Family von Graf

Wedding Rings

2011-04-28T23:39:00.000-07:00

Jason and I have been married for a little over 3 years now. The ring I got him originally was a Tungsten comfort fit. I thought the size I bought was the right size, but it wasn't so I had to buy him another one. Buy him another one? Yes. Tungsten and Titanium rings can not be sized. The whole ring has to be melted down and cast to the right size. It was easier/cheaper to just buy a new one.

I ordered it and the new one fit perfectly. Well, yesterday we went to visit Jenny at her work. I had just picked Jason up from work and was having him run out there with me. When we got there, he went to the bathroom to wash his hands.

Now, let me tell you that 3 days earlier, Jenny had chewed me out for taking my rings off in a public restroom just to wash my hands.

Jason and I did what we needed to at Jenny's work, then dropped stuff by her house, then went home so we could go to our pack meeting. As Jason was getting ready to shower, he walked out of the bathroom, freaked out cause his ring was not on his hand. He had me call Jenny to see if it was still int he bathroom or if someone had turned it in. As it was ringing, I told him that he was "gonna hear it" from her. And sure enough, after I told her what happened, he could hear her perfectly from 5 feet away explaining that we are idiots, that we need to keep our rings on when in public places and he's damn lucky that someone turned the ring in!

We went to a party out by my sister's and Jason asked if we could stop by and get his ring. I told him "heck no!" I of course was just kidding, but he took it personally and explained how he felt so naked. That all day he has felt horrible about not having it, about leaving it, and that he feels super bad for giving me a hard time when I forget to put mine back on and now he LEFT his somewhere. I didn't mean to get him all riled up!

After the party, we stopped by and got his ring. As we were driving home on the freeway, he said he felt so much better. I told him, "I want you to remember this moment. Remember how you felt not having that on your finger for a day. And that you should never divorce me cause it will be off for a lot longer than just a day and that will REALLY SUCK!"

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

I love today. It is my second fav holiday, it follows Christmas.

Anyway, Jason was so sweet. He told me that we would wake up, get some breakfast and he'd watch a movie with me. When I asked which one, he said, "Well, it's a once in a lifetime thing. It has vampires and werewolves."

"Van Helsing?"

"No."

"Oh, you mean Twilight? Jason, first of all, I wouldn't make you watch that. There are so many other movies I would rather watch than that. If you are giving me free reign, I have a few others I would like to watch. Second of all, we don't even own it! We'd have to go out and buy a movie that we'll hardly ever watch."

I then spent the next half hour explaining to him why The Host is so much better than Twilight; that Twilight is not my favorite and why people think that I am not crazy over it like they are. We then decided that we would do breakfast then catch a movie. However, then we forgot about physical therapy. Ugh. So, after quite a bit of juggling, we were able to move therapy around, get breakfast, and then watch Gnomeo and Juliet. It was a cute silly movie. I think some of my favorite parts were the Elton John moments.

We then headed home where I made chicken breasts, broccoli and roasted red potatoes (one of Jason's favorites). And, as we ate dinner, we watched Valentine's Day. I love that movie. It has some great actors/actresses. Not to mention, it has some good life lessons... Marry your best friend for a lasting relationship. And, whenever Jennifer and Jessica get a pinata, it will always be a good time! lol

Jason's 4 week Post-Op visit

2011-02-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

We went to Jason's 4 week post-op visit this afternoon. After last weeks shock of him not healing as fast as they would have liked, they were very impressed by him this week! They have decided that he has healed so well, that we can start Physical Therapy this week! He is to start using one crutch and put very minimal weight on his foot. We are so super excited!

If all goes well, he could be back to work in a couple weeks. Let's hope.

FREAKING JASON GRAF?!

2011-02-01T22:40:00.000-08:00

Did you know that when I got married to Jason Graf, I didn't just get married to Jason Graf, I got married to FREAKING JASON GRAF?!

I went to a MARY KAY party tonight held at my friend Heather's house (Heather Estes, married to Scott Estes of Henderson). I knew her sister-in-law, Tracy, and her cousin, Jennifer. While washing my hands in the kitchen, a girl, Melissa, asked me how I knew Heather and I told her, oh, she's a friend. Her husband and my husband grew up together. "Who's your husband?" Melissa asked. "Jason Graf." I replied. Little did I know I would get this as her reaction to my answer,

"JASON GRAF?! HOLY CRAP! I use to babysit him!!! I haven't seen him in forever! You're pretty lucky."

I said, "Ya, I like to think so."

A little while later everyone was sitting around the table getting ready for their facials. We had to go around the circle and explain how we knew Heather. After many, I'm Heather's sister, sister-in-law, cousin, etc., I said, "Hi, I'm Jessica. I'm Heather's friend. To which Melissa announced, "AND JASON GRAF'S WIFE!" To which half the table practically jumped out of their chairs and said, "FREAKING JASON GRAF?!" Then there was an uproar about Jason Graf this and Jason Graf that. To which Heather made worse by saying, "AND they're expecting their first baby!" To which the table roared for another couple minutes.

I knew Jason was pretty amazing when I married him, but every time I hang out with his (now our) Henderson friends, I realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing husband that wasn't a deuche growing up. To be married to the "it" guy. Well, he may not have been the "it" guy, but he sure is my "it" guy and I think he's pretty "it". ha ha ha Don't know where I was going with that last part.

Jason's latest check-up

2011-01-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

Jason had another check-up today. Together, we bombarded the dr with many questions. Since he has been out of work for a month now and hasn't gotten any income, we've been scraping by on my part time income and trying to work things out. The dr said he should be down for at least another 2 weeks, then he will have physical therapy. Depending on how he does there, he may be able to go back to work in about 3-4 weeks. Let's pray.

His foot still looks horrible. I asked if he was on track for healing and they said he is a little slow... Weird, cause I thought he would have been way ahead of the game with being so healthy and young. Don't tell the dr, but we didn't ice his foot, and that's probably what is making healing take so long! I've been trying to elevate it more than what we had it at and am icing it when we're awake. I DO NOT want that ice pack popping in my bed while I'm sleeping! I already get minimal sleep, so no need to cause any other things to prevent my somewhat slumber (that may be selfish, but whatever).

The bandage he got this time is much smaller than the past couple. The cast did nothing bu thurt him, the last bandage was 3 inches thick. This one is just right and the ice pack makes it so he can (can't) feel his toes. Can't meaning that it gets so cold it numbs his foot. LOL

He's hanging in there. He still has really bad cabin fever. I try to let him get out when we're going somewhere that won't exhaust him. We went to Walmart and Costco the other day so he could drive around in the wheelchair carts. We also went to a place called Mel's Diner in Boulder City for lunch. Some family came over for dinner on Sunday, and we also played Mexican Train. Having a 4 day weekend, I was getting cabin fever too. I am so proud of him for not complaining. When he gets feisty, that's when I know he needs to be taken on a drive or out or something. Only a couple more weeks.

Jason's Recovery

2011-01-16T23:18:00.000-08:00

He's doing well. I know he's getting stir crazy. There's only so many movies to watch instantly on Netflix and he can only read so much without getting totally bored.

He's tring to be more mobile, but he also has to make sure to still keep all pressure off his foot. Which in turn makes his right foot very tired and exhausted. He wants to help out more around the house and he wants to do more physical things, but he can't. The crutches cause him to be very limited. Also, if he doesn't stay down and lazy, it will be that much longer before he heals!

I'm hoping his check-up this week will show lots of improvement. Maybe he will start to be able to start putting pressure on his foot. I doubt it, but let's hope.

Honey, I'm so stoned!

2011-01-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

The surgery was only supposed to be an hourish long. After being at the hospital since 7 am, by 1215 I was getting anxious. I had stayed with Jason from the time we got there til he was about to be wheeled down the hallway at 1030ish. At 1230 I went to Pilar, the pre-op nurse and asked where he was, if there were some complications, why it was taking so long, etc. She told me he had just come out of surgery and they would be calling me shortly.

I went back to the waiting room and as I sat down I got a phone call to come to pre-op. As they were escorting me there they asked if Jason is a singer. I said, "Oh ya. He also takes requests." When I walked into the room I saw him there, chatting away and giggling. (BTW, I love his giggle.) I gave him a kiss and the first thing he tells me is, "Honey, I am so stoned." ha ha ha He looked it too. Eyes were so glossy and somewhat blank looking. He was starving and was wanting anything to munch on.

The nurse pulled me to the end of his bed to go over his pre-op rules. No solid foods til later in the evening. Check his toes to make sure the bandage wasn't too tight. I started tearing up and when she told me he was ok, I had Niagara Falls on my cheeks. Jason then told me that he was fine and everything was ok. I told him I knew that he was ok, but that things didn't happen the way the nurses said, and I haven't had much sleep and I was hormonal. To which Jason said, Ah. She's very pregnant. So, one of the other nurses brought me a chair, had me sit and once I was composed again, we proceeded with how to care for Jason. Here's Jason totally stoned and having to take care of my emotional wreckness. I should've had someone else there with me. LOL

Anyway, I got him home. Got his drugs. And I even got a little milk crate for snacks so he doesn't have to get up and go anywhere except to the toilet.

He's still waiting on his sponge bath to get the betadine off of him.

(this is his pre-op picture)

Surgery for Jason

2011-01-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, one of the presents Jason and I got Bobby and Katie were lift tickets on Lee Canyon. The Monday after Christmas, Jason, Bobby and Katie went up the mountain to snowboard. All I asked was for Bobby to bring Jason home whole.

When it comes to snowboarding, Bobby is a pro, Jason is an Intermediate and Katie is somewhere in between. They put their gear on, got on the lift and headed down the first hill. While going down the first hill, Jason fell and heard a small "pop!"

(Left: Jason tumbling down the hill)

They arrived home and the first thing Bobby tells me is, "I brought him home in one piece." Something in his voice told me he was messing with me, but then again, something sounded like he was serious. A few minutes later Jason walked in limping like he was the victim in a gang shooting where he was shot in the foot/leg. They recapped the story for me and we made arrangements to get Jason to a dr.

The dr at UMC quick care took some x-rays and after examining them, told Jason that he had a sprain. They told him that they would prescribe some anti-inflammatory and some pain killers. However, there was something in the x-rays that the dr didn't like seeing. Jason tried to explain that he had Ollier's Disease when he was younger. He explained to the dr what it is and the dr decided to send him to a specialist.

Jason went to the specialist only to find out what he already knew... the disease was in his left foot.

When Jason was about 8 years old, he asked his parents about the extra knuckles on the back of his hand. The dr back then hollowed out some of the cartilage and replaced it with bone from his hip. Which is why you'll see a huge scar across his right hand.

(Right: It was a beautiful day for snowboarding. A little crowded, but beautiful.)

So, what the current dr told him was that the tumor in his foot has eaten away/hollowed out his second metatarsal in his left foot. So, when he fell while snowboarding, it may have been a sprain, but do to the tumor, it fractured the bone.

Tomorrow, Jason will go in to have the tumor removed, and they will replace part of the bone with fake bone. Most likely after he heals from this surgery, they will do a full body scan to make sure he doesn't need anymore. Though it's not a great way to start off the year, I'm glad it happened now before it may have turned into something like this...

Maybe this is a bit extreme. However, I am finding the blessing in having him have surgery now, rather than when the baby is here, or later in life when it could have caused a lot more damage.

Best Christmas EVER!

2010-12-26T22:38:00.000-08:00

I wasn't really getting too excited about Christmas until the Monday before. I had gotten Jason How to Train Your Dragon for Christmas, but we opened it to watch with family on Thanksgiving. Then, I had decided to get Jason a new set of scriptures. I wrote a little message on the front cover, wrapped them without him knowing, and left them on the end table ready to put under the tree once we got it.

We had the missionaries over for dinner, and one of them insisted on figuring out what was in them. He felt how heavy it was, measured it next to my set of scriptures, asked Jason about it etc. Jason does not guess gifts after guessing every gift he got from his mom one year. There was no surprise so he decided that he would not ruin any one's surprise for him. Thanks to this missionary, Jason knew what he was getting. Ugh.

Needless to say, Christmas spirit was hard to find this year. However, the week before Christmas, I was getting a little excited. Plans were coming together, and I had found a couple other gifts for Jason I was stoked about! Despicable Me and a Sharper Image Shiatsu Massage chair insert.

Though Jason was happy about all the gifts he got, the most exciting one was his scriptures. He knew that he was getting them, yet the little message inside was what made it the best present. He unwrapped his scriptures, flipped through them and then saw there was a message in the front. He read it, looked at me and said thank you. As I looked at him, his eyes were glistening and I told him he was welcome. He told me he loved me and I started to cry. I told him I loved him too. Then, my mom started crying, my baby brother started tearing up and the spirit was really strong in that moment. Poor Brittney, Bobby's girlfriend, was confused as to why everyone was so emotional. We'll have to explain it later.

Anyway, it was a great day. I will have more pictures to come.

So I'm a little crazy. Did that ever hurt anyone?

2010-12-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

As I was visiting my make-up artist friend, Charlotte, at her work, MAC, I told her that I am trying to get back the motivation I had in college. I use to do my make up so it matched whatever I was wearing. Pink shirt, pink shadow. Green shirt, green shadow. Purple shirt, purple shadow. You catch my drift?

She started laughing at me then said, "I believe it with your OCD problem."

I thought for a second, do I really have an OCD problem? I thought my symmetrical problem was just a weirdness. If I get nudged on the right arm, I have to have my left arm nudged somehow. I have to make sure when walking on a sidewalk or some other patterned surface that I get the same amount of steps in each square. My shirts in my closet I use to have organized by style, then by color. I also feel like the world is complete when things are alphabetized or numerical.

Sad thing is, my OCD dates back to at least Kindergarten. There were 6 kids at each table and a box of 8 Count Crayola crayons at the end of the table for each kid. Some of the boxes had little windows and I would flip out if the crayons didn't go in ROY G BIV order. Some kids didn't care how the crayons ended up in the box and I would tell them that they were going to get in trouble if they didn't do it right.

Please tell me this is normal. Well, at least tell me that others have this same crazy-ness.

Magic Miracle Pills

2010-12-20T21:21:00.001-08:00

They're nothing more than chocolate covered oreo's and cream cheese.

However, they have been the sensation at work, home and around church!

Recipe:

Take one package of Oreo's. (Jason really likes the peanut butter ones. I like the regular. I want to try the peppermint or mint ones. Double Stuff was too messy.)

Get one block of cream cheese (the 8 oz block)

1 package of chocolate Almond Bark

Blend Oreo's til finely chopped. Mix with cream cheese. Make into 1 inch round balls. Chill in Fridge for 30+ minutes. Melt chocolate. Take chilled balls and roll in chocolate. Let balls harden again. Enjoy.

BYU Vocal Point--12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-15T22:58:00.000-08:00

What's kickin?

2010-12-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

BG is, of course!

Yesterday, during work I felt a little queasy all day. I've mentioned before, but this 2nd trimester isn't as kind to my body as the first. I've felt a little more "pregnant" as soon as the first day of the second trimester hit.

Anyway, yesterday. I only worked from 830-145, but it was still long enough to make me feel gross. Standing, having the pressure from the counter right on my belly. I was trying to make myself as comfortable as possible, but there didn't seem to be enough cold water anywhere!!!

*Cold water, more like ice water - which I never really liked drinking before, is the one thing that makes me feel better.

I hurried to AT&T to meet Jason after work so we could get my phone replaced and working again. (Note to AT&T, you guys have PLENTY of floor space. ADD SOME CHAIRS FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS! We had gone on Friday but I was so tired of standing for so long that we left. That's why we had to go back. Then it was another hour and a half Saturday! Why does it take so long? Cause our very nice, very confused looking helper was trying to get us the best deal. = / Right.)

As we were standing at AT&T, I started realizing that BG has been kicking me all day! My insides aren't use to someone in there kicking around.I thought that it might be gas, but I could tell that it wasn't. It was in the same place a few times. Then, I felt it all over like he is a drummer in a rock band! And, because I had gas too, it was easy to differentiate the kicks from the gas.

After having the same feeling through the Ward Christmas Party, and through church today. I am so excited to say that I feel him kicking around and I'm not even trying to get a response!

As Jason and I were watching tv this afternoon, I told him, "You know what's exciting about me feeling him kick all the time?" He just kind of looked at me like, no, but I know you're gonna tell me. "You will get to feel him kicking in the next month or so too!" He got his quiet, thoughtful, so excited that I don't want to talk about it anymore, gaze.

Who's Miss February?

2010-12-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

A year ago I got an awesome book from Deseret Book about the women in the Old Testament. There were facts about each woman, with and without a name, and their stories. I loved the book.

I heard other ones might be coming out, so I've been trying to wait patiently.

While going through the most recent catalog from Deseret Book, I saw a book that said, Women of the New Testament. I got so excited! However, I then realized it was a calendar. This is how my convo with Jason went.

Jessica: Jason! There's a Women of the New Testament book out! I want it for Christmas.
Jason: Ok.
Jessica: Oh wait... never mind. It's a calendar.
Jason: Really? Who's Miss February?

HA HA HA HA That's one of the reasons I love him. He's so seriously silly.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

Towards the middle of the month, I started inquiring about Thanksgiving so I could plan accordingly. Nobody really said anything. About a week before the big celebration, my baby brother called to plan something and I told him I would host Thanksgiving at our house.

I started planning all kinds of dishes. Mashed potatoes, funeral potatoes, green bean casserole, corn, rolls, gravy, 1 baked turkey and 1 deep fried. I was stoked! For appetizers I planned mini quiche - vegetarian ones and bacon ones, salsa and tortilla chips, potato chips and green onion dip. It was going to be a feast like none other! Well, there were some pretty awesome ones, but this was going to be my first Thanksgiving, awesome event.

As I was cooking and baking, there were so many things that looked great. The vegetarian quiche were so pretty. Even just the chopped up onion and zucchini were beautiful.

The bacon cooking in the pot was absolutely divine! Though by the time I got to taking a pic, it was really bubbly.
Mom made the oven baked turkey since Jason and I weren't home in time to put it in the oven. It was beautiful.

The deep fried turkey made me a little nervous. Jason had checked it after about 20 minutes and it was a pretty golden brown color. I was thinking it would be so delicious!

When he pulled it out of the deep fryer, it was crunchy and crusty and black. Jason, Mike and Bobby assured me it was just fine, but I was nervous. I hate burnt stuff.

They brought it inside and there it was. Absolutely moist and juicy on the inside. The taste was so incredible!

I don't know if it's the pregnancy hormones, but I have grown to have a deep appreciation for beautiful food, or food that is presented beautifully.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

2010-11-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

Mainly cause:

it's almost Christmas
there's always good food
Mt Charleston Lodge trips for Hot Chocolate
it's cold
snuggling
eggnog
Christmas light spectaculars
baked goods
"special" decorating

just to name a few.

Happy Holidays, my friends.

It's the most....

2010-11-09T20:44:00.001-08:00

WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!

At work we got our order of candy canes (instead of suckers) in.

At home, the A/C isn't on, neither is the heat. It's snuggle time and warming my feet up on Jason.

In the neighborhood, leaves have fallen off trees, it's cold outside, I get to wear a hoodie (almost a coat), I get to drink hot chocolate and make holiday candy.

Spiritually, I have an amazing, wonderful, supportive husband, whose child I am carrying through this wonderful time of year.

New Calling

2010-10-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

A few Sundays ago I was told that if I choose to accept my new calling, the other callings I have will be taken away. I liked my callings I had, but I will say I was ready for a new one. I was Music Committee Chairman and Ward Missionary. When they told me I would be a cub scout den leader, working alongside Jason, I WAS STOKED!

I love BSA. I love what they can do for boys and how they help them learn survival and how to be civilized respectable kids.

Tonight was our first night. I don't think it went too bad. Jason wasn't able to make it. He didn't get home from work til 730. Scouts was already over by then. It's definitely a new calling. I've never been in a scout calling. However, I feel it's gonna be so much fun.

It's too much!!!

2010-10-07T23:36:00.001-07:00

I am teetering on breakdown. Not a bad one, just a mild, take a few deep breaths, and stretch breakdown.

So, I am taking 3 classes this semester. I had it all planned out so I would have my Associate Degree in May '11. I took 3 classes during summer and it seemed easy enough. However, with getting pregnant and fall "stuff", such as canning and quilting and the holidays, I am worn out. Not to mention that work has me working 30+ hours a week. I went part time so I could focus more on school and now, I am so overwhelmed.

I'm trying to take it a day at a time, and luckily my Accounting teacher is lenient. I thought about dropping the accounting classes, but that means delaying other classes and my degree. I seem to be focusing on things that need to be done asap, such as canning tomatoes before they spoil. Doing one class homework/quizzes that the teacher is in no way lenient. Crafts and cleaning around the house have sadly been ignored. We finally have a new kid in training, but it's still gonna be a few weeks before my hours are cut.

Anyone have any ideas for remaining calm and collected?

Most latest, exciting news

2010-09-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know fellow bloggers, I haven't shared my Denver trip info, but this takes some precedence... I'm pregnant!

I'm about 7 weeks along. The baby is the size of a blueberry this week. I've already bombarded myself with information from the internet and from books I've bought. According to all the online calendars and old wives' tricks, My due date is May 13. Our first Dr Appt is Oct 11. We will definitely have a lot more info for everyone after that.

