Duffy Drama

Birth Story

2012-02-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

I just realized I never posted the story of Miss Ainsley's birth! It is extremely long, but I want to be sure I document it all for my record keeping. I had some inklings that she would come before her induction date, so I put myself into turbo mode and scrambled to get the house ready for her arrival. This, I'm sure, made her come even sooner! Starting Saturday night I had terrible back pain and was way more exhausted than I had been the entire pregnancy. I stayed home from church on Sunday (mostly because the only way I could sit comfortably was criss-cross applesauce, which might look extremely odd in Sacrament meeting), but the pain did not go away.
Monday was my last day of work, Lindsey (who has completely spoiled me!) brought us Cafe Rio for lunch to celebrate. I went straight from work to a "landscaping" appointment, and then to pick up Josh from work. For FHE we went to Costco to stock up on freezer meals and things for the house. Josh was wanting to procrastinate our trip because it was late in the evening, but I insisted. The pain in my back started to wrap around to my stomach, but I didn't think much of it because it was a constant pain, not rolling like contractions. When we got home I started watching a movie on the couch, my hand resting on my stomach. I noticed every now and then mt stomach would get tight and come to a point in the middle. I had been having contractions regularly since 32 weeks (according to the NST I had twice a week) but I never could feel them. I still couldn't feel them, but as long as my hand was on my stomach I could tell when they started and ended. I timed the contractions and they were about 15-18 minutes apart, but not regular and consistent. Because I was on blood thinners, Dr.B had told me if my contractions were regular and about 10 min apart, to skip my injection and call into the office. Well I decided to give myself my injection and go to bed.
At about 4:00am the contractions were strong enough to wake me up, but still didn't hurt. When I timed them, they were 7-8 minutes apart. I felt a little silly calling the on-call physician because I wasn't in pain, but when I explained the situation, she told me to got to the hospital for monitoring. When we walked into the ER entrance and I cheerily explained to the nurse I was having regular contractions, I could tell she was thinking I would be sent home. Nevertheless, we were taken upstairs to the maternity ward I was hooked up to the monitors. My contractions were then 5 minutes apart, I was 70%, 4cm, and -1. I was officially admitted, bracelets and all. Because I had done my injection around midnight, they didn't want me to have the baby until after 12:00 noon, otherwise postpartum bleeding could have been a problem. They hooked me up to an IV and pumped me with fluids to slow down labor, and it worked. Josh and I just hung out, I watched some Vampire Diaries, he napped a bit. I think because I was so mellow (no screaming and emotional meltdowns) Josh kept saying we were going to get sent home and that the baby wasn't really going to come that day. After listening to him for a while the nurse just laughed and explained that if we didn't have the baby that day, it would be just after midnight the next day! When Josh realized we would be at the hospital for a while, he decided to run home for a quick shower. Mom Duffy was there to keep me company and my mom arrived shortly after. We had a great time imagining what our baby would look like, which genes we thought would dominate :-), how big we thought she would be.
A little after Josh got back, Dr.B came in to break my water around 11:45am. I was told the anesthesiologist would be in about 15 minutes later to give me my epidural. About 10 minutes later I was uncomfortable. About 20 minutes later I was in pain. About 30 minutes later I was in A LOT of pain. Still no screaming, but my controlled breathing was enough to make Josh nervous. He kept asking if he should go tell someone we were still waiting. This of course made us all laugh a little, you just have to wait your turn. When the anesthesiologist came 45 minutes later Josh and I were BOTH ready for that epidural :-) At first it only worked on my right side, but after adjusting it, I was numb waist to ankles on both sides. Thank goodness! The epidural had slowed down my labor a bit, so both moms headed to Paradise Cafe for some lunch and brought some back for Josh.
In the mean time I was given Petocin to kick my labor back into gear. I dilated 1 cm the first hour, then 2 the next, and before we knew it I was a 10! At Mission they like to wait until the baby has dropped before having you push. While we were waiting Chrissy showed up with her fancy camera for mom Duffy to take some pictures with, but she ended up staying and taking pictures herself. A little while later we were ready to go! Josh was EXTREMELY concerned that the nurse was having me push before Dr.B was there, he kept asking when the Dr. would get there. We had to explain that the Dr. just needs to be there to catch. It really was cute to see Josh's concern for me and our little girl. He was such a great support and helper, holding my hand through it all. When Dr.B did get there, the nurse kept scolding him because he was making us all laugh too much, which was amusing, but made pushing a little difficult :-) I only pushed for an hour and half before our little girl made her debut! Ainsley Elisabeth was born at 7:19pm weighing 5 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 18 1/2 inches long. I cried the moment I held her. I couldn't (and still can't) believe she is here, safe and sound. We are so grateful for her and the added love she has brought into home.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

Note: Probably not the best newborn craft...We had hot pink ink all over us :-)

Bath Time!

2012-02-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I called over the Grandma's and we gave Ainsley her first bath! She was so darn cute and seemed to really like it. Her whole body just relaxed as soon as she was in the water. Maybe she will be a little water baby too :-) She didn't cry at all until she pooped in the tub (whoops!) and we had to take her out for a moment to empty and refill the water, and then she was calm again when we put her back in. Here are some pictures (Thanks Grandma for taking them!):

Gidget was so curious about what was going on up there! Don't worry, she got her bath later!

Three generations (excuse my grossness, we had just gotten home from a walk that felt like a marathon to me).

Now for a little update on Ainsley:

As of Friday she weighs 5 pounds 8 ounces (she put on 5 ounces in 4 days!)
Her wrinkles are in fact turning into rolls, which makes us very happy :-)
She is fairly skilled at finding her fingers and thumbs
She is awake and alert a lot more
She almost never cries, she just makes little whining noises
She tries to sleep 4 hour stretches in the day and 2 hour stretches at night (little stinker)
She is a toot machine! (Gidget woke up barking at her toot the other day!)

I didn't think it was possible, but we are just loving her more and more every day!

Miss Piggle Wiggle

2012-02-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been a week! It's no fair that those hospital days count, they were such a blur! (I'll post about those tommorow.) We've settled in at home (huge thanks to both mom's!), and we are getting into the groove of things. Obviously a schedule is non-existant as this time, but I am loving the lazy days. We even made it over to the Duffy's for our monthly Fast Sunday/ FHE dinner and of course the Super Bowl. Yesterday was Ainsley's first Dr.'s appointment. It was so surreal to be taking my baby to the doctors. I felt like I was playing house. I kept giggling filling out her paper work, signing my name as her parent! It still doesn't feel real at all. We were a little nervous about the appointment because Ainsley turned a bit yellow Saturday and as new nervous first time parents, we started reading all of the information on jaundice. We also had a 24hr period where she was having technical difficulties eating. At the appointment they measured and weighed her and it broke my heart when they said she was only 5 pounds 3 ounces!! She lost 12 ounces! The doctor said she looked fine and healthy, not dehydrated at all, her output was right on, but that is a lot of weight for her to lose, especially being so tiny to begin with. We have a follow up appointment Friday just to make sure she is gaining weight. So, our mission...turn her wrinkles into rolls! She has been eating so much so frequently, I think we will be right on track. She just cracks me up when she's eating- she snorts so much and wiggles all over the place! I have started calling her Miss Piggle Wiggle. Her favorite nursing pose is one leg up by my chin with her other foot by her knee (think yoga stretching), and her hand under her chin resting on her elbow. It is so funny I wish there were some way to take a picture, but there isn't :-) She is also a self soother and has found her thumb several times already, she hardly ever cries, and she sleeps a lot (for now!!)! The hardest part of the day is waking her up every two hours to eat, but we only have to do that until she gains enough weight back. Well, little miss is falling asleep which means nap time for me!

Meet Ainsley!

2012-02-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

Ainsley Elisabeth

5 Pounds, 15 Ounces and 18 1/2 Inches

January 31, 2012 - 7:19pm

It's go time!

Going home!

Gidget getting introduced to Ainsley's scent. (She has been sooo sweet with Ainsley. Gidget definitely has a "maternal instinct.")

Maternity Pictures

2012-01-30T21:23:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to lunch with one of my longest, closest friends and her beyond adorable little boy. (He is a total heart stealer!) After lunch she was nice enough to take some maternity pictures for me. I just need to prepare you, she is AMAZINGLY talented. She is the most humble person I know, so I am going to do some bragging for her...she has super powers! She's not just a photographer, but she is truly an artist, and she can make the most awkward of subjects (cough..cough...me) look like a super model. (Thanks again Alia for working your magic!)
Here is a link to her photo blog:
http://asteelephotography.blogspot.com/2012/01/meredith-maternity-session-san-clemente.html

Change of plans!

2012-01-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

So, I was rescheduled for the morning of Wednesday February 8th (due to a scheduling conflict). It's funny to make and change the date/time of baby girl's arrival. It is just so surreal! I've been progressing a bit, so they are thinking and hoping it will be an easy induction. Fingers crossed! It would be the most convenient if she decided to come a few days before then, but babies come when they want to come (and we'd prefer to have her healthy and ready). Either way, we will have a baby in a little more than 2 weeks!

36 Weeks and We have a DATE!

2012-01-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe how fast time is going by! I know I keep saying that, but it just keeps speeding up on me. Yesterday we got the official induction date, February 7th! It's a little bizarre know the exact day our baby girl will be here, it still feels so surreal! It is very helpful in planning though :-)
I have been terrible about taking pictures, mostly because I am in sweats cleaning and organizing the house, rushing to a doctor's appointment, in comfy clothes at work (Ryan thinks I'm wearing pajamas most days and lets me know :-), or sleeping. The projects are coming along, my dad has been a HUGE help! He wired the baby's room for overhead lighting, installed a ceiling fan, put up a chair rail, and is in the process of installing a shelf and rod in the closet. Last on the list, crown molding! In the mean time, my mom has been working her fingers to the bone sewing the beautiful wall hanging for the room, and baby's crib quilt. We have also been refinishing furniture, giving new life to curtain rods and lamps via spray paint, and organizing! I am so anxious to get everything done so I can organize her closet. This little girl needs her own linen closet! Mom Duffy made more receiving blankets and burp cloths than I can count, and they are all in such fun different patterns and colors. Once things are a little more in order around here I will take some pictures to show you the handiwork of both Grandmas :-) Well, Gidget is yapping at me because I promised to take her on a walk 10 minutes ago.

