Oh, make up your own title ...

Okay, where did I leave off?

So, I wrote the letter to the missionaries. And emailed a copy to the Ward Mission Leader (so he'd know what was up). When I gave it to one of the elders at church, he's all, "SWEET! Thanks!" And... well, I just looked at him with an expression quite like this: O.o <-- See how there's no smile? And one eye is all BOGGLING. Yeah. There may have even been a quirked eyebrow.

Haven't heard anything back. However, I have a feeling that either they will or they won't be a little more considerate and effective in managing their schedule in regards to the members of the ward that volunteer to feed them.

It's kind of a crapshoot, though.

What else ... Oh. I was asked to talk to the Singles' Branch Relief Society (the women's class, for those of you not fluent in Mormon-speak) about eternal marriage ... and how Michael and I met, blah, blah, and how I feel blessed.
I brought in three pictures: One that went our with our wedding invitations (We're on a slide! We're so cute!), one from our wedding (We're KISSING!), and our last family photo last fall (where I have practically BLACK hair ... I wanted a change. :P).

And I talked about my crap dating record in high school, how I went to college with hopes of finding a husband (but I DID have a backup plan of being the crazy cat lady living in a Victorian house with 98 cats ... since 99 would just be TOO MANY. No, really. I had it ALLLLLL worked out. Well, except how to BUY that house ...) ...
And, well, you'd almost have thought I was doing comedy stand-up in that church lesson. I know that I have a  ... singular, per se, look on life ... but gosh, these gals were quite entertained.
I mean, I DID work to be spiritual when I could. I have a testimony of eternal marriage and the importance of being sealed together in the temple. I love that, as long as I am faithful to the covenants that I've made with Heavenly Father in the temple, I am GUARANTEED to have these blessings. And this even goes for the blessings that I received when I was sealed to my parents when I was a child.
I have a family where our relations are not just "till death do you part." And I love that. I love that my children will ALWAYS by my children (With all the frustration and effort I put into my relationships, I'm glad they are going to last.) ... And, as an added bonus, as long as I am faithful, I am promised that THEY will always come back to the church. (And, as a girl who has quite a few friends who've strayed from the proverbial fold, it comforts me that their parents have that reassurance.)

I mean ... it never made sense to me that God would command us to create families and these loving relationships only to end them when we leave this life. I'm just saying.
... And, if I may be so bold, it never made sense because that's NOT how it's supposed to be.

Also, I think it's lovely to KNOW FOR A FACT that my husband thinks I'm worth the sacrifices that he had to make to be worthy to be married and sealed to me in the place I've ALWAYS wanted to be married.
(And vice versa. I could have made many decisions that would have made me unable to attend the temple, without time and repentance ... but he knows that this was a priority for me, too. ^_^)

I can testify that our Heavenly Father loves us. And He wants the best for us. I know that He has commanded that we be sealed to our spouses and family so that these loving, familial bonds need not be broken at death. He wants this for us because it is a GOOD thing. It will give us joy. It will help increase our love for each other.

(At the same time, I will admit that not every marriage will work out. Even ones sealed in the temple. My mom's birthday present this year, the one that made it most memorable for her, was receiving a letter from the First Presidency of the church -- President Thomas S. Monson, our prophet; and his two counselors -- granting her a temple divorce from my father [who left the church over a decade ago] and giving her the freedom to be sealed to my stepdad. ... and I have other friends who've seen their marriages not work. But, I will say that I've received many blessings from being sealed in the temple. And I would be thrilled if everyone could receive them. They make me happy. I want everyone to be so happy.)

... Since Sunday, what's happened?
Let's see ....

I was productive and set up a doctor's appointment for the kiddos (need a new shot. Ugh. I TRIED to get everything done on time. But one was EARLY! So they need another. I have a feeling that I'll need to take them out for ice cream to make it up to them. :P

We have dentist appointments set up. They'll have theirs before they start school. I'll have mine after they've been in school a couple days.

I got to go to the OB. Set up a new appointment for next month ...
Also did the first of two tests for the Sequential Screening (check the nuchal ["New-KAHL"] tube for any threats of being born with something like spina bifida, run blood and urine tests to rule out any genetic issues [like Trisomies or something]) ...

The ultrasound was different ... there's only one in there, so I'm amazed at how much room the bean has. But the nuchal tube (when we could get the bean to cooperate. Ha. Takes after me. Ha.) looked normal. Yay.
Little Bean moved around, was swallowing, had his/her arms thrown up over his/her head ... like I do when I sleep. Ha. I got to see his/her brain, spine, ribs ... It's a very different experience having just one in there.

The blood draw (when I made it to the right floor. Oy. SO -- the ultrasound is done on the FIRST FLOOR. The LAB is on 2. I got mixed up and went to 3, the one where my OB's practice is. Then I had to go back to 2, THEN I started to head over to the side of THAT floor ... and then had to turn around and go back to the elevator and go to 3. *sigh*) was fine. I can't look when I get pricked. But once the needle's in (and, OH, my darlings ... I forget that Blood Drive needles are SO MUCH THICKER than these. This was such a tiny needle, since they only needed to fill, like, FIVE tiny vials ... Instead of a pint bag and THREE BIG vials.), I'm fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine.

Then I got to do a "clean urine catch." For this, you take your little cup, a piece of gauze, and a wet wipe. You clean your bits (front to back), wipe away the wet wipe residue with the gauze, make sure your cup is open ... and you start peeing in the toilet, move the cup in so that you're catching mid-stream pee, and move the cup away so that you FINISH peeing IN THE TOILET.
I always end up peeing ALL OVER my hand.
EVERY TIME.
(But, as my OB assures me [and I assured myself every time I have to clean up pee ... or when I'd change my son's diaper and he peed in my face that ONE time ... and Dad C cracked up. Can't blame him, really], healthy urine is sterile.)  ... But still, I worked to wipe off the outside of the cup as best as I could for those poor lab techs. And I washed my hands REALLY well so I wouldn't have pee-fingers. Gross.

My OB visit went fine. I'm down to under 200 pounds. Yup, I've lost a bit of weight. Since I've been so nauseated. And I got to talk with my doctor about ... regularity. So I'm now drinking at least one glass of *shudders* Citrucel a day. Ugh.
I've found it easiest to get down later in the day. And with some crushed ice added before I mix it in the blender. It's a fiber smoothie.
And just writing about it is turning my stomach this early in the morning. Ugh.

But it was a good visit. My blood pressure is fine, the bean's moving around and has a healthy heartbeat (160 bpm, iirc. From both the ultrasound AND the Doppler).

My mom and I took the kids to Target. Bucket got Barbies (Barbie and Stacey roller-skating). Bruise got a new Lego game (NINGAQ, in case you were DESPERATE to know). I got deodorant, that GREAT Citrucel (blech), and a Zeno Blemish Reducing tool.
I have to say that it works. I've been breaking out a ton. And I've been working at washing my face with cleanser and my Derma-New brush. Then using a Microderm treatment (with the microderm scrub head on my Derma-New). THEN a little 1-minute peel Olay product  ... and my right side of my jaw was all SWOLLEN from all the zits. Ew. ... But, after only using it 3 times, the Zeno has really helped. My face is almost clear. YAY!!

