The Hunsaker Home

Update

2011-09-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Wow. I haven’t written in a long time. Sorry. I have been super busy. So I will just start at the beginning (a very good place to start…sorry…) July brought my sister Sarah and her kidlets to Utah. I got to see her family for a whole MONTH! A WHOLE MONTH!! It makes them living so far away easier. I am really happy that we finally got the two boys together. While they were here we did a ton of things together. We ate good food. We talked a lot. They all went swimming, without me. I wasn’t putting my 3 month postpartum body in a swimsuit. I am not that brave.

It makes me so happy to have a friendship with my sisters. I am incredibly lucky to have them in my life and consider them my dearest friends. LOVE YOU LIZ AND SARAH.

During this time we also moved. That was incredibly stressful. Ok, it was and it wasn’t. I think we were ready to be away from our apartment. We found an incredible place not far from my Grandma Loveridges place that we LOVE. Our new place has 3 bedrooms, tons of space (including storage!), tons of kids Little Misses age, a great ward, it’s in a cool-de-sac, it has a recycling bin, NO PETS (which means we can finally play outside), fantastic neighbors which means I have friends, close to a lot of great shops, Walmarts in Utah County double coupons on Tuesday, um…there is more. There are 2 downsides though. We moved away from my dad and sister. That sucks. I miss seeing their faces almost every day. Also, now I don’t have a ready and willing babysitter whenever I need someone. Luckily, my new neighbors are wonderful.

Little Miss started “preschool” with a neighbor, she is doing it 2 days a week for 2 hours for only $10. She is loving it. I am enjoying being able to clean when Mr. Man sleeps and the extra one-on-one time with him.

Little Miss is now 3.5 years old. Holy cow. When did that happen? She is such a joy and such a handful. She has an evil laugh though. Kind of freaks me out and annoys me at the same time. Where did she get that? She is a GREAT big sister. She loves her brother so much. Lately, she loves the movie Tangled and has named her dolly Rapunzel. She likes to change her diaper and “feed” her while I feed Mr. Man. She was traumatized by the move. When I ask her if she likes our new apartment she says she doesn’t like the inside but she like the outside because that is where her friends are. Silly girl.

Mr. Man is 5 months old. He is 15 pounds now. Which is huge to me. I think his sister was 15 pounds at a year!! He has been battling one cold after another. Poor dude. He had a croup cough for a couple of nights so I took him in. I was told that for being so sick he is pretty healthy, with great lungs and great ears. He finally started rolling over. I wasn’t really pushing him to. I know that once he is mobile he won’t stop being mobile….He is the happiest baby even though he has had a nonstop cold for the last 3 weeks. He smiles such a handsome smile. He just recently started eating solids. He is doing well. But he is growing up too fast!

Branch is doing so really well. The Provo office is slowly moving along. He is enjoying his prosthetic residency, just wishes he could be more immersed in it. I am so thankful he is working in a field he loves. He is pretty lucky in that aspect. He was also diagnosed recently with sleep apnea. He stopped breathing 18 times an hour!! Though, his uncle stopped breathing 60 times an hour. Anyway, he now wears a CPAP mask at night to help him sleep. It is amazing the difference. He now rarely falls asleep on the couch when he comes home. I am so thankful for this man in my life.

As for me, I am doing well. I find this two kid thing easier than I thought, though it is still hard. Little Miss, while difficult at times, is a really good sibling and Mr. Man is pretty mellow. THANK GOODNESS!! I love our new home. I have friends now!! Seriously my neighbors rock. I love our ward too. I really like American Fork too, except the traffic lights are so stinking long. I love that the Wal-Mart’s in Utah county double their coupons on Tuesday, so my new thing is that I go shopping at 10ish on Monday night, check out after midnight. It is tiring but I am getting incredible savings with that and price matching…anyway. I love living near my grandparents. I miss my dad and sister terribly though. I am so thankful we got to spend so much time with them.

Well that is our update. Maybe I will try to post pictures later…

2011-09-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

GOSH DANGIT! I stinking had a huge, well written blog I had written on a word document. THEN I FORGET TO SAVE IT! NOW IT IS GONE! GONE! GONE!

Argh.

Now you have to wait even longer for it. ARGH!!

Grand Teton and beyond

2011-07-08T09:17:00.001-07:00

This last weekend we went up to
Grand Teton National Park and stayed
for a couple of days.
It was pretty nice
(it does help that Grandma has a trailor....)

It was fun hanging out and exploring.
Mr. Man even slept throught the night
3 nights in a row!!
It was a camping miracle!

Little Miss had a blast playing in the dirt.
She asked everyday if she could get dirty.
The first day she was COVERED in dirt.

The last day there we went to Jenny Lake
and took a boat ride across the lake and took a
hike to Hidden Falls.

It was an easy hike, even with an infant on me,
but I think it may
have been to much for Mr. Man and I.

Little Miss got a slushy drink. She loved it.
She loves everything blue.
Let's just say her tongue wasn't the only
thing to turn blue...

Yesterday we were painting her treasure box
of things she collected in Jackson (mostly money)
when an unfortunate accident happened....

...all over her...all over the floor...all over the wall...
Luckily it came out of everything...

I am not feeling very good, and while it was a pain
to clean up, it did make me laugh!

Then today she asked me about my wedding ring.
I told her we wear them on that finger when we get married.

The conversation went like this
Me: That is the wedding ring finger
LM: Oh...wedding ring finger....
I'm getting married tomorrow!
Me: Oh yeah? Who are you marrying?
LM: I'm gonna marry Daddy...tomorrow!
Me: Really? Where you going to marry him?
LM: Um...Merica!
Me: America! Really?
LM: Yeah, Merica! Were the people don't sing!

Alrighty then...

2011-06-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
BRANCH HUNSAKER!

The Blessing

2011-06-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Mr. Man had his blessing this last Sunday. It was an awesome experience. With Little Miss it was a small affair with just us an Becky and Mont. This time we had a ton of family. Branch gave a wonderful blessing and was surrounded by a great circle of priesthood holders.

(Dad, Brody and his family, Mom and Tony, Ashlee and Jeremy, Liz and E, Grandma and Grandpa Loveridge, Bill and Stephanie and their family, Aunt Julie and Uncle Brent, Becky, Mont, Keelen and Mia, Melissa and her family, Amberly and her family, and our friend Ben.)

We actually ended up only going to Sacrament that day. Then after the blessing we had a luncheon celebrate.

With Grandma Grandma and Grandpa Grandpa

Just relaxing...

This is NOT the best picture but I LOVED Little Misses face...

Seriously such a cute face!!!

E and Rachel kept posing for the camera. What adorable models.

Yup...I am definitely not photogenic...

E really wanted to be in the picture...

Thank you Becky for making Mr. Man his adorable blessing outfit!

2011-05-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

What cute kidlets! I am so lucky!!

Guess what I did? I cut my hair...really short.

And...I LOVE IT!

Sorry about the weird smirk. That is what happens
when a 3 year old takes your picture,
and you have to guide the camera...
and your not photogenic...

Also, I thought I had posted a before picture
but I didn't and I don't want to go looking for it...

Brother and Sister

2011-05-18T13:24:00.001-07:00

Ahh so sweet!

Help me mom!!

Meet Richard...

2011-05-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

4 Generations of Richards

2011-05-03T12:35:00.001-07:00

I know you're probably not to interested in birth stories but I love hearing what other people go through when they deliver, so here it is:

I was supposed to be induced Wednesday, sometime. It was all planned. Mom and my mom-in-law Becky took time off of work and came here to be with us in the delivery room. We found out late Tuesday that I was sixth in line for inductions. We thought "Ok so not a morning induction, maybe after 2 sometime". They did say that if I hadn't recieved a call by 11 to call and find out what is going on. So I did.

"I'm sorry, but we are going to have to bump you...to Friday."

WHAT?

I was devastated to say the least. I really wanted to hold my son in my arms. I really didn't want my ribs to hurt anymore. I really felt bad for everyone else who was so excited for us and would now have to wait and take more time off of work.

So we went shopping, and eating, and having fun for two days. Little Miss was so spoiled. Thursday we celebrated her 3rd birthday at a fun place around here called Jungle Jim's. She had a lot of people come celebrate with her, which was good because we did end up being in the hospital on her birthday.

Finally Friday came around. I woke up at 6:30 and just knew I wasn't going to be induced so I was trying to mentally prepare myself for that. Then the phone rang. They asked two simple questions.

"Are you ready to have a baby?" and "How fast can you get here?".

OH MY GOSH IT IS HAPPENING! I woke up Branch, called parents, texted family members and we hoped in the car and headed the 5 minutes to the hospital. In the car I told Branch something that I said every time I felt a little overwhelmed during this pregnancy
"I don' think I am ready for this?!"
and he said the same thing he said every time I said that...
"I'm getting sick of you saying that! You're going to be a great mother of 2!!"

Wow, what a wonderfully sensitive husband I have. Thanks for those words of encouragement! We walked into the hospital and checked in and walked into Labor and Delivery as a family of three.

They hooked me up the machine, and started the antibiotics that I needed to take four hours before I delivered because I was positive for Group B Strep. They started the pitocin and...we waited. Becky finished Mr. Mans quilt, Branch downloaded a free book app on his phone and then started reading, as did my mom. What did I do while I was in labor? I checked facebook, blogged, peed, and had my hair done!

The pitocin was making me have more contractions, but not more intense contractions. I even thought I might be able to do this unmedicated! But I decided to get the epideral because the anistecialogist was going into a c-section and would be unavailable for a while so I might not get it if I didn't get it then. Finally my doctor, Dr. Hebert showed up. She broke my water and BAM! the contractions when from very mild to HELP ME! GIVE ME DRUGS!!

They did have to give me two doses of the good stuff because I was still feeling a very sharp and painful pain every contraction, which were coming on one on top of each other. In a very short hour I went from a 4 to 10cm and I was ready to go!

Now when I had Little Miss I was started induced slowly because I had to have a version to turn her breech body. I also didn't push well being a first time mom who didn't know what she was doing. This time, even though I couldn't feel anything down there, was able to push really well. I swear I felt him moving as I pushed. I felt really good about how I was pushing. I was funny though that the moms who were at my head kept pushing and holding their breath with me. I only pushed for 2o minutes and he was here! They put him on my chest and all I could think through the tears was "Oh my gosh he looks just like his sister!!" They took him and did all the measurements. He was 7lbs 11 ounces ( a full 1lb 10 oz bigger than Little Miss) and 21.5 inches long and just perfect! They then put him on my chest skin to skin. Again something I wasn't able to do with his sister but something I absolutely loved about his birth.

Little Miss was able to come in a little later. She had a look of bewilderment on her face. She understood that there was a baby in mommy's belly but now that he was actually her I think it was a little to much.

All in all it was a wonderful birth experience for us. I am so in love with this little boy. He melts my heart. I am so happy to be his mother. I love you!!

Easter and the gift that kept giving....

2011-04-25T07:45:00.001-07:00

This was a fun Easter. It was the first one that Little Miss "got". She now knows the deal. We had an Easter egg hunt at Grandpa Bobby's house outside with one of her cousins. They were all over the place! They had so many eggs that they kept falling out of their baskets.

Saturday we did a craft at a local store, while Branch and Mr. Man relaxed at home. Then we spent the rest of the day as a family at home. It was nice. Later that night we dyed eggs. So much fun!

Sunday, Branch took Little Miss to church while I stayed home with the boy. (There is a bad case of Measles going around, and his pediatrician recommends we not take him anywhere public for the first two months.) While they were gone the Easter Bunny showed up at our house!

Easter Bunny lefts some gifts*

Coming home and being amazed that the Easter Bunny HAD come!

If that egg had been a snake it would have bitten her.
She kept looking right past it.

