It's Official

I have become a crazy pregnant lady who dances on the x-box kinect and bounces on an excerise ball all day.  I went to my doctor yesterday and got the unfortunate news that baby is not coming anytime soon, so now my life consists of dancing and bouncing on a ball.  I might try some old wives tales tonight to induce labor but who knows, I guess this is just another chance for me to learn that I am no longer in control and that he will come when he is ready. Oh well for now I will just wait and continue to bounce on my ball and wait for the green light.  Hope your Christmas break is going great!

The Little Things

This week I am particularly grateful for a couple of things....

 1. That I am officially considered this! Going to school at BYU has had its challenges but the pros of going to this school have FAR outweighed the cons.  I feel extremely blessed to have parents tell me they would only pay for me to attend school here.  Although BYU isn't for everyone it's exactly what I needed in my life.  I will forever be grateful to parents who helped jump-start me on a path to a successful life.  One where religion and school go hand-in-hand.

 2. These lovely things

I know what you are thinking, I am a total freak to be grateful for these.  However my two things go hand in hand.  This week my morning sickness has decided to strike back with full force and I have spent every single day throwing up.  I tried leaving the house yesterday only to find myself throwing up in the Taco Bell parking lot...sorry to anyone who saw.  Therefore I am extremely glad that I am done with school so that I can run down the hall/ live in the bathroom until my body decides to stop getting sick or this baby comes.  I personally am hoping for the later.  Anyways I am greateful that I can be sick in the comfort of my own home and I am not a pioneer who has to dig a hole or visit an outhouse. 

So today I am choosing to see the joy in the little things, because it helps me from going insane wondering when this baby will decide to show his face.  Good news is that he has a week to decide if he wants to come on his own before they force him so let the official countdown begin!

The True Meaning of Christmas

I have been wanting to write this post for awhile but I didn't really have the time with student teaching and I honestly didn't know how to bring it up.  However last Thursday I stayed up till 11 (a lot later than my 9pm time that has ruled my pregnancy) but I could not put this book down. 

Literally I bawled throughout the entire book.  Now I'm choosing to chalk this up to the fact that this short story is amazing and filled me with the spirit as opposed to the fact that I am pregnant and literally tear up at everything most things.  But this book presents a sweet reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and what matters most.

Although most people know that the true meaning of Christmas is in the name, Christ.  However this story presents something about Christmas that I hadn't ever thought about.  The first thing that the angel says to the shepards is found in Luke chapter 2, verses 10-14.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord.

12 And this shall be a ^asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 ^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.

Verse 10 holds the key...fear not.  What a simple yet profound phrase.  Because Christ was born each of us has nothing to fear.  I have nothing to fear because I know that he knows and loves me.  I am never alone, he is always looking out for me and will never leave me.  As long as I remember this I truly do have nothing to fear, none of us do.  When this thought hit me I was filled with a immense sense of peace and joy.  How can you know this and not be happy or full of peace?

This book helped solidify my appreciation for Mary and Joseph and all the challenges they faced bringing the Savior into this world.  It also helped ground me to what matters most this season, my relationship with my Savior and giving to those around me.  It also brought me peace on a topic that has continually come up and is at the forefront of my mind these days.    

Throughout this pregnancy the topic of having a baby so close to Christmas has constantly come up. In the beginning my due date was Dec. 29th so people would ask me if I was worried I would go into labor early and have his birthday on Christmas.  Then once we found out that the latest I would go is Dec. 23rd the questions changed to if I was worried about him not feeling special enough with his birthday so close to Christmas, and if I was worried about there not being enough difference between his birthday gifts and Christmas gifts.

From the beginning Jake and I have not been worried at all about this issue. We have  had a lot of talks about how magical we think it is to have a birthday in the month of December.  We both have a strong belief that you make a birthday special but that a birthday doesn't make you king/queen for a day or mean that the world centers around you.  Sometimes that means celebrating it on a different day or receiving gifts that count for both birthdays and Christmas.  Growing up in the church you realize that the world doesn't celebrate Christ's birthday on its actual day.  We choose to celebrate with the world at Christmas even through we know it is likely sometime in April.  I guess I don't feel too bad if we happen to celebrate his birthday on a different day and plan to remind him about Christ if it is a issue for him.    

We also grew up going to school on our birthday, working on our birthday and doing everyday things that go with growing up and everyday life and plan to raise our children with the same understanding and expectation.  With Jake having a birthday Nov. 29th, he frequently got larger gifts that counted for both his birthday and Christmas.  My birthday is 2 days after Valentines day so the older I got the more I also got large gifts that counted for both my birthday and Christmas.  So both of us have the understanding that it is ok to give large gifts that count for both Christmas and Birthdays.

This is just how Jake and I feel about birthdays.  I understand and know people who feel completely opposite, but for me this is why I am more excited about his birthday being close to Christmas than I am worried.  This book helped me find comfort in my belief about having a birthday close to Christmas.  There is nothing better than sharing the celebration of your birthday with the one person who will never let anyone down.  Having a birthday close to Christmas keeps the emphasis on what matters most in life Christ, being charitable and being surrounded by family.  Maybe I should strive to have all my kids birthdays close to Christmas...for now that is way to far out in the future I just want my first baby here before I think about another one.

I think everyone should read this book and think about the true meaning of Christmas, their relationship with Christ.     
 

Tis the Season

This week has been an extrememly interesting week for us...no, unfortunately no baby yet but I'm hoping he decides he wants his birthday sooner rather than later so fingers crossed!!!

 Monday started off with Jake developing Kidney stones and finishing decorating the outside trees with Christmas lights because the weatherman said we were supposed to get a ton of snow-which we didn't. 

Tuesday was Jake's Birthday so we decided to go out to dinner even though he wasn't feeling too great.  I felt guilty because we ended up going to my favorite place to eat, but I didn't suggest it so I don't feel too bad. Great news is that Jake found something new that he loves so now we can go as much as we can afford I want!

  Jake hates that I make him takes pictures but I am trying to get in the habit of taking way too many just enough pictures of our life once the baby comes. So here is a picture of the birthday boy at Zuppas.

Wednesday consisted of Jake not leaving the house because of his kidney stones, and me researching ways to induce labor because I am sick of being pregnant and just want to meet my baby already!