I have started a new blog all about the pregnancy. How I'm feeling. What's going on. What will be going on. Etc. I suggest if you want to be informed, go to that blog and follow it. I have personal reasons that I don't want to post every single detail on Facebook. The website is http://graffamilyextension.blogspot.com if you want to follow.

St George Temple

2010-07-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

First off, I am so bummed that I couldn't find my camera today! We have a goal that we want to get a map of the US and maybe have it be North America. Every time we go to a temple, take our pic outside it and post it on our temple wall. Well, I quickly got over being bummed cause I looked like crap and it's a close temple so we will be able to go again soon.

The reason I'm blogging...
Saturdays of the month. The temple has been closed since July 19 and won't open again until the 2As most of you know, Jason and I volunteer at the Las Vegas Temple on the 4th and 5thnd of August. I don't think we've missed a month since getting our endowments and getting sealed so when we heard that we wouldn't be working this month, I tried to make time for us at the beginning of the month, but it didn't work out.

I worked today. I was off at 230. I kept hoping all week that if Jason got off in time, we could maybe go to the St George temple and get our "monthly" tradition in. Jason left his phone at home today and I kept stressing about his day (he had no clue what I was planning) thinking he wouldn't be home til 5 or something and then we wouldn't be able to go. As I was leaving work, I called his phone to see if for some chance he was home and it went to voice mail. Bummer.

As I was walking out to the car, my phone started ringing and it was JASON!!! He was home! I told him my plan and he jumped in the shower. I got home, checked times for sessions and we got on the road about 4 (5 UT time). We arrived about 7 UT time and I had the greatest feeling of accomplishment, peace and comfort. It was definitely interesting walking in the Endowed side instead of the Baptistry side.

I've been to the St George temple a few times for baptism purposes. The St George temple is the oldest operating temple we have. I think it is so beautiful. Big, sharp corners, neat, castle like. It's amazing from the outside. OH!! AND, it has a stinking revolving door!!! I vaguely remember the Baptistry. It was nearly 10 years ago that I went there last. And, I wasn't as big into history as I am now.

Everyone was so nice, as always. I must have had a sign on my forehead saying, "I've never been here. Please direct me in the right direction." Everyone was so friendly in telling me where the ladies dressing room is. Let me tell you... I love the dressing room!!! It was so orderly, personal and wonderful.

So, I get changed and as I try not to look around too aimlessly, there were some nice ladies there to give me my info and send me in the right direction. As I sat in the chapel, waiting on Jason and the session to start, I looked at the worn pews around me. How old are they? Looking around the room, everything had a classic feel to it. I then started pretending like I was in the Jane Austen times because everything surrounding me fit her to a tee!

The room was a little muggy. I'm sure the AC ducts aren't 100%. It felt like we were being cooled my swamp coolers. I was excited when we finally got to go into the veil room. What an awesome room! Much cooler too. LOL

The curtains, the carpet, how tiny the chairs were. I could definitely feel the history surrounding me. It was an incredible feeling. Then, as we went into the Celestial room, it definitely does not compare to the sparkliness of the Vegas temple, but it was perfect all the same. It felt like I was in a "formal sitting room" that meant sooo much more than that! When I see rooms like that, I think of the old days, and I mean OLD days when people had balls (as in dances/balls). The Jane Austen days. Sitting rooms, and organized appropriate dancing, manners, etiquette. I think if it were to be sparkly like the Vegas temple it would take away from the romanticism that thrives there.

We made our way back out the revolving door and home by 1030. Yes, it was a long evening, but it was something we needed.

Vacation

2010-07-29T08:23:00.001-07:00

Jason has a job that does not pay him when he takes vacation. He can take vacation in April (like we did) but he won't get paid for it until August because that's when his employer pays out vacation. So, we generally have a hard time taking vacations anytime other than August cause we don't like having to stretch the funds for a couple weeks.

However, August isn't a bad time to get paid out for Jason's vaca. His birthday is the last day of the month so it works out real nice for us.

Jason has worked at the Willey for 5 and a half years now. It wasn't until last year that I finally convinced him that you NEED to take vacations. That's why they have vacation time. A little over a year ago he was hating working, hating getting up so early, hating a lot of stuff. So, for his birthday, I planned a getaway. I usually plan getaways for his birthday though (i.e. Grand Canyon camping, WICKED in LA, Malibu vaca, etc.). He is finally understanding that when you are getting to a point that you hate your job, you need a vacation, because when you get back, you are rejuvenated and don't hate your job anymore, or not as much.

This year, I was going to keep it a secret, but I was having complications of how to get to our destination - Denver. We are going to Denver for a week to spend time with the Koch's, my uncle and his family, go on a tour of the mint, go to a pre game football game (Broncos vs. Steelers), go to the Denver temple and then good quality time with our friends and their adorable kids. I wanted to take a train cause I've been dying to take a train somewhere, but with all the bus riding we'd have to do, I was pretty much over that. However, I asked Jason if he wanted to and he was pretty much over it too. So, I told him my plans.

What I love most about this situation, is last night driving to dinner, Jason and I were driving to dinner and he says to me outta no where, "I am so excited for our trip next month." I am so excited too cause I know we both need it.

Numbers Freak

2010-07-23T22:58:00.001-07:00

Jason and I went to a "Banking Center" dinner tonight. It was the going away party for Ryan, one of my good friends that no longer works with me as of a few hours ago. (very sad face)

Ryan chose to go to Cheesecake Factory for his going away party. There were 12 of us there, and most of us were couples. We asked our waiter at the beginning of the dinner if he would be able to split the check and he said it would take too long to do it, so no. (seriously??? you won't?)

So, about half the table gets up to go get money from the ATM which we thought was at the entrance or something. But it was taking everyone like 15-20 minutes to get cash, which the waiter was pretty put out that we were taking so long... (If he split our checks, there'd be no problem, right?) So finally, everyone is back at the table and we order our food. I then find out that everyone had to go to US Bank or Chase or whatever was closest and pay a fee. For all of us B of A associates, we were a little perturbed.

The food was pretty good. It is an expensive place. I'm glad Jason and I are working on portion sizes and we decided to share everything.

It gets time to pay and Dave, our server, hands the check over. I insist I get it first. When it gets handed over to me, I feel so excited that I am going to get to divide this check up! I go through and make a list of who got what. I then figured out the total for each "couple", what percentage their total is of the sub total, and then figure out the tax and "over 7 people" added on gratuity. Yes, I found such joy in figuring numbers. LOL

This is my lovely artwork.

Yes, I even marked who paid and who didn't. But, that's because some people were paying with a card. I then was showing Matt his breakdown, Matt is my previous, previous banking center manager... my manager 2 managers ago. He was laughing at me for how meticulous I was with it all. I volunteered to show him a graph if he does better with pictures and he said, "Ya Graf, draw me a graph."

Jason just heard "draw me a Graf", and that's what he did, right next to our totals. LOL I love that silly man.

Figuring everything out was pretty easy. I may not have needed to go this distance but, I did. And, I feel good. My brain had a little work out and is ready for a good night's rest.

Enjoying the small things

2010-07-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

I hope he's praying that my garden continues to grow and be plentiful.

One of my favorite things about vines are the tendrils. They are so cute!

Our Garden is growing!

2010-07-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest pic's from our garden. I am so proud of our carrots, cucumbers and zucchini. Spinach and onions need a little more time to show their true potential.

The cucumber plants are getting little curly tendrils at the end of the vine. They are so cute! They also have lots of little yellow flowers.

This is the left side of the planter box. Carrots, green onions and cucumbers are on this side. As you can see, the green onions are growing, but some days they can't take the heat. We moved the box out of direct light hoping they won't "bake" all day in the Vegas heat.

I am so excited about all the carrots we are going to have! We will be eating a lot of carrot soup in a few months.

And last we have the Zucchini plant! Flowers have been blooming on it for a couple weeks now. They are big yellow flowers like this one. She is quite a looker.

Little Girls

2010-07-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

At work yesterday, there were two little girls sitting in the lobby waiting for their dad to get done doing his business with the bankers. They were very well behaved little girls, at least in my opinion. They were probably 5 and 7. After at least a half hour, as they were sitting in the same chair, I started hearing humming coming from their direction.

It was a really slow day, that's why I was able to enjoy this so much. LOL

After a few minutes, it started sounding more like Yummm. Yummm. And then... there it was.
Red Robin. Sung just like the commercials. I couldn't be the only one to enjoy it, so I called over a co-worker who laughed with me.

The girls didn't know they had an audience, so the next time they said Yummm, I replied, Red Robin from across the lobby. Sadly, after a few repeats, their dad was done and started to yell at them for being loud and noisy. I assured him it was my fault for encouraging them.

Eclipse

2010-06-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Eclipse with Gretchen and Anya. We waited in line for a while and then we ended up waiting in the theater for a while. Finally the trailers for new movies started. There is a new movie about owls coming out. I started a fascination with owls a year or so ago, but the only reason this movie has me wanting to see it is due to the funny joke they told...

Knock knock.

Who's there?

Owls.

Owls who?

That's right! Owls who!

HA HA HA I loved the joke so much I text sleeping Jason hoping he would be able to respond, but once that boy is out, HE'S OUT! So, the next morning I made sure to tell him as soon as we were up. He didn't get that much of a kick out of it, but I loved it.

Eclipse was my favorite so far. I hated Twilight. Very disappointed in the movie. New Moon was pretty good. I think because it followed the story of the book and didn't throw in too much extra. Eclipse, I was expecting cheesy, bad acting, lots of drama and that's what it gave me! So nice when the movie is what you expected.

Father's Day

2010-06-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

What a crazy fun day.

This weekend was our "special time" weekend so Sunday morning Jason and I were "studying". I got so frustrated and so upset I broke down crying saying things like, "We're trying too hard." "Making a baby shouldn't have to be this complicated." and the like. Wonderful, adorable, affectionate Jason just laid beside me and let me know that things will work out. He loves me. Heavenly Father loves me. We're not being punished, He's just waiting for the perfect time to send them to us.

After a good talk, Jason took me to 7-11 for Slurpees. Yes, we ditched church, went to the Sev and then we went up to New Harmony to visit Jason's dad. It was a good chance to get studied up on my History homework/notes. When we got there, we took his dad to lunch. We wanted to go to Brad's Food Hut, but they were closed. Imagine a Utah store closed on Sunday. LOL So, we went to a national chain... Winger's. (I personally love getting Creamy Buffalo Sauce to dip teh popcorn in. YUM!)

We had a great afternoon with Jason's dad and Tammy, but then we rushed home to make it to Jenny's in time for my dad's party. Jenny made tacos. They were SOOOO good. I personally loved that she fried the shells. (I'm getting hungry.)

After dinner and pie, "Bitsy" Brittney, Bobby, Jason and I played some Mexican Train. I was creamed! Jason and I then headed off to Brian's Battle of the Bands. (Brian is Jason's little brother for those that don't know. He is in a band called the Forget Me Now's. You'll hear of them soon.) I don't know how many bands there were, but Brian's band and another tied for first place, so they both advance to the next round! YAY!

The judges said that the Forget Me Now's had original lyrics, kept the crowd pumped, had good communication with the crowd and the only thing they really needed to work on was their precision. I think it was precision. It was late by this time so I'm probably wrong. Anyway, it was a great day. I loved being able to see Jason's dad, my dad and getting a glimpse of how great of a dad my husband will be.

Not thinking about what I use to...

2010-06-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

I just have to gloat for a minute. I planted a garden a month or so ago to give me something to do around the house. I play WoW with Jason, but sometimes it makes me think of babies, and kids cause everyone seems to have to take breaks cause "baby is crying" or "daughter aggro". The garden has taken up more of my time.

I am also taking online college classes, 3 of them as mentioned before. I'm just over a week into them and they have got me twirling in circles.

Work is also working me a few more hours, which isn't too bad. And, I have substituted in Primary a couple times in the last couple weeks.

With all this going on, I have to say that I have succeeded in getting my brain off babies! Today was the first day that I have dwelt on babies in a while. AND, I kind of wonder, if I hadn't gone out and done some grocery shopping and seen all the cute kids/families, would I have thought about babies?

First week

2010-06-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

I have made it through the first week of school. Yay! I'm taking 3 online courses. Yes, I like to take online courses cause when I actually have to show up to class, I find myself skipping class so I can be at home, snuggling with Jason. This then turns into failing grades and money wasted. (Now I see why my dad told me no boys or pets while in college.)

I'm taking History 102. This is everything from Reconstruction through today. I've been reading since a week before classes started cause this semester seems to be nothing BUT reading, and my first homework assignment had nothing to do with anything I read! I had to make sure I was reading the right book. Hopefully in the next week or so we'll get going onto the topics in the book.

I am also taking Accounting 220. This is Integrated Accounting for Windows. Even if I was a have to sit in a class and be taught by someone standing in front of me, this wouldn't have happened. This is an online only class. It helps you learn how to use windows, and how to use the programs most accounting firms use. This is my kind of class, because, it's all black and white. NO GRAY AREAS! WOOT!!!

My third class is Business Law. Ugh. Just the sound of it makes me want to cry. The cost of the book, which I already complained about a couple weeks ago, makes me want to cry. Luckily my work pays for books and tuition, so that will be included for my tuition reimbursement. This class is pretty tough. There are a total of 5 ways you can get grades. 25 points for your "Introduction of yourself" and 4 quizzes at 120 points each. There are a total of 565 points you can earn, and if you get 472 or less, you will have to retake the class. My first test I got a 77.5 on. I definitely need to give this class a little more attention.

Away We Go

2010-06-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

Another semester

2010-06-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

I started a new semester today. I'm pretty excited about it. I love summer classes cause they're shorter. At the same time, I think it makes it harder.

Either way, I analyzed my classes I've taken and the ones I need to take and have found that as long as I take 3 classes for the next 3 semesters, I will have my Associate in Accounting in May 2011! Not bad, eh?

I'm taking Business Law, Accounting for Windows and Hist 102. There is a lot of reading. Dread. It makes me sad cause I just got into reading for personal enjoyment. I know in Fall I will be able to read silly things again and I look forward to that.

BUSY Weekend

2010-05-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend is always a busy weekend. I love it though!

Mikey's birthday is usually during the weekend so Friday night we had a family dinner with my mom, and then Saturday was a huge party at Mikey's house with his friends and family. We ended up watching Kyler yesterday which is always a treat and now today we are going to have a bbq and swimming at Gretchen's.

What a fun weekend before it's back to the grind of work and school.

Thank you to all the men and women who have fought and will continue to fight to keep us free.

Law School

2010-05-28T22:42:00.001-07:00

No I haven't switched majors however, after leaving the campus bookstore today, I came to realize why lawyers make so much money... so they can pay off all the student loans they had to take out to pay for their text books!

I bought my Business Law book today and for a used book, it was $187.50

My accounting books are pretty pricey too, but holy shiz! Could you imagine being in your last years of school and all your books cost this much??? My history book was only $37.50

Maybe I should switch to a History Major. lol right.

Out at the Farm...

2010-05-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

My dad had to make a day trip to Utah and asked if I would mind taking care of the animals. As usual, I was delighted. I showed up to feed and these were the changes I saw:

Ginger, one of my favorite horses, now gone

2 new horses, Sheeza and Vixen (Vixen looks nothing like a reindeer)

bunnies caged up every where and still some wild ones running around

goat by the entry gate

baby bunny bunnies every where

duck limping

Wait, wait... what was that??? A GOAT BY THE ENTRYWAY?! I called my dad and at first he told me, "there shouldn't be any goat there" and I was like, "well dad, that would explain why she looks so sad and mad as she sits there. She must have snuck in while you guys had the gate open and now she can't get home."

But, gullible girl that I am, he then told me she was supposed to be there. I could hardly stand my excitement. I had a goat right in front of me!!! I've seen goats before and even petted them at petting zoos and regular zoos and stuff, but here was one in my dad's backyard! Jason couldn't get to the house quick enough so I could surprise him. I wanted to call him, but I knew if I did I would spill the beans about Gertrude. That's what I named her. =)

Jason called me to tell me he should be there shortly and I had to get off the phone so quick cause seriously, I can't keep anything a secret or a surprise. As soon as he showed up though, I took him out to see the happenings of the farm. Every thing seemed normal, and then, there it was. The shock, excitement and awe in his face. HE SAW HER!

Now, earlier when I discovered her, she wouldn't let me near her. I walked in slow motion towards her, but she'd bolt the other way. I sat down thinking she'd come to me, but no. However, like most kids (not baby goats) and animals, Jason was allowed to pet her and feed her right away. Then, he went to sit down and she came up and starting nudging him to give her more attention, similar to Diesel, Jenny's dog.

Jason called my dad to tell him he liked the new addition and to find out what her name is since I failed in that matter. Come on, I was excited to play with a goat! We found out her name is Ariel, but I'm still gonna call her Gertrude. It's more fitting. We also found out she is not pregnant and she is indeed a she. When I first saw her, her beard made me think she was a he. A very fat he.

Gertie, what I call her for short, is an African Pygmy Goat. She is mainly black, has some white around her hooves and a stripe down her spine. Her goatee is gray. Since I had no clue she would be there I was not prepared with a camera, but this is the best pic I could find on the Internet. I will have to take a pic of her next time I'm out there.

See how they grow

2010-05-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

I have a compulsive need to watch our plants grow. I check them before work, as soon as I get home, when Jason gets home, and again before bed. I want to see every millimeter of their growth. This also allows me to see things before anyone else as I try to see if anything is coming up. We finally have some carrots and onions coming up. They're small things, but they are the first to make an appearance!

Those are not huge sticks in the box, this little carrot is just that little. As you can see. It's nearly the size of my fingernail.If you click on this next picture, you should have an easier time trying to find this teeny tiny onion. Like I said, I am way to compulsive.

Filling her up!

2010-05-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

We moved the planter box to the backyard. We filled her up with garden soil, sand and garden soil for vegetables and flowers. We have planted carrots, cucumbers and zucchini in the box and the two planter boxes next to her will have onions.

Nearly filled.

Jason planting carrots.
I did not realize how many onions there would be. If you want some, let me know.She's done. Now to water and watch the plants grow.

Making a filter, making a filter...

2010-05-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite dumb movies to watch is Bio-Dome. Whenever I'm making something, be it dinner, a scrapbook page, a purse, whatever, I tend to sing "making a filter, making a filter, maaaaking a fiiilter" just like Steven Baldwin does in the movie.

I wanted to wait til our backyard was pretty to have a garden, but who knows when that will be. Jason and I went and got some lumber to make a planter box. Redwood is a good strong wood so we got that. It smells so wonderful! We then took our lumber to Mike's house, he cut it for us and then we came home to build our box.

We only got the end panels done as it was getting dark and we don't have a light for the garage bright enough to allow us to continue building.

The nearly finished box waiting for it's legs to be put on.

The box is done. So now it's time to take it in the backyard and fill her up!

May 18

2010-05-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday. My first day off where everyone else is working but me in about 2 weeks. I accidentally slept in til 11. Yes I know, live it up now cause once I have kids, I won't get that. Jason finished building our planter box last night, and I would love to go start planting things, but we built it for us to do together, so I'm thinking of other things to do. I need to find something quick before I start thinking too much and Jason comes home to a ball of tears. It's happened a few times and I get so embarrassed.

I'm going to make today a day that counts.

Forgot to test today.

2010-05-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

I've been testing for ovulation the last few days and I was so caught up in stake conference and building a planter box that I forgot to test today. It's now 1030 at night and I'm wondering if it's still even worth it. Jason's passed out on the couch and even if it is positive, I doubt anything is going to happen.

I need to get Betty White's Baby Making Quilt.

Ding.. Round Two.

2010-05-12T21:16:00.001-07:00

Obviously, since you didn't hear an Hallelujah from my side of town last week, we are not pregnant. We passed all our tests except the important one... the pregnancy test.

A lot of things happened which made me believe I was, but I think I wanted it so badly, and even though I was trying to keep an open mind, I still only heard what I wanted to.

This means we are starting our second round of Clomid. I'm pretty excited about it.

However, I must say, I'm getting a little tired of the whole thing. This month I talked with a friend quite a bit about the going ons in my non pregnant life. We talked about how you take the tests, you take the temperatures, you analyze everything (which is great because most girls are great at analyzing and over analyzing) and once you find out you're pregnant, you still have 8 and a half months to go! I was told that it can be a loong pregnancy. From working in an OB/GYN office, I know that by month 7-8 most women are ready for the baby to be out! Some women don't even know when they're pregnant. So, in a way, I will be missing the surprise of, "OMG, I think we're pregnant!"

That got me thinking today that maybe if we don't get pregnant this round, we'll take some time off from "trying". I have just over a year left for my associates. I've noticed that sometimes when people get things they want, they don't work as hard for other things and I don't want to be one of those people that gets pregnant and doesn't finish my degree. I've already let too many things get in my way.

Furthermore, I would love to be able to just have the same mentality I did before all this and just let nature take it's course. There are women who get pregnant well into their 30's and the baby and mother are just fine.

There is a lot of thoughts going through my mind. Some of them organized, some of them a horrible train wreck. Right now, I feel that I will finish out this cycle, and if the end result is "negative", I can take all the energy and emotion I am putting into trying to conceive into becoming a better person.

Hey Reb!

2010-04-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Many moons ago, in a land far away (also known as Harmon and Boulder), there was a boy named Jason. He met this charming girl named Jessica who moved into the apartment building next to his.