This picture is funny, not just because of
her expression but because she is making
that face after we told her to smile, trying
to look around for more eggs at the same time!

We then went back to Grandpa Bobby's house for Easter dinner. All in all it was a great Easter weekend!

*We have given LIttle Miss this box of play-doh
3 times now.
First was Christmas 2 years ago, then Christmas this year
...and then Easter!

She is now playing with it as I write this!*

Who's who?

2011-04-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

And now for a game of Who's Who?

The players are: Branch, Little Miss, and Mister Man.

Who is this? A...

I bet you can't guess who this is! B...

This is a hard one! C......

TRIVIA TIDBITS:
Branch was born 3 weeks late! THREE WEEKS! That is why his skin is so red in the picture. One of the doctors at the hospital said his skin was starting to fall off.

Little Miss was Breech and had oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid). Version was performed at 38.5 weeks and induced then.

Mr. Man was born at 7lbs 11 oz, a full 1lb 10 oz bigger than his sister! Both Grandmas were present at the birth.

Welcome to the world!

2011-04-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Look below for a special birthday post for Little Miss!

Happy Birthday Little Miss

2011-04-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

ARGH! I thought I made this to automatically post on Little Miss's Birthday...

So...for Little Miss's birthday post I am going to be posting the lyrics to a love song, so I changed some of the lyrics, because if I didn't that would be weird...but here you go!

"Just The Way You Are"

Her eyes, her eyes
make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
falls perfectly without her trying

She's so beautiful
And I tell her everyday (yeahh)

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change

'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while

'Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are
*
She's so beautiful
And I tell her everyday

Oh you know, you know, you know
I'd never ask you to change

If perfect's what you're searching for
Then just stay the same

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change

'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
*
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while

'Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are

The way you are
*
The way you are
*
WE LOVE YOU LITTLE MISS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Today is the day...

2011-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

We got the call this morning at 7. So here we are.

I cried when I gave Little Miss a kiss and a hug. She just wanted to play with her new birthday trains. Silly girl. I love her so much.

Now I am having contractions and writing on my blog, and checking facebook. The hard stuff hasn't hit me yet.

EEK!!

Then and Now

2011-04-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Then: 25 years old, living in Texas, married for 4 1/2 years.
Expecting a baby girl the next day...

Now: 28 years old, living in Utah, married 7 1/2 years
Expecting a baby boy the next day...

Wish me luck! I'm going to be the mommy of 2 tomorrow!

YIKES!!

EDIT: MY INDUCTION HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED UNTIL THIS FRIDAY

38 Weeks

2011-03-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

Eek!

2011-03-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

24 days! 3 1/2 weeks! 576 hours! (ok...I will stop)

Hopefully less though! Oh please let it be less! 38 weeks would be great, of course, only if he is ready to come. My ribs are killing me! KILLING ME!!

I did have a non-stress test this Thursday and an ultrasound to check on if he is breech and how my fluid is. Turns out he IS head down (YEAH!!) and I have really good fluid (YEAH!!) I will be having one every week until delivery, just because of my history with Little Miss. At my regular appointment on Wednesday (36 weeks) my Dr. did say that he wasn't breech and measuring at exactly 36 weeks... and that I was 3+ dilated and 70% effaced.. Wow! I don't remember what i was when I was induced with Little Miss at 38.5 weeks but I don't think I was that far. I know that the numbers don't really mean delivery is nigh, and that I could be at that point for the rest of my pregnancy but it was awesome hearing. The only weird thing is that my braxton hicks that were so intense in my 2nd Trimester have almost gone away. I still have them but not at the consistancy and intensity that I was used to. Little Man is also moving so much. He is definitely more active than his sister. I think he might be that way when he gets here too. He especially likes to kick my right ribs...hence the constant rib pain.

Soon I hope to be posting some pictures of my baby shower that Liz and mom gave me. It was awesome and I loved having so many family and friends celebrate with us...
____

On a side note Branch is in Florida, until tonight anyway. He was presenting a paper he wrote on functional limb stimulation... He was nervous but I hear he did great. I am just so proud of him. His first ever professional presentation in his chosen field. HOW COOL IS THAT? I know that with him there will be many more opportunities like this. I'm so thankful that he is able to work in the field that he loves, doing the work that he loves and the he can provide for our family. We are so blessed. He did tell Little Man not to come will he was away. Thank goodness he listened.

LOVE YOU BRANCH! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!

What were we thinking?!!

2011-03-08T10:30:00.001-08:00

WHAT WERE WE THINKING?

I am five weeks away from having my second child, and while I have moments of peace about this most of the time I am keep asking myself "How am I going to do this?! What were we thinking?!"

A year ago we thought we were ready, finally, to have another child. I was super excited. I just knew Little Miss would be a great big sister. I thought I could do it with two children. Branch is such a great dad already. Now? Well, I still know Little Miss is going to be a great big sister and Branch IS a great dad, but now I am thinking...I don't think I can do this....

Then...well you should have seen me when I saw the positive pregnancy test. I freaked out. I thought I was going to be excited, but instead I was curled on my bed thinking "oh.my.gosh.oh.my.gosh.oh.my.gosh!" Branch was such a support. His first text to me after I told him was I love you three! That made me feel better. He has been super supportive of me.

I know I am just freaking myself out. I know I can do this. I know I can. I will just have to take it one day at a time. Breathe. Ask for help. Pray a lot. Rely on Branch. I am good.

I have also been trying to enjoy every moment I have with Little Miss. I know our one-on-one time will drastically change once Little Man is here. I think I am doing ok with that. I have been "nesting" lately and she has been such a big help in that department. I am so lucky to have a daughter that loves to scrub the floors!

Did any of you mommies have these feelings before your 2nd child was born. How did you deal?

My belly

2011-02-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

This is my big belly. Here I am almost 34 weeks. People keep telling me I am small and

that can't believe I have 6 weeks left. I don't feel small.

In fact I feel:
*heartburn
*insomnia
*back pain
*round ligament pain
*mild amount of trepidation
*excitement

Little Miss is going to be a great big sister.
She loves kissing my belly
and saying "Hi" to baby brother.
She talks about him all the time.
Last week she even said
"I have been dreaming of him my WHOLE life!"
She keeps talking about how she is going
to be soft and gentle
to him and how she is going to hold him
just so he doesn't cry.

I can't believe my baby girl is going to be a
big sister soon.

2011-02-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

It is a GRIFFIN...

According to Wikipedia....The GRIFFIN, griffon, or gryphon (Greek: γρύφων, grýphōn, or γρύπων, grýpōn, early form γρύψ, grýps; Latin: gryphus) is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds, the GRIFFIN was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature....In heraldry, the GRIFFIN's amalgamation of lion and eagle gains in courage and boldness, and it is always drawn to powerful fierce monsters. It is used to denote strength and military courage and leadership. GRIFFINs are portrayed with a lion's body, an eagle's head, long ears, and an eagle's claws, to indicate that one must combine intelligence and strength.

*******************************************************************

It's also the name we have chosen for our little boy, due April 2011.

Griffin Hunsaker.

*******************************************************************

He is going to have his dad's first name, but we will be calling him by his middle name.

We are so excited for this little boy to join our family. We can't wait to meet him, especially Little Miss!

Do you know what this is?

2011-02-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day.

2011-02-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

to to my two favorite Valentines....

I LOVE YOU TWO SO MUCH! Thank you for being my everything!

Funniest thing ever!

2011-02-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

So I have started nesting...kinda. Hard to get excited about "decorating" when you know you're moving 3 or so weeks after having a baby. But I am at least cleaning. Man I got a lot done today too! Anyway, funniest thing happened today. I found a magazine that all pregnant women get at their first doctors appointment that catalogs all the months off pregnancy that has some pictures inside the womb. I let Little Miss look at it, and she was enjoying it too. She kept pointing at the babies and saying "Look mom! Baby Brother!" Then on the third go through she stopped at the third month.

She looked up at me REALLY worried and said "Mommy...is baby brother a...alien?!"

(Baby Brother Hunsaker)

I start laughing and tell her "No, baby brother isn't an alien!"

Where she says next "But look at his red eyes and big head!" Then I look at the picture..."Well, he does look like an alien huh?"

Don't worry, I then took her to the 8th month and let her see what Baby Brother looks like in mommies belly now.

I have to say the book has been fun to look at. Every baby is baby brother and she now knows what an umbilical cord is and that is were he gets his food. Smart kid.

2011-01-27T09:21:00.000-08:00

*Warning...tons of pictures, but that is what you people want anyway so enjoy!*

I have around 11 weeks before Baby Boy is born. 77 days actually. I am starting to freak out a little. I don't feel as prepared as I was with Little Miss, and trust me I wasn't hardly prepared for her! I keep wondering what he is going to look like. I think that Little Miss looked a lot like her daddy when she was born but as she grows she has a great mixture of both of us. I like to say she has my look and Branch's brains....Actually she got her good looks from him too. Her temper and stubbornness she got from me. Yikes. Anyway.

I scanned a few pictures of Branch, and wonder if we are going to hit the jackpot again and get a really cute baby that looks like his daddy.

And now for your viewing pleasure....

Branch 2 days old

I think he looks like a balding old man in this picture....
I think he is a couple weeks old in this picture. Look at that smile!!

4 1/2 months old

2 years old. He still has those adorable, punchable cheeks.

I think he is about 2 years old here.

I don't know how old he is here... 4 or 5 maybe. Still a cutie patootie!

And finally, I bet you didn't know that Tom Cruise got the idea for
his suit in "Rain Man" from Branch. I think he is in second grade here.
I love the hair and the matching shoes. Awesome.

And now for some comparison pictures. Do you think Little Miss looks like her daddy?
2 days old

About a week old.

Bones!!

2011-01-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

Little Miss loves skeletons. Kind of weird but she does. This is her chest x-ray. Cool huh?

So, Little Miss has had a hard time the last month or so.
First the week before Christmas she had trouble breathing and after a late night run to Instacare, and her first x-ray she was diagnosed with viral pneumonia. Unfortunately there was nothing to be done to help her. Then the first week of January she was diagnosed with Bacterial pneumonia. She started two weeks of antibiotics. The doctor told me she was really lucky I took her in early because if we had waited even a day it could have been really bad.

So, two days after stopping her antibiotics when she started acting like she did both times with her pneumonia I got her in right away. She has a weird little laugh because she can't breathe well, along with the labored breathing and a temperature at night and a TON of sad sounding coughing. The doctor listened to her breathing and ordered a chest x-ray. Which she hated getting. Grandpa Bob came with us because our red car is dying (another story) and even he couldn't get her to calm down!

The doctor thought she might have swallowed something that was stuck in the lungs causing all of this, but it turns out she didn't swallow anything or have pneumonia. She has bronicilits and peribroncial cuffing. The doctor explained it to me and Branch explained it to me after he called the doctor, and will I still don't completely understand it, it simple terms she still has a little bit of a virus in her lungs, they are still inflamed, and for the rest of winter she will probably have a hard time breathing anytime the air is bad or she gets a cold. Great. Super great. If you look in the middle of the chest close to the spine, on the left side, you can see little white specks. That is it. This is causing all of this.

She had a nebulizer treatment at the doctors office too. Which she hated more than the x-rays. I had to hold her down with my legs and her arms pined behind her back and the nurse had to hold the mask to her face. She screamed the whole time. She did say that with the crying she was getting more medicine because she was taking deeper breathes. It really helped her breathing after she was done. We are going to be watching her for the rest, and if she gets bad we are going to have to give her more breathing treatments. Poor girl. After the treatment she was shaking so bad and so tired, but because it is a steroid it does that. Again poor girl.

I am just so thankful first for the father's blessing Branch gave her that morning. I am so thankful for the priesthood in my home. I am also thankful for doctors and nurses and x-ray techs that helped find out what is going one. Thank you all! Hopefully, now that we know can help her stay more healthy and hopefully she will be better once winter is done! PLEASE OH PLEASE!!

