Meri Christmas!

Steven and I had a grand old with his parents for the holidays! We had safe travels and enjoyed playing in the snow there. We made it back just in time because the morning I woke up for work, the radio announced that the pass was requiring traction tires and had closed some roads completely! Not entirely sure why, but through the grape vine it sounded like they were blasting for avalanches and that it was really snowy.

The week went by very quick. I had three babies Thursday in which two of them sounded sick. I prayed for them that night and low and behold one of them had pneumonia which I found out from the father the following day. So Friday I only had 2 babies. And Steven came by and hung out with my for over an hour since I wasn't sure if I was going to lunch soon or getting VTO. After hanging out  for 30 minutes Steven went to ask what was to happen since he really had come to take the car to help my mom out at her work. He came back and said in 20 minutes I would be getting off. 40 minutes later I finally am relieved (and she too was stoked that there was only 2 babies there).

Then the weekend basically has consisted of playing games online with Jessica, seeing Amilyn after month of business, collecting and visiting with my brother and sisters and nephew, and celebrating Gabriel's birthday. Also over the weekend I posted the first chapter of a short story I've begun. You can either click on the Short Story link at the top of the page or click on this link (Alysin van Delia) and read it if you'd like.

Anyways, final post of 2012. I hope 2013 is another good year for you all :)

How We Survived the Apocalypse

What a busy week! I should have been preparing for Christmas 2 weeks ago! It wasn't until Monday that I was writing out my to-do list and realized for 3 days straight I had a very strict schedule to follow. Any variance from it and I would have had my head explode. Luckily all went smoothly and I was able to get all the gifts made, bought and packed for Friday.

Even the babies all week were amazingly content! Not perfect, but sure better than what I know could happen. The only thing that wasn't accomplished was Christmas cards (except for a very select few with no particular preference). I wanted to, but again, I shuld have begun preparing 2 weeks prior. Yay for procrastination.

So why did I have to get everything done by Friday? Well obviously that was the day the world was to end. But because I was suspicious that it was another one of those fake, apocalyptic, end of the world predictions, I made sure to check out what was going on in China since they are a day ahead of us.

In all serious now, Friday was the day Steven and I took off to go be with his family for Christmas. His parents, Steven and even I to a small degree were worried the pass was too snowy let alone since we were going to be arriving around 10pm at night that it might be to icy. Thankfully the passes were just right and the roads in Sandpoint were very clear. I didn't even have a problem driving down the slightly slushy road on the last stretch to Steven's parents home. I even backed up into the parking spot they carved out of the snow berms (<---- I learned that word from Steven!).

There's about 3-4 feet of snow here. Once Steven's mom drove us up the hill tot he house I hopped out of the car and Steven immediately tells me that he'd take in all the luggage if I wanted to romp around in the snow real quick. I said sure and immediately jumped into the mount of snow behind the car.  I thought the snow was more packed but soon found myself thigh high in snow. Super cold, but thank goodness for the boots my sister got me. I decided I probably shouldn't continue jumping in the snow until there was more light outside.

We saw the Hobbit yesterday and for those who haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth watching! I love Peter Jackson and he does a great job in story telling. However my only 2 complaints are too much CGI acting and some choppy (inconsistent) scene changes. Other than that, the acting was great, and more humoring with very picturesque scenery (I so hope my mansion in heaven looks like Rivendale!). 

So since we didn't send out Christmas cards this year, here's a brief summary of what mine and Steven's year was like:

~Got a job!

~Planted a Garden!

~Cut Steven's hair for the first time!

~Thor passes away :(

~Got a cat!

~Participated in a race!

~Steven got the Priesthood!

~Celebrated our first wedding anniversary (3 years together anniversary)!

~We got sealed!
~Steven participated in Windows 8 inbox game development

~And Steven has converted me into playing DnD (Dungeons and Dragons, a role playing game that for years I had a hard time ever getting into. Maybe it's because we have a bunch of really good players that aren't too high strung on doing everything exactly to the book).

Yep, so those are the highlights I'd say. But if anyone truly wants to know whats been going on through out the year (especially in regards to what I'm doing) then just go check out the Weekly Updates tab and catch up on some reading... wait, that's what you all have been doing already.... right? ;) 

Anywho. Take care and have a very Meri Christmas!

<3

Made Our Christmas Tree

Steven had an interview Monday, but unfortunately didn't get the job. There was a good feeling about it, but I'm sure HF has something bigger and better in mind. Maybe it's time to look into more education? Maybe at the very last moment the job Steven's to have will come up. Maybe it'll be after another 2 or 3 contracts that Steven will get the job HF has in mind for him. We don't know, but we are praying that as long as we are doing what we should be doing, that all will work out in the end.

Work was stressful in the sense that I felt myself rippling under the crying. I hate how irritated I get with the babies when I am trying to meet all their needs in a timely manner but am met with one or the other or all 4 crying because I'm not giving them the attention they are needing at that very moment as I tend to another child's need. I know the frustration stems from me thinking the child purposely is being selfish, but I try to remind myself that that is their only way of communicating their needs to me and i just need to get faster and be more on top of their schedules that are forever evolving on a daily basis. Yet despite the hectickness of the crying and feeling like they were chastising me for being a lousy caregiver, there would be those glimpses of sanity as somehow I am able to calm the storm of tears and get everyone satisfied once more. I would even get some hugs from my oldest baby upon picking him up. The moment that stole my heart away this week was while feeding one of my fussier babies, he reached up and placed his hand on my cheek and proceeded to smile at me. I nuzzled my cheek in his hand and cherished the moment because I knew it wasn't to last for long.

This weekend was Stake Conference. Either I wasn't paying close enough attention or the speakers spoke on things that I felt I was already doing pretty well. One talked about the word of wisdom. However instead of talking about the obvious part of it (don't drink alcohol, coffee or tea, smoke or do drugs) but focused more on the other more subtle parts. Mainly the eating so you're nourished. how eating can be an addiction. I thought that was interesting he'd talk about that seeing that I've been thinking about that a lot myself. I've gotten a bit harsh with myself feeling I've been abusing this body HF has given me by continually eating things that makes me fat and unhealthy. I've been making big steps in the right direction to better follow the word of wisdom in that aspect, but it is still oh so confusing for my body craves foods that I know it should not want.

Anywho, on a happy note, I made a Christmas tree for me and Steven. It is very simple, but I feel it brings in the right amount of Christmas cheer into our home. I love it and so glad Anne helped me put it together since it was kinda a hassel assembling on the wall.

Wishing you all a great week!

<3

Let the Good Cheer Season Begin

Well, this week has been relatively uneventful. Work is going great, Steven tomorrow will be going to a second interview from some programming job in Seattle. I will continue painting some Christmas cards and I'm hoping to make a Christmas tree this week, but we'll see how that goes.

For those who pray, if you would be so kind to my mother and grandpa in your prayers. They are recovering from surgeries they have had with in the past month or two and they seem to be taking longer to heal than anticipated.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this short note. I hope to report more next week. In the mean time, here's the start of another Christmas (or other celebrated holiday) season :)

<3

Thanksgiving

I've been enjoying a nice long break this week. I got Wednesday and Monday off giving me a 6 day vacation for Thanksgiving. So Steven and I choose to spend it with my family. My Mom had surgery on her birthday (Happy Birthday Mom!). Since I had the time off and the original Thanksgiving plans got rearranged, I was fully available to assist my Mom for the week. She's been doing really well and mine and Steven's assistance turned more into a just-in-case stay.