Wednesday was mostly the regular ... Volunteering after McDonald's (since all the nausea I've had, my appetite is SO much smaller than normal. And I don't crave sweets. It's so odd. I mean, I don't recommend morning sickness as a diet tool, but if I can keep this up, I might just be a healthy weight after this pregnancy. And it'll be good to not eat HUGE portions.), then ordering pizza.

Oh! Monday night, the local library had a special presentation. The Reptile Man (OregonReptileMan.com) did a presentation. And it was pretty cool! Lots of snakes and lizards. And a few turtles. And a Gila Monster! (I don't think I've ever seen one in person). And a small alligator. ... The kids liked it. They liked it enough that while I volunteered, my mom took them to the second show on Wednesday.)
He does birthday parties and things ... It would definitely be worth looking into. He's really good with his animals (he's been handling them for 38 years) ... and he's REALLY good with the audience. He was HILARIOUS.

That's really most of what's gone on ... Oh, I did get sorta-fitted for my Savior of the World costume (in December, if I haven't mentioned it, we're doing Act 1, the nativity story). At least, I know my fabrics and how they'll be used. Since I'm pregnant and my measurements will be changing in the next three months, they're not going to sew it until MUCH later. ^_^ Can't blame them. I still need to find sandals. But that's okay. Who knows? Maybe my feet will get wider ... hopefully nowhere NEAR as wide as last time (With my preeclampsia, my feet swelled so BADLY. I normally wear around an 8 or 8-1/2. I had to buy a pair of size 11 loafers, and the tops of my feet were like overly-stuffed pillows out the top. Ugh.)

In other news, I'm feeling better. Much less puke-y. My neck still hurts, especially in the mornings ... but it's nothing that I can't deal with.

We got woken up around 3 AM with thunder and lightning. The kids slept through it all. But there was TONS of lightning. Sometimes, it'd even flash DURING the rolls of thunder. Pretty cool.
Freyja-cat wasn't bothered at all. I gave her some loves (since she was on the bed, snuggled against my legs) and she wasn't fazed at all. She's a good girl.

Oh, one other bit of fun ... was it last week or this week? Can't recall. But Bruise and Bucket were roughhousing in the living room and Bruise caught the back of his head on a corner of the TV stand. There was blood. But not for long. He's fine. No concussion or anything. Phew. ... I think it was last week.

I also need to turn in the kids' summer reading program sheets. *sigh* Work, work, work.
And, since we don't know when the kids' bento boxes are going to come in, we might need to buy them back-up lunchboxes. But, besides that, we're just about ready for school. PHEW!

So, yeah ... how's YOUR week been??

Blergh ...

So, I woke up today to find out that I somehow really slept on my neck WRONG.

Owwwww.
I took a hot shower. Not much help.
When Michael got back from cleaning the church, he rubbed Tiger Balm on it. Nope.
I went to my costume fitting ... which is not totally a fitting, since my measurements are going to change.
BUT, for the record, LET IT BE STATED, that I have "a nice waist."
Which will go into hibernation for a while ... but, really, it's nice to hear a costumer tell you that. ^_^

After I got back home, I grabbed my buckwheat (or something) microwave heat pad and used that.
Then I popped two Tylenol (the only painkiller I can take. *sigh*) and took a hot bath.

I can now MOSTLY look over both shoulders. But, gosh, it still hurts. Neck, shoulders, running down along my spine between my shoulder blades (and across my shoulder blades). Ugh.

Then I took the kiddos to a birthday party as Michael left to go to a meeting where Elder L. Tom Perry will be speaking. ... He should be on his way home now.
And I popped a frozen lasagna into the oven. Yum.

The kids had a BLAST at the birthday party. There was a huge inflatable swimming pool with a SLIDE and a TOWER set up. Way fun.
And a swimming (then a dress-up/costume) party was perfect, since it's been the hottest day of the year.
I rolled up the legs of my maternity jeans, so that I now have more like maternity capris.
And I ended up slurping down THREE glasses of ice water while I was there.

It was fun, since I also got to chat with one my friends who's moved outside out ward boundaries (our congregations are, for the most part -- there are a few exceptions, organized by geographical location. In case you wondered). Very nice. And I got to chat with her husband, too. He's a hoot. We miss having them in our ward. But they have a lovely (and larger) house that better fits their needs. And that's really what's important. ^_^ Besides, now I know where they live ... so it'll be easier to get together sometime, right?

_________________________________________________

In other news, I'm going to be crafting a tactful, yet displeased letter ...

We signed up to feed the missionaries ... even invited another family to eat with us ... more than two weeks in advance.
The missionaries called up the night before to cancel ... for plans that they knew about WEEKS ago.
Not very responsible. If they knew about a conflict, in advance, wouldn't it have been nice to have rectified that? Rescheduled?

Especially since, last month, we had signed up and they never called or showed up at all. :(
Bummer.

So, I'm going to bring it to THEIR attention and the Ward Mission Leader's attention that this is not good behavior. It hurts feelings and does NOT build trust or unity in the ward.

Now, how to say it ... since I should tell them, as I put it to Michael (and a few other people I kvetched to), "If you want GOOD FOOD, come to my DAMN HOUSE."

(Michael had offered for us to drop a meal off to them ... and I didn't feel like making a dinner EARLY for them. So I went to the dollar store and left a bag of food for them ... I was nice. I didn't just give them each a Cup O' Noodles, like I first thought of doing, I was nice. I put a pack of spaghetti noodles, a jar of meat pasta sauce, a box of scalloped potatoes, and a jar of pears. A healthy meal.
THAT THEY CAN COOK THEMSELVES.)

Seriously?
Blow me off once? Shame on YOU.
Blow me off twice? Shame on ME.

We're not signing up to feed them for a while.
Like until both these guys are transferred out.
Or until I act VERY CHRISTLIKE and forgive them for not showing consideration for anyone else's life. Just saying.

So, yeah, onto writing that letter.

Ugh.

It's better than punching them in the junk, though.
I think that you all should be VERY PROUD of my restraint.
And the fact that I didn't call them back to lambast them about PLANNING AHEAD and COMMON COURTESY, ETC., ETC., ETC.

I should get a frakkin' MEDAL.

Pride goeth ...

I was SO PROUD of myself for not throwing up at ALL yesterday. A full 24 hours without puking (there were some queasy moments) and no NEED to take my Zofran (anti-nausea). It was pretty awesome.

Then, when I FINALLY get up to get cereal for my daughter?
I have to run, run, RUN to the bathroom sink and empty my empty stomach.

Stomach acid. It's not yummy.
At all.

Well, I've had ONE really good day now that I finally reached 13 weeks.
Because, truly? I'd like to NOT have to take my anti-nausea anymore.

Again, I've been remiss in my duties ...

Obviously, I need to make sure that y'all know this: I am fine.
As far as I'm aware (and I'll know FORSURE-FORSURE Tuesday afternoon, what with bloodwork and another ultrasound), the bean/fetus/whatchamacallit is FINE, too.

ClotWatch 2011 has passed. And, starting Friday, my chances of miscarriage drop to about 1%, so that's a little more reassuring.

