Jane

True love.

Motorcycle Rides and Pregnancy

In high school a friend of mine used to do this funny thing where she would use the flats of her palms on each side of her face to scrunch up like a little chubby kid. She would then say something like, "I love riding on my daddy's motorcycle and I always say, 'go faster, Daddy! Go faster!'" and then suddenly her hands would fly back, pulling her skin tight and she'd squeal, "Whoa Daddy! Slow down!!"

That's how I feel about this pregnancy!

At first it felt like November would never come and I would be pregnant and mildly uncomfortable forever. 

Now the chubby kid is freaking out! 

I'm due in a little over a month and I know how fast a month can go! Everyone keeps telling me you're never really ready...and then the baby comes and it doesn't matter. You have to be ready, so you are. Man I hope that's true!

On the bright side, I am looking forward to wearing my wedding ring and cute shoes, crossing my legs, and walking without a waddle again!

I'm so grateful for this pregnancy. It's amazing to think about how much my life will change in just a few weeks. I'll never not be a mother again! YIKES!!

The jPad

My little nephew, Joseph, is about 21 months and really busy! He's got a lot of energy and loves to switch lights on and off, play with knobs, and spin things. He gets excited about small things that move and make other things move. This is adorable in a home or outside...and less fun for Mom on a five hour plane ride between here and New Jersey! So Bobbe came up with this brilliant little board John cleverly named the JPad! Bobbe collected all of the parts and John put it together the day before they left for New Jersey.

 It kept him busy for the entire plane ride! Genius!

Top Ten Lessons Learned From Painting Our House

Drumroll Please...

10. However long we think it's going to take, double it.
9. We have dog hair absolutely EVERYWHERE! Which makes painting baseboards really nasty.
8. Don't get lulled into a false sense of everything's dry. It will end up in my hair.
7. Paint has to be mixed/stirred...a lot.
6. I shouldn't tell dramatic stories with a paintbrush in my hand.
5. The correct order of operations is: Baseboards, tape, then wall. Not wall, baseboards the wrong color, tape, repaint.
4. Painting is not a great job for someone with even mild OCD!
3. We have some really wonderful people in our lives.
2. A box of Creamies from a good friend is a welcome sight at the end of a long day.

AND the number one thing we've learned from painting (well, at least starting) our house...

1. We really have no idea what we're doing!

Arise and Shine Forth!

I love Girls Camp!

I recently discovered that's a little rare, but I really do! I loved it as a teenager. I had a great ward and I had some of my best friends in my stake so whenever I was sick of my ward, I'd just go hang out with Cara or Carlee's wards. As we got older we started hanging out with the stake ladies too, so I was never bored or inundated with whatever flavor of drama my ward was cooking up!

Anyway, so I was really excited to be called as Assistant Camp Director. I've been waiting for this calling for about seven years! And because of my regular calling as YW Advisor, I already have relationships with all the girls so I knew I would have fun. I was a little worried about drama because we had a set of twins and their older sister, and another set of sisters close in age. To me that's just a recipe for disaster! But the girls were all so sweet to one another and to the leaders. A few of the girls were particularly mindful of my pregnancy and were always looking for ways to serve. They set a wonderful example to me of how to treat others; it was actually a little humbling.

I had a couple of favorites this week. On our first night up there we took the girls on a Faith Walk. We started them at the bottom of a pretty steep trail and had them turn off their flashlights and follow a rope (the Iron Rod) in the dark. We told them to look for light sources to guide their way. They stumbled and fell a few times, and really had to look after one another. Throughout the way they learned about Prayer, the Scriptures, Patriarchal Blessings, and Temples as light sources in life before the rope brought them to a small Christus statue where we talked about Christ as the greatest source of light and guidance. It was really cool to see how it affected the girls not only during the activity, but throughout the week as they referred to the principles we talked about. I was really grateful to be the speaker at the top because I was able to continue to develop my own relationship with the Savior by studying about how to invite him to have a greater role in my life and then share those feelings with my girls.