33 Weeks!

2011-12-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...the time is flying by! I finally started clearing out baby's rooms so we can start getting it ready. My mom came with me to pick out paint samples for the walls, lamp, and dresser we are refinishing. We are also attempting bead boarding. Wish us luck! I will definitely post before and after pictures. Prep work has already begun, and we are painting on Saturday. We also stopped by Babies R Us. I had my crib and rocker picked out, but I wanted to make sure the color matched the amazing quilt she is making! I ordered the rocker, ottoman, and crib, but they may not arrive until after baby comes! That's what I get for procrastinating. Oh well, they will be worth the wait and we have a cradle in our room for those first few weeks :-)

Our costumes at a friends "J" themed 30th Birthday party!

32 Weeks

33 Weeks

Christmas Eve at the Duffy's

Because we are on a budget and can't afford stamps...

2011-12-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' our house

Gidget was chasing an imaginary mouse;

The stockings that hung by the chimney with care,

Are now in her bed looking very threadbare;

She should be nestled all snug in her bed,

But she’s up on the table sneaking sugar plums instead.

Mere wrapped in her body pillow, and Josh wearing his cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap,

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,

He sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

It was the mama to be, gone to the thermostat in a dash,

Making the house freezing to soothe her hot flash.

About the electric bill Josh spoke not a word,
But in his mind ran the numbers to see how things will work,

And settling in front of the TV to check scores,

Josh quickly nodded off and broke out in snores.

In a matter of minutes the alarm rang like a whistle,

Before baby comes, we'd all better learn how to whisper!

Happy Christmas to all,
And may you sleep through the night!

Nesting and Meltdowns

2011-12-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

31 week, which means I have 8 weeks left! (If you are questioning my math, it's because I will be induced a week early.) Where has the time gone? I have been waiting/putting off getting baby things and nesting, until I looked at a calendar and realized baby girl will be here in EIGHT WEEKS! My mom and I went to Babies'R'Us on Saturday to register and look at baby things. I had a great time and was VERY greatful for her help. As we shopped around she was going through the list of things I'd need for myself like nursing bras, etc. I asked, when do I need to get those? She loving said, "Well, now would be a good time." That's when the overwhelming feeling started creeping in. Then I got home. I was excitedly talking to Josh about all the cute things I saw and how fun it was to register for everything. Then the second realization sunk in....I picked out everything for our baby for us to go back and buy, but there is no magic fairy that is going to go get everything, put it all together, clean out the baby's room to make room for all of the things. I have also been putting off registering for a childbirth class, a nursing class, a hospital tour, etc. I get EXTREMELY squirmy whenever I read the birthing book my sister gave me, and I kept thinking I would just do everything at the end of the semester, which is this week, but now I don't think I have enough time to do it all! Needless to say, poor Josh had to deal with a bit of crying and hysteria from me. There were no words that would comfort me, and saying nothing was making me more upset. After a long shower, a good night's sleep, and a new perspective in the morning, I was good again. This baby is coming, I will do what I can before, and if something doesn't get done, she will still come, and it will be okay!
(Here's to hoping the birthing class doesn't put me back into hysteria mode!)

Thanksgiving

2011-12-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

Josh and I went up to Utah for Camden's baby blessing and Thanksgiving. We had such a great time visiting family, and just relaxing! We celebrated Logan's birthday one night by going on the Polar Express, eating at Dairy Keen (the train restaurant), and of course prresents, cake, and ice cream. I don't know who had more fun, Logan, or the aunties and grandma taking pictures of EVERY moment. (You'll have to excuse my blurry pictures, I don't have a steady hand and my camera is not the best at indoor and night time photos.) I love taking pictures to document things, but I am trying a little more to also "live in the moment" and enjoy what we were doing rather than trying to get a good picture of it :-)

Josh was sad we were going out to eat on Thanksgiving, so I made him a very mini Thanksgiving of our own before we left. It turned out okay for my first turkey.

Gidget recovering from our long trip up to the cabin.

Baby Camden

Logan, Kristen, and Camden

Dad, Erik, me, Logan, and Megan

Logan and Uncle Erik

Making doggy faces (his beanie)

The Polar Express (p.s. I totally want the Hogwarts Express mini train for under my tree!)

Logan with his favorite person....the conductor!

Camden reminds me of the Yoda backpacks from Disneyland. She is an Ewok.

Meeting Mrs. Claus before boarding the train.

Logan was BEYOND excited.

Noni, Logan, Kristen and Camden

Dad and Erik (who later agreed that this will be a girls and kids only tradition).

Me and Megs

The hair hiding beneath the beanie.

The Elves pass out cookies and hot cocoa (which according to Logan is NOT the same as hot chocolate).

I promised Logan a marshmallow for every picture I took. I delivered.

Little Snuggle Bug slept the whole time!

Watching Santa climb on board!

I think Logan was just as excited about the Engineer as he was for Santa!

Logan showing off his bell from Santa

A bell for baby. Her first ornament!

Logan taking a ride on Papa's back

Thanksgiving dinner at Sundance

29 Weeks!!!!

Apple Picking

2011-11-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago we went with Mike and Adrianne to go apple picking and pie tasting in Julian. The windy roads were a little rough on our motion sick prone crowd, but we had a blast walking around the orchards. It was the last weekend before they closed for the winter, so we had to send Adrianne and Josh up in the trees to get good apples! We stopped for some apple wood fired pizzas and world famous Julian pie. The pizza with decent, but the pie was amazing (and I hate pie!)! Many thanks to Adrianne for documenting our journey, here are some of her pictures:

Catch Up

2011-11-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, we have been busy the last few weeks! School, work, and many many "Fall Cleaning" projects. Oh, and all of the fun Halloween and Fall festivities! Here are some pictures to catch you up a bit...more coming soon :-)

21 Weeks

23 Weeks

(Sympathy Bump and Baby Bump)

One flexible baby girl! (Note: Baby girl was literally kissing her shins during the ultrasound)

This is how our other baby has been sleeping lately. Tucked into the covers, head on a pillow, snuggling up with Josh.

(Sorry for the blurry picture, it's just so adorable when she hides under her paws!)

Back in September we drove out to AZ for Grandpa Davis's 80th Birthday, and poor Gidget got sick! She had to be on a special diet of chicken and cottage cheese.

We also made her were a doggy diaper on the car ride home. This picture makes me laugh and feel bad at the same time!

Brace Yourself...

2011-09-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Yup....we are actually having a girl! Cindy and I went to my 20 week appointment (Josh had a court appearance) and as we were chatting to the tech, explaining how we found out last appointment it was a boy, how we've narrowed down names, etc, she says, "Well....I'm not really seeing anything (you know between the legs)....I'm going to say your baby is a girl!" She got a clear view from 3 different angles and our baby is definitely a girl! I was in quite a bit of shock, but of course we are excited, most of all because our beautiful baby is healthy, strong, and developing properly! Best news ever and I will never get tired of hearing it. As the tech checked the heart, the spine, both arms, and legs, she would say things like, "beautiful spine" and "perfect arms," and I kept thinking (like the sap that I am now), "They are, they really are!" It was so exciting to see her toes and fingers....I could go on forever, but I'll spare you.

After the appointment Cindy, Tyler (did I mention he had school off and had to come too! He actually did very well, but I earned some serious daughter points for this one!), and I headed to Ruby's at the mall for a breakfast celebration. We ran a few quick errands in the mall, and took a peek at all of the adorbale tiny girl things in a few different stores. (Don't worry hubby of mine...I didn't buy any clothes yet!).

So, I guess instead off legos and star wars we will have ruffles, bows, and princesses! Here's so hoping our little girl really is full of sugar and spice and everything nice (the other two girls in thise household are lack in the everything nice department!).

18 weeks

2011-09-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

So here is my belly at 18 weeks. Truth be told, while I feel bloated and none of my pants fit, it still looks like I just ate too much at my last meal. My back is already killing me, which seems rediculous, but I don't know what I'm goning to do later, I'm not even half way! On the plus side, the nausea is finally starting to go away, I'm getting some of my energy back (horray to actually doing the laundry!), and best of all...I can feel the baby move :-) It was just little flutters here and there to start, but now I notice it a little bit more every few days! Can't wait to get our next glimpse of our boy next week!

Money

2011-09-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

I am currently enrolled in Money Management as one of my required classes for my minor and Josh couldn't be happier! Today was day one and I really liked this excerpt from The Soul of Money:

"Whether true or not, the thought of not enough occurs to us automatically before we even think to question or examine it. We spend most of the hours and days of our lives hearing, explaining, complaining, or worrying about what we don’t have enough of. We don’t have enough time, or enough rest, or enough exercise. We don’t have enough work or profits. We don’t have enough wilderness areas. We don’t have enough weekends. Of course we don’t have enough money—ever.

"What begins a simple expression of the hurried life, or even the challenged life, grows into the great justification for an unfulfilled life. It becomes the reasons we can’t have what we want or be who we want to be, why we can’t accomplish the goals we set for ourselves, why our dreams can’t come true, and the reason we give up on ourselves or write off others.

"Whether we live in resource-poor or resource-rich circumstances, even if we’re loaded with money or goods, many of us live with scarcity as an underlying assumption. It is an unquestioned, sometimes unspoken, defining condition of life. It shapes our deepest sense about ourselves, and becomes the lens through which we experience life. Through that lens our expectations, our behavior, and their consequences become a self-fulfilling prophecy of inadequacy, lack, and dissatisfaction. Scarcity is the mind’s interpretation of the experience of limitation. In the mindset of scarcity, our relationship with money is an expression of fear. The doubts and fears we don’t want to look at are our personal experience with scarcity.

"Contemporary European author, Bernard Leitaer, former senior office of the Belgian Central Bank, in his book Of Human Wealth, says that greed and fear of scarcity are programmed; they do not exist in nature, not even in human nature. Scarcity is a lie. Systematically challenging false assumptions and exposing the myth of scarcity opens new avenues of inquiry and possibility. We often philosophize about the great, unanswered questions in life. It’s time we looked instead at the unquestioned answers, and the biggest, most unquestioned answer of our culture is our relationship with money.