He loved hanging out with her, but sometimes he loved playing World of Warcraft more. (He wouldn't admit it then.) Well, Jessica tried seeing what was taking up Jason's time when she wasn't around and found there was a little man, a gnome to be exact, that Jason spent all his time with. The gnomes name... Heyreb. Jessica thought it was a funny name and kind of left it at that.

When she started playing the addicting game, she found that people pick names that mean something to them, that's if they are creative enough. Some people pick random game generated names. Boo... no fun. Jason's character Heyreb started a little fling with Jessica's character and they have been to the ends of the world and back again.

Back to RL (real life). I wanted to do something fun and exciting for giggles the other night, so I took Jason to the middle of town. We ate at Jason's Deli and then went to UNLV. Jason could not guess where we were going. That's a first. We were walking around and I was asking him what things were, and what buildings were where. AND THERE IT WAS!!!

Jess: Jason, what's that?
Jason: Oh, that's the Alumni Building.
Jess: No... what's that?
Jason: That's the building where alum's come and hang out and they do...
Jess: No Jason. The thing in front of the entrance.
Jason: I don't know... OH! It's a Heyreb!!!

So we took pictures of us with the little 4 ft Hey Reb! This goes back to the tradition of when I was attending SUU and my friends and I would take pictures with all the bronze statues on campus. Yes, there are quite a few to take pics with.

(try and beat this guy's mustache Dawnie. Mwah ha ha ha!)

positive attitude towards a negative result

2010-04-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

It's been 10-11 days since ovulation, and when I took my test this morning, it was negative. The instructions say it's only about 53% accurate this early and to wait for the actual day I'm supposed to start and take the other test.

My Plan:
-call dr office and see how results of progesterone test went
-finish semester of school
-sign up for summer classes
-start a walking routine
-clean my house and get it ready for whatever life brings us
-wait on cycle, get on clomid, try it again next month

I feel that these are things that will keep me busy, active and continuing to love life.

Update on Temple Volunteering

2010-04-24T15:23:00.001-07:00

Right as we were about to bless our food (Bless it!) the other night, Jason's phone started to ring. Wihtout hesitation, I picked it up, answered it and handed the phone over before even saying hello. (Jason gets irritated with me when I do that, but we were having a quirly night so it was forgiven.)

Anyway, after a few minutes, Jason starts telling the person on the other end that he "would love to try and volunteer more" and "that would be great" and "ya, I think that would be awesome." 10 minutes later, he's finally off the phone and there are mom and I with, "What the heck? Quit stalling and tell us what that was about!" looks on our faces.

Jason was told that the recommend desk has changed to a volunteer or ordinance worker position and they want him to get trained for it!! I am so excited for him! I told him, "Yay, now you can meet all my friends and all my friends can meet you!

Yes, I know I won't be able to be up there with him. Though I would love the greeter position. LOL I'm still so stoked for him that he will be able to participate in something else there.

11/3 versus 1 1/3

2010-04-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

I was really wanting waffles for dinner the other night. Waffles and French Toast are my favorite breakfast food and would eat them cold, warm, old or fresh any time, any place, any day.

As I was preparing the batter, I looked at the instructions and it said

2 cups mix
11/3 cups water

Being that I was using the generic brand, I thought, "Gee, they want me to use my 4th grade converting fractions skills." So I poured in 3 and 2/3 cups water. After stirring the batter and getting all the clumps out, I started thinking the batter was kinda runny. Actually, it was really runny. I tried calling my mom and she wasn't answering. Luckily my friend Gretchen called and said, "I think it's probably 1 and 1/3 cups."

Oh.

She was right. Looking at the box again, there is a very small, and I mean TINY space between the ones. I poured the first round of batter down the drain and the second batter turned out a perfect golden brown.

"I delivered two babies today."

2010-04-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

My mom, little bro, sister, Jason, and two of my friends from a long time, Kizzy and Leah, went to Macaroni Grill for my birthday Saturday. Leah and I were chatting when Jenny and Kizzy walked in and I had asked her what she's been up to and how school is going.

With a no big deal attitude she tells me, "I delivered two babies today."

WHAT?! I couldn't believe that. I asked if these were her firsts and she said she has delivered about a dozen so far. It's so crazy to think of being on the other side of labor. The helping get the kid out while helping the parent remain stable. Cleaning the kid off. it's just amazing to me.

I just want to give a shout out to my friend Leah. I think she is absolutely amazing. She almost has her nursing degree. With all the BS she has dealt with in life, she still manages to be such a good friend. She deserves only the best. Love you girl.

Moroni

2010-04-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Our Stake, for Youth Conference this year, did an amazing program called The Book of Mormon Experience. They picked 4o something different people and assigned them certain chapters of The Book of Mormon to "act" out or prepare some lesson on. It started Friday afternoon at around 5 til about 9, then it went from 630 am on Saturday til about 9 pm.

Jason was picked to prepare a little something for Mormon 7-9. For those unfamiliar, this is when Moroni calls the people to repentance.

He decided he wanted to act as Moroni, keep the outfit and everything else pretty simple, cause this is a big deal. We made him a white robe, he made some "gold" plates and he borrowed his grandma's horn.

He walked out on stage, blowing the horn. He then flipped through the golden plates letting the kids know that what is in them is true and very precious. He did a great job. Everyone did a great job. No adults were allowed unless they were part of the program or were leaders. The presenters were to be at the stake center 15 minutes before you went on and leave shortly thereafter.

From the rumors I heard, the kids enjoyed it immensely.

I do believe that is an LH Surge!

2010-04-17T13:35:00.001-07:00

Sorry that you guys get to know soooo much about me and Jason, but it shouldn't be anything different from how I've been my whole life.

This morning was the dawn of my birthday. Jason was a little frisky and based off my charting and test taking, I let him know that right now would be recreational and tonight would have to be obligational.

So, I just took my Ovulation Test and it is positive!!! I am so excited!!! I keep checking the test to see if it's going to change to a negative, but Jason told me it's been 10 minutes and it's not going to change. It's definitely a positive. =)

My instructions tell me that I need to call the dr the day the stick changes colors, but since they're not open today, I will call them first thing on Monday. Wewill follow the rest of the instructions and as long as everything goes accordingly, we may be pregnant this month!!!

YAY!

Easter and stuff

2010-04-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

What a busy week we've had!

Thursday we had a work party at Red Rock Casino Lanes. The Merrill Lynch representative that works at my location threw a Bowling Night for his banking centers at Red Rock. Drinks, Food and 2 hours of free bowling were provided. It was quite a bit of fun. Only people from my banking center showed up, but that ok. =) We liked it that way.

Friday we went out with the same people, again! My banking center manager was transferred to a different location and we had his going away party at Olive Garden. I felt a little mean by rubbing it in every one's face that I am allowed to eat my Braised Beef Tortelloni cause my religion doesn't make us not eat meat on Good Friday, but we all make our own beds, right? And it was so good!

Saturday we were supposed to go to Jason's sisters house for a birthday party for Jason's nephew, but it got rescheduled to Sunday, and so we had a free night on Saturday. Jason had the Priesthood session of Conference that he went to and I was trying to get my homework finished. He got home, we ate some dinner and then we rushed off to see How to Train Your Dragon in IMAX at Aliante. He's been dying to see it. Now, for those that know Jason, he's easily amused, but there aren't too many things that get him smiling and clapping happy. I love being able to experience those moments with him. It was a super cute movie.

Sunday was hectic. Kind of. We got up and watched the morning session of conference. We tried to amuse ourselves in between sessions, and during the afternoon session, we tried staying awake and did an ok job. As soon as conference was over we went to Jason's sisters, hung out there and celebrated Dylan's birthday. Shortly after cake and ice cream, we went to Mike's house for Easter dinner. He has been grilling things in the Hibachi Egg and it reminds me of when I was younger and went to CA with the family for holidays and Uncle would always be cooking on the Hibachi. I love my brother for being the amazing guy he is.

As for today, Tuesday, I finished my last dose of Clomid. The next week or two will be lots of tests. Crossing our fingers!

It's starting...

2010-03-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

After finding out that everything is great with Jason, I've been waiting patiently for Aunt Flo to show up. She has finally gotten here after a few weeks of being late, and I'm way excited about this because.... I START CLOMID!

I'm a little nervous going on it. It seems like you have the normal side effects from most fertility enhancing or unenhancing drugs, except one of the side effects that I'm most concerned about is hair loss. Our kids definitely do not need 2 bald parents! I know it will be ok though. I have quite a bit of it, and it's not guaranteed that I will have that side effect.

I had to call my doctor today, so I did that. And I figured I should read up more on exactly what I should be expecting. I signed a release that was explained pretty much as, "You know there is a chance for multiples? Yes? Sign here." I read that paper today. I read every word and the last paragraph kind of riled me up.

The paper work mentions multiple gestations, but this is where I REALLY understood the situation, 'As a result, gestation of three or more fetuses are frequently reduced to twins by a process called Selective Termintation.' WHAT?! Continuing, 'This method involves the insertion of a needle through the mother's abdomen into one or more of the sacs, so that only twins remain. This procedure apperas to be effective, and preliminary reports have suggested that its safety record is acceptable. However, the procedure is quite new and must be considered experimental. The possibility that Selective Termination will result in loss of all fetuses must be considered.'

Oh Shiza! Lately I've been thinking of the idea of twins. I use to want them all growing up, and then I realized, that's a lot of work, so I decided that I wanted one at a time. ( i know, I know. Like we really have a choice.) After knowing that I'd be going on Clomid, I've been trying to prep my brain for the great possibility of twins. Which made it seem like a joke that for the last 2 years, I potentially could've had 2 kids, or 1 kid and then one more on the way, but no, we want to play catch up and give you two at a time. Thinking of the catch-up idea really set me off the other day at dinner when Jason and I thought of how great a tax write-off blessing and home loan modification blessing the kids would be. HA HA HA

However, when I read that there could be three or more, and that if it did happen we'd have to terminate the extras, I was crushed. I'm not for abortion. Never have been for it. It's a touchy topic so I'm not going to get on my soap box or anything, but I've been wanting to get pregnant for so long and when I do get pregnant, if with more than 3, how could I choose which ones I would need to terminate? So, I pray this today, please, only let me get pregnant with one or two. I do not want to make that choice. AND, it still says that it can result in the loss of all fetuses. So please, please, please, only one or two.

It's not you, it's me...

2010-03-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Classic phrase that a lot of us dread, however, I'm totally stoked to be able to tell Jason those words. Jason had to go and do a most awkward procedure yesterday morning, and around 2:30 in the afternoon, he was told his guys are perfect. =)

I'm way excited that we are that much closer to finding out the true solution of why we're not conceiving. I also feel a little more relaxed, cause had it been Jason, I feel the procedures and billings would have been great.

Since we know it's not Jason, I will be going on Clomid. Little scary for us, but we aren't given any challenge we can't handle.

St Patty's Day

2010-03-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Day of luck? Maybe. I will apologize right now for not writing this in a journal, cause I may get negative, but this is to prove that to some of you who think I have a perfect life, I don't.

I woke up this morning with Jason and sent him on his way to work. I went back to bed for a little while, more like quite a few hours. When I woke up at about 9:30, I was still in a funk and thought, instead of lounging all day in my pj's, no make up on and hair in a ponytail, I thought taking a shower, doing my make-up and hair would make me feel better. Only so much...

Today I was supposed to find out if I was pregnant or not, and I can pretty much tell, I'm not. Every time I thought I might have been, the first question asked is, "Do you feel pregnant?" Being that I've never been pregnant, I have no clue what that feels like, and since I don't feel any worse, or better for that fact, than I usually do, I can honestly say, without going and purchasing another stupid piece of plastic, I am not. =( I've been trying not to let that get me down, as last night I had a burning in my heart that confirmed I will have kids, just not right now. We will have them when He is ready to give them to us.

I went to the college today to get some money back for classes that I had signed up for at the beginning of the semester. I started with 3 online classes and am down to one cause they are harder than I thought. However, I was informed by the cashier that I had to have dropped my classes by Jan 29 for a partial refund and because I dropped them the first week of Feb, there is no money due to me and I still owe the college funds for classes I didn't take. =( Perfect.

So, here I thought I was taking some steps forward, trying to get ahead in life, and as always, have been put in my place feeling lower than normal.

I'm off to go clean a Scout shirt with a smile on my face so I can enjoy the wonderful smile and hug I will receive when the wearer puts it on feeling loved. =)

Oh, and I am wearing green so don't pinch me.

Happy St Patty's Day.

Cars (not the Disney movie)

2010-03-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

So, My dear friend Jessica ran over a pothole the other day and blogged about how she changed the tires, got a little messy, but thanks to a loving father who taught her basics, she managed to get it all taken care of.

This got me thinking of my great friend Janell. I have to say the only thing reckless that we did in high school was drive reckless cars. When Janell turned 16, she got a gold Crown Vic that looked like undercover/non-undercover police cars. We use to love following people just to mess with them. We did a lot of things we shouldn't have in her car, such as changing driver/passenger seats while driving 75 on the highway between St Joe and Oregon. We went to support her boyfriend at a baseball game one night and on the way home, we missed a turn and ended up having to make a u-turn in the middle of the highway. As we were across both lanes of traffic on the dark, two lane highway, the car stalled. Ka-put. We had already passed 2 cars so we knew that some cars were coming from behind, and as we looked toward what should've been oncoming traffic, we saw more cars coming. We felt like a stalled car on some train tracks. As I opened the door to get out of the car and make a run for it, Janell miraculously got the car started and we were able to finish the u-turn and make our "missed" turn and proceed home.

Though we took our Ford Bronco to Missouri with us, the same Ford Bronco that my mom drove us around in, that Mike drove to school, seminary and many other places, the Bronco that Jenny drove me and her to school in (when she lived with us), I was not allowed to drive it. It was a gas hog, 7ish miles to the gallon, the gas gauge didn't work, so we had to calculate everything, and seminary was about 7 miles itself outside of town, so I understood why I couldn't drive Bobby and I to seminary and school (though I have no clue why when he got his license he was allowed to drive it. Either way, that has nothing to do with this story, so I'll proceed.)

(this isn't the Monte Carlo I drove, but it is pretty similar. The one I drove was black and still a big pimpin car.)

Instead of the Bronco, I got to drive a '76 Monte Carlo. It was my mom's boyfriends car when he was in high school or something. It had a black exterior, black interior, had been refurbished twice already and was in desperate need of being refurbished again. What do I mean by refurbish??? You could crawl into the trunk from one side and crawl out the other side (Bobby did it a couple times.) It was so rusty that parts were constantly flying off the vehicle whether you were going 10 mph or 65. I was driving over the Missouri River one day with Bobby and a couple friends joking about the car and I made a comment about how one of the tires could come off and I'd laugh. As we hit the top of the bridge, the front passenger tire came right off and rolled down the rest of the bridge. Thanks to Bobby who ran and got the tire and lugnuts (yes, the lugnuts came off so teh axel plate was complete;y flat) and brought it back, but when the wheel came off, it damaged the door and front fender so we were no longer able to open the passenger door, which put a huge damper on giving people rides. I have to admit, some of the coolest things about this car was that it had swivel driver and passenger seats, and that no one in a 400 mile radius of St. Joe drove a car like mine. (That might also be why I got to be the popular unpopular chick.) I was grateful to have a car to drive, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I would've rather walked or hitched a ride.

One of my favorite stories in the Beast was Janell's and my trip to Savannah one day that our school let out early. It was spring cause I remember everything was green. It wasn't too hot and there wasn't any snow so probably about Marchish. We thought we'd drive up to Savannah (which is only a hop skip and a jump North of St Joe) and stalk who I think by then was Janell's ex. Yes, the ex that we went all around northwest Missouri to see play football and baseball.

(this is Highway 59. This is about where we had our spinout.)

We were driving on the highway 59 which is a beautiful highway. It is a little smaller than major expressways but bigger than a two lane highway/road. We were chatting away, listening to oldies, passing pokie drivers, letting the wind blow through our hair when the car takes control of itself, does a double 360 in the middle of the grassy highway and then finally stops. There is dust all around our car, filling the air in the car, and I am frozen.

What the heck just happened?!

"Janell?"

"Janell? Are you ok?" I can't see a thing or hear anything. I'm reaching frantically around trying to see through the dust and see if she's ok.

"Whoa. What happened?" she finally said.

"You ok? You hurt anywhere?" I asked her.

"Nope. Just a little startled."

"Me too."

We then started to get out of the car to see what had happened.

The dust was finally settling and we were finally getting back to the normal teenagers we were 5 minutes ago. We were walking around the car trying to see what happened. I didn't hit anything in the road, there was no smoke coming from under the hood, so the engine as far as I knew was ok. We checked the tires to see if one blew, but I didn't remember hearing anything pop. That's when we saw it. The back passenger side tire had been scalped down to the steel belts. Where was the rubber? The tread? Even still more important, HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

Janell saw the tread of the tire about a 1/2 mile back and she went to go retrieve it. As she was doing that, I finally figured out that the wheel well (what was left from it since it was mostly corroded and that's how you were able to crawl into the trunk) had somehow bent down the opposite way the wheels were turning, during the perfect part of our trip, and shaved the tread right off causing us to spin in circles.

We were able to still drive the car, but we knew we couldn't make it to Savannah or back to St Joe on this gimp tire. We got to the proper side of the road and prayed. Not 15 minutes later, a guy saw us poor helpless teenagers (who didn't have cell phones cause back then, kids just didn't have cell phones) and pulled over to see what we needed help with. We explained what happened, and he magically pulled 2 tires out of his trunk. They fit the Monte Carlo perfect. One was for the messed up tire, the other was a spare for future use. We tried to get him to follow us back to St Joe to get him cash for the tires, or replace them, but he refused. Janell kept telling me how he was an angel and I could only agree with her.

It is good for girls to learn how to change spares. Though, I would leave it to the hubs or AAA, but when you're in a hurry to stalk someone it's good to know how to do these kinds of things.

Sick

2010-03-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, so early in January I got a sore throat which put me out. I needed to call into work, but didn't and after nearly 5 hours of whining they finally let me go to the dr for some antibiotics. Ya, I didn't understand why I needed antibiotics for a sore throat either.

Last Saturday, I had a real scratchy sore throat. I didn't think much of it, and then Monday, my head felt like it was going to explode. I diagnosed it as allergies, took some Zyrtec and let it be. Today, I woke up and have a miniscule headache, coughing fits, and phlegm in my throat.

This sucks.

Chocolate Bunny anyone?

2010-02-24T20:28:00.001-08:00

Me personally, I've always wondered how rabbits fit into Easter. Furthermore, how did chocolate Easter bunnies become the official food of Easter?

I have my answer.

Jason had to be to the church earlier than normal for scouts tonight. They were having Pack meeting which was actually the Blue and Gold Dinner and Jason's boys, the 11 year olds, were performing the flag ceremony. It was turning into a pretty hectic day and as I was about to make a quick trip to Walgreen's, this is what greeted me on my front doorstep...

I quickly went inside to explain to Jason that the myth about rabbits being able to beat cats is false as the proof is on our front porch.

I got in the car and as I was pulling out of the driveway, I see the cat pouncing on the poor helpless bunny bunny, assuring there was no life left in it.

I was gone for about 15 minutes and got back home to see there was no bunny on the sidewalk anymore, for the cat drug it into the rocks, crouched on top of it and had already eaten half it's neck. I honked at the cat, I yelled at the cat, but the disgusting thing still would not let off the neck of the rabbit. I finally nudged him with my foot and he got off it and started licking his beastly lips.

Jason came outside and we were on our way to the Pack Meeting. We get home about 8 o'clock and find this...

The cat has ripped this poor bunny rabbit to shreds! And, ah-ha! See that weird ripply thing hanging out the top part of the body? That looks like chocolate. Seriously. The perfect milk chocolate chocolate. I think back in the 1800's when Germans were trying to find a better "treat" for the Easter bunny to bring to good little children, there were a bunch of parents sitting around eating rabbit stew and talking about what they could make, and that's when one of the mothers (who had killed the rabbit earlier) came up with chocolate bunnies as the Easter "treat"!

Volunteering

2010-02-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

Jason and I have been talking for a while about maybe becoming volunteers at the temple. We thought it would be good for our spirituality and also get us out of the house a little more. We were concerned with our schedules, but knew that everything would work out the way Heavenly Father wants since he's the one ultimately in charge.

So, in Merry Julianuary, before leaving the temple one night, I talked with a lady and she helped me get signed up for a phone call to have an interview with the Temple President. Since talking to someone, I've been thinking, maybe we're not supposed to be volunteers and kind of letting my guard down to the adversary.

Friday, February 19th, I found out my sorority is being reestablished at UNLV. I emailed them to ask how I go about being part of it again and was so extremely excited to be involved in Zeta again! I called Jason to tell him my exciting news, and then he said, Jess, I'm not sure how much you'll be able to be involved, cause I just got a call from Sister Bell and we need to set a time to go meet with the Temple President. I have to admit, that I got slightly bummed at first, but then 2 seconds later I thought, HOLY MOLY! That is awesome! What a great day!!!

I told Jason that I was still waiting for my email back from Zeta and that I knew we would have everything work out the way it is supposed to. So, we set up our appointment with the Temple President on Saturday at 5. I also got an email back from Zeta telling me that my information has been given to the alumnae coordinator and that I will be able to get involved that way. I was pretty excited cause as an Alum, you don't go to chapter every week, you don't do as many things as the collegiate girls because you are supposed to be busy either with your career, husband or kids. So, that works out great!