Thursday was pretty much the same with Jake not leaving the house and me dancing to try and get the baby to come out. The major plus to this day was Jake wanted Zuppas again so I got to eat at my favorite place twice in once week! Being this pregnant the only thing more epic then going into labor is eating my favorite salad.   

Friday was a some what disappointing day.  Jake still sick so he couldn't leave the house and I had been secretly praying, and wishing that at my doctors' appointment she would tell me I was in labor and had to be admitted right away to l&d or that my water would break and she would still send me to l&d; those were the only 2 acceptable outcomes.  Instead I didn't see my real doctor because she was delivering someone elses' baby (jealous) and I came to the hard reality that Heavenly Father was not sending my baby to me while Jake was drugged up and in so much pain he couldn't leave the house.  So I decided to change my prayers from the baby needs to come now to get rid of Jake's kidney stones as fast as possible so then the baby can come.  At 10 I decided that I needed a cheery limeade from Sonic so Jake left the house and we both got one because you can't share those and then we looked at Christmas lights!!! So far its only been 2 days of my new prayers and nothings happened but I'm going to keep trying...

Saturday was a great day! Jake woke up smiling which meant that he was feeling a lot better.  I had an amazing baby shower.  Everyone was so nice to go to so much work for us.  I am always in awe of people's generosity.  Between my amazing shower in Hemet in October and the one I had in Utah we literally have everything we need minus the actual baby.  Jake and I went out later that night to look for Christmas gifts for each other and ended up only buying the baby things for Christmas which is pretty typical these days.  We intend to get something for ourselves and instead buy the baby stuff.  But we did find these cute things to put in his stocking!

We went to the Disney store because what child doesn't like that store and found these little soft animals.  Jake loved these two animals as a child and since I refuse to buy our son princess dolls we go with what Jake liked as a child.  But I have decided that I am going to need to cut Jake off from buying stuffed animals for this child. It was like puling teeth to get him to only buy these, our child is going to have more crap than he knows what to do with.  Which at times doesn't seem like such a bad thing.

Sunday consisted of Jake waking up in more pain...I think we pushed the limit going out and walking around the mall and me trying to finish washing all of baby d's clothes (wishful thinking).  But I did find a Christmas gift I plan to get once the baby has come

These lovely green jeans. They are not like anything I normally wear but I can already think of 10 things I can wear with them and the idea of being able to wear normal clothes again so soon has me feeling extremely bold!
Since it is literally impossible to go to church this pregnant we both just stayed home.  Last Sunday ended with me in tears because I was so uncomfortable sitting for so long.  So I decided that until the baby comes I can no longer sit at church. My guilt lasted about 3 seconds until I talked with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law who both confirmed that going to church in the end never happens because its so painful. So we are going to take the day to watch Christmas movies, finalize everything we can before the baby comes and to spend the day wishing Jake's kidney stones would go away so that this baby can come!

Hope everyone else had a wonderful week and a great Sunday!  

Turkey Day

I love Thanksgiving.  I love that it is fall in Utah, that the leaves are all beautiful colors, I get to wear all my favorite sweaters and you spend an entire holiday stuffing your face with family.  I am particularly excited about this year's Thanksgiving.  My family did a surprise last minute trip and came to up to Utah!  So my week of thanks has improved beyond my dreams :)

So this year I am particularly grateful for my family.  They have done so much for me not only throughout my life but especially being pregnant.  I think they are as excited as Jake and I are for this little boy to get here.  I am grateful for this sister who is lovingly giving up her december to be on my beck and call incase I go into labor and Jake is in a final (since he doesn't get cell service lol).  I love all my sisters and couldn't imagine a life without them.  I know 4 girls is a handful but I couldn't imagine any other life than one full of shopping, talking about clothes, hair styles and colors, and gossiping about what is going on in our lives.  I am so excited that I get to spend forever with them!!

loving salt is a requirement to be part of this family

The next thing I am particualry thankful for is being 37 weeks or full term! 

I am so grateful that I am considered full term and if this baby boy decided to come any day he would be fine!  However Jake and I have a day in mind that we want him to come and it is at least a couple weeks away, so we're hoping this boy isn't too stubborn or eager to join the world anytime soon.  Although he would be welcomed to a family who can't wait to meet him!   Although this pregnancy has had its full share of privileges I wouldn't trade it for anything.  The fact that Jake and I get to meet our sweet baby boy in a few short weeks is so exciting!  I am grateful Jake and I finally decided on a name!! We are keeping it a secret expect for a few people we are telling because I honestly can't keep my mouth closed.  I   

In addition to being full term, I am so grateful to be pregnant in this day and age with all the knowledge and technology available.  I am so grateful that I can go to any hospital in any city and that get information that my sweet boy is ok and everything is healthy and if it isn't they have the knowledge and the means to make it ok.  I have a whole new appreciation for Mary and Joseph and the challenges they faced bringing the Savior into this world.  I have decided I would have not known what to do if I had to travel this pregnant on a donkey to a land I didn't know, then give birth in a stable with no-one I knew except my husband who was as clueless and scared as I was.  I know they had helped and that Heavenly Father was watching them, but this holiday season I have gained a new, profound love and respect for Mary and Joseph and all that they did.  

I am also so grateful for the sweet friends I have.  I have some of the best friends and family in the world.  They constantly are uplifting me and making me a better person.  They are so kind and I am so excited to be able to introduce my little boy to them.  I am grateful that Jake and I have surrounded ourselves with people who we want our boy to look up to. 

I am so thankful to have married into a great family.  I love spending time with my in-laws and their children.  I am glad that our son has the opportunity to grow up and developing lasting relationships with his cousins.  I am grateful for sister-in-laws who answer all my pregnancy questions and who are genuinely excited for Jake and I because they know the joy that awaits us.  I feel extremely blessed to know all these people and to have them be a part of this baby's life and to be a part of their life.  

I am thankful for a sweet husband who is always willing to rub my back when it hurts, or get me food at 2 am.  He doesn't complain or make me feel like a burden he is willing and always wanting to help me.  I am thankful for our relationship and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.  He makes me better and everyday we laugh.  I am excited to add a new dynamic to our relationship with a baby.  

I could probably continue with a million other things that I am thankful for, but for now I'll leave it with these couple of things which make me realize how truly blessed I am.  Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Gaining A Little Perspective

In some words you could easily classify this weekend as the weekend from hell.  What started out as a quick trip to St. George to get away and relax quickly turned stressful and EXPENSIVE.