At least until I get the ultrasound and results from THIS coming blood draw AND the next round (about a month later) ... Here's hoping for nothing out of the ordinary. No nuchal abnormalities or any Trisomies ... Honestly, really ... this is MY child we're talking about. Normal? Not a chance.
Healthy, though? No real genetic abnormalities? THAT'S what I'm talking about. ^_^

Let's see ... what's gone on since I last blogged?

• Mostly just popping my Zofran (at least once a day) to stave off the nausea. Still.
• Still volunteering at the library. 
• TRYING to get the house in some semblance of order. Which doesn't happen very easily when you spend a good deal of your day lying in bed (because you feel less nauseated AND you are to the point where you NEED a nap between 2-5PM, though whether you GET one is not guaranteed).
• Went down to visit family ... saw Nana. She's doing okay. I worry about her, though. I mean, when you START OUT with SIX grandparents ... and now that I'm down to just TWO (and a new stepgrandma, but not the one that was my Grammy) ... AND the fact that I'm a resistant-to-change only child ... well, does THAT make sense that I'm a LITTLE antsy?
• The kiddos and I got to hold kittens at my Dad's. A stray had a litter of four. ... It's been a long time since I got to hold little fuzzies. 
• Michael and I got a touch of food poisoning (well, HIM more than me. But it's not good when you're VIOLENTLY ill even AFTER taking Zofran. Oy. I have some broken blood vessels in my eye lid. Time to put concealer on, right?) at a family reunion.
• I COULD talk about the side effects of Zofran ... and I'm NOT talking about the headache I was warned about. *grumbles* I've had one MILD headache on Zofran. With the OTHER, MORE PERSISTENT side effect, let's just say that I'm working VERY HARD to take more fiber (Yay for Fiber Gummi Chews!) and water ... and ... um... stool softener capsules. SO not fun.
  Especially when you throw up those capsules. Ugh.
  Like I said, I could talk about those side effects.
  But I won't.
  Much.
  *grumbles*

Yesterday morning, I woke up and checked my email and such on my phone (pretty, pretty Droid. O, how I adore thee!) ... and then I noticed something out of the ordinary.
I was using my 3G (Verizon's internet), not our home wireless.
So I made sure that my phone was set to connect to wireless (sometimes I turn it off). It was.
And I check that it still has our home wireless saved in it ... which it did ... but said that it was "Out of Range."
WHAT?!!??!? HELLO!!! I'm RIGHT HERE! At HOME! I'm seriously, MAYBE twenty feet from the router!
So, I drag myself out of bed and check the router/modem ... And, *gulp!*, all the lights are off.
I power cycle it (turn it off and back on again). Nothing. I check the power strip (which restarts the computer. Which needed to be restarted ANYWAYS), no dice.
So I call Michael. And I did make sure that our phones are working (since DSL is on our phone bill ... so, no, we're not behind). And I do check the phone cord outside (where it's plugged in there). It's all fine.
SO, then I call the phone company. And I got a nice gal who transferred me to a nice (Indian?) lady from Tech support. She commended me for doing a power cycle, had me switch which outlet the modem was plugged in to (no change).
And she gave me a very, very technical diagnosis: "Sounds like your problem is that ... it's BUSTED."

Now, I TRIED REALLY HARD not to snicker.
And I swallowed my urge to quip, "Oh, 'busted.' Is that a technical term?"
You should be SO PROUD of my restraint.

So, I got to discuss whether to rent or buy a new modem. AND, if the phone company sent it, it'd take a couple days. HOWEVER, Wal-Mart (which, though I have no issues with, I do love to refer to as Voldemart) does carry modems that are compatible with our DSL. So, when Michael got home, we skedaddled over to the OTHER town got some sundry supplies:

• Wireless modem
• Concealer (I was almost out)
• Laundry detergent (ditto)
• Small container of Tums (since our travel bag didn't have ANY in it. And Michael could have used them.)
• Gummi Prenatals (since tossing up a Prenatal is NASTYSAUCE).
• Two small laundry baskets ... so the kids can help put away laundry. ^_^
• Sobe Lifewater (Strawberry Dragonfruit)  - For me, since I was thirsty and nauseated
• King-size Twix bar - for Michael and the kids to share.

Then we went to Costco. And bought the kids a hot dog to share. Michael got a Carne Asada bake. I debated about (and decided not to get) a Berry Sundae Fro-yo. I don't regret it. I was a little hungry, but not in the mood to eat.
Though, I did take my gummi vitamins (Prenatal AND my new Calcium and Vit D gummies). I had already taken my (DELICIOSO!!) Fiber gummies that morning.
(Seriously, they are nummers -- Strawberry, blackberry, and peach. The peach taste JUST like a gummi-version of the Jolly Rancher peach candies. Which are my faves. Those and the fruit punch ones. When I can get those. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm ....)

But, yeah, got the modem set up (had to use the new power cord, but the other cords were already in place. So that went SO much faster this time). Got it all configured ... and I'm back online ON MY COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!

*sings* Reconnected... and it feels so good!!

Michael had complimented me earlier during the day about how I kept my sense of humor even without the intertubes ... and I had to admit that since my phone still got internet (Thanks to my AWESOMEST of ALL AWESOME HUSBANDS [Don't argue. He's the AWESOMEST to ME. Your spouse may be the coolest to YOU, but mine is the BESTEST to/for me. Just deal with it. {Step away from a confrontation with the scary, hormonal, pregger lady. Just back away. Nod and smile. Once you're a safe distance away, turn and RUN. GO! GO! GO! GO!}]), since Michael opted for the unlimited 3G, when it was still an option. ^_^

So, that should get us caught up to today. I cleaned the house (well, most of the public quarters): did the dishes, swept the kitchen, cleaned the dining room table (left the Harry Potter Legos on there for now ... Just the Hogwarts Express set and the Knight Bus. Not ALL of them ... Still need The Burrow and Diagon Alley. ... Yes, those ARE needs. What??), vacuumed the floor, hung the bird treats on the Sweetgum tree out by the kids' window. Only threw up once, when I was working on the two pots that I had to handwash. Oy.
And I did a couple loads of laundry thus far.

Mom's coming up today. Her birthday is Friday. So, if you're friends with her on Facebook, make sure to wish her a happy 29th birthday.
What? She's SO 29.
(So what if I'm 30?)
At oldest, she's 29-1/2.
Which rounds down to 29.
So THERE!!!
(In the words of Adam Savage, "I reject your reality and substitute my own!")
(This is kinda like how my Nana, though she's really 80 now, will ALWAYS be 57 to me. But not very much like that at all.)

(Is it weird that I REALLY, REALLY wish that I had Adam Savage as a big brother? I adore him. He's so fun. Michael relates more to Jaime, but I'm a HUGE Adam fan. ... Which explains a LOT about Michael's and my relationship. He's the Jamie to my Adam, the Shawn to my Gus, the cheese to my macaroni ... ^_^)

But the kids are happily watching Netflix (they were sad they couldn't yesterday). I'm happily surfing the interwebs, playing my Facebook games, blogging, sharing links and links and links with Michael ...

Now to get a shower before my mom comes.

Hope that you all are doing well, too!!

One thing that's nice about all the puking that I'm doing ... and how I barely eat ... I'm eating better (when I do eat) and I'm eating better portion sizes. (At McDonald's last week? Eating a MEAL is too much. I just need my Quarter Pounder (no onions, extra pickles) and a smoothie. Then Mom lets me pick at the salad she doesn't finish.)
And Michael noticed that I look skinnier. Which is nice.
My wedding ring is getting looser.