We then had our interview with the Temple President. What a spiritual uplifting experience. He is amazing himself, but what he told us impressed me even more. Jason and I on our way to the temple had talked about the different things we could do there. The baptistry was one that we thought could be fun to do as some of the ordinance things could be kind of scary since we're still learning all that is entailed in those. President Ballard told us that earlier in the day he had been asked by the baptistry if he could help find more volunteers for Saturday afternoon and night to work in there. He said that it's a position for a younger couple, such as us, and that it will be the best position for us right now. It's kind of exciting to hear a Temple President tell you that you are the answer to his prayers. =)

We finished some small details, and as it is, we will be working the 4th Saturday of every month at the temple in the Baptistry. This next Saturday is our first day! We are both really excited.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-16T22:20:00.000-08:00

The 13th of February, Jason and I both had to work, we also were invited to a wedding, there was a baptism and many other activities going on and being that I hate crowds, I asked Jason a few weeks prior to this weekend if we could go out for Valentine's Day on Monday the 15th. He agreed.
On Friday the 12th, Jason told me the place he wanted to take me to on Sunday was booked and would it be ok if we celebrated on the 15th? I laughed and told him it was fine since that's what we agreed on a few weeks ago.

(I also didn't want to go out on the 14th just cause it's always a hot mess wherever you go in Vegas. If we ever move from Vegas, I think that will be one thing I love... being able to go out on Valentine's Day and not get bum rushed by crowds.)

Monday was great. Jason had to work, but it was a short day luckily. He got home, showered and shaved and we were on our way to our fun night!

We started with seeing Valentine's Day at Aliante Station. Many critics gave this movie a thumbs down, but I disagree. There were a few dumb parts, but if I were 18 again and had a boyfriend that I completely loved, I wouldn't think those parts were as dumb. As for the rest of the cast, I loved it! And to stand on my soapbox a little longer, some people love Valentine's Day and some people hate it. There are very few of us that love being able to celebrate the purpose of love. I think the critics are haters or either love or the day of love and that's why they gave it bad reviews.

Anyway, after watching the movie, we headed downtown. We had about an hour or so to kill before our reservation. Since we were downtown and the last time we were there we didn't get our Deep Fried Oreo's, I asked Jason if we could share an order and of course he didn't turn me down! We also thought we should try a Deep Fried Twinkie, so we ordered that also.

I have to admit, the deep fried Oreo's were delicious as usual, but I didn't really care for the Twinkie. It was deep fried, yum; a Twinkie, yum; but it was so greasy and just not what I thought and hoped it would be. Jason finished it and loved every morsel! I did love seeing the powdered sugar and chocolate sprinkles cover his lips and goatee when he took a bite.

We walked around a little longer and found lots of fun stuff... some of it was supposed to be there, and some was just the wonderful different people of the world walking around out there. Mermaids is the place to be. That is where Nathan's is located. Nathan's is the place that you get the deep fried Tinkie, Oreo's among many other delectables. For those of you looking for a place with good drinks, they have plastic football cups you can fill with beer or any kind of margarita mixture you can think of (you can also fill a yard drink there instead of a football). Mermaids is towards the west end of the Fremont Street Experience, on the north side. For a holiday Monday night, the Experience seemed a little slow, but maybe Saturday or Sunday was the happening days down there.

I told Jason that while we were down there I wanted to get a tattoo. Not a real one. I wanted to find a fake tattoo kiosk and get "Jason" written in script in big letters across my chest. That was going to be my Valentine present to him. ha ha ha

After searching the entire Experience, a had a brilliant thought, people down here aren't wanting to get fake tattoos, and if you're old enough to be down here, you are old enough to get a real one. This would explain why we couldn't find a kiosk and why I didn't get a "Jason" tattoo.

It was nearly time for our reservation, so we went to the 4 Queens. Jason was trying to pretend like it was a secret on where we were going, but I already knew. We were going to Hugo's Cellar. If you have never been there, I would suggest, you save some money, cause it is a little pricey - bout $40-50 a plate, and take someone very special to it.

I have only been here one time. When I first started hanging out with Jason, nearly 6 years ago while he was preparing to go on a mission, he told my friend Kitty and I that we needed to "experience" Hugo's. He treated us. I was so angry that he spent so much money on two girls he didn't really know. He should've been saving that money for his mission. However, in the following years, Jason tried to find places that would compare to Hugo's and there hasn't been a place.

Hugo's Cellar is just like a cellar should be, below the main floor. It's not directly below the main floor, but you do have to go down some stairs to a secluded, no trafficing, area. You check in at the hostess stand and wait for them to come get you so they can seat you. Everything is the same as a regular restaurant. Well, once they come to get you - cause they don't yell out your name, the hostess brigns a long stem red rose for all the ladies in the party. They then escort you to your table. The first time we came we were in a booth, but this time we were sat at a square table. Prior to us being sat, they had removed the extra settings and had only 2 plates with their utensils set according to table setting standards and a napkin folding in a tent on our plate. So far, it's just as perfect as I remembered it before.

They handed us our menu's, took our drink order and let us be for a few minutes. Jason got a strawberry lemonade which was absolutely divine! We're not sure what was put in it, but it wasn't just lemonade and strawberry extract/puree. This had bubbliness and a little limeness to it. So good! I just had water. I didn't want to get soda or anything that would ruin my tastebuds for the delicious meal I knew I would be getting. What I love about Hugo's, is even though you get water, they make you feel special about it by bringing a bottle of Hugo's Cellar water out and pouring it in your glass. No ice, just chilled water being poured.

Jason and I ordered. He was torn between quite a few things, but I was going to have the filet mignon. Jason was torn between the duck, veal oscar and veal chop. He decided to go with the chop. Our server went and put our order in, and then came the salad cart! YES, A CART!

The salad cart is something I haven't seen anywhere before. You get to pick out what you would like on your salad and then they prepare and toss the salad right in front of you. A few simple yes and no answers, and there you have a perfect salad! Tomatoes? yes. Mushrooms? yes. Pine nuts? yes. Red Onion? no. Parmesan cheese? yes. Bleu Cheese crumbles? no. Hard boiled egg? yes. Anchovies? no. (though last time I did try them.) Baby shrimp? yes. Croutons? yes. Cheese? yes. Which dressing would you like; caesar, orange honey walnut vinaigrette, or creamy pepper? creamy pepper. And there is my perfect salad!

While sitting at our table, enjoying my salad, I realized, Hugo's takes such good care of their patrons that they have people sit on the opposite side of the table from where the other patrons walk by. So essentially, on the opposite side of the aisle way. There is room for 4 at each table, but while we were there, everyone at the aisle tables only had 2 people and they sat on the opposite side of the aisle. How awesome is that? That was one thing I hated about last year at Ruth's Chris as that not only did we sit at a table directly in the front, right by where everyone was waiting to be sat, we had someone's butt resting on our table nearly the whole time. Last year was quite tragic.

Our salads were done and the server helper brought our little raspberry sorbet's to cleanse our pallets. Isn't that awesome? When I saw Princess Diaries I thought that only at royalty events or parties people did that. It's only a teeny tiny bit of sorbet, but it's more than enough to make me feel like royalty! Shortly after cleansing our pallets, our entrees arrive. Oh how perfect it looked! Side of garlic mashed potatoes, fresh steamed vegetable, and they're not the chips you usually get, these are strings of vegetables. LOVED IT! Then, there sitting on my plate was a perfect steak. It was so tender to cut into, but once it hit my mouth, it melted all over my tongue. Jason was full from his dinner, but he still helped me finish mine it was that good.

Our plates were taken and if I had room ,I would've tried the Banana's Foster. However, we told them there was no room and we'll just take the check. I forgot about the dessert they bring! They brought our check, along with a heated towel, yes to clean your hands and face and whatever else you do with a heated towel, and then they bring a little assortment of chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate dipped figs and chocolate dipped dried apricots to dip in a fruit cream dip. Though none of those leaped at me and screamed "EAT ME!", I still loved that they brought it out. I did try half a dried apricot, the part with the chocolate. It will take getting use to. ha ha ha

Jason and I explained to one of our friends before that we aren't materialistic, that we like to experience things. This is one of those "experiences".

Family

2010-02-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sheila, Jason's mom, went into the hospital last Saturday. She had some chest pain and upper back spinal/rib pain and to this day, the doctors still don't know what's wrong. She's had echographs, x-rays, among many other tests ran. She went in for another x-ray last night, and I hope we will hear results of that today. The doctors did assure us her heart is ok. We thought it was enlarged, but it is normal. The upper parts of her lungs are working great, but they're trying to find out why the lower parts of her lungs aren't working. They ruled out parrelsy (? pretty sure that's not spelled right), but they are now thinking it might be. The doctors are saying her COPD has been caused from her history of bronchitis and pneumonia.

Jason and I were able to go visit her Tuesday when he got off work. She had quite a room full of visitors. I was really excited to spend the whole day with her yesterday. Carla was there too and June joined us after a while. I brought a word find for her, the newest Dan Brown book, playing cards, things to keep her busy or us busy while she sleeps. It was fun having a girls day.

I love the Graf family. Sheila will get better. They have her on oxygen nearly all the time, and she will be on oxygen probably for some time. I'm thankful that she is in my life. She truly is an amazing person. I don't know if I have ever gotten to spend this much time with her, but it truly has been a fun experience. Probably not for her, but I love being next to her and talking about whatever comes to her.

Kickin it Old School

2010-02-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

Last week I got a call from the air conditioning people who replaced our A/C system 2 years ago wanting to do their 6 month check up. I wasn't available last week, so I picked Wednesday this week hoping they would show on the latter part of 2-6. As luck has it, they called at 1:40 to let me know they were on their way. Sheesh!

(Mark Darcy, Fitzwiliam Darcy, Lord Wessex, Henry Dashwood, Jamie Bennett, any part he plays he's very dreamy. In fact I loved Austenland before I even started reading just because of the dedication - For Colin Firth You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends.)

I called my mom to see if she would let him do what he needs to do cause I won't be home til about 2:30 ish and he may be gone by then. Well, situations happen and I didn't get home til about 5:30, but Jason got home. The tech told him about a crack that "might" be in our furnace. They never actually said there was one, but they said over time there will be a crack and we'll need a new system.

Jason and I talked the whole situation over and came to the conclusion that we are good with no heat since our fireplace works and I like to snuggle up to him at night anyway. And seriously, there's only a month or two left of cold weather. We will stick it out, save money and replace it next year if needed.

Jason turned on what we thought was the heater, but still today, after 3 days, our house temperature hasn't seen the 70s. It hasn't even seen the 80s! That's right. When I got home from work today, the house is sitting at a slightly chilly 62. I am all for keeping it cold, my family is half polar bear, but I do like a little heat and since my heater went to the movies with a friend, I lit our fireplace. (I later found out from mom that the tech blew out our pilot light.)

I finished up some homework tonight and needed some reading time. (I have found a huge relaxation in reading. A lot of the stuff I read is almost better than TV. There is still some TV that is better than books, but I've been reading good books lately.) I borrowed Austenland from the library and started reading it a few days ago. I haven't gotten too far into it since I have school work and I work quite a bit this week, but after my studies, I picked it up, pulled the rocking chair in front of the fire and began to read.

What I love about Shannon Hale, the author of Austenland, Princess Academy and Goose Girl, is that she's easy to read, but so detailed that I lose myself int eh story. The story is of a girl obsessed with Pride and Prejudice who goes on a "holiday" to Pembrook Park to live like they would have in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The girl, Jane, is getting used to using lamps and candles as lighting and getting use to all the new clothes and way of talking, etc. I think it was even more fun to just get lost in the book by sitting by a fire that is my only source of heat at the moment.

(Aren't these girls absolutely beautiful?! I would have loved to live in those days where the most important thing of the day was what bonnet to wear with which ribbons. Oh, and to learn how to hoist your boulders up in one of those corsets wouldn't have been too bad either. I would not have the terrible posture I do today if I had worn corsets my whole life! I just love the hair styles, the clothes, their MANNERS!!!)

I had to keep changing my feet to be taken off the step so my cute little lamb slippers wouldn't burn. I kept having flashes of Jo Marches dress being burned from sitting too close to the fire. Yes, I would be a Jo. Always too close to fire. I must say though, it was quite relaxing. In so much that I can barely keep my eyes awake any longer and must retire to a freezing bed that will be warmed up by me and my heating pad. HA HA HA

Ode to Drugs

2010-02-03T18:35:00.001-08:00

Advil, Midol, Ibuprofen, Aleve,
I had a terrible headache and you helped me fight it off.
But, like the cat, it came back the next day so I tried something stronger
and we still couldn't find a way to make it leave.

I then got a cough
which then made my lungs hurt to breathe
which didn't help my headache

I thought Robitussin was the answer, but I was wrong
Though you helped me sleep through the night,
I woke up feeling like a bus ran me over.

Time to call in the big guns.

Oh Penicillin, how I love the way you make me feel after I take you.
You get rid of my cough,
You get rid of the yucky bacteria that has tried to take over my body,
You make me feel like a woman again.

Don't worry Immunization Steroid,
I'm not leaving you out.
How can I forget how you helped me feel 10 times better after
having you be jabbed in my buttocks.
You mixed with Orange juice sure made me feel like an Incredible.

Though you guys are fantastic,
and you've helped me live through my terrible sore throat,
I sarcastically want to express "Thanks for screwing with a cycle I've been monitoring very closely."

Yes, I had a severe sore throat at the beginning of the year and thought I could fix it myself with Robitussin PM, lots of pain relievers and other over the counter drugs I have at home. Nothing was working, so I had to go to the Dr. Befoer I left his office, they gave me a B12 in the right cheek and an immunization steroid on the left! OUCH! I was prescribed Amoxicillin which is a penicillin. I knew it messes with certain things but I had too much faith in my body. Now here it is, a month later and all the drugs I took I'm sure have effected my cycle which is late, but the test is negative.

23 month Anniversary

2010-01-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm a dork. I love the number 23 and only thought it very appropriate to celebrate our 23 month anniversary. =)

Todd and Andrea were our dates for the night. We tought dinner and bowling would be great, so I checked the Neonopolis, more specifically Jillian's, to verify that they were still operating and their website was still going and telling em who to contact for group events and other stuff. So, we drive down there, Todd and Andrea meet us there, and the place is vacant. There are 2 people walking around, but they were security guards yelling at us from down stairs that there is nothing open at Neonopolis...

...

...

Great. I better not have to pay for parking! (Thank you Mr Parking Ticket man for not making us pay the $1.50. I know it was "only a $1.50", but as my husband mentioned, we didn't get to do anything we wanted because you guys still have the websites rolling which is very misleading to me.)

Well, now what do we do? We're all pretty inventive and clever, so we decide to see what movies are playing at Sam's Town and if there isn't anything good, there is still bowling. Todd and Jason ride together and Andrea and I ride together and we get to Sam's. They had some movies playing, but it was getting late, Jason had to work the next day and to start a movie at 10 would be a waste cause Jason would fall asleep during previews.

We went to T.G.I. Friday's. Always a good place to go. We had a blast talking and quoting movies and just being silly friends.

There was no bowling, but the company was great and I'm ok with just hanging out with awesome people!

Thanks for the fun guys. And dang it! Next time we're downtown, remind me to get some deep fried Oreo's!

Sarah - Woman in Genesis

2010-01-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Over the last year or so I have seen more books that help you to understand the Old Testament than I had ever seen before in my life. I know that the Old Testament has many great stories and lessons one could learn to help make one be a better person.

In November Jason and I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting. It was on having Courage and being of good cheer. I picked to talk on Courage and of course brought up my favorite story of courage... Esther. She was such a great inspiration to me growing up.

Esther was one of a few women that I greatly admired in the scriptures. Ruth was quite amazing too. I wanted to learn more about other people, more specifically women in the scriptures. There is a series called Women in Genesis by Orson Scott Card that I had bought from the book store. Leah and Rachel was the smallest book, so I read that one first. What an amazing story! I must admit I didn't care much to learn about these women, nor did I know who they were. After reading the book I felt so much more enlightened and had so much more respect for these women as they played a HUGE role in the history of this world. I had Sarah and Rebekah but was holding off on reading them for no known reason. I think I just found other books or things to do.

When the Women of the Old Testament book came out late last year, I bought it for me for Christmas. It has every single woman in the Old Testament down to little girls that didn't even have their names mentioned. A few weeks back I kept having Sarah pop into my head. I was unsure why, but then I started thinking of Sarah. From what I knew of her, she was Abraham's wife, couldn't get pregnant, her handmaid bore Abraham a son, and then FINALLY she had Isaac in her and Abraham's old age.

With the current situation, I felt inspired to read Sarah and get to know her more. I love historical fiction cause generally the authors use real events, but they add dialog and other embellishments to make the story more exciting and fun. I'm currently about a third of the way through the book.

It begins with Sarai, as that was her name then, as a little girl and her sister, Qira, getting married to Lot. Abram, as that was his name then, sets up the marital arrangement and meets Sarai. He promises to come back for her in 10 years, but after eight years Abram is not able to wait any longer and they get married.

I'm at a part in the book where Abram and Sarai go to visit the Pharaoh of Egypt. Abram had told everyone that Sarai was actually his sister, Milcah, in hopes that they will survive this trip, cause if Pharaoh knew that Sarai was who she was, a princess of noble bloodline, Abram will be killed so Pharaoh could marry Sarai. This is also the time that Hagar is given to Sarai as a gift from Pharaoh. Hagar learns that Sarai is Abram's wife and must keep it secret. She also knows that Sarai hasn't been able to bear any children. The two women have very strong personalities, so it's not surprising that the two quarrel. It's fun to see how they disagree and let misunderstandings come between them, but they eventually work things out.

The inspiration I received last night from the chapter I was reading helped me immensely. Sarai was praying to the God of Abram asking why he is hiding from her when other gods that she doesn't believe in are there mocking her and making her barren. She asked for hope and strength to conquer her doubts. Hagar seeing Sarai after the prayer says, "I have not seen such weeping in many years. Please don't cry so much." The two women talk about God, whom Hagar is having a hard time believing in, and the their current situation of Sarai not being able to see Abram, not being allowed to help with chores, and many other things. Hagar gets frustrated of fighting with her Mistress and addresses her as so:

["Mistress, why do you argue with me? You're a woman with a noble heart, not just a noble bearing. If your god is a God of gods, as you say, then he knows that. And for all you know, Mistress, he is planning great things for you if you only have the patience to wait for them."

Sarai opened her mouth to argue once again, but then realized: I asked God for an answer. Whose mouth did I think his answer would come from? Could Hagar's words not be God's answer to me? Be patient and wait. God is planning great things. "Once again, Hagar, you have taught me wisdom."]

Sometimes I think we look for answers to our prayers in the wrong way. A lot of you help me in being patient, but sometimes it's really hard. It's not that I don't take your advice and hugs, but sometimes I feel a letter in the mail from Heavenly Father or an angel dropping by to tell me to be patient are asking too much. lol Those scenarios are definitely not going to happen, and I need to start having better faith in how prayers are answered. I know one day Jason and I will have children. The trial is in finding things to occupy my mind and time until that blessed day comes.