Thursday we did a turkey and some sides since we celebrated last Saturday while Steven's family was in town. Afterwards I tried seeing if anyone was up for a movie, but nothing was of interest to my family. Steven and I however went and saw the Rise of the Guardians since that one we thought would be a good movie despite my family's opinion. It was cute. I enjoyed the story, though at the end there was a slightly cheesy part that could have been left out.

Friday I then took my Mom to see Breaking Dawn Part 2 of the Twilight Saga. I had anticipated another terrible rendition of the story, but to my joy, they gave me exactly what I wanted! I won't disclose what happened just in case someone here who hasn't seen it yet doesn't want the ending ruined. All I can say is it was the best of both worlds and gave reason to how Stephanie Meyer ended her saga. Totally worth a seeing for those who've read the story (and I suppose those who've enjoyed following the movies).

Saturday Steven and I had another chance to go to the temple with my dear friend Sister Logsdon. It was wonderful being able to have a longer time in the Celestial room and chat with Steven about our questions and ponder. Steven even made sure that I had asked all the questions I had before leaving, but sure enough as soon as we got home and I read from the scriptures, another question came up. So now I get to wait to go back to the temple to ponder and discuss my new question. It's exciting yet I know I will always have new questions I'll be seeking answers for. Hopefully my mind won't be flooded with questions as I wait for the next opportunity to go.

Today I got to enjoy going to church with my family and see my other church friends. I do miss my family ward, but the current ward I'm in now is really good too. Sometimes I wish my ward could be full of all my favorite people... then again, that'd be a lot of people...

Enjoy the rest of your week and here's some pictures from the temple last week.

<3

Together Forever

The week went by so quick! How grateful I am for that because Saturday was the best day of my life thus far! Steven and I have received our endowments and have been sealed for time and all eternity!

This truly was something that if I hadn't prepared myself for it, it would have been impossibly overwhelming and down right crazy. But because of my spiritual preparation, despite not fully comprehending everything that took place, I know without a doubt that the temple is the house of the Lord. The spirit I felt swelling inside of me was so pleasant that tears of joy came to my eyes (especially with seeing all my family and friends there and with the thought that over came my mind, "I made it!"). Let alone Steven and I have been sealed together so that even after death we will be together, happily married.

I feel like a new person. I feel closer to my HF than I have ever been. This whole year with the growth Steven and I have made, I kept finding myself falling more in love with him. Yesterday blew my mind at how deeply in love with him I am. I can't describe it, but I suppose it's how people describe having soul mates. I feel bound to him- meant for him- destined to be with him and no one else will fill that place in my heart the way he does.

Again, I wish I could place this same joy and happiness I have found and feel on everyone reading this, but alas, I cannot. But if that is a feeling you desire to feel, I'd strongly recommend spiritually preparing yourself to go to the temple and completing every necessary step to get there!

I'm grateful to be a Latter Day Saint. I know with out a doubt this church is true! And I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Anniversary!

Happy Veterans Day everyone. Not to over shadow it, but it also is mine and Steven's first wedding anniversary! 1 whole year married and still in love. We've been together a total of 3 years having our first date on this day in 2009. It's kinda nuts that we're were we are and in 6 more days we will be sealed for time and all eternity.

The week leading up to the weekend has been great. There was the usual stress from the babies (in which I'll have a new one tomorrow XD).

Wednesday was particularly stressful because I was torn between wanting to comfort a baby who I knew I couldn't because it wouldn't help him, while being extremely frustrated with the child who was thoughtlessly scaring him. Thankfully my 10 minute break came at that moment and I was able to go vent to my boss. I knew she couldn't fix the problem, but I was overwhelmed that I need to let off some steam and be reassured I wasn't doing something drastically wrong. After that the rest of the day went by fine and top brighten it up I was given an a "Great Job?" certificate with a Jamba Juice gift card attached from my boss. I thought that was super thoughtful because I didn't particularly feel I was doing a great job considering how out of control I felt.

Then Friday I got a review. I really good review. I wasn't suppose to have it until February on my hire anniversary, but since I was now a lead teacher and had been for a few months, she felt I needed to get my review early. I passed with flying colors. The only critique is I need to build up my confidence in what I'm doing by taking more classes. It was truly rewarding to hear such good news. I do feel I've been doing a good job, but I still suffer the low self-esteem trips and do truly need to be more sure of what I'm doing and not as reliant on what my peers think of my work.

One of the things that also stood out was how she said some people feel the baby room is a mini vacation. As long as they aren't crying, you can relax and chill. Grant it, that's exactly how I felt going into the baby room when the previous Infant teacher was there. It was my escape from the other crazy kids. The one room in which the children couldn't talk back to me. But the difference was I still did things. I remember one occasion when all the babies were asleep and the teacher hadn't prepared me with any instruction in case something like that happened. I sat for a few minutes wondering what to do. Was it perfectly fine for me to just sit and wait for a child to wake up? What in this small room could I do while I wait (especially since it wasn't my room to mess with)? I ended up cleaning a shelf or something and a few minutes later a child woke up anyways. Basically though I found it to be a break being in that room, I didn't literally treat it as one. I kept busy, and even now I take advantage of those moments to get needed projects done that normally I can't do when they are all vying to get my attention.

Then it was Saturday. I had a wonderful work week and now it was time for Steven and I to go get our garments for the temple. I tried to get us to hang out til 2:30 for when the post man should drop our mail off seeing that my parents said they sent us a card and gift to celebrate with. Well, Steven said we could get it when we got home so we left an hour early. We swung by half price to drop off some donations and buy a book before going right to the Temple. Steven and I lucked out because it looks like the distribution center was gonna be relocating to the Deseret Book store near by.

Despite being over whelmed with all the choices that one could make about their garments, there was a couple there who over heard my indecision as to what I might like or what size I might actually be. The Sister said she usually tries one on just to see how it fits. I told her that I wasn't endowed yet, but thanked her for her suggestion. She seemed real nice and they said bye to us when they left and that was about the whole extent of our conversation.

Steven and I about 30-60 minutes later had all our things that one should have for the first day going to the temple. We left, me feeling giddy that we were just a week away from our exciting day. It was now time to go off and celebrate our anniversary with dinner. Steven recommended us trying a Brazilian Steak House. The only one in the area was Navilhos Brazilian Steakhouse in Bellvue at Factoria Mall. It was an all you can eat with a hefty price tag, but we figured it would be a fun experience since I've never been to one and it was our anniversary.

When we get there, low and behold there's the couple we saw at the distribution center. We both see each other at the same time and we say 'Hi,' once more even though we don't know each other. I also ask what it was they were celebrating wonder if they too were celebrating an anniversary. They said they weren't and that they live farther south so they wanted to swing by this restaurant on the way home. Again, that was pretty much the extent of our conversation and then we went to our table and enjoyed an heavenly selection of delicious meats freshly grilled and very savory. The waiters or cooks... actually I'm not sure what a formal name for them would be, but you have these guys who come around with meat on a stick and they will slice pieces off for you. They will keep coming too until you flip your puck over to the red side indicating you are not wanting any more. Of course you can flip it back to the green side for more, but they were really quick! Like I would get some Chicken, barely get a bite before someone brings over Filet Mignon wrapped in bacon. They were very polite and the side bar was impressive. For the price, it was upscale. The price didn't just reflect the highlight of the buffet (the meat) but they upped the quality of the salad, soups, and other sides one could get. I was quite impressed!