1. The baby was being incredibly stubborn and not moving at all on Friday. 
2. We were supposed to leave at 4 for St. George and instead ended up leaving at 7
3. We got a speeding ticket for going 88 in an 80 zone but the cop dropped it down to 85 (although it costs the same...)
4. 1 am hospital run to Labor and Deliver to make sure the baby was ok because he hadn't moved in over 2 hours
5. Making a large hole in the newly landscaped lawn on the way to the hospital
6. Jake getting super sick
7. Spending over an hour at Jiffy Lube trying to figure out what is wrong with Jakes' car only to have the computer not bring up anything meaning the car still flashes warning signs at us and seems as if it is just a quick mile away from breaking down

Even with all the problems and the costs that kept piling up at a time when we really can't afford them I couldn't help but look at this weekend and see the glass as half full instead of half empty.  For every number listed above we knew there were countless things that could have happened and been even worse. At the end of the whole weekend I was so incredibly grateful that we only had problems 1-7 happen and not more.  I knew that although nothing went the way we planned it this weekend we were supposed to learn something from each situation.  I think that the most important lesson came from going to the hospital.  

As number 1 said the baby probably moved 3 times all day Friday, which is really low considering you should easily get 10 in an hour.  So I waited till my dr apt to ask what was wrong.  I should have guessed that he would start moving like crazy as soon as they placed the heart monitor on my stomach.  So after he tried kicking or punching the heart monitor off my stomach I asked my dr. why he was not moving and what to do if it happened again.  She couldn't give me a clear or definite reason but told me to go straight to Labor and Delivery if he continued to not move like he usually does.  Which is how Jake and I found ourselves driving to the hospital at 1 am.  After driving to the 1st hospital and being told that L&D was located at the other campus and being given directions to said other campus and 30 min of tests we found out that everything was ok (actually all it took was them placing the heart monitor on my stomach to make him start kicking and punching as hard as possible) no-one still had any explanation for why he hadn't moved but said it was always better to be safe than sorry. 

As we left the hospital and got back home it ended up being about 2 am.  I think through this trip Jake and I realized that A: this is just the 1st of many times that this boy is going to scare the complete crap out of us and B: that all that matters to us now is that he is healthy and ok.  All other worldly things are completely pointless as long as he is healthy.  So I think that in a round-about way our little scare trip to the hospital helped us realize that as long as we are a family our glass is always more than 1/2 full. 

 

Fabulous Fridays

So I realize I am posting this on Saturday but I was too busy last night actually cleaning and planning lessons.  I don't know where the desire to clean came from but when you feel like cleaning just go with it because the likelihood that you will feel that desire again is slim to none.  I honestly had no idea how hard it would be to pick things up or scrub a bathroom with an extra 27 pounds and a basketball attached to your belly. On that note...

Friday's are my favorite day at school!  Not because the kids leave early, or because it is the weekend which means I can sleep-in an extra hour but because the funniest things always happen on Friday.  To start off I get to wear jeans on Friday!! Let me tell you this is one of the most exciting thing to happen to me student teaching.  I love dressing up jeans and then not having to change outfits as soon as I get home if I want to leave the house!  But my first Friday student teaching was not comfortable.  I realized that it is a little challenging to be 8 months prego and bend down to reach the little kids with tight jeans.  I was trying to figure out why my jeans were so tight and uncomfortable and I finally realized that although I might not have a big belly for being 8 months when you gain 27 pounds your jeans just are not going to fit/feel the same.  So I finally broke down and bought a pair of maternity jeans.  BEST DECISION EVER!!! I mean those are the most comfortable things I have ever worn.  So needless to say I was so excited to wear them Friday to teach.  The fact that they feel like wearing leggings all day makes up for the fact that I was annoyed that I had to buy them 8 months pregnant...oh well I'll just wear them like crazy for the next 6 weeks.  So I thought before school I would snap a quick picture to document the fact that I only have 6 weeks left and my belly is continually growing.  (please ignore the notes I make to myself on the mirror and the sewing machine in the background) 

34 weeks! 

Friday's are duty days.  So I get to stand outside before, during and after school to watch the kids.  This is honestly one of my favorite things to do.  In the morning those kids are so excited to be there and talking a mile a minute, when they are not chasing each other around like horses (true story).  So while I was out on duty before school this little girl in my class ran up to me.

Isn't this the best outfit ever!

I tried my hardest to keep from laughing as I saw her running up to talk to me.  I had never seen a coat or hat that this and it fits her perfectly.  So she runs up to me and says...
S: "I met Santa last night!  The real one!"

Me: "You did!  What did you ask for?"

S: "A guitar and a happy foot"

Me: "What's a happy foot?"

S: "I don't know but it sounded cool and I want one so I decided to ask for it"

Oh man I was dying when she ran away.  This is when it was confirmed that Friday was going to be a good day!  Every Friday the kids start out with about 15 minutes of free reading.  They can pick any books they want and read for the first 15 minutes of school.  During this time the Aviator of the week is allowed to read in a special place.  As I am quickly going through the homework folders my teacher grabs my attention and points to the Aviator of the week.  I turn around and this is what I found...

Yes he is chilling in a bathtub, holding some kind of blue animal and was talking to himself and the animal.  He is such a sweet kid but looked so funny just sitting there so I had to take a picture.  I absolutely LOVE 1st grade.  Those kids are so funny and fill my days with funny stories and laughter.  Although I love the break that my weekend gives me its always fun to go back on Monday and see what is waiting for that week. 

Life Lately

This is how I look most days when I get home from teaching

Yes that is a zebra stripped pillow and the X factor which happens to be the best show!!!

I don't know if it is because I am 8 months prego or because I am standing all day teaching, but regardless my legs and feet are so swollen! So everyday I come home and have to lay down with them elevated just so it doesn't look like I have that disease elephantiasis!! So I lay here and catch up on one tv show and then plan all my lessons.  Thankfully Jake is always helpful and willing to bring me things, its one of the few perks to being prego that I am going to miss :(

But in other good news we went to my Dr today and found out little baby Dallin is head down! Ya so excited about that! And we registered at the hospital! It all seems so weird that it is almost time for him to be here!

P.S. one of my favorite parts of the day teaching is listening to the kids sing the national anthem everyday. One day I want to record them because it is one of the cutest things to listen too.  So tomorrow I'll try and write down something that this little class says.  

