What I've learned from my parents...

Jeremy read what I wrote about my mom in a previous post in regards to how her faith has been an example to me and helped make me who I am today and asked me what I have learned from ALL of my parents. :) I thought about this and wanted to jot a few things down.

Mom: Faith. Read my blog post, "Regaining Faith"

Jason: As many of you know, I didn't give Jason much credit when him and my mom got married. It has now been almost 11 years (I'm pretty sure that's how long it's been)... anyway, he has shown me that he is one of the most patient and calm people I've ever met. He handles himself very well even when he is upset. I've never heard him yell or behave inapproprately. He thinks before he acts.

Dad (UT): My dad has taught me to "be myself" and not care what others think. I've never seen him get worked up about what someone else thinks of him and has always just been himself. He doesn't waste unnecessary energy on trying to please others when it doesn't matter. What a valuable trait! I wish I could've had that confidence in high school. It would've saved me a lot of heart ache and worry.

Dad (CA): Right away I recalled a time when I was younger and lived in CA. I don't recall what I was doing, but I was asking my dad to look it over for me. He mentioned that he knew I could do better and I said, "Yeah, but this is good enough." He responded by saying, "If you are always OK with doing/performing in a mediocre manner, then you will always be OK with a mediocre life." I have never forgotten this comment and it has always stood out to me. He has been a good example of an ambitous hardworker who doesn't settle for something less than what he sets out for. I attribute much of my small successes in life to his 'go get em' attitude/example.

Mary (CA Mom): This is something simple, yet profound... "Always learn to laugh at everything." I can't put it better than that. How much easier would your problems be if you could learn to laugh at them one day... or even laugh through them.

Thank you for bettering my life with your personal characteristics. I have been blessed with a large mix of people in my life and have been surrounded by many 'walks of life' to show me a wide range of lifestyles. I'm grateful to have those examples and traits in my life to pass on to my family.

Football, Football and More Football

So, if you don't know my husband, then you don't know that he is a total football and baseball fan. He coaches the 8th grade Lehi Team with his brother Shane, his cousin Jake and one of his best friends, Travis. They have been coaching almost every night and every saturday morning until school started for the kids. Now it has died down a couple nights a week that gives me my husband back. ha ha JK I actually enjoy the time to hang with friends or just get stuff done around the house.

Anyway... if you know ME, then you know that I have absolutely no interest in football or baseball. It has been quite the transition coming together on "excitement" for the games. We have compromised that I will go to every other game. It makes me laugh when someone at every game asks me what the score is. I usually look around in confusion and think, "Are they talking to ME?" lol "GO LEHI!"

Jeremy Coaching:




Jeremy, Shane, Travis, Jake:

Third Trimester is here!

Yep, you read right... I'm already in the 3rd trimester. It is nutso! It's going by so fast. The pinched siatic nerve, the swelling in my feet/face/legs, the enlarged "novelties" on my upper body (and still growing), being hot all the time and freezing Jeremy out like we live in the Arctic, increased emotions (crying), sleepless/uncomfortable nights, heartburn, grumpy as you can get when you're hungry, you name it... I have it. We are full blown into pregnancy and moving right along. I was soooooo scared of giving birth and going through labor, but I can already see how you will take one crappy day of pain to subside all of the symptoms of pregnancy. I pretty much want to punch all the women that say, "I just LOVE being pregnant!" Are they delusional? Or have they already forgotten what it's like? Because I can't believe that people do this more than once. My conclusion is... they have most definitely forgotten. I try to do self-therapy by talking my self through things and I am unable to tell myself that I just need to get through it this ONE time, because I'm pretty sure I'm going to sign up for all of this again.

Also, let me add a tip on here for those of you trying to get pregnant for the first time or looking forward to it one day: Don't watch TLC's "A Baby Story" while pregnant. Especially not in your first 2 semesters. Wait until you are uncomfortable enough to look forward to birth. Otherwise, it just freaks you out.

I'm soooooooooo glad that one of my best friends, Jenya, is also prego with me. She is due about 5 weeks before me, so we've been able to go through the whole thing together. We couldn't have planned it better if we'd have tried. It has been really fun having her to talk to and complain/compare/talk to. It has been one of those small little blessings along the way.

On the other hand, there is a good side of things too. I'm still amazed and can't seem to get over the fact that there is a brand NEW person in my belly that no one knows what he looks like or acts like and was never here before. Every time we get something for the baby it is a reality check of what is happening. We are going to start our very own family and be attached to this little guy FOREVER! I just can't believe it. It's never hit me like this when watching someone else go through this.

