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!