Awkward

Today I was hurrying to get the students from music and take them to PE (because I was busy chit-chatting it up and not paying attention to the clock) anyways I passed a mom waiting to pick up her child. I was in a good mood and smiling so she smiled and stopped me to tell me something. 

Random Mom: "When you first walked out of the room I couldn't even tell you were pregnant! Then I saw you walking and instantly knew from your waddle!"

Me: "Oh yea, I kind of have the waddle perfected"

Random Mom: "Well luckily it only lasts for a little bit!"

Me: "Ha, ya seriously"

Talk about awkward! I have known for a couple of weeks days that I have started to waddle but I was still under the naive impression that it wasn't noticeable to other people. After today I clearly know that was wrong! I felt like I was having a repeat of the conversation Jake and I had 3 weeks ago.

Jake: "You know how in movies and TV they always show the pregnant lady shoving food in her face like she has never seen food before? Well I just witnessed you doing that first hand!"

Me: No response, I just continued to eat his portion of fries from In-n-out because I had already finishes mine.

Pregnancy has done a whole crap load to my normal everyday life and how I see myself. I think the further into this pregnancy I get the more naive I become about how I truly appear to other people. Or it could be the fact that at 8 months I just could care less. Its probably the later but I'll pretend like its an equal amount of both. Anyways on a happy note just 45 days (52 at the latest) that I have to shove my face with food and waddle!

Favorite Phrases

I literally LOVE teaching.  I come home everyday in the best mood! It could be the fact that I am almost done with school but I am chalking it up to my amazing school and class. I know with-out a shadow of doubt this is exactly where I am supposed to be. So here are some recent happenings...

Yesterday a student laid her head on my lap while sitting at the rug and proceeded to say "I just love it when people pet me like a dog.  Will you please pet me like a dog?" to which I had to politely respond by saying "No, I cannot pet you like a dog. Now lets go finish your work."hahaha I could only imagine her going home and telling her parents that her teacher proceeded to pet her at school....

Then as I was cleaning up my room of all my papers from my 5th grade class I ran across these three funny poems. 

Poem 1
Teacher fit in school because that is their best hobbie,
They always hand out in the nice cool lobbie,
We think they are cool in the nice air that also their hobbie.
Teachers are wonderful and sweet, helpful and nice.
(Well at least three out of the four lines rhyme...the last two dont really make sense but nice try lol)

Poem 2
It is getting cold
Halloween is getting close
It will be scary
(hmm I dont have a lot of words for this one)

Poem 3 (my personal fav)
Dear Mrs. Dallin, thank you so much for all you have done
I wish you could stay because you were so much fun
We've had a good run and you are the best
Now you must go and prepare your nest
I like how you teach, I like your style
You wear cool Toms and make me smile
We had good times, the fun we did not lack,
Remember when the sub was snoring in the back?
There are no ifs, ands, buts or maybe
Because you're the mom you'll have one lucky baby
So I guess we will see you later
P.S. I hope your kid will be as cool as Kelly Slater
(Seriously I am completely shocked he got this many words to rhyme and that it all makes sense!)


It is at times like these that I see all the blessings and joys that came from following a prompting and the clear path the Lord had set for me.  There is nothing more fulfilling in my life right now (that'll change in 7 weeks) then teaching and being surrounded by sweet children.  It is also a bonus that they make me laugh on a constant basis!

Funny First Grade Phrases

Well I almost have a title that has alliteration but oh well.  So life has been busy but so fun lately! I am now teaching first grade which I thought I would hate but actually LOVE! Those cute little 7 year olds melt my heart.  For example here's a true story of what happened today.

Teacher: Student so and so has a speech problem, he normally goes out two times a day to work with the speech specialists.  But his speech problem is so cute, he can't say the "K" sound so watch this...

"_____ what is your favorite animal?"

Student: tities! big long pause (meanwhile I am trying not to laugh) I just love titi tates!

Me: You love kitty cats?

Student: yes! I just love black titi tates!Oh and teacher I promise to not strew around in the bathroom today I am just going to go potty.

Teacher: Well thank you ____, I'm glad you're not going to screw around in the bathroom today.


Literally I have been laughing all day.  I just love first grade they say the funniest things! More to come, I'm keeping a journal so that when I need a good laugh I'll just look through that!

Paula Dean

So for Columbus day my mentor teacher and I decided to do a fun activity centered around spices.  She made a batch of oatmeal cookies with no spices (including salt) and I made one full of different spices.  We gave them both to the kids and had them see if they could see a difference, smell a difference and then taste a difference.

I decided to google a recipe for oatmeal cookies because I never make them (I think its gross to add raisins to cookies).  Well I stumbled upon Paula Deans recipe for loaded Oatmeal cookies Click Here .  Honestly these were the best cookies I have had! (minus raisins of course) There is something to all the homey southern ingredients like buttermilk which make the cookies out of this world. 

I was dying watching the kids taste Mrs. Hatchs' cookies, seriously the highlight of my day!  They like took one bite and then told their neighbor not to eat them lol.  After they had tried both we talked about why people wanted spices so much.  It was a fun way for them to see how much flavor spice adds to our food.

Anyways I thought I'd share a picture of what they look like and a link to the recipe and a very strong demand suggestion to make them!!  Happy Columbus Day! 
 

Let the Countdown Begin!!!

On Friday I officially hit 30 weeks! I am so excited! Time seems to be flying by now and sooner than I know it this little boy will be here. I have also officially hit that point where I am sick of being pregnant lol. Now I understand why towards the end so many women are ready to be done. Here are some things I have recently learned,

1: If I drop something, leave it there till Jake can pick it up.  Its seriously impossible to bend over.

2: Not to sit on the lovesac unless someone can help me get back up.  If I'm alone I end up doing a weird, roll over to your knees and then stand up (a lot more work!)

3: To get used to the fact that I fill up eating after 2 bites but have to eat every hour.

4: To only visit places that have easy access to a bathroom.  One swift kick to the bladder is all it takes.  I just know I am going to end up peeing my pants in public or something horribly embarrassing like that before he's here.  

For now that's all I can think of, pregnancy brain is a real symptom and makes my life very interesting to say the least.  But I have less than 10 weeks left to suffer from it!  But according to my dr. my belly is measuring ahead of the already changed due date, so my new goal is to finish student teaching without going into labor!  Hope to make it! 