So to top off this amazing meal experience, that couple comes over to our table as we're beginning to finish eating. We find out their names are Audrey and Rob from Lakewood. Audrey tell us that after we left they did remember what it was they were celebrating. Rob was gonna be deployed really soon (I think today) and it was a good bye dinner (or something along those lines). Steven and I thanked him for serving and mentioned we only asked because we were there for our anniversary. They congratulated us too then surprised us. They said that they paid for our meal and that they wanted to tell us after the fact so we could refuse. I tell you, I'm still lost for words at this random act of kindness. I feel undeserving of such a treat. I haven't been at a low point in life. In fact life right now has been going really good. I have so much to be thankful for and this was the icing on top to how blessed Steven and I are. What are the chances that two complete strangers that share a common belief with us would pay for a meal we were already intending to pay? My head is blown!

So here I am now pondering the words they said. They did it because they wanted to and would only hope that we too would pay it forward. I cannot wait to give someone else this same gratitude I feel. To bless someone who may not be in a bad situation nor necessarily needing the help, but to highlight their day with a kind, possibly over the top, gesture. I'm excited to surprise someone with this happy gift. I wish I could do it for every body, but alas I am limited, but I will seek my HF guidance and hopefully with his inspiration and my observation I can be a continual source of spreading happiness to others around me.

If I haven't expressed it to everyone, I pray that you will feel it when you read this. I am very grateful for all of you in my life. I wish I had more time and energy to visit everyone regularly, but I feel this is the only way anyone keeps up to date with me right now. I have so much growing to do still because I know I can be selfish, but I hope that you know I don't purposely avoid or neglect our relationship. Don't be afraid to get in my face and remind me that you're there and want to hang out. I will, to the best of my ability, drop what I'm doing and make a time to visit with you. I love you all and thanks so much for taking time to read up on me and Steven.

<3

P.S. I would love to figure out what ward Audrey and Rob live in because I would love to send a Thank You card to them for their kindness. If anyone lives in Lakewood and know of a Rob and Audrey in which Rob is deployed currently, please email me! I sincerely want to thank them and when it happens let them know how I paid it forward.

P.P.S The cake tasted great! Special thanks to Jessica who made the most amazing cake ever and to those who wrapped it so well that it survived!

Interview 1 done

Easy week. Steven and I passed our first interview! In my youth, I remember feeling squirmy and uneasy under the scrutiny of my bishop and the Lord when being asked questions of my worthiness to do baptisms for the dead... and to be honest I had my reasons, but being foolish brushed those thoughts aside. But now that I've matured and have truly repented, I was eager to blaze through the questions with the appropriate yes's and no's.

We also enjoyed Halloween in Wallingford, Seattle. Holy cow that place is beautiful. We literally walked through an enchanted forest in which the lady who lived in the home dressed up as what i could only assume to have been the Spirit of the Woods. We were walking around with the Taylors who went dressed up as a Knight (Joshua), his Noble Steed (Gabriel) and the Princess (Anne). I was a pirate (and here's the picture of me trying out some modeling tips, but I don't think I worked it well...) while Steven was, well, Steven.

This week we will have our interview on Wednesday, though currently the time of it is being reworked which conflicts with YW's that evening.

Today I gave my first lesson in YW and was told that I did a great job, was very prepared, had an appropriate amount of personal stories and the way I presented everything was with great variety! Man.... this probably means I will be preparing lessons many more times in the future.... oh well. I best get good at it if I have a knack for it.

11 17 12

Let it be known to all that November 17th is currently the set date in which Steven and I will be endowed and sealed for time and all eternity! I'm super excited though there are uneasiness with learning more about what is ahead of me and the commitment I will be making. I'd say 95% of me cannot wait for the 17th to be here while the other 5% wonders if it'll be too overwhelming. I doubt it will be in the sense that with my enthusiasm and trust in God that I'll be able to handle whatever comes my way.

Once more I've slacked on writing. Other than temple preparations, not a whole lot has happened. I've gotten sick just this weekend, endured a draining week with one child who is very fussy (the last day with me feeling quite sick) and got my pirate costume prepared. The weather has been dreary and with a busy life, I feel I've been missing out on friend and me time. I suppose me time isn't so important and I ought not be use to having a lot especially when kids start coming, but boy do I miss working early and getting home around 4 versus 6pm.

I've also been working on another mural at my mother's clinic. I just have 3 more things to paint; 2 dogs and a squirrel. Then I'll be on to the final mural which will take a long time because I plan to paint one animal at a time in a giant collage that will hopefully take up the majority of the front wall, but I hope for it to be much more simple that with each visit I can just take a moment to paint a small piece to the collage versus giant images that are very much out of my size range when it comes to doing any art.

Thanks for reading! I hope to be starting a new story that may or may not be as regular as my weekly updates. So if you find yourself bored and looking to critic literature, well you can always check out what I've been writing lately (which hasn't been much). Currently Slumber is 50% done and the one to be coming... well the name is still getting tossed around, but it will be a new tab of it's own once ready for reading.

<3

P.S. The poems are off limits to critiques because I feel they are an expression of self and I am not usually using structure when writing poems.

Wicked

Sorry I failed to write last week. First time in over a year I completely neglected updating you all and I hope some how you will find it in your hearts to forgive me. The week before was a decent week, but due to my failure of not posting, I can't recall any big hits that week, but that could also be due to the amazing weekend I just had!

I've been pretty busy with work and YW. So it was soooo nice for this weekend to hit. Steven's parents and brother came in Friday night and hung out with us this weekend. However I also had planned months ago to see Wicked at the Paramount Theater. So Steven, Saturday, went to see Brave at the 2$ theater while I gussied up and went off to Seattle for the performance of the year.

Wicked was AMAZING to say the least. It was well worth the pretty penny I spent for my nose bleed tickets. The set design was incredible being a mash up of clock works and machinery. It was so artful and beautiful I wished I had had the opportunity to have worked on the set team to create the fabulous set. I loved the "Bubble" they had for Glinda to make her appearance in as well as the smooth trick of the monkey first sprouting his wings. And the animatronics they used were spectacular!! The Dragon (which to me after viewing the entirety of the musical) had really no point but when it was used it was smooth in it's movement. But Oz was THE most amazing robot performance I have seen! It maneuvered so smoothly and precisely that I kept second guessing what my eyes were really seeing. It truly looked like a computer generated image at times when it would move, but when it froze, it was very apparent that it was an actual robot on stage.

I may not be the most refined musical enthusiast, but that's what I saw and liked about Wicked. Plus it was really cool finally seeing the story of how the wicked witch of the West came to be.

Well, after the performance, I hurried home to enjoy the rest of the night with Steven and my in-laws. Now the in-laws were visiting because today was the day Steven received the Melkizedek Priesthood! It was wonderful to have hid family and mine there for it. It was also very kind of Steven to allow my father to join in the circle for his blessing.

Now I have the priesthood in my home and Steven and I are about a month away from finally being endowed and sealed for time and all eternity! So excited!!

