I usually try not to express my feelings and emotions to much on our blog, and like to use it as just a tool to show what we have been up too. But I got the very strong impression to write about an experience that I had today.
This is really difficult for me to actually write, and I've tried to write down my feelings a few times but each time I do I just want the hurt to go away so I try not to think about it. My family and my aunt Pat's family have always been really close. My Aunt Pat and Uncle Paul are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. For spring break/Easter we would go down to Virginia and visit their daughter Kelly and her family. She has two of the sweetest kids ever, and it blows my mind because how old they've gotten because I remember holding Brynn in my arms when she was just a little baby! Kelly was really great about staying in touch with me over facebook when I moved out here to Idaho for college. Even though we always lived so far away from each other I always knew that if I needed her she would be there. She was really important to me. Kelly unfortunately was in a bad situation at home and in winter she died, very unexpectedly (details are not appropriate to share so please don't ask). I was in school that semester and we basically had no money, I tried to convince myself to just put the $850 airplane ticket on a credit card and go to her funeral. I really wanted to be there for my family, but I had a gut feeling telling me not to go. I followed my gut, and either the day of her funeral or the day before I talked to my Aunt Pat and I will never forget the feelings that I felt when we finished the conversation. She told me that she knew that I wanted to be there, and if there was any way possible I would be. When I got off the phone with her and had myself a good long cry something in my heart was telling me that it was important for me to remember Kelly by the memories that I had of her and that for me I didn't need seeing her at her funeral to be the last memory. I know that I will see her again, and that gave me so much comfort.
The reason that I was thinking a lot about Kelly today was in my sociology class we were discussing domestic violence, and it just really hit home with members of my family. If you know that someone is being hurt- you have to be there for them, don't judge or criticize them for not leaving, but let them know that they are being brave for telling someone and provide them with references to resources that can help them. The most important thing you can do is listen and believe them.
That being said, sometimes there is no escaping death. It's apart of life, and it should be. It's the only way that we can live with God again and have the greatest happiness and joy. It's painful, sad, heartbreaking, sometimes we don't think it's fair, and usually it just plain sucks. But it happens. When it happens please don't turn to bad habits to cope, but rather look for the ways positive ways that this person has affected your life. What did you learn from them? How will their death make you do things or see things differently? Believe me, I know it's a heck of a lot easier said than done, but it can be done- in time. I have been able to forsake the anger that I felt for the person that took my cousins life away and honestly forgive him. That only came after I had found peace in the plan of salvation
We've all lost loved ones and some of us really struggle with that every day. This short video that I watched really strengthened my faith in the Lord that death is not the end of us, and that we will be together again. Families are eternal and everlasting, death does not triumph over life.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Meet Ruby!
Well after realizing how small our little 2 door Pontiac Grand Am was, and seeing as though it had gotten into like 4 accidents, and with winter coming along it was only 2 wheel drive and scared the living daylights out of me when the roads were even the slightest bit slick....
We bought RUBY!
She is pretty much my favorite car ever
and we got a pretty good deal on her too.
And we definitely put her to the test on the way home!
The dealership was all the way in Jackson, WY about 2 hours away and every time we go I cry when we go through the Swan Valley Pass. It literally is the scariest thing in the whole world when there is snow on it. And even though it's only November there was a ton of it! Enough that people were snowboarding down the side of the mountain. Well our little blue car could barely make it up the mountain, and it's brake aren't too swell anymore (we are in the process of fixing them) With my hands and nails digging into the car and sobbing a bit because I have this overwhelming fear that we are going to somehow drive off the side of the freaking mountain, I actually told Ben that we should just turn around!!!! Well we are glad we didn't! Ben drove the little blue car home and I got to drive Ruby. She has all wheel drive so it was a lot less scary, and the tires were pretty good too. She does have some miles on her but a lot of them we're from the highway. I had some preferences for the new car, because I was going to be the one primarily driving it because it's the safer one, so Ben wanted me and Sadie to be as safe as possible. What a good guy! He's so sweet! I had my heart set on a hatchback, or a non dorky looking wagon. I really like the space and this may sound stupid but...I can see better out of the back window which = less accidents!I also wanted something that had really good gas mileage. Ruby definitely does! She gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. They filled it up at the dealership and when we got home from the 2 hour drive the tank was still on full! It has a really nice interior and is in good condition. Ben knows that this car has to last us a while so I'm going to take really good care of it! Changing the oil every 3 months and rotating the tires, I'm going to treat this car like a second baby!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Birth Day Class is a Great Investment!