Future Fears

Conference weekend is always a mix of high and lows.  Highs because I am able to listen to wonderful talks by leaders and stay home all weekend in my pajamas.  Lows because I stay home all weekend in my pajamas, and sometimes I find it hard to connect to all talks.  I tend to find that some jump out at me as I listen and help me find answers to questions I didn't realize I was searching for.  One of these talks was by Elder Neil L. Anderson. 

Lately I have been "dr. philing" every situation in regards to the baby.  Every-night I go to bed with my head filled with questions as to how to Jake and I are going to make it alone without the thought of adding on another person.  What I love about Elder Anderson's talk is that it reminded me of the sweet comforting spirit that assured both Jake and I that this is what we are supposed to be doing.

I decided that for my benefit it was time to write down how we came to the decision to have a baby, (because pregranancy brain is a real thing and I often forget why we got into this situaiton)

It really started last December the day after finals.  I was finishing up my first semester actually teaching and I was dead set on having my own class the following year through an internship.  I wanted nothing more than being able to teach and connect with my own classroom of little children.  I knew that this was my calling in life to teach.  Although while I was making my own plans of classroom themes and dreaming about all the fun activities I would do with my own classroom, I was unaware of the path that was set out for Jake and I.  After being promised full time hours at work for about a year Jake was told that he would not be able to have full time or go to school and that his hours were in fact getting cut.  We spent a good two days not knowing where we were going to go from there.  After talking to both our families and praying about what to do Jake decided to quit his job and go to school full time.  This allowed him to finish in a year as opposed to 3.  So we talked it over, looked at our savings and decided that this was best.  Plus this fit into my whole idea of having an internship because we would both finish at the same time.

While Jake decided to finish off work and put in his 2 weeks notice I went to the temple.  I hadn't even made it to the start before I was overwhelmed with the feeling that there was a little baby waiting and that Jake and I needed to start a family.  Contrary to my normal personality I accepted the sweet feeling of peace I had.  When I got home I told Jake, who as anyone can imagine was not very happy and replied "Well I didn't get that feeling so I guess your wrong." To be honest I couldn't blame him.  Our world was already overturned by our job and school without trying to add the cost of having a child.  But I couldn't deny that sweet feeling of peace so I just responded "Well go to the temple yourself and you'll know."  Unfortunately for Jake I was right lol.  So all through Christmas break we looked and looked at finances and tried to figure out how it was going to work.  We looked and realized that we had exactly the right amount of money left over in my savings for me to finish school and cover the hospital costs. No joke, there is literally not $10.00 left over.  As if our previous experience wasn't enough to convince us to trust in the Lord he was showing us yet again what our path was.  So we figured out when and how it would work and left the rest in the Lord's hand taking the biggest leap of faith I have ever made in my life.

Even with all of the amazing signs showing me this was the way I was still skeptical that it would work out.  I was a doubting Thomas all the way.  Well like Thomas I was converted and we found out we were expecting.  I knew that I would be finished with school Dec. 9th; so it was a complete shock when we found our due date moved to Dec. 16th.  Jake and I were fortunate enough to both have the opportunity to work in Hemet this summer allowing us to pay for the baby past the hospital.  For Jake and I this was our biggest fear, we did not want to rely on our parents to help take care of our child.  We felt it was extremely important that we pay for our child.  With that being said I don't know what we would do without the generosity of both our parents.  Their kind support, excitement and willingness to help.  I wish everyone could have the amazing support group that I am blessed to have.  I know I would be lost without my family and my in-laws, that includes my sister-in-laws.  Being the oldest I don't have an older sibling to ask my questions and what worked and what didn't and I am grateful that my sister-in-laws are always willing to answer my dumb questions without making me feel dumb.  It would be a hard process without my family and my in-laws and their utter joy and excitement.  There is no better feeling that having people as excited as I am for this little boy to get here.  I am truly grateful for this opportunity to be a mom soon.  I know that this is the path I am supposed to be on and that we are supposed to have a sweet baby boy in Dec.  I think I needed to hear Elder Anderson's talk and to be reminded of that overwhelming peace I felt back in Dec, and the countless signs showing me that the Lord is looking out for me.

I know this is a rather long post but I decided that it was definitely time to show my appreciation and to take the hint to trust in him and follow the path as best I can.           

Pregnancy Lows

Although I'm on my lunch break I thought I should share my new pregnancy low. For some reason my morning sickness has decided to come back so I decided to grab a diet coke from the gas station because that usually helps. Well after getting my 44 oz liquid gold I saw powered doughnuts. I ended up literally buying 2 bags because I could not put them down. If you have ever been prego before you understand the literal dying need for a food craving. So I proceeded to pay go my soda and doughnuts. Well I thought about driving away but the doughnuts were calling to me so I stayed in the parking lot and ate both bags. While I count this as a low my high consists of being able to wall away from 2 bottles of red Gatorade because I figured a 44 oz was more then enough to get me trough the next 3 hours. Hope this low puts a smile on your face as you picture a crazy pregnant lady stuffing her face with white powered doughnuts.
I took pictures to show that I am in fact telling the truth but I'll add them when I'm home.

Bedding!

So excited his little bedding came today!! We were very blessed to have Jake's parents buy us a crib and dresser and my parents to buy all his bedding.  It was so fun to pick it out and finally get it all put up! I still have to clean the room before I can set it all up lol. Can't wait till he's here and laying in it!!!!

Can't wait till he's old enough to put the bumper on

Inherited Traits

So lately I've been teaching my cute little 5th graders about inherited traits and genes and all that good science stuff and it has made me think of some funny things about this little baby boy that is coming soon and if he'll be more like Jake or unfortunately like me.