2 years ago...

2010-12-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

I still can't believe where I was two years ago...

I was lying in the ICU of the University of Utah in a coma. Feeding tube down my throat. EEG wires making my hair look Madusa. Branch playing Christmas music and Frank Sinatra so I could hear it Branch wanted to spend every second he could with me. At night he didn't even leave the hospital, he went down to the burn unit and slept on a wall! Mom brought me a metal Christmas tree for my room. The rest of my family visiting when they could.

Meanwhile, Little Miss got to spend a lot of time playing with her cousins. I think Cedar fell in love with her...She was immediately weaned from breastfeeding and did incredibly well. She was able to go to two Christmas parties and even got to see Santa! Sorry the parties were so somber. My bad!

Before I was there I was really sick. I had woken up 2 weeks previously and preceded to throw up 8 times for the next several hours. I was so sick I took a pregnancy test! The next day I was fine, then started the whole process again. After going to the doctors and crying in the waiting room wanting my mommy, I was told it was an ear infection.

We flew to Utah the next week and made it to Green River, where I saw another doctor who said it was an ear infection. I could still touch my chin to my chest so they didn't think it was meningitis. Then the night of the 18th and morning of the 19th I went downhill. I don't remember much except we were staying downstairs at my sisters house, Little Miss was in the family room and I was throwing up and going in and out of consciousness. Jacob carried me upstairs and put me in the car while Branch sped to the ER at the U of U hospital. I do remember waking up once and telling Branch he was going to fast. That is so like me.

That is the last thing I remember for a couple of days. I am told that my sister Sarah met Branch at the hospital and was able to come back in the room with him, where...she was able to see me in all my glory...Sorry about that. I hope you can get that image out of your head Sarah! I also was told that my mom knew the Director or something like that of the ER, who was able to keep everyone updated and helped speed the process along.

I was put in medically incuded coma from Dec. 19th and was woken up on the 21st. I got to sleep for 3 days! As they were waking me up they had tied my hands to the bed so I wouldn't pull out any tubes or wires, but they didn't know how flexible I was and when no one was around I pulled "a gumby" as they said and took out the feeding tube. Luckily I didn't damage my vocal cords with that stunt! When I was more fully awake I remember being more sad that I missed the 2 family parties then I was about being in the hospital. I also remember I needed to pee and everyone kept telling me I had a catheter and I could just go, but I hate catheters and I really felt like I needed to pee. I think I said that about 50 times in an hour.

So as you know it turns out I had Viral Meningitis. It sucked. I wouldn't recommend it. But the point of this post is I want to point out some of the miracles that happened in this time.

*The fact that we were in Utah near a lot of family when I went downhill. Neither Branch or I had to ever worry about Little Miss.
*That mom knew the lady from the ER and were taken care of really fast at a great medical facility.
*Little Miss, who was only 8 months old at the time, was able to do so well considering.
*My mom fought for me when they were going to put my birthday wrong, which would have severally limited the financial help we were able to receive.
*That it was Viral instead of Bacterial...it could have been so much worse...

Anyway, sorry for some of the details...but they really happened. I have more I want to write about later. Thanks for reading!

For Branch...

2010-12-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

This song is for Branch. I heard it for the first
time the day before we found out we were having a boy...

Brad Paisley - Anything Like Me

For Great Grandpa Johnson

2010-11-13T09:43:00.001-08:00

This is the letter I wanted to post on Veteran's Day, but I couldn't figure it out...

I hate technology sometimes....

2010-11-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

I remember when I use to be somewhat technologically knowledgeable. Not anymore. I wanted to post a picture of a letter my Grandpa Johnson received from the White House thanking him for his service during the war...but I can't. I'm a dork. And Branch isn't around to help me. I would do it from our house but I can't figure out why our scanner isn't working...yikes. Anyway. I will post it soon, I guess just not on Veterans Day.

Sorry for that little rant...

Grandma's Letters continued.

2010-11-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Oct. 17, 1945

Darling Henderson.

The town is full of hunters you can hardly move downtown. I'll be aso glad when its all over. It makes me so lonesome for you and miss you so darn much more, some times I feel like I couldn't take it, but I will have to won't I. Do you think you'll be back by next hunt?_Oh! honey you just got to be, a year is so long surely they won't keep you away from Bobby and I that long.

Afton is going on the hunt with the Crowd she feels like she can't stand it home and feels like she will be near to Champ if she is with the crowd. They wanted me to go to sleep with her bu I just couldn't (Page 1)

bear it. Its bad enough just staying home but its even worse being around the Gals that have men with them.

Roy and Ethel are here she was pretty nice to Roy the first 3 days but know she's just the same old Ethel. God darning and black b------- Roy all the time". I went down after my milk tonight and Moms so mad at her she didn't know whether she can stand her two weeks or not.

Howard says he'll get me a dear if he does I'll bottle it and have it when you come home. Ever thing I do or plan is for when "My darling comes home". I'm making us a new treasure and have quite a lot of nice things in it already.

Honey every night this time I get the (grandes) song pro- (page 2)

grahm and every night I hear tunes that remind me of you. Tonight they sang-

"I'll walk alone,
and I'll be lonely;
But I won't mind,
being lonely-
I know that you;
are lonely too.

Mrs. Whittiker died last night. Im surely going to miss her she has been up her to Allens since two weeks after we moved up here. She's never been out of bed for 27 months maybe its best she should go rather than suffer.

Good Night Sweetheart, God Bless you always and send you home soon.

Yours forever

Metta & Bobby

2010-10-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

We had a really good lesson on genealogy yesterday. It wasn't the lesson were we are told we have to submit names and do research but that sometimes genealogy is talking to and getting to know those around you. It made me think of my grandparents and so today I am going to post a letter my Grandma Johnson wrote to my Grandpa Johnson during WWII. Grandpa Henderson served on the S.S. Central Falls Victory. Grandpa Bob is just barely 2 years old at the time.

*I tried to stay as true to the letter as possible, including spelling errors, punctuation and the like.

*****************

November 11, 1945

Dearest Sweetheart:

Received another letter from you again it surely seems good to have them coming pretty regular. I'm so sorry me dear that you aren't getting my letters because I have written so many some times I even write you too in one day-I hope you can read this Bobby thinks his helping me. Gee! he's so sweet honey-still gaining weight and getting fatter and cuter every day. Little Mary took him down town in the truck today she weighed him and says he weighs 30 lbs and 4 oz. he only weighed about 26 when you were home. You know much better 15 lbs made your look well what do you think 4 1/2 lbs have done to (Bobby). he really looks good. (page 1)

he and I surely miss you sweetheart we talk about you all the time. I really don't think (Bobby) will ever forget you. He says when you come home your not going in the army anymore- shut up ole Army- I hope your never hae to leave us dear again we have missed you so darn much and love you so.

I got (Bobby) a snow suit the other day-two friend. Brown and does he ever look like a sweet-just like a big fat teddy bear.

Mom and Dad are talking of going to California right after Christmas and staying until March. They will go to Inglewood up by L.A. Mrs. Beckstroms moms friend has a small cottage to rend and she wrote mom she would have one empty the 3rd of January. Maybe its just talk but I'd surely like to see them go. Mom doesn't look so well dear it sorta scares me.

Bobby and are swell. I've gained about 7 lbs. But I told you I would if I quit-Good Night darling God Bless you.

Metta x Bobby (page 2)

*****************

I am going to try to post a new letter a week. Let me know what you think.

Also, to grandkids and great-grandkids of Edna and Leo here is your assignment...
I would like you to come up with one question from each of the family members that you would like to know about Grandma and Grandpa Loveridge. Please send those questions to my email or post them one the comments section. Thank you!!

Pregnancy Update

2010-10-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well I still can't believe I am pregnant. It feels different this time. A lot of it has to do with the fact that I am not working, and I am chasing after a two and half year old. So I am busy, just different busy.

So, I am now 15 weeks. I am almost half way through with this! CRAZY!!

I went to the doctors today. Little Miss came with me because Branch was unable too. It went well(ish). My thyroid was a little low apparently but she isn't worried and will check it next time. My doctors name is Dr. Andrea Hebert (said A-bear). I like her a lot. She is no nonsense which I need and I think she looks a lot like Julie, my sister-in-law. We got to hear the heartbeat today too. It is going strong. It was nice to hear the confirmation again, especially since we haven't felt the baby moving yet, though I am looking more and more pregnant. Though I still feel like I just look fat...sigh... I also lost a little bit of weight which is weird because I haven't had bad morning sickness. I just need to do better and eat more.

We also found out that we will hopefully find out the sex of the baby on November 24, which is the day before Thanksgiving! What an awesome thing to celebrate! We definitely are going to make sure Branch and Little Miss are there for that big appointment!

Pickles...

2010-09-04T13:26:00.001-07:00

Everyone who knows me knows that I HATE PICKLES.

I think they look gross, smell gross, sound gross and worse of all, taste really gross.

Last month I was sitting in Relief Society and all of a sudden for a split second a pickle sounded so good. Like really good. Then it was gone.

My eyes got really big for a minute and I thought..."Can it be? No that is to cliche!"

Later that week it turned out it wasn't too cliche.

I'M PREGNANT!

The baby is due in April, which would make the Big Sister and the soybean almost exactly 3 years apart!

We are so excited for our new adventure!

PS-Pickles still are gross. It literally was only for a second that that sound good. Also, chocolate doesn't sound so good with this pregnancy. How weird is that?

Just Ask Emily-Kami's question

2010-08-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

What is your most embarrassing moment?

What is my most embarrassing moment? Ha! I have tons!!

There were a couple recently when I was sick with Meningitis and was in the hospital. One (that I don't remember) but if I did I would be embarrassed. Apparently, they told me that I needed to have a catheter put in and I yelled "NOOOOOOOO!!! Not a catheter!" So loud that Branch and others down the hall could hear me. Actually that is funny.

Another was when I was in the ICU, or I think it was the ICU, after getting out of a coma, I had an EGG on my head to measure my brain waves so I looked funny, and they were also monitering me on video. The video was facing towards me to see what my seizures looked like, if I had one. They decided to take out my catheter (maybe it was the one I DIDN'T want in?) and started to lift my sheets to take it out, when all of a sudden we heard someone running down the hall yelling "SHE'S ON CAMERA!" . I think I would have been more embarrassed if I hadn't been so out of it.

Another, and this IS embarrassing was when I was driving from SLC back home to Green River, Wyoming. If I had to use the bathroom I would usually stop in Evanston but I didn't that drive until I was about to TA. TA is about half an hour from the Lyman exit, if even that. But I had to GO. Number 2. Really bad. Anyway, apparently I had to go so bad that I didn't read the sign that was on the stall door...I did my business got up to flush and nothing. Tried again and again. Now during this time I had heard people come and go and some of them even snickered. I didn't know who they were laughing at. Finally, I waited until there was no one in the bathroom. Opened the stall door and FINALLY saw the BIG sign that said "OUT OF ORDER." Great... I snuck out of there and didn't go back for a long time until I absolutely had to. I was in and out of there in a minute flat. I didn't want anyone to recognize me. I have a big fear that they have one of those grainy images of me hanging in the office saying "BAD PERSON! DON'T LET HER USE THE BATHROOM HERE!!"

Yikes.

Those are just three of my many examples of my most embarrassing moments. I have lots. Usually they are little. I embarrass myself at least once a week. It's how I do. I am not ashamed, or embarrassed to admit it.

My question for Kami:
How do you feel about having a second child? What are your feelings? How are you preparing yourself and your husband and son?

Just Ask...Emily?

2010-08-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

So my sister in Law Julie had a thing on her blog where she invited others to ask her any question(s) about (almost) anything in her life. Now one of her friends decided to do it to. So since I am a follower I decided to follow suit...

