tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49387533275281758842024-03-13T15:01:56.423-06:00The Laundry Racistsmrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-32521396864327693752018-06-13T06:34:00.001-06:002018-06-13T06:34:23.641-06:00May in Evansville<br />
May in Evansville meant an average temperature of 70 degree weather, and a chance of rain occuring at least once a week. We were able to make weekly trips to the library and take our bike out for a ride almost weekly, but with so much rain that meant there were also plenty of puddles to jump in.<br />
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<u>Some significant events that occurred this month were:</u><br />
-We biked to the church and back (a 4.2 mile trip one way)!<br />
-We celebrated Mother's day by starting a garden<br />
-Genelle's and I performed in a small dance performance on the 18th<br />
-We made a family trip out to St. Louis over Memorial Weekend (to see the zoo)<br />
-We visited 3 new parks and 2 lakes (Audubon Park, Smothers Park in Owensboro, Boonville City Lake/Park, and Scales Lake Park)!<br />
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We are excited to see all that June has in store for us!mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-52751970225034896792018-05-02T19:01:00.003-06:002018-05-02T19:02:53.547-06:00April in EvansvilleI plan to share all the adventures that our family have experienced over the past couple of months here in the Midwest, but first here's a little sample of how the last 30 days went... Enjoy!<br />
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<br />mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-78166118953299177782018-04-30T16:15:00.001-06:002018-04-30T16:18:12.286-06:00Evansville, IndianaLast December we moved across the United States to a lesser known part of Indiana called... Evansville.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQck423G4OK7ZX5FRst49qAyA8UP_Ot89NXr-XiLhTNLsvpRT0n4FlQ3Obr3DtKycLaxM889PHQfrZB-v8dhuJ5NIzBUdb76HCE87OqhYRJfXcXIyLQTutImS7IccGaDxc7ZUnf8tCVs/s1600/United-states-map-with-state-outlines.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1447" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQck423G4OK7ZX5FRst49qAyA8UP_Ot89NXr-XiLhTNLsvpRT0n4FlQ3Obr3DtKycLaxM889PHQfrZB-v8dhuJ5NIzBUdb76HCE87OqhYRJfXcXIyLQTutImS7IccGaDxc7ZUnf8tCVs/s640/United-states-map-with-state-outlines.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Due to the large distance between us and the majority of our family I thought it appropriate to start up this blog again in order to help our family members know what's going on in our lives (complete with pictures). I hope you enjoy the upcoming photos and stories of our adventures here in the Midwest. We certainly are. 😁mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-44622818636250201142014-08-01T16:00:00.001-06:002023-09-12T12:14:55.758-06:00Down SouthThroughout May and part of June we were traveling down south to Hurricane, Henderson and California almost every weekend. Looking back it was quite expensive for us to be traveling so much, particularly since we had just moved into a new apartment and were trying to adjust to the increased costs associated with that. But it was worth it to spend so much time with family!<br />
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<b>Highlights from the trip</b></div>
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1. Birthday nachos as big as Genelle! (April 26th)</div>
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2. Discovering Genelle's first two teeth popping through (Memorial Day Weekend)</div>
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3. Seeing and holding Ida Jane for the first time (Father's Day Weekend)</div>
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4. Genelle really chowing down on food for the first time (May 31st)</div>
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5. Genelle's first time in the pool (April 26th)</div>
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6. Seeing family (EVERYTIME)</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157645544220147" title="Trips down South"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3915/14754930862_cc36ed4f0b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Trips down South"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-13209391527745270052014-07-30T14:00:00.001-06:002023-09-12T12:14:22.565-06:00A Hess Family ReunionIn May all of Mike's siblings, and their families, got together for a little family reunion in Burbank, California --his home town.<br />
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Thanks to their family friend, Cynthia Eccles, all of the family from out of town were able to stay in the same condo throughout our stay.<br />
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It was so much fun to see everyone and hold/kiss all the new grandkids! We certainly can't wait to see everyone again!<br />
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<b style="text-align: center;">Highlights from the trip</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">1. Trying the Apollo breakfast burrito for the first time --loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">2. Seeing/kissing/holding Areta for the first time!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">3. Seeing/kissing/holding Miles for the first time!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">4. Getting a professional massage with all the ladies (also for the first time)</span></div>
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5. Having Jamberry nails applied by Susan (and my hair braided by her too)</div>
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6. Experiencing the glorious cooking of SMP Catering (Steve Marshall Productions)</div>
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7. Chilling at the pool with Genelle and the rest of the fam!</div>
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8. Seeing Marilyn (Genelle's Grandma Hess) in a bathing suit for the first time! (She looked gooood!)<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157645959862964" title="Hess Family Reunion '14"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2902/14568195797_d864354270.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hess Family Reunion '14"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-17821607193875917472014-07-28T10:00:00.000-06:002014-07-28T10:00:00.488-06:00A Working Mom: "P is for Pumping"As I described in my last post there were several worries I had in returning to work. One of them was pumping.<br />
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You see, when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in March, 2010 <a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/Sec7rFLSA_btnm.htm">an amendment</a> was made to the Fair Labor Standards Act dictating that:<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 3px;">
An employer shall provide—</div>
<ol style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; padding-left: 16px;" type="A">
<li style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 4px;">a reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for 1 year after the child’s birth each time such employee has need to express the milk; and</li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 4px;">a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.</li>
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What a great and essential amendment! However, this piece of good fortune does you no good if you work for a company with <a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/Sec7rFLSA_btnm.htm">fewer than 50 employees</a>. In which case the employer is under no such obligation, if it would cause undo hardship to them.<br />
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As I work for a start-up company with a fluctuating employee count. My situation does not give me the right to ask for a quiet place to pump while I am at work.</div>
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But it never hurts to ask, so I approached my boss before coming back to the office, about where I might be able to pump, if I would be required to clock-out during the process, and how much time I may be warranted to complete the process.</div>