Speaking of my ring, I took it off to shower (put my haircolor renewal stuff in my hair ... now it's more red than light brown, but that's okay). I forgot to put it back on until Michael came home, which woke me up from my nap. I went to the bathroom ... and went to put on my ring. AND I COULDN'T FIND IT!!!!!
Because Michael picked it up and was holding it.
*DEEP BREATHS* I was FREAKING OUT.
But it's safely ensconced back on my finger again. PHEW.

I had to buy new sunglasses Monday. My old pair broke in my purse.
So I got some at Ross for cheap. And they're cute.
When I went to go shopping, I left the kids with Michael (who'd come home early since he was still sick).
I gave the kids hugs and kisses. And Bucket told me, "I'm going to miss you SO MUCH, so I will hold your love in my heart!"
Where does she get these things?
It was adorable, though.
Bruise made sure to tell me, when I got home, that he missed me a lot, too. ^_^

I have sweet kids. And a sweet, wonderful husband.
Hopefully this little incubatee follows suit. ^_^

Again with the crazy dreams ...

First things first: I'm doing fine. Obviously, my resting and drinking a little more water than usual was what my body needed.
(I still need to scrub out/deodorize the BIG fridge ... and do dishes. I'll be popping a Zofran before I tackle those. AND putting some lavender oil on my wrists.)

But, yeah ... I've been having some nutso dreams.
A couple days ago, I dreamt that I had my baby. And s/he had DARK hair. Like straight and black-ish.
Not what I expected.

Then, last night, I dreamt that I had a teacher's meeting. And it had a costume theme. And Michael and I (where were any of the kids??) lived in my hometown. I parked at CBA (the private school in town, which is NOW CCA. No longer a "Bible Academy" but a "Christian Academy.") and walked down the street to some new costume store (that's not there IRL). The teacher's meeting was further down the street with a Minnie Mouse theme. Yeah. ... I mean, I've been to quite a few teachers' meetings (with my mom AND as a student teacher). They don't have costume themes. Not usually, anyways.
But, at the shop, I ended up buying some Mickey and Minnie Mouse sticker sheets to put on my face. (Um ... srsly? That's a crap costume.) And went back to the van. Which had a $40 parking ticket. For a first-time offense. I was SO ticked off. I wasn't in the shop very long! (It was a small shop, anyways.)
And so I decided to just skip the meeting and go home. Since I didn't want to find another place to park and the meeting was starting, I could see costumed gals going into the building.

It wasn't until I woke up that I realized that I couldn't even park there in real life. Because, IRL, where I parked was a courtyard, with a (now defunct) fountain. ... And they've even gated it in now.

But, yeah. My dreams are weird.

ClotWatch 2011 (with gratuitous amounts of TMI)

So, I had a bit of a scare today.

Before we left for church, I went to the bathroom ... and upon wiping my ... um ... delicate bits ... (Yeah, TMI, I KNOW. Sorry.) ... well, there was blood. Like BRIGHT RED blood.

So I continue wiping (with clean paper, natch) to locate where it's coming from. I was thinking that maybe I just strained a little too hard (TMI), but I normally don't have THAT much blood when that happens. But, no ... it was coming from the front. EEK.

So, I call the off-hours/weekend number for the OB's office. And the doctor on call called me back. Judging by how far along I am, that I'm not having cramps, ... he told me not to worry about it. Not unless I start cramping or if I start passing clots.

And, at the end of Sacrament (first hour) at church, I went to the bathroom again ... and there were some clots. Not big ones, not like a period-type-clot (TMI again.) ... but something. So I work VERY HARD to keep my composure and get through Sacrament.
After Sacrament, Michael and I walk out to the car (to put the kids' church bags away and to talk without witnesses). He offered to get another Priesthood holder so I can have a blessing ... but I demurred. Since I didn't want to make a huge deal out of something that might JUST be nothing.

So, Michael skips Sunday School with me and I do some Google-fu about miscarriage symptoms ... which I wasn't having. (I do get nervous, but any cramps I have are just (TMI ALERT, joy) gas pains and constipation, not anything that'd make me double over in pain.

Of course, I'm worked up enough that I can't really stay composed ... so Michael agrees to get the kids after church so I can go home and lie down (on my left side. Because that's what the Google says to do).

I went home and looked up images of miscarriage clots. JUST IN CASE. And, really, my itsy clots were NOTHING in comparison. Especially since those were from earlier in a pregnancy than mine has progressed to. PHEW.

Still, I was on ClotWatch 2011.
And I'm pleased to report that the bright red bleeding stopped quickly. There's been some brown spotting last night and just a smidge this afternoon. And there have been no more clots at all.

Still ... if this is ALL due to my stupid nabothian cyst (I think it's gross ... it's a cyst that looks like a nasty zit, on my cervix. And, when it's angered, it bleeds. Stupid thing. Harmless for the most part. But, really, who wants a nasty-zit-cyst on her cervix?? NOT. ME.), I'm SO. STINKING. READY. to have it burned or frozen away. But, overall, it's "normal" and doesn't cause problems ... except for when I'm preggers and it gets all angered and bleeds and then I FREAK THE CHICKEN OUT.
I do recall having to call my OB a few times during the kiddos' incubation, due to that stupid cyst getting all stupid. Ugh.

On the other hand, the Google says that of all the reported pregnancies with bleeding between 7-11 weeks, 96% end in a successful, viable pregnancy.  And I was reading on a forum that it really isn't unheard of to have some bright red bleeding after going poo. And they're fine; their babies are fine.

So, I've relaxed today, a friend (what a sweet friend) is bringing dinner tomorrow. ... I'm not going to stress about this.

In other news, we FINALLY came up with a girl's name that we like, that feels RIGHT.
We've had a boy's name since the kiddos were still in utero, since we didn't know if we'd have two boys, two girls, or one of each (Thankfully, it was one of each. So I COULDN'T get them mixed up in the bath. PHEW). So we had two boys' names that we REALLY liked ... and we could only get ONE girl's name that we liked.
But now, thankfully, we're prepared (as of Friday evening). We still have a boy's name and now a girl's name, too. ... Now to figure out where The Bean will sleep when we bring him/her home. And get a stroller ... since we only have double strollers. Ha ha ha.

But, yeah, that was my OVERLY EXCITING DOINGS of the day.
Yeah, this is one of the things I hate about being pregnant at this stage (besides my amazing nausea this pregnancy), until you start feeling the kiddo moving around, you DON'T KNOW if things are wrong or if they're still okay.

If only Infant Dopplers weren't $399-$499 ON SALE. Because I'm about ready to get one ... if money were no object. Just for some added peace of mind.
*sigh*

Stupid damn friggin damn freaking damn cyst ... how I hate thee.

But, yeah ... still on ClotWatch, but it's dropped from level orange.

And the whole adrenaline rush? Leaves me REALLY tired.
Just sayin'.

It's the small things ...

Today, I feel like a total rebel.

I had TWO glasses of juice today.

Do I NEED two glasses of juice?
Not according to my doctor, who -- during my first pregnancy -- told me, "You only need ONE glass of juice per day."

But, you know what? I drank that second one ANYWAY.

