and I do see their points. I don't agree, but I can see how you'd be very hurt today. That makes me sad, seeing as they are my friends. I hope we can put this behind us quickly. I went out and did a quick photo shoot of Spencer in front of our sign this AM and then pulled it out of the ground. It was a happy moment.
I do feel a new sense that things will work out, that God is watching over all of us and that things will be fine. As in voting, it's always up to us to do our part. We can't place all of this on our leaders, if we want change we can believe in -- it's up to us.
Go Team.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Vote, Vote, Vote
For some reason when I think of voting, I'm always taken back to that scene in Mary Poppins where they're all marching around saying "votes for women". I remember asking my mom what on earth they were talking about. Realizing that just a few years back when Mary Poppins was a nanny women couldn't vote was a big realization for me. I mean, really -- when you realize how many changes have happened in the last 100 years or so, it takes your breath away. Amazing.
However, I had my ballot all marked this AM except for president. Just a tough decision for me, it's always a lesser of 2 evils for me (and I will admit to a green party vote every now and then). There a policies on both sides I disagree with. I think they're both fine men, don't get me wrong. I just don't side with either one entirely. I finally marked it just before breakfast and was so happy to just have decided. So, I go out to breakfast and Conner asks me if I decided who I'm gonna vote for. I told him and he looked at me AGHAST. But MOM -- Barack Obama wants PEACE and he wants to help immigrants. John McCain wants war and he tries to keep out immigrants. At first I thought "WHAT!!!" but then I asked him more about his views, and we really had a great chat about how they both want peace, but they disagree about how peace will come. We also talked about immigration a bit, as much as I could on a 3rd grade level. I guess he'd read something in the weekly reader from scholastic and had only taken a few points to heart (I can't imagine that they're too biased over there at scholastic). However, I'm glad it happened. I got to explain to him exactly why I'd voted the way I had. And suddenly a vote that I made for the lesser of two evils made a little more sense to me. I've been soaking in info on these candidates for YEARS (how sad is that) and now I can really say I've made an informed decision. However, I'm not die-hard either way. Mostly I want it over.
OVER I say.
Found my little suffragette song on youtube...
However, I had my ballot all marked this AM except for president. Just a tough decision for me, it's always a lesser of 2 evils for me (and I will admit to a green party vote every now and then). There a policies on both sides I disagree with. I think they're both fine men, don't get me wrong. I just don't side with either one entirely. I finally marked it just before breakfast and was so happy to just have decided. So, I go out to breakfast and Conner asks me if I decided who I'm gonna vote for. I told him and he looked at me AGHAST. But MOM -- Barack Obama wants PEACE and he wants to help immigrants. John McCain wants war and he tries to keep out immigrants. At first I thought "WHAT!!!" but then I asked him more about his views, and we really had a great chat about how they both want peace, but they disagree about how peace will come. We also talked about immigration a bit, as much as I could on a 3rd grade level. I guess he'd read something in the weekly reader from scholastic and had only taken a few points to heart (I can't imagine that they're too biased over there at scholastic). However, I'm glad it happened. I got to explain to him exactly why I'd voted the way I had. And suddenly a vote that I made for the lesser of two evils made a little more sense to me. I've been soaking in info on these candidates for YEARS (how sad is that) and now I can really say I've made an informed decision. However, I'm not die-hard either way. Mostly I want it over.
OVER I say.
Found my little suffragette song on youtube...
Monday, November 03, 2008
Wiping the Election Out of my MInd
So, in order to get the election out of my mind, over the weekend I made myself a little CD. I like some of the songs on the radio as of late, but I can't talk the talk or the propsition commercials. So I put a few of my favorites on a CD -- I also hope to use most of them on our family DVD for the year. It's always fun to use songs that I think are popular of the day.
I hope this works, I'm not particularly itunes savy:
I hope this works, I'm not particularly itunes savy:
Saturday, November 01, 2008
TMI: Pregnacy Week 5
The whole time I was pregnant I kept thinking how I should be blogging this. I knew what was happening but a lot of people in early pregnancy aren't talking to friends and they might get some good out of what goes on. So, I'm gonna do a few TMI posts. I know my brother is particularly fond of posts about how my and women's bodys in general work so if you don't want to read that, STOP READING. I will say that I didn't have a SINGLE Halloween treat last night. Just the thought of how it makes me feel -- anyway, I'll have a glucose TMI post, but I will be saving that for another day.
Again, stop reading if you don't want to.