"Once we let go of scarcity, we discover the surprising truth of sufficiency. Sufficiency isn’t an amount at all. It is an experience, a context we generate, a declaration, a knowing that there is enough, and that we are enough. In our relationship with money, it is using money in a way that expresses our integrity; using it in a way that expresses our deepest core values rather than determines value.

"Sufficiency is an act of generating, distinguishing, making known to ourselves the power and presence of our resources, and our inner resources. There is always enough, [and to spare]. We have sufficient for our needs.

"In our relationship with money, we can continue to earn, save, invest, and provide for ourselves and for our families, but we reframe the relationship with a new recognition and appreciation for what we already have. In that new way of seeing, the flow of resources in our lives, rather than being something that is constantly escaping our grasp or diminishing, instead becomes a flood of nourishment and something we have the privilege of being trustees of for the moment. Our relationship with money ceases to be an expression of fear and becomes an expression of exciting possibility."

While I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY agree with the above quote (and could do MUCH better with implementing it), I often relate more to the following excerpt from a favorite show of ours:

Sheldon: You know, it occurs to me you could solve all your problems by obtaining more money.
Penny: Yes, it occurs to me, too.

Drum roll please....

2011-08-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's a BOY!

I am now 16 weeks, the morning sickness is gone, and I feel like a normal human being (with a growing stomach). Josh and my mom came with me for my 16 week appointment (Dr.B told me he'd check gender at this appointment), and he was very confident we are having a boy. Our little cutie was sitting criss cross applesauce, holding his hands, and had a severe case of the hiccups! So cute! I can't wait to start feeling this little guy move around. It's funny, everyone I've talked to seems SHOCKED that it's a boy, I guess most people just pictured us with a girl, but we are beyond excited, and Josh was more than relieved! He says girl problems are much more complex and harder to solve! Plus this will even the score, I think Gidget and I provide enough sass and drama for this home! So bring on the dirt, creepy crawlers, and the mountains of legos I will surely step on barefoot!

Guess What?!

2011-08-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

That's right...we are having a baby! And I know what you are thinking when you look at the picture...oh my...look at that nose! It's actually the baby's hand. He/She is already working on their dramatic poses. Today was my 12 week ultrasound and everything went so well. Josh said I was beaming. I have to be honest, I don't think I've smiled this much since the day we got married.

(Note: The following is just a background and will probably put you to sleep. Feel free to stop reading at any time.)

As most of you know, we have had 2 miscarriages before (the first at 7 weeks a few days before Megan's wedding, and the second at 9 weeks a few days before my birthday...talk about great timing!). After all of that, we took a little break from the baby business to start paying off all the medical bills we had accrued in that short time frame. (Gotta love ER visits!). When we felt like it was time again...nothing happened, and nothing happened. Long story short, after 3 rounds of Clomid we had success! Also during that time, my doctor ran a series of tests and we learned a few things along the way. I have A- blood type (even though at birth it was marked A+) this means I have to get a RhoGAM injection a few times during the pregnancy and right before delivery to make sure if and when my blood mixes with the baby's my body doesn't have an "allergic reaction" to the baby (to put it nicely). This is actually a really common thing, about 25% of people are RH negative. The second thing we discovered is that I have really low progesterone levels. This is the hormone that sustains the placenta until it is fully developed and functioning at week 12. Again, super common and easily treated with medication. Lastly I have Antiphospholipid Syndrome which is basically an autoimmune disorder that produces blood clots. About 1% of people in the US have this. It only affects me when I am pregnant, and the way the doctor explained it to me, the most common thing to happen if untreated is that blood clots form in the umbilical cord, blocking the baby's supply of nutrients. It is treated by taking a baby aspirin and a daily injection of a blood thinner. This one was a little harder for me. I close my eyes and can't look when someone else gives me a shot, so I REALLY didn't think I'd be able to give one to myself every night. I still have to build myself up to do it, but it really isn't as bad as I thought. I just have a VERY bruised stomach (Note to Shaun: That is your guarantee I won't have topless maternity pictures taken. I know you were very concerned about that!). So....this go around we are hoping we have all the bases covered!

So far I've experienced the lovely morning sickness (that lasts all day). I was "yelling at my sneakers" about every 2 hours, so after almost 2 days of that I was put on zofran... a miracle drug. It helped me keep food down, but I still felt pretty nauseous most of the time. This week I've noticed a huge difference though, I have much more energy and a lot less nausea. It seems like each week gets better and I'm hoping that continues. I basically hate food right now, except for random cravings like KFC mashed potatoes and chinese food (I know what you are thinking...I HATE both of those...well not right now I dont!). The window of opportunity with food is very small and I must get and consume the food within 20 minutes or it no longer sounds appealing. I think that makes me almost cry is that I hate ice cream. It doesn't taste good and it certainly doesn't feel good to my stomach. Although I feel and look like I've gained at least 10 pounds, I've only gained 0.4 lbs and I'm pretty sure its because I've cut my 2 bowls of ice cream a day out of my diet. I just hope I will one day enjoy ice cream again! I miss it terribly!

I still get extremely nervous before each doctors visit just hoping there is still a heartbeat (it's a good thing they usually take my blood pressure after the ultrasound!). Today's appointment was especially exciting for us because as Josh put it, "We are in uncharted territory." It was such a miracle to see our baby move (our little blueberry was VERY wiggly), hear the heartbeat, and have the reassurance from our doctor that everything looks great!

Josh and I are so grateful for everyone's fasting and praying on our behalf. All babies are miracles and we definitely feel like this one is no exception! It has been such a humbling and faith building journey for us and we are just so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends to support us through it. I can't tell you how many times Josh and I just looked at each other each night and were overwhelmed by everyone's thoughtfulness. (Don't tell anyone, but I maybe cried every time someone texted me that they prayed/fasted/put my name on the prayer roll at the temple.) Really, we are very grateful, especially to our Heavenly Father.

p.s. Sorry if at any point I was ridiculously cheesy or sappy, I'm hormonal and overly sentimental at the moment.

A Noteworthy Day

2011-07-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Josh and I have officially paid off all of our medical bills! That may not sound like a big deal, but after all the appointments and ER visits last year...it is. While doing our taxes back in March, we found that we paid (in cash) over $17,000 in medical bills last year alone. (Not including the 6 monthly payments we made this year). It's hard seeing that number and thinking of all the ways we WISHED we could have spent that money (cough cough....a car!), but our balance is now $0 and we are both in good health. We did it!!! Now if the federal govement would just send us our tax return. Come on...it's JULY! I'm going to start charging them interest.

Disneyland and a trip to AZ

2011-07-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

First I have to start by saying, mickey ears are the cutest thing in the world. A few weeks ago Kristen, Brent, and Logan came for a long weekend visit. We were beyond excited to see them! Of course, we had to go to Disneyland while they were here. We went on Logan's favorite ride....the train! We even got to go in Walt Disney's private car, the "Lilly Belle." Besides it being ridiculously hot, we had a great time!

Last weekend we left Friday afternoon for Arizona. We stayed with Auntie and visited Grandma and Grandpa's house and spent lots of time with Natalie, Robert, and baby John! We went swimming Saturday, had a taco night, and just relaxed!It was very nice. Sunday morning we packed up the car, drove down to Mesa, and visited (way too briefly) with our good friends the Slades! Their newest addition JJ was being blessed! He is such a handsome chunky baby. It was so fun to see the girls again too, they are growing up way too fast! Unfortunately we had to rush home RIGHT after the blessing, but we are hoping to see everyone again soon!

A Black Tie Affair

2011-06-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Josh and I went to a wedding at the Westlake Village Four Seasons. It was black tie optional, so we (I) took the opportunity to get all dressed up. (Two months in a row now...my sweats are getting nervous I'll abandon them completely). The venue was absolutely stunning, the food was great, and most importantly, the lovely couple were glowing with happiness. I am lame and didn't get a picture of them (or her dress), but she looked gorgeous and her dress was incredible! I really wish I snagged a picture. Here are the few pictures I did take...

2011-06-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago me, Chrissy, and Erik hiked up Saddleback Mountain. It was Chrissy's first time and she was a trooper. Erik set the pace (and he is speedy). We made it up in record time (for us). It's been too long though andI don't remember what the time was! The day was beautiful, not too hot, not too cold, until we got about 2/3 the way up. There were TONS of flies. I mean TONS! If we stopped for even a second they were all over us. I had images from "The Mummy" in my mind,so I didn't stop at until the top. I had my headband over my ears, sunglasses on, and they still managed to get in my eyes and even up my nose (GROSSS)! We took one picture of the top as proof then rushed down to the "no fly zone." At the bottom we cooled off by jumping in the river, then drove home. It was a fun time, but I will not be going in the Spring ever again!

2011-06-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

Awesome giveaway going on:
http://celebrationsathomeblog.com/2011/06/party-package-giveaway-valued-at-over-270.html#comment-8565

Meet Gidget!

2011-06-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

After 4 years of begging, Josh finally agreed to get a dog! I immediately started hunting online, flooding Josh's email with pictures of puppies. We really wanted to get a rescue dog, but had a long list of criteria that made it really difficult. Josh is allergic, so it has to be some king of poodle mix; We want to be able to take her with us to the cabin, so she had to be little; and I wanted a sandy colored puppy. As you can see...that is very specific. During our hunt we saw a dog named Darla and decided to check her out (Josh's family dog was Darla and she just passed away a few weeks ago). She had the most unusual coloring and sweetest expression. We knew she was the one! We drove up to Van Nuys to meet her and we were not disappointed. She was even cuter in person, and she has the SWEETEST disposition! They brought her out with another dog and a cat, just so we could see her playing, and she was just circling the cat licking him. We filled out the paperwork and made it final...she's ours!! We renamed her Gidget (after the movie). The name fits her really well and she already has a few nicknames, Gidge and Gidgi Girl. She did so good on the 1 1/2 hr car ride home. We could tell she was pretty nervous, but she didn't have any accidents, and just layed on my lap and rested a little and looking up at Josh (she really likes him!). We took her to the Duffy's to meet everyone, get some water, and play before heading to PetSmart. Then Mom Duffy and Chrissy came with me to help me pick everything out. They were so helpful! A girl walked us from the front of the store through each isle helping me pick out all the basics, she was so knowledgeable, answered all my questions, and even pointed out things I wouldn't have even thought about! We were very appreciative of her help! Gidget was so cute the whole time. Chrissy held her so I could really look at everything and she just snuggled up so close to Chrissy as EVERYONE in the store came to check out this little babe! We took her home to our house to get everything set up, she was in heaven checking everything out. She has really short legs that she's trying to get used to, so she can't quite make it up and down the stairs yet (although she is already so loyal to me she still tries to). A few things we've notice so far, she doesn't bark (unless she catches her reflection in our sliding door mirror), she LOVES the toys we got for her, but prefers sweatshirt strings and pajama draw strings to anything else. I left for just an hour yesterday to go to the grocery store, Josh stayed behind and snuggled with her one the couch, but her said she cried the whole time until I got home! She also doesn't really like her kennel yet, but we are hoping she'll like it. Until she is completely housebroken she has or go in there anytime we are not hold her. She is REALLY getting the hang out going potty outside and now knows exactly what I want her to do when we go outside! She did have a couple of accidents within a 10 min period, but since then she has been REALLY good. At bedtime we tried being firm, we got her all cozy in her crate, then went upstairs to bed, but she was crying so loudly, we KNEW the neighbors would be able to hear! We still waited a little to see if she'd stop, but then she got so panicked, we felt bad. In the end we caved and let her sleep in our bed. I woke up once at 3 and again at 7 to take her out potty and she did, then went right back to sleep. Josh and I are hoping once she is more comfortable with our home and used to us, she will be okay sleeping in her dog bed at the foot of ours. We'll see how well that goes! We just love our Gidget so much!