Also, a small spiritual note. This morning in my morning prayers I had made mention to HF if he would give me courage to share my testimony more. Well, I figured more would be at next fast and testimony meeting, but instead the Lord had the speakers wrap up quickly leaving about 5-10 minutes of time left over at the end of our first meeting. So up comes one of the counselors to say that Sister Meri Kopsa is to share her testimony with the congregation followed by the bishop with closing remarks. Thankfully whatever it was I managed to say touched my family and some of the other members cuz truly the only thing going through my head was 'breathe, talk slower, think, breathe, talk slower, think...' But just so you all who are reading this post knows, I have a strong testimony. I worry that I might waver once more, but as I ponder about the joy in my life with choosing to live the gospel, I know that this church is true and that I've finally fond my footing. I know the Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and am grateful for the guidance he gives us in these times. I am grateful for the atonement Jesus made for me and everyone on this Earth. I know I'm loved and that God wants me to come home. And I plan on doing that by going to the temple and being sealed to the love of my life. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Steven's Been Approved

Last week on Wednesday Steven got to be interviewed for the Melchizedek Priesthood. He has been approved and now we are setting a date for him to receive it. I'm thinking it'll be the 2nd weekend in October, but we'll see. We are going to have his Dad perform the ordinance and we need to give him enough time to get time off. But we're excited because this is just one step closer to the temple!

Now in my head on my timeline, I assumed the 22nd and the 26th to be the dates Steven and I received our endowments and got sealed, but with Steven being ordained with the Melchizedek Priesthood here in a few weeks, it also sounds like we will be pushing that date up sooner too. The reason why I say that is because it sounds like the Bishop isn't all that concerned about us needing to take the temple prep classes before hand (which are staring in October). Not sure what to expect. I just want to make sure Steven's parents will have the time to come out and attend as well. Around Christmas I assume would be the easiest due to his mum having Winter Break and both parents should have 24th and 25th off.

I'm just so excited and I understand that this is one of those things that Steven and I need to plan to ourselves and choose the best times for us while the rest of the family will try and make it work with whatever times we choose... but I can't help but try to be considerate so I can have my family be there too.

Anywho, other than that excitement going on, Steven and I had an enjoyable weekend, well, I did. Steven had OT Saturday on a game he doesn't really like. If I was allowed to tell you what the game was, all you fans of this game would probably rip his throat out for complaining that he had to play a game he didn't like considering he didn't have to do the paper work and got lunch catered for him (let alone was being paid OT to just to play the game).

I on the other hand went for a bike ride with my mum. Apollo had another check up that day and it was the first Saturday since we've been trying to do this that one of us didn't have anything planned/illness happen. I also painted a tree on the dog room walk that I've been working on (sorry, been lame about the pictures for this one). After that, I tied Apollo into my bike's basket and my mum and I took off on the interurban trail. We only did 6 miles, but it was a nice doing that activity with my mum. We don't often plan things to do other than hang out at our homes and play games, so this was refreshing alternative from the usual.

The same day we also brought home buddies for Apollo! We are fostering two kittens, Tiger Lily and Whiskers (or the Wonder Twins). Apollo hated them, but finally they are getting along after a few days together which has us relieved that our kitty is actually warming up to other cats and not really becoming a dog.

Sunday night Steven and I got to enjoy the company of the Taylor's, Jessica, and Adam. I love the conversations that generate through us, making for good laughs. Let alone playing loaded questions with this room is amusing too.

Also, at church there were a few talks given about how to make general Conference more enjoyable for your kids. The key word that stuck out to me was tradition. So I'm setting a goal to figure out what my general conference traditions will be so that my family and friends may look forward to it with me. But we'll see how creative and fun I can be.

Love you all and take care. I'm off to conquer the day!

Promotion!

So last week was pretty awesome. That surprise I mentioned last week was my birthday! I'm half way to 48 now ^_^ This year I tried real hard to just keep quiet about it. I didn't want to make it a big deal because sometimes I feel it obligates people to give gifts. In all honesty I am 100% cool with a card or just saying happy birthday to me. But don't get me wrong, a gift is always appreciated!

My parents sent me a card that once you pulled the cat out you could hear kittens singing happy birthday to me. Apollo still isn't sure if he likes it or not...

That night I went to YW activities and made cupcakes with my beehives. It was fun decorating and I failed to take pictures of our creations, let alone the girl who used the excess red velvet batter to look like a zombie.

Once I got home Steven surprised me with flowers and Pad Thai for dinner. It was super yummy and the flowers were very pretty. Plus he said that we'd celebrate more once the weekend came.

Also all last week I've been pondering over a possible new position at work. The infant room was in need of a new teacher and all week I was filling in. My boss sat me down stating they were interviewing for the position but since I was the only other teacher there who was most familiar with the current babies, that if I was interested I could go in for the runnings. Once Friday rolled around I finally asked to go in for the runnings and took home all the necessary paper work to study up on.

Saturday Steven and I did some clothes shopping. He wanted to get some tanks and I got a new skirt and belt. The belt is probably my favorite because it now makes my wardrobe more versatile since it's a waist belt and not for keeping my pants up. Then that night we went to Jessica's house for some America's Next Top Model (ANTM), Pizza, and games. My other friend Jackie was able to join us too and whooped us hard on the Pokemon mini games.

Sunday, Emily and the Taylor's came over for some games since star wars was a no go. We shared Ascension with them, which is a Magic the Gather type of game. I also worked on making a mash up of two hymns. So far I have the chorus written. Now I just need to learn the other two songs and figure out how to blend them. Yes I'm being secretive because I do not want the online community to know of my brilliant plans until they are made and if it turns out amazing.

Now I know this post is made late, but another thing I began yesterday was trying to better keep the Sabbath holy. To some of you, you may think going online isn't bad, but for me I know it's a HUGE distraction and takes away from other wholesome things I could be doing to keep God in remembrance. Unfortunately my blog will take a small ding with that. I believe this to be a very good thing to do on Sunday, but alas, it is internet based and so I am going to try to start posting on Saturday. We will see how well I can shift my Sunday habit to Saturday and hopefully I won't leave to many of you waiting in anticipation for the next chapter of my life if I forget to post on Saturday.

Anywho, now back to what I mentioned earlier about bring home homework to study about the possible new position. Well I found out today that is is going out in the News Letter to all the parents that I am the new Infant teacher! I totally thought I'd have another week or two to prove myself against those they were possibly gonna interview. This is a huge amount of responsibility I've taken on and for now I believe I am still same pay, but that's cool considering I don't know if I am doing anything more exceptional than what I've already been doing. I would hope that in time if I am doing everything a lead teacher should be doing and going above and beyond that it'll reflect in my pay check. But for now, I'm super excited to be working with the babies! Daunting, yet rewarding ^_^

Take care! <3

Circuit Training

Made the most cheesy video this week to help me work out. And when I say cheesy, I mean SUPER simple but set up so you can go at your own pace. No numbers to meet no pace to keep, just 90 second intervals in which you go at your own pace. It is a 30 minute work out and depending on how hard you push yourself the better (or more sore) you'll be.

So what inspired me to make this video? Why my awesome YW President/VT companion! We did an activity for the girls in which she put together a 30 minute work out while I made a nutrition lesson. While doing her work out, I realized how much my body hurt and I began to think, "Hmmm, I think I need to start incorporating some of these exercise into my work out regime."

