Blogging By Crystal

Parent troubles

2012-01-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

This is two posts in one, so it's pretty long. Just fair warning. If you make it through all of it, thank you :)
Anger Issues:

Before Christmas Ben and I had a talk about Rowan and decided we were being a little too strict with her. At one point it was necessary because she was acting out a lot, but we figured we could give her a little extra room and not cart her off to time out so quickly. She had earned it, we were going a lot more days without time outs, so things were going really smooth.

The next week we drove to Utah for Christmas and we were there for almost two weeks. We drove during the day and got there in the evening. Of course Rowan and Mercedes were both cranky for a couple days because of the long drive. For the next while Rowan started to get a huge attitude. Christmas Eve, or the night before I'm not sure, she had the biggest fit/meltdown she has ever had. It started when we were changing her diaper at night and getting her ready for PJ's. She had been getting more and more testy and independent about diaper time (a sign it's time for potty training I know), so at this point she had to open up the diaper and she had to pull the little tabs and put it on her bum before I could cinch it up. But she was taking forever! She probably felt more pressured since Ben and I were both there getting her ready for bed, and we were all getting very frustrated. We kept urging her to put her diaper on and she was just messing with our heads putting it off. Pushing buttons. We were afraid she would pee on the bed! So I told her she had to put it on or I would, and of course she wouldn't so I took it from her to put on and the hysterics started. She absolutely flipped out. I tried my hardest to put it on her and she (while screaming and thrashing) took the diaper and shredded it apart. As well as the next two. I asked her if she would put it on herself and she would not. She would not do anything but thrash and scream and kick, like someone possessed by a devil. Seriously.

This went on for probably 30 minutes. I'm not sure. We bribed, we threatened, we yelled. Nothing changed. Continued hysterics went on. Finally Ben and I got a diaper on her and her pj pants (working as fast as possible) and I put her in time out. She threw her fit good and loud there for her 2 minutes, then after I wiped her nose she calmed down and she and I (mostly I) talked about it and she said sorry and we did hugs.
All over. *Sigh*

Christmas Eve I got sick. Flu or strep or something. My throat hurt SO bad to talk or swallow, and I got a fever. I was on the couch all night. Everyone else seemed fine.
Christmas went well (Sunday). Then Monday Rowan got sick. She had a fever for 3 days. Then she seemed to be okay so we drove to California to spend New Year's with Ben's side of the family.
(Btw, in case you're wondering, Ben's brother is a doctor and we were in contact with him. So Rowan did have some medical monitoring.)

California was lots of fun! We had a great time! But while we were there Rowan had two more meltdowns. And sadly everyone in the house had to listen to them too :(
I don't know how long they dragged on for. I would guess 45 minutes to an hour, but I really don't know. One time also started because of the diaper thing. And the other was for no reason at all. She just freaked out, and there was no calming her or pleasing her. I was so embarrassed and mortified at her absolutely horrific behavior!!!

Once we got home things seemed a little better for the first week home. She still had a big attitude, but it wasn't quite as bad when it was just us. She listened a little better. Then all of last week was the W-O-R-S-T. It was a fight every hour of every day. She was constantly yelling at me for everything! There was almost never any peace between us. I felt constant anger and annoyance at everything because of the tenor of our relationship and being unable to please her, as well as her being unwilling to listen to me. I prayed and prayed over it. I told God I didn't want to feel this way and that I knew I could stop, but that I needed His strength to help me. The Sunday before this last one Rowan's attitude was so different. It was a miracle!!! She was happy and willing to talk to me normally, kindly even. And I responded with the same kindness and respect. That day was wonderful! She behaved in church and even after church. I don't think we even had a time out that day! :)

Things between us have been much better! I am so grateful to God for helping me find the patience I needed, and for helping Rowan have a much nicer attitude. I still, and very truly, need Him every hour. It's taking A LOT of patience to keep this up every day. I seriously wanna throw a fit as big as hers just in retribution sometimes! But we're doing much better.

(This is not Rowan, btw.)

The Night Terrors:

The latest issue though, is nighttime. While we were in Utah Rowan slept in the bottom of the bunk bed in the same room with Ben, Mercedes and I. A big girl bed. She loved it! It was hard to get her to nap in there at first, but she finally did. She even asked for a nap herself, twice! Holy cow, I know!
Then in California she had a little bed made up on the floor (again in the same room as Mercedes, Ben and I) and she loved it. She even napped in there with Mercedes.

Once we got home she went back to her crib without any problem, but we thought that since she did so well with the "big girl beds" over the holidays we should take down one side of her crib and make it a bed! She was SO EXCITED! She loved her "big girl bed." And she slept in it just fine for several nights. Then about a week ago she all the sudden freaked out about going to bed. She kept putting it off asking for water (and demanding to get it herself, not letting us bring it to her). And asking for another prayer, and another prayer. After indulging quite a bit with the water and prayers, I told her it was time for bed. After like the 9th "tuck-tuck" into bed. She stayed and I made sure ALL the lights in the house were off so she wouldn't feel the need to get up and go looking for us, or that she was missing out. She finally went to sleep.

The next night was the same thing, except after the long haul and finally closing the door and turning off all the lights she would NOT go back to bed. She would sit at her door and scream for me to come. I left all the lights off and tucked her in again and sat by her, but she wouldn't stay in bed. She wanted me to hold her (which I'm not accustomed to doing very much because it hurts my back). It had been hours by this point so I told her she could sit in time out or go to bed. She sat in time out while Ben and I got on our computers, leaving one of the lights on. After time out was done she still did not want to sleep and I knew it was useless. I let her stay up and watch a movie with me on my computer. I felt bad because she was crying so much and seemed so devastated. She fell asleep on my shoulder and I laid her down in bed. She woke up crying in the morning, like she did not want to be there.

The next night was the same thing again. *sigh* At this point I was very, very tired. This night was even longer. She fought and fought. I knew I had to buckle down and be stubborn about her going to sleep because she was going to be stubborn, but I wasn't sure what procedure to use. I sat in her room with her and she wouldn't lay down. I read her a story (which finally got her in bed) and told her after the story she needed to sleep. She calmed down for the story which we read twice and then she wanted, what? Water. Of course. Gah! She used to go to bed at 8:30 pm, it was 1 pm when Ben finally took her for a drive in the car to put her to sleep and put her in her bed. A few hours later she woke up crying and seemed scared so we put her in our bed. Some of you are probably thinking "Oh no. You didn't. You'll never go back now." But those of you thinking that probably already know the exhaustion associated with kids that won't go to bed for days and days, and the fight that goes with it. At that point we gave in. The next few nights she slept in our bed. Last night included. :(

I don't want to start a pattern. This will stop. I'm looking for the right technique. During these fights I really wished I could remember Supernanny's sleep technique 'cause I knew I could stick with it, I just didn't know what it was, and her show isn't available on ABC.com anymore. Today I found some clips on youtube and I think I know what to do now. I'm also thinking about moving Mercedes in with Rowan since she pretty much sleeps through the night now. She wakes up earlier than Rowan for a bottle around 6:30am, then goes back to sleep 'till about 8:30 or 9am. Which is when they both usually get up. But I think she'll have to be sleep trained before I put Mercedes in there because she'll probably still throw a fit and then Mercedes won't get any sleep either.

Do you think that will help?? I sure hope so. Oh, and I forgot to mention that she has always slept in the dark and never had a problem with it, but we got her a night-light one night in case it might help, and it did not help at all. She didn't even care, so I don't think that's the problem. Ben thought we should put the rail back up on the bed to make it a crib again, but I'm sure it won't help. It's hard to move backward, once you've gone forward, and I'm sure she would just climb out. So, for now I'm trying to figure out to keep the night-light or not, when we start the sleep technique tonight, and if I should or should not put Mercedes in there.

And on TOP of all that. We're getting ready to potty train. *sigh* Man, parenting is hard. Of course, no one has ever said otherwise, and it's all very worth it. Really it is. We all grow tremendously because of it, but...it's still hard.

Any potty training tips for me??? I've got potty books from the library we've been reading and we're gonna go get a little potty for her 'cause it's hard for her to climb up on the big one, even with her stool. I also got pull ups, and panties (I hate that word). I think I'll use the panties as an incentive. Maybe a sticker chart for every time she goes in the potty, and the panties for having gone like a week without accidents or something like that. I don't know. Honestly, I'm terrified. And they say it's helpful to be really light-hearted about it and have fun and laugh so they don't feel like it's a big deal, so I know I gotta put this stress away or she'll be stressed too. Gosh! Tough. Tough. Tough.
So, if I seem out of the loop, or unresponsive, or not all there, this is why. I'm not avoiding anyone, I swear :) Wish me luck!

~Crystal

Girl's Favorites!

2012-01-17T15:25:00.001-07:00

Just wanna record some of the girl's favorite things to remember and share.

Rowan at her 2nd birthday party, September 2011

Rowan's favorite movies:
*Gnomeo and Juliet
*Winnie the Pooh (Grand Adventure)
*Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
*Discover Spot

Favorite sayings:
*When someone leaves she says "Okay, buh bye, see ya!" then proceeds to slam the door and lock it, haha.
*"Good."
*"Mer-see-see" for Mercedes, it used to be "Sissy/Seesee"
*When talking to Mama or Daddy she'll say the wrong name and correct herself, "Mama! No. Daddy!" or vice versa. :)
*"Waaa halp me?" which is her way of repeating us saying "Wanna help me?", which means she wants to help.

Rowan can now say almost all her colors and sign them.
She can count to fourteen, and loves to count the butterflies on her walls.
She loves singing the ABC's, but doesn't quite know all the letters yet, and can understand a few letters in sign.
Rowan loves to sing:
*ABC's *Wheels on the Bus *Oh, an Austrian went Yodeling *Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
*Wise man and the foolish man

Mercedes and Grandpa Alvarez, Christmas 2011

Mercedes loves:
*Birdie. A red toy bird that makes crinkle noises and is shaped like a bracelet.
*Dolly. A soft toy doll our sweet friend Laura Post gave to her.
*Her crocheted blankies she sleeps with. One from Hermana Mary (which was originally for Rowan) and one that Laura also gave to her. They are so nice!
*Mercedes loves to be held. She also loves tummy time and sitting up so she can see everything and everyone.
*She still has big, plump, kissable cheeks, and she is growing like a weed! She is 5 months old and is already wearing size 6, 9 and 12 month clothing! Some of her pj's Rowan just grew out of! Oh, and she and Rowan both wear size 3 diapers. Crazy!
*She eats 7-8 oz per meal by bottle, but has started baby foods and oatmeal cereal and she loves both.
*AND SHE HAS TWO TEETH!!!
*Mercedes still has dark hair, but quite a bit fell out already and it's very thin now.
*During Relief Society (a women's meeting during church) I play piano at the beginning and the end, and while I play the sisters usually help me by holding Mercedes and they just LOVE her!
*OH! And she rolls over now too! And she seems to really wanna crawl, always kicking her legs and trying to get somewhere. :)

That's all I can think of for now. They're growing so fast, I'll try and keep up these little updates more often since they learn and change so much!

~Crystal

Summer Adventures: Part 3 (Trip to Vegas and home again)

2011-11-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took so long to get this post up, but two things have been holding me back.

1. Truthfully, I'm just having a hard time remembering exactly what happened right after Mercedes was born. It was a busy summer!
and 2. Rowan has gone with a running start and hit right smack into the ~~Terrible~~ I mean Terrific Two's...with a vengeance. Sadly she is nearly as stubborn as her Mom so we're working on a battle of wills at our house. PS - I'll tell you the end of that story real quick...I always win. ;)

Another sleepy picture, I know, but she's just so cute when she's sleeping.

Sooooooooo, anyway...
After Mercedes was born (on Thursday morning) the rest of that day we relaxed and had some visitors. I don't remember exactly who came on what day but we saw lots of family and friends and we greatly appreciated it! In that aspect it might even have been better that we delivered in Utah because we could have more friends and family meet Mercedes :)
So, Thursday was the day we were planning on driving down to Vegas, then we would have Friday to hang out with family, and Saturday for the wedding. So most of the family drove down on Thursday except for Mom and Tiffani (they were sticking with us to help us out), and Tia Silvia stayed in Utah too because my Uncle Reese (her husband) had just had heart surgery.
Our plan was to leave Friday (the next day) and stay in Las Vegas (we already had a hotel reservation from months before), and from Las Vegas drive home to Arizona, and of course going to the wedding in between.