Crawl in a hole kind of day

2010-01-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

That's exactly what today was. I woke up with a slight headache, but after taking my meds and drinking some water, it pretty much subsided.
I didn't have much to eat for Breakfast, so after the sacrament was passed I had about a handful of hot peanuts. I asked Jason if my breath smelled and he said it smelled "hot". lol
The ward choir sang during Ward Conference today and for the most part, it was a normal Sunday. After the choir sang our Stake President, Todd Moody, spoke. Somewhere along his talk he spoke of a 24 girl on his mission that he thought he offended. He found out that she had been excommunicated from the church and this is where is gets blurry. I went on a tangent of thoughts of when I was 24. That was 4-5 years ago. What was happening in my life then?
-breaking up with a great guy but who was terribly wrong for me
-focusing on what makes me happy
-singing in the Institute Choir
-living with my sister
-trying to make ends meet
-finding out who I am and what kind of person I want to be
-got my patriarchal blessing
-deciding on what I wanted and DID NOT want in a mate and trying to decide on if I wanted one at the time (which of course I knew I wanted to get married one day, but after the relationship I was in the process of getting out of, I just wanted to be me. Be free. But in the event that someone came along, I wanted to know right off whether or not I should waste my time or theirs, so that's when my "list" was made.)
Prior to 24, mainly 19-23, I had many many things I did that I am not very excited to brag about. Even carrying some of those things into 24 and 25. I started thinking of those things and how STUPID I was for doing them. Thinking of some of those acts got me thinking of my present situation. Without doing those stupid things, I wouldn't be who I am today and I wouldn't have the life I have today.
However, I know that I have an amazing husband, but then I started thinking, If I hadn't done some of those things, would I be blessed with a kid today? (and the tears start) I then progressed in my tangent about Why am I not getting pregnant? Why is it taking so long? What should I do to help get me pregnant? How come I'm not getting pregnant? What have I done so terribly that I am making it impossible for Jason and I to be parents? And then I started getting selfish... What if Katie, my brother' wife, gets pregnant before me? Last thing I knew she wasn't wanting to have kids anytime soon. Am I going to have to wait that long? what if we're never able to get pregnant? What if we adopt? Are our families still going to love our adopted kid as much as they would a blood kid? (large crocodile tears pooling in my eyes)
I tried not to dwell on my tangent cause I try to be strong about the whole thing and I was doing pretty well. I tried paying attention to the talk again, but I couldn't keep my brain from going 10,000 miles per second thinking other things like, Well, maybe we're going to have a Jersey Girl story and something will happen to one of us when our first kid is born and then what? (which I always tear up when I think of living without Jason). Maybe that's why I'm going back to school. Is something going to happen to Jason? I will need to support our kid and having a degree will help me find a job. I can't be a parent without Jason. How will I learn patience?
Before I knew it, the talk was over and we sang the closing hymn, and on the last line of the 3rd and last verse, the tears over ruled their limit and came crashing down my cheeks. I tried to wipe them away as the closing prayer was being said, but they wouldn't stop! Everybody was going to their classes and I didn't want to draw attention to myself so Jason and I sat there for a while. People walking by informed us of where to go for class, since it was combined classes today and a couple people checked on us, but all I could do was hide my face and let Jason tell people we're ok. Finally after about a half hour of crying in the chapel, I got enough composure to spill the beans to Jason about why I was melting down. (more tears making a river down my face)
Jason, of course, just held me and let me cry for a while. He reassured me that we will have kids one day but all I could tell him was, "I'm losing hope in that." I'll be 29 in 3 months. 29! In mormon years, I may as well be a grandma. Which don't think that didn't cross my mind. I meet up with friends for their playdates and some of them are done having kids. I have other friends who have 10, 11, 12 and 13 year olds. If I had a baby this year, their kids would be able to babysit mine! FURTHERMORE, in a few years, if I still have no kids, my friends will be grandparents while I'm still trying to have kids! I asked Jason, "Whose going to have playdates with me?!"
I tried to put my best face on and told Jason that if he can't find me at the end of class, I'd be in the Mother's Lounge. As far as I knew, not too many people use it anymore. I was planning on it being empty, but when I walked in, there was a new mother in there. She was feeding her son who will be 1 year old in a couple weeks. Had it been anybody else, I would've left and not stayed, but because it was her, and by the feeling I had, I sat in the chair next to her. (I have only met this sister a few times and there was one thing I knew we had in common... she had a hard time getting pregnant too.)
After some meditating and a quick prayer on how to approach this "sister", I finally whispered her name. She turned to me, eye brows lifted in a "what's up?" kind of way. So I asked her, "How did you get through your low days?"
She asked, "What low days? You mean the ones where you see cute babies and kids everywhere? Pregnant people everywhere? Where you sit in Relief Society and people go on about how they feel so blessed to know that they are worthy enough to be a mother which makes you feel inept? And you have no clear reason as to why you haven't gotten pregnant yet?" Shamefully I started crying again and answered, "ya." I knew that I took her back to her time when she was having problems and her sympathetic reply was, "I cried a lot and prayed a lot." So, I said, "well, at least I know I'm doing it right."
I was so thankful to have that sister with me in that room. That sister was a tremendous help to me. We talked about medications we have been on, what options there are, which doctors we've been to, other people we know that have had similar experiences and how they got through it. I think my favorite part of our talk was that she gave me her phone number and email for any questions, concerns or comments and that she also gave me the title to a book that helped her out when she was where I am.
After church, Jason and I went to 7-11 to get slurpees as promised (yes, sorry about breaking the sabbath). I got home and logged onto the LV-CC Library site and requested Taking Charge of Your Fertility. The sister told me that it helped her to get to know her body better than any other resource. She assured me it wasn't just a book to help unfertile people get fertile, but it was knowing what changes your body does and how to recognize them. The book should be coming soon as the copy I requested no one had reserved. I am feeling much better now, but what a mess I was this morning!

Answered Prayers

2010-01-17T01:45:00.000-08:00

My testimony of prayer grew a little bigger today, again.

A couple weeks ago I knew that my friend Charlotte needed to have a night with Jason. I had been talking to her a few times through the holidays and into the new year and for some reason, I felt that Jason needed to call her and offer priesthood things he could perform. When he did, she said she did want to see him and would love a "blessing". Jason met her before she went to work and they had some dinner. Jason came home feeling pretty good about the night and when I woke up the next morning, I had a text from Charlotte saying, "Jason is amazing and I'm lucky to have him". Within the next 48 hours, Charlotte's mom passed.

I had cleared it with work earlier in the week to leave at exactly 1pm today to make it to the funeral in Henderson on time. Jason also tried getting the day off, but was denied and told that if no one calls in, he can work in the warehouse for a few hours and then go home.

So, during our morning prayers, I asked Heavenly Father to help us get to our destinations on time and in safety. That Jason would be able to make it home in time to get presentable and be able to pick me up from work.

I got as ready as I could for the funeral before work so in case we were running terribly behind, me getting finished ready wouldn't put us even more behind. I got to work at 835 and started logging on to my computer and getting set up for the day. I saw a co-worker show up and for some reason I checked to see the schedule to see who else was working and saw that this co-worker wasn't scheduled. After talking with him and the manager, they let me go home and he stayed.

My prayer was answered cause there is a girl I work with who is usually at work before me. She was planning on leaving Vegas after work to go visit her husband in Phoenix for the weekend and if she had been there when we were discussing me leaving, it would have been a total mess and neither one of us probably would've been able to leave.

So, I called Jason to see what things were like at his work. Did he go out on a bay? How many stops? When will he be home? Etc Etc Etc When he answered, he told me he had just walked in the house. He also told me that there was another guy that also requested to have the day off to attend a funeral, and though he had to go out, His day that looked pretty long actually ended up getting cut in half due to other circumstances.

I was so relieved that our prayers were answered and we were able to make it to the funeral in our Sunday best looking our Sunday best.

Valoy Heki - We will miss you greatly. See you on the other side. =)

One month til VDAY!

2010-01-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

I love VDAY! I really do. It's probably my favorite holiday right after Christmas.

Anyway, I have a funny story to share. I think it was Monday night, I asked Jason if he wanted to drive the car to work and with a very excited expression he shouted, YES!

I giggled cause usually he doesn't get that excited when I ask if he wants to drive the car. So, I laid the keys out for him.

Tuesday morning came and he left. I got ready for work and went out to the Jeep. I got in and started it and there it was. The odometer was at 111098.

I got all excited cause Jason gave up his chance to see the odometer at 111111 so I could see it. =D

He really is fantastic. He knows what little things make me excited. And it did. I had a fantastic day the rest of the day! Picture will come later cause you know I took one! lol

Work

2010-01-06T19:15:00.000-08:00

There have been many ups and many downs of my current job. For those that don't know, I've been at Bank of America as a teller since I quit Ensign last March. I've only been part time which is what Jason and I worked towards. However, now they've come to me saying that my hours (or other part timers) will be getting hours cut.

Since I've been working 30 something hours last week, this week and next week, I was looking forward to my 20 hours again, but I was informed that if someone doesn't transfer to a different location, I will be getting less than 20 hours.

There is a branch even closer than where I am now that is looking for part time, but I'm not sure I want to go there. As Jason pointed out, there is a whole new group of co-workers I have to get to know AND new customers. Which, you wouldn't think it, but customers get comfortable with their tellers and they don't like having "new to the banking center" tellers even though you may have been with the company a while.

So, I'm trying to decide what I want to do. I think if the new banking center will let me have Mondays off, I may just take it. When I became ATM Custodian at my current branch it kind of eliminated Jason's and my "weekend" (being Sunday Monday off).

Please help me in praying for the right thing to do.

Laughter is the best medicine

2010-01-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

I guess it's a good thing that I wasn't able to donate blood this last Saturday cause I had a mild flu last week that turned into a severe thunderstorm Sunday. Sunday night we were watching a movie and my throat swelled up and it hurt badly to swallow. I thought some sprite would make it feel better, but nope. I went to bed hoping that sleep would wear it out, but by the time I woke up, I felt a little flushed, kept coughing, I couldn't take deep breaths cause my lungs felt like they were being stabbed by millions of little needles, my throat felt 10 times worse, my body ached, I felt the constant need to puke and I was freezing (this is very odd considering I run nearly as hot as my heater of a husband).

I wanted to call in to work, but I don't have a "call in" bone in me, so I took a shower thinking that might help, and though the moisture did help, I still felt miserable. I'm sure a lot of you were hoping what I was, that I was pregnant, but low and behold, if my day couldn't get worse, I started. (On a brighter note, that means I am now at a 31 day cycle! WOOHOO!)

So, I trekked off to work and what a joke!!! I called the Dr to see when I could get in and they had appt's all day but to make it easier on my co-workers, I took a late appt. By 10 I was done. My head was burning up even though my body was freezing, I had a terrible headache, I couldn't stand next to the counter cause it pushed on my tummy which nearly made me hurl quite a few times, I kept having to sit every 1/2 or so cause standing was too much, every part of my body (mainly joints) were hurting. I could barely stand and I kept wanting to leave but my bosses wouldn't let me. (Now I know to call in next time and take the heat than deal with their BS.) FURTHERMORE, if I wasn't already looking like crud and feeling like crud, The Dumb-A (CAPITAL A) that I work with decided to leave the freaking door open when he smoked!!! I had to stop helping my customer cause I couldn't breathe, and nearly passed out and then got attitude from my coworkers cause I asked them to close the door. Finally by 2 my boss said I could go. Gee thanks.

Jason picked me up to take me to the dr and that was a big joke too. I understand that some places are terribly busy, and that when you have an appt at 340, you had better be there or you lose. However, I don't get someone showing up 20 minutes early for her appt and someone showing up at the office twenty minutes after her and being seen for her appt she is late for before the poor dieing girl that was there first! Once I finally got to see the dr, He told me it wasn't strep, I just have a severe sore throat and that they are going to give me 2 shots, some steroid pills and antibiotics. He also asked if I needed Tylenol with Codeine to help me swallow things and not let it hurt. Ummm... no thanks doc. I already have quite a few things to take don't want them to all cancel each other out. You would think for a severe sore throat you wouldn't need all that, but hey, I'm not a doc.

So, the nurse comes in and tells me to hop off the table. I'm thinking that I'm going to be getting these in the arms but oh no. "Ok Jessica, Ones going in your cheek and one in the other. So drop em." O.o Seriously? I have never had butt shots before and I don't think I will ever care to have them again! OUCH!

So, Jason and I stop for KFC Gravy with some mashed potatoes and we get home. And this is one of the reasons I love Jason.

Jason: Sweetheart, I know I can't make you feel better, but is there anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable?
Jessica: You could do the chicken dance for me.

So he starts swinging his arms and gobbling. Though it made me laugh,

Jessica: No Jason, the CHICKEN DANCE!!!

So, with a little help from his sick wife, we get the right song and he sings and dances the chicken dance for me. LOL

When I asked for a louder encore he told me no, but I was laughing and coughing so much I didn't care.That will be stuck in my head for a LONG time.

For those who may not know what the chicken dance is, this is the best video I could find of it.

Friends... How many of us have them?

2009-12-30T22:51:00.000-08:00

What characteristics does someone have to have to call you a friend?

Some may answer, they need to call me once a day. They need to have the same interests as me. They need my help. I need their help. Someone who likes the same movies as me. Someone who can finish my sentence (meaning the people that say "gosh" to my "oh my". That doesn't count, everyone knew what the next word was going to be). Some people just want friends no matter how great of a friend they are just so they can feel loved and accepted. I am more of the, I will talk with friends, hang out with friends, but only my best friends learn about all my skeletons.

Have you ever gone shopping for a friend? I have. Though there were many times I hated my move to Missouri, it was the best thing that could've happened to me. One of the greatest things I came back to Vegas with, was a friendship that would last forever.

While being in Missouri, I also came to realize what a friend is. My third grade teacher taught me many great life lessons. The one that has helped me become who I am is the great saying "Treat others as you wish to be treated." I realized this meant in EVERY aspect. It didn't apply just to, if I don't hit them, they won't hit me. It applied to, I'm going to give you the best kind of friendship I know how to give, because that's the kind of friendship I want in return.

Though I know many people, and at one point or another hung out with everyone, I consider a "best" friend someone who will be as honest with me as I am with them, even if it may hurt your feelings. Best friends will let you know that they saw your boyfriend kissing some other girl on the bus. Best friends tell you, "Jess, I know you better than you know yourself and if you kiss that boy, it's not going to end well" (and when you do end up kissing that boy, and it fails miserably, they are there to help you gather up what's left of your broken heart and piece it back together. Best friends give you something to look up to, that makes you want to be a better person (I'm not talking about jealousy, that's completely different). Best friends help you sing the song in your heart when you have forgotten the words.

This may all sound so cheesy to you, but I do have a point. This afternoon I went with a friend to go get some G's (religious clothing). She is going through the temple for the first time and I am so excited for her. She and I have found each other in fun times in our lives. While shopping she was trying to take in everything and I was trying to give some input (wanted or not) and also trying to keep her girls from hitting everything with their umbrellas. Her family is far away and I love being a fill in sister. She is someone I see everyday and never get sick of cause later today we went on a movie date.
Before heading to the movies, I logged on facebook and saw that another dear friend has a mother being admitted to a hospice. This girl and I butted heads in the beginning of our friendship, but I care for her just like a sister. I've been talking with her here and there about her mom and life yet, something told me to have Jason call her. They were friends in high school and after, and though I'm sure she would've loved a phone call from me, I knew she needed Jason. I'm not sure what all was said. I do know that I have a peace in my heart for her. Jason said that they had a good chat, and good food, but overall, he thinks she's a little calmer.

Christmas was weird for me this year. I didn't have the spirit I generally do which is overwhelming to most people. This was the first year I didn't get to celebrate with my sister. My real sister, Jenny. Not to freak out, she's ok. She just went to Mexico with my brother and his wife to celebrate the holiday. I didn't think it would bother me as much as it did, but I know that her absence was a lot of my "whatever" attitude. I think the reason we were sisters is cause in life, we probably wouldn't have been friends. She and I were very opposite growing up, and as a little sister, there was a lot that I took and was afraid to dish out. However, there could not have been a more perfect sister given to me. She and I talk about everything! It's only taken us 30 years to get where we are, but I wouldn't change it. A lot of people take her the wrong way. They think she's mean and bratty. When it comes down to it though, wouldn't you rather have someone say, "Don't wear that, that color is terrible on you!" on your preparation for a date with a guy than someone who doesn't say anything and let's you walk out of the house looking like a fool? And, as for bratty, she knows what she wants. If she's going to be so picky about certain things she buys, you know that whatever gift she's getting for you is going to be the one that she would get for herself.

When shopping for a best friend, make sure you get a true genuine friend. These are people that care just as much for your happiness as you do theirs. This means, if I love playing board games but you would rather go watch a movie in the theaters, instead of making me watch a movie with you every time we're together, let me have a board game night. It means posting a not so flattering pic of you on the web, because it's an adorable pic of them.

In college I seemed to date all premissionaries. It's just what I did so I could finish college and not get tied down and having to drop out cause wifing and mommying were too much. One guy in particular was a really great friend of mine. I told him I wasn't going to wait for him, but I secretly wanted to. However, life happened and 6 months before he came home, I was living with my high school crush. A friend of mine dragged me to a singles dance and here came my return missionary and I broke down in his arms. For a year and a half I went through hell with my boyfriend cause he could not compare to this return missionary in any way. It had finally ended between us and the day I called the return missionary hoping to start up our old flame, he told me he was engaged. I admit, I was crushed for about 1 millionth of a second, and then I was overjoyed! How great is it that someone I care about so deeply found someone that makes him completely happy. I didn't think there was anyone that compared to that Return Missionary, but sorry Todd, Jason outdid your kissing and singing. lol (Call when you guys get back from Sacramento so we can hang out.)

Being a good friend doesn't mean that you always get things your way. It means you should hurt when your friend hurts. It's crying with them when they are overflowing with happiness. It's kidnapping them for a night cause their kids are driving them crazy. It's letting them pack your stuff, move it out and into their house cause you couldn't do it yourself. It's.... being the kind of friend you want them to be to you.

I am so thankful for the friends I have. The family that are my friends and the friends that are practically family.

No longer a poster child

2009-12-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

A year ago today I was the poster child for stress case.
-I hated my job and was trying to transfer to a different position but no go.
-trying to find the source of my unfertileness, no go.
-learning to live with mom again, somewhat go.

My regular girl doc repeatedly had no appt's for me, so I was forced to see his R.N. Generally I am ok with seeing R.N.'s cause in the past I have had some great ones. However, this one was a beast. She never listened to my concerns, treated me for things that I didn't need treated, prescribed whatever the drug rep's wanted her to and in the meantime made me into a female version of the Incredible Hulk. Every time she had to touch me I felt I offended her cause I left feeling bruised and abused.

After a month or so of her abuse, she finally referred me to an Endocrinologist to find out the source of why I am not getting pregnant. This guy ran blood tests every month for a few months and then told me to go see his OB/GYN "friend" for a second opinion. I went to his friend whose office was TERRIBLE!!! They always charged me for a specialist co-pay, treated me terribly cause I was not one of their 20 yr old knocked up Hispanic girls, and was very unsanitary. I actually got to see the Dr and though I was impressed with him and his answers. He told me he wanted to get my body pregnant ready which is what I wanted. Though I liked him and where I saw the situation going, I did not care to go there ever again cause he didn't impress me that much that I would put up with his horrible staff.

As if this crap wasn't enough, work was nearly equally as horrible. I could never do anything right. Even when I thought I did something right, I was told it wasn't good enough. To work with someone(s) who are constantly judging people on their appearances was very taxing. Kid you not, if you worked in a restaurant, would you make fun of what the health inspector was wearing to inspect your restaurant?! NO! You'd be making sure all your t's were crossed and i's dotted so when they had a question, you were ready to answer. But making fun of them was more important. And seriously, if it took you 15 minutes to find out whose job it was to fill the copier with paper, wouldn't you just fill the stupid thing and save the other 10 minutes for more important work?

Not to mention that I left my house at 730 am to get to work by 830, and then as long as traffic was ok, I would get home around 615 pm. That's right, my whole day evolved around work. There could've been a way for me to work from a branch closer to home, but I had already burnt bridges by hanging out and around the "other kids". I was refused plenty of times for a different position at one of the 3 branches closer to home and working from home as were 3 other employees. I realized that they didn't care about me at all and if I didn't care about me, then no one would.

My mom was also on month 4 of living with us. Big change from living on my own (for the most part) for the last 10 years. I use to get so angry that Jason would get home at 1 pm, and she would get to spend so much more time with Jason than me. I was still at work for 5-6 more hours!!!

January brought new resolutions. I was hoping to go back to school again. I hoped to get pregnant. I hoped to get healthier so I could get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. I wanted to be a better wife.

By April, I quit my job and found a new one. Closer to home and a lot less stress. I went to a R.N. my friend referred me to who put me on Metformin. Jason and I also started realizing that though mom is a guest in our house, who shouldn't have to entertain her. We were able to find a balance between giving up all our Jason and Jess time to only giving up some of it.

Here we are, at the near end of 09 and I am happy to say, Life is so good. Work is stressful some days, but at the end of the day, I go home and leave the stress at work. I am working part time and it's great. I'm home to cook for Jason some days. We spend a lot more time together. The Metformin has been working great. I've lost about 30 lbs since being put on it in March. They upped my dose in July/August and I have been having almost normal cycles which means we can hopefully get pregnant in the next few months.

I know everything happens for a reason. I know that everything happens when it's supposed to. It's pretty known, or at least I hope I've made it clear enough, that when we do finally get pregnant, it will be just Jason and I in the house preparing for Baby Graf to join our humble abode. So, in the meantime, I am making the best out of work and praying that mom sells her house. I know that this time will also help me and Jason prepare ourselves in becoming healthier.

Jason met me for lunch on Monday. We went to Wendy's. I use to be able to eat a triple cheeseburger with a large fry and drink from there and still be hungry. My appetite has shrunk to where I can barely finish my single cheeseburger, small fry and drink. I usually throw out 1/2 the fries and nearly the whole drink. Jason, who always eats his double or triple cheeseburger and finishes what I don't want of mine, got a single. I asked him if he was feeling ok, and his response really touched me. He said, "I've had to convince myself that I don't always need to eat a triple cheeseburger just cause I know I can."

Today I went to a new girl doctor. I have decided to never see my previous doctor again because I hate the way I'm treated there and it's so far away. I needed someone closer to my side of town. I loved that I got a few minutes to talk to him in his office before we jumped right on the table and had an examination. He wanted to know why I was there, we talked about getting pregnant. He understood why I was hesitant to go on Clomid. I also love that his office looks like how I want my house to look, warm, cozy and inviting.

I know the next few months are going to be amazing. I know that we have been blessed immensely over the last year and this next year is going to be so much better!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

2009-12-13T23:54:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite pic's from the photo shoot with Jenny.

New experience I never want to relive...

2009-12-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

My last post stems from Tuesday afternoon. I wanted to blog about my situation on Tuesday at United Blood, but hadn't had the emotional strength to do so. I believe I have enough now.

I take pride in being a platinum donator at United Blood. That means in the last year I've donated at least 3 times. I never gave blood before due to a terrible fear of needles, but I figured, maybe by donating and being stabbed by a needle every few months would help me conquer my fear. Also a year ago I was having blood tests ran every other week it seemed like, so now, it's no big deal.

Jason has never gone with me, 1. he's usually working, 2. in high school I remember him saying that he tried giving blood and because he's always had high blood pressure, they said not to donate. We've been working a lot on his blood pressure and we have it under control most days. So, I convinced him to come with me to my donation appointment on Tuesday, December 8, and give if he could. He agreed (like he wouldn't?!).