Things We Already Know

• He has my nose: We were able to get a couple of 3d shots during my 22 week ultrasound and it is very clear that he has my nose. Which will probably be really cute on him, but man do I feel a little bad for him growing up I didn't like mine. 
• He will be a BIG baby: This entire pregnancy I have been blaming Jake for out little boy measuring WAY ahead of schedule and big until last week when I was talking to my mom.  We all laugh at how Jake was honestly 10.5!!!! That's a big baby! Well then my mom was talking about how I was 8.3 (large for a girl) but oh don't forget I was 2 weeks early! Ya I realized that if I would have come when I was supposed to I would have been a lot heavier...so basically our little baby is crap out of luck. But having a big baby is ok, Jake and I only have now told people to only buy 3 months clothes as the smallest lol. Plus babies are cute with a little fat on them so no biggie. 
• He likes his own personal space: Last week I was at my dr appointment and the nurse placed the heart monitor on my stomach to make sure that all is going well, well she could never get a good hearing because he kept kicking/hitting the monitor off my stomach. No joke it was the funniest thing ever. No matter where she moved and pushed he pushed back. After a good 10 minutes of trying to hear she just laughed and said "well it looks good since he's moving and fighting me." So later that night Jake and I discovered that if you push on my stomach he hits/kicks you to move. Jake has too much fun with this new discovery. It really is something funny because Jake and I both LOVE our own personal space.  We hate it when people stand to close in line or sit to close at place so it only makes sense that our little baby would hate mom and dad creeping in on his own space.  
• He is destined to be a thug: he can only choose to root for the Radiers, Dodgers, and 49ers (which are not supper classy teams if I'm being honest). With the Radiers he will be part of the 10% who root for them and wear their apparel and are white. Trust me, growing up in SoCal with a dad who LOVES the Radiers I know this is a fact. Since we're talking about them, lets talk about how their fans tend to be people who have no fear in beating people up or hassling those who oppose them. But its all good because deep down everyone knows that Radier fans are totally bad a. Which is why my dad picked out and bought on his own a little Radier jersey for him.  Next to the Dodgers.  Lets just recall the fact that 2 dodger fans put a giants fan in a coma at the start of the season. I think that should pretty much sum it all up about who the dodger fans are and what kind of people they are. Like I said though theres about 10-20% of the fan population who are completely normal, law abiding citizens.  Next to the 49erns. Jake is a HUGE fan and grew up loving them so he has made sure to look for things to buy the baby that are 49er apparel. Well I know this might be hard to believe but at the opening game between the Radiers and the 49ers, two 49er fans shot and killed two Radier fans.  Yup, we are introducing our child to wonderful role models.  Its all good though because I guess it means we're just training him to be a total bad a with a majority of good citizen. Ok lets be honest he wont really be a thug.
• He likes war movies: Jake and I absolutely LOVE a good war movie.  Like Gladiator (we were considering naming him Maximus for a time), or Saving Private Ryan, you know a great war movie with fighting and blood and a great story of heros.  So as I was planning a bunch of lessons for school I decided to turn on Last of the Mohicans (another amazing movie). As soon as the movie started he started moving like crazy. Literally you could see him moving across my stomach. I took a little minute to be so proud that my son likes a good war r movie. He is definitely my son.  

Although I know it will be a while before I realize if he is more like me or Jake, right now its fun to pick up on little things and figure out who he is more like. Its the ultimate competition between Jake and me right now...we'll see who wins 

His 49er Burpcloth

Little Raider jersey from my Dad

Aunt Kenz bought him his first little onezie and I made his blanket

 

Happy 100 Days!!

I have a ton and I mean a TON of different lesson plans and activities to use with students when we reach the 100th day of school so I figured it only right to celebrate 100 days till my due date!!!

Everyday I teach I realize how like a child I am. I always want it to be snack time, I get bored if I sit still for too long, I would rather color than take notes during a lesson, and I absolutely love recess.  Therefore I decided to support my inner child and celebrate this exciting day!  It is so surreal to know that in 100 days I will reach my due date.  But I think the thing that is even more surreal is the knowledge that I will be holding my sweet baby boy in a max of 107 days. Today was the first day I was glad that Jake ended up weighing 10.5 and that our boy is looking like he will be a big one too lol.  Most of time I have blamed Jake and told him that I am going to cut our little baby out myself if he ends up being close to 10.5 pounds, but today I'm glad that my doctor will only let me go a week over my due date.  It is so hard to know that by the time it reaches Dec 23rd we will have a sweet new baby in our arms.  

It is seriously the most exciting thing to be happening this year.  I cannot wait to hold him and have him here.  Knowing he will be here by Christmas is making this summer last forever.  I have never been so excited for Christmas music, Christmas movies, Christmas lights, and last but not least snow.  Its a good thing I have an excuse for being excited for winter or else I would be seriously worried about myself and if I have become too Utah... But for know I will just count down the days until he is here!!!  

Sweet Summer

Since we are back in Utah and school starts Monday I have resigned to the fact that summer is now over. Which is a little bittersweet considering it means I won't be seeing my family very much, and the little tan that I had gotten in California will be gone in about 2 weeks. But it also means that we are that much closer to baby getting here at Christmas so I guess I'm ok that summer is gone.

Jake and I mainly worked everyday (its so fun being an adult) but we did manage to squeeze in a trip to Disneyland with my sisters and a trip to Colorado to stay at my grandparents cabins. I have decided to include pictures and the highlights my last summer before officially growing up and being a parent.

Highlights

• Dividing up into teams and competing on kinect sports.  Honestly watching my dad and sister gabby box was one of the funniest things I've ever seen.
• Brenna kicking my butt at Just Dance for the wii, but I did redeem myself by kicking her butt while playing Dance Central for the kinect.
• Driving down Florida Ave and pointing out all the prostitutes to Jake. Where else can you go where this happens on your way to Target or Inn Out? 
• Not having any Utah drivers. It was such a nice break to have drivers who actually knew how to drive, and proving to Jake that California drivers are better than Utah. 
• While at Disneyland eating every possible junk food that I felt like. Sometimes being pregnant is wonderful, no-one looks twice at you when you're eating.  
• Watching Kenz walk up after riding the rapids ride, she was completely soaking wet while Gabby was totally dry. Honestly it was so funny, I think she spent the rest of the day trying to dry off lol. 
• Making baby things! I was able sew a cute fleece blanket and some burp-clothes for him. I am finishing up some car seat covers so it'll be fun once everything is all done! 

Just being around my family. It was a special time for me and a time that I will always remember and cherish.  

First time my "bump" was visible

He needed a cute little blanket to match the outfit Aunt Kenz bought

 

Colorado

We all looked like this after our ride

 

 Disneyland

Trying to capture how soaking wet Kenz was

 Mhmm cotton candy

Needless to say it was a very fun summer, looking forward to next year and seeing where we are living and what we do with our baby! 

Naughty or Nice?

