Freeze Tag

So, before I forget, I have to share.  Its pathetically hilarious.

Last night at 4 am I woke up crying.  Crying.  And though I knew it was a dream, it still really hurt.  And my crying woke Travis up.  Baby must've been kicking me, but I don't remember him moving much, I just remember my dream, vividly.

Poor Travis must've been so confused, I just started whimpering.

In my dream, my Sister Robin and I and a few others were playing some strange form of freeze tag.  She was it, and I was the closest to her.  I was pregnant in my dream, and we was out to tag me.  I was getting away, and she didn't like that, I had to freeze-and she got just close enough to poke me hard, a long pointy finger jab in my side, between my ribs and my baby bump.  It hurt SO bad, and she kept digging in.  I started whimpering-hurt that she would hurt me, and scared that my baby was hurting, and in some genuine serious pain.  So, I started whimpering out of pain and betrayal, and then I realized I was awake and whimpering in real life.  And though the pain was subsiding with reality getting less and less fuzzy, I couldn't stop.  My whimpers turned to soft sobs, and that's when Travis woke up and asked what was wrong.  Still feeling sensitive from the "jab" that I now understood must have been the baby, but hurt from the dream, I just softly sobbed out my sad story, of "Robin...dream...tag...poked me" and cried harder.  "It really hurts"
Bewildered, he put it together and laughed, and assured me "Do you know who was poking you?"  ....**more sobbing**...."Charley"....
and he chuckled and I tried to laugh/cry and calm down as a wave of re-flux made me sit up.  Travis gently rubbed my back and I readjusted some pillows.  I laid back down to try and sleep.

****Several hours later****

"Hello????....We're here!"
uhhhh....
I hear the shower running and barely start to realize that Stefani and Ashton are here.
Travis in the shower
I overslept.
She has to get to work
its 8:30!

 So I shout back, "Hi!  Just a minute" and search for my robe.

Stumbling out of my room unable to open my eyes all the way I apologize and excuse my grogginess with my 4am adventure.  She laughs and excuses herself, I wobble back to my room to find some clothes, Travis is done with his shower-time to snarf down some cereal and drive him up to campus for his work day.

On the bright side, I realized at 4 am that Charley is indeed what I want to name my baby.  We've been planning it all along, however, I often find myself unable to call him Charley.  I've resorted mostly to calling him baby.  "When baby comes"  "Baby will just sleep in our room in the beginning anyways"  "Kendra painted baby's room"  "Baby is awake"  "Baby is dancing" "Baby is kicking" 

In all these instances, I could totally have used the decided name, it just, seemed weird to say it.  But, at 4 am, in my sleepy whimpering stupor, in reply to the question "Do you know who really poked you" He was Charley.  And it felt right.  I don't know why the name business has seemed like such an overwhelming task, but-now I feel secure about it.  I Have a son, and his name is Charley.  No matter what happens, he is mine, and I know who he is.  

And we meet another year

Welcome to 2014!  I'm so excited!.

I've seen alot of people write on facebook one or two resolutions, with the comment that "normally" they don't like the whole idea of new years resolutions for some reason or other (along the lines of "I try to improve all the time" or "Nobody ever keeps them") and I'm here to say, I LOVE making resolutions.

First: Honestly, I'd like to say "I'm always trying to better myself" but lets be real.  I'm not that great.  I get lazy, I get distracted.  New years is a great time for me to re-evaluate where I am, and what direction I want to go.

Second: I don't make vauge resolutions, and I don't make unrealistic resolutions.  I make resulutions I know I have a fighting chance at acheiving.  Maybe one or two or a few a pretty ambitious, and maybe I don't acheive all of them, but making the goals to strive for is what helps me progress, even if I don't nessecarily get to check it off, I usually start the process.  And I feel better about my self for that.

Third: I write them down, and put them where I can see it.  The year I was most successful at this, I actually accomplished alot.  It went on a sticky note in my planner.  Now that I carry a phone rather than a planner, I've written them down on a white board in my kitchen. Right next to the whiteboard calendar that I'm keeping my menu plan on-this way I look over there frequently out of nessecity.