So, it was the last week of our summer. I was SO tired, I was smelling EVERYTHING, and not loving that. I was just sure I was pregnant but then I started bleeding. I figured it had all been in my head and I popped in some female protection, as I assisted a former YW to go through the temple. It was a great day but I went to the temple with 2 wishes in my heart. 1) To figure out this pregnancy thing, I figured I wasn't pregnant and I wanted to know what was up. 2) To figure out our mortgage. I was in the middle of that whole mess. The day was amazing and I came home and fixed my mortgage that very afternoon. I also took out some very dry female protection. I figured it'd just start the next day. But it didn't. I was actually pretty worried about myself. I was so tired that I thought I might have something really wrong with me. I usually sleep around 8-9 hours/night -- but I was doing that in addition to napping for around 2 hours (let's just say my children had a lot of fun these couple of weeks). The reason you sleep so much during this time is your body is building your placenta, which is basically a HUGE blood clot. It takes lots of iron and energy from your body -- so, if you're early in pregnancy and tired you won't be able to work through it, you should just sleep. Finally on our 11th anniversary I did an EPT in the AM. I figured it'd be negative and I'd go online and buy some ovulation kits and pregnancy tests (a friend of mine showed me a great place where you get a ton of ovulation sticks and pregnancy tests for one good price -- if anyone's interested I can look it up again). It was VERY faintly positive. But, positive is positive. Sometimes women bleed when their placenta is attaching to the uterus. It's very normal at this point -- but my doctor did want me to go get a Rhogam shot because I am Rh negative -- the new way of thought is that anyone who has a Rh incompatibility with the father of the baby should get a rhogam if they are spotting, at any point in the pregnancy. I taped the EPT inside a bouquet of Dr. Pepper bottles for Drew. He was touched, probably more by the Dr. Pepper than the stick from my urine. :)
Of course, from that point on you live in la-la-land. Will it all work, will it actually happen, how will it change your family, should I get a prescription for Prozac now or later?
I did go to the hospital and got some Beta HcG tests. I got them on 3 consecutive 48 hour periods and if you see it rising it is likely that your baby is growing and is not a blighted ovum. Of course, Kaiser did the wrong test for the 3rd day and just told me I was pregnant, rather than the number -- so I of course was still left in the dark. This isn't entirely affirmative but it's the only indicator you can get at this point, since you won't be seeing a heartbeat for a week or so -- and let's not forget I'm a totally paranoid person.
Anyway, there you go, that's pretty much my first week of pregnancy in a nutshell. Mostly it was that, work and sleeping. Lucky Drew. BTW, he didn't get me anything for our anniversary so I figure all the naps can just count as that, right?
Again, stop reading if you don't want to.
So, it was the last week of our summer. I was SO tired, I was smelling EVERYTHING, and not loving that. I was just sure I was pregnant but then I started bleeding. I figured it had all been in my head and I popped in some female protection, as I assisted a former YW to go through the temple. It was a great day but I went to the temple with 2 wishes in my heart. 1) To figure out this pregnancy thing, I figured I wasn't pregnant and I wanted to know what was up. 2) To figure out our mortgage. I was in the middle of that whole mess. The day was amazing and I came home and fixed my mortgage that very afternoon. I also took out some very dry female protection. I figured it'd just start the next day. But it didn't. I was actually pretty worried about myself. I was so tired that I thought I might have something really wrong with me. I usually sleep around 8-9 hours/night -- but I was doing that in addition to napping for around 2 hours (let's just say my children had a lot of fun these couple of weeks). The reason you sleep so much during this time is your body is building your placenta, which is basically a HUGE blood clot. It takes lots of iron and energy from your body -- so, if you're early in pregnancy and tired you won't be able to work through it, you should just sleep. Finally on our 11th anniversary I did an EPT in the AM. I figured it'd be negative and I'd go online and buy some ovulation kits and pregnancy tests (a friend of mine showed me a great place where you get a ton of ovulation sticks and pregnancy tests for one good price -- if anyone's interested I can look it up again). It was VERY faintly positive. But, positive is positive. Sometimes women bleed when their placenta is attaching to the uterus. It's very normal at this point -- but my doctor did want me to go get a Rhogam shot because I am Rh negative -- the new way of thought is that anyone who has a Rh incompatibility with the father of the baby should get a rhogam if they are spotting, at any point in the pregnancy. I taped the EPT inside a bouquet of Dr. Pepper bottles for Drew. He was touched, probably more by the Dr. Pepper than the stick from my urine. :)
Of course, from that point on you live in la-la-land. Will it all work, will it actually happen, how will it change your family, should I get a prescription for Prozac now or later?
I did go to the hospital and got some Beta HcG tests. I got them on 3 consecutive 48 hour periods and if you see it rising it is likely that your baby is growing and is not a blighted ovum. Of course, Kaiser did the wrong test for the 3rd day and just told me I was pregnant, rather than the number -- so I of course was still left in the dark. This isn't entirely affirmative but it's the only indicator you can get at this point, since you won't be seeing a heartbeat for a week or so -- and let's not forget I'm a totally paranoid person.
Anyway, there you go, that's pretty much my first week of pregnancy in a nutshell. Mostly it was that, work and sleeping. Lucky Drew. BTW, he didn't get me anything for our anniversary so I figure all the naps can just count as that, right?
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