*cue evil laughter*

Equilibrium, maybe?

So, I'm working at pushing myself to eat. Even when I have no appetite.
I finally (yeah, it's almost noon, I KNOW.) had a cup of soup.

I haven't thrown up today. Which is good.

And I've done some housework today and yesterday. A definite improvement.

In other news, this may be a television-addicted pregnancy.
Well, a Netflix-addicted one.

So far, since yesterday, I've watched the first two episodes of Dollhouse (yes, I watched it when it was on TV. BUT that was a while ago.) and an episode of Downton Abbey.
And Michael and I watched the pilot of Sliders last night.

Yes, I'm sure that's cemented my geek cred.
Especially, since I made sure to look up and add Quantum Leap to our queue.
We both loved that show.

Hmm. I wonder if Netflix has Unsolved Mysteries for the queue?
Because I still love watching reruns of that series.

A couple more weeks, and I'll be in the second trimester. ... Which, I hope, will mean that my appetite evens back out. ... As in, that I'll HAVE an appetite.
I wouldn't even mind cravings ... because that means that I'd WANT to eat something. *sigh*

Oh well.

But, yeah, if nothing else, I'll just watch more Dollhouse and Downton Abbey.

Oh baby ...

Why won't you let me eat?

And WHY must you make me throw up even after taking my medicine today?
The medicine that's supposed to make me NOT throw up.

Though, I'll admit ... finding a stray toothbrush bristle in my mouth did NOT help matters.

Now I'm put off cottage cheese ... and that's one of the few foods that I could eat and keep down (*darkly* until NOW. *sigh*).

Well, little one, I'm going to demand that if you're not going to let ME eat, you had better suck alla this "food storage" off my bones. If I'm going to be THIS SICK, you had better do YOUR part and have me looking like a supermodel by the time you're born.

Then, I had BETTER be able to eat Death by Chocolate or something WONDEROUS while nursing you. Just to make up for it. Since I'll be needing those extra calories anyways.

Really, get your act together. Or whip that placenta into shape.
I do NOT want to have to get IVs for my nutrients. Just sayin'.
I mean, sure, I love you, little fetus ... but I have a LIFE and a FAMILY to take care of ...

Gotta cut this short, baby of mine. Your siblings need me to drive them to swim lessons.
It's the FUN (final) day today. I want to watch them have fun ... not be comatose with nausea.
So you'd better behave.
If you know what's good for you.

Hey, that's a joke (mostly).
Really, just stop making me throw up. Or feel exhausted and nauseated.
The house needs cleaning.
And I'm sick (literally) and tired of getting the urge to puke from just walking through the kitchen.
It's my own kitchen. I shouldn't have to hold my breath as I walk through it.

And Dr. M is going to get after me, I'm sure, if I drop TOO much weight.
(Which may or may not be preferable to her getting after me for gaining too much ... as I did with your brother and sister. It's debatable ... since it hasn't happened yet.)

If nothing else, I'm making sure that I'll remember to take my second pill at 4 today. *sigh*

Really, little one, if nothing else, I don't want dentures. Stop making me have floods of stomach acid swirling through my teeth. THAT. IS. AN. ORDER. FROM. YOUR. MOTHER.

Thanks. I'd appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Also, in about ten weeks? Please don't be modest. I want to know who's in there. I think it's silly to just call you "the baby."
I know, sweetie. I know. Your mom's crazy. You'll get used to it.

Dear Diary, WITHER THE FRIES

Okay, so it's established that I am with child.
I have morning sickness (which, THIS PREGNANCY, is NOT relegated solely to the mornings. Pity).

BUT ... this is what's just weird:

Sometimes (and especially when I'm nauseated/just-did-something-involving-a-sink-or-a-commode-due-to-the-nausea-if-you-know-what-I-mean-and-I-think-you-do)

WATER (OR ICE) TASTES SWEET.

Like nasty overly-sweet cheapo-vanilla-flavored candy-type sweet.

It's so gross.

I just took my anti-nausea pill (which I probably needed because I haven't felt hungry, so I haven't eaten much, today) ... because I NEEDED to take that pill.

(Stomach acid? Not very yummy.)
(EVER.)

And, now I'm drinking a glass of milk (getting the calcium -- 3 servings/daily -- for the bean!) ... and it tastes like someone's dumped sugar.
In my glass of milk.

Normally, my darling, I am ALL ABOUT THE SWEETS.

Not so much (at all) this pregnancy.
As in, I'll eat something sweet if someone gives it to me ... but I have NO cravings for sweets.

I'm all about the savory. (Like Broccoli Cheese soup ... Taco Bell's nacho cheese ... THOSE are my real cravings thus far this pregnancy. ... And then my stupid body pulls a "return to sender," ifkwim. Aityd. Gross.)

So, for most of the time, I'll PUSH myself to eat SOMETHING. Just so I won't throw up.

Seriously, little fetus ... WHAT'S WRONG WITH FOOD???? DO YOU NOT LIKE IT????
I used to LOVE food. As in, I harbored a near-unhealthy adoration of it.
Now ... it's like I've given it up for Lent (although it's totally the wrong time of year for that. ... I don't think I'll even BE pregnant when Lent rolls around. Oh, well, maybe the beginning of Lent. Where's a calendar? HA! It starts the 22 of February. Right around my due date. So, I'll make it to a bit of Lent. Not that I celebrate it ... but still, good to know.)

Also, I don't know if my anti-nausea pill tastes like candy (since you let it dissolve in your mouth) or if it's just my body being all funky.
And not the GOOD kind of funk. (The good kind? See below:)



(THAT, my darlings, is the good kind of funk. ... Truth be told, I'm still a little jealous that one of my friends got that CD. Good times. I still rather long for it. Though, I think I have most of the tracks now. ^_^)

But, yeah. This pregnancy is different.
More exhausted. More nausea. ... and it's only 9 weeks in. Almost 10.
I'll enjoy eating again someday, right?
More than two meals a day, right?
I'll be able to THINK about eating chocolate and other decadent treats someday, right?
RIGHT???

Until then, I'll just watch that commercial for Pure Funk and be amused. Oh, how I love that commercial.
(I also wanted the Pure Disco CDs, too. But this had the more entertaining commercial. ^_^)

Some other news ... In case you wanted to know ...

Yeah, this is what it looks like.

Just the one. My OB looked long and hard to make sure. Since we NEEDED to know. ^_^

This is the reason that I've been sick as a dog and crazy-hormonal.

The bean has a healthy heartbeat. The anti-nausea drug did its job (THANK GOODNESS).

I'm due in late February ... I'm kinda hoping to make it to Leap Year. I mean, when else will I have this opportunity?

Funny coincidence -- The kiddos (Bruise and Bucket) are both, according to Chinese astrology, roosters. Like me.

This one will be a dragon. Like Michael.

The kiddos are excited. Even though I won't be having another set of twins.

Bucket hopes it's a girl. Bruise is wanting it to be a boy.
But they do assure me that they'll be okay either way. ^_^

Bucket did tell me, as she rubbed my feet (this is a new occurrence. Not that I'm complaining!!), that I should have TWO babies. So she and Bruise can rub my feet and the new kids can rub my arms.
I like how she thinks.