This year for Christmas Santa will be bringing me....a BABY. ( I don't know if this means I've been naughty or nice) Yup that's right. Jake and I went to see our Dr. on Wed and got our third and final due date. So our new due date is Dec 16, and my Dr. said because he is growing so fast she wouldn't let me go past Dec 23. Meaning that this year on Christmas we will have a little baby! I am actually really excited, it seems a little weird to have an official date but oh well right now we're having fun thinking of Christmas presents.

Now I just have to make it through student teaching without blowing up and becoming a blimp, and Jake needs to make it through finals without me going into labor. So needless to say Dec will be a very exciting month! On a side note I told Jake that if the baby is as big as he way (10.5) I will preform my own c section on myself and will forever blame him for any discomfort I might have during labor.

Prego Stories part 1

So I thought I would share some rather funny moments I have had being prego.  Please feel free to laugh at my expense, I totally would if this were someone else.

Sometime in April: I was shopping with my best friend (before the morning sickness started) and while we were looking at clothes she says completely serious "I can see you as being one of the prego women who completely blow up and get super fat all over." I stared at her and said "Who seriously says that to someone!" But seriously i'm the type of girl who would rather have you say that behind my back then to my face. Say whatever you want behind my back, lie to my face at least.  And now you made me feel worse about myself because I can't button my jeans without my belly band.

May 17th: While throwing up sometime in the morning I literally pulled a muscle in my back.  I got really angry with fate and started crying about how my life was unfair to which i again started throwing up because I was crying so hard.  After I calmed down I made Jake go buy a heating pad and tylenol (because that is all prego women can use lame and I spent the next four days medicating myself, throwing up, and watching law and order SVU. To be honest my SVU marathon was the highlight of my time.

May 30th: About a week before this I was reading this funny Mormon blog where a girl talked about how one night her throw up came back and hit her in the face and how you just don't come back from that. I thought this was so funny, I seriously laughed for days about this.  The whole time I'm wondering how it can hit you in the face, since it had never happened to me and I throw up ALL the time.  Well all I can say is Karma is a big, fat, biotch.

I woke up and desperately wanted frosted flakes. So I got myself a bowl and sat down to watch the Wedding Planner...I didnt even finish my bowl before I threw up.  Let me tell you Tony the tiger is a liar, frosted flakes are not greeeaattt when you're throwing them up.  But, this wasnt like all the other times I was sick, no this time it came back and splashed me in the face.  I started screaming because seriously thats gross and you really never come back from that.

Needless to say I learned my lesson no milk for the next 9 months, and don't laugh at other womens sad prego stories because it will come back to bite you/splash you .  And I'm sorry to say I feel grossed out every time I look at frosted flakes and will forever withhold these from my child because technically its all their fault anyways.

June 9: Today we went to the doctors to hear the heartbeat for the first time. After the nurse finds it and lets us listen to it, the first thing out of my mouth is "There's just one right?" No joke, the nurse just stared at me because I think she thought I was kidding...I wasn't.  The idea of having two scared me more than anything so before I could be excited about hearing the heartbeat I had to make sure there was just one (don't worry there was only one).

June 14th: I love all things salty! I literally went to target everyday we were in Utah to get a salted pretzel and look at baby clothes.  So being back in Ca I figured that popcorn would be the second best thing to a pretzel.  Needless to say I now no longer eat anything that had milk and popcorn.  Who can't eat popcorn?  There's nothing there!  I would try it again to see if it was just a fluke but honestly there is nothing more painful then throwing up popcorn. So for the next 9 months thats off the list.

July 11th: My boss calls me and says he needs to speak to me (so naturally I assume I did something wrong) Once I get there he says "I just talked to your dad, you're having an ultrasound in 10 minutes so drink 32 oz fast, oh and check yourself in ok?". So I chugged my 2 water bottles and waited for my bladder to fill up, which believe it or not is very difficult I could barely walk straight and my stomach killed. So Jake and I go into the room and while we're having the ultrasound our tech asks if we want to know the sex of the baby. Um, hello yes its killing me now not knowing and I'm only 16 weeks. So she goes well see that, that means its a boy. A couple of minutes go by and Jake knowing me so well goes "Now I know sometimes the cord can make it look like a boy is it for sure a boy?" To which our tech said yes there's no mistake you guys are having a boy.

After doing a bunch of measurements and helping us to actually tell what we were looking at so it looked like a baby and not like abstract art, she printed us out 6 pictures.  As she hands them to us she says, "I couldn't give you one showing that it was a boy, because in the state of Ca it is consider child pornography to have that in a picture." Jake and I are staring because clearly she has to be kidding.  Don't worry she wasnt. She proceeds to say "I don't even want to know why or how they came up with that rule, but thats the rule." Which is ok to me because I'd rather have cute pictures of his face then the fact that he's a boy.

July 18th: I am now 17 weeks and still having to miss work because I am sick all day. Who the heck is still throwing up at 17 weeks. Whoever said that morning sickness goes away after the first trimester is a liar and they got my hopes up only to crush them severely.

Happy Birthday Mom

Since today is my Mom's birthday I thought I would throw a little shout out to her.  So first and foremost happy birthday to my Mom! I love my mom, I just think she's the best! I didn't always appreciate her when I was younger, but the older I've gotten the more I respect and admire her for not only the mother she was but the type of person as well.  My mom is the kindest, funniest, hard working person I know. I would be lost in this world if it wasn't for her. She taught me that it was ok to make fun of myself and to laugh at myself when things don't go my way or I embarrass myself.  She taught me the value of being charitable to others, and how to look at the best in people. She has done so much for me in my life and I hope to be half the mom she is! Love you Mom!

Now to show you how funny my mom is I'll share one of my favorite stories. It was a week before I was leaving for my freshman year at BYU and my mom took all my sisters and myself out to eat for lunch. Somehow we got on the subject of someone I went to school with and I said "Eww I dislike that girl she's a total biotch." To which my sister Brenna replies "Rachel, please dont use that language in front of me I know what you mean and it isn't very nice." My mom then replies my telling my sister brenna to turn around (which she does) then my mom says "Ok rachel now you can use that language because its not in front of Brenna its behind her." Everyone but Brenna laughed for a good 5 minutes before my mom suggested we dont say that word. Everytime my family goes back to that restaurant I cant help but laugh.

Happy Birthday Mom!! 

 Yes we did go out at midnight to pick up the last Twilight book 

Just our daily chocolate bar

1, 2, and baby makes 3

Yes, I'm well aware of the fact that a majority of everyone I know and even those people I don't know, know that I am in fact pregnant.  So I figured it was probably time to break the news to everyone that doesn't live in Hemet, Ca.  So here it is, I am pregnant! 