Scroll Down

2011-05-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

I just added a few new posts...so scroll down :-)

4th Anniversary!

2011-05-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it's been 4 years! While we have certainly done a lot of things in the last 4 years, I feel like we've been through a lot more. We hit the ground running and haven't slowed down a bit. I think this is just going to be the tempo of our life together :-) and I love it! I'm so glad I get to go through all the craziness life has with someone so incredible. Love you Josh!

On our Anniversary Josh took me out to dinner. We went to Canyons Grill and Josh spoiled me with a full 4 course meal. There was so much food, it looked like we didn't eat anything by the time we left, but we just had to try a little of everything! Neither one of us had ever been there before, but we will definitely be going back. (I took advantage of the opportunity by acutally dressing up! I'm in nursery on Sundays, so 3/4 of my "dress up" clothes are collecting dust because they don't pass the "sitting on the floor with kids climbing on you" test. I actually put make up on, and even experimented a bit with my eyes. I felt a bit silly with so much on, but it was fun for a night. I made Josh take a picture to document me wearing something other than sweats. It doesn't happen often.

Spring 2011

2011-05-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

While the Slade's were visiting, Christine went to Winter Formal. Her date got stuck in traffic on a bus home from a volleyball tournement, so Erik kindly stepped in so we could take pictures! (Such a cutie!).

Josh has been really busy at work, and I my evenings have been spent watching JT and helping my mom with Youth Conference stuff, so Josh decided to steal me away for a Saturday morning date. We grabbed amazing ham and swiss, and chocolate crossaints from Cinnamon Productions. Yummmm. Took our little picnic to a bench by our house, then went for a nice walk! It was such a fun surprise and a nice break from routine. Thanks babalicous!

While JT was on Spring Break, we went to Disneyland with our parents. It was a little more crowded than we hoped and we really didn't go on that many rides, but we made it on the "Mickey Mouse Rollercoaster" (California Screaming), and discovered Mickey's teady bear...DUFFY!

Adrianne gets one Friday off a month, so last month (?) we went thrift shopping. We scored lots of goodies that I have not taken pictures of, but Adrianne found this treasure "Stay classy San Diego" and I found an original piece of art work at Salvation Army for $30. Yippee.

A couple weeks ago I got tickets to a Conan Show concert on the lot where they film. What is that? We had no idea. We were excited to go (a free concert with only a few hundred people!). Found out is was KE$HA performing, so we knw it would be a little outrageous. We all left work a little early, grabbed some Fat Burger (mmmmmm) then went to check in. After checking in we stood waiting for a few hours until being taken into the sound stage. It was completely empty except for a stage and some lights. They made us clap on demand on and off for about 30 minutes. Conan made a 30 second appearance to "announce" KE$HA, she came out and sang song, long break....sang a song....long break...sang one last song, then we were escorted out. The atmosphere was so awkward and forced, it was nothing like a real concert. To sum it up, we were a fake audience for a fake concert. It was still fun hanging out with these awesome girls and getting dress up! Thanks for being such troopers!!!

Slades

2011-05-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

Back in March our very good friends from Arizona came to visit! We had a BLAST taking the girls to the beach, our favorite burrito place, and splashing around in the pool. I was terrible at taking pictures and my camera battery died when we got to the beach, but here are the few I took and some borrowed from the Slades:

The Slade girls!

The Slade Family

Thanks again guys for coming out to see us! We can't wait to come to Arizona and meet JJ!

p.s. Friends...come visit us too! It's almost beach season :-)

life

2011-05-22T14:48:00.005-07:00

Um...where have the last 6 months gone? I cannot believe it is already the middle/end of May. I was browsing around blogs as I usually do on Sundays and found myself impatient for people to update. I mean geeeeez, Easter was 4 weeks ago. Then I saw the label below my own blog...updated 1 month ago. Whooops. I guess it's time I update. Josh and I have been busy with work, school, and life (life taking up the majority of our time). It sounds good, being busy with "life," maybe that's why I mass apply that label to any and everything that doesn't fall under the category of school, work, or housework. The term is delightfully ambiguous. It covers an unpleasantries and surprises from the week, any laziness, and also the fun things. Sometimes I sit at the end of the week looking at the mountain of laundry that didn't get done, the dirty dishes from the one night I actually cooked (4 nights ago), etc, and wonder what was it again that prevented me from getting all of it done?...oh yeah...LIFE! That usually makes me feel much better. Life is way more important than laundry right? Really though, by Sunday I usually have no idea what I did all week, but I certainly feel busy all day and completely wiped out by night.

I finally finished my semester a few weeks ago. It was a long and tedious journey to the end, but it's another class checked off of my list. I only have one more English class left until my major requirements are completed! The catch... I still have a minor I haven't started. I decided to tackle the hardest classes first so if and when life gets more busy, I wouldn't become a complete basket case. So, now that classes are adjourned, I'm hoping to cross off a few projects that have been waiting (curtains, bed spread, a quilt, refinishing the bed).

Josh has been as busy as ever with work. While I miss him terribly when he works late, which fortunately it is not very often, it also makes me happy to see how fulfilled he is at the end of the day. He works very hard. I think after being a student for so long his work "honeymoon" will be a very long one. He still absolutely loves what he does and loves the people he works with. It's a good fit.

Well, as usually I have a TON of pictures I have been lazy about posting, but I'll add those in another post. It'll just be a mishmash of the last few months.

Blackfoot

2011-04-04T21:10:00.003-07:00

I sometimes say I hate shoes, but it's not completely true. I LOVE shoes, I just don't always love WEARING shoes. The truth is I hate the way shoes look on me. I've always had large feet for my height and I feel like shoes just add to the problem. As a kid I ran around barefoot and much to the dismay of anyone showering after me, my feet were ALWAYS black from the street. My mom would lovingly (but with a bit of annoyance) call me "Blackfoot." Well since health codes and social codes require me to wear footwear almost everywhere, I need help. I don't have "regular" shoes. Nothing to throw on with some jeans or shorts. I have "dressy shoes" galore, and a pair of running shoes, but nothing in between. I love TOMs, I think they are comfy and cute on other people, but they look weird on my feet. Vans too. I love boat shoes, I've tried them on, they are comfortable, they are sophisticated but casual and fun at the same time. My dilemma here is color. What color do I get. I LOVE the bright pink, but would they match everything? I'm kind of crazy about matching colors and weird about what I'll wear together. Will it look weird if my shirt is a different shade? Will it bug me? The seersucker is beyond cute, but what if I'm wearing a striped top...too much? The pink is softer so I don't think the matching will bug me, or will it? Then there is white. Good in theory, but I'm messy, food is more likely to get on those white shoes than in my mouth. Plus sometimes white shoes can look like nurse's shoes. This is why I have no shoes. I'm waiting for the perfect pair. Which could you see me sporting? Opinions?

Happy Birthday Dad!

2011-03-09T16:42:00.003-08:00

Happy Birthday Dad! Thank you for all of the fun outtings to football and baseball games, for not getting mad any of the times I spilled my icecream sundae all over me and you at the games, for going on all the rides with us at Disneyland, for our daddy-daughter dates at Ruby's to get chocolate malts (even 2 days before I got married and people gave us awkward looks), for fishing trips at Provo River, for not letting me be "sissy" on those fishing trips, for Saturday trips to the donut store and always letting me get a big chocolate milk, for passing on your chocolate obsession gene, for coming to all of the dance recitals and capturing every moment, for video taping all of our family vacations- including meals (just incase we want to remember what we ate), and mostly....for being an AWESOME Dad! Love you!

Note: I am the worst birthday rememberer. In fact, I think other than Josh's (a week late) this is the first "birthday" post I've done. every year I make a New Year's Resolution to remember people's birthday's but then I forget about the resolution. I write the birthdays on my calendar, but then forget to look at my calendar. (Noticing a pattern here?!) Basically I'm just forgetful, so I apologize if my forgetting has ever offended anyone.

Fair or Equal

2011-03-09T11:43:00.003-08:00

Lately I feel like I keep hearing from all areas of life the phrase, "That's not fair!" and I hate (as I'm sure everyone else does) the counter-response, "We'll life's not fair!" I think people have a misconception that "fair" is a synonym for "equal." Life is not equal, and I don't want it to be. I don't want someone else's life. Sure it would be nice the have certain aspects of other people's lives, but I want my own unique experiences. I want to still be me. And just for the sake of argument, I still belive, that even if we had all the same material things and opportunities, life still wouldn't be "fair," because we would view, value, and maintain those objects differently. I guess my "ah ha" moment of the day is that I think in a way life is fair. It's not equal, but I think it is fair because we all get learning experiences and opportunities for growth that are tailored (by our Heavenly Father who knows and loves us) for us. You may disagree, and thats okay, I just felt a little more at peace and optimistic about my own personal "trials" and thought I'd share.

Disclaimer: There are truly tragic circumstances in which life absolutely is NOT fair, but in general when the phrase "That's not fair!" is used, I think people really mean "That's not equal!"