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Unfortunately my boss was more or less at a loss of answers as I was. We didn't have much space so he didn't know where I could pump (although he generously offered to compensate me for the time I take to pump), nor was he aware of the suggested time allotted for pumping. In the end he decided that however long it took me would be acceptable to him, and although there may be some coworkers uncomfortable with me storing the expressed milk in the community fridge that would be acceptable to him. </div>
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After talking with my boss I realized I would need a plan of attack, come my first full day of work. And so I devised a plan to walk over to the most likely of places to have a room I could use and ask to borrow one. Since our offices are right across the street from the city's public library I decided to go there. I knew they had study rooms so I steeled myself to the notion of checking one out on a daily basis, for my pumping needs. I knew those rooms had outlets, and I could easily set aside some time every day to go there, so I convinced myself that would be the best plan of action.</div>
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My first day back at the office came and although I knew my strategy was a good one I was nervous, so I waited until I could not stand it any longer then I walked over to the Library. </div>
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Immediately after walking in I noticed the "No Food or Drink Allowed" signs posted all around. I tried to ignore the signs, as I didn't have much choice but to disobey the signs, and proceeded to the Main Librarian's desk. She didn't question my need of a study room, and walked me over to the right room without any hesitation. When I arrived however, I faltered as there were windows, from the ceiling to the floor, just to the left of the door, looking into the study room. How was I supposed to pump in here? Knowing that anyone could look in on me and see that I was disobeying one of the main cardinal rules of the library? No, this room wasn't going to do. I quickly walked back and thanked the librarian for her time and said I wouldn't be needing the study room after all.</div>
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By now I was close to tears, knowing that if I didn't find a place to pump I would not have anything to give our sitter for Genelle to eat the following day. So I started back out the library to think. As I was leaving I looked across the building at the Children's section of the library. </div>
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As if a lightbulb had turned on, the thought came to me that of any section of the library, the Children's area would have a high rate of lactating mothers visiting. So I wandered over to the librarian's desk in that department, hopeful that they might have some type of room available for nursing mothers to use.</div>
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The librarian on duty was reading quietly to herself when I walked up. After a moment she looked up, and I asked her if the Children's section had any room available to accommodate mothers in need of nursing child. I'm sure she must have been slightly confused at my answer as there was no such child with me, but she answered anyways, dictating that their story-telling room to the right could be used, as well as their space in the back. </div>
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Those statements were exactly what I needed to hear.</div>
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With a shaky breath I told her of my situation and asked if there was any way she could help me out.</div>
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She said yes.</div>
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Since that day I've been going to the library on a regular basis, using whichever room the sweet Children's librarians might have available for me to use. </div>
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It isn't a perfect situation. Multiple times during my pumping session little hands will jingle the doorknobs of the room I'm in, frightening me half to death that they might come bursting in. And every now and then, a busy librarian, or oblivious volunteer walk in on me. But more often than not I'm blessed with a room to call my own for 15-20 minutes where I'm at peace to express the milk that my sweet baby girl needs. </div>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-54321272638710464092014-07-27T00:21:00.000-06:002014-07-27T00:21:02.289-06:00A Working MomAs some of you may be aware, on January 6th, 2014 I returned back to work full-time. Genelle was not quite 3 months old, but my 12 weeks of maternity leave were up and our family needed the funds and so back into the office I went.<br />
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The choice to return to work was both a difficult and an easy one.<br />
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Difficult, because, as you can imagine, I knew I would miss being with my new baby girl all day. There were a lot of worries on my mind with my return to work including:<br />
-missing out on milestones<br />
-not being able to comfort her when she's sad, hurt or hungry<br />
-her not getting the care or attention I think she deserves<br />
-her not eating enough, getting changed often enough, or being intellectually stimulated<br />
-who would watch her<br />
-would I be able to concentrate at work (because of how exhausted I might be, or how emotionally wrought I might be)<br />
-where could I pump<br />
-would I pump enough milk<br />
-would I need to work extra to make up for time taken to pump<br />
-will I be able to get enough hours in<br />
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Easy because:<br />
-I had missed the grown-up non-baby central conversations I had had before Genelle was born<br />
-I had missed being challenged intellectually<br />
-I needed some time away from the house (which I had felt stuck in for the past 3 months)<br />
-I knew our family would not survive financially without the extra funds<br />
-and I needed a break from all the responsibilities of being a mom.<br />
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Honestly most of the worries I had when I first went back to work still plague me even after being "back in the saddle" for the past 6 months. However, as I just shared, there is no doubt in my mind that I need to be at work. Because without that extra paycheck our family would be dependent upon the government, and others, for the basic necessities, and I cannot bring myself to let my baby girl's needs/wants be determined by anyone else but me.<br />
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My short experience so far has embedded in me a deep sense of gratitude, not only for all the mothers in my life, but all the mothers who have had to deal with less than perfect circumstances (like divorce, or the need for two working parents) because I understand a little bit more now the sacrifice that one must make for the good of your family.<br />
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So thank you Moms for all you do! You are wonderful just the way you are, and although you may not always get the thanks you deserve, know that your sacrifices are noticed and you are loved and treasured.mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-2932672769525547932014-05-09T11:29:00.001-06:002023-09-12T12:13:33.331-06:00A Mini Vacation with FriendsTowards the end of Genelle's sixth month we decided to go on a little vacation to the Oregon Coast. It was beautiful and so much fun!! The water was too cold to put Genelle in, but she had a ball hanging out with our friends over at <a href="http://kassandrew.blogspot.com/">My Life of Checked Boxes</a>!<br />
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<b>Highlights from the trip</b></div>
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1. Waking up to see/hear/smell the Ocean EVERY MORNING!!<br />
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2. Seeing all the green and brown loveliness that is Oregon<br />
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3. Getting to see and touch Sea Stars and Anemone during low tide<br />
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4. Eating Seafood!! (Even Mike tried some oyster, crab and fish!)<br />
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5. Relaxing for a whole week and playing games with some of my bestest friends!!!<br />
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6. Tillamook Cheese Factory and the Blue Heron with it's petting zoo<br />