I've never been the babysitter type growing up and haven't ever been that 'into' all my friends pregnancy's. I haven't had anyone in my family close by having babies... so, it's just never been something I've ever had to learn about or be around. So, thank you to all my friends and family for being so concerned and putting aside my previous ignorance into this new level of life. I finally GET IT! :)

Also, I feel soooooooo grateful for the opportunity that I have to conceive 'life'! Although I complain about it, it is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced and would never take it back for anything. I love that I can feel our little baby every day in my tummy moving around and kicking. And I wish I had a camera out for the look on Jeremy's face when he first felt our baby move. It made his whole day. He still gets that look every time he feels him kick. It is one of those little pictures I will have in my memories forever.

...so, continuing on the countdown. :)

New Goals

Remember our goals before? The spiritual goals that we were keeping track of in our new planner with the "motivational" foil stars? Well, I'm happy to report that since we started doing that, it has definitely served its purpose. We are still not perfect, but there is never a day that doesn't have some sort of star on it. We have built a very good routine now and have started doing our daily prayer, scripture study, etc. naturally. It has continued to strengthen our relationship and love for one another. We have consistently seen the blessings come in our lives for big and small things. It's crazy how the small things add up to HUGE things. ...just wanted to give everyone the update on that. "Still Good!" :)

Standing Ovation Award

On Sunday we had to run in and get some stuff from Jeremy's work and while he was checking his email, he saw an email saying he had won their "Standing Ovation Award". This award isn't given out often and you can only get it if your fellow employee's nominate you. The prize? $1000! Woo Hoo! We get to choose from an array of gift cards to use the prize money. Jeremy has already redeemed some of the money for me to get stuff at Motherhood and Macy's for my new HUGE, novelty boob bras (not that they weren't novelties before I was pregnant, but wow!) Ahhh, what a good husband. :)

I'm so proud of him. He has worked so hard at work this year and little by little he is making a difference. Good job babe!

Oh... and many of you have asked what the update on Ireland is, and the update is that it is probably a 'no go'. :( I don't think we'll ever make it over there. (sigh) It would be cool though if it worked out one day.

Franklin's Woobie

Yes, it's true... Franklin has his own woobie. It used to be this little kitten hand puppet that he would carry with him everywhere, but "Kitty" (the woobies name) got lost and he had to find a new comfort. So, he now carries around this little pug stuffed animal that looks just like him. It is only over at my mom's house, so he goes and finds it every time he walks through the door. It is the cutest/funniest thing. He licks it and cleans it and takes care of it like it was his puppy or something. We named this new woobie, "Little Frank" since it looks like him. Here are a couple of pic's with him and Little Frank. He even went to sleep with Little Frank on the couch with his arm over it. I couldn't help but take a picture.

Daddy, Daughter Date Night

Last night I went on a date with my UT dad. He has been planning it for over a month and asked me well in advance so that I could clear my night. We went and saw George Winston, a world reknown pianist. This will be the second time we've gone to see him in concert. The first time was a few years ago up at Utah State. This time George came and played right in Provo. My friend Evelyn absolutely loves George and has always wanted to see him in person. I felt even more cool that she loved him so much and that I got to go see his concert. On top of that, my dad is actually friends with him. So, every time he comes into town he reserves tickets for us to come and see him.

George Winston is definitely unique. He has his own style of music. The thing I think is fascinating about him is that he will sometimes change the sound of the piano tune by loosening the chords in the piano and plays them like a guitar while playing the other keys like normal. Or he'll play the keys with the loosened chords... I dont know if I explained that well, but its definitley interesting. He is very talented. I need to find the pic of George, me and my dad from a few years ago so I can post it with our most recent pic from last night.

If you ever get a chance to see George Winston, you should do it. He is one of the only people I know that has his year booked so far in advance, it's crazy. He travels all over doing concerts.

(pic from last night) notice that the posters for the concert sponsors are more of a focal point than the piano and star piano player. please dont notice me as much. ha ha

Gross!

So, this may be inappropriate to put on here, but I was actually amazed with the size of puke that Banks did on my carpet in the bedroom. I gagged through the whole cleaning process and had to take a picture of it for Jeremy to see. I took me like 4 full handfuls to clean it up. YUCK! This picture hardly does it justice for the size it was. ha haa

My New Room!