So what are my resulutions?

I'll put them here as well, so that I have a digital copy in case any childrens I watch decide to sabatoge my white board list.  So without further ado, here's how I plan to live this year:

I resolved to read my scriptures and say my prayers daily.  I've always always struggled with this.  I feel like this year, I have the right motivations to get it done-I love my Heavenly Father, and I am thankful for the great blessing I am welcoming into my life this year.  I want to be the best mother I can be, I know that I will need Heavenly Father's help, and the influence of his spirit as I embark on this adventure, more so than I have ever or ever will need it.  These two simple actions will make a world of difference.  I know the promised guidance will come if I do my part to show Heavenly Father I'm engaged.  (I also extended this resolution to the primary kids, and gave them a chart, you bet I'm going to hold myself accountable with that chart also)

I also want to become a freezer meal diva.  This involves meal planning, time management skills, budgeting, and saving money/time in the long run.  Things I know I desperately need more of.

I want to plant a garden-this was a desire last year as well, unfortunately come spring the condition of the garden patch I own was reveled to be much less desireable than I anticipated (rocks and sand and rediculounsness) So This year, I know what needs to happen, and I'm going to make raised beds.  Don't steal my supplies though, I saw a MILLION pallets behind the new alcohol store while driving to the bank, and I'm really really hoping they will be up to giving them away for my raised bed project.  Haven't decided yet If I'm going to start a compost to go with the garden or not.   It'd be a good idea-but like I said, maybe a bit too ambitious.  One step at a time.

I want to walk everyday.  I'm having a baby, and this is something I know I can do to stay active.  Also, the plan is to try to get Travis to walk everyday with me, even if it means for just a 5 min lap around the building he works in.  I think it will be good for both of us to drop what we're doing, take time to move, and enjoy eachothers company.  So far, I'm late on this one, but I'm justifying it with the 3 1/2 hr dance workshops I've been teaching.  So, Travis is the slacker here-haha.

I have others, and they're written on my board, but they're more housekeeping things.  These are the top 4.  

Happy New Year!

Loves

So, I haven't doen one of these in a while. But I do love my Loves lists.

I've been in a bit of an ucky funk, and today, I got to talk to someone else who was also in an icky funk, and talking to her made me realize I need to write down a loves list, cuz believe it or not, despite my public displays of excitement about starting work, I've been a grouch, Travis will probably confirm this.

So, hopefully All grouchiness will be gone when I'm through.

• I love Travis.
• I love how Travis helps me out with getting places on time.
• I love how Travis loves to finnish what he starts.
• I love the relief I feel after listening to church music when I feel gloomy.
• I love Seminary. It may be early, and there may have been a girl who probably hates me now (I confused her for her sister) but I really do love helping with Seminary.
• I love the peace felt from studying the scriptures.
• I love my goofy activity day girls.
• I loved the surprise on a fathers face when he saw his activity day girl dressed up like, well, a girl. (We had a lesson on modesty and dressed up and did hair. FUN)
• I love singing-childrens hymns, favorite hymns, songs with a solid beat (Adele Baby!)
• I love the kids in primary.
• I love little spirited Chloe Overracker.
• I love dressing up my hair
• I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with a successful Dance Performance
• I love the feeling when you open and put on a brand new deoderant in a new-favorite scent.
• I love the sunshine we have today
• I love the way opening the curtains changes a room
• I love when my house is clean
• I love clean and folded laundry
• I love the physician and nurses/MA's I get to work with.
• I love that I'm making money.
• I love the sound the leaves are making as they swish in the wind
• I love being able to make a difference in someone elses day.
• I love random catch ups with loved ones
• I love cuddling with Liam and Elyse
• I love when Amanda comes to visit
• I love finding a really good and easy recipie
• I love when what I'm trying to cook turns out delicious-so that travis repeatedly says "WOW THIS IS SO GOOD" over and over and over again
• I love Dancing with expectant mothers. (Your not just daincing with one, your dancing with two!)
• I love positive people
• I love having a badge, and a desk where I can set a picture of me and Travis.
• I love preisthood blessings that help me refocus on whats important.
• I love a clean apartment-with all the dishes done and put away

I am feeling better. This is good for now. :-)

Day 8: A Moment

I'd like to take a moment to say a few things on my mind.



AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



lol.  Whew, glad thats off my chest.  Now high ho high ho!  Its off to the week I go!

5th and 6th Days of Valentines:

For the 5th Day of Valentines I gave 

to my Sweettart!

For the 6th Day of Valentines I gave to my true love:

to tell him that "Life gave me Lemonade when Life gave me you!"

(Inspired by the Lemonade song he sent me over 2 yrs ago by Chris Rice Listen to it here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2-rKgGnx34  )

2nd, 3rd, and 4th Days of Valentines

On the second Day of Valentines I gave to my true love:

  

As I handed it to him I said without any explanation:

I've got a CRUSH on you!

On the 3rd Day of Valentines I gave to my True Love:

A Honey Bun for my Honey Bun!

On the 4th Day of Valentines I gave to my true love:

  

For my Stud Muffin

I have more coming, I was going to town with the puns while shopping for the next few days.  

I'm finding this to be a really inexpensive, low pressure, fun way to express to Travis how much I love him.  Like I said, this is our first time being together for Valentines, and with the wedding and everything coming up-this is probably my favorite thing.  Simple gifts for my sweet man that don't even take much preparation. I got the idea from a combination of other blogs and websites, but have added a personal spin to a few of them(that poem was all mine, and I've gotten creative with a few of my own materials and puns-and definitely simplified the presentation-but it works, and someday I can work up to the perfect presentation).  But definitely the highpoint in my day is when I get to see him and give him his daily treat.  Love seeing it bring a smile to his face, sometimes a chuckle, and its more than kind to my budget.

The First Day of Valentines

This year I'm trying to do a 14 days of Valentines sort of thing for Travis-its actually the first Valentines where we'll be in the same place together.  Anyways, so yesterday I started it with this:

                                        

 I wrote him a poem to go with these:

Poem said:

   

Our love is sweet, our love is true

You were MINT for me, and I for you!

I missed Day 2 because our class scheduals on Wednesdays are so opposite eachother and he doesn't work Wednesday nights but I do, so I really didn't see him at all today.  I'll give him day 2 and 3 tomorrow though, then I'll share here. :o)  And then I should be on Track.  :-P

White Tulips

Saw something like this at the store today, and I fell in love with White tulips!

I can't get enough!

Love the tulips!

Gorgeous eh?  I think I'll have tulips of every color in their own pots with the white tulips to tie it together!!

love the tulips with the roses and the loopy loopys

I think, white tulips will bring together the colors I've picked!

My Christmas Highlight

(Photo Thanks to Adam Baxter)

There are many legends about the moon. A full moon is said to be a symbol of love and romance.  On that, 

I must agree.

There was a total Lunar Eclipse on Solstice this year, visible in Alaska on the Eve of Winter Solstice. 

My dear wonderful Travis took the special night, December 20th, 2010 to propose :)  

Yes, we are engaged!  

I think there is some special symbolism in it.  

Just as the celestial bodies aligned that night, 

Travis and I aligned our hearts in a promise of celestial significance.  

I love that man!

Long Story Short:

I'm an optimist, a Ballroom Dancer, Big sister, a friend, a goofball, a student, a dreamer, and I'm a mormon.









Friend was talking to me, suggested I make one of those profiles on mormon.org. This is as far as I've gotten so far. I'll let you know when I have the rest of it together.

What I am MOST thankful for

I am thankful for the Love of my Heavenly Father.



He is the source of love, joy, peace, hope, life, and everything good.

What I'm thankful for this year: (in no particular order)

Adorable little Brother Liam

Adorable Little Sister Elyse

My mommy

Rulon

Robin

Amanda

Jordan

Clara

Travis

Kimmie

Rhea

Oppourtunities to go visit Grampa, Grama's Elmer and Johnson, and Dad's site.