The only problem was that the hospital pediatrician didn't want us to leave yet. Since I was in Utah for the last month of my pregnancy I hadn't taken a certain Hep test. Well, I thought I had taken it so before I delivered they asked me about it and I said "Yes, I think I did. And if I did it was negative." Well, when they got the copy of my lab work from my midwife's office it turned out that I hadn't and I was thinking of Rowan's birth. Usually if they don't know if you are Hep positive or negative, or if you are positive they hook you up to an IV with antibiotics for 4 hours prior to delivery (how they figure out 4 hours prior to delivery I have no idea), but since I thought I had taken the test they didn't bother, and even if they had bothered there wouldn't have been enough time because I delivered so fast. This is all what the Ped Dr told me. SO, he said we had two options. We could do a blood test on Mercedes and see if she had the Hep, but it was about 50% inaccurate and if it read positive they'd have to keep her for days, OR we could stay another night and he would come in early (it was even his day off) and check on her for symptoms and if she looked fine we could go. Of course we went with option 2 and stayed one more night.

The next morning he checked her and gave the all clear and we left for Mom and Dad's house where
we packed up, but got going a little later than we wanted to, and left for Las Vegas in two cars. Mom's car with Tiffani and Rowan, and our car with Ben, Mercedes and I. One of us always had to sit in the back and make sure her head didn't flop down too far during the drive because she was still so little and new.

Our stop at a park in Cedar City, UT

The drive took longer than we thought because Rowan was very anxious, energetic, and moody that we had to stop several times to let her out and run around. Then when we finally got to Vegas Mom's GPS (don't trust 'em) took us in a totally wrong direction, THEN we had to pull over because our car was smelling like gas fumes. And by the way it was VERY hot outside. So we all sat in Mom's car with the AC running while Ben talked on the phone with my uncle who's a mechanic when suddenly....Mom's AC quits. At this point I'm thinking "Are we not supposed to be here?!" While driving we already knew we would miss the wedding because it was at 1pm, but the reception was going to start in like an hour so we wanted to get to the hotel fast! My uncle said it should be fine to drive the car and we finally made it to the hotel where my sister Michelle was waiting!!!! She lives in Kentucky so I rarely see her. Our family got to our rooms and got ready and the reception had already started but we had to change. Then Mercedes was fussy and hungry so before we left I fed her and waited until she was happy because she was more important than the reception. We finally got there right before it ended and said hello to the happy couple and gave hugs to everyone and sat down to eat a little something, then the newlyweds were gone, and we were tired so we went back to the hotel and went to sleep....for a little while because Mercedes got really upset for part of the night so I didn't really sleep much. But I was just so happy to have her in my arms and not be pregnant any more, and to feel so good, that I didn't care much. It seemed that we didn't get much time to spend at the actual event we were trying so hard to get to, but it was okay. I'm just glad we made it to see Dalein and Bryant on their happy day. But I didn't even get a picture of them, so I'll just tell you they were happy, glowing and gorgeous. :)

At the wedding reception at Bryant's parents home in Henderson.

It was funny that so many people were saying things to me like: "Wow, you just had a baby! What are you doing here?!" "You're a pioneer woman! You could have a baby and get out and pull your cart !" or "Aren't you sore and tired??"
Nope. Not really. :)
My body had felt so bogged down at the end of the pregnancy that after the birth was the first time I was finally feeling good! Plus it was a natural birth (without a single needle), so I was able to get up faster after the birth and get my body going quicker than I would have with an epidural.

I did overdue it however. When we were carrying luggage from the hotel room to the car I was walking fast and carrying a lot of weight, and sometimes Rowan too, that my SPD flared up during the trip, but other than that I felt great!

Rowan being a little sass to Grandma at the Denny's in the Hotel/Casino, and yes that dress is too small for her. It was actually for Mercedes, but accidentally got picked out for her when Grandma was helping her get dressed.

So, we got all packed up and ready to get on our way and I was SO excited because Michelle was coming with us! So we got an extra day with her! Even though I don't like the drive from Vegas to Arizona (very bland and boring) it was okay because we had fun being together and switching cars from time to time. At one point we had to stop on the side of the road because Mercedes was hungry and there was nowhere else to stop, and while she was eating Mom got some bad news. She was on the phone looking a little panicked when she came and told us that Uncle Reese had had a stroke.
He had been recovering from his heart surgery in the hospital and wasn't supposed to be released until Monday, but he was healing so well that they told him they would send him home a day early. On the way home he had a stroke in the car and so they went back to the hospital and found where the blood clot was in his brain then did surgery on his brain to remove the clot, but it took longer than they had anticipated so apparently because they had him opened up for so long trying to get the clot it did some more damage and half of his brain was completely dead. He would never walk or speak again. This is all as I understood it from the messages that were relayed to me from my cousin Pati's texts to my Mom. So, we all had him in our prayers as we kept driving on our way home.

Rowan and Tiffani playing the piano

The next morning Michelle flew home. She was flying standby and the flights didn't look good at all, but she made all her connections and got home alright. Another blessing we were grateful for. ...although we were sad she had to go so soon. :(

There's my beautiful sister next to that chubby just-had-a-baby-lady ;)

I can't believe we didn't get any pictures together, but it was a busy day.

Mom and Tiffani stayed and were such a huge help! We mostly needed help with Rowan because Mercedes was a sleeper and a piece of cake, but Rowan was still wound up from the big trip. After a while (I think it was a few days, but I don't remember, this part is kinda fuzzy) Ben went back to Texas to work and Mom, Tiffani, the girls and I stayed and hung out. I felt bad because we couldn't go out and do anything fun, but it was nice to be together. We kept getting updates on Reeses' condition and over the next week (I believe) his condition got worse. Prior to his heart surgery he had made it clear to Tia Silvia that he didn't want to live that way, being incapable, so she took him home and hospice came in to make sure he was comfortable, and he passed away.

While Mom and Tiffani were here there was a big Haboob (huge desert duststorm) that swept through and this is what our cars looked like after.

Although I didn't know him very well, I did know him for a long time and he was usually quiet in the family gatherings, but you could sense a great strength and goodness from just being around him. He looked like his own kind of cowboy, and very much a gentleman. He raised three families and all of them loved him very much. I'm so glad that my Tia had him for the time she did, and that he was a part of our family. We miss you Uncle Reese!

Rowan in Mom's car on the way to Utah. Tiffani was such a good sport and sat between the two carseats

the whole 11 hour drive back up to UT!

Rowan and Mom at the hotel in Mesquite

Back to our traveling story. Once we found out when the funeral was going to be we made a plan to head back up to Utah. We drove caravan with my cousin Anika and four of her kids as well. We stopped and slept in Mequite, NV then continued the next day. There was a beautiful funeral service and at the grave site two of my cousins (Tirsa and Arisa) and I sang "This is the Christ" a capella. Then, because he had been in the Navy (pretty sure it was the Navy) they had a flag ceromony and a bugle tribute as well. It was really special. One thing I remember clearly and that I loved was that my Tia Silvia was wearing a lovely peach/pink dress outfit, and not black. It seemed more a celebration of his life than a mourning for his death, and I could really tell she was at peace. :)

Rowan, Mercedes and I spent a couple days in Utah, then drove back to Arizona with Anika. It was by far the easiest drive I've ever made with Rowan because they had personal DVD players on the back of the headrests and almost the whole drive she watched Micky Mouse and was happy as could be! Thank goodness! And a big thank you to Anika's two girls for helping out with Rowan and Mercedes. Giving bottles and snacks, etc.

Rowan and Ethan (my cousin Anika's little boy)

If anyone has read all this, wow! And thank you! I don't blame you if you need to stop now, or maybe take a break ;)
After we got home, we had one day by ourselves (me and the girls), then Ben's parents, and Rebecca came. I told you this was a busy summer.
This was during the weekend (Saturday I think) and Ben wouldn't be back until the next Wednesday. So, his family and the girls and I had a good time hanging out, and they were so helpful! I was blessed with so many helpers this summer! I am so grateful!
Sunday after church we were hanging out in the house and I was really missing Ben because I hadn't had much time with him since he first left for Texas and we had so much going on with the delivery and traveling. So, while we are all chatting in the family room I suddenly see a guy in our back yard and he comes up to the back door (which has a glass window). At first I think "Should I get the gun?" then I realize it's my scruffy mountain man come home early to surprise me!!! I was so happy I jumped up and ran to him! Then our friend Laura came in (who had driven him home from the airport).

On the left is a huge fountain at Fountain Hills that we took the Schultz to see. It's much bigger than it looks in the pic.

And Lois with Mercedes on the right :)

That week we went several times over to my In-law's time-share (where they were staying) and ate and watched movies and swam in the pool there. Rowan had a BLAST! She's such a water baby. And we always have a good time when the Schultz come to town :)

After they left Ben left not long afterward, to be gone a week. It was kind of nice just the girls and me...for the first few days. We got a lot done and had a good time, then it started getting stressful because my milk started depleting and Mercedes was having a hard time taking the bottle at night, so I was up until 4 in the morning several times with a screaming baby, then up all day with an energetic and moody near-two year old. My patience was wearing VERY thin and I begged Ben to come home. I had planned on him being gone a week, but it ended up being just over a week and each day things were worse with my attitude and therefore Rowan's as well :( This time I was missing Ben because I really needed him. I needed him to help me with the girls not to mention my sanity. So Ben came home and we were all a pretty happy family again. Soon he started back to his usual job and then school and the summer was over all so fast. It was a great time. A memorable summer I will never forget (except those fuzzy parts, hehe). And at this point of Mercedes' life she was about 1 month old and already had over 2100 miles of traveling on her! Phew!

If you read all of that, wow, well done! Give me your address and I'll send you a prize! :)

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.”

2011-10-17T16:44:00.001-07:00

I know that I haven't posted or even finished my summer adventures part 3, but this couldn't wait.

My incredibly awesome, talented and inspiring friend Holly wrote a post on her blog referencing this post (CLICK HERE) from the Brave Girl's blog.

So, first you need to click ^ up there and read it. Really, go on. Read it. It will change your life!

For Holly's post CLICK HERE. She is a woman full of wisdom and ambition, and you should totally check out her blog.

I'm so grateful to Holly for sharing that link, and for Melody especially for sharing that story! For as long as I can remember my parents have well taught me to always give the benefit of the doubt. If someone was speeding past my Mother's car on the freeway she might say, "They're in a hurry. Maybe someone is about to have a baby." And I might say "Or their friend is in trouble." And it sometimes even became a game to come up with the most creative reason/excuse for their behavior. I've kept that with me for a long time, especially because it helps me feel better and not so judged by assuming that if I give others the benefit of the doubt in my mind, they will extend the same courtesy to me. Even if I might not deserve it. But I still need to work on it more. I'm still super far from perfect.

Here was my fault and problem though. I might have done that for almost everyone, but perhaps not for the most important people. My own small family.

As I read Melody's post I imagined my two year old daughter having a sign around her neck saying "I'm trying my best" or "I throw things because I'm frustrated and I can't even communicate that to you because I don't know all my words yet."

*Here come the tears rolling*

I was at fault in thinking that I knew and understood everything that my little family was going through because I'm here day after day, seeing it all. But I don't feel what Ben or Rowan or Mercedes feels. I can guess, but I (or anyone) never know how things effect others. For everyone it is different.

I need/want/must remember to be more patient, to not assume, and to 'see past what it seems' for my family and everyone else as well.

If everyone would encourage instead of criticize. Ask themselves "How can I help that person?" instead of forming an opinion about them, wouldn't that be the start of a perfect world?

Summer Adventures: Part 2 (Mercedes Birth Story)

2011-10-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 2nd, my cousin Dalein and her fiance Bryant planned on getting married in the Las Vegas, LDS temple. Most of our extended family were going to meet the day before, Friday, so the plan was for the family to leave Thursday, drive to Vegas, and the next day (Friday) Ben would fly in and I would pick him up at the Las Vegas airport.
From Vegas Ben, Rowan and I, as well as Mom and Tiffani, were going to travel down from Vegas to Arizona from the wedding in our two cars. Then wait out the two weeks together until the baby's (Mercedes) due date, or whenever she would be born.