There are rules though...

1. You can ask any question you want and I will answer it. But I then get to ask YOU any question that you must answer on your blog...or facebook...or just email me.

2. I am a horrible writer if you haven't figure it already so don't expect greatness or poetry.

3. I think their is something else...can't remember...aah whatevs.

Loves & Rockets,

Emily

Some more pictures!

2010-07-29T14:26:00.001-07:00

Little Miss loves to have her picture taken. I am glad she didn't get my unphotogenic genes.

This is my favorite face she makes.
It is called her stinky face.

I wonder what she is thinking in this picture.

Aww sweetness...

Take me out the ballgame...

2010-07-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

Branch's brother Regan came home from his mission to Torreon Mexico in June and he was suprised with a Red Sox game in Colorado. This family LOVES the Red Sox. I mean they really love the Red Sox....

I don't know who this is...

This was their concession guy. I don't think
I could buy cotton candy from a pirate...

After extra innings the Red Sox were victorious!
(Branch, Mont, RM Regan, Keelen)

(Keelen, Branch, Regan, Mont)

View from their seats...

Some pictures...

2010-07-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I know I suck as a blogger...

So we went camping this last weekend in the Tetons.

I am not ling when i said to people that I was not excited about camping. Last time Little Miss staye away from home it was...horrible.

But she loved it. She loved being dirty. She loved the bugs...mostly. She slept pretty good to. So here are some pictures.

Here we are taking one of many... many...many walks.
(I know I look it but I am NOT pregnant)

I love BUFFALOES!!

I was so nice being in nature. It was so quiet and so dark!
I miss it!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Today, Branch celebrated his 3rd Father's Day. He got to sleep in, open one of his presents (a gift certificate for his new tabletop grill) and then after we went to church...he cooked his own Father's Day dinner...

It was yummy.

Here are two other wonderful
fathers who have meant so much to us.
Thank you Grandpa Bob and Grandpa Mont!
WE LOVE YOU!!

**Sorry the pictures are from when she was
a baby. That's all I have saved on this
computer and I am too lazy to
do anything else about it :)**

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Grandma Loveridge, Me, Mom, Grandma Johnson, July 1982

This is a picture of 3 of the most
important women in my life.

I don't know how to properly put into words
the love and respect I have
for these wonderful women.
They have taught me so much.
I don't think I can ever thank them enough.

Branch, Me, Little Miss, Becky, Mont
April 2008

Becky, thank you so much for your
wonderful son. You're such
a great example to me about
what a mother is.

All I can say is:
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Grandma Loveridge, Me, Mom, Grandma Johnson
July 1982

This is a picture of 3 of the most important women in my life.

I don't know how to properly put into words the love and respect I have
for these wonderful women. They have taught me so much.
I don't think I can ever thank them enough.

All I can say is:
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

A Child's Prayer

2010-04-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have had an amazing experience this morning. One that has already taught me a lot and made my heart swell.

I had prepared breakfast this morning. By preparing I mean I poured the cereal into our bowls. As I was walking to Little Misses high chair and said "Do you want to say the prayer?" Lately, she has been having a hard time with the prayer and chooses to lay her head down in exasperation. But before I could even sit down she started the most beautiful prayer I have ever heard.

"Heavenly Father,
Thank you day.
Bless Mommy.
Bless Daddy.
Bless our bodies.
Say these things.
Name of Jesus.
Amen!"

I looked up with tears in my eyes at the beauty and sincerity of her 2 year old prayer.

Sometimes I wonder what kind of mother I am. Am I teaching her everything she needs to know? Are Branch and I teaching her about her Heavenly Father who loves her.

So today I feel pretty good. She is doing great.

Things I want for my daughter....

2010-04-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Little Miss,

I can't believe that 2 years ago you came into our lives! What a blessing and a surprise. You have made my life so full of happiness (and worry) and love and the best things in life.

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want for you in your life:

I want you to play one sport well.
Or not and that is ok.

...to do the full push-up.

...to know how to do your hair.

...to always have a sense of humor.

...to play an instrument or sing.

... to run through the sprinklers.

...to use every sticker.

...to color every page.

..read the good books.

...have amazing friends.

...to always question.

...to love math and science.

...to stay strong in your faith..

...to always kiss your father and I good night

...to not get in too much trouble.

...to be a good big sister someday.

...to serve a mission...or not...

...to not be afraid of roller coasters.

...to find someone like your daddy.

...to do something you love.

There are a million things your father and I want for you but mostly we want you to know we LOVE YOU with all our hearts. We want you to be happy, because you have made us so happy!

Happy 2nd birthday, our beautiful girl.

Love,
Mom and Dad

(Ok, so I tried to find a picture that matches every saying, but I couldn't...so some match but some don't...oh well)

2010-03-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sickness sucks.

Little Miss was really sick this last Saturday night. We are talking throwing up 12 time in one night. Poor girl. But I have to say there were some cute moments when she would throw up into the bowl and start shaking her head and saying "Nope...noooooo.....nope" or how she called them "Big Burps" because she would burp first. It really was scary because she didn't eat anything for almost 3 days and getting her to stay hydrated was like pulling teeth. I am glad that she loves ice chips so she at least would eat. I was so worried she would get dehydrated and would need to go to the hospital.

Well, not that she is all better...guess what....

Branch woke up last night and proceeded to clear out his stomach. He even called in sick this morning. He hates to call in sick.

And me...well, lets say yesterday Little Miss watched a LOT of TV while I sat mowning on the couch, or playing in her room while i mowned on her chair. Today I actually feel better but I have used the bathroom today more then I did last week! I just feel glad that while I don't feel good I feel well enough to take care of my sicko hubby and beautiful full-of-life-even-though-she-didn't-fall-asleep-until-late-and-woke-up-early-and-probably-won't-take-a-nap daughter

And Little Miss is of course feeling great and is going to be running circles around us today.

Heaven Help Us!!

JAJ Response

2010-02-22T08:36:00.001-08:00

Julie.

This is my response to your question (sorry it took forever!)

Julie asked: Can you share your money saving secrets? Once you said you were going to do multiple posts about couponing. I got the paper and clipped ads for 6 months and I felt like I didn't save anything, and if I used coupons I would end up with a pantry full of boxed snacks and nothing more, so I quit. Since I consider you to be better than most people at stretching a dollar, I would like to hear your best secrets to frugal living. What are your favorite freebies? Where do you find the best deals?

I had a good friend in Texas try to teach me but I wasn't getting it. I felt like you. I was getting cheap snacks and nothing else. One day I googled couponing and a couple other words and I found this website on Michael and Mickenzies blog. It is called thekrazycouponlady.com. GO THERE. Look around.

If you REALLY want to save money read their "10 days to become a krazy coupon lady" they says everything I know about couponing. For example the 2nd day they talk about newspaper subscriptions and internet coupons. Did you know you can print coupons from your computer? You learn couponiing lingo and saving strategies.

So first, read that. YOU WILL LEARN A LOT!!

Second....Bookmark this page. One of the great things about this website is that it gives scenarios of what to buy and what coupons to use to maximize your savings.

Have you looked around it yet? Do that then come back and finish reading my post....

Alright. Good. Isn't it an amazing easy to use site?

Now what you need to do is to google "couponing" and other catch phrases and find a couple of websites that help you and that fit your needs. (Then share them with me!!)

Some more of my tips...

***When you eat out you need to use coupons. There are always coupons for restaurants that you may frequent. Look for them in your newspaper and your coupon books...Also, we also try restaurants that we wouldn't try otherwise because we might didn't know about them and are given a good deal. Try restaurant.com. You can regularly buy gift certificates for 70% to 80% off. That is you can buy a $25 dollars gc for $2!

***I know you HATE thriftstores but they are a GREAT way to save money. On Saturday Branch and I bought Little Miss her birthday gift (I will post pictures of it later). The toy we got her retails for $150 dollars. We bought ours for $4o. Brand new with a only a little problem we have to fix but SO WORTH IT! She has a lot of nice brand name clothing I spent $1-$4 one. I already have a large collection of 3T clothing for her- at least 10 pants and 20 or more shirt I have probably only spent $15. Most of them brand new! The saving in shoes alone has saved us a months rent at least!

Me, I have recently bought two new (to me) pair of pants at D.I. and I spent $8. This included a abercrombie and fitch pants that retailed around $80! Branch is really hard on his pants and shirts at work so we get $4 pants and $3 shirts for him pretty regularly.

We also buy other products at thrift stores too. Look around and you can find some amazing things that you can save money on.

Give it a try. (Just wash it when you get home)

***Garage sales. You can barter for the things. How cool is that!!

***Find a couponing friend. Someone that can help you that you can talk to and may even be able to take turns when you go shopping

***Look around before buying anything over $50. I am still learning about looking around but sometimes that save TONS!

All right that is all I can think of right now. Let me know what you think.
How about you other bloggers. What are your saving tips?

2010-02-16T10:56:00.001-08:00

What a crazy couple of months.

Car was in accident but now fixed and it's beautiful.
Computer crashed and now fixed and it's still slow.
Other computer needs a new fan, working on that.
Branch was in Reno for 6 days, didn't have fun, but learned a lot.
Little Miss enjoys nursery now!!
Dad has a really big kidney stone, been in pain for last 10 days. Tomorrow he is having surgery to break up the stone, but still has to pass those. Poor guy.
The Olympics started. I really only enjoyed the winter Olympics when they were here in SLC, and I got to see TWO Olympic events! Maybe I will enjoy it more when figure skating comes on. Who doesn't love figure skating.
I promise you Julie I will write my post in response to you! I WILL!!
Branch and Little Miss are sick right now. Poor guys! L, J, and E are also sick! Not fun!!

Alright well anyway...

TEAM ANNA!!

2010-01-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

Can you do me a favor tomorrow and watch the MISS AMERICA pageant tomorrow on TLC.

Then watch for this girl...

I was a leader in the young womens presidency when Anna was there. She is an amazing Young Woman!
GO MISS WYOMING!!

I am so incredibly proud of Anna. I always thought she had an amazing head on her shoulder. She always knew who she was. And now she is competing for the title of Miss America.

I always thought the pageant, while fun to make believe, was never something attainable and the girls always seemed too perfect. Anna kind of changed my perspective a lot. Anna really is beautiful. She really is smart (she wants a doctorate in English!!) She really is a good person. If anyone deserves this title it is her. Go TEAM ANNA!

2010-01-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

This month has been crazy and I really have wanted to blog about it but...we have been traveling a lot (well home to Green River) and I don't blog when I am traveling because it is too hard.

Then last week we got in another accident. It wasn't as bad as last time. The driver that rear-ended us was texting and driving. We actually were stopped at the stoplight on 53 and State in Murray, he was texting and saw traffic on his left start to go and heard a honk and rammed right into us. Thankfully Little Miss and I are ok and the gentlemen has insurance so they are going to fix the $4000 or so worth of damage. It is frustrating though because 2 accidents in 2 months and both of the guys names were David!!!

Then when I was in GR registering the car that would get hit the next day....Branch accidentally downloaded a worm on our computer when he opened an email from a friend so we had to send our computer out to be fixed.

Now, Branch is preparing to go to Reno for education week for his job. We sure are going to miss him.

So craziness...

6 YEARS!!

2010-01-10T18:35:00.001-08:00

Six years ago I married the man of my dreams!

Branch, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Thank you for being my best friend.
Thank you for Little Miss.
Thank you for all your hard work!
Thank you for you!
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.

We went to see Avatar in 3D on Saturday
to celebrate our anniversary, then we
went to eat at Red Robins (Red Lobster was TOO full!)

A BIG THANK YOU TO LIZ FOR
WATCHING LITTLE MISS!
THANK YOU!

2010-01-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

I posted twice (well, this is the third post) so don't forget to go to the second posting. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Silly Faces

2010-01-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

Little Miss spent New Years in Wyoming with her grandparents.