The other really cool part of the week was the hike. I wasn't planning on participating because it was a 4.2 mile hike in the hot sun, but I decided to go for it at the last minute and I'm so glad I did! It felt great to do a longer hike again and I was able to keep up well with the girls, even with my FOUR potty breaks. Again, I was really impressed with the girls. Even our little twins who don't turn twelve until next week didn't complain or whine at all during the hike! They all encouraged one another and the group was always willing to take breaks so that we could all stay together. It was a lesson not only in endurance, but in unity.

I recognized early on in the planning stages that although I absolutely loved Girls Camp with my home ward and stake, there are a lot of things that just don't transfer to this group of girls. For example, these girls don't love to sing like we did when I was a kid, so they really didn't care to learn anything new. There was one tradition, however, that I felt would be really great to introduce. We asked the parents of each girl to write her a heartfelt letter for her to read after Testimony meeting. It was a small nightmare tracking down the parents to get the letters, but we did it! It only took about three minutes after handing them out before we heard surround-sound sniffles throughout the camp as our girls read the tender words of loving parents. It made me think of my first year and how loved and cared for I felt as I sat away from anyone else and read my dad's testimony and words of love and encouragement. I still have each letter and I treasure them! It was cool to see how much it meant to the girls.

Also, it rained. A. Lot. I spent the last night sideways in a minivan. When we checked our tent the next morning we found about an inch of water! I don't remember a single rainy year at camp as a teenager, but apparently it's a 2nd Ward tradition! We were drenched to the bone by the time we drove home!

The week brought back a lot of really special memories of camp as a kid, and although it's very different going as a leader, it was nice to have my love of Girls Camp reaffirmed again and again! I'm so grateful for my ward and to be in Young Womens. We have some really wonderful girls and leaders and I'm just so happy to be a part of it!

Thank Heaven for Little Girls!

Josh and I are so excited! It was so great to find out a little bit more about our little one. We had John and Bobbe there with us and it was fun to have someone else there to share the excitement. 

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Our little girl was REALLY shy! The ultrasound tech got all the measurements but one before she would show her junk! And then right after we saw her, she covered herself up with her little hand! At least we know she's already a modest little girl! 

~~~

Josh and I both really were just excited to find out the gender and didn't care much if it was a girl or boy, but we both felt a moment of pure excitement, followed by a moment of pure dread. 

"A girl! But this world is so hard on girls!"

 And then I went to work the next morning and spent time with my Sunrise girls and freaked out a little more, not because they're awful kids, but because they've been through so much pain and heartache. I can't imagine seeing my daughter suffer that much. I've calmed down since then, but I still want to do everything I can to protect each of my children! It's kind of a sobering experience to know that I'll be a mother for the rest of my life. I hope I am up to it!

~~~

I'll tell you what, weirdest and most exhilarating feeling in the world? Feeling my baby kick for the first time! Whoa! I felt her moving around a little really early in my pregnancy and wasn't sure that it was the baby (now that I know what it feels like, I'm pretty sure it was), but I hadn't felt a real kick until about two hours after the ultrasound. I was in the car with my friend Brittney and I felt that first big kick and jumped about a foot out of my seat! It feels like nothing I've ever before experienced and totally surprised me! It's got to be the best feeling in the whole world! It's been almost two weeks and I still smile every time she gives me a "Ha, and a hyah! And a kick'er sir!"

~~~

It was also super awesome to have a visit from Cara and Steve a week after finding out our big news! It's so fun being pregnant at the same time, even though we're almost a full trimester apart. It's nice to know what's coming down the pipe! And I love hearing all of her stories. It gets me even more excited to bring my little girl into the world. Aside from the boys' little Sodastream/Grape soda experiment which went horribly wrong all over my kitchen, it was a fantastic evening with our friends!

~~~

And I'm just kidding. The grape soda was probably the best part!

Flowers, Paint, and Baby Bumps

I know I'm only 16 weeks along, but I'm so excited to meet my little one! We might get to find out the gender this week, so we can stop calling him or her "it." We have quite a little stockpile of yellow baby things and I am SO ready to start decorating and go shopping!

 

7 and 14 weeks!

 By the way, I know my belly doesn't look that much different, but I already feel HUGE! I am constantly out of breath. I think it's going to be a long summer!

                                    

In other news...