That Wednesday (the day before we were supposed to leave for Vegas) at about 4 am in the morning I started to have contractions. I'd had plenty of them before, but these were about 10 minutes apart. Ummm, a little too close for comfort. About a week before I had also had contractions that close together and I called my midwife who told me to lay down and drink 32 oz of water. After I drank all the water and laid there for a while I felt them slow way down and went to bed. They seemed to behave after that.
So, this Wednesday morning I got up and got myself 32 oz of water again and laid on the couch in the family room at my parents house in Utah, watching movies on my computer. I told my body "You have 'till 7 am to change your mind, before I call Ben."

Ben was in Texas; still planning on flying into Vegas on Friday for the wedding.
I waited and waited. People started waking up in the house, and I stayed as still and calm as possible. Luckily the contractions didn't speed up, but they didn't slow down either. So, true to my word at 7 am I called Ben. Actually I called Paul's cell phone (his brother) because Ben's didn't have reception where they were. I briefly told Paul what was happening and he woke up Ben and put him on the phone.
"So you think you're in labor?" He asked me.
"I think so. I'm not sure that she'll be getting here today, but if not today, VERY SOON. You need to book a flight and get here as soon as possible."
In his groggy voice, "Okay, let me tell Paul. I'll call you later."
Those poor guys had been working 'till late at night so they really only got about 4 hours of sleep and had to head to the Dallas airport. Ben called me again later and said that they booked a flight but that it had a long layover in New Mexico and he wouldn't arrive until after 4 pm. Eeek! Was he going to make it?? We just had to wait and see.

All day I tried to slow down labor. I have no idea how to explain what I did to slow it down. All my life I have tried very hard to understand, and gain a specific kind of control over my body, so I'm very in tune to it. But it's hard to explain the things I did to try and control it with my mind. During a contraction I would not relax, but not tense up, kind of a standstill. So, it was kind of like the contraction couldn't go anywhere. Sounds very weird and mysterious I know. Call me crazy if you want, but hey, it worked. I was able to slow down the contractions to one per hour. So when Ben got there we actually thought that maybe we could still make it back to Arizona if we drove all night. I thought "Hey, if contractions are one per hour right now, it would just be 10-12 contractions and we're there!" Yeah, we might have been a little out of our minds at this point, LOL! I really wanted my midwife Ramona to deliver our baby because she delivered Rowan, she's awesome, and a great friend of ours. But I remembered that she was out of town that weekend anyway :(

We then realized we weren't going anywhere unless it was the hospital. So at that point I relaxed my body and welcomed labor. All that night was: sleep, contraction, sleep, contraction... Sometime after 3:30 am the contractions were so intense I even felt like I should push. I told Ben it was time to go and he got our stuff ready. As we were about to leave Mom got her stuff and we all left for the American Fork hospital. We got there and a woman led us up to labor and delivery.

It was so quiet, like no one was in there. I guess I was the only one laboring that night 'cause the girl at the desk was painting her nails, haha. I asked for the midwife on call, but she said that because I hadn't had pre-natal care in the area I had to have the Doctor. I hoped it was at least a woman (it's just my preference), and she told me it was. Yay. We got into triage and two nurses started attending to me. One who seemed to have been working in the field a little longer, was at the computer, the younger one came to check me. After several minutes of her "checking" me...digging around during contractions, causing them, and driving me crazy, she says "I think maybe, like a 7?" Right before that I was about to turn to the other nurse and say "Can you come do this, please?!" So I was a little put out by that, but whatever.

They moved me into a room and got me set up on the monitor to monitor the contractions. I was used to this from my labor at Mercy Gilbert (in AZ), but after about 20 minutes I was getting sick of laying there. I needed to walk! About this time we gave them my birth plan and they said they were waiting for the doctor. When she finally got there the nurses asked if I was allowed to get up and walk around and thankfully she said "Yes, let her do what she needs to." So I got up. I asked for a birthing ball, but when I tried it it was so deflated that it was hard to stay on, and I could barely get off it without falling, so I nixed that and just rocked my hips and leaned on Ben during contractions. After not very long, I felt like I needed to push, so we called the nurses and doctor in to break my water. The doctor said "Once we break your water everything will go very fast, so be ready." I was ready. I got situated on the bed the way I wanted to be for delivering and everything. All the nurses/doctor's instruments and clean up gear were laid out and ready. I asked Ben to say a prayer first and then we told the doctor to go ahead. She broke my water, the nurses cleaned everything up and suddenly the doctor was gone. The nurses cleaned a little and threw some stuff away and said "Let us know if you need us." and LEFT!

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!

Mom was on my right, Ben on my left and I just turned to them and said "I don't get it? Where did everyone go?!"
Seriously we were all just stunned. Was I just supposed to deliver by myself? I'm sure I could if I had to, but I didn't really want to. I wanted a little coaching; a little help. Duh.
After a couple minutes Mom pushed the call button and said "Um, Crystal is ready to push. Can you come in here please?" The two nurses returned and Mom took the older one aside.
"Crystal doesn't feel like she's getting much help. Can you try and coach her through this?"
Nurse said "Oh yeah, sure. It's just when there's two people here to help we figure you just want to do it your way."
Whatever that meant.

But after that things went much better. They called the doctor in (who mostly just watched), and then the nurses actually started helping me. I decided on laying down to deliver, like I did with Rowan and they helped me through it all. There was a new nurse that was just coming on shift named Michelle (I think) and Ben said that she was the biggest help and everything really went smooth once she got there. I couldn't really say because once I was pushing I had my eyes closed and everyone's voice kinda sounded the same as they gave encouragement, so I didn't know who's was who's.
I think they said I pushed for like 10 minutes, but I'm not sure. I just remember thinking "I need a time frame to work with. Like tell me 10 more pushes, or 1 more hour, or something to work towards, not this endless strain." "How much longer?", and right then the doctor stood up (she had done nothing until this point, SO different from having a midwife) and she said:
"Okay Crystal, on this next push you can have a baby." I was so relieved. It was nearly over.
She said "But when I tell you to stop pushing, stop." I wasn't about to do anything I didn't want to unless I knew why, so I asked why. She said "To help keep you from tearing." Sounded good to me, so I agreed.
I pushed, she said stop, I stopped (it was SO hard to not push). Then she said "K, push." I did, and there she was. Beautiful little baby girl with lots of dark, dark hair. She was pretty purple too. Very normal, of course.

It had been such a hard pregnancy with the weight, the SPD, the next-to-no sleep every night, waking in pain everyday, exhaustion, etc. That being not-pregnant anymore was the best feeling in the world! I felt so light and relieved, agile and free (not to sound corny, but it's true). Ohhh, it felt so good! And I had a new little darling to love and hold!

For the next day and a half or so our new baby girl went without a name. At the end of the first day we toyed with a couple, but then Ben said "I have one I thought of, but I'm not sure you'll like it." I told him to tell me anyway. He said "Mercedes." At first I wasn't too sure. I kept thinking "that's a car." But then I thought of "The Count of Monte Cristo" one of my favorite books and I started to like it. It's a, old, classic European name. So we tried it out and at first it felt weird calling her anything but an endearing nickname like pumpkin or darling, but it grew on us and so she became "Mercedes Abilene Schultz". Abilene being the name of the town near where Ben had been working.

Rowan came later in the day to see her new baby sister and she was so sweet with her. She even seemed to understand that the baby had finally come out from my belly too. Pretty good for a girl her age.

Some of the differences in Rowan's birth and Mercedes' are like night and day. Contractions and labor with Mercedes was so much stronger and harder than Rowan's. I don't know if Rowan's was better because I had the water tub (I'm sure it helped), or Mercedes' was worse just because I had been trying to hold off labor for so long. Could be both.
With Rowan I had Ramona (my midwife) there the whole time I was laboring at the hospital and when I delivered, she was there helping. With Mercedes the doctor came in 3 times. First to say hello and tell me I could walk around (then she went somewhere to go back to sleep, I heard a nurse say), second to break my water, and third to 'catch' the baby. It seemed very impersonal. The delivery nurse, when Rowan was born, helped Ramona, and helped coach me, and was there the whole time as well. As you can tell from my description that these nurses, for the most part, were not so helpful. Another thing was that they took Mercedes away to get her all checked out and bathed (which Ben was not allowed to do). At Mercy they did everything in the delivery room and let Ben bathe Rowan right there. I think the only time Rowan left our room was for her hearing check.
So many times during the labor, delivery, and afterward I thought "I wish I was at Mercy Gilbert." No offense to AF hospital, or the nurses there, but honestly my experience was really a 5 star rating at Mercy Gilbert (in AZ) and with AF not so much. I do have to say though, that the rest of the staff at AF were much better in the following days, than the ones in the beginning. Especially the night-shift nurses that brought us so many snacks and were so kind. Also, the pediatrician that we met with went far and beyond his call of duty. Even came in very early on his day off so we could be discharged in time to (hopefully) make it to Dalein's wedding (read more about that in Part 3). And the Social Services guy that came in to check on us. We told him we didn't have a carseat yet to take her home in and he even called around to get us a discount on a nice used one. Very kind. And the food may have been just a little bit better than at Mercy, but Mercy's was still pretty good :)
The discharge, explanations, and monitoring of diapers and feedings was more thorough at Mercy though.
But all in all everything went well, and I'm grateful for all the help we received from the hospital staff to my Mom and Tiffani watching Rowan while Ben and I stayed at the hospital. And now we have a beautiful, healthy baby girl, who is now 3 months old and a big chunk ;) We love her.
Here's some pictures of the journey.

Contractions

The last picture of her in my belly.

This is right when they gave her to me. Right after this picture I put my left hand up towards her face and her little hand grasped my finger!

Exhausted. And rightfully so.

Getting all checked out.

She was not too happy about this.

Sweet big sister.

Just a big swollen mama. Really, this is not how I normally look, I'm just huge from labor and pregnancy.

Mom, Dad, Mike and Tiffani all came to visit. Thanks!

Part 3 coming next, about our trip to Vegas two days after Mercedes was born.

Summer Adventures: Part 1

2011-10-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

My last post was in April???!!! Oh boy, so sorry.
Well, we sure have been busy, and I'll have to break this up into several posts so it's readable.

Just before school ended we went to the Schnepf Farms Peach Festival and picked peaches! So fun, and the ripe, sun warmed peaches were delicious like you couldn't believe. A fruity bite of sunshine, yum!

Standing in line for pancakes with peaches on top. Rowan wanted to try on my earrings :)

Beautiful peacocks, and they flaunted it for us.

Rowan with the pigmy goats.

She loved it!

Picking peaches! Big 'ol me in the background.

Peaches!!!

So, after school got out, towards the end of May, Ben got a call from his brother Paul letting him know that if he would like a job for the summer, then he had work for him in Texas. Paul works in oil. Ben started gearing up to go out to Texas, but being an uncomfortable pregnant woman with a near-two year old to take care of, I told him I could not manage alone in Arizona for most of the summer. So the family packed up that weekend and drove to Utah to stay at my parents house.

Mind you this is Labor Day weekend, and my due date was July 16th...and we'd be there for at least a month.The plan being to get back home about 2 weeks before the due date.

Ben left the following Monday and Rowan and my pregnant self stayed with Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Hermana Mary (Grandpa's wife), and Tiffani, at the home-sweet-home I grew up in. We had such a great time seeing old friends and catching up with so much family that live up there. I even got to go to Dalein and Lecith's ballet recital (my twin cousins), and Dalein's bridal shower.

Did you know that when you get pregnant and have a baby some of your brain matter comes out too? It's true. I know this because I can barely remember anything anymore. So, honestly I don't remember a whole lot about the first few weeks there.