Also, how I cut my finger? I was horribly distracted. Since I had just done a home test a few hours earlier. And we didn't want to tell anyone until it was confirmed. (Which it was on the sixth at the local health clinic).

Then ... I kinda was sitting on it (except for mostly family) until we knew how many were in this clown car of a uterus. Ten? Twenty?
Just the one.
I'm a little relieved. I was worried that there'd be triplets. (I knew I could handle twins. But triplets? That scares me.)

In other news, it's really nice to have health insurance again. And I just got put on WIC. I have anti-nausea meds, so I'm not throwing up multiple times a day. (It's really nice to keep food down and not feel like tossing my cookies all the time. Even when I hadn't eaten anything. Yeah. Nauseated if you do, nauseated if you don't. ... That's how it was.)

Still, another 11 weeks before I get to find out who's in there.
At least I know that s/he has a heartbeat. And is alone in there.
I'll feel better once I feel him/her move. Because that's the best part. Since you KNOW s/he's ALIVE. You can start keeping tabs on the kiddo yourself.

... I would almost consider a home birth. But really? I love me my epidural. And the nurses are all so, so nice where I birthed last time (and I'll be going back). And there's a spa-bathtub there.

If I had a spa bathtub here ... and wasn't a bit of a wuss ... and if I didn't miss my awesome nurse-ladies, I MIGHT consider it. But, really, I would like to see my nurses again. And get cable TV.

A girl's got to have her priorities. :P

AGAIN -- Another blog in which I catch up

Sooooooooo ... when I last blogged, I told you about my poor, poor sliced finger.
It's almost all healed. Just needs to build up a few more layers of skin at the site and it'll be all good.

What else have we done since the kids finished swim lessons ... Well, here's a list:

• We went to my cousin's wedding. Yes, my sweet Sarah is married. ... And while that's all well and good, I'm secretly a little EXTRA-thrilled since I'm now cousin-in-law to a guy I know from high school. And he's just as nice as ever. ^_^ (My mom's thrilled, too. We like Chad. ^_^)
• The kids got to spend a week down with grandparents. They went to church with Mom and C, swam in the pool and played, spent a night with Dad and L (where they played in THEIR pool), went to the coast, went to Wildlife Safari, saw Cars 2, got Slurpees on 7/11 ... and we picked them up Friday to bring them home for a night before ...
• We went camping. Along the coast, out of North Bend. This is the first time that we've been camping as a whole family. Bucket was pretty thrilled. (She's been jealous when Michael's taken Bruise to the father-and-son campouts and she has to stick around with me. Even though I try and do some fun girl-time with her. ^_^) And, really, it did go well ... even if it started to rain.
• While the kids were gone, I mostly slept in. Did my volunteering at the library. Made some phone calls. Read a few books. Watched some DVDs. Cleaned the house a bit. And, on Thursday, Michael and I went to the coast. We went up to Tillamook, toured the cheese factory ... then made our way back down. Stopped in Lincoln City and bought some books (Paper Towns, Before Green Gables, Chalice [Robin McKinley], Coronets and Steel [Sherwood Smith], and Eats, Shoots & Leaves ... in case you were WILDLY curious). Also, in all this driving, Michael and I made it through reading Catching Fire [book 2 of The Hunger Games] together. Now, we're reading Mockingjay as we drive places.
• While at the coast with the kids, we went to the Newport Aquarium, Yaquina Head (not the lighthouse, the kiddos are still too short ... but we went through the little museum and down along the beach there, with all the cobblestones. They DO make a really singular sound as the tide recedes. We also stopped by Cape Perpetua, Shore Acres, and (on the way home) Heceta Head Lighthouse (before it's closed for repairs.) ... As an aside, the Pacific Coast Passport was a seriously good idea. We only got the 5-day pass ($10) and got more than our money's worth out of it. (Yaquina Head = $7, Shore Acres = $5 ... I didn't even look to see how much Heceta Head or Cape Perpetua cost ... and we went to all those places.)
• We were also supposed to go to a family reunion (my dad's side) ... but, even after looking for considerably longer than 30 minutes ... we just couldn't find it. So we just went straight to Shore Acres, since we were around Coos Bay anyways. Ugh.
  At least, I didn't have to feel too bad. It was disappointing, to be sure. BUT!! Nana and Uncle Steve were ready to go ... and Cousin D NEVER SHOWED UP TO TAKE THEM. So Nana took her Jell-O Salad down to my dad's to share. No, my dad wasn't going, either.*sigh*
• When we got back, we just had to be ready for the kids' swim lessons (another round. Third time's the charm, right? RIGHT?? :P) on (last) Monday. And they'll finish up tomorrow.
• I missed volunteering last week ... even thought my mom WAS up ... since I was kinda sick. But I'm feeling a lot better now. Phew. I made it to volunteering yesterday, even though my mom is sick. ... The kiddos got to go up to Mom and Dad C's to play. I think they had a BLAST. Bruise fell asleep during bedtime-story last night. And Bucket slept in until AFTER 7 this morning. Tired girl.
• We made it to the Pioneer Day Picnic/Potluck/Party on Saturday. It was nice to see so many of our friends in the Stake (since we don't always get to see them every Sunday, being in different wards and all).
• I taught Relief Society (women's group at church) on Sunday. I think it went well. I was filling in for another sister (lady) who was recuperating from surgery. Please pray that she gets better SOON. Teaching is a little stressful for me. But this time, it was much better. There was a lot of discussion. Even though I got verklempt so much. (Hey, I LOVE the temple. It's a topic close to my heart.)

I THINK that's most of what we've been doing this month, since I sliced my finger, anyways.

In other news, my pictures of fireworks do show improvement over last year's. ^_^ That's always nice.
Now I need to get them all transferred off the memory cards (along with pictures of the coast trips and camping and Shore Acres and swim lessons ... Oy.) to the external HD. 

So, yeah. I think that's enough damage for one blog post.

Well, I think I'm officially losing it ... my mind, that is, not any fat (sadly)

Seriously.

On the fourth, I sliced my finger.
On the fifth, I realize that I've locked my keys in the car.
Last night, I grab the phone charger and, somehow, convince myself that it's not the right charger for my phone.
But I KNOW that I grabbed the right one when I was leaving Mom and Dad C's ... and this is the only one that was in my purse.
I come to the (correct) conclusion that, no, that one REALLY IS the RIGHT charger.

For some reason, I forgot what shape it should be. I was thinking it was supposed to be the OTHER shape ... the shape of the jack for the GPS or the Bluetooth.

At this point, I'm surprised that I'm even wearing pants.
(And I'm glad that I AM, since I ran out to get gasoline in the car. And I had to nip out of the car to put in my PIN. So, if I DIDN'T have on pants, that would have been really embarrassing.
And probably drafty.)

I'm trying not to wonder if there's a village missing its idiot right now.

*sigh*

To add insult to (literal) injury ...

So, not only am I dumb enough to lop off a bit of my finger ...

I'm also dumb enough to either LOSE my keys or to lock them in the car.

WINNER. /sarcasm.

Another blog in which I catch up ...

So, what's gone on this last week ...