Ta-duh! I have redecorated our bedroom. It was in need of decoration. My bedroom was so plain compared to the rest of my house. I figured it was time to do it before I have the baby and never get around to it. Luckily I have collected so much "stuff" over time, that it made it pretty easy to find knick-knacks to hang up. Until I started cleaning out my house in every nook and cranny, I couldn't believe how much deco stuff I had laying around.

First off, I have to give a HUGE thanks to my good friend Angie who has been so awesome about helping her 'handicap' prego friend. She pretty much did all the work for it, so I can't take much credit. Thank you soooooooooo much! And also on that note, she has humbled me so much in how she has been willing to serve me as a friend with her time and energy. Giving my time to people is something that is really hard for me to do, so I am grateful for her example to give of herself in that way.

Here are some pic's of the new place:


You can kind of see on the side where there is a box of flowers hung up on the wall. This is my wedding bouquet that was preserved. It is the coolest. They look ALMOST like the day we were married.

This is a look of what is now in front of our bed. You can see it has kind of turned into our "wedding" wall. It has our Marriage Certificate framed, thanks to CA dad... and a couple of our wedding photos around it. And to top it off, some vinyl lettering above that we can look at every night before we go to sleep. "Always Kiss Me Goodnight" Ahhhh. :) And don't forget to notice the bed and cedar chest my grandpa Humpherys made me about 10 years ago. I love them!

"Buca Di Poop-o", I mean "Beppo"

Tonight I wanted to surprise Jeremy with something fun to do, because we don't get out much these days and I remembered I had a $50 gift card to Buca Di Beppo that I got for my Birthday forever ago. Neither one of us had ever been there and Italian is Jeremy's favorite food, so that's what we did tonight.

It is one of the coolest places. I loved the environment. I think I must be the last one of my friends to have ever gone there cause everyone I've asked about it has already been. So, I apologize if my new found restaurant is of no new news to you. :) However, re-read the title of this post... That is exactly how we both felt afterwards. ha ha

Good Food
Good atmosphere
Fun Times... until... later. :) Just remember that.

I didn't take many pictures while we were there, but it was cool that everything on the menu is meant for 2 or more people. I thought it was a great date night dinner. Plus, our dessert came out with one ice cream container and a bunch of little mini ice cream cones. How cute and clever. I wish I came up with good restaurant ideas to make it fun and different from other places.

Food 4 Thought!

My friend Angie took me to this great little place in Draper I'd never seen or heard of. It was one of those cute little places tucked away in the middle of a neighborhood. It is called "Food 4 Thought". One of the best "Girlfriend" restaurants to go to when you want to meet up with the girls and catch up. If you get the chance to go to Draper for anything, then look it up and head on over there. The environment is cozy and the food is delicious. I give it 2 thumbs up.


Can you believe how this belly is growing? It's freakin' me out! I still have 3 months left... Gulp!

With out his manhood!

Tonight was a tragic night for our little Banks. He went and got 'em "chopped". Poor little guy. Franklin had his done when he was a puppy, but Banks hasn't yet and he is almost 4 years old. So... I talked Jeremy into getting it done in the hopes that it will help him to be a calmer dog. I didn't worry about the surgery one bit for the day and then when we went to go pick him up he looked the saddest I've ever seen him look. Just look at him.

He was so doped out on medication that he didn't know where he was and couldn't even stand up. To make matters worse, they had to put those little cones on his head because he can't stop licking himself. He has to wear it for a whole week.


Here's a picture of what happened to him when I put him in the back of my Rodeo. He just fell face forward. lol You can see his one back leg is straight out in front and the other is in back. His front legs are all mangled and don't look comfortable at all. All night long he ran into walls with that cone. And the funny thing was is that we'd have to re-point him in a new direction before he'd start walking again once he ran into something. Funny, but sad. lol

At home:

We just enrolled Banky's to puppy classes every week for the next 2 months. "We'll get you up to speed little guy!" :)

Happy Birthday Kiley!

Kiley is 17 today! Holy cow! I SWEAR I was just 17. It seems like she was just barely a little baby running around singing Barney songs.

So, I stole this picture off of her MySpace because this picture reminds me of what I was like at 17. ha haa

Happy Birthday Ki-Ki! Ya Nerd!

Also, here's a pic over at Grandma & Grandpa Humpherys house for her Sunday Bday party.