I do remember that I ate lots of good food and got to see lots of my good 'ol friends! My good friend from high school Jessica Clegg met me for some delicious dinner at Zupas Cafe (if they don't get a Zupas soon in AZ I might have to move back to UT just for that ;). We also went to Subzero and had ice cream, and man was I full! Especially with my majorly pregnant self. But Jess and I had a great time catching up. Rowan and I also met Andrea and her two adorable girls at the splash pad in Highland and had a great time there. Rowan played in the water a little at first, but seemed to like being wrapped up in a warm towel a little more. But Gea's (Andrea) girls really loved the water and were so brave about going anywhere to play in it! It was really fun. I got to hang out with my cousins several times and loved it. I also got to hang out with Cherelle (who I used to work with at Zion Ponderosa) and she even organized a get together with Becca and Courtney that we worked with as well. So awesome to get to see my old friends! Thanks for meeting up with me everyone!
Oh, and I can't forget that we also spent an evening with Morgan and her family, plus her in-laws. She was in Highland while her parents were out of town and we got to hang out :)
I know there were more people I saw and if I didn't mention you, I'm sorry. It's all getting fuzzy now. But thanks again, all the same :)

Rowan and Lexi (Morgan's little girl), and Rowan at the splash pad.

Rowan got pretty spoiled while we were there, it's true. And she loved every minute of it. Her Great Grandpa and Hermana Mary really doted on her and loved having her spunky self around. I thought surely they'd get sick of her from some of the tantrums she was throwing, but they still lavished her with attention and love. He'd take Rowan outside to the garden or to work on the yard. She would give Rowan whatever she wanted to eat or play with. And their enthusiasm at her presence was a gift in itself.

Great-Grandpa sharing his breakfast with Rowan, and Hermana Mary hiding in on the couch ;)

Of course Grandpa and Grandma (my parents) were the same as well. They loved having their red-head granddaughter there to play with and spoil. She got several new toys (mostly for the journeys we had to make in the car on our way back home). Rowan loved when we went to Uncle Mike and Aunt Mia's house to play with her two cousins Rebecca and Emma. Or when they would come to Grandma's house to play. Now when Rowan watches videos of her playing with them she says "Caca" (Becca) and "Amma" (Emma). I know she misses them. I got video of them playing together, but not pictures, sadly.

Rowan also got her first haircut while we were in Utah. Ben's Aunt Gail, who is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet, has a little salon in her basement and gave Rowan her first haircut. It turned out so cute! And Rowan did really well watching "puppies" (101 Dalmatians) during the cut. She also trimmed my and and put in some red and light brown highlights in my hair and it turned out perfect. Just what I wanted! But I didn't get any pictures of mine, just Rowan's.

While we were there Ben came to spend two different weekends with us, on his "time off." He had been gone about three weeks the first time he came back and since he'd been working out in the bush he had a ton of gruff on his face, like a mountain man, and Rowan was pretty distant with him, Hahaha. She still went to him after a little bit, but I don't think she talked to him at all that weekend. The next time he came for his time off she wasn't stand-off-ish, and talked to him some.
Of course she was back to normal with him when he flew back for Mercedes birth.
To be continued in Part 2...

Fruit Fly Buggers

2011-04-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

Ben's family comes tonight! So, this week I've been trying to get as unpacked as possible. I think it's been good to have this deadline so that I'll actually get it done. Even though I have been working hard in the past, this way Ben has to help me too, hehe ;)
At least I need him to move boxes since I hurt too much when I do it.

So, on another note, I was telling Laura the other day about how we have these nasty fruit flies. I HATE THEM! I've been trying to keep the sink clear of dishes, and still they're there. I put the only fruit I have in the fridge...and they're still there.
The worst thing about them is that they always fly up in my face like they have no control where they're going, but they really have awesome reflexes 'cause I can never kill them they're so fast! AND they're just these tiny little buggers, how do they keep living when I swat at them so much?? It's like they're indestructible.

Where was the culprit?? The trash is taken out almost every other day, if not sooner. There was no fruit, no dishes...what were they eating, where were they coming from???

So, back to the unpacking side of things. As I ~~helped~~ supervised Ben moving the boxes out of the guest room I noticed one open tub that I had some wrapping paper, a couple bags, and various stuff in. I thought I had gone through it, but I didn't.
Ben took a box out of the room, and I then took one of the rolls of wrapping paper out......

FLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everywhere FRUIT FLIES!!!!

Tons of them flew up in my face...oh yuck!
Once they weren't in a frenzy anymore I took a peek what was at the bottom of that tub.
Well, when my Dad helped us move he had a bag of grapefruits he was gonna take back to Utah with him. Grapefruit. Probably about 6 grapefruit were misplaced and put in this bin, then forgotten. I have no idea why there was no stench to let us know, but oh well. The bag of decaying fruit had leaked all over one of my purses which absorbed it. You should see the look on my face right now, complete nasty grimace, and I can't help it. And the bugs were EVERYWHERE all over the purse/bag/fruit. They were just breeding and breeding. UHG!!!
Completely disgusted I took the bin out to the trash can outside and threw most of it's contents right in. I took what wasn't touched/effected in the house.

What happened to the rest of the fruit flies in the house?
Wanna know a secret?
I found the solution to trapping fruit flies on a blog probably a year ago, but for the life of me I can't remember what blog it was, nor can I find the entry anywhere online. Luckily I remember how to do it.

Fruit Fly Trap!

Here's what you need if you're gonna make one:

- A Mason Jar
- 1-2 sheets of paper
- Tape
- Pieces of fruit

I rolled up my 2 sheets of paper so that they made a funnel that was wide enough for the flies to go into, but hard for them to find their way back out (probably 4-5 millimeters wide). Then I taped the paper to keep the funnel shape.
Cut up a little piece of banana and some citrus and put them in the mason jar. We even microwaved it a little bit so that it would be good and gross, ya know, the way they like it. Stuck the paper funnel in the jar and let it sit for several hours.

You can see a bunch of them gathered at the top trying to get out. There were a whole ton in there.
Ben was talking to them saying "What? Too much food for ya? Gettin' stuffed and want out?" Lol! I got a good laugh from that.
We released those ones outside, then put it back in it's spot and caught probably 8 more. Guess what? I haven't seen one since. YAY!!!

Now I have the jitters just from writing about these nasty buggers. I keep feeling like something is crawling on me. You know the feeling?

Anyway, flies be-gone. May they never return!

Projects...

2011-04-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

New house. More room. Loving it all!

But there are still boxes to be unpacked/sorted :(

Lately my motivation has been that I want a crafting/decor-creating room, which will actually be in the guest bedroom. Of course, for now I will gladly share. But where are all the boxes right now? Bum, bum, bum....hiding in the guest bedroom. Darn.

To solidify my motivation I have determined that I will do NO creating/sewing/crafting 'till the boxes are all empty, or put in the proper place.

Here is my TO DO list before getting my "Creating Room" (that just fits me better than crafting room) all put together.

-Unpack boxes
-Sort through junk and add it to the growing pile of yard sale boxes.
-Have a yard sale
-Put up pictures and decorations (even if they're in temporary places)
-...And by now the dishes probably need to be done again, so we'll do that....THEN we can get a table for my sewing machine/creative work-table, and get going!!!

What's the first thing I'm gonna work on, or make once I've got my new space?? Well, here's the list so far:

-Make a new skirt that actually fits my large, pregnant bottom.
-New bed spread/duvet
-Clean the very large painting I salvaged from the trash (a real beauty of Paris)
-Make curtains
-Paint and glaze the little side table I got to put by the couch
-New throw pillows for the couch
-Possible window treatments

Then, I also have a folder of web-page bookmarks of lots of other stuff that I've seen around blogland that I want to make. Goodness...I better get unpacking. Wish me luck!

It's all good...

2011-03-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been feeling increasingly sorry for myself.

This SPD (syphisys pubis disorder) has been getting pretty painful, especially as the baby gets bigger. When I go from sitting to standing it feels like someone somehow slips in a huge 10+ pound weight in the middle of my hips. I have a super hard time sleeping when every position causes pain. And then the thing that bothered me the most was that most of the young moms in our new ward go to the zoo every Tuesday and walk together with their kids. I've been invited 3 times and I've had to turn down every time 'cause I simply can't walk that much! I'd be laid up for a week if I tried. So I feel like I'm missing out on opportunities and relationships with our new ward ladies because of this SPD. Grr... :/

Poor me, poor me. Right?

Of course the babies make it all worth it. I still wanna have a lot of kids. So, maybe I was being a little down about this, of course always trying to stay positive, but still. Then I read THIS post at Trey and Lucy. Go on and read it, especially if you're a Mama or pregnant. It'll put things in a new light for you. Go on....read it! I'll wait.

.....
.......
...........

Yeah, talk about sacrifice! Props to Tanya for being a courageous Mama, willing to be so selfless that she goes through all that for her sweet babies. Tanya is a Superhero in my eyes! Her blog has inspired me before, but she has truly inspired me with her sacrifice and positive outlook in this extremely difficult situation she has to be in. Way to go girl, you're in my prayers. I hope this lets up soon.

Btw, if you've never been to her blog before take a good look around. She has amazing crafty ideas! So creative!

A new house!!!

2011-03-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

We have officially moved!
We are now renting a home in North Mesa. It was the first one we saw when we were looking for a new place to live and didn't realize how totally amazing was 'till we saw some others that were seriously T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E! I even found bullet holes in the windows of one of the houses we went to see. That was an instant NO. When we realized that this house was so awesome, we called and someone had already put in an application :(
Then they called us the next day and said if we were still interested we could apply, since the first applicant was being flaky. We were approved the next week!

It has been a much smoother move than the last time we moved (and we had less stuff then and no baby girl), for 2 big reasons.
#1 - We have had 9 days to move as opposed to the 2 or 3 we had last time.
#2 - My incredible parents!!! Mom drove down 2 weeks ago and helped me get started packing, but really she did most of it. She's an amazing organizer and busy body, so she really helped me get motivated to get it done. Rowan and I went back to Utah with her for a fun filled week, then Dad brought us back home and has been here all week just helping us move stuff! I feel bad though that we never really got to go do something fun with them, and kept them busy the whole time. Still they were a HUGE help!
Dad just left today, and I'm sure Rowan is already bored with us since she's had so much family attention lately.

Despite moving I'm just grateful I've survived this week. For the last month or so I've been having intense allergies, so I'm sneezing and sniffling all the time. But when we got back from Utah I felt like it was much harder to breath and so a few nights ago around midnight I drove myself to the hospital and they gave me a breathing treatment. They said it was probably a respiratory infection and mild bronchitis. They also prescribed me a an inhaler. Phew, what a relief it was to breath! Well, to be honest I'm still working on it since I'm coughing a lot, but it's much better than it was before. That was an incredibly long night. I didn't get home 'till around 4 am. But I had an awesome encounter while at the hospital.

While there I met Barbara. We sat next to each other in the waiting room and ended up a partition away from each other when we were taken back to talk with the doctor. Since we were waiting...and waiting...and waiting for so long we started chatting. We talked about random things at first: my due date, baby names...but then it turned into a conversation about the family. Not mine or hers, just the family in general. I was pretty sure she was not of my faith, and since those of my faith are usually the only ones that share my beliefs and fervor for protecting the sanctity of the family, I was given a renewed hope in society from meeting her and seeing her positive outlook and support for THE FAMILY.

So with being 22 weeks pregnant, the SPD making it hard to walk, and the allergies, and the bronchitis, and the crazy toddler, while moving everything....I'm pleased to say I've made it successfully to the end of the week, and today has been a great day of rest! There's still cleaning to do at the apartment and all the unpacking, so wish me luck! I keep being told that I need to ask people to come help me, but I must have a pride issue or something 'cause I hate asking people for help and worrying that I'll be an inconvenience. So we'll see how it goes this week.

Thanks again Mom and Dad! You're the best!
And to everyone that helped us move, thank you too :)

~Crystal

A Good Sabbath

2011-01-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a good Sunday :)

There were excellent talks in Sacrament Meeting at Church, about fellowship and reaching out, that really touched my heart.

Rowan was invited to nursery (even though she still has about a month to go in). So Ben and I accompanied and loved being there, especially at snack time *wink, wink*

Then Ben made delicious juicy pork chops for dinner, with onion and mushroom toppin's. I love that man!