• The kids finished swim lessons. They didn't pass. But they were close. Next time (which will be in two weeks' time).
• Tuesday, we went to a Summer Reading program. I thought it was going to be the magic show ... no, that was LAST week. This was a puppet show. And the kids liked it. Phew!
• Wednesday, my mom came up ... and stayed through until Friday (to get the kids signed up for swim lessons). 
• Thursday, Bri came over and did my hair. I'm a blonde now. I can't swear that it's more fun, but it is a nice change. She'll add highlights before my cousin's wedding. And some teal in the back.
• Friday, Mom headed back home after we got the kids Slurpees. Also, it was pay day.
• Saturday, we went to the zoo ... and it wasn't nearly as crowded as I was worried it would be. Phew!
  Then we went to Home Depot. And then to Costco (needed groceries. And to have my tires checked. All clear! Now to get an oil change and new brakes!)
• Sunday, I ended up helping teach Bruise and Bucket's class. One of their teachers called Saturday night ... she had last-second family plans with her family and wouldn't be at chuch, so, Michael, could you sub? Sure! ... Except that Michael's TEACHING ELDERS' QUORUM during the kids' lesson. So I took one for the team. ... And, well, I have to say that my kids are pretty well-behaved. Phew! (Though that could have to do with the fact that they're the oldest ones in their class.)
  One of my friends complemented my hair. She LOVES it when I make a change. ^_^ Glad to please somebody, right? ^_^ Well, someone besides myself. ^_^
• Monday (yesterday) ... Went to Safeway while Michael cut the grass and the kids watched a show inside. Came back, sliced up some lettuce. Pam came over and I colored her hair. (Cute!) Then I tried to get a nap.
  Later, we went up to Mom and Dad C's ... where, after I offered to help T1 slice up some veggies for the taco feed, I sliced off a bit of my finger. ... Yeah, not smart. No pictures yet, since whenever I change the bandage (at this point), it starts bleeding again. Oy.
  And we stayed up waaaaaay too late, of course. :P
  And that's not counting the three times I nearly passed out from bandaging my finger (I'm normally not so skittish. What's with me?)

And, yeah ... I think that's all the important stuff.
And I'm tired of typing with nine fingers. So I'm closing up.

On the bright side, the kids slept in until after 7:30 ... if you don't count when Bruise woke up around 6:30 to crawl into bed (and promptly fall back asleep) with me (as I read a few chapters of The Guinea Pig Diaries by A.J. Jacobs).

I'm ready for a nap.

Good gravy ... it's been so long since I've blogged.
I don't even remember what I've blogged about last. ... Let's go take a look .... Oh, okay.

So, since Michael's become a REAL Engineer (as opposed to an Engineer-in-Training), life has picked up a bit.
Now, just to make it until Friday (payday ... and when we find out if the kids passed this bout of swim lessons ... but I'm getting ahead of myself).

Let's see ...

• We went to OMSI and saw the new Narnia exhibit (you've got until September to see it).
  It was cool to see a lot of the props and costumes from the movies. And there was a bit about climate control (since that's what the White Witch was doing, really. Pretty overtly).
  We also tried to do a tour of the submarine, but they said we were too late.
  When I got home, it SAID on the website that the tours actually went late enough that we were in time for the last one. Oh well. It was a long enough day.
  Only made longer by the WONDERFUL Portland rush-hour traffic. *gags*
• The kids started swimming lessons. They're having a lot of fun with them. And they're doing a WHOLE lot better than last year.
  I don't know HOW MUCH, EXACTLY, is due to the fact that they aren't rotating through teachers like last time (and we were warned that this would happen when we had signed up last year) and how much is due to their current teacher, Bob, and the fact that he's AMAZING.
  (The man is an EXCELLENT teacher. That was obvious from just a few minutes into the first class. He's got it all down pat -- he knows how to listen to them ... and how to get THEM to listen to HIM.)
  And I've enjoyed chatting with the other two moms of the other two kids in the class.
• We went down to visit family this last weekend. FINALLY saw Nana (it's been a couple months, iirc. Eeps). And we went to "Art in the Park" as we like to refer to it. I bought a pair of earrings (which broke this morning. Oops. They were only $6, so it's not TERRIBLE. And I'm pretty sure I can fix them easily). ... Then we stayed with Mom and my stepdad. Then we swung by for a visit with Dad and L. And made it home to play our Lego Harry Potter board game. (Bruise LOVES it. We've played it at least 4 times in two days.)
• Got the Savior of the World audition results. I'm one of Mary's (many) aunts. No real lines, if I recall. Just "SHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" a couple of times. And some songs. No solos. Nothing too crazy.
  My Bri-Bri is Mary, so that's really cool. ^_^ And there are tons of great people in the cast, so it'll be fun to do. The summer vocal rehersal schedule given, though ... may be a little problematic. Since it conflicts a LOT for Bri and my summers. (She works. We've got some family obligations ... all on my side. ... So .... yeah. Hopefully things will all work out. ... But I was upset enough about it that a load of dishes is in the dishwasher and all the crap's cleaned out of the car.)
• Got some new tires on the van. Not ALL of them. Just replaced the bald ones. Which is important, since, y'know, I've got those family obligations to be at.
  (And really, I'd be P.O.'ed to miss my cousin's wedding because a tire blew.)
• Michael and I celebrated his birthday by using our movie theater gift cards (and Mom C watched the kiddos) and watched X-Me: First Class. And we liked it. (And I liked that we got a Cherry Coke. Yum. ... I also snagged us free popcorn. And the balance on my gift card (from last year) was enough to get us a box of candy). Good times.
• Mom and I took the kiddos to a Summer Reading Program --- a Chamber Music quartet performance. About Aesop's fables.
• I ordered books yesterday ... and thanks to the gift card from Mom and Dad C for my birthday (yeah, I am bad at using gift cards right away. But I do use them! And love them!), I got three books shipped for only $0.23 out of pocket. I was pretty darn happy! Now Michael and I will be able to finish reading the Uglies series (Scott Westerfeld).

In other news, Bucket snuggled up to me as we were playing the board game yesterday, and sweetly told me, "Mom, I love you. ... Even when you're stinky."
"What?" I gasped. "Are you telling me that I smell bad??"
"But I still love you," she simpered.

GEE. THANKS.

But, today, we had a good time hanging out at Costco while they put new tires on the van (and rotated the back [old, but good] tires to the front).
For what it's worth, the cheese pasta with lobster is REALLY GOOD. ... But I still don't know what lobster tastes like, really. But THAT was yummy.
And Bruise has learned that he DOES like salsa (even though he wouldn't even try the orange chicken. But he DID have a tiny bite of the pasta. So that's progress).

Also, also, my allergies seem to be back again. Crap. I'll have to start taking my fake-Zyrtec again. Since my nose is itching like CRAZY.

I'm sure that I've left out stuff. Oh well. But I think that I've gotten MOSTLY caught up now.

I can haz naptime, plz???

(Answer: NO. U can haz making-fudz-time, slacker.)
*sigh*

Bruise's Career Goals

I was chatting with Bruise, who came in while I was getting a shower.

Me: Hey, Bruise?
Him: Yeah?
Me: What do you want to do when you're a grown-up?
Him: ... Um ... Be a policeman.
Me: Okay. Cool. That'll be good. ... Are you going to go on a mission first?
Him: Yeah.
Me: Where do you want to go?
Him: To the desert.
Me: Cool! So, just like Daddy, then, huh?
Him: Yup.
Me: What are you going to do on your mission?
Him: Feed the lizards.
Me: Oh ... okay. What are you going to feed them?
Him: About Jesus.