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7. Visiting Portland (specifically, VooDoo Donuts, Powell's Book Store, the Washington Park and some Food Carts just down the street from Washington Park)<br />
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8. Breakfast on the Smelt Sands Beach in Yachats<br />
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9. Newport!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157644368577484" title="Oregon Coast Trip"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2898/14031851361_3eef96559a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Oregon Coast Trip"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-66689114880643483622014-05-01T08:00:00.001-06:002023-09-12T12:15:56.636-06:00The Fourth and Fifth Months (and a baby blessing)<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Big Things in the Fourth and Fifth Months</b></div>
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1. Mama makes a ring sling and Genelle abides sitting in it</div>
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2. Genelle starts to show a greater preference for Mama (aka if Mom leaves the room or allows anyone else to hold Genelle there WILL be tears)</div>
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3. Recognizing and bringing toys up to her face</div>
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4. Mama actually remembered to take photos of Genelle's bathtime (I promise she was bathed before this point)</div>
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5. Big laughs for Daddy (not quite yet for Mom)</div>
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6. Paying attention to the pages of her book and showing a greater interest in face cavities</div>
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7. Grabbing toes!!</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157644067200042" title="Genelle's Fourth and Fifth Months"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7245/13923942385_1eea330d15.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Genelle's Fourth and Fifth Months"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<b>Genelle's Baby Blessing </b></div>
On February 16th Genelle's Dad, Grandpas Hebdon, Hess and Wright, along with Uncles Matt and Braeden, Mike's old Mission President: President Hunt, and her Great Grandpas Hebdon and Christensen, together gave her a blessing.<br />
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The following slide show is the luncheon that followed the blessing.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157641132478533" title="Genelle's Baby Blessing"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5522/12598290315_10d48c170e.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Genelle's Baby Blessing"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-78040881762864424052014-04-29T09:00:00.001-06:002023-09-12T12:16:27.094-06:00The Third Month<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Copse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Big Things in the Third Month:</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">1. Stinking shots</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">2. Daddy first learns how dangerous it can be to lift Genelle high over head after she's just eaten.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">3. Genelle learns how to communicate via facial expressions</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">4. The curl (or crazy) is started to show </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">5. Genelle learns how to coo!!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">6. A trip to Grandpa Hebdon's in Henderson, NV for Christmas Day... and family pictures</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">7. The days following Christmas are spend at Aunt Charlene's where Genelle meets her California Aunts and Uncles for the first time and of course, a mini photoshoot.</span><br />
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8. The Spitting starts<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157644121679834" title="Genelle's Third Month"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3721/13900684811_a5dd87fe98.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Genelle's Third Month"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-21976274615930011842014-04-27T11:24:00.001-06:002023-09-12T12:16:48.309-06:00Genelle's Second Month<div style="text-align: center;">
[*This post could also be labeled, "Mommy and Daddy got a nice new camera!]</div>
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In November Mike and I finally took the plunge and bought a Canon. We didn't really care what the body looked like since we knew we were going to buy a new lens to go with it so we purchased the EOS Rebel T3i. Shortly thereafter we bought the magnificent 50 mm i.8f lens! All the photos (taken with the Cannon) you will see here on out will with those lens.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefc; font-family: Copse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><b>Big Things in the Second Month:</b></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">1. A</span><span style="text-align: center;">n</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">early Thanksgiving dinner at </span><span style="text-align: center;">Jeanne's, my ex-step mom with</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Braeden (Jeanne's son), Brynne (Braeden's cute wife), and Aly (Jeanne's daughter).</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">2. Thanksgiving Day with Mike's parents and brother, Matt.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">3. Lessons in how to hold one's head up.</span></div>
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4. A weekend down in Hurricane, where Genelle met her great grandparents the Christensens and all my siblings got to fawn all over her.</div>
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5. A special fundraising Santa Claus Photoshoot</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157644066537642" title="Genelle's Second Month"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3680/13919719563_fdaa7d2ae7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Genelle's Second Month"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-89793668122304222612014-04-19T10:00:00.001-06:002023-09-12T12:17:09.613-06:00The First Month<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Big Things in the First Month:</b></div>
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1. At the start of Genelle's second week, her Grandpa Hebdon came by along with Uncle Jacob and her soon-to-be Grandma Jill.<br />
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2. Grandma Amy got to spend the second weekend of November with us and work her Mommy-Magic!<br />
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3. Grandpa Wright brought Aunts Naomi, Esther and Ora to see Genelle! Everyone got to hold and entertain Genelle!<br />
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4. Genelle ventured outside of the house in the baby carrier for the first time, and is beginning to interact with those around her.<br />
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5. Tummy time is a pain, but a must.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157644110285295" title="Genelle's First Month"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7013/13919846094_57e3cb0088_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Genelle's First Month"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-9047779172998900712014-04-17T23:59:00.001-06:002023-09-12T12:17:30.092-06:00The First WeekThe first week home was... crazy. Mike was able to get work off so that he could spend some time bonding with both Genelle and I. It was so nice having him there with us. I was grateful I didn't have to spend my first days as a new parent alone.<br />
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Together, we stayed up late while I fed Genelle, and slept in to recover from the lack of sleep. A routine developed where I fed Genelle, Mike would burp and change her diaper then I would need her again. It was nice splitting up the duties, so I didn't feel overwhelmed with doing everything.<br />