I was thinking that I wouldn't be able to donate because mother nature and I had been visiting for the week prior and I figured my iron would be low. The attendant helping me told me that I couldn't; My iron was at an 11.7 and you need to be at at least 30. So, she told me to reschedule for a few weeks. Jason on the other hand, because I wasn't staying for my double like we'd hoped was going to give a full blood donation.

They had us snack in the snack area while they prepped his seat. He filled up on lots of juices and cookies. Figures. As we were over there, I asked him what blood type he had. Without hesitation he said B+. I laughed cause I thought, that's way too coincidental for my always happy positive Jason to have B+ blood type. So I told him to tell me the truth. He ran through a few other ones and I told him to stop messing around and tell me what he has. He then told me again with his "I've already told you the truth smirk", "B+". I didn't believe him and made him show me his donor card. All be dang! He is B+. (For those not getting this, I was thinking "Be Positive".)

They took him to his spot and I pulled up a chair next to him. We were all talking and joking and having a great time, well as much fun as you can have while a needle is being jammed into you/your spouse. There was about a half pint of blood in the sack when there was a clot somewhere in the tube to the sack. The attendant was trying to fix it, but every time she thought she had, it would clog again. Another gal, very beastly thing, came over and started jerking with the needle. She pushed it in, pulled it out, and repeated the action many times hoping to free whatever the clot was. In the meantime, they ask me to get Jason some juice to help him focus on something else other than this lady butchering his vein. He tells me he wants pineapple juice so I go get him some.

I come back seconds later and they're still trying to figure this out. The lady ends up trying to get him a new bag and as she goes away, Jason drifts into la la land. That's right... He passed out! He had been bracing himself from the pain and forgot to breathe.

I got so scared! I kept tapping his face trying to get him to snap out of it. Nothing. I started squishing his cheeks together (cause this annoys him). Nothing. As he's laying there, facing me, pale white, I start to really freak cause his eyes are blank yet he's looking at me. I saw some ceiling popcorn in his eye, went to get it out (yes, as he's passed out) and he didn't even flinch! HE HATES PEOPLE TOUCHING HIS FACE! So, now I'm getting real nervous. He's been out for at least a minute. He is snoring so I know he's breathing, but can't we close his eyes?!

By this time, the beastly woman is back and telling me that I need to go have a seat and let her take care of him. I wanted to punch her cause she's the one that put him in that situation!! The sweet nice attendant then starts telling me he's coming out of it. I asked how she knew and she said cause the color is coming back to him. REALLY?! His eyes rolled in the back of his head, his eye lids close and he turned hot pink. THAT'S COMING OUT OF IT?!

A few moments later he opens his eyes and they were asking him questions.
Attendant: Who are you?
Jason: Jason. Who are you?
Attendant: Where are you?
Jason: Donating blood. Where do you think we are?

Laughter emerges and the attendant looks at me to ask if he's always this funny and through a hysterical outburst, I answered, yes. I was already having an emotional day, and I had been holding it pretty good, but that pushed me over the edge.

The only people I've seen pass out/faint are those stupid girls in plays or on TV and THAT IS NOT how it is in real life. Maybe that's why I try not to watch TV anymore. Jason felt terrible for making me cry, and he wanted to get up and hug me, but then I felt terrible for making him feel terrible, which then made me cry more. lol

The poor guy, I wouldn't leave his side for the rest of the day. He kept telling me he was fine, and it was everything I could do to let him shower alone. I couldn't imagine not having Jason in my life. I try not to think about later on in life and not having him with me. I refuse to accept life without him. I pray that when we go it will be together, like in an accident (quick and painful), or like the Notebook (peaceful and ready).

Most of you have people in your life that mean everything to you. Let them know how much you care about them. Tell them when you're thinking about it. Tell them often, cause you may not get the chance again.

When you finally get a good grasp on someone...

2009-12-09T00:07:00.001-08:00

DON'T LET THEM GO!

Turkey Day makes me tingle

2009-11-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

This year we are staying close to home. To be exact, we're actually only heading 1.4 miles southwest to my brother Mike's house for Thanksgiving.

When Mike sent out the invites, he made it clear he would be attending one, just one, Thanksgiving dinner and if anyone wanted to see him, they could come to his house. So, his in-laws are coming from Mexico, outer Nevada and I think other parts of Vegas, and my uncle Mike and family are coming from LA, grandma is here from Tahachapi or Bakersfield or wherever she is actually calling home now, and then the rest of us from the valley. There is supposed to be about 25-30 of us. I'm really quite excited about the whole thing.

I'm in charge of green bean casserole, as usual. Jenny's doing an assortment of potatoes, as usual. Mom's doing pies with Uncle Mike. Mikey's making 3 turkeys. *sigh* Thinking about all the food makes me tingle inside.

I hope you all have a tingling Turkey Day!

Mentha Foot Lotion

2009-11-22T17:22:00.000-08:00

Mentha. Merriam-Webster describes it as Spearmint. When I say it, it reminds me of menthol. I've never been a smoker, never tried it in fact, but I have heard my menthol light smoker friends say that the menthol is cooling.

Menthol. Merriam_Webster says 1 : a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint. HA! So I'm right!

Well, a while ago I got this fantastic mentha foot lotion from Bath and Body works. It is a heavenly feeling when I put it on my feet. The cooling sensation is supposed to relax my feet and oh boy, does it! I have a few peppermint lotions too which are fantastic.

Well, this morning, I was getting ready for church and had just gotten out of the shower when I sat on the bed to put my make up on. My face lotion fell, and as I was trying to lean down to get it, it rolled further under the bed than expected, and so my towel wouldn't fall off, I asked Jason to pass me the Mentha lotion sitting right in front of him.

I thought to myself, that makes my feet feel so good, I wonder what it will do for my face! I squirted a little dab on my knee and started rolling my q-tip in it (I was trying to start my make up session with removing the leftover mascara underneath my eyes, left by the cleanser I used). I brought my mirror to face level, brought my q-tip to eye level, and began to clear under my right eye. For a short instant, there was a wonderful cooling sensation followed by horrible wretched BURNING!!! I started freaking out and Jason says, "You didn't just put that on your eye, did you?!"

Um, ya. I did. He offered a different lotion, water, and other stuff but I just kept thinking, if it's a chemical burn, don't put any other chemicals on it, so I just kept fanning my eye with my hand til I could stand the burning. Shortly thereafter Jason came and got my lotion from underneath the bed. I rubbed the leftover mentha lotion into my knee and to make sure I didn't get more on the other eye when I used the other lotion, I squirted some on my left knee. Ya, I'm a big dork.

So, My eye finally calmed down, but as I was dressing for church, I felt like my leg was still wet. It felt like the ceiling fan was still drying my right knee. I grabbed my towel and tried to dry it, but it was still cold! DUH! That was the knee I rubbed the excess lotion on. ha ha ha

K-to make this story even funnier, here it is, 10:20 at night, and Grandma is going to bed. She comes into the computer room, where I am typing furiously trying to tell you all about my day that she had no clue about, and tells me, "if you want to use something good for your face, use this." It was aloe vera gel. ha ha ha thanks grandma. Next time my lotion falls on the floor, I will either 1. get up and get it and rewrap my towel if it falls off my head, or 2. use aloe vera gel.

Luck on our side

2009-11-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

So, Wednesday we went to San Fran for the day. As mentioned in the blog about the newlywed trivia game, the day was starting out pretty normal.

WARNING: Some things in this particular blog are not for children and certain adults.

For those of you who aren't up to date on different cultures, the Chinese are very superstitious and rely a lot on luck. (i.e. Fortune cookies, crickets, shoes off at front door, etc.) While shopping in Chinatown I found that the little scary maneki neko cats bring good luck, fortune or customers. I prayed that even though I didn't buy one, they would forgive me and still be willing to bring me luck. I also prayed that the big fat happy man, Buddha, would also grant me some luck.

**On a side note - I don't know if it's cause I have too much testosterone in my system, but I am ALWAYS feeling quite saucy. Because we get bored at night, I like to take Jason's attention away from WoW by kissing his neck, biting/sucking on his finger, among many other things just to get his blood pumping a little. I also love holding his hand whenever feasible, so when we're out walking, or sitting on the couch, or cooking, if he's not holding my hand, I will stick mine out and if he isn't aware that I have my hand out to him and he doesn't grab it, I will sneakily tickle his "boys" so I can get his attention and pretty soon there after we are holding hands. Ha ha ha

Well, quite a few things happened at Fisherman's Wharf, that I'm hoping will help get more luck on our side. Throughout the day we all got walking next to each other, me and Shelley, me and Toney or me and Jason. Right by the welcome sign to the wharf it's very crowded and we were trying to bypass the food stands selling fresh crab cakes and soup and other delights. I paused for a moment, which in this particular situation felt like an hour, and tried to get Jason to hold my hand. I was at the beginning of all of us trying to maneuver through this crowd and didn't want to lose him. Due to all the many things to see and so many different things going on, Jason didn't grab my hand. So, I resorted to tickling. About 3 seconds into my tickling I heard Toney clear his throat. Ha ha ha Whoops! I did my "CRAP! OH MY GOSH I'M SUCH A DORK!" and apologized many times to Toney who just kept laughing, and then many times to Jason who was trying to console me, and quite a few times to Shelley too, who was laughing at me while trying to console me.

They were all good sports about it. Toney promised he wasn't going to tell anyone about the incident, til I left. ha ha We all joke about Toney being very fertile. He kept promising me how he would love telling our kid about the time I got pregnant at his motel (if indeed it happened).

Also while shopping on Pier 39, we came across a Fairy store. Not a fruity rainbow fairy store, but a magical fairy store. I was stoked when the owner told me that I could get fairy dust on my cheek. I picked out a pretty hot pink color, made a wish and he then waved his wand and put fairy dust on me (sorry, that sounds dirty, but whatev). And yes, of course I made Jason get some too! Great, so I've walked through Chinatown with all their good luck stuff being crammed down my throat, tickled a fertile mans penis, and now got fairy dust on me. I was thinking, there's no way I can't get pregnant on this trip! Jason and I prayed quite a few times for us to get pregnant this trip, and as we were driving home, somewhere between Bakersfield and Stateline, Jason and I saw a shooting star. We both wished on it.

***I wish this month is THE month!***

How well do you know your spouse?

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

My friend Toney is a huge trivia fan. I think he enjoys being the question giver 1. cause he gets to control the points, and 2. he likes to see what people know.

So, on our trip to and from San Francisco (from Sacramento) we played the Newlywed Trivia game but the Toney Meredith Version. It's really interesting when put on the spot to see what exactly you do know about your significant other. Toney and Shelley have been together for a few years, but only recently got married in August. Jason and I are approaching 2 years of being married, but we've been friends for quite a while. You would think you would know all the basics, but how the answers are given were a huge part in the world of "*undecisivers".

*An undecisiver is someone who doesn't have a favorite. So when asked favorite color, food, etc, instead of saying 10 different things cause they don't have a favorite, they come up with, "Right now, my favorite is ____, but it changes.

First question given by Toney-Jason, what is Jessica's favorite color?
Jason-Right now it's probably the color of my eyes.
Toney-Jessica, is that right?
Jessica-That is a favorite, but right now it's blue. ha ha ha
(no point)

Toney-Jessica, what is Jason's favorite food?
Jessica-Right now, anything. He's looking hungry.

There were also questions that I think Toney was a little skeptical about the answers.

Toney-Jessica, if Jason won the lottery and won 21 million dollars, what would be the first thing he would buy?
Jessica-He wouldn't buy anything. He would pay the debts and then invest.
Toney-Jason? Seriously?
Jason-Yep, that's what I'd do.
Toney-Ok, let me rephrase this. If Jason won 21 million dollars, and paid all his debts and invested some, what would be the first thing he would buy.
Jessica-(with some giggling cause I know Toney's not going to believe me)He wouldn't buy anything. We would travel. So, I guess it would be tickets to somewhere.
Toney-Seriously?
Jason-Ya, she pretty much nailed it.
Jessica-We don't buy things, we experience things.

Things I can't believe we got wrong:
Food that Jessica hates (correct answer is Strawberries and Jason kicked himself when I said the right one cause it's his favorite!)
Strangest place we made out (Jason said on the side of the highway coming back from Lake Las Vegas through Lake Mead highways. I thought it would have been one of our parent's houses. lol)

So it begins...

2009-11-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Since I was little I have dreamed of going to San Francisco. Jason and I have desperately needed to get away from our house. Get away from Vegas. Away from work. Away from our everyday lives and we were planning on going to Tahoe, but a few weeks ago, as I was telling my friend Toney we should meet up with him while we are up north, I thought, you know, we should just go to Sacramento and hang out there. Then we'll be a few hours from Reno and San Fran. SAN FRAN?!

With hardly any persuasion needed, Jason let me plan our trip to Sacramento. It snuck up on us real quick and now here it is, time to go! I will check off one of my items on my "to do before I die" list. WOOT!

We are leaving after Jason is done singing at the Priesthood session of Stake Conference and won't be back til Friday night. See ya'll later!

Not this month...

2009-11-01T21:43:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is November first. I was really really hoping that October was our "special" month. I have been on a higher dose of metformin for a few months now, and in September I had my first real cycle in many many months. (sorry for those of you who this is too graphic for-I'm trying not to be too gross)

I checked the ovulation calculator on parents.com, using 28 and 32 day cycles as a guideline and made sure to get the stuff I needed. Towards the middle to end of October I was expecting Mother Nature to visit me again. I had tender breasts, a little cramping, I was feeling nauseous a lot, getting headaches (which I haven't had in a while), and had a couple lashing out's at Jason which there were no reasons for. I took a test a few days before Mother Nature was supposed to be here and though I prayed for it to be positive, it was negative. On day 30, I was still having symptoms and broke down to take another test which again was negative. =(

I joked with my friend Krystaly that I wished we came with buttons. Your pregnancy button goes off when you're pregnant, that way you aren't confusing pregnancy with regular cycle symptoms and you don't waste a lot of money trying to figure it out!!!

By the end of week 5 (day 35), I was down in the dumps again. I was mad at my body for not working the way it should. I was frustrated with myself for having all the cycle signs, but for not getting the most important, a visit from mom letting me know that yes you have all the parts and they are working accordingly.

All week long I was trying to be a good sport. I felt bad for not dressing up as much as I could've at Jenny's party, I was slacking in keeping the house up, laundry, work... it sucked. By Wednesday I was feeling better and Jason gave me a pep talk and I was getting back to normal. I kept taking my pills, getting focused on life again and proceeded. Then,Thursday, before our ward Halloween party, it started. I was so excited!!!!

I may not be pregnant, but my body is picking up to where it should be! Jason and I celebrated that I have a 41 day cycle. Hey, 41 is a lot better than 90+ something. Though I would greatly dread being pregnant in Vegas in the summer, and I swore I would never let it happen, I would be just fine with whatever I get. Here's to hoping for this month!

2009-10-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Friends!

Annual RC Willey Company Picnic

2009-10-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today was the Annual RC Willey Company Picnic. This is one day I look forward to every year. It's fun to see and chat with Jason's co-workers and their wives and families. I've been attending these with Jason for the last few years and every year is just as fun as the previous.

Last year, Jason got second place (though it should have been first) in the pie eating contest. This year, he tied for first. I did my wifey duty by cheering him on and telling him, "Don't taste it, just swallow it whole!!!"

They always have other activities for kids of all ages and employees, and this year it was tug of war. They had Henderson Store kids against Summerlin Store kids. Summerlin won, so then it was Summerlin kids against NDC (Nevada Distribution Center) kids. Summerlin won, but the NDC kids put up a good fight. Then it was the adults. Again, they started with Summerlin against Henderson. Henderson won. Then they brought in the NDC adults. All of us wife's were laughing cause when you think about it, NDC is where they haul furniture, move furniture, it has all the delivery guys, lift drivers, and basically all the buff guys, so us wife's knew our hubbies (and the few chicks that work there) were going to win.

The ref said go, and the NDC workers were nice to let Henderson think they might get a chance, but within 5 seconds it was over. There were so many guys (and girls) on the NDC side that you couldn't really even grab the rope! The Henderson side probably had 1/2 as many people on their side. I couldn't help laughing when the older people next to me started complaining about the match not being "fair". Let me just say this...

1. Just cause your job doesn't require you to be physically fit doesn't mean you can't work on your body.
2. If this were 20 years ago, you'd be next to me laughing at the George Burns' trying to beat the Dwayne Johnson's in Tug of War (yum... Dwayne Johnson).
3. Your husband chose to work at the other store.

All the other matches were so close they did best 2 out of 3. After the first win, they asked Henderson if they wanted to go again and they all were shaking their heads and saying "no". Ha ha ha good times.

The weather was perfect. The food was good. The company was great. Can't wait for next year!

Roller Derby

2009-10-17T23:51:00.000-07:00

My sister in law, Katie (aka The Force), is involved in many different things. Tonight we were able to support her and the Sin City Roller Girls at their opening season bout tonight. Katie is part of the Tommy Gun Terrors. She is usually a jammer, which is the girl that makes it through the pack to score points. When she's not a jammer, she's a pivot/blocker who are the girls that try to take anyone and everyone out.

Gretchen and the girls and their cousin, Briana, were able to go with Jason, mom and I as we met up with Mike, Bobby and Jenny to watch the game. Mike and Bobby saved front row seats on crash corner (the corner that gets the most action). Jenny, the little girls and I sat on the floor in front of them which the little girls loved cause they got to see dog piles and crashes right in front of us!

The first half of the game TGT was down by half the points. It was 52 to 24 and then it was 67 to 36. By the end of the bout, TGT got back in gear and was able to makeit a very close bout. The final score we're not sure of cause they kept changing it, but it was 92ish to 94ish. So, it was a close game if they did win or lose (I'll have to ask Katie for sure who won). There were many crashes, a dogpile up and a lot more fun and most importantly, nachos.

Their next bout is November 14th at the Sahara Event Center (Sahara and Maryland) at 7 pm against the Notorius V.I.P.'s. Tickets are $7 when purchased in advance, otherwise they're $10 at the door.Kids under 10 and EMT's are free as long as they can provide proof of being an EMT. Go to their website to learn more about tickets and the team http://www.sincityrollergirls.com/joomla/ Oh! Their colors are florescent green and black. So represent!

I saw this on a friends site today...

2009-10-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's hard to be patient.

Pom Picking

2009-10-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, my mom loves to garden. She use to make us help her weed, and in Vegas, sometimes it was fun, but due to my deep hatred for bugs, I generally HATE gardening. I don't care if it's a small avid, a pumpkin bug or a HUGE Tomato worm, I hate bugs! The only place they should be is at the ugly bug ball!

I was at Kiki's house yesterday, hanging out, taking tests and helping editing when I saw a random man with a box heading towards the orchard. I asked Kiki who he was and what he was doing and she said that it's pom picking season so people are coming over all the time to pick some. Before I went home, She, Kylan and I went into the orchard and picked 3 boxes full. I wasn't too sure about getting under trees and climbing around in them cause in Missouri, there is generally all kinds of bugs in the trees, not to mention all types of spiders and ticks and other creepy crawlies that give me the hee-bee gee-bees. Surprisingly, it was not bad at all. Kiki found one that had bugs in it, but that was because it was 1/2 eaten by birds and bugs found their way in. I found some that had tiny spider webs in the flower part, but overall, it was bug free. The only thing on them that grossed me out was the bird poop, and that's easy to grab around.

As we were back in the orchard, Matt picked the ones off the hybrid tree outside their front door. Those ones look amazing because they are HUGE light pink pom's. I went home last night with a large box filled with pomegranates ready to be picked apart and made into something wonderful!
At volleyball last night, I told Gretchen about how I had picked pomegranates at the house and felt very cultural (by picking fruit off a tree - lol). She said she wanted to pick some, so I cleared it with Kiki to go over today. Gretchen picked me up at about 9 and we headed over. We had cleared quite a trees last night, and looking at the orchard, there wasn't much red left on the green trees. It almost seemed as if the only red left were the pom's that the birds have been eating. HOWEVER, we went to the trees on the West side of the orchard and we found PLENTY!

Izzy and Kaya were so excited to pick their own. These little girls are tough! Kaya was a little hesitant to go where Gretchen and I told her to go cause she was small enough to fit and we weren't, but for the most part, they would get right in the branches and be picking away. I didn't pick nearly as many cause I didn't want to pick one that had bugs crawling on it, or a spider on the leaves or spiderwebs around it. You could say I was quite envious of their attitudes of picking.

After a while, Izzy was ok with playing "dumper", as in we hand them to her and she dumps them in the box. I tried to hand Kaya some to dump in the box, but every time I asked her she said, "But Jessica, I'm picking my own!" It was so cute how they loved doing it. Gretchen was cracking me up because 1. she made a similar "cultural" comment like I had the night before, and 2. I told her the boxes were full and she still wanted to keep picking. "Seriously Gretchen, the boxes are overflowing." ha ha ha

October

2009-10-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

October brings such fun good times. I love that it is Breast Cancer Awareness. I became a huge supporter of Breast Cancer awareness in college. It is the philantrophy (yes I said philantrophy not philanthropy) of the sorority I was in, ZTA. So, I love Breast Cancer Awareness for the good it does for millions of men and women, but it also reminds me of the wonderful women I got to go to school with and raise money with for the philantrophy.