Then I realize that I've misheard my son ... TEACH the lizards, not FEED the lizards.

Me: ... Really? Okay. Do you think that the lizards already believe in Jesus, though?
Him: Just a little.
Me: Okay.

So, I've got a little St. Francis wanna-be on my hands. *lol* Nice.
Can't say that I really blame him, though.
When I was around his age, I remember being QUITE. PUT. OUT. that I couldn't bring my cats to church. It seemed a little species-ist to only allow HUMANS to worship.
Though, some people do have allergies ... so I guess that animals just get to meditate on their own. :P
(That and animals are here to fulfill their measure of creation ... so they don't NEED all the teaching that we do. That's nice. I mean, even J. Golden Kimball testified that there's no reason why animals shouldn't be in Heaven. ^_^ ... "Since there are enough horses' [bottoms] going, why not your horse?" is rather the sentiment he expressed. :P)

So, time to finish getting ready for church.
Obviously, Freyja can use this quiet time for reflection. ... And, if she's so inclined, I have my scriptures on my nightstand for study. ^_^


**********Edited to add: The teaching the lizards is actually from Michael. When we told the kids about his mission, he had joked that he taught the lizards in the desert. ... And the kids thought that was HILARIOUS.
And it's now their lives' goal. :P

So, like as it's said in Into the Woods, "Be careful what you say, children will listen."

Why I love my husband

As I was about to start reading a story to the kids before bed, I was left waiting for Bucket ... So, I started to act like I was reading ... in hopes she would hear me and hurry back.

Once upon a time, I started, there was a baker and his wife. They yearned for a child ... More than anything in the world...

And Michael deadpans, Because they didn't know any better.

Bruise laughed. Because we were laughing. And Bucket, as she returned to the room wanted to know what we were laughing about.

My husband rocks my socks, y'all.

Mah kiddos

My children make me laugh.

We've talked about how Miss Bucket has cute buns. She does. (And terrific running form! She didn't get that from me, either!)

She comes back down the hall, interrupting my reading to adamantly declare that Bruise does NOT agree that she has a cute butt.

I told her, "Hey, he's your brother. He's not SUPPOSED to think that you have a cute butt. It's cool."

Later, Bruise is looking out the window.
I ask him, "[Bruise], when did you get to be so handsome??"

"I'm not handsome. I'm CUTE."

"But when you're older, you'll rather be handsome."

"Then I'll be handsome AND cute." He replied.

Bucket, not to be outdone, surmised, "Handsome, cute, and CRAZY."

Yeah, I do love those kiddos.
They're my crazy-heads.

And they got to go to HomeDepot this morning to do their first free kid's craft there.
So they now each have their own HomeDepot apron. ... Which they got to wear as they helped Michael and I mud the seams of the walls in the bathroom.
Happy birthday, Michael!
(He's gotten a passing score, to cut the grass, to mud the walls ... and I bought him an air compressor as an early b-day present. Mom and Dad C got him a gift card for the movie theater and a nice shirt. Mom's present will arrive in a few days. ... And we need to get him to ColdStone Creamery for his birthday ice cream. Yum. ^_^)

Now I start to LIVE again!

Okay, I'm not sick anymore.

So You Think You Can Dance is back on TV. YAY!

Michael bought me those Popsicles that I was CRAVING (What a GOOD husband!!!)!

... And, after I worked out on the Wii Fit (Third time this week! I skipped yesterday, since I gave blood), I took a shower (I NEEDED IT, y'all. It was a NEED). I got out, put on lotion ... I was still in a towel when Michael came barreling in and swung me in a hug (which, to be honest, is [1] not quite in his everyday character ... he's my Stoic and [2] is not the easiest feat, since I NEED to work out. Just sayin'.) ...

And that excitement is because ......


MY HUSBAND PASSED THE TEST!!!!!!
MICHAEL IS A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I CANNOT USE MORE PARENTHESES, BUT THEY ARE IMPLIED!
*SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!*
*HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!!*


No, really, after I got into my underoos ... after I called my mom as Michael called his boss with the good news, then I posted it on Facebook while he called his folks, and I said a very fervent and not-so-coherent-with-an-overbundance-of-ecstatic-joy prayer, I did partake in some jumping up and down in joy.
(Thank goodness for a supportive bra. :P)

We have been PRAYING and FASTING and PRAYING and PRAYING some more ... and, oh, our prayers have been answered!!!!
Really, in some of my latest prayers, I've been all, "Heavenly Father, I just want you to know that after all the prayer and fasting we've done, if he doesn't pass the test this time, my testimony will be a little shaken. And I DON'T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN. So, please, please, please, please, please, PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE let him PASS THE TEST. ... Please? ... Because I really, really, really, really, REALLY want him to pass this time. Please? Okay."

So, I don't have to deal with a crisis of faith.
I get to enjoy the wonderful knowledge that God hears and answers our prayers (sometimes not in our preferred time frame ... but it happens. Eventually. Thank goodness.) AND to have a stronger testimony of the power of prayer and fasting. Because I'm (FINALLY) getting better at fasting.
Phew!!!

(Now to get GOOD at making a habit of studying my scriptures. And praying in whatever time I can make for it. Always good to have a few goals, right???)

But YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is such a huge relief ... after waiting for TWO MONTHS for the results. And it's good news this time!!!!!
He did it.

I mean, really, since he took the test (the day before my birthday), this NOT KNOWING has been LOOMING OVER us. EVERYDAY. And we've been checking the mailbox ... hoping for good news, DREADING bad news.
But that is ALL OVER!!!!!!!!!!
THANK GOODNESS!!!!!

I mean, really, I'm all " Praise the LORD!!! Let's burn some incense! Break out some Gregorian chants!"
I mean, I know that I'm thankful ... and dang it, I want EVERYONE to know, too! Because this is a GOOD day. This is an AWESOME day!

• MICHAEL PASSED HIS TEST!
• I worked out. Again!
• I'm not sick anymore!
• I have Popsicles!
• SYTYCD!!
• Did I mention that I got Taco Pizza?
  Well, I did. And it was good. Yum!
• The kids are healthy!
• My mom's healthy ... well, with a relapse last weekend. Stupid Bronchitis. But she's doing better. Phew!
• I got to snuggle with my newest niece for, like, an HOUR on Monday.
  And I did AWESOME, if I might be so bold, in calming her poor little self down.
  (Really, Happiest Baby on the Block techniques are a good thing. BELIEVE ME. As a mother to twins, I used them. A LOT.)

This is GOOD! This is WONDERFUL!

Oh ... as a bonus, I got compliments on my latest (self-given) manicure TWICE when I donate blood yesterday.
I have a base of China Glaze "Treehugger" (metallic lime green) topped with a couple coats of "Fairy Dust" (fine iridescent glitter). In case you REALLY wanted to know.
(I finally changed the flaking-off pedicure from a few weeks ago. Now my toes are sporting "Lemon Fizz." It's such a fun, sunshine yellow. It makes me happy. ... And I did three coats. Just to make sure it didn't look like I had weird, stained toenails. :P)

Life is really, really, really good right now.
Yay.