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My milk came in the day we got home, and when it did I freaked out. All of a sudden, where my boobs had been sore because Genelle was pulling on them, they were sore do to the lack of pulling on them. I almost started crying while I waited for Genelle to wake up from a nap one day because my boobs were so full of milk they had become hard. I desperately searched around for some way to relieve the pressure, but our breast pump hadn't been delivered yet (because of the affordable care act, our insurance provided a mechanical double breast pump, but only after confirmation that a baby had been born). Luckily Genelle woke up soon after so relief was soon mine.<br />
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Feeding Genelle after my milk came in became quite the spectacle. Because Genelle and I were still learning, most meals one if not both of us ended up soaked. It took a while for the two of us to get the swing of things, I'll admit there are still times when I'll accidentally shoot Genelle in the face/ear/hair with milk, and while I would like to say I know what I'm doing, I realize now more than ever that I may never have full control over my body ever again.<br />
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If nothing else, this first week really taught me to laugh, especially in those moments when I feel tried to the point of breaking down.<br />
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Most particularly I remember being so sleep deprived that I would wake up several times in the middle of the night (on my own) to try and feed Genelle, only to find she wasn't in my arms as I thought. I'd frantically search the folds of my cover frightened by the thought that she could be suffocating from the weight, only to realize that she was safe in her bed, and that I had been trying to feed the comforter this entire time. It scared me to think of my daughter's life being put into jeopardy by me not doing something so easy as putting her back in her bed after eating. But as scary as that was, I couldn't help laughing in relief.<br />
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During that first week, we had a lot of visitors. First my Grandpa Hebdon and his wife Nola stopped by, t<span style="text-align: center;">hen my brother Rhett, who was living close by at the time, came over. He is quite the baby-whisperer. If you ever get the chance, have him hold yours, I guarantee you the little one will fall fast asleep! Then a</span><span style="text-align: center;"> couple of days later my Mom was able to come by and see Genelle as well. </span><br />
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It was so nice having family come by and meet Genelle. Mike and I are so grateful for everyone who made the trip, in the first week, and the weeks to come. We were especially grateful as well, for family and friends who brought over dinner and helped keep Genelle and I company! </div>
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A HUGE shoutout goes to my cousin, Candice Gwilliam and her sweet family who dropped off food, not once but THREE times! My lovely ex-step mom, Jeanne who rescued us with a lasagna and with a bottle of nipple cream, Mike's mom who came by several times to help watch and hold Genelle so I could fold laundry or caught a few Zzs. I'd also my visiting teachers at the time (who may never read this blog), Heather Hill and Teri Draper, who not only brought a small mountain of food, but of cookies, and redvines and all manner of sweets too!! </div>
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Thank you!!</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66627745@N08/albums/72157644054540911" title="Genelle's First Week"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3746/13896037626_6dbb5b1af3.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Genelle's First Week"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-38247792040129096202014-04-14T22:42:00.000-06:002014-04-14T23:18:50.574-06:00Birth Story + The Hospital StayMonday morning, October 14th I woke up early due to some cramp-like backaches. I got up and into the shower, and a little while later they went away. Thinking I was just uncomfortable from laying in one position all night long I waved the experience away. The rest of the morning my back achiness came and went, but I didn't think much of it. At work the achiness continued, but by alternating my position at the desk (i.e. squatting, sitting on an exercise ball, standing) and then taking the occasional stroll around the office I was able to manage my uncomfortableness and continue working. Around noon it dawned on me that lower back crampiness was often a sign of pre-labor. I also realized that my on-again/off-again achiness was similar to the ebb and flow that I knew labor would eventually take (although in a much quicker pace when the time came).<br />
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Unsure of how I should handle this, I searched the internet to see how long this pre-labor, achiness might last... Several days was the answer. So I continued on with my day like normal, although I did text Mike to let him know that I was starting to have regular contractions (even if they were small and far enough apart that we wouldn't really need to worry about it).<br />
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Once we both got home from work, we prepared dinner together and then I started prepping for my visiting teaching appointment that I had scheduled for that evening. Exhausted from the physical toll of managing my achy lower back I took a nap, then drove over to the Sister's apartment my visiting companion and I were to see.<br />
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When we got there we chatted for a while, I shared the message that I had prepared, and then we asked if we could help this Sister with anything. "I could use some help with my laundry," she replied. So we got up and my vt companion went to get some dirty clothes baskets from this Sister's back room. When they came back I offered to take the load that was in the Sister's hands. She set it down in front of me, and when I bent over to pick it up I felt a rush of warm water go down the insides of my pants. I quickly straightened up, thinking, "Crap, I've just peed my pants in this Sister's house." Since I was wearing dark pants I thought, maybe they won't notice, so I bent down to get the basket again. Woosh! Another gush of water flowed down the inside of my legs. This time it dawned on me that my water may have broken. Still unsure I straightened up (with the basket) and turned towards the front door. Another trickle.<br />
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By this time, my visiting teaching companion and the sister we were with noticed something was wrong.<br />
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"What's the matter?" the sister asked.<br />
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"Well, either I just peed my pants, or my water has broken," I replied.<br />
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With that announcement, the laundry basket I was holding was whipped away, a phone brought out and my driving privileges denied. After a quick call to my husband to share the news, and spur him into packing our hospital bag, my vt companion led me to her car and drove me home.<br />
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Once at the house I changed out of my wet pants and proceed to call the hospital to verify that my water had broken. During the course of the call I completely soaked the new pants that I had just put on. The nurse, upon hearing my story urged me to come in where they would do an examination to determine wether or not my water had truly broken.<br />
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At this point the "cramps" that I had been experiencing throughout the day started to get closer together and greater in strength. After changing into another pair of pants (because apparently I didn't learn my lesson the second time around), we left for the hospital, complete with an extra pair of clothes (as well as a pair of clothes for the baby), toiletries and snacks.<br />
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Upon arriving at the hospital Mike and I were directed to the Labor and Delivery rooms where we saw the lead singer of Fictionist (random). I would have stopped to tell him that I really enjoy his music but we were all pretty busy.<br />