At first I thought I'd have Steven program it so he could practice his programming skills, but then I realized I could just as easily use Movie Maker to throw together a video with all the right cues and times needed to get a work out. I also left it with out music so one can play their own in the back ground and not whatever cheese work out music I might like to listen too (but do note that the louder your music, the hard to hear my vocal ques as to when things are switching up). I'll post the vid at the end of the entry for those who want to watch the 33 minute video/work out to it (you might get really bored if you just watch it).

Anywho, other than that the week went by pretty well. The only unfortunate speed bump was me getting the stomach flu (or who knows what) the morning I got to open work. Of course I didn't know this until I was almost to work. By then it was already too late to try and call in sick because I was the opener and it was a miracle already that I was there on time. My phone, which was set perfectly (sound on, time correct, on the charger), decided not to go off. So it was a scramble to the morning routine, but I still got to work by 5:50am.

So now I'm in full swing of getting the morning things going/cleaned/filled/washed and the stomach pains are getting slightly worse. I was able to finish all the opening duties before the first set of kids came in. I put on a happy face because the last thing I wanted to do was make parents worried that they were leaving their children in the hands of someone ill. As soon as the parents left it was sit down, try to talk and chat with the kids while fighting what felt like cramps in my stomach (because the pain would come in waves. It'd be there real strong one moment, then gone the next giving some time to do something other than just sit still).

The next co worker shows up and I tell her what I'm experiencing and we both know right now all I can do is tough it out until management gets there and we figure out who can cover me. Well, lucky me (not really) 2 co-workers have already called in with reasons from what I heard were not very good reasons. I wish I knew the specifics, but I don't. But I don't hate them for it either. It was all just a huge inconvenient day. Not only was I sick, but 2 other co workers were hoping to get off early because one was getting married Saturday and the other I don't know what her reasons were. So as much as I want to be mad at the 2 who didn't come in, I wasn't. I think it was because I was able to stay in the baby room in which I didn't have to do a ton of active things while being with them. Just got to make sure they are fed, rested, clean, and happy as one can make a baby.

But even that room didn't stop me from throwing up. I know, gross! But I think that was exactly what my body needed. Unfortunately I wish it could have waited until the mother, who was coming in to drop her baby off, had gone. She walks in right as I'm straitening up, obviously seeing something's not right with me. I'm shaking, trying to wipe my eyes and putting a smile on out of complete embarrassment! "Are you okay?" She asked. I respond, "I'll live thankfully." "Do you need a moment?" "No, I think I just had it." I then explain to her that I'm just not feeling too good and that they (management) are going to send me home as soon as they can. Yet while I'm explaining this to her, I can't help but terrible that I, the sick girl, was left with her child. I'm most grateful though that this mother was very understanding and wished me well. I can only hope she knew how much I didn't want to get her child sick nor was there anyone else able to be in the room with the babies as long as they needed for that day.

I expected I would be working my full shift just because there wasn't any possible way to put someone in here who wasn't more needed else where. Yet somehow I was able to get of at 1:30. Boy I went home and crashed. My stomach was still cramping, but I never got back to that needing to puke moment like I did that morning. I probably would have slept late into the night if the heat in the house didn't wake me up @ 5:30. My whole body ached with fatigue, yet drowning in my own sweat wasn't fun either. I was somehow able to get out of bed and turn the fan on. I later take my temp and find that I was 100.4. Half due to being sick, half due to the house being way too hot.

So again, I think it was just the stomach flu because by Saturday morning I was worlds better. Still wiped out, but I had an appetite and the fever was gone.

Well I sure can't wait for this week. It's the most awesomest week ever! I suppose some of you may know why, but for the rest of you.... well you're just gonna have to find out next week what is gonna make this week so awesome.

<3

I Have Written My First Book!

This week was pretty awesome. The weather has been just right! Warm enough to enjoy lots of swimming but not so hot that Steven and I felt like we were melting in our home. Also all week been looking forward to  the 3 day weekend (thank you Labor Day!).

So Monday I had my first YW (Young Women) Presidency meeting. It was interesting being on the other end. It was so much nicer being the YW who just went and sometimes helped plan activities. Now I get to plan a short lesson for our activity this Wednesday and do my best to make sure all my girls are feeling included and loved.

Tuesday I got to hang out with my high school friend, Bill. He's been studying in San Diego and his absence has been missed. We did one of our favorite things, biking to the mall via the BPA trail. It was a very long bike ride full of hills, but it was well worth the shopping at Claire's, BBQ Pork stick and Hom Bow, sushi and Menchi's frozen yogurt. 13 miles in all in a total of 80 minutes.

The work week thankfully went by really well. I was only stressed one day and that was Friday morning. I was being the Preschool 1 Assistant teacher for the day and I didn't know the lead teach switched with another co-worker meaning she was coming in 45 minutes later. That had me loosing my head slightly because the boys (all 8 of the 11 kids I had) were being incredibly rambunctious. I tried giving them an activity to do so I could focus on diapers, but they could not entertain themselves for 5 minutes. So I scratched diapers in favor of saving the room and began to bribe them with candy if they participated in dancing and story time. That worked for barely one story. Luckily by then another co-worker came in and began diapers and by the time the lead teacher got there I had finished the one story.

Thankfully after that, they all got real good because someone they knew much better than me was now there. They even slept really good! Only 5 woke up by 2:30 and the rest we had to just go wake up since snack was on it's way soon.

Then that night I was able to have Emily, Ann and JJ come over for some swimming and games. Unfortunately my sinuses decided to be stuffed up so swimming wasn't as fun as I would have liked it to be, but I hung out until I got too cold just standing in the water. Later Ann whooped us at Nerts and Egyptian Rat Screw.

Saturday was our ward picnic at Mar Vista park. I only went for some of it (like an hour) before going to Seattle to meet up with more high school friends. I also had Apollo tag along for the ride. He did incredibly good for his second trip out of the house for more than 5 hours. Plus I was surprised how much of a show stopper he was. Some people wanted to take pictures and were amazed by this cat in a front pack and leash. I suppose it's not every day you see someone out and about with their cat, but it felt like people were seeing a cat for the first time. But why am I complaining? I loved the attention!

Me and my friends walked around Pike Place for a little bit before going back to the Mall (WestField?) to grab a bite to eat from the food court. I ended up being the first person outside with their food since Apollo began to smell stinky making me worried he pooped in his bag. Actually there's a funny story about that. I was in Godiva getting my free truffle for the month when I noticed the smell. I was already at the check out stand trying to fish for my Godiva card as fast as I could since I wasn't the only person in line and didn't want to offend anyone by the smell I was smelling. Then the cashier says,"Something smell..." (oh dear), "good!" I of course am like, really? He looks back at me and says, "I think it's you," and smiles. I'm sure my face was saying what I was thinking, are you serious or are you being impeccable polite?  He then says it smells floral like. I smile and just shake my head responding finally, "That's interesting. Wouldn't know how that could be." Finally the card was swiped and I had my things and was fleeing from the store hoping to get outside before truly being discovered.