She had a lot of fun. Part of her fun is making silly faces.
The first four pictures are with her face pressed against a glass, then
her showing her Happy and You Know-It face,
and the last one is of her smiling in her car seat.

(This one is my favorite)

(The next two, the glare frm the window
makes it look like eyebrows!)

(Love those teeth!)

(Smiley Girl)

BONUS PICTURE....

Do you remember SLOTH from THE GOONIES?

Blow Dried

2010-01-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

This little girl loves to have her hair blow dried. If she is upset all you have to do

is ask if she wants to blow dry her hair and in between her sobs she will say "Yes!"
and run to the bathroom.

Yesterday after her tubby she had her hair blow dried and I decided to put a
little bit (and I mean a very little bit) of product in it and see what would happen to
her natural curls.

Apparently, this is what happens.

I call it her "Texas Hair" or maybe her "Beauty Queen" Hair.

Silly Girly...

Happy Birthday

2009-12-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Branch!

This isn't going to be elegant but...

I just wanted to let you know how much I love you. It is a lot!

You mean the world to Little Miss and I.

We appreciated everything you do for our family.
You are an awesome father and a wonderful husband!

You're my best friend.
You make me laugh everyday (and roll my eyes too!)

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

Our Thanksgiving

2009-12-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

(First of many updates coming! YEAH!)

We had an interesting Thanksgiving week.

It started Monday when we drove to Provo to have "Family Home Eating." Our niece and nephew were not able to be with us for Thanksgiving so we went to Chuck-a-rama to celebrate with them.

Tuesday, Little Miss and I went to my sisters house, made some cute hand turkeys, and had a yummy steak dinner. So nice!

Wednesday, we drove to Spanish Fork for Pie Night. Pie Night is a tradition in Branch's family. The night before Thanksgiving they have a pie extravaganza. The idea is that your so stuffed after dinner you can't enjoy the pie after so why not enjoy as much as you can the night before.

On Thursday we went again to Spanish Fork. It started out kind of funny. Branch doesn't like to listen to Chrisgtmas music before Thanksgiving but I decided that we were going to listen to music on the way down. We stopped by Alberstons on the way there to pick up the ads for Black Friday. As I got out of the car I told Branch that he had better not turn the station OR ELSE and slammed the door. I then walked away with a mean look on my face. As I walked into the store I passed a lady with the scowl on my face still. When I came back to the car, Branch said that lady gave him the meanest look and was just shooting daggers at him. He said that it was almost like she was thinking "How dare you?" It was so funny to me and just made me laugh the rest of the day.

We had Thanksgiving dinner in Spanish Fork with about 40 members of Branch's family. It was really fun and really good. They figured that they had about 94 pounds of turkey. Later, "the boys" went shooting in Spanish Fork cannon. We decided to visit Jacki, his grandma, but stayed only for a little while because Little Miss, who hadn't taken a nap, was being a real stink.

That is were the "fun" started. About three houses down from Jacki's house we had the right of way and the car on the right had a yeild sign but they didn't stop and we didn't have time to stop before we hit him. We then slid 90 degrees and stopped.

(Doesn't look that bad, but it damaged some REALLY expensive stuff)

The car kept going and my thought was we had just been in a hit an run and I tried to look at the licence plate and remember the number but they did stop on the side of the road. Branch made sure we were alright, got out and made sure they were all right and called 911.I also got out went to the back seat to sit with Little Miss, and also called 911. They sent an ambulance just in case Little Miss was hurt. I ended up being checked out because my shoulder was hurting.

Poor Little Miss was so upset. She definitely didn't like the flashing lights and sirens. Becky, Mont, Amberly and Keelen came down to help. Grandma was able to take her so I could be checked out and help calm her down. She also got a stuffed animal from the ambulance crew. I She discovered it has a rainbow and keeps saying "Rainbow!Rainbow! Rainbow!"

I remember thinking in the short time that we slid "I can't believe this is happening". On the way to Spanish Fork we had seen two accidents on the side of the road and thought to myself how sucky it would be to get in an accident on Thanksgiving. I was right. It sucked.

BUT in the spirit of Thanksgiving I am so thankful that we are all ok. It could have been worse, a lot worse. It is just a car and cars can be fixed or replaced. I am so thankful for Branch and Little Miss. I LOVE YOU! Heavenly Father has given me so much, so much.

So, to wrap it all up. The car was totaled. We are now the proud owners of a new(ish) 2004 VW Jetta. It is really nice. Heated leather seats, sun roof, turbo... So, sad we lost the Nissan and all the extras hassle but it is ok we are all alive and kicking and we have a nice car.

2009-11-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

Just to let those of you who don't know, we were in a car accident last night. We were leaving Spanish Fork and a driver didn't yield and we didn't have time to stop. He was ticketed. Anyway, Luckily, no one was hurt, though I do have a sore shoulder from the collision.

We are waiting to see if our car was totalled or not. Pictures are coming later.

The thing that really sucks is that as we were driving to SF we saw two accidents and I felt bad for them and thought that it would suck to get in an accident on Thanksgiving. I guess I jinxed myself.

Sleepy girl

2009-11-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

So Little Miss isn't so keen about taking naps and more, she now takes only about 4 naps a week. And it sucks...but I will learn to deal with it.

(Waiting for L to pick us up)

So today when she didn't take a nap I wasn't suprized. My sister L and her daughter E decided to go do Deseret Industries (like a Salvation Army store) today, and shocker of ALL shockers, she fell asleep in my arms. She NEVER does that and I mean EVER! She was so tired I was able to put her in the cart. So stinking cute!

I never get to see her sleeping anymore. How cute!!
The carts at D.I. are really small so she is squished.

It was so loud there, I can't believe she slept there!

This is Halloween!

2009-11-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

This is Halloween! This is Halloween!

We had a lot of fun this October with trick or treating.
Little Miss was a ...

But much cuter...

We watched scary movies. Well, not really scary movies.

We ate tons of candy.

We decorated with skulls!
(or as Little Miss says "Scary Pumpkins!!)

Daddy skull...

Mommy skull...

Little Miss skull...

Celebrated with Family!

We love Halloween!!

2009-11-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

LEAVES ARE MY FAVORITE PART OF FALL!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

(Sorry the pictures are so small)

Brody Vs Bull

2009-10-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

(Sorry the video is kind of longish)

This last Saturday we went to the Thanksgiving Point Cornbelly. It was awesome and totally worth the price (thanks Mom and Tony!!) It was an absolutely beautiful day and so nice being able to spend the time with Brody and his family and mom and Tony.

The best part of the day was when my sister L told Brody she would buy if he rode the bull.
And.It.Was.Awesome!! Enjoy!!

Little Missisms

2009-10-16T06:27:00.001-07:00

First...Branch is going to be home TONIGHT! He has been in Arizona since the 5th for training for his job. He has learned a lot but we are so excited to have him home soon! Plus it is only fair that he is as cold as we are here not nice and warm as it is in Arizona!

Little Miss has been really funny lately. Here are a few of her funnies:

*If you ask her what a doggy says she will say "Woof, woof", what does a kitty say "Meow", what does Mommy say "NO Maya!!!" (I taught her that...now I just need to get a video of it!!)

*This morning I asked her what she wanted to eat. She always says "Nana!" Not this morning though. Her answers were in this order..."Baby!" "PooPoo!" "Ghost!" and "Ooooaaaaeee! (which is what ghost say"" She is so funny.

*When ever Little Miss sees a big building she always calls it a Temple. Sometimes it sounds a little different. Yesterday we were taking a walk and as we walked by grandpas church building she yelled and pointed "Tampon!!....Tampon!!!...Tampon!!!..."

*We were in Green River visiting family while daddy was on his business trip, and while we were gone her cousin E really missed Little Miss, when we came back and we were at Donalds House (McDonalds) Little Miss and E kept looking at each other and saying "Miss You!" E even kept giving Little Miss kisses without wiping them away and saying "Ouch!"

Anyway, having fun being a mommy but not a single mommy with Branchy gone so I am so glad to have him home tonight!! Yeesh!!

I love weddings!

2009-10-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

Pam and Jim get married tonight. So happy! Congratulations to the happy couple!
Watch the video of them this last 5 seasons of The Office:

Click here ---->Video (Does anyone know how to put video from Youtube on a blog, not just a link?)

I am so excited I am putting Little Miss to bed early and eating cupcakes to celebrate!

HOPE

2009-10-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

In my last post I mentioned that the last time I went to the temple I kept feeling the word "Hope", well the Church came out with a web page centered on Hope...please check it out at this link.

On that page is a youtube video of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf that I was also going to post here but I don't know how. Please take the time to watch. It is amazing.

2009-09-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

About 2 weeks ago I was able to go to the newest Temple with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. It was the OQUIRRH (oo-cur)MOUNTAIN TEMPLE. It was an awesome experience because I had gone through the open house just two weeks prior and it was at the dedication that I decided to do visit every temple in the state of Utah. Two Temples down, eleven more to go!

As for my "theme" it was hope. I turned to Ether 12 in the Book of Mormon while waiting for my family and it kept coming up.
***
4. Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with ^asurety ^bhope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which ^chope cometh of ^dfaith, maketh an ^eanchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in ^fgood works, being led to ^gglorify God.
***
6. And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that ^afaith is things which are ^bhoped for and ^cnot seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no ^dwitness until after the ^etrial of your faith.
***
9. Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.
***
32 And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man, yea, even among the ^amansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent ^bhope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.
***

For another great message of hope please read "The Infinite Power of Hope" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

I fave felt a great increase of faith and hope since I made the commitment to attend the temple more often. Thank you for following me in my Temple Trip

(My computer is being weird. Please click the link above to see a picture of this beautiful temple.)

Some facts abou the
OQUIRRH MOUNTAIN TEMPLE


Announcement		01 October 2005

Groundbreaking		16 December 2006

Open House		01 June 2009 - 01 August 2009

Dedication		21 August 2009

I HEART Couponing

2009-09-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

People have been asking me about couponing since I have gotten into it. I am going to be dedicating my next several post to this subject to impart my limited knowledge on this big topic.

First off, I have only been couponing now regularly for the last 5 months. Still in that time I am now spending half of what I use to spend. But in that time I have noticed that I pay attention to what food cost, what we are eating (and tending to waste less, though that is not always true :), and actually enjoying shopping.

Secondly, I have found a ton of resources that help me save money. Believe me I couldn't do this all on my own!!

So for my first post I am going to tell you about my shopping trip tonight.

(Sorry about the picture quality, poor lighting and taking on a cell phone)

I got 15 cans of tuna, 26 cans of Campbells Chunky soup, 9 Jello packets, 4 boxes of cereal, produce, a loaf of bread, 2 boxes of pop tarts, 2 frozen dinners, a bag of vegetable steamers, juice, batteries, and a foot scrubber thing not in the picture. How much do you think I spent on this shopping trip?

Leave your guess on my comments and the winner receives my love and respect :)

Please check back later for more on the wonderful world of couponing!!

2009-09-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, question...

What would you give up if you had to give up chocolate or butter? and why?

Bestest...

2009-09-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

I heard an interesting saying today...on a Disney channel movie, while Little Miss is sleeping, while making a Texas Sheet Cake...mmm...

"There is a huge difference between being The Best and and being Your Best. Being The Best, is fruitless, it is just a matter of opinion. Being Your Best, that is were you find your spirit"

It really hit me. A lot of people try their hardest to be The Best, and when they fail, which they will, they are crushed and down trodden and dejected and..... It is a lot of pressure to put on yourself for a goal that can never be beat. There will always be someone better than you and then there is nothing wrong with that. No one can do what you do, especially in the way you do it.

So I vow to do to be My Best as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a church member, etc, etc, etc.

Any way, what do you think?