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Once we got into our room the nurse had me change and sit upon the hospital bed with a towel below me. She had me answer a couple of health insurance questions then she came over to examine me. Upon inspecting the drenched towel below me she happily announced that my water had indeed broke, so we would be staying the night!<br />
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She then attached a variety of monitoring equipment to me and the baby bump and proceeded to tell Mike and I that because my water had broken I would need to stay in the hospital bed until the baby was born so that there wasn't any risk of the umbilical cord getting caught under the baby. Well, although I wan't to do everything in my power to all a safe delivery for the baby, I did not like the idea of suffering through all those contractions on my back. :( Particularly since the contractions were starting to come faster and stronger. To help alleviate the pressure/pain I asked to get up and used the restroom (since the pressure also made it feel like I needed to use the bathroom really bad). She allowed it and so I quickly got on my feet and waddled over to the bathroom (with a towel between my legs to soak up any amniotic fluid that leaked). Well, squatting over the toilet felt a whole lot better than laying down, so I got up to use the "bathroom every time a contraction came. After 20 minutes though, the nurse wasn't having that anymore so she suggested I get a catheter instead.<br />
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With my bathroom excuse gone I was left with only one other option (in my mind), and that was an epidural. Luckily the anesthesiologist was on the floor, so within 20 minutes he was in our room. After he inserted the needle, and handed the "give-me-more-drugs" button I tried to lay back and relax. As my body adjusted to the cool medicine being dripped into it, I began to shake uncontrollably. For those of you who have never had an epidural, these are normal, but they completely freaked Mike out. Gradually they subsided and sweet relief from the pain replaced everything else. Mike and I tried to relax, and let my body do it's thing, but it was incredibly hard for me to fall asleep. Mike stayed up with me for as long as he could, and eventually took about an hour nap.<br />
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I shifted constantly, since my butt would start to feel numb if I laid on it for too long. And with each contraction I still felt like I needed to use the restroom, but there was no way the nurse was going to let out of the bed now. So she suggested a catheter, and I relented thinking it would help ease the pressure. After doing so the nurse informed us that if the labor looked like it would last longer than 12 hours, they would need to give me pitocin to move things along, that way there wouldn't be any cause for infection.<br />
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Luckily though, little Genelle progressed quite steadily, and within 7 hours of my water breaking I was told to start pushing. At first my contractions didn't feel any different than they had earlier, but since I was dilated enough the nurse had me push anyways. Within 20 minutes I could feel a pressure building in my nether regions. The nurse had me push every other contraction so that Genelle's heartbeat could have time to recover in between pushes, but man, it was so hard waiting, knowing that if I pushed the pressure would be at least a little relieved.<br />
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When I could feel the skin start pulling tight, the nurse ushered the doctor in. He started chatting with me, and asked me to breath through the contractions, but not push yet. Eventually he sat down in front of me and gave the go-ahead to push as hard as I could.<br />
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A couple of hard pushes later, she was out! The nurse cleared out her nose and mouth and asked Mike if he would like to clip the umbilical cord. He eagerly did so and they tied it off and placed her on my chest.<br />
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I felt like I was in shock. Just minutes previously this tiny human being was INSIDE me, and now she was out, and would need to be consciously fed, clothed, and sheltered. I couldn't believe that I had been trusted with such a sweet, little daughter of God.<br />
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I was also extremely grateful that I had Mike with me throughout the entire night. He stayed by my side, spoon-feeding me flavored ice, rubbing my feet, and hands, pushing my drug button when I was too embarrassed to do so myself, and helping to alleviate my fears. I honestly don't know how I would have gone through the birth without breaking down if he hadn't been there. He was my rock.<br />
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Within an hour of Genelle's birth, I was moved to my more, permanent room. Mike escorted Genelle to the Nursery, where she was bathed, inked and clothed and then met up with me afterwards.<br />
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It was such a relief to be able to walk again, and as soon as I got into the other room I made a bee line for the bathroom. Perhaps on par with the relief I felt from being able to move around again, was the sweet relief of using the bathroom, something that I had held off doing ever since I was told not to leave the bed.<br />
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Once Mike and Genelle joined me we all took a much needed nap. The lactation consultant visited us, and while I didn't quite understand her instructions, Genelle seemed happy. Her sucking was painful, but I tried to relax as best as I could. Once a second lactation consultant came in and suggested I use the Medela Nipple Shield, breastfeeding became much easier. It wasn't as painful, and I could tell that Genelle was getting something to eat. I was nervous to go home, and be without the nurses and their onslaught of knowledge, but I knew that I could call any number of women to ask for help and so I felt at peace again.<br />
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While we were in the hospital, Mike's parents came to visit, bringing some fresh cut flowers from their garden.<br />
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They held Genelle and told her how much they loved her. It was very sweet to watch.<br />
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My ex step-mom, Jeanne also came by, and she also held and poured out her love to Genelle.<br />
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After that first night caring for Genelle, I realized how much I enjoyed having Genelle right beside me. I could hear her cries and reach for her easily, and so I petitioned Mike to move Genelle's bed into our room. He and Matt, his brother did so, while I was at the hospital. After they moved everything Matt came by and held his new niece as well.<br />
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We spoke with Grandparents and parents on the phone while we were there and definitely felt our family and friend's love.mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-63998329879778217102014-04-07T12:22:00.000-06:002016-05-04T21:58:31.863-06:00So we had a baby.On October 15th, 2013 little miss Genelle Madison Hess came into our lives and changed them forever...<br />
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So sweet, so little, and oh so perfect, she has smitten us, and her extended family completely.<br />
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The last several months following her arrival have rushed by, leaving this blog hopelessly outdated. Since there are some of you who have yet to see what our little Genelle looks like or how far she is developmentally, over the next week we will catch you up on all that has transpired. Every day we will share some of the major events of our lives in the days, weeks and months that followed October 15th. Then, hopefully we will be all caught up, and can here on share our current news.<br />
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So you know what to look forward to, here's how we'll break it down:<br />
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<a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2014/04/birth-story-hospital-stay.html">Monday: The Birth Story</a><br />
<a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-first-week.html">Tuesday: The First Week</a><br />