The oppoutunity I had to work for Uncle Sid in California nannying Alex

Human Anatomy-its cool stuff!

Medical Assisting Program/knowing what I'm doing with my education and career!!

Modern Medicine (allergy shots, Liam's hospital visits) and the health care team!

Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks

Artisans Courtyard teaching oppourtunity (even though it didn't really work out, I learned alot while using the space for teaching shelly)

Stefani Borrego

Melody Debenham

Abbey Tsigonis

Ariel Cheney

Jennifer Kendall

Krystal Duval

Brittani Sunderlund

Wendy Madsen

Randi Ellingson

Missionaries

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Temples

The Preisthood

Sealing Ordinance

Uncle Dennis getting sealed to his family

Roses

Pres Duval, Pres Olsen, Bro Maynes and all other church leadership

Lori Moser

Scriptures

Red Wood Forrests

LaMyrl Sandholtz

Family History

Good Music

Dance

Baking

Balloons

Christmas Lights

Mountains

Vehicles

Good Shoes

Warm Clothes

Friends near and far (I love you even if your name was not specifically mentioned.)

Family Near and Far (Again, I love you even if you were not individually named)

Federal Student Loans

The Dividend

Pumpkins

Airplanes

Pools on Hot Days

Indexing

Good Books

Good Movies

Visiting Teaching

Munch n Mingle

Church Choir

Cousins

Family Home Evening

People who adopt Kitties

Sherry Wolf

Penny Tibbs

Christa Barttlet

I love you notes on my bed

Health

Excersise Facitlities

Hot Water

Technology

Pumpkin Pie

Beautiful Weather

Family Recipes

Instant Recipes

Warm House

Alaska

Patch Adams

Old Roommates

Stephanie Quintana







Theres lots more-but I'm getting sleepy.  So, Goodnight!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Mr Turkey

Elyse taught me a new song today, sing it to the tune of  "Frère Jacques"

Mister Turkey (Mister Turkey)

Big and Fat (Big and Fat)

I am gonna eat you (I am gonna eat you)

Just like that (Just like that)

Happy Birthday Pres Uchtdorf!

It is in the quiet moments when I sit and think and pray-that I find peace, and comfort.  Assurance.  I know who I am, I know Gods plan.  I am a child of God, I came from his home in heaven to this earth to become like him, and its back to him that I am striving to get.  I know that Jesus Christ Lives.  He bled in the Garden for me meeting the laws of Justice so that I could be restored to righteousness and therefore qualify for the Kingdom of God.  I know that Christ  arose from the grave, breaking the bonds of death that I might live with my family for forever.   I know that the Priesthood is the power and authority of God, that with it what is bound on earth will stand in full force in the eternities if I do my part.  I know that obedience to the laws and commandments of God brings something more precious that happiness, it brings joy and peace.  I know that repentance allows me to make my wrongs and failings right, and myself complete.  I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth, and that it was restored, in all its Fullness by the power of God through the prophet Joseph Smith.  I know we are led now by Prophets Seers and Revelators.  They hold the keys of the priesthood.  They know the way, and they are here to teach us and guide us on our journey.

Patch Adams

What an Inspiring Guy.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to his -lecture? today, but it was amazing.  I was in tears in a few spots.  Just overwhelmed with a sense of caring for his cause and the people he meets.  You could tell he was genuine-and his ideas are so idealistic.  He really beleives in his cause and labors for it, its a labor of love.  I think Robin Williams did an excellent portrayal of his essence-his sense of curiosity and love and compassion for other humans.  He's not immune to reality-he just sees the world through a broader lens that allows him to care for the individual.  I wrote so much of what he said down-I wish I had a recording of the evening.  I hope that whenever I start my career-and that whomever I come into contact with, I can share a sense of love and concern for them.