These are old pictures off my cell phone (that is why Little Miss looks so young)

(I just wanted to add these two cute pictures of Little Miss)

Update....

2009-09-14T08:14:00.001-07:00

Just a couple of things...

My first trip to the Jordan River Temple was wonderful. Liz watched Little Miss So I could go with Branch to the temple. It is so pretty. My theme of faith in ever footstep made me concentrate on my faith and what I was doing there. I did have a little experience happen to me where I told myself that it would be ok if I had faith and it worked out. I am so excited for visiting the other temples!

A lady from my ward said that I could take some of her family names and do the work for her so I am excited to make this experience more personal.

****

Seth and Julies friend Ryan Hess is having his bone marrow transplant today. Ryan was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago. Please look at the link on the right side of the page and read about his fight and family.

If you could keep Ryan, his brother (the donor), and his family in your prayers today that would be appreciated.

****

Last week we were in Green River for the extended weekend. It was so wonderful to see family. Though Little Miss was a stinker pretty much the whole time. She learned how to get out of grandma Hunsakers pack and play she was sleeping in. Great... Then she learned how to get out of Grandpa Johnsons pack and play...then yesterday...she learned how to ipen the child safety locks in the kitchen. Great. This kid is crazy. I can't take my eyes off her for a second.

Now for some random pictures for your viewing pleasure... Sorry they are so small...

Little Miss with her Grandmas.
This is one of the reasons I love living so close to family!

Little Miss in her tutu and her pink balloon. She LOVES balloons. (Sorry it is sideways...)

She loves to play with my glasses (or as she calls hats sometimes) so we decided to
let her get her own! She loves putting them and looks so cute when she puts them on upside down.

Maya and I are so lucky to be able to play with E while her parents are at school and work.
We have a lot of fun together!

My Temple Trip- Jordan River

2009-09-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Jordan River Utah Temple

Milestones
Announcement 03 February 1978
Groundbreaking 09 June 1979
Dedicated 16 November 1981

It begins today. My yearlong trip to every temple in Utah. Tonight Branch and I are doing a session with our ward. I am pretty excited and have been trying to get ready by reading about the temple and praying. I have also have decided that every trip will have a theme or something I am going to focus on. This trip is about having "Faith In Every Footstep".

Here are some of the wonderful talk I have read today.

Prepare for Blessings of the Temple By Elder Russell M. Nelson

“Who Shall Ascend into the Hill of the Lord?” By President James E. Faust

Again, for my nonmember friends, if you have any questions please check out www.lds.org if you have any question or leave a comment.

(argh...don't know why this part is so big...)

Love you all!!

2009-08-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Manti Utah Temple

So you are all wondering what those Utah cities and the movie Julie & Julia have in common? Not a lot actually. But to me I hope at the end of one year they do.

So yes, those of you who guessed right, those Utah cities all have an LDS Temple in it. Then what about the movie? Well in the movie a woman named Julie Powell took it upon herself to cook all 524 recipes from Julia Child's French cook book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in under a year, and blog about it.

So I decided I was going to find my own "Project" but was having a hard time trying to decide what to do. I don't like cooking so I wasn't going to cook. Excersize? NO WAY! Cleaning? NO! Do my hair every day? Yeah right!!

Then Branch and I were able to go the the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication last Sunday, and President Monson said that we in Utah are very lucky to be able to have so many temples around us. It kind of hit me. When we were in Dallas we only made it to the temple 3 times. How sad. Now we have so many temples around us. We have been here almost 4 months now and have walked around the Salt Lake Temple once.

So now I am announcing my Julie/Julia Project...

MY TEMPLE TRIP
I am going to be going to all 13 temples in Utah... (Logan, Ogden, Bountiful, Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper, Jordan River, American Fork, Vernal, Provo, St. George, Monticello, and Manti).

In a year. Starting soon!

I am then going to blog about my experiences. Its going to be hard especially getting to the St. George, Monticello and Vernal Temple, especially finding child care, and time, and expenses.

I am really excited about this. I really hope to learn a lot about the temple, family, my faith and the reason we are all here.

*****************************************************************************

To my friends that aren't LDS, please follow this link to learn more about temples and the reason they are so important to me.

Why These Temples by President Gordon B. Hinckley
The Holy Temple by President Boyd K. Packer
History of Temples by Elder James E. Talmage

Also if you want to learn more about the LDS CHURCH please visit the link or leave a question in my comment page. I would love to hear from you .

100th post

2009-08-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

Happy 100th post to me!
Happy 100th post to me!
Happy 100th post to me!
HAPPY 100th POST TO ME!
(sung to Happy Birthday off course)

Announcement coming soon...

2009-08-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

***No, I am not announcing a pregnancy***

What do these Utah cities (Logan, Ogden, Bountiful, Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper, Jordan River, American Fork, Vernal, Provo, St. George, Monticello, and Manti) and the movie Julie & Julia have in common?

I'll let you know later!!

My two bits.

2009-08-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

My friend Tera posted a thing on fb and I just wanted to post what I said in response to her post that said.

"is tired and overwhelmed by the continuous amount of CRAP required of a SAHM."

This week has been pretty hard. Little Miss has been teething. This moler has been the worst and her new favorite thing to do is say "NO!" and shake her head. Cute but frustrating. "Can I have a kiss?", "NO!" ....Do you want to change your stinky?", "NO!" ..."Is daddy your favorite?" "NO!" (Ok I haven't asked her that last one)

I always thought I wanted to be a Stay At Home Mom. I always pictured what a great mother and wife I would be and how my house would be in order and have well behaved kids. And then I had Little Miss. And that ALL went out the window! IT IS SO HARD! And she drives me crazy! I can't keep the house clean! And I am gaining weight (people have actually asked if I was expecting)! Which I am not. And I sometimes can't bring myself to get out of the house! And I sometimes think of going back to work!

And then I realize that this is the best thing I have EVER done! EVER! And I hope I am up to the challenge. And I am going to do my best and hope it all turns out for the best because that is all I can do. And I have the worlds best support system. Thank you Branch.

Anyway that is my two bits.

PS- I didn't mention that Tera is preggers and has a 5 years old and an 15 month old, so she is a little tired right now, but she is a wonderful mother and later wrote
"it gets better, but there are still days. I wouldn't give up being home for all the world!"

Top Ten Tuesday:Vacations

2009-08-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

My sister in law Julie has started a new post thingy were every Tuesday she is going to have a Top Ten Tuesday, where you list the top 10 on certain topics. Todays is vacations. Now I have been on a lot of vacations. I know I have, I just don't always remember them.

So here you go. Sorry no pictures. I suck I know!

1. Vegas (Jan 2004)
This is were Branch and I went on our honeymoon. Branch had never been so I loved seeing his reaction. We stayed at the Luxor and at Circus Circus. His uncles camera was stolen at The Luxor so Branch spent a lot of time on the phone with the police and insurance company. We were able to visit the temple, eat at a Filapino restaurant, and visit all the cosinos. We haven't been back since but I can't wait to go again.

2. California (don't remember)
This is my first time on an airplane. LOVED IT! We stayed at a nice hotel, went to DisneyLand. Went to Knoxberry Farm, Sea World. This is an especially loved vacation because it was the last time that my family went on a vacation before my parents split. I will always remember it. I will always cherish it.

3. Utah-Panquitch
I consider these vacations. We went to Utah a lot when I was younger to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. I loved going there. My grandma Metta was one of my favorite people because she made me feel so special. We would always perform shows for her and she would just laugh and laugh. I haven't been there in a while either. I need to go.

4. Utah-Lehi
I loved going to visit my grandparents in Lehi. I wanted to live in Lehi. I was upset when my parents wouldn't move there. My grandparents had a cool drinking fountain in there kitchen, a spiral staircase and a swing set in the backyard. A lot of family on my mothers side lived there, including my cousing Tonya, and we would spend almost every waking second with each other. We seriously need to have a Girls Night Out!

5. Girls Weekend (all of them)
We get together ever year (the girls in my family) and just spend a couple of days together. We relax, we eat, we laugh, we cry. I look forward to it every year. I love that it is growing and we have such a strong bond because of it. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for those girls!

6. Vegas (various)
My mom took us on vacations a lot. But my favorite place that we went was Vegas. It was SOO COOL! And so big. I loved the food. I loved the sounds. I loved the lights. I love the playrooms! So much fun. I onlly have good memories of Vegas.

7. Bear Lake
Believe it or not but I use to go camping a lot and I liked it. Now I don't know how I feel about it. Anyway, my dad took us camping a lot and we went to Bear Lake a lot when I was a kid. We would always stay in the same spot, well almost always. We would stay in the pop up trailer. How we survived with 7 of us in that trailer, I will never know. We would fish, we would take by the camp fire. Liz had a good sleep talking experience once. She started screaming "A BEAR! A BEAR! She stepped on my dads stomach trying to get to the door. "A BEAR! There is a bear in here! A BEAR!" And we always played 31. My favorite game.

8. Utah-(Christmas 2008)
My family is probably wondering why I have added this as one of my favorite vacations. At the it was one of my worst times of my life. I was so sick. 13 days in the hospital proved that. Having to stop breastfeeding Little Miss cold turkey proved that. One Lifeflight, 3 ambulance rides, 3 days in a coma, four ER visits, and two months away from Branch proved that. But it was "the best of times" too. I got to spend so much time with my family and got to see their love for me, for us. They got to help us take care of Little Miss and get to know her in a special way. That time and that love shared I will never EVER forget. THANK YOU ALL. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Ok, that is not 10 and that isn't all of y favorite memories but that is what you are getting tonight. Hope you enjoyed it.

2009-08-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

I haven't been out of the house in THREE days. Ok, I have but not really. So I am starting to go a little stir crazy. And I can't find my phone. I need my phone so I can call Branch and tell him to go to Arby's on the way home. They have a free sandwich today an I haven't done much today. **I am a dork, I forgot I plugged in my phone in my room. Stupid battery. All of a sudden it only last about half a day, anyway luckily my MIL was on facebook, so I messaged her and she called me! So I have my phone back. I do feel bad though because the whole time I was wondering what mysterious thing Little Miss did with it! Bad mommy!**

Little Miss has been sick the last couple of days, or as she says "I kick". Poor girl she has thrown up so much in the last couple of days. It has been so sad because other than the throwing up she has been pretty normal. Except she has taken more naps than usual, and longer, and she starts to cry at the things that normally wouldn't phase her. We also missed lunch with grandma grandma and my sisters birthday bbq.

And for anyone who cares. This weeks journal jar question is "What is your quilty pleasure?" Is it chocolate that you don't share, is it reading when you should be cleaning, what is it?

July...

2009-07-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

So a lot has happened this month. So much so that I don't even have the energy to write about it now, but I will. But it was a great month full of family, fun, and lots of on the go!

I do want to say that I have the worlds best husband. We (Little Miss and I) were gone a lot this month and he never complained. I appreciate everything he does for this family. Thank you!! Also, you know you are in love when you meet for lunch at Sam's Club and eat their cheap food and love it! We use to go the Sam's Club in Dallas all the time and would call it a date. I miss that and am finally able to do it again with Branch because they finally finished the renovation at our Sam's.

Birthdays...

2009-06-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

I just want to start out with this declaration...

I LOVE MY LIFE!

This birthday for me is pretty special this year for several reasons. First, is because I get to spend this time with family. Last year I was in Texas and Branch was in school so it wasn't too grand an affair, but this year there is so much family around it is AWESOME! Second, I am so lucky to be alive. After my health scare last Christmas I realize now more how important life is and I truly am blessed. And finally, presents...no just joking, I am just in a happy place right now. And I have all my family and friends to thank for that. So thank you all. You guys, especially you Little Miss and Branch, are the best presents anyone could ask for. Thank you!

TEAM RYAN!

2009-06-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW A
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE?