A few of my (new) favorite things...

2011-02-26T22:03:00.005-08:00

Etsy is a very dangerous place. When bored, I stare at the blank walls in our place, hop around on etsy, and find beautiful things I hope to one day fill my walls with. A bit materialistic, yes, but when I'm sick of stuffing my brain with all the wonderful modernist authors of the early 20th century (sarcasm, yes!)...its all my mind can handle. So for your viewing pleasure (and subtle hints to Josh), here are my top finds...(the pictures are linked to their site of origin)

I think the necklaces stamped with baby names are so cute, but since who knows when we'll have one, how many, and what their names will be, and guaranteed they'll be be out of style by then...I LOVE this mermaid.

I want these or mabye the ones below for the dining room. It's casual, colorful, and beachy. All things I love.

Ditto.

I want these cute letters above our bed.

I love this sign (but with Duffy of course) for our family room, with pictures of our family around it!

I think the home in my mind is coming along quite nicely. All of this will most likely be out of style by the time we can afford it, but it's fun to admire on my computer screen in the mean time. :-)

best discovery ever

2011-02-16T21:59:00.002-08:00

i'm a shopper. i love clothes, shoes, home decor, basically stuff (or "junk" as josh puts it). i'm not a window shopper though, i'm more of an online/catalogue girl. that being said, i just went through my pile of catalogues waiting to be read and found the BEST catalogue ever. if you are a boy, stop reading this right now. but girls, this catalogue is all about "your girls" if you know what i mean. its a whole catalogue of bras. and not the useless all show no purpose victoria secret bras, but good high performance every day and work out bras for ALL sizes! A-F. its called "bounce" (appropriate right?!). Being an uncommon size, i'm thrilled about this discovery and hope to help other hard to fit gals out there. here's to happy girls :-)

http://www.shopbounce.com/home.do

Don't Worry, I'm a Pro.

2011-02-03T09:00:00.003-08:00

Note: the following is not a result of discussion with anyone or judging people's comments, just the product of late night conversations with myself while in my steam room of a shower (I like the water scalding hot).
I've noticed that when someone declares their enjoyment of an activity or hobby, it is then expected of them to be exceptional at it. I guess the general assumption is that if you enjoy it, you spend all of your free time doing it, use all of your resources perfecting it, and in the process become a pro. Why the need for perfection? What happened to doing something purely for the enjoyment of doing it? Do we enjoy doing things only because we are good at them? Looking back I think my hobbies have really chosen me. If I'm not immediately good at something, I quit in search of something I'm better at. I mean, who doesn't love to hear the phrase, "You're a natural!" On the other hand, I have this desire to try everything! I'm the girl at school who can't pick a major because she wants to do EVERYTHING! Can't I just be a floral designing, scuba diving, art history lover, traveling international business, photographer/writer? No? Okay, fine. I guess I have a hard time picking because I don't really excel at any one thing, I'm a "Jack of all trades." Anyone else feel that way? I can be a bit of a perfectionist in somethings, but I have a confession to make, I lack the patience (and skill) to become exceptional in everything I do. It's a fact, and one that I am going to start embracing. Top on my list, singing. I LOVE to sing! Any time the radio is on, I just start singing. If I don't know the words, I look them up and play the song over and over again until I know them. The only problem is I am TOTALLY and COMPLETELY tone deaf. I have been compared to a dying coyote, mistaken for a squeaky wheel in the car, and laughed at many many times...but it doesn't matter, I still love to sing. I just don't do it in front of anyone anymore, and I kind of think that's sad. It made me think, what activities/hobbies do other people have, that they are embarrassed about because they aren't the top of their trade?
Conclusion: I'm going to try my absolute hardest not to judge people by their hobbies and the things they are (or maybe aren't) good at. It sounds silly, but I think we all do that more than we think.

"Or" not "And"

2011-01-27T16:33:00.002-08:00

Warning, this post may make me seem extremely vain...but whatever.
Getting ready this morning, and by getting ready I mean brushing my teeth and throwing on some spandex to ride to work, I was noticing how tight my once loose pants are becoming. It is this wonderful thing I like to blame my dad's genetics for, muscle. Most people work out and their legs get skinny, I work out and I go up 2 pant sizes to accommodate my large (I like to think muscular) thighs. So not fair! I am left with this "dilemma" (I put it in quotes because I only WISH this were my biggest problem), I can either have skinny legs and pudgy middle, or a flat-ter tummy and go up 2 pant sizes. Grrrr. My "solution"....add another scoop of ice cream to my bowl and stop caring :-)

Frumpy

2011-01-18T10:01:00.004-08:00

I'm sitting in bed (yes at 10:00am), it's my day off work. I just finished paying some bills, I have lots of homework and reading to do and lots of errands to run ( I actually have a car today!!!). Normally I would easily put off the homework to run errands, but I just don't want to have to put on "real" clothes. Pathetic I know. Riding my bike to work, I'm always in work out clothes, and now I never want to put on anything with a button or zipper (this constitutes real clothes). It seems like the only time I get "dressed" now is for church, and anyone at the impromptu roadshow meeting after church can attest that the church clothes are replaced with yoga pants and a sloppy shirt immediately upon my arrival home. This led me to wonder, when did I become so frumpy? I came to the realization that I've always been like this, but its much cuter in high school. I probably should take this as an ah-ha moment, get up, put some "real" clothes on and look presentable to run my errands, but no. I am just going to own the fact that I will be a "yoga pants mom," my future kids will be embarrassed to be seen in public with me, and in the mean time I'll be on the watch out for hidden cameras, Stacy London, and Clinton Kelly.

Train and Tubing

2011-01-04T13:44:00.014-08:00

Before the huge storm hit, the Rigby's made it up to Midway! We went on the Heber Creeper, Train and Tub adventure. The train took us to the back side of the lake, then dropped us off in Soldier's Hollow at the tubing hill. There, we got to tube for over an hour. It was a little later and darked than we thought, but we still had a blast and it was GREAT to see everyone! Thanks for coming up!

Fun in Midway

2011-01-02T20:10:00.013-08:00

We spent last week up at the cabin in Midway. We got a huge snow storm and then the temperature dropped, so we weren't able to play in the snow as much as we wanted to, but we started the week off with lots of fun and visits from family! The first day we spent with the Duffy cousins. They are SOO much fun. We all went out to lunch, ice skating at the Midway Rink, and then back to the cabin for hot chocolate. These kiddos were so good at ice skating, I was shocked when they told me it was there 2nd-3rd time ever!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-23T23:22:00.004-08:00

I hosted a baby shower the other week, meaning my house was the cleanest it's ever been and probably will be! So I took advantage of the opportunity and snapped some pictures!

Hiking Saddleback

2010-12-18T16:27:00.011-08:00

2010-11-15T21:21:00.004-08:00

Okay, so I have to brag and gloat for a second. To fully understand my pride, you must first know a little back up information... I am currently taking a professional writing class which has been the most ridiculous class I've ever taken. The class broke into groups to form 5 different editorial boards for a scholarly journal. Then as individuals we have to write a each a formalist analysis, theory based analysis, and persuasive research analysis essay to then submit to a particular journal for review. That journal then looks over your paper and accepts or rejects the essay for publication in their journal (due at the end of the semester). We are then graded by the number of papers we have accepted. WELL, after working very hard on my first paper two papers, I received conflicting feedback from the editors, along with comments that did not make sense and were VERY condescending. In the end both papers were rejected. I know I'm not an amazing writer, but seriously? I was really doubting my writing ability, especially because I hadn't received either paper back from the teacher yet, but today I finally received her feedback:
"Meredith: I just finished grading your FLA paper. I is a brilliant analysis. I gave you 100/100 on it. I'm not sure why it was rejected..You covered every aspect of the poem, and your analysis was thorough and well articulated. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your paper and had no negative comments whatsoever.
You wrote that for the Mosaic, didn't you. They actually have not accepted any papers yet. I'll have to check into this because your paper is excellent."

And then at the bottom of my paper itself she wrote:

Meredith: This a brilliant analysis of Hughes’s poem. I enjoyed every minute and wanted more at the end. Your thorough analysis is carefully worded, skillfully crafted, and an excellent example of what a formalist analysis should be. Nicely done.

Yes it feels great to have a teacher tell you your paper is brilliant. Especially a teacher that does not typically pass out such compliments (I had her last semester too, and she DID NOT like me!). I wanted to email my graded paper back to the editors, but instead decided to post it here instead. More sweet justice will come at the end of the semester, when those editorial boards realized they will have no Formalist or Theory essays for their journal to publish at the end of the semester. I think they forgot they actually have to format the excepted essays and turn it in for a grade, but they will have nothing. I know, I should be ashamed, absolutely ashamed for delighting in this thought, and instead I am posting it for the world to see. I am human, and right now feeling very vindicated. Sigh.

"Family" Pictures

2010-11-05T15:40:00.005-07:00

Okay, so everyone thinks I'm a weirdo, but Josh and I have maybe 5 pictures together since we've been married (obviously not including our wedding pictures). Needless to say, whenever we go out and do something we don't take pictures, and if we do, we are not smart enough to both be in the same picture! Now that we are finally getting settled in to our place and I'm starting to get pictures hung, I wanted an updated "family" picture. We called our amazingly talented friend Rona and she took these beauties! So Josh can call me a weirdo all he wants, but I'm sure glad I forced Josh to dress up for a few hours and frolic around the Irvine park! He even admitted to having a fun time (thanks Rona!!!). Check out Rona's website to see some of her other work (she has the cutest baby pictures!). http://ronahawkinsphotography.blogspot.com

Halloween

2010-11-01T20:51:00.003-07:00

Here are our costumes. (Yes we've been the same thing a few years in a row. I'm sorry, we are poor and can't afford new costumes. Really though, I just can't think of anything better!). If it's not super obvious, I am a mermaid and Josh is a fisherman. We really struggled getting the time to take a good picture, so I made Josh take one decent one of my costume to show what an amazing job my mom did converting my old homecoming dress into my costume! I have to did through pictures to show you what it originally looked like. It's hilarious!

We had such a fun Halloween weekend! I have to say it's probably been my favorite Halloween since I was a little kid.

We kicked off with a scary movie Friday night (after I finished my paper!).