What an interesting class! I definitely recommend this to any of my friends in the Rexburg, ID area who are expecting or will be soon ;) it's definitely worth the time and money especially if you are going to do a natural birth. I never realize how much I didn't know or even think about!
The first class we talked all about what our ideal birth experience would be. It was a really small class for this session just us and another couple and than there will be a few different couples coming at random weeks for classes that they missed. Katy Rawlins is the instructor and is a certified doula as well. She is so funny and really knows her stuff. One of the best parts is the fact that it doesn't feel like a class that you would take a school or at the hospital, it's more relaxed and realistic so I feel comfortable asking questions and not feel stupid.
My favorite part about the 1st class was discussing what your partner will be doing while your in active labor, and especially what he won't be doing. Please no counting! Childbirth is a natural process and in fact it releases the same hormones in your body as when your being intimate with your spouse. You want to feel as relaxed as possible to ease the pain, and having someone counting in your face 1,2,3,4,5,6 screaming YOU CAN DO IT! COME ONE YOU CAN DO IT! I realized in the class that it was certainly not relaxing for me! haha
Another thing that I loved was learning the best way to make noise. You always see people screaming at the top of their lungs during childbirth but that's actually counter productive! It's proven that making noise when you are in pain helps to cope, but there are different types of noises. When you are moaning in a low pitch you are actually relaxing your cervix...go on try it...now scream in a high pitch, do you feel it tighten up?
Well I don't want to give away any of her secrets but just a little teaser for all my mama's out there.
Her class is worth it, it's fun, it's affordable, and I feel more confident that I can have Sadie in the least invasive way possible without any unnecessary medical intervention. Also me and Ben left feeling even closer to each other and having a better idea of what to expect and what we can do.
http://birthidahofalls.com/?page_id=2
The first class we talked all about what our ideal birth experience would be. It was a really small class for this session just us and another couple and than there will be a few different couples coming at random weeks for classes that they missed. Katy Rawlins is the instructor and is a certified doula as well. She is so funny and really knows her stuff. One of the best parts is the fact that it doesn't feel like a class that you would take a school or at the hospital, it's more relaxed and realistic so I feel comfortable asking questions and not feel stupid.
My favorite part about the 1st class was discussing what your partner will be doing while your in active labor, and especially what he won't be doing. Please no counting! Childbirth is a natural process and in fact it releases the same hormones in your body as when your being intimate with your spouse. You want to feel as relaxed as possible to ease the pain, and having someone counting in your face 1,2,3,4,5,6 screaming YOU CAN DO IT! COME ONE YOU CAN DO IT! I realized in the class that it was certainly not relaxing for me! haha
Another thing that I loved was learning the best way to make noise. You always see people screaming at the top of their lungs during childbirth but that's actually counter productive! It's proven that making noise when you are in pain helps to cope, but there are different types of noises. When you are moaning in a low pitch you are actually relaxing your cervix...go on try it...now scream in a high pitch, do you feel it tighten up?
Well I don't want to give away any of her secrets but just a little teaser for all my mama's out there.
Her class is worth it, it's fun, it's affordable, and I feel more confident that I can have Sadie in the least invasive way possible without any unnecessary medical intervention. Also me and Ben left feeling even closer to each other and having a better idea of what to expect and what we can do.
http://birthidahofalls.com/?page_id=2
Saturday, October 29, 2011
33 weeks :)
Well it's official we are all signed up for a birthing class! We were originally going to try hypnobirthing, but I didn't get signed up for the class in time at it was over $200! That seemed way to much to me for a 7 week class. So after much praying that I would find something we certainly did. And just in time! The class is called The Birth Day Childbirth class and runs out of Idaho Falls. The lady Kathy that teaches it was so nice when I talked to her on the phone! I told her that my due date was December 18th and she was like oh we will definitely be moving the class schedule around then so you can be at all of the classes before your due date. She also moved the first class for me because I was scheduled for my last day at work during the time. She is so accommodating and nice! And there is another couple in Rexburg that is taking the class so I told her to feel free to give them our information if they are interested in carpooling. Anything to save money for diapers right?! ;) This birthing class looks pretty fun too, and has a ton of good reviews. I guess a lot of people don't take birthing classes here, but for me I just wanted to feel as prepared as possible and feel like I understand what is going on. It's a personal choice and I'm feeling really relieved that I was able to sign up. My midwives are pretty happy as well!
This week we finally set up her dresser (which took forever!). I don't know how Ben did it, but thankfully it is really good quality and seems really sturdy, were happy with our choice. I washed all of her 0-3 months clothes. And next week we are getting our changing table so that will be really nice to have everything all set up. That was a pretty big concern for me, I just didn't want to feel like I was rushing at the last minute and slacking off in school and getting overwhelmed. I've pretty much always been like this. I like to be as prepared as possible.