IF YOU ARE PLEASE PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS POST ON MY SISTER-IN-LAWS POST.

EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT PLEASE CHECK IT OUT HERE!

My thoughts on TV

2009-06-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

+++Random post about tv+++

*I am kind of annoyed at Jon and Kate. So completely bummed out that they are seperating but annoyed. They needed to quit the show and work on their marriage. They knew what they were up against and then add the pressure of the show. And their wedding vow renewal. What a bunch of balogna. I just read a report that they have been having trouble for two years now and so that whole thing was a sham. And a shame. That and I can't stand her hair. I watched the confession episode and I am now done.

*I am all for women breastfeeding in public. Not the plop it out and expose yourself breastfeeding but the cover it up breastfeeding. That being said I was watching "18 kids and counting" yesterday and Michelle Dugger was reading a story to a bunch of kindergarteners while breastfeeding! Yes she was covered (it is the Duggers after all ) but that was a little weird. After having Little Miss I realize that there were steps that could have been taken so that she didn't have to do that. And why is it that she keeps that hairstyle?

*I hope Lou Diamond Phillips wins "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of HERE!", though it makes me want to watch "La Bamba". Patti Blagovich was actually pretty cool, but her husband is a snake, and he has weird hair.

*We have comcast now and it is awesome because we can get last Conferences talks. I have watched one or two a day and it is really nice to be able to do that. We also have DVR and I don't think Branch or I will ever rent a movie again except certain new releases.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

To all the fathers in my life. I love you so much. Thank you for all that you do!

Especially you Branch.

PS-Sorry that I haven't been posting pictures lately. We put all of our pictures on an external hard drive and I don't know how to get to it so as soon as I figure that out there will be pictures galore. I will post a cute video of Little Miss telling daddy "Happy" "Daddy" "Day!" So stinking cute!

Journal Jar-Saving Money

2009-06-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

With the economy how it is, and especially because we will soon have to be paying off student loans and a house we are trying our best to save money in any way we can think of. So todays journal jar question is:

What are some of my money saving techniques? How do I save money?

*Saturday is free fishing day in the state of Utah, so I told Branch and he is now going fishing with some of his family. I told him that he had to at least bring home a fish this time for dinner!(He has caught fish before but only brought home dinner once or twice).

*I am starting to coupon. I have really gotten into recently though I am still not good at it but I have already saved $80 in two shopping trips! How cool is that. We will have student loans to pay off and eventually we want a house so a penny saved is a penny earned. I have been keeping track of what I have saved and I am thinking about every month putting what I saved (which before I would have just given the store before I started couponing) and putting it in a separate bank account. That will be our emergency money. I think it is a good savings idea!

*We very very rarely eat out without a coupon anymore. Newspapers and even flyers have coupons all the time for restaurants. Most of the time we have never been to that restaurant before so not only do we get to go somewhere new but we save by doing it. (Not all the time though, sometimes when you have never been to a restaurant you don't know the prices originally! So that means sometimes we spend more, but we actually spend less than if we hadn't had a coupon! If that makes sense...) Even when we don't have a coupon, that means we are at McDonald's or something like that, most places have children s menus or even dollar menus. Awesomeness.

*Speaking of coupons. There are people out there that actually figure out ways to buy things using coupons and promotions and catalinas and everything and then blog about it. They tell you what to buy where to get the coupons and how much out of pocket it will be. My favorite money saving blog is krazycouponlady.blogspot.com.

*Deseret Industries. I will be able to stock up for Little Miss at about a $1 a purchase there. You can't go to any other store and walk out with 3 shirts, a pair of pants, and 3 shoes for $8. I love DI.

*Redbox. You get one free movie code a month. Cool. And when you don't have a code they are just a dollar a night so really cheap.

*Little Miss and I went to the Murray Library and get a library card. We got three movies for me and a book of colors for her. For free. Nice.

Tidbits

2009-06-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

So, we have the internet now! YEAH! A lot of stuff happened the last couple of weeks.

*Branch starts his residency today. It is such a BEAUTIFUL office. I am excited for him and can't wait for him to come home and tell me all about it. Actually, I was a little sad when Branch left this morning because we have had a wonderful month of family time. I am not complaining because Branch was so lucky to get this residency I just miss him. He had been gone 4 hours and I miss him. Visit the company website to see this great place.

*We bought a season pass to Hogle Zoo. We have made 3 trips so far and will definitely be going often through out the summer and because it is open all year long we are so excited about the purchase. It was only $90 dollars for our entire family for a year! And we can get a guest in free every time too. Anyone want to go to the zoo?
-Saturday at the zoo we were looking at the mountain goats and the male goat was standing on his hind legs reaching for leaves on a tree and a girl closeby asked her dad if that goat was having a baby. He laughed and said "No, that is a boy goat. You can see his jiggly wigglys?" The girl said "Oh! So that one (pointing towards the other goat) must be a girl because she has no jiggly wigglys!"

*We want DirectTV because we found a great deal for internet and tv. We were going to get it last Wednesday. Do we have tv? NOOOO. we have a line-of-site problem. The apartment complex has strict rules about were dishes can go, which we don't have a problem with except that we would have perfect reception except for the dead tree that is blocking the signal. The front office says the are planning on cutting it down. But other than that no help at all. So we called the corporate office who said to call them if the front office is unable to assist you. Have they gotten back to us? NOOOO. DirectTV was suppose to send someone to to verify that it is a line-of-site problem within 48 hours. Have we had anyone over yet? NOOOO. It is turning into a big joke actually.

*We walked to church yesterday. The church building is within a couple minute walk. Then we found out that we aren't in the ward that goes to that building. Oh no, we pass that church and another church to get to our ward building. Kind of annoying becuase that building is literally right across the street from our building. Oh well. Then they had combined RS/Priesthood in the chapel so it was 3 hours in the chapel and Little Miss did not appreciate that.

*When we visited GR last week we signed up for and competed in a 5K. (See my previous post). Branch, Becky and I walked and Little Miss rolled along. Guess who came in dead last? Yours truly. Dang proud of it too! I won a dozen roses. Branch (who was second to last) won third place in his age group for those that walked. He won a month membership at a fitness place in RS. Looks like we are going to be going to GR a lot! No actually, we are going up for Flaming Gorge Days (and the parade!)

Well, that is about all I can think of right now.

Talk to you later!

Busy busy busy

2009-05-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

I know another week of no journal jar. Sorry Julie. Sorry mom! I have been busy. I will have to tell you about it later though. I did complete a 5k today. What did you do? Keith Young, a former counselor in the Stake Presidency passed a way a year ago today and his family celebrated his memory with a Memorial Run (well a walk too) Anyway, it was amazing so check out his webpage to learn more about SADS, which is what he passed away from here.
Or check out these Deseret News article here.

Other than that we have been unpacking, visiting the zoo, hanging with family and visiting Green River. Busy busy busy.

JJ-10 years

2009-05-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I suck about doing the Journal Jar. It stinks having no internet and having to bum it off other people! Oh well, we are in Utah and that is all that matters!

"Where do you see yourself in 10 years?"

Thinking about this made me feel kind of old and knowing in 10 years I will be 36. I know that is not old but that number just seems big...old....

Ok anyway, in 10 years I will be 36 as we previously mentioned. Branch will be 37. He will have been working in the P&O field for 10 years and hopefully close to opening his own practice, if he already hasn't opened one. I see myself with two more children and living in Provo/Orem or Spanish Fork (I LOVE their wide streets!) Oh yeah we will have a house and it will be awesome..I will be serving in the YW program :). Little Miss won't be so little. She will be 11 years old in 5th grade or 6th. Now that is crazy! And I am thinking that Little One #2 will be 8ish and Little One #3 will be 5ish. I don't know about that??? We will see. I will have gotten my degree in Sign Language. My favorite color will be pink and my favorite candy will be something that hasn't been invented yet. I will also be "green" and drive a very environmentaly friendly car and our house will be very environmentally friendly too.

What about you?

2009-05-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

These are just a couple of mother's I know that have taught me so much!

Mom, Grandma L, Becky, Grandma H, ALL my aunts and Cousings, Sarah, Liz, Helen, Julie, Amy A., Becky K., Beth S., Brooke C., Chloe R., Emily W., Emily M., Jaclyn D., Jenn S., Krystle R., Lindsay C., Lindsay H., Meredith, Necha, Sammy D. (Hope that baby comes soon!), Tera D.,

and all those who I love and respect whose name I didn't put on here, I am thinking of you!

Thank you all! Happy Mother's Day!

Especially Happy Mother's Day to my mother. I know this Christmas was really hard for everyone, but now that I am a mother I can feel that pain you must have felt when you saw me in acoma and so very sick. Thanks for being "my nurse". Thanks for everything! Thanks for taking care of Little Miss and I when I couldn't.

We love you!

Becky, You gave me the best gift in the world. Your son! Thank You! Thank You!Thank You! Thank You! He is my everything and has made me so happy! I couldn't have asked for a better husband and father!

We love you!

To my sisters Sarah, Liz, Helen and Julie! My best friends. You are the type of mother I am trying to be! Love you! See you in July!

JJ-oops!

2009-05-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I just now realized it was Friday and I forgot to do the Journal Jar! Sorry, I would do it now but I am really tired so it isn't going to happen. But I will give the question to those of you who want to know.

"Where do you see yourself in 10 years?"

Have fun!

2009-05-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS

BRANCH!

Two years of hard work and you are now
done! You did an awesome job and
we are so stinking proud of you!

LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Journal Jar is BACK!

2009-05-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

I know you guess have been missing my journal jar questions...right? Oh well if you haven't. I lost my blogging desire when I was sick and I am now just getting it back. I want to do something fun for the first journal jar so I think I have a good one.

If they were making a movie of your life, who would play the parts of your family? (I am doing three different ages *teens, now and later*, you don't have to if you don't want to*

For my teens I think that Miley Cyrus would play me. She has big gums like me and she is pretty like me (wink, wink) and Zac Epron would play Branch. And it would be a musical... not just kidding, but "Branch" would sing.

And now for me now, I would have Jenna Fischer play me, Branch would be played by John Krasinksi , an Little Miss by Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.

My favorite is Jim and Pam as Branch and I? Pure HEAVEN!

There is no one as cute as Little Miss but Shiloh would be ok in the part.

Finally, who would play us in our older years?

This one is hard but I am thinking that maybe Drew Barrymore would play me and Steve Carell would play Branch. Can you tell I am a fan of The Office? I think Ann Hathaway would be a perfect older Little Miss.

Perfect casting if I do say so myself. The title you ask? Extraordinarily Ordinary. I like it!

OH MY GOODNESS!

2009-04-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

So I had a oh my goodness moment just a minute ago. I know in my head that we are moving in 9 days. But we were talking about the rest of Branch's schedule and this is how it went mostly.

Me: So what is your schedule like this week?
Branch: Well on Friday I take my first final...yadda, yadda, yadda...so today was the last day of "learning" I had.
M:No you still have a week of learning then you have finals.
B: No, I start my finals on Friday then my last day of Finals is Wednesday.
M:No, you have another week! Today is the 28th, your last final is the 6th
B: Yeah, next Wednesday!
M: No, you have another learning week!
B: Let me show you on a calender
--gets out cell phone, shows me
See, final on 1st, last one on the 6th
M: No...eyes really wide... HOLY CRAP!
B: You leave next Thursday!
M: HOLY CRAP!

So, yes I knew we are moving soon but that was seriously a moment there that kind of freaked me out because it made it more serious. In fact, Little Miss and I just went to Branch's Senior Paper Presentation. Tera and I and the kiddos stayed for Allens and Branchs and then we high tailed it out of there.

We went to El Finex, a really good Mexican restaurant here, and waited for the Boys. I thought it was appropriate that we went to this restaurant. It was the first restaurant that we went to when I moved down here with Branch's class and now it is probably the last restaurant we will go to with Branch's classmate. It is so weird, I never thought I would miss Dallas, but I am going to. I really am.