And later on Rowan helped me make cookies for the first time ever! And she did great :D
She didn't even eat any of the cookie dough 'till after we were pretty much done putting them on the cookie sheet. But she got mad when I put them in the oven 'cause I think she still wanted to play with them, haha.

All in all, a great Sabbath with love, family and the Spirit of the Lord :)

The Frumpness

2011-01-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

Me as a 14 year old:
"I'm so never gonna be like those frumpy Mom's. Don't they know you can wear cute clothes for cheap?"

Me now:
"I'm a frumpy Mom."

Big News: I have found the source/sources of much frumpiness!

I used to think that frumpy-looking Mom's just didn't care enough about their looks, or clothes or something. Now I know better.
As most of you can attest, I always had a flare for style. Not necessarily trendy styles, but my own variety of styles. I LOVE TO SHOP!!! It was almost an addiction for me to buy clothes at a bargain. Then came the credit card debt, which I then vowed I would never do again. Now I am proud to say I have only 1 credit card to be used in emergencies.
But now I don't work, I'm a stay at home Mom with a husband that goes to school and works so that we can pay the bills. ***By the way, he is awesome! I love him!*** Not really much left over for clothes when everything seems to go to rent and groceries. We like to eat.
But wait, didn't I once say that I could buy cute clothes cheap? Oh yes, that is true. I sure could do that...but there are a couple things in my way. I am sure these are the causes of many a frumpy lady:
1. Yes, I could've gone to Plato's Closet (it's like an exchange store) and buy lots of cute stylish clothes, but not now. Once upon a time I was such a cute little size Medium (in juniors) that I could wear a lot and look good. Now I'm a Large in ladies (or maternity, currently) and since that is the average size for women there's not a lot on the rack because everyone has already bought the cute stuff. But there is some stuff and I should at least try and go buy some, right? Maybe I could, but... (see reason number 2)
2. Feeling guilty buying myself things when we barely have money to get the bills paid. I think this is the biggest factor. Most young families start out poor students or something similar. Then come the beautiful babies; the bigger hips; the not as stylish clothes to fit the bigger hips/tummy; no time to do your hair 'cause you're just so tired you'd rather sleep than get up early...= a frump.

You may think I'm complaining. It's hard to tell the tone of voice while reading text. Let me clarify, I am NOT complaining. I LOVE MY LIFE!!! This is more like an event formula I've discovered. Maybe even an "If/then" situation. Even as things have gotten harder and harder, I have been blessed to be able to find all the blessings I've been given even through these rough patches. I know this time is preparing me to be a better person for when my children are bigger and will really be watching me.

Plus, the Lord is helping me to know what is really important. Going to the mall once a week? Or learning to be frugal, and spending more time being with my family? It's helping me to put importance on the kind of spiritual home I wanna have, instead of the splendor of my clothes.
I still like to look nice, what woman doesn't? This isn't an excuse for looking homeless, just not "as" cute all the time.

So, to the women I used to judge:
I'm sorry. I hastily put importance on your presentation of appearance, when I should've been admiring you for the beautiful spirits you kept close watch over; the long hours you put in your kitchen providing love and home cooked meals; the spirituality you taught that warmed your home and the hearts in it. You knew you were putting importance on the right things of life: Your family.
Now I'm trying to be just like you :)

~Crystal

Strange things are happening...

2011-01-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Something strange has been going on.

I'm craving a lot of these (especially cut into triangles).

Lately my body's been sore and tired.

I'm clumsy and forgetful...extra forgetful! And I keep losing things.

Watching Disney movies and Minute to Win It seems to make me cry every time.

Also, smelling things like this make me want to pull out a doggie-bag.

So, I went to get things checked out and surprise!

We're expecting!!!

I'm about 13 weeks along now.

Due around July 16th, which is Ben's brother Bremen's birthday :)

We're so excited for Rowan to have a little sibling, and for another baby of our own!

Ready or not, here I come....found you!

2010-10-03T23:37:00.001-07:00

I feel like I've been playing "hide-and-seek" with blogging for a while now. It's been...phew, too long! I kept thinking that if I wrote on my blog that'd mean that I would have to read up on all the blogs I follow, and that would be THOUSANDS of new posts. Not gonna happen. I think I'll just go see what a few people have been up to and keep it simple. K, blogger, you found me, and I'm back ;)

SO, what have we been up to for the last month or two? Well the big news is that we now have a 1 year old child in the house. Yep, Rowan had a birthday! First here's some of her one-year pictures we had taken by our friend Leigh Root. If you need a good photographer give her a call, she's amazing and affordable too :)

And here's some of her birthday pictures. We didn't really take any good pictures, sorry. We were just too busy enjoying the moment. AND we forgot to take pictures of Dad, Mom and Tiffani. They were so incredibly awesome to come out and celebrate with us. Love you!


Rowan's first birthday cake! I'm pretty proud of how it turned out :)

I made her 'smash' cake too. Perfect size for her.

At first she just took a crumb at a time (such a lady ;)

Later she started taking chunks.

That's my happy birthday girl!

On the left she's getting washed off after all the cake.

On the right is the next day (her actual birthday) unwrapping presents! She was good at it.

Other than that, there's not much happening with us. Ben started school, and is working. I'm a stay-at-home Mama that's just wondering why no one warned me about the Terrible One's? Or maybe Rowan's one of those kids that likes to act older than her age and we just shot straight to the Terrible Two's? Who knows. But she's still a lot of fun.

Just so that I can remember these things later I'm gonna list some of her traits and skills she has right now:

Rowan talks A LOT! But we have no idea what she's saying. She talks with all sorts of intonations, and sometimes I think she believes that she's really talking with me, but I usually just say "Yeah, really?"
On her actual birthday (Sept. 5) Rowan stood up and stayed standing on her own for the first time without anything to balance her.
Maybe a week or two before her birthday she started walking/running/leaping from Ben to me and back.
Just today she started to walk across the room with no viewable objective in sight, just walking to walk. She went pretty far, steadied herself, then walked a little more and fell over. (she might've just sat down on purpose)
She does the sign language sign for "more," and she shakes her head for "no."
She also understands sign language for "changing diaper" and the international sign for "no" wagging my finger ;)
She understands quite a bit of Spanish too. Words like, 'quieres', 'mas', 'besito', 'vente'.
She crawls on anything she can.
She will thoroughly examine something new by flipping it over and over, and checking it all out before it goes in her mouth.
She currently has a taste for wood and cardboard. Which we're trying to discourage.
She's not very picky. She'll taste anything and usually eat it. Especially if we're eating it then she really wants some.
She loves the water.
She loves dirt. Water is much better after the dirt ;)
When music plays on some of her toys she'll try to hum with it. So cute!
She likes to get into trouble too.
She's very sociable. She LOVES playing with other children. The other day she was playing with the neighbor boy (that's her age) and he was walk/running around our apartment and she was chasing him while 'monkey crawling'. They were both laughing a lot, it was so precious. :)
She's a Daddy's girl. She gets so excited and squeals when Daddy comes home, and always wants him to hold her and feed her. :)

Love that girl!

Was I in the Twilight Zone?

2010-08-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just have to tell somebody about what happened today, it was so weird. K, not that weird, but it was weird enough that I have to tell someone, or think that I've gone crazy!

I was driving home from taking Ben to work. I got to an intersection where I have to turn left. There's almost a full "non-lane" between me and the cars about to go straight so I don't really know if there's any there. I'm not really looking. And I'm waiting 'cause it's red.

Then the light turns green and there's no cars in the intersection. So, naturally I pull forward a bit into the middle of the intersection waiting for the cars coming towards me to go ahead, then I'll turn left after they all go. 'Cause as we all know, if my light is green so is their's. That's how it usually works in this intersection that I drive through about 10 times a week. Then after the light turns back to red I have a green arrow. BUT....

there I am, the ONLY CAR in the intersection. No cars are moving, going. I look to my right and notice one car that would be turning left and cutting right in front of me, but they're not really in the intersection, just kind of. So I start to back up a little 'cause I'm freaked out that no cars are going. I double check the light....yeah it's green! So why is no one moving?!?! So, after a few seconds I decided that the cars THAT SHOULD be coming towards me have seen me and will probably not try to run into me if I take my chance and make my turn. So I did. There.... all was well again. But what the heck happened???

It was like the Twilight Zone. I seriously thought for a moment everyone had frozen in time but me! Or, what else? I do not know. Weird, weird voodoo I'm sure.

That's my story.

Invictus

2010-07-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

-William Ernest Henley

I need to remember this.

I don't wanna grow up...

2010-07-07T02:25:00.000-07:00

Let me guess what just came in your head... "I'm a Toys R Us kid!"

Am I right?

Well, guess what? I'm still a Toys R Us kid!

I think I've gotten a little lost in this grown-up world. Trying to figure out who I'm supposed to be.

I'm supposed to like certain kinds of elegant decor.

I'm supposed to act like a very grown-up, put-together Mother.

I'm supposed to put away my funky, fun clothes and buy cardigans and slacks.

No one really says these things, but they're implied. In blogs, magazines, shows, even church and grocery stores sometimes. I'm not saying cardigans and slacks are a bad thing, I like them too.

But when is it that we put away our childish ruffles, and colorful pictures?

Why can't we dance all day if we want to? Sing and climb trees?

Of course we can! And I'm going to!

If you've known me for quite a while, you know that I used to be crazy and spontaneous.
I've been a little less lately...but no longer. I'm getting my "Muchness" back. (see the new Alice in Wonderland for reference)

"Never lose your childish innocence. It's the most important thing. "

-Under the Tuscan Sun (great movie!)

This was always one of my favorite quotes to live by.

I realized that I'd lost my childish enthusiasm/innocence at some point in the last few years.

This wonderful, colorful blog helped inspire me to get it back!

Colormekatie.blogspot.com

Katie is a freelance photographer in Brooklyn. And she is insanely creative!

Check out her pictures in her blog. Everything is so colorful.

I've been in this rut about our apartment we live in 'cause I don't know how I want to decorate it. It doesn't really feel like a complete home. It's more like storage with a few pictures up. I've been stuck on mostly black/brown furniture 'cause it goes with a lot...well, that was my theory. And it's grow-up colors. But I think it gets boring in our home.

Then I found Katie's blog, and looking at her apartment it's so full of life and color! If you've taken a look... can you just imagine growing up in a place like that? How magical it would be??

When I saw it, I immediately thought "That's exactly what I want to do!"

And maybe some of you reading this are thinking I'm crazy for loving it, but that's ok. I'm just so glad that I found it!

And next time you come to my apartment it will be lit up with color!

(don't worry, I'll be posting pictures)

And I've been inspired to take more pictures too. And wear more color ;)

For a long time I thought that I shouldn't want to be in lots of pictures, or ask people to take them of me, 'cause they'd think I was being vain or something. But Katie takes a lot of pictures of herself for fun, and it's not vain at ALL! So, I figure it's okay if I take them of myself to :)

And I like her concept of using pictures to portray how she feels.

So, from one kid to another...don't grow up. Not all the way. ;)

And thanks Katie! You've been an incredible creative inspiration, more than you could know.

***

Also, if you wanna know more about the green shrug I'm wearing in that picture above. Just go to Crafty-Mamacita.

So, the other day Ben asked me...

2010-06-29T09:58:00.001-07:00

"Did you blog about California yet?" I guess he's getting in on the bloggness (new word, try it ;)

So obviously I need to blog about California! I totally forgot. I forget a lot of things these days...more than you could know.

The Friday before Memorial Day we drove to California and spent time with Ben's family. Can you believe they put up with us for a whole week?! I know. They're awesome. We had so much fun.

Some of our adventures included a girl's night to go and see "Letters to Juliet". It was really cute. Yeah, kinda cheesy, but still pretty cute. Then Rebecca (Ben's younger sister), Dione (niece ((and I hope I spelled that right))), and I went thrift shopping. It was a first time for the girls, and they loved it! I couldn't believe they'd never been before! We found all sorts of treasures, and had a blast trying on cute clothes and some really silly outfits. Hahaha.

One day we drove up to Atwater, which is about 3 hours north of Rosamond, to see Ben's Grandma.