Then Saturday we went to a costume/spooky dinner party. Our hostess was amazing, I felt like I was on the set of a Martha Stewart photo shoot (and I mean that in the best possible way!). We had a salad with bat, broom, and coffin shaped croutons, green beans with almond slivers (that look like finger nails), bbq chicken, twice baked potatoes (which I had never had before and I am in love!), and jello in the shape of a hand (how did she do it?!). We also had amazing dessert, my FAVORITE mint oreo ice cream pie (it's like she can read minds!!!), cookies, cupcakes, candy apples! I kept saying I felt like I was Gretel at the witches house been fed goodies to fatten me up! The table was so cool, I can't even explain/remember all the little details, but it was the perfect cross of elegant and spooky. She even had chair covers with bows! We played an awesome game during dinner, throwing sticky candy eye balls at a skeleton face on the wall, trying to get them to stick in the eye socket (it was REALLY hard!). I couldn't even get mine to hit the wall, they kept landing on the couch! I can't throw to save my life! We also had a candy necklace kit, and we had fun stringing and tying our necklaces. Somehow my packet had WAY more rings in it and Josh had the least amount, so of course he accused me all night of stealing from him (I have to admit, it IS totally something I would do, but I didn't this time!!!). We finished the night with a VERY long and intense game of "Pirate Perudo." We had such a great time and can't wait to get together with everyone again!

Sunday we had a relaxing taco night with a few couples, watched some football, and passed out candy to the 5 trick or treaters that came. (I'm so glad I bought 7 bags of NAME BRAND candy.. I must give it away so I don't eat it all.) One of our friends brought pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that were to die for! Even Josh, who does not like pumpkin anything, couldn't put them down! I must get the recipe! It was the perfect Sunday and hope to have many more just like it to follow!

My new favorite things

2010-10-21T21:09:00.004-07:00

I like the idea of doing yoga, I just don't actually like doing it. I get tooo bored. I need to run, wiggle, jump around. I recently discovered a motivation and distraction to get me through the 90 minute yoga video....listening to conference talks. I just mute the video and listen to conference on my ipod. It's a physical and spiritual boost all in one. I've been loving it so much, I started listening to talks while I walk/run, fold laundry, etc. I can't believe I'm saying this...but it's way more enjoyable than listening to music. (I know, I know...call me crazy!). I thought it would be hard to keep a steady (fast) pace without music, but it's actually easier because I'm not thinking about running at all! I figure this way I'll be able to relisten to all of the talks on a weekly basis. I'll probably start digging in the archives though to spice things up.
On a completely different topic, my new favorite snack is dipping apples in cottage cheese with cinnamon swirled in it. It is pretty much amazing! I dare you to try it.

Exhausted

2010-10-04T20:52:00.003-07:00

Waking at 6:45 for p90x, riding my bike to and from work, work, cleaning, mass amounts of homework (more like one very demanding essay), decorating, laundry, not enough sleep, and repeat. After trying to maintain that speed the last week and a half, it's no wonder I'm more than a little pooped out, and it's only Monday. I used to be a little fire ball of energy...where has it gone?!

Allergic

2010-09-26T16:25:00.002-07:00

For the past month, every time Josh and I sit down in Sacrament Meeting I start to breakout in a rash on my left arm, it gets a little more irritating as the meeting goes on, then the minute I get home it vanishes. Today I discovered the cause...I'm allergic to church.

Stripping

2010-09-25T22:34:00.002-07:00

Really, i just thought that would be a funny post title. I've been sanding down the cherry wood bed frame we have that was painted over in white paint. It has taken forever to sand the flat parts and not I'm left with the intricately carved posts. I tried using paint stripper (hence the title) but it has not been very effective. On a side note, try asking a poor high school boy who works in the paint department at the hardware store for help finding a good stripper for your bed poles. Yes that sentence came out of my mouth before I realized it and it was really awkward from then on. So anyways...I discovered the paint kind of peels of in the heat, so at the moment I am using a blowdryer to heat the paint and tediously peeling it off while trying not the burn my hands under the powerful force of heat. If anyone knows of a better way, I would definitely be interested in giving it a try. Also I will need help deciding how to refinish the bed. My current debate is paint vs stain. Again..any opinion is welcomed.

2010-09-17T21:51:00.004-07:00

Josh and I were so exhausted from this week that we decided to eat out tonight. We were so tired and hungry we just kind of ate and stared and kept repeating, "I'm so tired." Neither one of us finished our meals and the waiter boxed and bagged them separate and was making a big ordeal about making sure we each got the right food. I let him know it didn't really matter because we were going to the same place. The waiter looked at us like REALLY?! I laughed so hard. Apparently this date didn't look like it was going very well. I told Josh we better step up our game next time. Really though, it was the perfect night. And a very early one because I'm going to bed. (After watching a few episodes of season 3 big bang theory that is).

Day 4

2010-09-16T08:50:00.002-07:00

I'm only posting this to serve as motivation. I am now on day 4 of p90x. I had school, work, blood drawn (6 viles..YUCK!), tutoring, school, school yesterday andd missed a work out, so I'm very proud to say I woke up extra early this morning to do yesterday's work out and this afternoon I WILL do today's! I am also very proud of Josh! We have been walking 2 miles every day, and when I couldn't go yesterday because of my project meeting, he went the whole way without me! Anyways, I'm really just reporting to myself. Those little workout posters that came with the dvds where you check of the box wasn't serving as enough motivation, because I wasn't doing it! I am determined to make it through the entire series this time.

Running

2010-09-07T17:01:00.002-07:00

I just got back from an awesome trip to Midway, UT. One the things on my list to do while there, was to go walking every day. That seems simple enough until You see the route. It's 2 miles each way of the steepest "hills" I've ever seen. The cabin is at the very tip top, so the way down is a piece of cake (in the summer with no ice) and the way up is treacherous. I was so proud I stuck to my plan and did the 4 miles everyday there. The first day I had a sudden impulse to sprint the last two switchbacks. I was quite impressed I didn't die before I reached the top. While walking the second day, I decided to try running all the "flat-ter" parts in both directions. By the last day there, my legs got all gittery and I just couldn't resist running the entire way down, and parts of the way up. It felt so good to run, tune my mind out, and just let my legs go for it. I love the way my abs burn when I run and the way my lungs feel heavy when I stop. I 've missed that feeling and it feels good to have it back. Hopefully I'll be back to my old running schedule soon!

Princess and the Pea

2010-08-20T09:04:00.006-07:00

When Josh and I first got married, I used to almost brag about how I didn't sleep with a pillow. Maybe in my mind it compensated for the more high maintenance areas of my life. Well...as time went on I started sleeping with a pillow. Then another, and another....I think the current count is at 6. (I know I usually speak in hyperboles...but I really just went up to my bed and counted). You may ask why I might need so many pillows, really I don't know, but I like to make a sort of nest for my head to rest (love the rhyme). My behavior has since earned me the nickname "Princess and the Pea" from my adorable husband. I've been itching to make a quilt for myself and when I cam across this fabric, I HAD to order it for my very own quilt! I don't have all the fabrics from this collection yet (it's a little pricey), but eventually I would like to get all of them and begin my quilt! (FYI there are WAY more prints to the collection than I have on here. There is actually Far Far Away & Far Far Away II- both by Heather Ross) They even make flats that have these prints on them, but unfortunately they are only kid sizes and I wear an 8 :-( maybe one day they will make big kid sizes.

2010-08-19T21:06:00.003-07:00

Hey, I just wanted to give people an update. At my 8 week appointment the Dr. noticed a cyst that he wanted a better look at. I went in for another utlrasound on Tuesday and there was no longer a heartbeat. While it is difficult, Josh and I are both doing fine. We know these things happen for a reason, and we are very confident about the future. Thanks for everyone's calls and prayers. It has made things a lot easier to handle.

In the mean time...while I was changing up our blog background I somehow deleted all of our Friends and Family Links. I managed to stalk/find some of you by googling your name (which has now made me SERIOUSLY think about going private) however, some of you were able to escape my secret ops mission. If you do not see your name on the sidebar, please leave a comment (I realize this is probably not a top pick post to comment on, but it can say nothing, or even "poop" if you really want) that way I can be sure to add it to the list and I'll be able to see your lovely blog. Thanks so much!!!

10th Street Field Trip

2010-08-12T22:03:00.014-07:00

Erik and his friends wanted to go hike the caves at 10th street, and since I did that almost every week in high school, I decided to guide them on a little field trip. I think they really only invite me so I'll take pictures, but I like to think it's because I'm really cool. Here are some snap shots from our adventure!

Disneyland

2010-08-01T10:50:00.006-07:00

Yes, we go a lot. I forgot to post pictures from our last Disneyland trip before Logan left. These are my favorite from all our trips! (I had too many pictures, so there are two posts!)

More Disneyland Pictures

2010-07-29T08:34:00.011-07:00

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Josh's 30th Birthday Party!

2010-07-29T08:17:00.004-07:00

I wanted to do something really cool for his birthday like rent out a roller rink, or go sky diving, but then I realized 1.) Josh has zero desire to that and 2.) Its not in the budget. My addorable husband made me pinky swear I would not do a surprise party, and that it would be just family (and if there is lots of food involved, family atomatically includes any of Erik's friends that hear there is food and cake.) So I surprised him a little instead with a theme. He LOVED Transformers as a kid and now loves the new movies. So I grabbed some Transformers decorations and we had a taco party with the Peterson's Thursday night (on his Bday) and pork chops with the Duffy's on Sunday. (Due to work, a wedding, and people being gone, we weren't able to celebrate with both families at the same time.) More cake and food for us! Anyways, I only took a couple of pictures and the lighting is weird, but here are a few. (And just to clarify for the pictures, yes I DID get Josh a ceiling fan for his birthday, and despite what Erik thought, it was the most excited about a present we've ever seen Josh be!)

How do people do it?

2010-07-22T00:01:00.002-07:00

Seriously...I want to know. How do people pay tithing, taxes, rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, gas, fix the car, medical bills, tuition, and student loans every month. I'm coming up with a huge negative number at the end of that equation and I just want to know why.