Restaurant.com

2009-04-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

I follow a blog called Krazy Coupon Lady and she has an awesome post today about RESTAURANT.COM. They post a lot everyday so you might have to scroll down.

Restaurant.com is having an 80% off sale! For a $25 gift card, originally $10, you can get it for $2! I just bought $65 worth of gift cards, that would originally cost $22 but with the 80% off I saved $17.60. My total for $65---$4.40---

Click on the link to her post, to read her blurb just in case you are new to restaurant.com.

Go! Go now!

Pictures and more pictures

2009-04-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

I have been told that I need to post pictures and it is true. Sorry I have been sucky about posting it just has been really crazy around here with moving and everything. Branch also has a blog and he tends to post all the good pictures before I do. But I will post more later I promise Julie! And these are a little random. Sorry.

I had LASIK this Wednesday. The school offered a REALLY good deal that we couldn't
pass up so this is the last picture of me blind.

This is the picture of me after surgery.
Very sexy.
But hey I can see now. And that is cool.

Little Miss playing with Daddy. She kept honking his nose.
So cute!
Little Miss recently had herfirst birthday and her first birthday cake.
She loves chocolate

Smart girl. Little genius. She gets it from me I think.

Playing with her plastic doggy she pulls on a string.
She loves carrying him around too.

She sat down in a basket today and got stuck.
It was hilarious.
I could have helped her out but I just laughed and took a picture.

The next three pictures of of Little Miss in bluebonnets. Blue Bonnets are the Texas State Flower and apparently it is against the law to have Little Miss born in Texas and not have her picture in the Blue Bonnets. I didn't want to mess with no Texas law so we did before we left.

They turned out cute so it was ok.

Ok. So there I posted some pictures. Happy now? I am.

Little Miss update...

2009-04-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a year since Little Miss came into our lives. She has really changed our lives for the better. Check out Branch's blog to see her cute birthday video and pictures of her in the bluebonnets. So cute!

Here is an update on her. Sorry if it sounds like I am bragging...which I am a little bit...I'm her mom I can't help it.

*Has been walking since 9 1/2 months.

*She has a large vocabulary (Momma, Mom, mommy, dada, daddy, dad, ducky, kitty, doggy, puppy, no, yeah! why? What?, boon (balloon), ball, nanana (banana and food in general), baba (bottle), cookie, doctor, "jews" (for juice and shoes, though it is getting better), tickle, WOW!, Hi, bye-bye, yummy, stinky, thank you. She is starting to pick up a lot of words that I can't even keep up with it!

*Really friendly and can play with the big kids.

*HATES sitting still, when in stroller she leans forward, wants to get out. She is always pointing at something, saying WOW!

*Has a courtesy laugh. When Branch and I are talking and laughing or if there is a laugh on the tv or radio she will laugh with it, or if we aren't paying attention to her she will laugh, thus bringing the attention back to where it should be.

*Can't wait to get her own room. This sleeping in the dining room stinks to high heavens.

*After moving to Utah she will Get to see cousin E a lot more and grandmas and grandpas. She won't know what to do with herself.

*Recognizes pictures of her grandmas. She even calls them "Mama!" and kisses the pictures. Calls grandpas "Poppys".

*LOVES powdered donuts and anything we are eating.

*Gets into everything!

By the way, I am getting Lasiks this Wednesday. I am starting to get a little nervous so pray for me please!

1 Year OLD!

2009-04-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

*********Pictures to come later. Sorry!*********

Happy Happy Birthday Little Miss Dear!
Happy Days will come to you all year.
If I had a wish, then it would be...
A Happy Happy Birthday from Us to YOU!

Little Miss, we were so excited to learn you were coming into our lives. When you made it here, we knew our lives would never be the same, for the better. You have brought so much love into our lives, so much happiness, and even some tears. We love you SO MUCH and we are so excited for all the years to come.

WE LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!

Free Stuff!

2009-04-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

I love free stuff. Free food tastes better. Free entertainment is more entertaining. Free cloths fit better. I even had a free nights stay in a $100 plus hotel room once and I slept better. Ok that last one was a lie. Anyway, I follow this website called Walletpop and they have a fabulous section called Fantastic Freebies. Most of the freebies you have to fill out information like addresses and phone numbers for companies to send samples so I don't do those ones but they have a really cool one today.

*Toys R Us. Saturday 12-2. Free gifts and fun activities for the kiddos.
*The Home Depot. Saturday 9-Noon. Learn to make a free birdhouse.
*Michaels. Don't know 'cause it won't show me!

**The coolest one is that you can download 120 full length songs for free from the Megabloks site. Click here to get to the site. I haven't done it yet but will as soon as banch gets home. I am so excited! Do you think free music will be sweeter to listen too?

Heroes

2009-03-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

It is crazy that all we seem to hear about anymore on the news is the economy, violence or sex. It is so scary that in fact sometimes the good stories aren't heard or seen.

That is why I was so moved by the story I read of Somchai Yoosabai a Thai firefighter who helped save an autistic boy from a third story ledge by dressing as his hero, Spiderman. You will be amazed by this story too.

The link is http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29875894/?GT1=43001 or just click here.

Have you heard any great stories lately?

YES!!!

2009-03-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

So for those of you out there who haven't heard our good news, here it is.

Branch recieved a call from Hanger and was offered a residency in SLC! He starts June 1st!
WE ARE MOVING HOME!

While Dallas has been great to us and we have learned a lot here and definitely grown up a lot, we are excited to be closer to our families. We are so excited for this opportunity and for everything it means to our family. So that means two more months here. Actually less than two months. Crazy!

***I am soooooooo excited!!***

This Sunday!

2009-03-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been three months since I have been warm, so I decided that it is finally time to come on home to Dallas. That is right..get out the banners, the confetti and especially the cupcakes (hey, I lost a lot of weight so I need all the stuff I can get) because WE ARE COMING HOME this Sunday!

Finally, to sleep in my own bed...

(PS- We still don't know how the interview went with Hanger and it is KILLING ME! ARGH the stress!! But we will let you all know!!)

He's HERE!

2009-03-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

Branch flew in Friday, and we are excited he is here with us once again. Never again will I be without him for that length of time. That is the second time I have spent an extended time apart from him and both sucked but this time especially because of Little Miss.

It was really neat to watch her because it is like he never left. She is so in love with her daddy and he is in love with her. It is wonderful to be together again as family

Branch interviews on Tuesday at Hanger P&O. Please pray for him. This opportunity will be so great for him and for us to be closer to family. Hopefully soon we will know soon were we are going to be for at least the next 2 years.

How it all started

2009-02-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

I am going to be writing a little bit at a time about what happened to me when I got meningitis. Sorry to my readers (the few of you out there that aren't family) I hope this isn't boring but it is something I have been wanting to do for some time now and I finally have a couple of minutes to write about it!

I also ask that my family and friends that want to add comments or tell me what they remember about that time please, please, please do. I was not fully with it during most of December so I may get some facts wrong or may remember differently then what actually happened. So here we go.
_______
I had been feeling great, nothing to make me think I was going to be getting really sick soon so one night I think it was December 4th or so I woke up around to or so in the morning with my left ear hurting and an intense pressure behind my right eye. Great! So I actually went to sleep on the couch because I just knew I wouldn't be able to fall asleep again on the bed. About 20 minutes or so after lying there I realized I really needed to use the bathroom and decided to take some Ibuprofen to help with the ear ache and eye ache. Well, after lying on the couch again for 20 minutes or so I realized that I needed to either use the bathroom again or throw up. I did both and I was so mad. I went crawling from the bathroom to the bedroom, touch Branch and told him I had just thrown up. I couldn't pull myself up to the bed so he helped me and went to go sleep on the couch and left me with the garbage can just in case. Twenty minutes later I needed it and sleeping on the bed wasn't going to cut it. I actually ended up falling asleep in our love chair sitting up because my head hurt to much and throwing up every time I moved. I got like 4 hours of sleep that night. Branch thought I was throwing up because I had taken Ibuprofen on an empty stomach and I was freaking out because I thought I was pregnant!

That day I actually googled ear ache and eye pain and it said meningitis was a possible thing that it could be so I asked my mom, who is a nurse if it could be meningitis but at that time I could touch my chin to my chest so she really didn't think so.

I felt fine for about 3 days and then had a rough night, felt fine for a few days, then had a rough night. Finally a few days before we were scheduled to leave I go see doctor at one of these clinics for poor people and they said I had fluid in both ears, gave me samples of some medicine and sent me on my way. I felt fine for a few days until we got to my dads house and missed church and seeing basketball player Shawn Bradley who is in my dad's ward because I was sick. We went to Green River, felt fine for a few days and got sick. So my moms doctor who said I had fluid in my ears, gave me a different medicine and sent me on my way. We then went to Utah, we were staying at my sister and brother-in-laws house when all the fun really began.
_______

Throughout this I have seen so many blessings. I am so thankful that Little Miss was taking formula so well. I had to stop breastfeeding because of some the medication. I was so blessed to have Branch around and other family members who were able to take care of Little Miss when I just couldn't do it. We almost didn't come for Christmas so we were so blessed to be near family.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

2009-02-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

As most of you know I had a rough December. When I saw this joke I just had to laugh. It is from a Medical Bloopers once a day calendar.

A young boy's mother told me he had had "smilin' mighty Jesus."

From the child's record I found that he had been hospitalized for viral meningitis.

I thought it was funny because I kept saying I had Spinal Meningitis, when it is really Viral Meningitis.

Funny Stuff.

You think that is Un-American? We'' "I'm Sorry!"

2009-01-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

I use to think Tom Hanks was awesome. He could do no wrong. The truth is is that he is an amazing actor. Incredible actor. He deserves the acting accolades he has received. But he's a jerk. A pretty big one too. This is what he said a couple of days ago. "The truth is a lot of Mormons gave a lot of money to the church to make Prop-8 happen," Hanks told Foxnews.com in Los Angeles last Wednesday. "There are a lot of people who feel that is un-American, and I am one of them."

I thought the churches response was awesome. And cutting. And I hope he feels more than sorry because of what he said. "Expressing an opinion in a free and democratic society is as American as it gets."

Now with his tail between his legs, he issued a statement through his publicist (what Tom, couldn't face us "un-American" Mormons?) that said he was sorry. Last week, I labeled members of the Mormon church who supported California's Proposition 8 as "un-American." I believe Proposition 8 is counter to the promise of our Constitution; it is codified discrimination. But everyone has a right to vote their conscience – nothing could be more American. To say members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who contributed to Proposition 8 are "un-American" creates more division when the time calls for respectful disagreement. No one should use "un- American" lightly or in haste. I did. I should not have.
Sincerely,
Tom Hanks.

I truely hope he is sorry. He shouldn't have said it. I know we all say things that we don't mean but this is getting RIDICULOUS! Two high ranking Mormons in the entertainment industry have already lost there job because of there position on Prop 8. How is that American Tom? I want to know. Please tell me. People are picketing the LDS church because of their involvement in Prop 8. I do not see them picketing ANY of the other THOUSANDS of churches and organizations that lended MILLIONS of dollars to Prop 8. How is that American Tom? I want to know. Please tell me. How come I can't have my opinion about marriage. The same opinion about marriage that has been around for thousands of years and millions of people past, present, and future believe? Tom, do you want to answer that? Please.

Please answer me Tom. First because that would mean you actually read my blog and that would be cool. But mostly because I want to regain my faith in you again. And not just you. I have always been a fan of movies and no matter what any of you actors, directors, ect. think, I do look up to you. Don't be suprized. You know it and you all have known it. Why do you think you wanted to be an actor. Can't I gain my trust in Hollywood again or is it gone?

Oh Tom...