We had a really good time chatting and catching up. It was the first time she met Rowan, and she said that Rowan had "the most perfectly shaped head". We think so too. We also saw Ben's uncle Aaron while we were up there, and he took Rebecca on her first ride on a motorcycle. I think she may be hooked now.
Oh, and something really funny...well, we didn't bring anything for Rowan to take a nap in while we were there (like a pac n'play). And we couldn't put her on the bed, 'cause she'd crawl off. So, we made a little fort of pillows with no roof, in the study. It was next to the corner of a sectional couch, so two sides were couch, and two were layered pillows, then one little pillow in a corner to secure it. Well, she cried for a little while after we put her down in her "fort". Then she was quiet. We went in the kitchen to eat lunch, then suddenly the door to the study starts opening. Rowan, on hands and knees, peeks out all timid, like she's trying to be sneaky and got caught. Lol! We looked at the little fort, and she had kicked out that little corner pillow and snuck through the crack. Silly girl.

Most of the time we were there Ben and his brother Joe worked on making a recut trailer for IT the movie. Wow, we got so sick of hearing the theme music they were using, over and over and over...and over again. But it really turned out great! If you've ever seen the movie IT, you'll think it's funny. If you haven't seen the movie, watch the trailer anyway, it may just make you wanna watch the movie. WARNING: Don't. It's scary.

Here's the trailer they made:

Gotta love clowns.

Also, while we were in California we also got to see Bremen and Andrea, and their kids! They've been living near the East coast for years now, and the last time we saw them was at our wedding. So, they met Rowan for the first time, and we got to meet Van for the first time. Van is their baby that is a few weeks younger than Rowan. We sure had a good time. And we're SO glad they've moved back to California!
What else happened out there? Oh yes, Joe took us down "The musical road", it felt like we were in the Wizard of Oz or something. Check it out:

We also had a nice talent show on Sunday night. With skits, songs, dancing, etc. Here's a few videos for you to enjoy, we sure did!

"What's More American?" song:

Tongue Tied kids:

Joe's own composition, played with just two pencils! Sorry it's not the whole song, and in two parts, but my camera was dying...then died.

Obviously we had a great time.
Rebecca and I also spent time refashioning some clothes that she had. And who didn't take any pictures? Me. Yup. Oops, sorry. Still, we had a good time.

We had such a blast. Well, sorry for the novel. Hopefully the awesome videos made up for the increased length. ;)

"Useless Cares"

2010-06-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

I was reading a Conference talk the other day, when something in it really hit me. I'd heard it before, but I'd never seen it like this before. I wanted to share it.

The talk was The Rock of Our Redeemer by Elder Andersen. He was talking about the Mormon pioneers being forced from their homes yet again, and having to cross this river in the middle of winter. At that time some of them wrote in in their journals about how it would seem that they should be sad and depressed, but that they were full of faith and rejoiced to the Lord. Later in his talk he says:

"When we strive to keep the commandments of god, repenting of our sins and promising our best effors to follow the Savior, we begin to grow in confidence that through the Atonement everything will be all right. Those feelings are confiremed by the Holy Ghost, who drives from us what our pioneer mother and fathers called "our useless cares." In spite of our trials, we are filled with a sense of well-being and feel to sing with them that indeed "all is well."

If you don't know the song Come Come Ye Saints, in the song it says:

"Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive
Do this and joy, your hearts will swell
All is well! All is well!"

As I read his talk, I thought about what the pioneers could have thought were useless cares. As they sat in the freezing winter with no place to go. What are my useless cares? A nice clean home. Or even just a home at all. Would it really matter if I had no building to call my home, and had to live in a tent or even a lean-to? Would I rejoice in the Lord with faith, the way the pioneers did if I was called to their situation? Would I be like Job's wife and complain? I'd like to think that I could make light of any situation I was placed in. And that I'd just comment "Hey, I've been wanting to go camping for a while now." Of course, more importantly, even if I had completely nothing, would I still give thanks because of the Atonement of Christ and rejoice in the knowledge that I can be with my Father in Heaven again? I hope so.

Here's some "useless cares" that I want to work on "driving" away:

Wanting nicer clothes
Trying to come up with more creative ideas than the last craft blog I read
Always wanting Rowan to nap a little longer so I can read longer
Having/getting a house
Constantly worrying about food storage
Wishing that I could do more theater/acting
Wanting to sing better

There's plenty more, I'm sure. But I guess overall, I just need to stop with worrying about things that really just don't matter in the long run and have faith in the Lord that he will bless me for my good decisions. There's my thought for the day.

I Love Rainy Days

2010-06-17T17:58:00.001-07:00

Yay! I'm so excited about my new blog layout!
I had been thinking for a while now that I needed a new layout, but it takes so much time to put one together...figure out all the little details (font colors, sidebar text, etc)...and make a new header in photoshop. Anyway, they have a new "design" feature on blogger where you can take designs they've already created and use them as they are, or alter them. I grabbed this "rainy day" looking one, and was planning on changing a few things, but then I just loved it the way it was. So, I all I did was make a new header in photoshop. Which I might change later, who knows. But I'm pretty pleased with it.

I just love looking at it because of that rainy day background. I have such fond memories of rainy days, and it makes me feel good to see an overcast sky anywhere.
I remember so many times as a kid my friends and I would take three blankets and lay one on the grass, one over the top of us, and one was in the middle to keep us warm. And we'd eat crazy snacks like craisins and vanilla wafers, and just let the rain fall on top of our blanket huddle while we chatted in the pretense of solitude, while actually being in the openess (new word I just made) of my large front lawn, in front of the whole neighborhood. They probably thought we were crazy, looking out their kitchen windows at us sitting on the grass getting wet, but as kids you just don't care what people think.

There was another rainy day activity that happened several times. When there was a lightning storm Andrea and I would sit at the bay window, in her room at her house, with the lights off and watch for lightning. One time lightning struck fairly close and all the sudden a mechanical toy monkey she had in her room went off clapping its cymbals or something. It really freaked us out! I think we screamed or something 'cause her Mom came in. We figured that since the monkey had been sitting on a cable there must've been an electrical surge that set it off. But I guess we'll never really know for sure. Don't you think it's more likely that monkey came to life just at that moment? ;)

I love living in Arizona, but the sad thing is that there just aren't that many rainy days. It's okay though, 'cause when it rains, it pours! And that's the best. But I could really see myself buying a nice little house in Forks and moving the fam there, if you know what I mean. Hahaha.

Here's wishing you a rainy day, from sunny Arizona. Well, maybe not if you're in Utah or Colorado. I've heard they've had their fair share.

Keep'n up with the...Schultz

2010-06-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

I was writing to our Taylor family newsletter, and thought "Hey, I'll just put this in the blog!" Maybe I'll add a photo or two. We'll see.

Dear ~~Family~~ friends,
We hope you are all doing fantastic!
We just returned from a week long stay in California with Ben's family. We had a blast! We didn't do any of those "California-things-to-do", like six flags or disneyland, but had a blast just being with family! It's funny how that connection can mean the world, and create such a fun atmosphere. While we were there Ben's Mom and I were talking about talent shows, and I said that when our family gets together we almost always end up doing a spontaneous talent show, and it's so fun! She said that her family did that when she was growing up too. So we organized one for us to do that weekend. It was so much fun! There were songs sung, piano played, skits and dances performed, and Rowan crawled for everyone as her talent. ;)
Speaking of Rowan, she is incredibly fast now! She's been crawling for a while, and has now developed speed. She also likes to try and climb up things, or at least climb 'till she's in a standing position. She's so very active, and I love it! Our little angel is also very interactive. She talks and sings all the time, and nice and loud. I think people in the grocery store must think I'm crazy 'cause sometimes she'll hold out a long note and I'll start holding out one too with her but at a crazy pitch so we just sound so funny. She seems to like it though, so the cashiers can laugh at me if they want to. She's now eating more solid like foods, like those baby puffs/cracker things. And she loves trying to get us to let her eat off our plates, in which she always succeeds. If we sit on the couch with a plate of food, she'll crawl over, sit up, then open and close her mouth, while giving us big puppy eyes. It's hilarious, I wish you could see it. She loves veggies, and bread especially, but will pretty much eat anything.
Anyway, enough about that. Ben starts a new job on Monday with a debt consolidating company. We hope that will be a good job for him for the summer, and possibly through the fall. Other than that, we're just busy doing the "life" thing. Which we love entirely. We have been incredibly blessed, and we are so grateful.
We are also grateful for all of you, you are blessings to us, and we pray for your well being. Love you so much,

~Ben, Crystal and Rowan Schultz

I am also grateful for all of you! It's so nice to know that there are actually REAL people out there that take a look into our crazy little corner of cyber-space. Thank you, you're awesome! Now for some pictures.

Rowan the DJ

Okay, we don't normally abuse her like that. She usually likes it. But it was past bedtime, and Ben was just trying to keep her happy while I changed her diaper. Lol, is it bad that I think that video is hilarious?

I didn't know the video in the background was so loud. Oops. Well, let's see who can finish the song off in a comment without cheating? Hmm?

It's a new me! Well, it will be.

2010-05-20T15:02:00.001-07:00

So, Last week I made two goals. Wow, "goals" that sounds way too committed for me, let's just say I started a couple things. ;)

1) First, I realized that I wear more makeup than necessary. And I was listening to this sweet country song (sorry if you don't like country, but I love it!). There was one part where the guy sang something about his wife looking the best to him when she was just in the kitchen with no makeup on. So, I thought to myself "I can look good without makeup on, right?" Well, sadly it's kind of an addiction for me. It's just so fun to doll up and get creative with it! But, I don't wanna be dependent on it. What if there was some kind of disaster like an earthquake or tornado; I couldn't just run to the local mall and get more concealer, haha. So, I decided to change. Here's my plan:

In 14 days I'm going to gradually wear less makeup everyday 'till the last day I'll hardly wear any at all. I was gonna go for none, but Ben does like a little eye makeup on me so just a little, itsy, bitsy, bit. I started last Thursday, so I'll be finishing in another week, the 27th.

2) Ben and I started on a diet together. It's 11 days long. We're on day #4 today. So, by next Thursday I shall also be slimmer, and will hopefully fit into my old jeans! Of course I'm not JUST dieting, I'm walking some mornings with friends of mine too. Can't just do one, darn it. :(

So, I wanna document how it goes here on my blog. I'll take some pictures and all that good stuff and share with you the experience of those "things I started" not "goals" ;)

Later!

Where were you 2 years ago? I was...

2010-05-16T22:36:00.001-07:00

...at the highlight of my life. Ben and I were married May 10, 2008.
*sigh*
Two years, already? Yep. Two very wonderful years!

Here's our love story:
Ben and I met in August 2007, right after I moved to Arizona. He was friends with Adriana, who was then my new roommate, and several other friends that I made.
The second person I met in Arizona was Kilee. So that I could get to know people here she kindly took me to a birthday dinner that was going on for one of the girls in our ward. We went to Texas Roadhouse and that's where the magic all started.
I was sitting on a bench with some of the girls waiting for our table, and whoever was sitting next to me moved to talk to someone, and after Ben came in he came and sat by me. We chatted, and I remember thinking "Wow, he's really handsome. He must be the cool, good looking guy of the group." After we got to our table we chatted some more, and I asked him where he was from. He told me "Rosamond, California. You wouldn't know it."
I said "Yes, I know where that is."
"No you don't." He said dismissively.
"Joshua trees!" I said really snotty back to him. Hahaha!
Turned out that we had a mutual friend of sorts. Ben's older brother, Paul, married the sister of my old boyfriend. That boyfriend and his family used to live in Rosamond, and he would always talk about the Joshua trees there, so that's how I knew.
"Small world." Ben said.
"Small Mormon world." I said back. 'Cause it seems that all Mormons know someone another Mormon knows, haha.

And after that we were friends. We got to know each other better and better as time went on, and I became one of the group. Actually it was a group of guys. Ben, John, and James. We all hung out most nights together. Probably because they asked me to be in an 80's music video remake they were going to do.

Photo from the time of the "Saigon Kick Movie"

Yep, if you never saw the movie. Sad day, you're missing out. And youtube took it down because the ~~song was copyw~~.....I don't know why exactly, they're just mean. Just kidding.