Bills

2010-07-13T11:57:00.002-07:00

Dear Bills,
I just wanted to say thanks for single handedly taking away all of the joy I once felt while getting the mail. Now I avoid it like the black plague. If it weren't for Pottery Barn and Anthropologie catalogs I would probably never open the mail box again, even though the fun of browsing through them has been sucked out. I can't even enjoy dreaming about it's contents. Yes bills, I'm pretty sure I hate you. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Meredith

Happy Birthday!

2010-07-08T08:17:00.004-07:00

My hubby is 30! Happy Birthday Babe.

I love you!

Logan

2010-06-29T18:02:00.002-07:00

Logan SlideShow
It has been so fun having Logan here. Everyone teases that I am Logan's personal paparazzi (which is basically true). Here are some fun/funny things he's done.

The BAR!

2010-06-27T23:15:00.003-07:00

Josh BAR SlideShow
This post is LONG overdue! Josh passed the BAR! I am SOOO proud of him! All the long hours of studying and worrying are behind and are already starting to pay off! He got the results on May 14th! We were so excited! Right after we found out, we rushed up to downtown disney for dinner and Josh purchased the lego set he promised himself he could get when he passed. (I never knew legos could be so expensive!!!). A week later Josh was sworn in to the state and federal courts. We went up to Pepperdine for that, since my dad teaches there, and Ken Starr did the federal swearing in. That was pretty cool. The lighting was terrible and I was far away, so you'll have to excuse the quality of my pictures.

Erik's Prom

2010-06-27T23:08:00.002-07:00

Erik Prom SildeShow
Much to the excitement of his sisters and mom, Erik went to his junior prom! We had a blast helping him ask his date, pick out his tux, and make the corsage. We all went to take pictures of him, then went out to dinner (without Erik and his date) after. Josh thought we were ridiculous and kept reminding us, "its just prom...he's not getting married!" We had so much fun though, and we hope we didn't embarrass him toooo much!

Road Trip

2010-06-26T22:31:00.003-07:00

Road Trip

At the beginning of April, I flew out to Texas to help Kristen and Logan drive out for their California vacation. Long story..but with Megan's wedding we had several sister activities planned and Kristen was the creative mind and hands behind the cutest invitations ever, so it was much more cost efficient to have us drive out and have her stay for a couple months than to fly out 4-5 separate times. (They are actually leaving this Friday and we are going to miss them SO much, but I'm sure Brent is dying and can't wait for her and Logan to be home!) It was a 28 hour drive from Ft. Forth to California, but we made it and Logan was amazing the whole way! Kristen got an idea from a friend to wrap treats, toys, juice boxes, basically everything and hand them out as prizes along the way. We hardly had to use any, but when we did Logan LOVED it. he thought is was hilarious that his fruit snacks were a present. He kept asking for more presents. Logan also loves the Hokey Pokey and we're pretty sure my dance moves entertained not only Logan, but all of the other drivers that passed us.

Disneyland

2010-06-26T22:16:00.002-07:00

Disneyland Slideshow

These pictures are from 3 different disneyland visits.
Once was just Me and JT, another Me, Christine, Hallie, and Kylie, and another Me, Kristen, Logan, Megan, Mom, and JT. Disneyland is always fun, so we have some pretty goofy pictures.

Beach

2010-06-23T22:14:00.005-07:00

I haven't posted in forever, but it's not for lack of taking pictures! I have been snap happy since I got my new camera for Christmas. I think I've just been overwhelmed by the amount of pictures! I'm trying out this slide show thing to share some of my pictures. I have them categorized by places/activities we've done lately, so I'll post a couple a day...maybe :-)
The slide show isn't showing up when I tried pasting the HTML, so here is the link.

Slideshow

Logan has been loving the beach, especially T-Street. There is a bridge, sand, water, a snack shack, and a train that goes by every 30-40 min. At first he didn't know what to think of the waves, but by the end of our first trip down, he loved it.

Confessions of an Ice Cream Addict

2010-05-24T21:08:00.007-07:00

Why do I love ice cream so much? Maybe because I am my Father's Daugther. I probably have ice cream on average twice a day. A diet for me is eating it only once a day....and sometimes I can barely manage that. I like to joke that I exercise so I can eat ice cream, but I think it is really more true than not. I guess it's a good thing I like to run. Today Kristen, Logan, my Dad, JT, and I went to see Shrek 3. We were running a bit late and it was close to dinner time, so we grabbed In N Out and smuggled it in. (Something that drives Josh ABSOLUTELY crazy...but he wasn't there to get mad :-)) Any who... In the process my chocolate shake basically exploded in my Chloe purse. I almost wanted to cry! Not for the purse, but the wasted shake that I was soo looking forward to having. Kristen and I had a huge laugh about it later because we are pretty sure that I would be the only one desparate enough to actually put a shake in their purse, and then absent minded enough to somehow smoosh it in the 2 minutes it takes to walk inside. My sisters also love to remind me that someday it will catch up with me. So I am doing something absolutely crazy...I am going to try only having ice cream once a week, including golden spoon. I can almost hear the gasps..I know, I am insane! But I'm finally starting to realize how much healthier I'll feel and how much further my work outs will go if I don't have so much darn ice cream. We'll see how successful I can really be. Oh and by the way....this doesn't start until Wednesday, because we might be going to Duke's tomorrow night and I CANNOT pass up a Hula Pie, that's just not fair! So cheers to popcicles, they will most likely be my new frozen treat.

P.s. I may or may not let you know how it goes :-)

A Modest Proposal of Marriage

2010-04-07T07:09:00.007-07:00

I recieved an assignment in one of my english classes to creatively respond to a literary work produced during the neoclassical or romantic era in England. Well, actually that was just part of what turneded out to be a 22 page report, which I completed in 3 days and with very little sleep. I chose to modernize Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal. If you have never read it, I highly recommend it. For those of you who have read it, I thought I'd share my version. It's long and I don't actually expect anyone to read it, but I had this dual desire to burn or frame my work after finishing. I hope to never repeat this assignment again. Oh wait...I will next semester in my American Literature class.

A Modest Proposal of Marriage

[A note to the reader: The following proposal is equally horrendous and repulsive as Swift’s original modest proposal.]

It is a melancholy object to those who watch the news or read magazines to see husbands with three, four, or six mistresses; wives without the means to support themselves; and children left to fend for themselves in a home without love. These homes, instead of being resident to affection and devotion, are filled with deafening arguments and bitter resentment. Fathers and mothers, in search of fulfillment, are forced to abandon their children, who, as they grow up, either turn promiscuous for want of love, or lack the ability to maintain any kind of substantial relationship or friendship. These youth, together with the mistresses discussed above, are left with children born out of wedlock, socially disgraced, and wholly unable to provide; the thought alone often leads them to abortion. The next generation born, if not aborted, is then more reckless and out of control, indulging in violent behavior, and more likely to suffer from psychological disorders.

I think it is agreed by all parties that this prodigious number of ruined families is, in the present deplorable state of our country, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, effective, and easy method of making these homes and individuals protected from the heartache of abandonment and disappointment would deserve so well of the public as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation, or at the very least a Nobel Prize.

I am not so narrow-minded as to only propose a solution to the ruin of our youth, but also a remedy for grieved spouses trapped in a loveless and mutually intolerable marriage. As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years upon this important subject, and maturely weighed the several schemes of other projectors, I have always found them grossly mistaken in their computation. It is true, a married couple finds bliss in the first months of matrimony; at most a year of contentment can be found in the most love-sick; and it is that exact sensation that my proposal will provide for them in such a manner as instead of losing their affection for the rest of their lives, they shall on the contrary contribute to the loving, and partly to the rearing, of all humanity.

There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their children, which is too frequent among us.

I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.

I have been assured by a very knowing Swede of my acquaintance in California, that an open relationship, never bound and restricted by law, is a most fulfilling, respectful, and unselfish practice, whether employed for a lifetime, long term, or a short-lived relationship, and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a one night stand or rendezvous.

I do therefore humbly offer it to public consideration that the 2,162,000 marriages in the United States be annulled and made void. This will enable all of those who labor in a fruitless marriage to be released of their obligation and allow them to pursue more consequential relationships elsewhere; it will also protect those considering or approaching entrance into such a confinement of passion from losing their compassion for civilization.

I think the advantages by the proposal which I have made are obvious and many, as well as of the highest importance.

For first, as I have already observed, it would greatly lessen the number of heartaches, which are already overrun, being the principle breeder of misery and our most dangerous enemy of achievement. This anguish will be avoided by the relatively low standard of expectation set; if one does not expect his significant other to be bound to him alone, he will not be surprised or even upset to find that she is indeed not bound.

Secondly, women will no longer need to sacrifice their education to sustain a living while their husbands continue their own; and men will not be pressured to cut their academic pursuits short and start a career in a disappointing field out of obligation for providing. All could accumulate as much education as they could possible want, without the necessity of application.

Thirdly, where as the maintenance of a spouse and household cannot be computed at less than eight hours a day, an individual’s free time will be thereby increased fifty-six hours a week, besides the time gained from lack of sleep due to sharing a bed. A person will then enjoy more personal time to devote to hobbies of self improvement, making herself more interesting, more attractive, and therefore more happy.

Fourthly, individuals can expect an increased annual income, as they will no longer have the responsibility of providing for their spouse’s whimsical wants and needs, for example cookware and maintenance tools.

Fifthly, the country will flourish with an abundance of money, which is being circulated as opposed to saved for impractical things such as engagement rings, minivans, and piano lessons; the economy will then boom with the increased liquidity of assets and will experience a continuous flow of wealth.

Sixthly, men and women would be as fond of their relationships as they are their glossy cars, still smelling fresh from the manufacturer, and would not offer to beat or kick them (as is too frequent a practice) for fear of ruining the leather.

Many other advantages might be enumerated. For instance, the government will then provide medical and educational benefits, housing, and even religion to all its citizens. It will ensure individuals the freedom to enjoy life without the burden of being reliable to anyone; people will have no immediate responsibilities and no social expectation of duty to live up to. Children will be allowed the same liberties as the adults; they can move freely amongst caregivers as the relationships become mutually irritating. A new mentor will remain a novelty for a time, until that relationship also becomes worn. This practice will allow each individual the experience of nurturing without the nuisance of parenting. But this and many others I omit, being studious of brevity.