I love that it is colder. September sometimes brings cold, but then it still gets hot towards the end of the month. Some of my favorite Halloween's I remember trick or treating in cold, sometimes rain. I hate the heat and if it weren't for most of my friends and family being here, I'd be outta here in no time.

I love pumpkins being every where! Fresh pumpkin in stores means there will be canned pumpkin on sale so I will be able to make pumpkin bread, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and other pumpkin type food. =) And, it's nice to be able to get $5.99 pumpkin pies at Costco.

There are also the other fun things like Ren Fair, Brewfest and Jason's Company Picnic. Last year there was a pie eating contest. The pies were frozen and though I think Jason actually ate more of his pumpkin pie, the other guy won cause his creme pie was lighter. He still got a "That could've been first place" parting gift. LOL I also get to see Melissa from high school. =) At least I know I get to see her and her cute family at least once a year.

I also love October because I gain an hour of sleep from Daylight savings, which prepares me for the next two months of wonderful holiday madness!

**Thanks Melissa for the photo!

WoW Amigos in Vegas!

2009-09-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

Jason and I play a game pretty regularly. It consumes a lot of our time, but it's our "us" time, so it's ok. Some of you may have heard of a little game called WoW (AKA World of Warcraft). It's an online role playing game. Jason first started playing and then after a few years of fighting WoW for his attention, I gave in and started playing too. It's been so fun playing but I think one of the best parts of the games is being able to hang out with some of your friends EVERYDAY!

How do we hangout with our friends everyday if we are constantly glued to the computer everyday? Simple. We even travel to other countries and planets! Because it's an online game, we can hook our computers up in such a way that we are able to talk to them just like we would be on the phone with them. But these gamers are so much more advanced than el telephono. We use a system called Ventrillo (Vent for short). I love having my friends a Cntrl click away.

Over the last few years we've really gotten to know quite a few of our friends. Some live in Pennsylvania, some in Utah, some lived in Vegas then moved to Utah, some are in Sacramento. Some have had a kid, some of them have had kids, some are kids, some have grandkids! Some got married, most were around for our wedding. I even love being able to rat kids out that were supposed to be grounded but because mom and dad were home, they thought they could get on and get away with it.

August was very eventful for us. We first had Danny and Dave come to visit from Pennsylvania. It was Danny's birthday, so they spent a week in lovely Las Vegas. Brandi and John and their son Tyler were able to come down from SLC for a couple days. The last night they were here we met up with them at Maggiano's in the Fashion Show. It was a BLAST!

The 15th was my sister in laws birthday (Mike's wife), the 16th was my dad's birthday and then the 18th was my other sister in laws birthday (Jason's sister). Though most of the parties were scheduled on different weekends, it was still pretty busy. The following week, our friends Toney and Shelley came from Sacramento to get married and brought our other friend Ryan. They were such crack ups!!! They left the day before Jason's birthday, which is the 31st. So, we were pretty jam packed all month and though it was a very busy month, I'm glad that I made everlasting memories and got to hang out in RL with awesome friends.

Never settle for less than a fairy tale

2009-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

"Now girls... I want you to make a list of the qualities and characteristics you look for in a future husband." A line I heard way too often as a teenager in Young Women's (a form of Sunday School). However, back then, I knew exactly what I wanted in a future husband. Being that I had had my eyes set on one particular boy my whole life up to that point, I wanted my future husband to be at least 6 foot tall, blond, blue eyed, has double letters in his last name, someone who played sports, someone who was nice, HOT, and knew how to spell. And, of course I had to throw in wants a temple marriage and is a return missionary just to make my young women leaders happy. There were quite a few other shallow qualities I wanted and I thought as long as the guy I marry was tall enough and hot enough, we'd be happy... FOREVER!

When I finally turned 16 and was allowed to date, I dated nearly every low life there was. I dated them 1. to make my mom mad and 2. because I lived in a place I hated at the time and didn't want to get stuck in that town forever so by dating people that I knew it wouldn't last with, I knew I would be outta there right after graduation. I went off to college, dated some more, and after a few years of college ended back in Vegas (my hometown). I went to Vegas with a few more things to add to my list of what I was looking for in a guy. I definitely DID NOT want to marry a smoker, someone who still lived at home with his parents, or someone that didn't have their own form of transportation (that means they needed their own bus pass too).

Upon moving back to Vegas, one of my really good guy friends from Podunkville, that I had a HUGE crush on in high school, told me he wanted to move to Vegas to pursue his career and to date me. I was super stoked! He moved to Vegas by summer end and we got an apartment together. Everything was perfect for the first few months. Then reality set in. Every time I thought, great, we're getting along, things would go into shambles.

Our lease was renewing and I was determined to get my own place, but after some sweet talking, I ended up signing another lease with Mr WasWonderful. I know... idiot. After another year of living with him, and losing who I was as a person, my sister showed up at the apartment, packed my stuff and took me to her house. Don't get me wrong. Mr WasWonderful is an amazing person. He truly is a genuine wonderful person, I just couldn't see myself living with him for the rest of my days.
While living with my sister (who had just gotten out of a relationship and was revamping herself), I found the little sparkle inside me that I use to have before Mr WasWonderful. [One night, for homework, I had to ask people what their best advice to me is. My moms boyfriend told me, Jess, if you don't love yourself, no one will ever be able to love you.]

My new mission was not to find someone to fall in love with, but to fall in love with myself. Journal of Love Entry 12/25/2004 Loving Yourself
A few personal goals to improve myself mentally and physically.
1. Dress Modestly
2. Be even more charitable
3. Finish School
4. Stop swearing completely
5. be more unified w/ family
6. Early to bed; Early to rise
7. Exercise
8. Eat healthier
9. Only watch, listen and read uplifting entertainment
10. Only date guys w/ high standards (that's if I dated anyone)
11. Pray more often
12. Read scriptures
13. Write in a journal
14. Observe Sunday
15. Don't spend money on unnecessary things
16. Stay w/ positive people

I started becoming active in church again, I started gaining friends again and life was finally looking up. After a few months, I was feeling great about myself and life. Now that I finally cared about myself again, I figured I would start actively dating again... that's if the demand was high enough for Jessica's. I didn't want to just date anyone though. One night I wrote down MY GUY: in my love journal. First thing was Responsible - financially, able to buy a car, house, and provide food/clothing for family, doesn't necessarily have to be a return missionary - but must possess those qualities (i.e. testimony, dealing w/ a person you hate/love, etc.), tall perfect teeth, absolutely gorgeous, beautiful smile - smiles a lot, caring, is okay with the fact that he'll have to be mine and only mine for eternity, can deal with others differences, cleans up after himself, knows the honor of serving others, has a strong testimony, likes to dance, is good at dancing, will take me on carriage rides, traditional, laughs at my jokes when they aren't funny, won't put me down. Funny how this is only the beginning. I went on for 5 pages about what I wanted in a future husband. The list continues... dresses like he just stepped out of a magazine, opens my doors, is proud of the quirky, silly, successful person I am, loves all my faults, sings great and will serenade me on occasion, helps me keep the romance alive in our relationship, plays an instrument, cooks great meals on occasion, will have great communication with me, snores, is cautious about personal hygiene, smells like a GQ magazine, has and keeps a respectable job, still looks great at 75 yrs of age, great kisser, loves to give and receive hugs, is a cuddler, understands we are all God's children and nobody is perfect, can recite movie lines with me, likes to read, wants to travel and see the world, is a BIG family man, loves children, wants at least 3, won't hit them, won't spank them, will discipline with love, will treat all our children equally, sets a great example of how a father/husband should be, non-selfish, fits in and gets along with his family, accepts my family for who and what they are, fits in and gets along with my family, reads stories with kids, plays games with kids, is fully capable of giving a father's blessing, blesses, baptizes, and confirms all of our children, will tell me I'm beautiful in the middle of giving birth, will talk to our children while they're in my belly, doesn't freak out when I scratch his back, gives foot massages,back rubs, hand massages, holds my hand whenever, wherever, whyever, keeps promises, likes-will put up with-country music, will listen to music we both like while we both are in the car, won't bring me roses because he knows I likes carnations, observative, knows my likes and dislikes, knows everything about me inside and out; if asked what my favorite color is - he'd know; favorite animal - he'd know; pet peeves - he'd know; bad habits - he'd know, likes to watch musicals, spunky, crazy, leader of his "group", will write a song or poem with my name in it, courteous driver, will shave my legs, paint my toenails, brush my hair - just for fun, helps with daily chores, flirts with me, not afraid to be a goofball, will keep bugs outside, protector, comforter, fantastic lover, will be the bigger man, makes the first moves most of the time, doesn't smoke, drink or do drugs, will go somewhere for and or with me even if he doesn't want to - just because it'll make me happy =) -, not obsessed with himself, athletic, graceful winner, not a sore loser, understands "it's just a game", spontaneous, likes the cold, friendly to animals, won't push my buttons to the point of anger, truly a genuine guy, good listener - when time is right, tidy, creative, will call at least once during the day to see how I am doing, wants me to be a stay at home wife/mother, will do crafty things with me, handyman, understand that sometimes I just want to be held and sometimes I just need to cry, is not a video game junkie, will be madly in love with me.

I always hoped I'd be that girl that would see her future husband and just know that we were meant to be together, but it took a while for me to love my loving, goofy, wonderful husband. When I first met Jason, he was just "that funny guy" that hung around the institute. I'm sure you're asking me, Jess, you and Jason don't even have kids. How do you know that he will be a good dad? He's only 27, he still has 48 more years before he's 75! My answer is, I just know. When we first started "being friends", Jason was babysitting his nephew. I would go hang out every now and then and he was so wonderful with his nephew. He wouldn't let his nephew get away with whatever he wanted and by how much his nephew loved him and wanted him to be there 24-7, I knew that Jason was a GREAT uncle. We would hang out with his friend from high school who had a baby and that little girl refused to call me anything but Jason. AND, it's sad when your friend comes to pick you up, you go about town with her little girls and when they are dropping you off, one of the little girls says, "Mom, take me back to Jason and Jessica's cause I want to hang out with Jason." Ya, I'm jealous.

Also, you are very right. I won't see Jason at the ripe age of 75 for another 48 years, but I know he will be more handsome than ever, because... well look at him!

HE'S A SEXY BEAST!

Happy Birthday Honey Bear! You are my everything!

Huge Weekend in One Tiny Blog

2009-07-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Gretchen (who will probably choke me when she sees I uploaded this pic, but because I love this pic of her, I'm willing to take the beating).

We met in our ward and have been doing quite a bit together. She is my book club buddy, my sewing club buddy, my craft buddy, swimming buddy and road trippin' buddy. You may have seen her in a recent blog of when we went snowboarding.

Gretchen is an amazing person. She was born in Florida, grew up for the most part in Alaska, got pregnant in high school, gave her daughter up for adoption (which I find highly remarkable), went into the Air Force, met her husband, has two adorable little girls with him, and is a stay at home mom. (sorry if I am divulging too much to the internet world... again, you can choke me later.)

Gretchen has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all her life, but her hubby has and is not a member. Chad, Gretchen's husband, supports her in all her church events so when Gretchen and I were chatting a few weeks ago when we heard the announcement of the Oquirrh Temple Open House and she said she wanted to try and go I checked with Jason and we started to make plans. I had Thursday, Friday and Saturday off, so it was a perfect weekend to go up to the temple!

We decided to stay with a friend that use to live in our ward but now lives in Morgan, UT. So, Thursday, after a few errands, Gretchen, Kaya (3), Isabel (2) (AKA Izzy) and I headed up to the Mother Land. We stopped in Fillmore to let the girls stretch their legs. It was well needed. There was a playground for them to run around on and I think they thoroughly enjoyed it. We continued north and finally arrived in Morgan around 11 pm.

The next day we got up and went to the Oquirrh Open House. What a beautiful temple. I loved being able to look across the valley and see 4 different temples. The girls were a little restless from the long trip up, and Gretchen and I were thinking it may not have been such a good idea to bring them, but they loved it! Kaya and I played a game of, "How many pictures of Jesus can we count in the temple" and Izzy just loved being small enough to run through everyone's legs. They were troopers. My favorite part of the temple would probably be the creation room. Only having been to Vegas sessions, it was an interesting change. I also loved the staircases and the chandeliers, but what girl doesn't like sparkling things?

After the temple we went to a diner called Moochie's. Gretchen had seen it on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Their cheesesteak sandwiches were good, but I didn't really care for the potato salad. The Dr Pepper as always was fantastic!!!

We then went North a few miles to Temple Square. Gretchen had not been to SLC before, so it was fun showing her around. They were doing some construction, and it was sticky hot, so we didn't stay too long. We did check out the Church Office Building, Joseph Smith Building, Visitor Center, Temple and the tabernacle. That was as much as the girls could handle. Kaya was extremely excited to get her very first Kaya size Book of Mormon.

After the temple we headed back to Morgan to hang out with the Butikofort's. After dinner, Lisa took us to her parents house down the road so the girls could see the horses. It was absolutely beautiful there.

The next day, Saturday, we went to Hogle Zoo. Again, hot sticky and cranky, so we could only stay so long. We then HAD to go to IKEA. I wish that place were more like Walmart where no one bothers you and you can check yourself out. I really did not care for some of the staff there. But, I got a lot of ideas for things to make around the house and also some ideas of where to shop when I'm looking for something for the house.

We then made our trip back. The girls were good troopers and Gretchen and I had a blast. What a fun girl trip.

The Carpenters like you've never heard them before...

2009-06-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Jennifer invited Jason, my mom and I over for dinner at her house tonight. I of course accepted cause they are great cooks and it was BBQ food. (How could I say no?)

I drive us up to their house, we have a FANTASTIC meal, and then it is time to drive home. Anyone that knows Jason, or me, know that we listen to quite a variety of music. This particular evening, we were listening to KJUL, 104.7 (one of my fav's). We turned onto La Madre, maybe 2 miles from home and Superstar by the Carpenters comes on.

Mom and Jason both softly started out singing the famous words...

Long ago, and oh so far away
I fell in love with you before the second show

I looked at Jason shocked cause he actually knew the words! I knew the song, but as usual, not the right words. We turned onto Spring Falls and they were still at it...

Your guitar, it sounds so sweet and clear
But you're not really here, it's just the radio

I was totally digging this situation. I was feeling a Sweet Caroline moment coming very quickly, and as we turned onto Summer Glen, and as we drove past the house, I cranked the stereo and we belted...

DON'T YOU REMEMBER YOU TOLD ME LOVED ME BABY
YOU SAID YOU'D BE COMING BACK AGAIN THIS WAY, BABY
BABY, BABY, BABY, BABY, OH BABY
I LOVE YOU, I REALLY DO

We drove around our neighborhood til the song was over cause I was totally digging this hilarious moment. Why do I love my husband? This is one reason why. Why do I love my family? This is one reason why.

I will have the usual with a side of completely unusual, please.

2009-05-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Jason and I have been to the temple quite a few times in the last few months. Half the time we set up dates with other people. All the other times it's, "I'm feeling a need for the temple. Want to go?" The answer is NEVER no.

Let me tell you how our visits usually go. Jason gets off work and I want to make it to the temple by X time. We rush to get ready, we are rushing on the freeway and generally I am getting irritated, if Jason's driving, cause he loves the speed limit and I feel like, HEY! We've got somewhere to be!!! HURRY!!! Then, we are usually fumbling for our recommends, rent clothes and in we go. Calmly. We do whatever is needed, and then we leave. The last however many times we've gone, I usually am done changing before Jason. Everyone is usually done before him so we wait in one of the waiting areas for him. And, typically, he exits the men's dressing rooms about 5-15 minutes after the rest of us have. Then we go eat.

Yesterday, as I left work around 1300, I called Jason as I usually do, and told him I wanted to go to the temple. I got home about 1320 and just relaxed for a while. I really wanted to make the 1700 session, but was happy with just making it there. We took the next 4 hours getting ready to go and we got in the car to leave around 1730. Jason drove, but since we didn't have an exact time to be there and we weren't holding other people up, I think it helped me to remain calm the whole way there. He even took Charleston which didn't bother me... too much. I'm more of an Eastern to Bonanza girl cause I DESPISE CHARLESTON!!! Anyway, we got to the temple and I was feeling good. Jason was feeling good. It was just past 1800 when we arrived at the temple so we were most likely making the 1830 session. After getting inside, we went our separate ways. I sat waiting for Jason in the chapel til he rejoined me about 8 minutes later. (See, still a typical trip.)

After our session (which we got to be the WC for the first time - which helped us pay more attention), we went our separate ways yet again. The only thing I did differently from times before was make a pit stop at the restroom. That only took maybe 2 minutes. I grabbed my stuff and exited the women's side to go wait for him. Most waiting areas were pretty crowded, so I went and sat by the windows where you can see those leaving the changing rooms and those in the lobby. After sitting for about 5 minutes, I heard a lot of chatter from the lobby. I looked down to see who or what was going on and just saw a couple guys on a couch, one bald one and one that looked like John the security guy. I thought, when Jason is out we'll see what's going on. (WELL, this is when the good stuff comes). All of a sudden it registered in my head that that bald guy sitting next to John was my bald guy!!! I felt like such a dope for having to take a double take at him! I grabbed my stuff and started walking down to the lobby.

Under the dome was Jason and John on one couch, another guy in shirt and tie on the opposite couch, and a guy in a green tee, navy gym shorts, sometimes a baseball cap (depends on if he was throwing it around or not), and tennis shoes. The three shirt and tie guys were talking with this guy. At first I thought it was an investigator and they were talking to him trying to explain the church and whatnot. But, oh no. It was much more than that. I could sense that there was something slightly wrong about the situation, so I sat at the far end of the couch furthest from "David".

John had been trying for a while to get David on his way. The temple was getting ready to close and he obviously could not stay there. David had said a few things like, I don't want to go home. I walked here to get help. My mom is in a lot of pain. She has multiple sclerosis and I hate her for making me take care of her. She doesn't love me and that's why she makes me do it. John explained to him that that is why he is allowed to take care of her is because she trusts him enough to take care of her and that MUST mean that she loves him. David also was very interested in where the President was. He asked, "Where is the president?" over and over. Finally we got it narrowed down to President Monson is in Utah and that was enough info for him on that topic.

Throughout the different conversations with David, he would jump out of his seat and run towards the painting of Jesus on the wall. The one of him teaching everyone outside the city. David would run back to his seat and mimic how Jesus was sitting. No one really caught that but me, but that's prolly cause they all were concerned about everyone else's safety, including David's, and because he was acting out already, they prolly thought it was just him being him.

John got up for a minute and Jason went and sat next to David in the vacant chair next to him. They started passing notes back and forth. Jason introduced me to David as his wife, and I guess that was because David had written note to Jason asking "who is the prettiest girl in the room?" He may not have noticed, but I was the ONLY girl in the room. After a few note passings, Jason sent me out to call his mom to see what we do (she is a social worker and handles these situations a lot). I called her and she advised me that we should call 311 and get them to escort him to a shelter. Though the shelter's have closed their doors, sometimes they will let someone in if they are escorted by metro. I went back in and told Jason what she said and he got on the phone with 311. He motioned for John to come back and he went outside to talk to the dispatcher.

In the 5 seconds (which felt like 10 minutes) that Jason was walking away and John was coming over, David beckoned for me to come sit by him. I haven't been in too many of these situations, but I knew enough to stay where I was at. I asked him what he needed, and he just kept beckoning with his hand to have me come over. I pretended I didn't understand and then he made a thrusting motion at me. he then started to write something, but he saw that John had joined our circle again, he threw his head back in frustration, then started writing again. Ya, a very long 5 seconds.

Jason came back inside and sat next to David. David jumped up though and started running towards the drinking fountain. Jason and John escorted him back to his chair. They continued with notes until about 5 minutes later when the firefighter paramedics showed up. They walked in and surrounded David and there were 2 things that could've happened. 1. He could have flipped out and all of them would've been on him like defense on the carrier; or, 2. He would have completely mellowed out. Luckily David chose option number 2. Jason, after introducing himself to the paramedics, introduced David to the paramedics. The paramedics then started talking with David. Asking him if they could help him, which after a few pauses, he said, "You guys are the only ones that can help me!" A few moments later, the non firefighter paramedics showed up followed by two officers (one being my friend Garn).

The temple was closed by now so the officers tried to get him to leave. They asked him nicely quite a few times and then explained, David, you need to come with us now, or we can escort you out. He got up and started walking out just as the paramedics were bringing in a gurney. We were told we could leave, but I did not want to walk out the doors that they all just went. I HATE sexual advances, whether from sane men or crazy men, and even though I knew David would not be able to get past the 2 cops, 3 firefighting paramedics, 3 paramedics, Jason and John, I didn't want to maybe cause another scene, so I told Jason to get the car and I would be out by the street, cause I'm going out the other door.

President Stucki was there as Jason and John were going outside, and he is such a great guy. He told John that if it would help David, he would allow a blessing, so when John went outside, they already had David in the Ambulance. He came back in and let us know that it wasn't necessary and they have it under control now. Jason came back inside with Officer Crossman and they asked me about the threat David made to me. I said, it wasn't necessarily a threat as it was more a gesture. We were informed that in order to detain him, a threat needed to have been made. So, John told Officer Crossman that David told him at one time, I can't leave. If I leave, you die. The demons inside me will kill you.

That was enough to detain him. David went on his way with the paramedics, some of the cops went to David's mother's house. Yes, David said everything smelled like death. His mom also told him that he's crazy without his meds. So, we're hoping his mom is ok. And we're hoping David will get his meds.