Poor girl... she didn't even want a bday party with friends this year, just her fam, and my dad got her a chocolate cake, which she doesn't like, and a bday thrown together at the last second. :( Sorry Kiley! I should've planned the family thing for you. :) Next year when I'm more "party oriented" (aka not prego), I will kick it in to full gear again like I usually do for your birthdays. Plus next year is a BIG one for you. 1-8!!! Will that really classify you as an adult?

Apricots & More Apricots

Since I haven't had a job, I have had time to do so many other things that I would've never had time to do before. A few weeks ago I got up early one morning and headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Grovers to can apricots from their tree. It was really fun! And it was my first time. Now I have a bunch of canned apricots and aprioct jam at home. I think I might even make some apricot crisp today. Yum!

Apricot jam is my favorite and I had told this to Jeremy's mom, who told her sister, Marla and Marla made me some apricot jam and then Lona (Jeremy's Mom) made me some apricot jam and now I have the 8 bottles that I made, plus my Grandma Pat gave me some... SO, we are all stocked up with apricots and apricot jam. :)

Regaining Faith

I am sitting here thinking about things and my life (although I should be cleaning our house, going to the store and making dinner before Jeremy gets home from football and our friends come over to watch the new Batman).

Anyway, I feel I'm regaining a new spiritual comittment to the goals we've set out for ourselves and am grateful once again for a husband that has a sincere willingnes to have faith in the Lord and his plan for us. This is such a strong quality in someone, that it can not be measured or replaced by any other worldly thing. It leaves me with great peace to know that my husband has such a testimony in the church and it's teachings/principles. I'm grateful that he served an honest and obedient mission. I have gained a testimony of this church inspired "program" through the faith and knowledge that he acquired so strongly on his mission. It will always be a foundational rock for our marriage.

I know that I've written about this before, but I can't stress enough how "faith" is such a foundation for our LDS religion. The Priesthood is the keys to what makes this religion work and move into effect. It is through Faith that our prophets and apostles receive guidance and revelation for us. However, if no one had 'faith', then nothing would have ever moved forward. People that think to much about our religion and use their logic as a road block are not practicing faith. Logic is of man and man's understanding will never know the secrets of the next life... at least not right now.

As juvenille as this may be (I need the visual), I went and bought a 2008-2009 organizer/calendar and have dedicated it solely to our spiritual goals. This is so we can see our progress and diligence in trying our best to do the little things that are so hard to do. It includes a daily check off for personal prayer, scripture study, family prayer (AM/PM), FHE, Fast Sunday, going to church (all 3 hrs), reading the sunday school lesson/Ensign, paying tithing/fast offerings, Home Teaching, Visiting Teaching, etc, etc... You get the point. We get stickers in it each day for each item we accomplish "Together". We don't get stickers if only one of us does it. Also there is a space in the calendar that we can write a short journal entry each day. I was just going back reading through them and its amazing how you can already see the difference in our feelings in general. I have also found that I look forward to our time together at night to read, pray and discuss things. Because it is a priority, we put effort into turning the t.v. off at night or getting to our scriptures early before we are too tired. In turn we talk more and have a higher quality of conversation and I know we are growing closer each day... a natural belssing from doing what is right for us.

We are trying to build and maintain good habits and routines and this should be top of our priority list for all other things in our lives to fall into place. Sure there will be trials, but we need to stay diligent.

If there's one thing I've learned from my mom, it's faith. She is one of the most faithful people I have ever met. She never doubts the Lord and never questions any event that happens in life (good or bad) if she knows she is doing all she can on her part. She is one of the most sincere and giving people I know. She will give and give to those around her whether she knows them one minute or 10 years (give of her time, efforts, money... the shirt off her back) and she truly never expects anything in return. She is always thinking of other people and doing stuff for others unannounced. She is concerned for the lives of those around her and remembers the small things they tell her of their trials. One day she'll show up on their doorstep with a meal for their family or with candy and General Conference games for their kids, but she always thinks of others before herself. She has also taught me to always be the better person in any situation, even if someone has wronged you. I've seen her do it many times and she has proven on many occassions to be the better person, and she does it sincerely with no negativity spoken of it after the factg. Mom, you are truly and amazing person and have a big heart! Love you mom! Thank you for always being a guiding light in my life and teaching me the tools to pass on to my soon to be family.

PS. I think we'll be blessing Teagan in February 2009 (put that on the tentative calendar) and we are planning on getting sealed in the Manti Temple on our 1 year anniversary, 4.28.09 with our soon to be 'little man'. :)