I earned a promotion at Sunrise so I am now Lead Supervisor on my shift. It's a big job and I am feeling the full weight of the responsibility of caring for so many girls, but I really love them and I hope I can make a difference. I am so thankful to be working in such a great program.

With Spring in full swing and so many beautiful Saturday mornings, Josh has been working hard in our garden to get us ready for Summer. For a first-time homeowner I think it's looking pretty good!

This was one of my first projects! I don't have a before picture, but this dresser looked really old and dinged up. I sanded it down and refinished it for the living room. I liked the way it looked and since we have so many random pieces of furniture I decided to do the same refinishing to all of it! 

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I'm currently stressing over which color to paint the living room. It's scary! I worry that I'll hate it and I know paint's cheap, but I just SO don't want to redo it! I'll let ya know how it goes!

BABYBABYBABYBABY!!!

I'm just a little excited. More fun to follow!

Up For Air!

Oh Hello Bloggin' World! 

It's been a weird month or so as far as my outside communication goes. We've had a busy month, but not a lot to share, but more on that later.

So here are just some things I'm thinkin' about!

Really just one. Summer. I am so enjoying the beautiful weather! It kind of feels like we skipped Spring, though, which bums me out, but I'm just happy to be out of the bitter cold. Also, our Summer is already jam packed! I don't know how we're going to accomplish all the things we've set out to do without magically adding 6 hours, such as...

Do many things to our new home, such as paint all the things, and rip up our industrial-grade carpet

Become awesome gardeners over night 

See Chicago in LA, directed by my uncle, Matt

Enjoy the many movies to which we are SO looking forward!

Go camping all the time (less measurable I know)

See all of the shows at the Festival...

and so many others! 

Oh and I have two jobs, a new and adorably needy pup, am still the advisor in Young Womens, and will be Camp Director for Girls Camp this year. It's going to be a big one! 

I'm just grateful for our super fun, busy life and my wonderful husband. I love being married to my best friend! It's just the best!

OUCHY IN MY TUMMY!

Ovarian Cysts = Worst. Thing. Ever.

And that's all for now because the Lortab is making the computer look swirly.

Rosie

Hi there! Hi Hi Hi! My name is Rosie! I don’t think that was always my name, but that’s what the nice peeps at the pound called me, and what I answer to now that I’ve been adopted. Mom’s been training me and I’m real smart and I love people…like, a lot. All I ever want to do is follow Mom around the house and get talked to and pet and played with. I’m not much of a talker myself; Mom still hasn’t heard me bark or whine. I don’t eat a lot, maybe cause I’m still adjusting, but I sure love my treats! Mom gives me one every time I go potty outside! I’m a real good walker too! I stay right by mom’s side and don’t pull at the leash. I don’t chase cats, cars, or other dogs, but sometimes I like to say hi to people. I really like people, especially the little ones that like lots of kisses and always taste delicious! They’re my favorite! I’m already good buds with the cute one Mom calls Briley. She giggles when she sees me and I get so excited my whole body starts wiggling and shaking and I can’t help but lick her all over her face! 

Overall, I am a very loving, cuddly, obedient ball of fur, and I’m pretty sure my new Mom and Dad adore me!

Express It!

Inhale Gratitude, Exhale Charity.

Just Run.

In the car, right before the race, slightly terrified.

Today I made personal history. I ran the St. George Half Marathon-13.1 miles; 5 miles farther than I’ve ever run before in my life! I got injured twice in training and got a lovely muscle spasm in my neck the day before the race. I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to finish, but once I beat miles 2-5 (which are consistently the most challenging for me), all I felt was sheer determination. My goal was 2:20 so I started with the pacer but quickly moved ahead as I found my rhythm. I felt varying degrees of pain throughout the race, but once I reached the halfway point I knew there was no turning back and I had the mental and emotional strength to overcome my lack of physical stamina. Seriously, I think racing has to be something like %60 mental!

My pace stayed consistent for most of the race and as usual, I blasted up the hills because I LOVE them, and struggled with descents because my knees HATE them! One of my favorite parts of the race was reaching the top of the biggest hill. I felt so strong and healthy and a little emotional as I was approaching the marker that would tell me I had run farther than ever before. The cutest part of the race was high-fiving little kids out watching with their parents, and then passing a little old couple; he stood under the protection of the garage (did I mention it was raining? Lots.), and she was at the edge of the driveway cheering us on at the top of her voice! Adorable.