To be honest it still feels a little weird to say and to discuss with people but we are so excited.  I'm due December 27th.  Even though its our first I have high expectations already (I feel like that Chinese mother who became famous for being crazy strict with her children) but I feel like all my expectations are completely valid and totally reasonable.  expectation 1: the baby cannot come any earlier than Dec 7th (thats the last day of my student teaching), 2: if the baby is going to be early they need to be here by Dec 22 at the latest, 3: if the baby decides to be late it needs to be here by Dec 30 or wait till Jan 2, 4: the baby can in no way be like Jake in their weight (10.5 pounds!) honestly that's insane, I'd prefer if the baby weighed 8 pounds max. 

All kidding aside for my expectations I am so excited!! I think that it feels so surreal because my entire first trimester was spent with my head in a toilet. So instead of feeling happy, preggo symptoms the last 14 weeks have felt like food poisoning mixed with the flu. Needless to say that although I have been sick these last couple of weeks I have some amazingly funny stories I'll share later. 

I am counting down the days till we find out if its a boy or girl only 2 more weeks!  

Temporary Move + Party Central

I am seriously so excited, come this Thursday Jake and I will be spending the rest of the summer at my parents house in Hemet!  So I honestly thought I would never say the words "I'm excited to move back home" but as with most things in my life I usually end up eating my own words so why would this be any different?  Anyways I honestly cannot wait.  I love being in Utah in the summer but I cannot wait to spend a nice, hot summer in CA especially being surrounded by my family.

I know that Jake will be busy with his internship and I might be busy working, but that is not stopping my from the list of things I plan to do for the summer and make Jake do with me.  I'm so excited to spend time with my parents, sisters, grandparents and all the rest of my crazy family.  Right now though I think the main thing I am excited about is good Mexican food (I am trying to make a plan to first to Taco Shop and then to my family's house, we'll see if it really works out this way). And although Hemet has its downsides like how in the summer you tend to always burn your legs on the interior of cars, and this summer I know I will always be hot (wearing a lovingly 2 layers all the time) and it being an average of 100 something in Aug. I cannot wait to spend time with my family and eat Mexican food!

Although we were always planning to move to Hemet after Jake was finished with Spring Semester the real reason we're going down this weekend is to celebrate Janelle and Eric's wedding!  I cannot wait!!  Janelle and I have been friends since about 7th grade, and we have had our rough patches of not speaking for a couple of years because our groups of friends really didn't interact we have since fixed that and are back being best friends.  Anyways as much as Jake and I love Janelle, we equally love Eric. I remember meeting Eric for the first time and wondering what was secretly wrong with him. I love Janelle and she knows I do but her choice in boyfriends isn't ever been close to good!  Usually they are mean to her, or she has to buy everything because they have no job, or even say weird things like "did you know I  can see different energies in colors and that my gift is more strong than the priesthood" seriously that guy was a total freak... But lets just say her choice in boyfriends sucks!  So when Eric appeared normal, nice, smart, and funny not to mention he liked sports so Jake and him talked forever, I naturally thought secretly there must be something wrong with him.  Soon I realized there wasn't anything wrong with him Janelle had finally found a guy that deserved to date her and treated her like such... Jake and I then became his biggest fan!  And now we get to see them get married in San Diego!  I love that temple and I am so happy that they are finally almost at that day... there's nothing better then being in the temple surrounded by family and friends as everyone comes together to support the people they love in this special day. I am just glad that its Janelle's turn, and that I know it will be a packed house.  

PS: for this amazing road trip which Jake, myself and Mackenzie are taking I have bought Lady Gaga's new cd because nothing says 10 hr drive like "Edge of Glory"

1 Year

So today has been so weird for me.  Today Jake and I celebrated one year of marriage. When I stop to think about it I am so surprised that it has already been a year, I cant believe that time has just seemed to fly by. However there are certain times where I think just a year...it hasnt been longer, some days defiantly feel longer (in a good way).  All in all I guess I have spent the majority of the day being so grateful that I actually did marry Jake.  Lately I have been having crazy dreams where all my ex boyfriends show up and I spend the entire dream frantically looking for Jake.  Then I finally wake up and realize that Jake is real and I am in fact not in the Hunger Games fighting to escape everyone I have ever dated.  I'm glad that I spend all my time in my dreams searching for Jake (glad I picked the right person for me).

I remember that one day before I got married I was hit with the strongest impression that if I didnt marry Jake I would find someone else and I would be okay.  I wouldn't be a spinster for my whole life.  However it continued by telling me that this was my one shot to be the happiest I could be.  I'd get married but if it wasn't to Jake I would forever miss out on the opportunity to be blissfully happy.  I'm so glad I married Jake.  I'm glad that we like the same things, that he is as stubborn as I am.  I'm glad I choose someone who my sister Gabby likes more than me.  I love that my family openly accepted and loved him and that his family did the same with me.  

I think that being LDS marriage takes on a different meaning that most people in the world.  I was excited to party and eat and have a reception but I was so excited for being able to have a special ceremony surrounded by family and friends in a sacred place.  I was so happy and grateful for all the smiling ladies who worked there and looked like they were going to their own granddaughters wedding. I will always remember walking in and having two ladies say "I'm so excited! You two are the first bible couple we have sealed here in Salt Lake!" And I thought really lady?  And then I remembered oh yea I guess I don't know any Abraham's and Sara's so I guess there are not a lot of bible couples getting married everyday so that fact that we were Jacob and Rachel makes sense.   I am so grateful that we booked the biggest room with 75 people and had to bring in an additional 4 benches from the hallway and squeezed people into that room.  I am so grateful that we were surrounded by friends and family.  I know how lucky we were to that many people supporting us on that big, special day which takes on so much more meaning when it is eternal.

Anyways, I am so grateful for our cheesy BYU Mormon story. I will forever make my kids go to f.h.e at school (you never know). I am glad that a year ago I was sealed for time and all eternity to my best friend and love of my life.  I am glad we got married in the right place and I am glad that our marriage will never end.  I love being married, I get to spend all my time with my best friend.  I can't wait for all the other things we have in store, who knows where we will be come year 2...

Here are just some of my favorite wedding pictures 

 Just some of my lovely bridesmaids 

 Both our parents