<a href="http://www.laundryracists.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-first-month.html">Wednesday: The First Month</a><br />
<a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2014/04/genelles-second-month.html">Thursday: The Second Month (and Visiting Family)</a><br />
<a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-working-mom.html">Friday: Returning to Work</a> and <a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-third-month.html">The Third Month</a><br />
<a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-fourth-and-fifth-months-and-baby.html">Saturday: The Fourth Month and Fifth Months</a><br />
<a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-mini-vacation-with-friends.html">Sunday: A Mini Vacation with Friends</a><br />
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I look forward to sharing with you!<br />
<br />mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-62562724487615295882013-08-22T04:02:00.000-06:002013-08-22T04:03:03.022-06:00Baby LullabyI've been thinking lately of how I will put my baby to sleep when we're all the hours of the night.<br />
With my love of Grooveshark I decided to put together a little playlist that would help calm her down.<br />
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Well, last night I stumbled across an album that is so beautiful that I had to share it.<br />
It's called <a href="http://grooveshark.com/album/Baby+Mine/7466293">Baby Mine</a> and it has the most beautiful songs...<br />
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My favorite of the moment is "<a href="http://grooveshark.com/s/My+Darling+Featuring+Ryan+Tanner/4q1kvG?src=5">My Darling</a>" by Ryan Tanner, but they are all fabulous.<br />
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Stephanie Nielson from the <a href="http://nieniedialogues.com/">Nie Nie Dialogues</a> has a beautiful video of her and her youngest, Charlotte that uses "My Darling" in it. The love emanating from the video is so beautiful it makes me cry. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UTlNk_3Op_g" width="640"></iframe>mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-57509535056938797092013-08-18T17:29:00.004-06:002013-08-18T17:30:58.537-06:00My Mom<div style="text-align: center;">
The closer I get to becoming a mom myself the more I've been reflecting on my own mother.</div>
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My mom is... amazing. She's the strongest person I know and the type of woman that I want to be like one day.</div>
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She gave birth to all 8 of her kids naturally...</div>
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She's always the first to volunteer of her time and efforts to a friend in need.</div>
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She has always tried to do what's best for us kids, even if that means making HUGE sacrifices on her part.</div>
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She's been there for us through thick and thin.</div>
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She's spoken her mind and lived her life the way regardless of the backlash it might cause.</div>
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She's worked multiple jobs at a time, and put herself through college, as a divorced parent.</div>
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She's taught her kids right and wrong, how to work, and how to have fun.</div>
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And despite the fact that I may not agree with every choice she's ever made, I love her.</div>
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She's my hero.</div>
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mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-19561563410471395612013-08-03T15:28:00.003-06:002013-08-03T15:28:44.995-06:00Some notes on Pregnancy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are several things that I didn't feel prepared for when I got into this business of being pregnant, some of the particularly strange things were/are...<br />
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-swolen/bigger feet<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (say goodbye to closed shoes)</span><br />
-ever leaking nipples <span style="font-size: x-small;">(funny how I can never feel it happen)</span><br />
-my belly growing half an inch a week the last trimester <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ouch!)</span><br />
-funky tan lines <span style="font-size: x-small;">(one day at the beach left me with a white half-moon on my thighs)</span><br />
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However, despite some of the weirder moments of pregnancy there have been some cheesy, yet incredible things that have happened too...<br />
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-feeling the baby move <span style="font-size: x-small;">(this first began a couple of weeks ago and it's been so fun knowing that the baby's with me)</span><br />
-getting little baby shoes <span style="font-size: x-small;">(they're so cute!)</span><br />
-registering<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (I am very much a list person, so you can bet Mike and I had fun with this!)</span><br />
-getting off work early <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I work for some of the most incredible people ever! Ever since I told them I was pregnant they've been more than accommodating-it's been amazing!)</span><br />
-putting together a nursery <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or in our case, a nook -space gets really limited when you live in a one bedroom apartment)</span>mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-29762011972540907132013-05-29T09:06:00.000-06:002013-05-29T09:06:07.727-06:0020 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1or78iApi0sxDF2Q9Ke34TnhoIcx4I7r1NclNXD-zbrSa2hqOsWlZ3O2goWRKFXMELOv-IN7mjrObH-URqY8P8QHmAeuefdLP-9_fdpfmQNrpZaA2oTYAi085GNzgZTFn_UmcP_Gup8s/s1600/baby+photo+strip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1or78iApi0sxDF2Q9Ke34TnhoIcx4I7r1NclNXD-zbrSa2hqOsWlZ3O2goWRKFXMELOv-IN7mjrObH-URqY8P8QHmAeuefdLP-9_fdpfmQNrpZaA2oTYAi085GNzgZTFn_UmcP_Gup8s/s640/baby+photo+strip.png" width="211" /></a></div>
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Three months ago Mike and I found out that our family was going to get a little bit bigger...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(hence the blog inactivity)</span></div>
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We didn't know what to expect, <span style="font-size: x-small;">particularly when the morning sickness kicked in</span>, but we were happy to do whatever it took to help bring this little one into the world. </div>
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My belly started getting bigger, and <span style="font-size: large;">bigger </span>and my clothes started to get too tight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkUm9FJUmgAIbTOQOJ5ZyUtVGWZ-2C7-kmTlCjRJrjV_2Ljw78fnfE_N0KdbL_CxwjjBOsdVOwDxnhb5yMHv-ppUN8IPjOHCe_y-OR6kkrlCjdykyWOR1zrwQi5HXKdxvyA_NEOxf-Ng/s1600/485416_10151691765719085_1555152974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkUm9FJUmgAIbTOQOJ5ZyUtVGWZ-2C7-kmTlCjRJrjV_2Ljw78fnfE_N0KdbL_CxwjjBOsdVOwDxnhb5yMHv-ppUN8IPjOHCe_y-OR6kkrlCjdykyWOR1zrwQi5HXKdxvyA_NEOxf-Ng/s320/485416_10151691765719085_1555152974_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Morning sickness came and went, bringing on acid reflux like nobody's business...</div>
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We went to the doctor three times. Once to take the <span style="font-size: large;">ultrasound</span>, twice to hear the baby's <span style="font-size: large;">heartbeat</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now</span>, we are preparing for the moment we find out whether we are having a little <i>boy or girl</i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(this Friday!!)</span>.</div>
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We are full of nerves, and excitement. We have planned a visit to my family the same day we find out so we can share the news immediately with them, followed by a brief trip to Cali, to tell some of Mike's family.</div>
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So, if you don't hear again from us for several weeks, know it's probably a <span style="font-size: large;">girl</span>.</div>