Patch said he never said "Laughter is the best medicine"  But that "Friendship is the best medicine-and laughter, humor is a means to make that friendship."  It was wonderful.  And I will forever cherish his wisdom in my heart, and strive to be a little more positive, a little more happy, a little more concerned and a little more caring with everyone I meet.  Thank you Mr Adams!

Other Than that, today was also fun, because we had our first real snow (didn't stick around much, but it was definately there.)  On my lunch break from Classes I went home to find lysie in her snowcoat, boots, snowpants, mittens, the whole regalia.  So I joined her and we tossed some small, puny snowballs around, but had oh so much fun!  

Clara is cuter.

Its October and Theres no snow yet.  What is this?

Anyways,

Conference Weekend:

   Good times with Travis.

   We Watched Conference (oops, I fell asleep on Sunday afternoon session)

   We played outside with the frisbee

   We made French Toast

   We bought cheesecake!  ( and ate it too)

   We had a stargate marathon

   And spend pretty much all day both days together, it was nice. I don't think we had had that much quality time since California.  I do love him so!



Also, my past roommate Dana had her Baby Girl!  Congrats Dana and Dallin Broadhead on the healthy arrival of Gabriella!



I must say though, Ella is adorable-no mistake there, but I'm biased and I think my niece Clara is cuter.  :P  hehehe

As of late

here's an Update:

Went to Anchorage last weekend for a wonderful temple trip :)  Enjoyed every min of it, and the weather was perfect from Fairbanks to abt Trapper Creek (just before the road construction) on both days of driving!  Also, the unperfect weather in the southern part of our great state still wasn't that bad.  :)  In Denali Nat'l Park, we saw the Great One-our beautiful mountain Denali/Mt Mckinley-Heres some pictures from the trip:

My September 11, 2010

Today was beautiful.  I woke up, got dressed (which I really didn't feel like getting out of my jammies, so it was a big deal, thus it gets to be listed in the days activities), got a haircut, then spent a glorious fall afternoon in Nature with my darling Travis.  I've been saying every weekend, "We need to go outside while the weather is still good" And so finally, the weather was PERFECT and the leaves are a beautiful golden.  So we went to Chena Lakes-but past where you turn off to go to the lakes but farther down the main road to where theres a beautiful river campsite and a few walking trails.  Oh, I just can't say enough, but it was beautiful.  There, we threw rocks in the water like little kids-Travis can throw then reallly high and really far (hit the sign on the other side of the river, or threw them really high so they would make cool sounds when the fell into the water, like "THWOOPM") and he's really good at skipping rocks-I've said it once and I'll say it again, I'm easy to please!  I loved it!



Other than that, he made me some dinner, and we watched a movie.  It was a great day.



Kinda Ironic given the anniversary of today, 9/11.......but I think its a perfect example of how God gives us tender mercies.  Beautiful weather and sunshine to light up the shadows and open our eyes to all the beauties and blessings still extended and offered to us.

I still got it

Recently I was wondering If I still have any clue as to whats good for me and whats not.  Alot of questions in my mind go around about wether I should do this or do that, and its all been very frustrating and confusing.  I used to just know-but as I've had much to think about-and plans to devise, I found, I still got it.  I know when something is right-and I still recognise it as right for me, something that will make me happy and joyful and successfull.  And I can still diffferentiate between it and that feeling that tells me "This is not good for you."   So, thats a relief.  I guess this last bit of time of frustration hasn't been in vain, but, a step into the dark and unknown. I'm glad for little moments of reflection that remind me that though I have no idea what will happen, I can have faith and peace and assurance that it will work out and make sense in the end.  I may not have my answers yet, but time will bring them to light.  phew.  Right now I need to keep chugging along on the path I'm on.  Details are yet to be established, but the big picture is in veiw.

I can hardly contain myself

Travis comes home today.  I've missed him!  Its funny cuz I've been so busy it hasn't really phased me-but I really stinkin love that boy!  It hit me today how excited I am to see him again! I just have to endure the last 2 and a half hours of work, then distract myself till 9:30 when he's due to land.  :D  YAY!!!