We said good night to John, President Stucki and the last 5 remaining officers and went on our way to eat something (it was about 2215). David apparently had also made comments such as, You can't leave me alone. I can't control myself and someone could get hurt. And, TupakShakur was possessing him along with Dante Alighieri. David also had a green earth tote with him that had multiple books in it, such as a book on Joseph Smith, The complete Idiot's Guide to Creative Writing, a poetry book, and something like The Psychology of Persuasion.

Though David said he wanted help in getting back to the mormon life like it was when he was a kid when he came to do Baptisms for the Dead and stuff, he had a lot of anti mormon literature in his possession. Who knows if David is really possessed. Who knows if the demons inside him directed him to the temple to find help for his mother. Who knows if his mother is ok. I hope it all works out for him and his mother.

It seemed as if it was going to be a normal temple trip day, but oh how it turned out. I asked Jason, How is it that you beat me out of the changing rooms, and he said, I was just moving. Didn't do anything different, but it felt like he was moving quicker than normal.

Does it get any better than this???

2009-05-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was one that we haven't had in a long time. My sister's birthday was last week and her friend (who has a 2 and a half year old) surprised her with a weekend trip to San Diego. So my mom offered to watch said 2 year old while they go out of town.

A year ago we watched Kyler over night. Our lives were a lot different then and Kyler was only one. I didn't despise my job yet, I just hated it. I was still on a high of being married to my best friend (we had only been married about 3 months). We had another newly wed couple living with us, Kevin and Nanci. So having Kyler overnight was not a big deal.

Our life now... Kevin and Nanci moved out. I quit my wretched job and now have a very Jessica Friendly one. I'm still on a high of being married to Jason. Mom and her big dog, that likes to bark at nearly everything, and cat who has gotten a lot more vocal lately, moved in. So, the house has been a lot louder than it was before with 2 newly wed couples. Kyler is also now 2 and a half and running around and screaming at everything. After many inquiries, I've been told, that's just what 2 year olds do. *sigh*

The last night Kyler stayed with us, as I was playing on the internet, I could hear Jason snoring in our bedroom and I could hear Kyler breathing/sleeping a few feet away from me. It was such a peaceful loving moment for me. I loved my life and relished in those few moments. I thought that the only way life could get better was if I had my own kid(s) and had my own houseful of snoring sleeping beauties and beasts.

Then the next day (today), I had the day off. I dinked around the house getting ready for the bug guy to come and have a Lia Sophia party. Jason got home about 1. Loved seeing him. My mom ran off to work about 3. Jason and I had a few hours to hang out with each other. We snuggled on our living room couch talking/chatting. Sometimes we have real important things to talk about, like the price of wasabi peas in China, and other times there are insignificant things we talk about, like Al Gore and Global Warming. Today we were talking about absolutely nothing. Then, for a moment, we were about to move on to a new topic, but we just sat there. In silence. The dog was laying on my mom's bed sleeping. The cat was outside prolly killing another bird. Even George, who is generally trying to break out of his tank, was basking in his light. It was a perfect moment. I can't remember the last time I had such a perfect moment. Yes, the night before was pretty awesome, but how often does a girl really get to indulge in listening to just her and her hubby breathe? How often do you lay there wide awake, not going to sleep and can hear his heartbeat? The last time I remember a true moment like that was over a few years ago when we first were dating and living in our apartments across town. It's nice to know that years later, you can still relish in those kinds of moments.

Sorry if this is too mooshy for some of you, but I think I needed to write this more for me than for you. To remind me that life is always going to be crazy, but those few moments you have of quiet sanity are worth the days of hectic loud insanity.

Garden Rotini Salad

2009-05-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

We had a salad buffet potluck at our swim party the other day at my friend Gretchen's house. The night before, Gretchen and I shopped at Wally World to get ingredients for our next day feast. I had no clue what to make, so I was given the idea of pasta noodles and Italian dressing.

I knew I had some rotini at home, I had some chicken and some Parmesan cheese and all I needed was the dressing. I picked up a Kraft dressing that said Italian Dressing, but it wasn't just any Italian dressing, it was TUSCAN Italian dressing.

I cooked the noodles, cut up the Southwestern precooked chicken, and after the noodles cooled, I threw in the Parmesan. Much to my excitement, I still had some parmigiana reggiano left over from some baked ziti I made a few nights before, so I threw a handful of that in. I then drenched the noodles in the Tuscan Italian Dressing. I wasn't thinking it was that fabulous considering it was so simple and so few ingredients, but to my amazement, everyone really liked it!

I brought home what I was hoping to be my lunch the next day, but after Jason saw it and tried it, it was nearly gone before I was done getting out of the shower. =(

He asked me to make it for him last night, but I wanted to use the chicken I pulled out of the freezer earlier that was thawing all day. So, tonight I made it for him. He was stoked when I presented him with the special of tonight! I'm not sure exactly what it is about this dish that is so delicious, but it is. If you need a quick salad, dinner, or lunch... I suggest you whip this up.

Jess' GRS

1 lb Garden Rotini (cooked and chilled)
1 package of precooked southwestern chicken breasts (Foster Farms is my favorite!)
about 3/4-1 cup of grated Parmesan (not the stuff for spaghetti)
optional, about 1/4 cup of parmigiana reggiano (I can't pronounce this right, let alone spell it)
Kraft Tuscan Italian dressing to your liking

Of course you can always subtract the cheese from it. Or add more chicken or whatever. I am very much an add whatever it needs til it meets your approval.

Hope you enjoy!!!

BUMBLEBEE

2009-04-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

March 20th was my lat day of working at a local credit union. Ever since I was 16, I have either been working part time and school full time, or school full time and working part time, or a full time job and part time job, and finally with the most recent employer, this was the first time I've decided to enjoy life so I've only had a full time job for the last 3 years (unless it was tax time and then it was full time and part time jobs).

Needless to say, that when Friday afternoon came last week, I was getting a little scared as to what I would do with my time. I already knew that there is a lot to do with the house, I can be a better wife to Jason, better sister to my siblings, better friend, better visiting teacher, go to the temple more often, and focus on my health which is in great need of attention. I started thinking that there still wouldn't be enough for me to do.

Well, when Jason got home from work today, I had heard a little rumor of Bumblebee being in Vegas. Now, I HATE going down to the strip. Reason #1 - I am no longer a teenager (You use to be able to find me down at the Bellagio walking through the Garden or watching the fountains. It is my place to revamp my chakras.) Reason #2 - I've been to most of the sites on the strip so many times I'm worn out, therefore I only go down to the strip when there is something amazing to do (like visit Santa Claus or see a new show) Reason #3 - I HATE CROWDS! 'Nuff said. When I heard about Bumblebee, this totally fit under Reason #2, THIS WAS GOING TO BE TOTALLY AMAZING!!! How could I not surprise my wonderful comic geek husband with a trip to see Bumblebee?! (Totally win some best wife ever points!!)

While he was showering I searched everywhere trying to find out where he was. I asked the person I heard the rumor from, but she wasn't responding as quickly as I'd hoped being that TODAY WAS THE LAST DAY! I called my sister thinking she might know cause she is always in the know (hello, she's a cosmetologist), but no dice. I searched the net and found that he was at the CES convention, so I called my bro in law and he said CES wasn't in town now. =( Things were looking very grim. Jason got out of the shower and I told him of the plan (ruining the surprise), and his eyes looked at me with the that is so sweet that you'd think of going to that, I'm kind of bummed that we can't go and I'm tired look.

We searched EVERYWHERE on the internet trying to find out where Bumblebee is. Finally, deltamike on Flickr saved the day. He had posted pic's from the day before on his site and I was filled with so much excitement!!!

Jason, my mom and I set out to Paris Las Vegas to see Bumblebee. We got there and as we pulled into the driveway of the Paris, there was Bumblebee in the middle of the Arc de Triomphe! I think one of the funniest moment was when we started walking through the casino on our way to see Bumblebee, Jason had to stop for a minute to check out the G.I. Joe movie posters hanging up. (Told you, comic geek - but I love it!) As we walked out to the Arc, there was Bumblebee in all his glory. He was so cool!!! We took some pics while the sun was still up and he was AMAZING! Standing as close as I could and looking over at him, I was only as tall as his knees. After taking in all that we could for a while, we walked inside, but on our way in, we came across more robots in disguise! Bumblebee was surounded by Mudflap and Skidz. Totally awesome! We then ate at a little cafe inside the Paris where they no longer had gelato (which I was totally looking forward to.) There was an intriguing cast iron tool by the booth we were sitting at and after many many moments of contemplation, Jason figured it out, it was a medieval wine corking press machine thing. Pretty cool that they had one, and even cooler that my hubby was smart enough to figure out what it is! My brother and his comic geek wife, Katie (who is also the geek that wears the bands t-shirt to their concert), met up with us and we all went out to see Bumblebee again. Katie was just as amazed as the rest of us. After hanging out for a while, chatting and picture taking, it was time to go.

Walking back through the casino I saw a cake topper that I totally wish I'd seen 14 months ago. Oh well, maybe next round (totally kidding).

This is no ordinary balnket!

2009-03-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

This may look like a really cute, very simple blanket to you, but it's so much more! I know there are gardening aprons, cooking aprons, baking aprons, finger painting aprons, welding aprons, cosmetologist aprons, so when I saw a nursing apron over the weekend I thought, HOW GENIUS! I don't have any kids nor am I pregnant, but I have quite a few friends that are in the nursing stage of child rearing and I thought that these nursing aprons should make great gifts for those choosing to nurse. (I don't know if they're called nursing aprons, but that is what I am choosing to call them.)

When I'm around friends at feeding time, they struggle with keeping the blanket covering their kid and them in a "modest" way. This weekend, at my friend's baby shower, I noticed the hosts daughter trying to yank the apron off her mom, but because there was a simple neck strap attached to the blanket, the hosts' "lovelies" were not exposed to all of us strangers.

The apron I have made for my friend is just a yard of fabric. The neck strap clasp is 1 inch D-rings. This was already oh so cute fabric, but to give it a little more flair, I added some rickrack as a border. The nice thing about making these is no one else has the same one! And you can find material to match almost any nursery or outfit mommy happens to be wearing!

This cute little nursing apron is already spoken for. However, if you are in need of one, or know someone in need of one, contact me and we can work out details on getting you your own.

One year and counting!!!

2009-03-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

When we told people we were getting married February 29, 2008, not too many of you were surprised. Those of you who know Jess thought, "That is such a Jess thing to do." Those that knew Jason thought the same thing. Those of you who know us both thought, "Those two are so crazy! That's why I love them." Needless to say, getting married on Leap Day is only the surface to our craziness.

Since we technically don't have an anniversary this year, we thought that the date we get sealed would constitute our "anniversary" for the off years. Getting sealed is one of the greatest things that will happen to us (pre-kids). March 7th is our big day! Though we took the road less traveled to get ourselves temple ready, we've learned many great lessons and we believe it has prepared us for finding each other, and helping to make our relationship stronger. We have been working very hard the last year in getting prepared to enter the temple. We have strengthened our tithing testimony, priesthood testimony, not to mention countless others.

Over the last year, Jason and I haven't had hardly any time to ourselves. We had roommates living with us the first 6 months we were married, and the day before they moved out, my mom, her dog and her cat moved in. We have not had more than a week to ourselves in our house since we got married (we did have one week alone together, but we had to leave the country in order to be alone). I joke with Jason telling him that we will never be alone ever again! That even when our kids are grown and moving out, we'll probably have someone else needing shelter and we will take them in cause that's who we are (though we would love to be able to tell people "no").

We kind of had a week long celebration for our anniversary. We were still trying to figure out how this was all going to pan out. Our original thought was dinner and a movie the 3 years in between, and then a trip somewhere on our actual anniversary. Since the 28th was a Saturday and we were getting our endowments that day, I was hoping we could do something in celebration of our anniversary on Sunday the first. My mom offered to make dinner for us and I thought (careful you younglings reading, this may get too PG-13 for you), This is great! She'll make dinner, prepare it all nice on the table and then go to Mike and Jenny's or somewhere so Jason and I can eat, get it on and celebrate! Ya, no dice. We had our anniversary dinner on the couch with her on the next couch over. I don't even remember what we ate except that there was key lime dessert bars. I don't remember what we watched on the tube - movie or regular tv. And, because I was so put out, there was no getting it on. We didn't even play WOW! That could've made up for not having dinner by ourselves, but we felt obligated to sit and hang out with my mom after she prepared our anniversary dinner. All I have to say is that I'm glad I had a Freaking AWESOME Valentine's Day this year, cause otherwise I would be a lot more irritated than I am right now.

I would say that this year in review has been 50/50. Work life majorly sucks. I'm at my wits end with that. Church is totally great and it centers me for another week of B.S. Roommate situation has majorly sucked. I would like to be able to do it with my husband wherever whenever in our house, but roomies kind of prohibit that (not to mention there is a dog that barks at any sign of affection (hugging too long, kissing, tickling, etc.) which really throws a damper on the physical closeness relationships need. If I didn't have Jason, I would be extremely lost in my life. He is my rock. He is my joy. He is my everything! When I'm having a bad day, I call him and he tells me that I am a great person and work is just trying to bring me down to make themselves feel better. When I struggle with having my mom living here, he helps me through it. When I feel so completely worthless because I can't get pregnant with his kid, he tells me he loves me and that it's just not our time. That we will have one when the Lord feels we are ready - not when I am ready. And he's right. He's always right! I love that he is not afraid to tell me the truth. That he will hug me til I feel better.

This may be the newly wed in me that feels we will last forever but, I honestly know and feel that we will. I want to share some of the things that help get us through our everyday B.S. We both feel that if you remain true to yourself you will be happy, but you also have to be giving enough of yourself.

Be yourself
Kiss a lot
Hug a lot
Tell each other you love each other whenever you're thinking about it
Leave love notes EVERYWHERE
Almost anything can be solved with Paper Rock Scissors
Make sure you have similar interests
Make sure you have different interests
Don't rely on others to make you happy, make yourself happy
Let him open the food jars and car doors
Help her feel like a woman
Pray together (and pray often)
Stand by them at their worst
Don't stop flirting
Don't make decisions without consulting the other person first
The butterflies in your stomach are sometimes gas
When she calls you 10 times a day, it's not to bug or stalk you, it's cause she needs someone to talk to that is somewhat sane
Snuggle
Don't take other people's advice (it may not work for you guys, so just pray about it)
Help each other accomplish goals/dreams
Be cheesy
"Embellishing" is ok when it makes Jason look like the hero (example: Seriously, the spider Jason killed was as big as a grapefruit!"
When Jess says she's hurt, she probably really is

Though we have only been dating a few years, and we have only been married a year, we have learned so much. We also know that there is plenty more where those came from. We haven't had kids and that is a whole new learning adventure.

(I would've loved to put some pic's up, but as you've probably already guessed, there was nothing worth picture taking of. Sorry.)

Really? This day is cursed? But why???

2009-02-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Valentine's Day!

Even when I had no one to share the blessed day with, I still loved the idea of other people being able to have a day they share with someone they love. Though there are many people that hate this day and call it names such as "Single's Awareness Day", I felt bad for those people cause I thought of them as selfish. Just cause you don't have someone to share this day with doesn't mean you have to make others feel bad or try to make their day ugly because they are lucky enough to have someone to share it with!

This year, I was one of the lucky ones that had someone to share the day with. The Sunday before I was led to believe there were no plans for the coming Saturday. I acted like a beast all week not because there were no plans, but do to hormones, work and roomie, I was really upset with life. Poor Jason I'm sure was hoping that I would snap out of it, but I didn't really snap out of it until Friday night after he had gone to bed. I had decided that I was going to get up with him and make breakfast in the morning. I wanted to heart attack the Jeep like I had in a previous year, and then when he got home, I was going to have the bedroom decorated in Valentine decor and tons of candles lit, not to mention home made candy that I also was going to prepare. Well, I missed breakfast cause I didn't get up til he was telling me goodbye. Dang it! Strike 1. Then, I started making candy, and I was getting ready to put the top layer of chocolate on the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, he pulls up. He surprises me with getting home MANY hours before I was expecting him. Candy not done. No decor in the bedroom. No candles. No made up pretty wife. I was still in my jammies with hair in a pony tail and no make up! WHAT A FAILURE!!!

Luckily, he told me he still loved me (like he wouldn't after I made home-made Reese's PB Cups). He told me to go get dressed cause we had plans somewhere and he wanted to make sure we made it there. So, I got ready, and he got ready. We decided to go see a movie before dinner cause there was plenty of time. We browsed the internet watching clips of movies trying to find the perfect Valentine's Day movie. We thought about Paul Blart, and though we both really wanted to see it, I didn't really want to see it that night. There were a couple other trailers we watched, but when I suggested Slumdog Millionaire, Jason watched the trailer and he said, "Ya. That can be our movie tonight." I heard that it was an amazing movie, and it was more than amazing. What a perfect Valentine's Day movie! It really opened your eyes to all the crap that people deal with in foreign lands, but through all the turmoil, you can still rely on "destiny" (In my book destiny = Heavenly Father's Plan).

The movie was over and we headed to dinner; Jason refused to tell me where. When we finally got to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, I was stoked! I had heard so many great things about them and was trying to find a good time to try them out without wasting a lot of money. Though the food was ok, the service was terrible!!! We showed up at 645 for our 715 reservation and didn't actually get sat until 915. Luckily we met a nice guy named Brock who was out with a girl he just met and we got to know them real well as they had a 715 also and arrived shortly after us.

We were done with our meal and were headed home for a little "us" time and when I went to get in the car, Jason had set a box of chocolates on my seat (before we went into dinner) and when I opened it, there was a pendant heart necklace with a diamond hanging from the middle tip inside it. I instantly took off the necklace I was wearing and sported that necklace for the rest of the night.

To date this was the best Valentine's Day for me EVER! (It even beat out the year we went to Legends at the Tropicana and then the Body Exhibition!)

Snowboarding...

2009-02-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

Last year at this time, Jason and I went to Lee Canyon to learn how to snowboard. We thought it would be a blast to go to Canada on our honeymoon and snowboard on the slopes of the Northern Rockies. I failed miserably. I knew there would be a lot of falling, and I knew there would be a lot of hard work. Had I had snow pants on instead of jeans, I think I could have toughed it out, but when I fell on the binding, my leg really started to hurt. I started complaining, but Jason and the instructor just thought I was being a girl. Not to disappoint them, I tried to make it down the rest of the hill. I finally made it and when Jason and I got back to the top of the hill, I told him that I wanted him to keep learning and going, but I needed to stop. My leg hurt too much. With a sympathetic, pathetic look in his eye, he said, ok.

He did great the rest of the day, of course. He enjoyed himself quite a bit. He tried to let me know that he was proud of me, but "[He] just wished that I would've tried harder."

I kept thinking to myself, maybe I did quit too early. Maybe I'm making a big deal out of my leg when it's actually nothing. Well, when we got home and I was changing into my pj,s, I found a bruise the size of my palm where the binding hit. Ouch! It did hurt, but when I woke up the next morning, this is what I found...

DOUBLE OUCH! I showed Jason and he felt terrible for giving me such a hard time. I told him he should've believed me, but noooo. I hate complaining about things, so lessoned learned, if I complain about huirting, I really do hurt.

Well, here it is, nearly a year later and the Paulson's ask us if we want to go with them on their annual Brianhead trip. I jumped on that opportunity cause any chance to get out of Vegas is one that I will gladly jump on quickly! Jason was also very excited to go cause we hadn't attempted snowboarding yet this year. So, after he got off work on Saturday, we started our journey to Brianhead.

Our stay was so fun! Gretchen, Chad, Jason and even 3 year old Kaya all got on the slopes. My purpose of going up was to hang out with Isabel (Izzy). Izzy and I went over with everyone else, but she was sooo tired. Crying nearly the whole time. So we went back to the hotel and as soon as we got there, she crashed hard! Even when I tried to get her up to go and pick everyone up, she was like a rag doll. We were all going to go tubing so I could be on the slopes, but they closed early on Mondays. (Wonder if that has anything to do with FHE?) Anyway, as we stood around waiting for everyone to meet up, I saw the slopes and though I was still a little nervous from the year before, I yearned to be on them. Next year, I think I am going to attempt skiing again. Haven't skied since middle school, and I got the hang of it real quick then. SO I'm thinking that maybe I will just remain a ski bunny instead of a snowboard bunny.

My happiest place on earth

2009-01-27T21:49:00.000-08:00

(I spent a good portion of tonight telling a story, but after fighting with this site for longer than my patience is allowing, I'm over it. So, here are some cute pics of us.)

We're getting sealed March 7th at the Las Vegas Temple. We really wanted to go to the Calgary temple, but it won't be done within our time range. Manti, Salt Lake and Cardston were also considered, but we liked the thought of our home temple.

We are so excited for this event. Temple worthiness is something neither one of us takes lightly (one of the many things we adore about each other). It sure did take us a while longer than most people, but we are stoked to be able to go and take on this new part of life.

It's been amazing how much the gospel can effect you. Our bishops through the last few years have been fantastic. Each one expressing to us what we need to work on to make our friendship, relationship and marriage work. All giving us great counsel. Jason was ordained to the office of an elder. How exciting. It was great to have his dad perform the ordination, and to have his grandma and great grandma along with my mom there. My joy came from knowing that after 15 years, I finally live in a house that has a priesthood holder available 24-7. You never know how much you miss that, til it's gone.