Wedding Rings

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

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

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?!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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?

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

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

What's kickin?

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?

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

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!!!

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....

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

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!!!

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

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.