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<i>Just kidding</i>, it'll be because we're busy putting together our registry, rearranging our furniture, making birth class plans, etc. </div>
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Wish us luck!</div>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-60445435840567095422013-01-29T21:47:00.001-07:002013-01-29T21:47:52.829-07:00Gratitude<div style="text-align: center;">
I am grateful for...</div>
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-friends who let me attend their exercise classes for free</div>
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-friends who drive me to the above mentioned classes</div>
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-the opportunity to create for a company I truly believe in</div>
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-the freedom of being debt-free</div>
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-coworkers who are willing to laugh and be a part of a prank or two</div>
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-the opportunity to see my husband more often</div>
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-the gospel</div>
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-the opportunity to serve others in my ward, and neighborhood</div>
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-all of life's curveballs</div>
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-the atonement</div>
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-fast food</div>
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-a husband who will cook and clean (particularly the dishes)</div>
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-coupons</div>
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-family</div>
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-roadtrips</div>
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-a good book and a warm bed</div>
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-peace, even though I may not know what will happen next</div>
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-an incredible ward</div>
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-friends near and far, those I see everyday and the ones that come by less often</div>
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-my home</div>
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-love</div>
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-socks</div>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-42705274601892995112013-01-26T16:34:00.000-07:002013-01-26T16:34:00.448-07:00Fun Conversations<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">S:</span> I'm not letting you leave until you give me a kiss.</div>
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M: Okay...</div>
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{peck on the lips}</div>
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S: What was that?! I want a REAL kiss!</div>
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M: What are you talking about? That was a kiss :)</div>
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S: No, a real kiss is when our mouths are making love.</div>
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mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-11852563151786154092013-01-08T21:18:00.001-07:002013-01-08T21:18:50.144-07:00Falling in Love...<br />
I don't know about you, but I LOVE getting Free Music!<br />
And Amazon MP3 has got to be one of my favorite places to get it from. Every now and then they will give you $2 credit to be purchased towards whatever songs you like (cool, huh!). Also they like to spotlight various upcoming and popular Artists by giving away one of their songs for free (I'm not talking some po-dunk song, but one of the band's most popular!).<br />
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So I thought I'd share the love and post the links to...<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/U2LdBf">$2 credit to Amazon MP3</a><br />
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and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=dm_bb_risingstars?ie=UTF8&docId=1000862831&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=016FJ7CCWE66QC374WS3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1451011602&pf_rd_i=163856011">Amazon MP3's Rising Stars of 2013.</a><br />
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You can thank me after you melt of happiness :)<br />
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P.S. I don't know about you but I think I'll spend my $2 on some more Black Prairie and Little Green Cars music. Their voices are AMAZING!! Don't believe me? Check out these videos:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sOq4LoDW6Vk" width="640"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VJEVkuNsEi0" width="640"></iframe>
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Enjoy!</div>
mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-77330342189247658372013-01-04T23:47:00.003-07:002013-01-08T21:19:52.352-07:00Date Night to the Max<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Last year Mike and I tried something a little different when it came to our date night. We came up with a list of things we would like to do (52 in total, so we had to do one each week) and then we (were supposed to) update our blog with a post about each date...<br />
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Well, it went... okay. We didn't do EVERY date we had hoped but we did to a good number of them. And while we weren't the best at posting about each one, I believe we did take pictures during the majority of them!<br />
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So this year, Mike and I created a date list again, but THIS time instead of creating a post every time, we'll try to take a picture during each activity (which you'll be able to see in our Instagram Feed-so it's almost like a dedicated post!).<br />
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So, the official date list for 2013 is...<br />
</span>
1-<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Make of list of must-haves in your dream home</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">2-Paint each other's <a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2012/07/june-17th-23rd-aka-week-after-cali.html">portrait</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">3-Plan our <a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2013/01/goals-for-2013.html">*vacation*</a> for this year</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">4-Make a map of places we have been and want to go. Make a list of places and sites to see. (We both liked the idea of using <a href="http://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/2013/01/another-diy-stained-wood-map.html">this</a> as the start, or a world map)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">5-Teach each other something new</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">6-Build a fort and watch a movie</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">7-Attend a festival (I hear the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Salt-Lake-City-Greek-Festival/131816649480?fref=ts">Greek Festival </a>calling my name on this one!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">8-Go see a local band (<a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2012/06/rooftop-concert-series-june.html">Rooftop Concert Series</a>? -I think so!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">9-Build our Bucket Lists (as a couple and separately)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">10-Tandem the River Walk</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">11-Visit a Museum (We're thinking of visiting the <a href="http://www.museumoftolerance.com/site/c.tmL6KfNVLtH/b.4865925/k.CAD7/HomeMOT.htm">Museum of Tolerance</a> and the <a href="http://www.getty.edu/museum/">Getty Museum</a> for this one)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">12-Go to the Farmer's Market (there are so MANY around here!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">13-Go Bowling (of course!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">14-See a Vegas Show (Like <a href="http://www.pennandteller.com/03/tickets.html">Penn & Teller</a> or <a href="http://www.caesarspalace.com/EventsDetail.do?detailName=jerry-seinfeld-detail&locationCode=CLV">Seinfeld</a> or whatever Broadway show is in town)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">15-Go to a Fancy Restaurant (haven't decided yet where we'd like to go for this one, but I'd prefer Hell's Kitchen!