Luckily he hadn't made a mess in his bag. But it was nice to take him out of the bag and let him wander in the garden box thing attached to the bench I found. Soon everyone else joined me and we enjoyed chatting for a while before all of us needing to go home. I am glad to still have friends from high school in which I can enjoy their company ever so often together.

So after getting home last night, I was able to take this idea I figured out from work this week and make it into a children's book. I continually find frustrations while working with the babies, especially since they don't understand basic concepts like, that hurts them when you hit, scratch, bite, poke them (just to name a few).  Plus I wanted to write a simple story that hopefully with be engaging and somewhat humoring to the parents/teachers who may currently be experiencing the same frustrations. Now the kicker is, if you want more details about what I've written, well you should email me asking for a description because I am guarding this story since it could quite possibly be one I could publish :D I now just need to create the illustrations (which will be a chore of it's own since I will have to recreate the same 3 characters 16+ times with environment and facial expressions to convey the emotion and humor I envision).

Anywho, getting ready to break the fast! Hope everyone is doing well!!

<3

Talent Show

Another busy week for me. I got to enjoy being the Infant lead Monday and Pre-K lead Wednesday and Thursday. Thankfully all went well with little stress. Thursday was by far the busiest because I had an 8:30 to close (6:15ish) shift followed by a wedding reception I was helping with.

Then Friday was my works talent show. For a couple months each classroom was choreographing a dance number to show. Too bad they all weren't super into it, but the few who did definitely made it more worth while. Even us staff had a music number to jam too (Old Time Rockin' Roll) in which I did my hair up in a mo-hawk and sprayed pink, put on dark make-up and wore my new skinny jeans. I was lame and didn't get a photo, but i'm sure I will find a vid circulating somewhere or us teachers up there dancing and being goofy. But here's a picture of what my hair looked like without the pink.

Then Saturday I got to help my mum wash the horse so we could go to the Rover Romp in Auburn.  Apollo got to go with because he had to go to the vet anyways for another shot. Plus I gave him a bath too, he needed to get rid of the flee dirt. I then got a front back for him so at the Rover Romp he could ride easily without him being on my shoulder or me carrying him in my arms.

Mum thought the Romp was a 5k, but it turned out to be 3k instead. We were definitely one of the highlights there with Sonya, the miniature horse, and Apollo. We might even make the newspaper for Auburn since it looked like someone from the press was there and asked a few questions to us.

As for today, it has been delightfully cool compared to the heat we've endured for the past few weeks. Kinda looking forward to Fall so it can be cooler more often than not.

Thanks for reading family and friends. Take care and lots of <3!

New Calling!

This week was pretty simple. Not much one can do while suffering a stiff neck when having to still work through the pain. I am no where as sore as last week, but I'm still hurting (though I'm unsure as to how much I've healed due to medicine).

I was kinda disappointed with my Chiropractor too because she knows I work with little children and felt I wasn't given any real help when I went in for help. I suppose my stiff neck isn't that serious if she's not worried, but still. Is it truly okay that I'm picking up children in which most are 20+ pounds? It sure doesn't feel right to my neck. Let alone the first few days I had difficulty sleeping making work even more fun. And Tramadol does these 4 things to me:
  1) Makes me very nauseous when I take 2 tablets at a time,
  2) Makes me sleepy,
  3) Does take most of the pain away, and
  4) Improves my mood.
Yeah, found out the 4th one over the past few days. I'd wake up grumpy and in pain, take some medicine and suddenly I was all happy and content.

Anywho! Today I got a call from the Bishopric asking for Steven and I to come in early. I was figuring it to be Steven getting interviewed for the Melchizedek Priesthood. Instead it was them extending a calling to me to be the Young Women 2nd Counselor. I am super excited to be going back to the Young Women! I hope Steven and I stay in the area long enough for me to grow in my calling. I hope I am successful and able to work with the Beehives in a way that I become a friend and inspire them to be the best they can.

Take care this week. I pray everyone is well and healthy!

<3

Neck Pains

My work week went by better than I expected. The toddler teacher was gone all last week and I was to fill in for her. Though it had been a while work with the toddlers, it went very well. Monday and Wednesday were the craziest. Monday two teachers were running late which put us behind in the morning while Wednesday we had 16 toddlers show up!!! Plus one of the infants I worked with was now a full time toddler and the first few days he was not having any part of it which added to the craziness of Monday and Wednesday. But I survived and maybe that is why my neck hurts now.

Woke up yesterday morning with my whole neck hurting. It was a nice 9 month anniversary since my last one back in November (the day before my wedding). This time though I believe it to be more spine based than muscle. The only problem is my Chiropractor isn't open on the weekends. So I was hoping with being careful in what did and carried I'd feel better.

Well after being up since 6am, going to the vet for Apollo's check up, and taking a nap, I woke up stuffy and feeling more stiff. Worried I wouldn't be better by Monday (or at least in somewhat better working condition), I decided to pay a visit to the Doc in the Box (Care Plus) and while out and a bought buy a neck brace. We left around 5:30 on this mission only to find out that the Doc in the Box was closed (T_T) and after 7 stores later Walgreen's was where a neck brace could be found. We got back home around 8pm. Up until the neck brace was found I was getting more miserable which I'm sure was enhanced by tired, grumpy self.

And to top off my neck, I took some medicine last night to help with the pain and possibly help me sleep better. Well lets just say it's been nausea when I'm up right for too long (yeah... I feeling it coming on right now) and didn't really sleep last night. Like I would feel myself doze off only to wake up immediately. So I literally laid in bed for 8 hours!

Well, I gotta go. Nausea about to kick in full swing! <3

Lost

An old poem I found hidden among my various projects. Obviously a depressed time for me.

Eyes on fire.
Love on edge.
Sanity is falling.

A tangled mess.
Kisses and arms.
Physical and emotional.

No one cares.
Except Him.
Both I'm sure I've hurt.

Water blurred vision.
Heart failing.
Soul dieing.

Where is the peace?
The white flag.
The comforting arms.

Will He forgive?
Will I forgive?
Can there be good once more?

Despairing.
New Life.
The hell I've created.

Time will tell.
Wounds will heal.
Love will bloom once more.

For now it's dark.
Cold.
Alone.

Lost.

This Is The Post That Was Suppose To Be Posted Sunday

Last week was pretty awesome. Late Sunday night Steven and I went to pick his brother Joshua, up from the bus station. He came to visit us for the week and was a birthday gift from his parents. Monday was Steven's birthday and we celebrated in Seattle (while showing Josh around the city somewhat). Later that night we enjoyed a cake I made for him and some games with family.

Tuesday I jogged 4 miles with Josh who did track in high school and is still very much an experienced runner. Of course at the end of the run I'm huffing and puffing while he's finally breaking a sweat. Then I was sore for 2 days, just in time to go back to work.

The next 3 days were laid back in which I swam to try and keep active before Saturday's race. Thankfully by Friday my body wasn't sore any more and ready to go run.