The course was absolutely beautiful! St. George has it’s own year-round beauty, but the red rock in overcast, rainy weather, is positively inspiring! We crossed the Virgin River and rounded the Bloomington Hills Golf Course. Most of my races have now been in the rain and I couldn’t ask for better weather! I don’t know what I’ll do when it’s actually sunny!

As usual, I struggled with my concept of how far I was running. Thank goodness they marked every mile or I would have gotten very frustrated. This did work in my favor at the end, however. I knew we were close. Several runners had doubled back and were cheering us on. I saw the convention center in the distance, and my body was telling me it was just about done! I passed a grassy lawn and spied the two girls about my age that I’d been playing chicken with for a couple of miles. I was desperate to pass them but didn’t know if I had time. I decided to just run my race and not worry too much. I rounded a bend and saw the finish line ahead. I neared a metal ramp with a volunteer warning me to watch my step. 


As I leapt off the curb it was like a firecracker blew through my body. I think I surprised the volunteer because he jumped a little and then started cheering loudly. I pounded 50 yards and started looking for Josh. He didn’t expect me for another 10 minutes so he looked startled but so excited! His face was the last push I needed. He started running beside me through the crowd and I flew past those girls and threw my heart across the finish line at 2:13:43! I almost ran right into the volunteer who had to cut the timing chip off my shoes and then I bolted through the food line and into Josh’s arms. I wept as he lifted me off my feet and felt a rush and a high that I’ve never before experienced.

Now as I lie propped, iced, and elevated on my inlaws couch in New Harmony, my body is in open rebellion and I am exhausted, but so incredibly proud of my accomplishment and so very, very grateful for my body, mind, spirit and husband. After the way he has encouraged, inspired, and kicked my butt out the door through training, and cared for me today, he has my vote for hubby of the year! What a wonderful experience! I can’t wait for my next one!

Littles and Bigs

This just sort of popped out of my head today while I was talking to Miranda, who is off gallivanting through Italy. You can read her delightful blog here http://veffekt.wordpress.com. Anyway, I guess I felt a little verklempt and bittersweet. So here are my thoughts.

Littles and Bigs

I love my little family. I love my little town.

I love my little place, and I love my almost home.

I love my little job, and my bigger little one.

I love my little circle, of people that I love.

But I miss my big wide world, and my big ambitious dreams.

I miss my big old Europe, where art and culture whirl,

with "such big streets" it seemed, to such a little girl.

I miss my big adventures, and my big fun travel times,

I miss my big wrong turns, roads that took big time to find,

but made such great big change, in this little world of mine.

Now that I am bigger, of me there are more parts,

I have another dream, that grows along with me,

Although he's bigger than I am, little I don't feel.

And though much is left behind, my travel and my arts,

I hope to make a little change, to some great big hearts.

So although I love them both, I'll tuck my bigs into my littles,

And save them for another day,

When to my dreams of bigs, my littles can give way.

A Bad Case of the Mondays!

It really is. I don't think I'm quite back in the post-holiday routine. And we just found out that it will probably be another week before we get to move into our cute little house. The blessed RDA loan program, while wonderfully kind to young new homeowners, also teaches patience to said peeps...like us! The apartment is literally in boxes and we have lost almost all motivation to keep it clean in and pretty because all our sights are set on our "Our House." It's hard to want to clean a floor I'm just going to have to clean again when we move out! Sigh.

In other news, I just registered for my half marathon!! Now I have to do it or eat the $43 bucks! I went to see the doctor last week because my injury wasn't healing even though I took 3 weeks of precious training time off from running. Funny story, he told me that I should have been running on it! Go figure! Apparently it was the kind of muscle tear that works itself out if you keep stretching and working it. By taking time off, I didn't do any damage, but just made the healing process longer. Yep. I'm totally kicking myself in the butt for not going to the doctor as soon as I got hurt.

So now I'm hitting it hard and going (mostly) off sweets and junk food, and (totally) off carbonation for the next two weeks, when I will run farther than I ever have in my life. And I'm getting psyched!

Anyone have any really great get-psyched running songs?