I have another doctors appointment next week. It's weird to start going every two weeks. It definitely means the BIG DAY is getting closer!
I have one more day at work and than I'm done. My blood pressure is thanking me right now :)
This week we finally set up her dresser (which took forever!). I don't know how Ben did it, but thankfully it is really good quality and seems really sturdy, were happy with our choice. I washed all of her 0-3 months clothes. And next week we are getting our changing table so that will be really nice to have everything all set up. That was a pretty big concern for me, I just didn't want to feel like I was rushing at the last minute and slacking off in school and getting overwhelmed. I've pretty much always been like this. I like to be as prepared as possible.
I have another doctors appointment next week. It's weird to start going every two weeks. It definitely means the BIG DAY is getting closer!
I have one more day at work and than I'm done. My blood pressure is thanking me right now :)
Friday, October 21, 2011
2 months left
Well I just had my 32 week appointment. It went great everything is looking good, Sadie is moving a ton and has finally flipped. I never would have thought she was though because I still can't take a deep breath!
Ben- Working so hard, has applied for a couple of different jobs one is a manager-training-position at a sporting goods store (crossing our fingers for that!) He's doing really well in school.
Brittany- Studying my butt off! Seriously, everybody has told me that going to school when your pregnant is really hard, believe me they were right. But surprisingly I've seriously never had better grades! As of right now I have 5 A's and 1 B. I put my 2 weeks notice in at work because 1) I was getting really stressed out and neurotic, 2) we got our pell grants in FINALLY...so we are riding on that cushion right now, 3) We've got everything that we need for the baby (except a billion diapers ;) we only have a few boxes as of right now, and 4) It's surprisingly painful to stand on my feet for 7 hours and when I get home at midnight I still have homework to do.
It's one of these weird bittersweet things. I'm going to miss all the people I work with! But I will definitely be in to say HI and since I was like 16 I only ever not had a job my first year here...so just thinking about not working is almost uncomfortable. But I'm also really excited to spend the next 8 weeks just enjoying pregnancy, school, CLEANING, making some yummy food, and just preparing for Sadie's big arrival.
On another good note...I'm an aunt again! Grace Marie Fischer was born on October 19 we haven't gotten to meet her yet and won't for a while because she's in Minnesota with everyone else, but she looks absolutely adorable in all the pictures and I can't wait till she meets her little cousin who will be just a couple of months younger than her!
Ben- Working so hard, has applied for a couple of different jobs one is a manager-training-position at a sporting goods store (crossing our fingers for that!) He's doing really well in school.
Brittany- Studying my butt off! Seriously, everybody has told me that going to school when your pregnant is really hard, believe me they were right. But surprisingly I've seriously never had better grades! As of right now I have 5 A's and 1 B. I put my 2 weeks notice in at work because 1) I was getting really stressed out and neurotic, 2) we got our pell grants in FINALLY...so we are riding on that cushion right now, 3) We've got everything that we need for the baby (except a billion diapers ;) we only have a few boxes as of right now, and 4) It's surprisingly painful to stand on my feet for 7 hours and when I get home at midnight I still have homework to do.
It's one of these weird bittersweet things. I'm going to miss all the people I work with! But I will definitely be in to say HI and since I was like 16 I only ever not had a job my first year here...so just thinking about not working is almost uncomfortable. But I'm also really excited to spend the next 8 weeks just enjoying pregnancy, school, CLEANING, making some yummy food, and just preparing for Sadie's big arrival.
On another good note...I'm an aunt again! Grace Marie Fischer was born on October 19 we haven't gotten to meet her yet and won't for a while because she's in Minnesota with everyone else, but she looks absolutely adorable in all the pictures and I can't wait till she meets her little cousin who will be just a couple of months younger than her!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Internship, Pregnancy, and Nursery
Well summer has officially come to a close and I'm not going to lie but I am so happy!! I miss school so I'm going to try really hard this semester to get the best grades, stay healthy and active, and just try to have a good rest of the pregnancy. Ben had his first day at his internship at the Behavioral Health Center down in Idaho Falls. He can back pretty excited because they will get to shadow counselors and psychiatrists around. There is an adolescent wing and also a wing that has people with severe mental illnesses such a Schizophrenia. He said that it really isn't anything like the movies portray and most of the people are relatively normal (no straight jackets). He's also Ben working really hard at Freedom and has kicked some major butt in the sales department, bringin home the BACON! He'll cut his hours back a lot because now he usually works 50 hours a week so that's going to drop to like 25. I'm also cutting my hours down to 20 and I'm only working 3 days a week so it isn't bad at all.