Saturday was a crazy busy day. There was the Dirty Dash AND Steven's co-worker's bbq and bowling. At first I didn't really care. I heard the bbq would be in Sammamish, but it turned out to be Snohomish! But to start the day, Steven, Josh and I headed to McClearly (which is SWW of Olympia) for the Dirty Dash. It was quite the experience! I just got the clothes I wore for the race fully cleaned yesterday. There was so much mud and obstacles and I was able to conquer it all with ease! Plus what I thought was a 4 mile run was a 4k, so just a little more than 3 miles (which I did easily). I wasn't even sore after all the hard work I did. In fact, you should take a peak at all the fun I had here ---> The Dirty Dash <---

Then I attempted to hose off which was just a cold mess! Like the mud wouldn't cease! So I ended up stealthily changing into some cleaner clothes before grabbing a bite to eat at Red Robin and heading back to my parents place. While at my parents it was apparent how dirty I still was. So 20 minutes later and 3 bouts of shampoo through my hair I was feeling 99% cleaner. I'm sure I missed a few spots, let alone my arm hairs looked like they were stashing some mud in my hair pores.

Steven, Josh and I then made a quick stop at the mall for me to get my ring clean (cuz I was smart and did the dash with it on). Then we began our trip to Snohomish.... and an hour later we were there. We enjoyed a very tasty dinner with beef skewers and brauts. Then his co-work treated us to frozen yogurt before bowling. Then I find out the bowling is at 11pm! OH MY GLOB!! I figured it'd probably be just one game, but 4 sweet games later we are heading out at 1:50am. For those familiar with the Sims game, my happy meter was completely empty due to my need for sleep. I was so tired and cranky it was a long 40 minutes back home keeping my tongue tamed. I wanted to blame Steven for prolonging the bowling, but with moments of rational thoughts I knew it really wasn't his fault and it just was inconvenient that we had my dash and his co-worker's bbq on the same day.

Church Sunday was difficult to get through. I was tired and could feel some of the crabbiness still about me, but there were moments of true happiness with the friends there and lessons given. I gladly took a nap once I got home and let the boys go play Star Wars with the Taylors. Unfortunately the nap was short due to the heat in the house but enough to make me far more chipper than I was.

Any who, I'll talk to you all again soon. Thanks for following me and I hope you all are having a great week!

<3

The Dirty Dash 2012

Here it is! The race I entered in and boy was it a blast! Sure hope I can recruit more family and friends to join me next year :D

You Might Need This

Just cuz I couldn't get my post out today doesn't mean you have a crappy life because of it, but I thought this might make some of you smile for the lack of content about my awesome week. The up coming post will be delayed however long it takes me to make my Dirty Dash vid.... so stay tuned <3

Happy Birthday To Steven

Another good looking cake I've made. Chocolate Cherry Cake using a Duncan Hines triple chocolate cake mix! Can't wait to bite into this later tonight ^_^ Oh and thank you grandma for the cake stand! It was super useful and made the cake look that much prettier!

Final Stretch!

This week has gone by quite nicely. I tried really hard not to focus on how I was going to have a 4 day weekend and in the end it turned out to be the best thing for me! I focused on each day of work and before I knew it, it was Friday and everyday of work went by wonderfully! Wednesday was the highlight because it was Jessica's birthday. I would have given her cupcakes the day of, but I decided to save them as a surprise for our Saturday night games. So she, Adam, and I (and my family) went to Sub Zero for ice cream to celebrate :)


Saturday I began to make the caramel apple and S'more cupcakes for Jessica. The S'mores turned out the best while the caramel for the other cupcakes melted into the cake and didn't give it the chew I was hoping for. But all in all they turned out nicely and were tasty.


Then Apollo got his second vet visit. He's a pound heavier and still healthy. While he had his check up I began working on the dog room mural. All I did that day was paint the wall blue. I still have a tree to paint, a squirrel, 2 dogs, some grass, clouds and a fire hydrant and then I'll be done with my second mural.


Today Steven and I enjoyed church and had the missionaries over for dinner. Now we're waiting for Josh to get into town  so we can go pick him up. Steven's brother is visiting for Steven's birthday and will be staying a week. I'm excited because it now means I have two people who will be cheering me on at the Dirty Dash which is this coming Saturday! I'm in my final stretch of preparing. Just gotta remember to not do anything Friday related to working out so my body can be well rested ^_^


Take care! <3

Kitten? What Kitten? Looks More Like A Wet Rat

Tuesday I gave Apollo his first bath to get all the yucky flea poop off of him. He handled it like a trooper! He was not at all pleased with the warm water being poured on him, but he only meowed out of despair twice and made a few weak efforts to jump out of the tub. He even handles the hair drier fairly well, though it was difficult to tell if he was shaking out of fear of cold. Here's hoping with regular baths (and treats to accompany them) he will be a well tempered cat when it comes to baths.

Thursday was a so so day at work. I was reminded of how I wish some people could better deliver criticism  versus making it sound like I have no awareness of what's happening around me. Let alone criticism that comes without any comments on what I am doing well at. So kinda in that flailing phase of am I really doing well at my job or am I just doing enough to get by? I would like to think I'm doing a decent job, but it's kinda hard to tell sometimes.

Friday the Dark Night Rises came out. I almost wanted to bail on it when I heard about the shooting in Colorado. It's pretty depressing how cruel humans can be one to another. BUT that didn't stop me from going. I got home from work and hopped on my bike to head to Tukwila to meet up with Jessica and Adam for dinner at Claim Jumpers before the movie. Steven had the car since it was his last day of OT and his ride was sick. It was a great 11 mile bike ride, the hardest being getting to military road from my apartment (which was a mile of up hill XP).

Some of Steven's co-workers even joined us for opening day (I like this bunch!). As a whole, we all had a good time waiting in line the hour before sitting and now it's wondering what the next get together will be and when.

So that was the excitement of the week. I'm doing much better health wise. I even faired 2 days of naughty eating well. Blood sugar is proving steady and weight is still 172. Now I'm back on the band wagon and I must be strict since this Wednesday is Jessica's birthday and next Monday will be Steven's. Take care and thanks for reading!

<3

Race Fever

Had a preemptive exciting week! Nothing grand happened, but plans are being made!

To start the week, Steven and I decided to name are wonderful addition Apollo (Ji). We narrowed it down to Jiji and Apollo and in the midst of tossing the names around I realized we can be funny with his name and make him Apollo Ji, Apollo for short. He's been nothing but a ball of joy! Apollo is playful and cuddly. He's beginning to get use to our sleeping schedule, though I'm sure he sleeps plenty while we're gone. He zips to the door as soon as I walk in and was house broken in one night :)

Saturday was his first vet visit at A Valley Animal Hospital. It was fun filling out the new client sheet because it asked for any previous dr.'s name, so to be funny I put down Dr. Ross Engstrom. For those who don't know, my parents are both veterinarians and my maiden name is Engstrom. A Valley Animal Hospital is my mother's practice while my father works at Animal Clinic of Kent. So hence my entertainment in filling out paperwork for a veterinarian who's known me since birth.

Apollo is Feline Leukemia and kitty AIDS free! That has me ecstatic because when getting a kitten without any paper work and and no shot history, it's a gamble as to whether or not he's healthy. Well, so far Steven and I have been lucky. And for his first vet visit he did really well. He had one blood draw, one shot, and was pilled for worms. The only unhealthy thing that he had was fleas so far (which I had discovered on Tuesday). In 2 weeks Steven and I will take Apollo in for his second check up and check his stool for parasites. If he passes that, Steven and I are truly blessed with a sweet tempered and healthy kitten.

After finally getting our kitten home (car rides still being stressful for him), little Apollo tuckered out in my lap while Steven and I enjoyed some free time.