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">16-Volunteer at the <a href="http://www.foodandcare.org/">local homeless shelter</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">17-Play Board Games (we love Monopoly!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">18-Go on a picnic</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">19-Go to Goodwill or a Thrift store and pick out one item for the other person. $10 budget</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">20-Get up early and go eat brunch at <a href="http://communalrestaurant.com/">Communal</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">21-Watch stand up comedy (like <a href="http://www.wiseguyscomedy.com/">The Wise Guys</a> or <a href="http://www.comedysportzutah.com/">Comedy Sportz</a>)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">22-Take Mike's parents out to <a href="http://www.goldencorral.com/">dinner</a> (they have been so kind and generous to us it's the least we could do)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">23-Go for a long walk</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">24-Make a gift for someone else. Just because. (These are so much fun!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">25-Try a new work out (maybe <a href="http://www.zumba.com/aqua">Water Zumba?</a>)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">26-Cook an exotic meal or cook something we have always wanted to try</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">27-Go up to Bear Lake for the day/weekend</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">28-Go <a href="http://utahcountrydance.com/Country-Dance-Provo/">Country Swing Dancing</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">29-Play <a href="http://www.laserassault.net/index.html">Laser Tag</a>!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">30-Play video games all night</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">31-Pajama Party! Pop some popcorn, make a pallet and watch cheesy movie.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">32-Go to a <a href="http://www.wolverinegreen.com/sports/m-baskbl/utva-m-baskbl-body.html">basketball game</a> (or several)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">33-Make a mix CD of songs that remind you of your time together (For a roadtrip?).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">34-Watch each other's favorite movies from childhood.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">35-Go to the <a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2012/07/june-17th-23rd-aka-week-after-cali.html">Strawberry Days Rodeo</a>!<br />
36-Attend <a href="http://laundryracists.blogspot.com/2012/05/excited.html">Pleasant Grove's Fireman's Breakfas</a>t<br />
37-Go to an Outdoor Movie (possible a drive-in?)<br />
38-Spend a day up at Midway and the Deer Creek Reservoir (I'm really want to go cliff-jumping and try <a href="http://www.dairykeen.com/">Dairy Keen</a>'s famous shakes!<br />
39-Hike Timp.<br />
40-Camping Trip... somewhere<br />
41-Silly Photoshoot<br />
42-Visit local Garage/Yard Sales in search of Children's books<br />
43-Teach each other something new<br />
44-Go <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/">Geocaching</a><br />
45-Try the Walmart $20 challenge (we each get $20 to spend on presents for each other -the person buys the best/most presents wins!)><br />
46-Go on a weekend trip to somewhere outside Utah<br />
47-Take a one-night class together<br />
48-Go to the <a href="http://www.provobeachresort.com/">Provo Beach Resort</a>
49-Listen to <a href="http://haddixbooks.com/books/hidden.html">a book</a> on tape<br />
50-Go sledding!<br />
51-Have a tv-show marathon><br />
52-Buy a new game and break it in with friends!</span><br />
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Looks like it's going to be a fun year!</span><br />
<br />mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-14822485111330952422013-01-04T00:22:00.001-07:002013-01-04T00:22:57.068-07:00Goals for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every December towards the end of the month, individuals all around the world start reflecting on how well they've done on their goals throughout the year as well as what goals they may put into place the next year.</div>
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Well, Mike and I are no exception. Below you will find the goals that we've decided to work on, together and separately. </div>
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If you have yet to decide what goals you will make over the next year may I suggest looking up Change Anything's post, "<a href="http://blog.changeanything.com/2012/12/how-to-succeed-where-others-fail/">How to succeed where others fail</a>." It has great advice on how to go about setting goals and reviewing them throughout the year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWHAKO3SAGQ-xn1XYp3fFMrtUAVTCCnO7zsh2sNlq98-BCs0BeT-iFcmpnYYN2Yf00VOHIum2HqNH-KW6-cwij_k2ylphHbIzP4YW93FE2HnV0_mlm1kmUzEer3p7k2DslcHmIlMpMfc/s1600/hisgoals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWHAKO3SAGQ-xn1XYp3fFMrtUAVTCCnO7zsh2sNlq98-BCs0BeT-iFcmpnYYN2Yf00VOHIum2HqNH-KW6-cwij_k2ylphHbIzP4YW93FE2HnV0_mlm1kmUzEer3p7k2DslcHmIlMpMfc/s320/hisgoals.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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-Ace the GRE</div>
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-Fix the truck (aka Vehicle #4)</div>
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-Read 2 books a month</div>
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-Don't drink my calories</div>
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-Journal regularly</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJPpAu3leVumDsI8VCqDOGZrJlRPOGTmsjZwdZ8bFnDMkaQujTcRQi9bYH-BIqXSo_D5BovHG0CAsWn_hmPAOLJQSazvMWUqIKxF8jFvkicOowYrF-DOUECpJheCz2UnmEzmxRKnfW3M/s1600/her.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJPpAu3leVumDsI8VCqDOGZrJlRPOGTmsjZwdZ8bFnDMkaQujTcRQi9bYH-BIqXSo_D5BovHG0CAsWn_hmPAOLJQSazvMWUqIKxF8jFvkicOowYrF-DOUECpJheCz2UnmEzmxRKnfW3M/s320/her.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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-Exercise 4x a week</div>
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-Eat on smaller plates</div>
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-Blog More! -at least twice a month...</div>
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-Continue writing my Missionary Friend twice a month</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY97lgDBzBKo25TLpm8_TA22vyNym18nxMzMQmwn_221up4MPX655uGdLmaKC2YS8PLL2cllefqYeT0e3vTyLCYqE4XTI4wk6atbQ0VIaNzRLfrNRjYmo7dBZeQ86bOdIZamliIOUwo6c/s1600/theirs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY97lgDBzBKo25TLpm8_TA22vyNym18nxMzMQmwn_221up4MPX655uGdLmaKC2YS8PLL2cllefqYeT0e3vTyLCYqE4XTI4wk6atbQ0VIaNzRLfrNRjYmo7dBZeQ86bOdIZamliIOUwo6c/s400/theirs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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-GET TO EUROPE!! (July/August)</div>
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-Become Debt free January 31st</div>
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-Completing all 52 dates on their to-do list this year!</div>
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mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938753327528175884.post-4653166356668511822012-12-31T15:31:00.000-07:002012-12-31T15:31:08.947-07:002012 in review<div style="text-align: center;">
This year when Mike and I sent out Christmas Cards I decided to send out our Year in Review out too.</div>
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Here's what it looked like:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqyDZDICO2FUGv6cvwdXNrdy8u1UUhErFx6AnCJYPCvyumnDqLzIi-tbN5k3qSXiB2cdSgtqpqHsxTRxEndjmnYPxEmcMc5LJXEUeuA2QV0H65Yuth4T_zbGA3c48bHb0mzLQ2thKl3g/s1600/Year+in+Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqyDZDICO2FUGv6cvwdXNrdy8u1UUhErFx6AnCJYPCvyumnDqLzIi-tbN5k3qSXiB2cdSgtqpqHsxTRxEndjmnYPxEmcMc5LJXEUeuA2QV0H65Yuth4T_zbGA3c48bHb0mzLQ2thKl3g/s640/Year+in+Review.png" width="456" /></a></div>
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What are some of your highlights from 2012?</div>
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mrsshesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715893774631652342noreply@blogger.com2