So after a while Ben finally asked me out and we had a great time together. Then two weeks of agony pass (while we're seeing each other almost everyday), and he finally asks me out again. That night we started dating. After three months:

Sorry I didn't photoshop our eyes first. It's Sunday, and I'm feeling lazy.

We were engaged. Ben and I went out to our star-gazing spot we have in the desert and after our Valentine's dinner Ben popped the question. It was perfect. Under the stars in the wilderness, on a beautiful clear night. So great!
Three months later:

We were married!

What a good day! But as I tell Ben all the time; it wasn't the best day of my life, but every day afterwards has been.
For our Honeymoon we went to Cancun and had a blast at the beach, and touring the ruins.

It's hard to believe that so much time has gone by when it feels like we just got married yesterday. In my opinion we still act like newlyweds. Like going crazy happy when he gets come from work. Playing and laughing all the time. We've hardly had a real fight, in fact I don't think we've ever really "fought" with each other. We disagree on stuff, but we never yell or get really angry. We're just too crazy in love! ;)

Ben, it's been an amazing ride so far, and I can't wait for the rest of it! Be patient with me. I know I'm kinda crazy, kind of a nerd, and loosing my memory more every day, but I love you and I'm looking forward to forever with you!
Happy Anniversary!

Cherish

2010-05-16T19:17:00.001-07:00

I'm a bad blogger. I know it. I have so many pictures and things to post right now from two different trips, and well...life, etc. But at least I know this about myself right? That I put things off.
Well, this blog has become a little like my journal. I have major events that I feel too overwhelmed to write about, but when I have a special little moment I want to share it and it forgoes everything.

I just have to say that I love, love, love the little moments in life. Precious moments, I guess ;)
There are some things that I determine to do in my life and I remember it forever. There have been a lot, from many different ages, but I do always remember hearing "They grow so fast", you've heard it too. From...everyone. And "cherish every moment, time goes so fast" Too true!

So, throughout my life I've tried to 'cherish the precious moments'. Sure, as a single lady (all the single ladies, all the single ladies) *sorry for the outburst of song, but you know you were thinking it too ;)*
Anyway, as a single lady I remember trying to cherish a lovely sunset, or time spent with good friends. And I did. And it was great. BUT, it's been so much easier to cherish the wonderful moments since I've been married and also since having a sweet baby girl. I guess they just mean so much more to me, as they should, you know.

Cherished moments I get everyday:

*Rowan's laughter as I toss her around and tickle her.

*Rowan's smile when I catch her discovering something new,...or something that she's just discovered she's capable of. (Like climbing to her feet)

*Ben's smile when he gets home from work and sees Rowan and I waiting for him.

*Rowan's smile when she sees Daddy coming home from work.

*My smile when I see them smile. :)
*Putting Rowan down for bed and her laying down sweetly and pulling the covers over her face.

*Breathing in the fresh air and sunshine in this pretty desert.

Cherished moments I had today:

*Watching others give love to Rowan at church.

*Rowan making me angry by tossing around while I tried to change her diaper (I cherished it later).

*Getting Rowan up from her ~~too short of a~~ nap and her just letting me hold her for a few minutes. (this is very rare for this child who never stops looking and squirming around so curiously all the time, and it may or may not have brought a tear to my eye)

*Ben laughing and playing with Rowan while she tried to use her new found 'claws' to take his nose off. Haha, he's a good sport.

*Ben realizing that he lives in a house with "a bunch of women". Guess we need some testosterone in here ;) (that was a funny moment)

*And one I'll cherish later today: laying down to go to sleep.

And I'm not just saying that these are things that are good about my day, and later I think "that was nice." I really do try to take a second in that very moment and try to remember it and cherish it.

Just my thoughts :)

New stuff

2010-04-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few new projects on Crafty-Mamacita. Check 'em out!

Sleeping Babe- yes? no?

2010-04-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

Currently my child seems to be boycotting certain naps. :(
"Not a good idea, my child." I say to that. Makes Mama tired and crazy. And we don't like crazy Mamas around here.
Rowan's been a good sleeper since she was around 3 months old, and we trained her to be. It took a couple hard days, then she got it. Then I'd just put her down, place the blanket over her face, and off she went to lala land. *Sigh* Oh, those were the good times. She'd take a nap every 2-3 hours or so. Now....she gets testy, I put her down...maybe a little crying...15 mins later...talk, talk, talk (that's her)...go back in, tuck her in again...15 mins later...talk, talk, sing, talk...15 mins later... You get the idea. In other words, no such luck napping like that anymore. Well, here's to a new schedule! We'll see how it goes.

Wake: 6:30 am
   (she does that on her own, I don't promote such an early morning for her, or me ;)

First nap: 7:30 am
   (will probably be short, but I can get ready for the day at least)

Second nap (here's the tricky part): Hopefully by 12 or 1 pm.
   (This is after much playing with her to try and wear her out. It may only last 1/2 hour or it could last 2, whatever it is I'll take it!)

Third nap: 5-6pm or 6-7pm
   (Not really sure how this one will work, but if I can run a lot of errands and tire her out I might get it, but that's wishful thinking. I may only be down to the two naps from now on.)

Bedtime: 8:30 pm
   (She always goes to bed at this time)

So, that's my plan for now. We are going to Utah next week, and I'm hoping she'll be really good about it. 'Cause it seems that whenever we go there and I wanna...*cough* show off how awesome she is *cough, cough* of course something goes on where she's not as awesome as she is at home, and I feel like a liar 'cause I tell everyone what a great sleeper she is and then, nada. So, I hope she'll be good! :)
Wish me luck!

Spring Break!

2010-04-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

For spring break (back in mid-March) Ben, Rowan, and I went to California to visit family! Here it is in pictures:

That was at Mark's Pinewood Derby, where he won 2nd Place!

Flying in Paul's hommade hot air balloon! I loved the numbers printed on the parachutes he used, just looked so cool. It was so fun flying high up there with nothing to guide you, but the wind. Crazy, but awesome! We were only in the air like 1 1/2 mins, but still awesome! We love visiting over there! Oh, and the tutu Mariah's wearing, and the Apron Grandma's wearing are both some of the Christmas presents I made. I hope they liked them as much as I had fun making them. :)

~Crystal

Chocolate Cake in a Cup?! - Recipe

2010-03-27T12:04:00.001-07:00

That's right. Make yourself a 'one serving' cake in a cup! Or mug, or whatever.

This lovely recipe comes from Ben's very sweet Aunt Gale.
It takes 2 minutes to cook (in the microwave) and doesn't take very many ingredients. Serve with vanilla ice cream...yum!
Here you go:

Chocolate Cake in a Cup

2 T - Flour
3 T - Sugar
2 T - Milk
1 Egg
2 T - Oil
2 T - Cocoa
2 T - Chocolate Chips
Splash of Vanilla
*Most of you know that I'm not a big chocolate fan, so I only put 1 T of cocoa, and omit the chocolate chips. That works great for me. I also heard from chocolate fans that with just 2 T of cocoa it's plenty chocolaty and doesn't need the choco chips. Just so you know.*

Mix dry ingredients together first. Then add oil and mix. Then finish adding wet ingredients, mix thoroughly. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

When you microwave it, it will rise above the cups rim and look very tall.

No worries, it'll come back down once it's done.

After it's done serve with ice cream and enjoy! It will have a funny "cup" shape to it, but it tastes great!

I'm Walk'n on Sunshine!

2010-03-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

And don't it feel good!

On Saturday afternoon, while Ben and I were racing eachother to the finish line on Mario Cart (yep, we're still kids at heart), I turned to Ben and said "It's such a nice day! Let go on a picnic!"

So we did. :)

We packed a lunch, grabbed the sunscreen (which we forgot to use), and the pumpkin (aka: Rowan).

We went out towards the lake but stopped at a river spot with lots and lots of clovers (or something like clovers. And had the most wonderful, relaxing, sunfilled time!

Rowan getting ready to go. Hat and all!

Look at all the green! Perfect for the fast approaching St. Paddy's day ;)

Here's Rowan after lunch. What a mess, little piggy. Haha!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this picture!

She's laughing 'cause I'm tickling her by munching on her side. Haha, so cute!

Our Little Angel in all the green...

eating plants...yum! They're not poisonous, right? ;)

Drool!

And that's it for pictures. We had a blast, and plan to go on many more picnics!

Hickey?

2010-03-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to check on Rowan and she had a big mark on her hand.

A hickey? Yes, she gave herself a hickey on her hand. The picture doesn't even do it justice, it was pretty dark. Crazy girl. I hope she doesn't do that again, it make me sick to see it. Blood to the surface...blehhh! No more of those please!

It's been a while

2010-02-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

I've been away from blogland for a while, and now that I've got so much to catch up on I almost don't want to. But, it will be done!

Just an update on us, in case you're interested: Ben is doing awesome in Organic Chemistry, and being a great student in general. I am keeping busy with a million different little things, but oddly enough I can't think of them right now, haha. Rowan is now rolling on both sides. She has been rolling from her back to her tummy, and has just barely started rolling from her tummy to her back. When she first did it Ben said "She's mobile!" Well, not quite. She's only done it 3 times in the last week or so, and thank goodness 'cause our house is not baby-proofed for a crawling baby yet. ;)

That's pretty much it. We're busy, but not really with anything worth noting. Sorry it's been so long since I've posted, I'll try to be better!

~Crystal

A baby's infectious laughter!

2010-02-03T01:07:00.002-07:00

I have to say, there is nothing that will brighten my day; make me smile in a split second; and make me laugh so hard with sheer joy, like a baby's laugh will.

Yesterday night we were having dinner at our friend's house, and they have a huge husky dog named Rocky. He's a super sweetie pie. Anyway, after we finished eating we were all sitting at the table chatting and Bethany was holding Rowan. All the sudden Rowan lets out this big giggle! We all turn and stare at her, wondering what provoked this reaction. Turns out it was Rocky, their big dog! He was the first dog she'd ever seen. And he wasn't even really doing anything really special, just following Bob around and wagging his tail. As you can see she just kept going and going, as Rocky proceeded to bark, wag his tail, and lick a plate (remember, we were done eating). I thought when he was growling she'd get upset, but she just kept on laughing! So precious! She has never, ever laughed like that before. So funny!

Of course now that we know she can laugh like that, Ben and I are always trying to make her laugh, but I guess we're just not as funny as we thought ;)
It's amazing how my life has changed since I've had her. I love her so much! She is my life; her and my Ben.

You know what's funny? Now that I can see her and hold her, I feel like I've always had her. Like she's always been with me, even though I couldn't see her and I wasn't taking care of her, it's like she's been in the family the whole time. I like that feeling. :)
And I love my baby girl.

Crafty Mamacita!

2010-02-01T08:46:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! I wanted to let you all know that my new crafty blog Crafty Mamacita is now up and running! I just posted my first tutorial on how I made my new cuffs and collar accessories. So easy! Love them!

Here's a teaser pic:

Click HERE to check it out!

My First Fabric Flower

2010-01-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

Confession: I've been stealing accessories from my 4 month old baby.

Hey, I'm sure I'm not the only one! It's quite the temptation, their stuff is so cute! Well, some of her clips and things I've been wearing myself. I guess 'closet sharing' starts quite earlier between Mothers and Daughters than I thought. Anyway, so I decided to make my very first fabric flower

for 'us' to wear ;)

(I'm a very visual person, so sorry for all the pictures.)

I started with some light blue lining that I had from ages ago.

And a silver button that I recently bought.

First I cut off a test piece and tested the burn method on it to make

sure that it would work properly...and it did :)

Then I cut out 6 circles...not perfect circles, but they don't have to be 'cause the burn method will alter them anyway, and it gives them character, right?

I believe the sizes were:

1- 4"; 2- 3 1/2"; 1- 2 3/4"; 1- 1 1/2"; 1- 1"

(in diameter)

Then I took the lighter (or I've seen people use a candle), and held it close to the edges all the way around the circle. Just close enough for it to melt and curl up just barely,

but not enough for it to catch on fire.

Then stack the 'pedals', and I adjusted them how I wanted them.

Just right so every piece could be seen well.

Then I added the button on top. And stitched it through all the layers.

Then I stitched on a pin piece, or whatever you call 'em.