School starts on Monday! We went on campus to fill out the last of his internship papers and for Ben to get his TB test and it was like a zoo, and since everything has moved we had NO idea were anything was so we looked like total newbies. It was kind of fun! We are really excited to get back to going to school every day, the only thing that I'm not looking forward too....Waddling up that giant hill, it's still so stinking hot out and my back really hurts.
I'm in my last week of my second trimester! 26 weeks! My weight is completely on track and I'm been exercising a lot. I usually do Cardio ever other day and weights every day. I feel really good whenever I exercise and it's making me think more about what I eat. I haven't completely cut out the bad food ;) I doubt I ever will! Life is short, but I definitely eat in moderation meaning Taco Bell once a week. My midwife told me that I should cut out some carbs and eat more protein (story of my life). I eat eggs with bell peppers almost every day with a small cup of all natural yogurt with grapes, blueberries, and raspberries. It's delicious! So I've gotten used to having to plan out my morning so I have time to eat a good breakfast, then I usually have and apple or banana as a snack. Then either a salad or sandwich with some vegetables. Then usually more vegetables before dinner. And dinner is some form of chicken with either brown rice or whole grain pasta and more vegetables. I eat a lot of vegetables throughout the day haha. But I give myself some leeway because I really do enjoy food. My back pain has been getting a little bit better, but I still wake up every night around 3am to go to the bathroom. It is driving me nuts!
The nursery is coming along really great! I've really enjoyed getting everything ready for when Sadie arrives, it just makes me so excited to go into her room. We've got a ton of stuff for her and I still have a few more months. Ben's awesome parents got our crib for us as a baby shower gift and we are completely in love with it! It's so nice and sturdy but still really easy to move.
School starts on Monday! We went on campus to fill out the last of his internship papers and for Ben to get his TB test and it was like a zoo, and since everything has moved we had NO idea were anything was so we looked like total newbies. It was kind of fun! We are really excited to get back to going to school every day, the only thing that I'm not looking forward too....Waddling up that giant hill, it's still so stinking hot out and my back really hurts.
I'm in my last week of my second trimester! 26 weeks! My weight is completely on track and I'm been exercising a lot. I usually do Cardio ever other day and weights every day. I feel really good whenever I exercise and it's making me think more about what I eat. I haven't completely cut out the bad food ;) I doubt I ever will! Life is short, but I definitely eat in moderation meaning Taco Bell once a week. My midwife told me that I should cut out some carbs and eat more protein (story of my life). I eat eggs with bell peppers almost every day with a small cup of all natural yogurt with grapes, blueberries, and raspberries. It's delicious! So I've gotten used to having to plan out my morning so I have time to eat a good breakfast, then I usually have and apple or banana as a snack. Then either a salad or sandwich with some vegetables. Then usually more vegetables before dinner. And dinner is some form of chicken with either brown rice or whole grain pasta and more vegetables. I eat a lot of vegetables throughout the day haha. But I give myself some leeway because I really do enjoy food. My back pain has been getting a little bit better, but I still wake up every night around 3am to go to the bathroom. It is driving me nuts!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tons of DIY nursery decor
Well since deciding on a color scheme for the nursery. I have been putting together a list of DIY projects that I would really like to get done this summer before school starts. Since I know that a lot of people who read our blog our expecting or already have children I thought that I would share these.
Embroidery Hoop Wall Art
http://elegantpaws.blogspot.com/2011/02/embroidery-hoop-wall-art-tutorial.html
Reasons why I want to try:
1. I LOVE PATTERNS! Yes, they brighten up rooms and add variety to some very plan walls. I already have a few fabrics picked out...take a look
2. SUPER CHEAP! Well kind of the embroidery hooks cost at most $2 for the larger ones and I don't need more then a yard of each fabric, and I will have leftovers so I use them to make headbands :)
Chevron Rug
http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2011/04/chevron-painted-rug-from-ikea.html
Reasons why I want to try:
1. Already have the rug all I need is the paint!
http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/decor/articles/2010/09/03/20100903DIY-easy-home-decor-projects.html?page=2
Embroidery Hoop Wall Art
Reasons why I want to try:
1. I LOVE PATTERNS! Yes, they brighten up rooms and add variety to some very plan walls. I already have a few fabrics picked out...take a look
2. SUPER CHEAP! Well kind of the embroidery hooks cost at most $2 for the larger ones and I don't need more then a yard of each fabric, and I will have leftovers so I use them to make headbands :)
Chevron Rug
Reasons why I want to try:
1. Already have the rug all I need is the paint!
Lamp Shade Cover
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