I can think of no one objection that will probably be raised against this proposal, unless it should be the gargantuan increase of taxes. This I freely own, and it was indeed one principal design in offering it to the world, for how can I know better than the government how to squander my earnings? I desire the reader will observe that I calculate my remedy for this nation alone. Therefore let no one talk to me of other expedients till he hath at least one glimpse of hope that there will ever be some hearty and sincere attempt to put them in practice.

*** “A Modest Proposal of Marriage” is an adaptation of “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift. Formatting, phrases, and whole sentences have been borrowed from the original work.***

Veronica Mars

2010-03-22T17:30:00.002-07:00

Who is that you may ask? It is a tv show I had never heard of until a while back when Adrianne mentioned it to me. Then last week we Duffy girls were bored and started watching them. (Adrianne has all 3 seasons on dvd.) Well Josh made fun of me for watching the chick/flicky tv show, then after a few episodes he got a little interested and sat down for a few. Then the next day I watched a couple after work and school work, and he was very upset that I watched a couple without him. A week and several late nights later and we have finished the first two seasons. We love this show and are sad we never knew it was on tv, and even more sad that there were only three seasons. The show is like the OC meets Nancy Drew + a heavy dose of sass. Well I better not waste anymore free time blogging, I have a whole season to finish before I have to study for finals :-)

i want to ride my BYCYCLE (think Queens)

2010-02-19T14:50:00.003-08:00

Whenever I ride my bike I get that Queen song suck in my head. Anyways...lately I've been riding my bike home from work which has been great. Someone said to me HOW GREEN I was being... I just laughed because the only reason I'm riding my bike is because Josh has our one car. I rode my bike to the Josh's parent's house Wednesday and left it there because it was dark, so today I decided to take a break in my homework, drive to get my bike, leave the car for Josh, and ride my bike home. (That's not complicated right?) I was coming in the back gate for Coto and decided to ride along that back road instead of Coto drive. It was a little harder than I anticipated, but I loved it! I felt such a sense of ACCOMPLISHMENT when I got over the last hump of each hill (with out standing up to pedal once!). I just love that I found something that feels fulfilling, EVEN WHEN IM JUST DOING IT JUST TO PROCRASTINATE :-) My favorite think about my bike riding (aside from burning off some fat) it that FREE feeling. I'm slightly claustrophobic (Josh is probably laughing at my use of slightly) and cannot STAND working out in a gym. I hate running on the treadmill, stationary bikes and the elliptical DONT WORK. I laugh when the calorie counter tells me I'm burning more on the elliptical, exerting almost no effort, not even sweating, over panting and sprinting 8 minute miles at a 9 inclination on the treadmill. THERE IS NO WAY! For me the gym builds my boredom and patience endurance way more than it is any physical work out. I'm to the point now where I CRAVE being outside. I have to just go out there, no matter what the weather is like, just to BE out there. I went out running and bike riding in Idaho up until Dec 15th. I had about 1000 layers of clothing on, but I just had to get out. I ran outside in Arizona, even in August, wishing I had ZERO layers of clothing on. SO now there is no reason, with the mild temps, that I should be inside all day. I have to say though, I am slightly more self-conscious riding around where everyone can see me. I feel like a complete NERD with my mushroomhead helmet, SMURF blue socks, and sunglasses on a CLOUDY day. I tried riding the trails, but after a major WIPEOUT a few years ago, I realized the sand was a little trickier than my skills allow for. Anyway. I just felt like sharing my random ramblings, in yet another attempt to procrastinate doing more homework. :-)

So many pictures, so little time

2010-02-12T21:44:00.002-08:00

So i've been pretty good about taking pictures, but not so good about posting them. I'm on the computer all day either doing school work or working, so its not usually the first thing I go to when I have free time :-) Anyways, I have a ton of pictures, including some left overs from christmas (is it really already 1/2 through feb?!?). I just need to finish up my research essay due monday, get some stuff together for Sweet Urchin...more fun stuff coming Feb 15th, be sure to check it out! So once all of that is taken care of, I will add the 100+ pictures I have waiting. For now enjoy my pretty new background and music :-)

Happy Birth-Day

2010-01-22T16:33:00.001-08:00

Yesterday the Slades had their 4th girl Sariah Callie! Congratulations guys! We love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2010-01-21T21:12:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday JT and Adrianne!!!!!

I don't like the real world.

2010-01-11T20:53:00.004-08:00

Josh and I were having one of our normal conversations in the car today about how we need to do better with saving and how we can cut back. We started talking about some expenses that will be coming our way, a second car, utilities, higher rent, etc. Then we wandered into dream land thinking about owning a house one day. As the conversation went on and we discussed the many fees associated with "playing house," I decided that the more I learn about "the real world" the less I like it. I already practically faint everytime I see Josh's pay check and the amount taken out for taxes, it's more than I make in a month, and we are in the lowest tax bracket. I think I will literally die when we are paying property tax on TOP of that! Not to worry too much, at this rate we wont be in a house for another 15 years. Thank you wonderful taxes.

Heber Creeper

2010-01-01T10:36:00.009-08:00

Who/what is the Heber Creeper? We found out it is not a creepy guy in Heber, it is in fact an old restored train in Heber. It really does creep though, I think the fastest it went was 10 miles an hour. We went on the 2 hour "Lakeside Limited" to the summit of Timp. There were tons of crazy screaming kids. Note to people out there....do not take kids under 6 on the 2 hour train ride. They will not enjoy it and neither willl anyone else. It was a fun experience, but probably not something we will do again.

Me and Josh.

Me and Natalie.

Josh and Auntie.

Dad Duffy sleeping.

Grandma Sigie

Mike and Adrianne

Grandpa Davis

Mom Duffy taking pictures.

The train was built in 1907.

Mike and Adrianne

Driving in Midway and Snowmobiling

2010-01-01T10:21:00.005-08:00

We have had a blast checking out all that Midway has to offer. We went tubing the other day, but were too busy getting in as many runs as possible to take pictures. It was snowing and the drive home was sketchy but beautiful! Here are some more pictures of our adventures.

Driving through Midway.

My dream house.

The antique store.

Me and Josh snowmobiling. (It was SOOOO cold!)

Our group: Robert, Karley, Christine, Shaun, Me, Josh

Shaun and Chrissy

Karley got to drive for a while!

So did Christine!

A picture I took wihtout being able to see (my goggles were fogged up).

My face was absolutely FROZEN by the end! I forgot my glasses and ended up with these sweet goggle/glasses!

Snooow much fun!

2009-12-26T08:47:00.009-08:00

Christmas morning! Josh got me a new camera :-) So Christine, Adrianne, and I had to go galavanting in the snow the test it out! We found out that the snow was not the right kind for building a snowman or sledding, but we still had a blast!

Me and Chrissy getting ready for snow!

The beautifu cabin.

Adrianne and Christine after we failed at sledding in 2 feet of powder. (Adrianne dug through the bag of snow clothes and came up with this amazing outfit! :-)

Me and Chrissy.

Me and Chrissy in the hot springs! (It was actually a little too hot!)

Christmas Sale!

2009-12-04T22:28:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone. Check out our Christmas onsesies!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweeturchin
enjoy!

Help PLEASE!!!

2009-12-01T19:16:00.003-08:00

Josh's work holiday party is THIS Saturday and there is a gift exchange and I still don't really know what to bring. We bring one each, either two serious or 1 serious and 1 gag gift, $15-$20 each. Oh yeah and gift cards are stongly discouraged. Any suggestions???? Josh would like to do a gag gift, but I have NO idea what to do. (Keep in mind, I have 3 days to get it!)

Feedback PLEASE

2009-11-19T09:34:00.002-08:00

Hey guys...Adrianne and I could really use some constructive criticism with out sweet urchin shoppe. Good and bad...we're not afraid. You can email if you don't want to post it: sweeturchinshoppe@gmail.com We just need to know what people are thinking so we can make some adjustments before we get everything 100% going. Thank you thank you!!!

Sweet Urchin!!!!

2009-11-05T21:30:00.003-08:00

It is official!!! Adrianne and I have been working hard for the last couple months designing and creating samples of our products, now we are FINALLY ready to open shop!

NOTE: We sew...we are not photographers! We hope to do a better "photoshoot" of our products soon so the pictures do the items justice! Please guve us ANY feedback that you have. Good and bad! We need to hear it!!!

www.sweeturchin.com

Be sure to check back as we add to and update our sites!!! (Click on the link to our etsy store!)

Kristen, Logan, the Slades and Disneyland!

2009-11-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

I added a few posts of pictures...so scroll down to see them all!!!

A couple weeks ago my sister and her little boy Logan came to visit for a week and we had so much fun, we begged Brent to let her stay another week! We went to Disneyland, girls day out to get a pedicure, out to lunch a few times, and a day out shopping (which we had never done all together and it was actually very fun!). I had to do a ton of homework, so I didn't get to enjoy everything, but Megan, Kristen, and my mom planned a lot of things for Megan's wedding! Kristen is amazing with invitations and so she helped Megan pick out what she wanted...they are going to look great! Megan also found her SHOES on our shopping trip! I wont spoil the surprise..but they are gorgeous! We ran into our friend Jake in the shoe department at Nordstrom and he gave her a discount on them, so they are stuning and were on "sale." It was so much fun to all be together, we definitely want to start doing a girls trip/week every year!

The next week our good friends the Slades came to visit us! It was their oldest daughters birthday, so we went to Disneyland!!! Josh and I had to work the next day, but they got to sleep in and recover from all the walking and excitement from D-Land, and then we had taco night and watched a movie (a close reenactment of our Arizona days at the Slade's house.) The next day we planned to go to the tidepools at the beach, but it was raining. So we headed to see the Newport Beach Temple instead. It wasn't rainy over there so we decided to go to head down to the beach after. We didn't have swim suits, but that didn't stop the girls from jumping right in! They were so cute. It really is a joy to have them around. I think Josh's parents and Christine had just as much fun as we did. They were practicing their skills for when Natalie has her baby (in just a few weeks!!!). It was such a treat to have them out here and we hope they come back again soon!!!

Note to all out of state friends: These pictures are showing how much fun you will have WHEN you come out to visit us. So get your bum over to California and visit us already!!!

The Slade girls- the youngest two didn't really like all the tide pool creatures and moss.

Slade Family

No sass here.....

Brynn!

How cute is there family! (Another girl due in January:-)

Kristen and Logan (he loves anything to do with water!)

Kaylee and her mama.

I can't get enough of this face!