Saturday Steven and I also got some ladybugs to put on our romaine plant since they were infested with aphids. We think they are doing their job well because we haven't seen many aphids yesterday and today. But other than the Romaine being bombarded with aphids, the garden flourishes. There is flowers on the green bean plant and we will be having an over abundance of green beans I'm sure.

Now back tracking a little Thursday and Friday I had the opportunity to be the lead teacher in Pre-K. It wasn't a breeze to be honest, but I never felt out of control. I felt I did a very satisfactory job. It was unnerving to let other teachers take over for my breaks and to let me go home because I felt I was carrying the load for my co-worker and felt responsible for the welfare of her students. But I had nothing to worry about because each time I came back from a break the room was in tact and the kids not being overly rambunctious. 

However Friday I was filling ill. Had a headache practically all through work and as soon as I got home, 101 temperature. So I took some Ibuprofen and went to bed. Felt much better in the morning though later Saturday I began feeling ill again (exhausted) but was well all Sunday. Today feeling like I'm going down hill again with a headache, but no temp (thank goodness!).

I hope I get real good and sick so I can be rid of it and focus on the race I've signed up for! Yep, I am running a race! It's called the Dirty Dash. I will be running 4 miles over obstacles and through mud pits on Saturday August 4th. I will most definitely be exhausted by the end of it, but I feel this will be an experience to remember and possibly make it an annual event!

I'm wanting to start conditioning myself for the race (yes I probably should have started that a month or 2 ago), hence why I really want to get terribly sick then be over it so in 2 1/2 weeks I can go do the Dirty Dash.

I already know I can jog 3 miles in 30, but what about now? I'm 173 pounds! 3 miles was back at 190. Grant it weight loss may not give me super hero energy and speed, but I imagine my endurance may be longer due to the less weight I'm carrying. Plus I have been more active by swimming, biking, hula hooping, and some Zumba for the past month or two, so I would hope jogging wouldn't be too difficult of an activity for me to jump back into.

I'm super excited with my weight lose and the up coming race. I hope I won't be ill for too long and sorry in advance to those who saw me over the weekend if you get sick XD

<3

P.S. For those interested in the Dirty Dash, you can join my team or come hang out at the race grounds to pelt me with water balloons and cheer me on :) Just comment or send me a message.

And His Name Is....

The big news of the week was last night Steven and I decided to get a kitten. We went to Midway Pets and looked to see if they had any kittens in. They did and we really liked the short haired orange one. We were told there were 2 girls and 1 boy and that the boy one had longer hair than the other two. I have to wonder if they got it back words that there were 2 boys and 1 girl, the girl being the long haired one. My mum took one look at the kitten and confirmed we had a boy.

We don't care much if it was a boy or a girl, the problem was we were set on calling him Scarlet when we thought he was a she. Now we can't figure out what to call him that we both really like. So far we've set a few names to vote on Facebook and have come up with 2 more that we've narrowed our pickings down to. It will either be Apollo (the sun God), Zamba, or Jiji. Apollo would be cool, but with how fiesty he gets I just don't think it's perfect for him. Zamba would be great too because Zamba was the name of the worlds friendliest lion. Our kitten will get really playful, but he'll calm right down and let you hold him without getting all squirmy on you like most kittens. And Jiji just sounds cute. I think that one fits him the best, dunno why, but when I look at him and think of those three names, Jiji to me stands out. But I will not name him until Steven too is happy with the name choice. For all I know we may name him something completely different.

So here are a few pictures I was able to snap of him with my phone.

And as for the rest of the week, we've had lots of hot, sunny days and will for another week I believe. We got together with friends and I continue to loose weight slowly (176 today!). Here's wishing you all another great week and loves of love from us!

<3

I Am A Pixie!

The week couldn't have gone by faster! I got my hair appointment made Wednesday and was super excited to get really short hair. Nervous of course for if it didn't look as good as I had hoped for it to look, then it'd be a month before it grew long enough to look somewhat more feminine. But it was 3 days of playing the waiting game.

In the mean time kept myself busy by reorganizing and thinning out my home. Of course I'm thinning out my things only, but I was able to talk Steven into going through some of his things too. I was able to get rid of one of our bookshelves, take the top cubby compartment off my desk, and minimize the amount of clothes I had. Then I moved my desk to where the white bookshelf use to be and assembled my piano to be where my desk once was. No I just need Steven to figure out where to put the rest of his computer stuff so we can move the TV stand in front of the couch to be the coffee table (since we got rid of the TV) and put the table back under the chandelier in which it now will have some more room all around it.

Having less things in the house is nice, although currently it looks like all we have is clutter due to all the rearranging still happening. It's interesting how fast something can go from organized to messy when pulling out bits an pieces that you know you need to put away in a better spot.

Anywho, Wednesday Steven found out quite suddenly that he has OT again for another few weeks (or longer). Whoo hoo more money! Yet I wish we had more fore warning. Luckily this time he has a co-worker he's able to carpool with  so that will help save on gas and wear and tear on the car.

Friday I got to help Jessica frost a cake and we watched Mirror Mirror. For those who haven't seen it, it's very.... slapstick? Like I still haven't been able to find the word that I want to use for it. It's bright, colorful, slightly cheesy, a slight twist on the fairy tale, yet very typical. It came across like it was meant for children (I suppose that would explain the PG rating). Then they throw in what seemed very Bollywood to me, a dance number at the end.

I'm sure I sound like I didn't enjoy the movie, but I did. It just also left a bad after taste in my mouth. It was cute by all means and I probably would enjoy watching it again, but it was kind of a silly movie. But that's my thought about it. If you like amazing costumes and play like movies, then you should take the time to go see it.

Finally it was Saturday! So much stuff to do, but most importantly, the hair cut (which I;ll get to in a paragraph or two). But first Steven and I loaded up the car with the TV, some computers, 1 box and 2 bags worth of clothes (I know, a lot of clothes!). We dropped the TV and clothes a off at the D.I. Then we took a pit stop at Red Robins. If you haven't tried your burger wrapped in a bun, you should! It was really cool and made my meal practically carb free!

Then we zipped off the the PC Recycle and gave them some of our computers. After that I had Steven take the bus home so I could zip off to my hair appointment. About 2-3 times a year I make a trip down to see my friends dad, Ron Hill, in Steilacoom. It is a long drive, but he's always has done a fabulous job on my hair and worth the trip in the end. After sending him a few emails with my thoughts and pictures he sat me down and told me what he was gonna do. In short he liked my idea and he was thinking about taking it slightly shorter in back while making sure I had bangs to cover my forehead. Then he said we was gonna use my natural color to highlight the brown color I was getting. I just smiled and even though I was ultimately nervous about whether or not I was making a good choice, I continued to plunge forward after the short hair dream.

Here's me before:

And here's me after, in which I am super happy I did it! Tell me, what do you think?

The garden is doing well. The green beans should be blooming any day now and holy cow is there a ton of vines! Also the carrots are almost ready for harvest. Probably another week or two.

<3

P.S. My blood results came back worlds better! Still diabetic, but on the scale they use to determine what your risk is for it, I went from 10.5 or greater to 8.5. The doctors goal for me is to get under 6.5. Of course all of this is WITHOUT medicine and eating/working out better. HF continues to bless me and I'm grateful He hears and answers prayers.