Usually I think people add a piece of felt to the bottom to reinforce it,

but I didn't have any and couldn't go to the store, so this works for now. :)

Tada! A cute flower for Little Angel's headband.

Or for a pin on a shirt, or a necklace!

Love it! And yes, I will share. ;)

From blogland to real life

2010-01-20T12:13:00.002-07:00

My addiction to blogland has just gotten worse and worse. Which I think is a good thing in some ways. It can't be all that bad to be learning how to be thrifty and creative, right? Except that I'm on my laptop ~~all day~~ at least 1/2 the day...eek!
Here's where I get stumped though. I see all these fab ideas, but I have a hard time actually applying it to my own home/wardrobe. Check out these super cute ideas:

Just add a ruffle to the sweater! From The Idea Room.

Or add a little burlap, ribbon and buttons to an old lampshade! From Thrifty Decor Chick.

Look at this adorable little dress! Made from some extra fabric, lace, and an old baby tee! From The Rubber Punkin.

This is one of my favorites!!! It's Basically the same idea as the little girl's dress above, from My Mama Made It. Just an old shirt that she added some fabric for a skirt, and ruffles on the front, and voila! A new dress! I soooo need to do this one, 'cause I hardly have ANY dresses that fit me since little baby came.

But here's my problem, I don't see any of my own shirts and think "Hey I could refashion that!" I need to work on that. Maybe I'll just try using one that I think wouldn't work at all, and "Make it work!" As Tim Gunn says...hehe. Love that man! "Designers....make it work." (as he shakes his little fist in the air) Haha! Love it!

What do you think? Have you tried any refashioning lately? Is it easy or hard for you?

Love, Actually

2010-01-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

You have to check out this site! They have awesome ideas for romance on a budget, and even if you're lucky enough to not have a small budget, they're still awesome ideas to bring you and your loved one closer together.
We tried their 'Sleepover idea' and it was a blast! After Rowan went to bed Ben and I laid out blankets on the floor with LOTS of pillows and watched a movie while we snacked out on popcorn and cheese and crackers! Then we snuggled in all the cuddly blanket/pillow mess :D Loved it!!!
Check them out, they're awesome!

Unexpected Christmas Gift

2010-01-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

While we were in Utah with my parents for Christmas I recieved the most awesome unexpected gift! FABRIC!!!
My Mom and I had been walking through WalMart, and I stopped to look at fabic, 'cause their WalMarts have way more and for way better prices than in AZ. But I didn't want to get any right then.
When we got back to the house my Mom pulled out a huge tub of old fabric and scraps that she'd been keeping. Actually almost all of it we bought because though my teen and even pre-teen years I was planning on making stuff with it, but never ended up doing it. So, she told me that I would most likely use it now so I should take what I wanted!!! Yipee!
Look at all this goodness! :D

How cute it this?! They are cut-out fleece teddy bears!

You just sew the two pieces together and stuff it, like a pillow. Fun!

And Check out all the patterns she gave me too. Some of them I used when I was younger.

Check out these two on the right. My Mom got these for my siblings back in like the late 70's or 80's.

I love look'n back at these oldy styles.

And here's my favorite, the one in the middle, so cute! I can't wait to make this for Rowan when she gets a little bigger. But of course I'll put my own little fashion twist on it ;)

Oh and that cute sun and moon denim that was underneath all the

rest of the fabric...yeah I've got great plans for that! Can't wait to show you!

Another giveaway notification

2010-01-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Alexis from My Mama Made It is having a New Year's giveaway. I totally want this cape that she created. It's the giveaway item. Check it out! She's got incredible style, and I love following her blog. Take a look!

My Big Brother Robert

2010-01-08T02:22:00.001-07:00

Since we were in Utah for Christmas, and having fun with family, and showing off the new baby...you know how things get when you're on vacation. The blogging world just seems to go on hold. Especially since it seems that we are all family oriented people. For which I'm super grateful for. I love reading others blogs about their family events, or what their kids are up to, or what they made for their kids, etc.

So, while doing fun family stuff in Utah over Christmas, I didn't get a chance to write a birthday note to my brother. And his birthday was just before Christmas on the 23rd. So, to catch up...here goes!

This is my brother Robert. Robert has done everything! He used to do modeling (as if you can't tell), and has been a flight attendant for about 10 years now, so he has truly traveled the world! Brazil, Japan, New York (like a mill-ee-on times) he even lived there. Gosh I don't even know where all he's been. But I sure ended up with some great souvenirs! ;)

My brother is the kind of guy that doesn't even know how special he is. He is sincerely kind, loving, thoughtful, and giving. And he's a true defender of what is right as well.
One memory I have of him is when I was 17 and I broke my back and compressed three vertebrae. I had to wear this really long turtle shell back brace that covered from just below my neck down to my hips, like a huge girdle. Well, after a little while I didn't want to wear it anymore, of course what 17 year old girl wants to work and live in that thing (especially while being a waitress). My Mom kept telling me that I was going to have serious lasting damages, and that I better wear my brace, but no dice, I just didn't want to. I know, I was dumb, what can I say? Robert found out and came to talk to me about it. He asked me to 'please wear it', that is was 'important'. And because I always looked up to him, I listened. And no, I'm not paralyzed, my back (although now perfect) is much better than it would've been. Thank you Rob!

Another time he really helped me in my life, and probably one of the most important, was at the end of senior year of high school. I had slacked off that year, and as graduation drew near I didn't know if I would graduate. I had all these extra 'packets' to do, and assignments to catch up on. I really felt like giving up because it really became SO stressful. I remember very clearly how he really wanted me to graduate with my class, and it became a motivation for me. There was one especially stressful time during all that when I had about 3 places to be at once, tons of homework to do with nearing deadlines, and he was going to give me a ride somewhere. Everything had just become too much that day and he took me aside and gave me a big hug and told me things would work out. This is an excerpt from an online journal I was keeping back then. "I knew that he really wanted me to graduate with my class, and I had just needed someone to give me that hug that he did, and it really meant so much."
Robert you're awesome! I'm proud to have you as my brother. Happy Birthday!!!

Love,

~Crystal

Julie and Julia

2010-01-08T01:36:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching 'Julie and Julia'. The movie with Amy Adams and Meryll Streep. Two great actresses! I have to say that the movie inspired me to blog more and not worry about it so much. I tend to over-complicate things, if you haven't noticed. So, I'll have an idea for a blog, but wait weeks, maybe a month to write it...or just forget it entirely. But not anymore. I have been inspired!
As for the movie. I thought it was great, but I didn't like the end. Then I went researching the two real-life people (who were the main characters), and was sadly dissapointed with one of them. Hmm.
But I'm still inspired. Blogging here I come!

~Crystal

Giveaway at Beneath My Heart!

2010-01-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

There's a Lisa Leonard Designs giveaway over at Beneath My Heart! Check it out HERE!

She has some amazing stuff!

It's Birthday Time!

2009-12-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

December is a fairly busy birthday month for my side of the family. Well, there's three, so not that many I guess.
But today I'm wanna write about the first two birthdays that, funny enough, fall on the same day. December 12th to be exact...Dia de la Virgin, if you're familiar with Mexico you'll know all about that. It is also my Mom's and my niece's birthday. And I dedicate this post to them :)

My niece Savannah turned 8 this month. She is such a fun girl, with a very sweet spirit. She's a wonderful sister to her three other siblings, and acts as Mommy #2 in the house from what I hear ;) She's responsible and dependable. Not to mention she's ADORABLE! She likes to talk on the phone, but mostly listen to the person she's talking to. Savannah makes for a great helper. She's always willing to help out by getting something for you, or going shopping with you. Sometimes she acts quiet, but don't let that fool you, she's got her eyes open and knows what's going on everywhere! She's very observant! From what I remember she likes to be tickled by her Dad, as most of my sister's kids do ;) And she has a smile that brightens up a room! Happy Birthday Savannah! I can't wait to see you when we finally make it out to KY. :D

Mom and Rowan. Just after Rowan as born.

Also a Happy Birthday to my Mom! I know everyone says it, but I'm still going to say it 'cause it's true: My Mom is the Best Mom!
I don't even know where to start. Mom has always been my very best friend. When I was younger we lived in Mexico, and she took the time to home school me. Let me just say that she has some SERIOUS P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E. Putting up with me is something that I know has made her qualified for heaven on it's own. When I was in high school I was having a hard time keeping up with my assignments and getting the work done, (okay I was a slacker) but I was also on the Yearbook Staff. Well, there was a mandatory day when we would be putting inserts into the yearbooks, and I also had assignments I HAD to do in order to graduate. Needless to say Mom came to the rescue. She has always been willing to help in any way, and since she couldn't do my assignments for me, she went to the high school and sat with a bunch of teenagers putting in yearbook inserts on a Saturday. I'm sure she had many better things to do that day, but she put it all aside for me. And that's just one of a ZILL-EE-UN examples.
Mom is a complete angel and everyone knows it. When my Uncle got sick many years ago she went with my Grandparents to a special hospital in Texas to help. And when my Grandparents needed a new place to live she offered our home and has taken care of them so diligently all these years. My Grandma ended up getting cancer and my Mom became her nurse and my Grandpa's helper. When Grandma passed away she gave a talk at her funeral saying that she could only hope to be like her one day, because my Grandma was a complete angel herself. All I could think was "You are. You are just like her!" She is my everyday angel.
After the funeral my Mom spent a lot of time keeping my Grandpa company, as well as being a Mother to us all, a wonderful wife, Grandma to her own grandkids, and always fulfilling a calling in our church. Not to mention working as a translator and interpreter. I'm not sure if my Mom knows how to just sit and relax because it seems like she's always working on something. Another thing she took upon herself is the Taylor Talk. It's a family newsletter for all of our extended family, that my Grandma started, but since she got sick my Mom has been doing it, and keeping track of everyone's birthdays...she also puts that on there. One day we were talking about how some of us don't read the family letters that are written in the Taylor Talk in Spanish and she said "Maybe I should translate them all." We all just smiled and said "Don't you have enough to do?" She is amazing.
From her I learned selflessness, compassion, service, hard work, leadership, love, and so many other great qualities. If I am just the least bit like her as a mother, friend, daughter, neighbor, sister, aunt, or grandmother (eventually), then I will be able to die happy. Happy Birthday Mom, you're my hero.

~Love, Crystal

My New Ruffle Necklace

2009-12-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

My first project with my sewing machine was an easy one, but I loved it!
A ruffle necklace! They're the latest rage all over blogland, and I wanted to try one. I used a tutorial from Happy Together.

I had some fabric I found that I bought on sale last year, It's like a brown/golden organza. Very cute!
Cut a piece that is 20x3 inches. My edges weren't perfectly straight, but I didn't care 'cause once it was ruffled no one would be able to tell.

Fold it in half and sew a seam with a long stitch, and leave lots of excess string on both ends. The seam should leave a pocket just big enough for your chain to go through. Actually I pulled my chain through with a safety pin, so big enough for that, if you're going to use one.

Then grab one of the long strings from the end of the fabric and start scrunching the fabric down to ruffle it.
Pull a necklace chain through the pocket and there's a fancy new necklace! Since mine was made of organza I used the burn method to singe the edges to keep them from fraying. Here's the result:

I don't really like taking pictures of myself...but there you go. :)
~Crystal

Really Easy Recipes #1 - Easiest Taco Soup

2009-12-13T14:57:00.001-07:00

I don't like to cook. I just don't. But I LOVE FOOD...see my dilemma.
Funny enough I love baking, but I don't like cooking. SO, in order for us to eat I use really (and I mean REALLY) easy recipes...and my husband cooks 1/2 the time too. I thought I'd share them with you 'cause it seems that when I'm with my girlfriends we're always talking about them, but we never write them down, so this way you can just refer to this blog and have an easy recipe on hand. Oh, and did I mention delicious? Yes, no worries there. They are delicious!

Here is one of my very favorite easy recipes and probably the easiest one I have:

Taco Soup

1 Can Corn
1 Can Diced Tomatoes
2 Cans Chili Beans
1/2 A packet of Taco Seasoning
Chili Powder
Garlic Salt

Dump in canned ingredients, stir in taco seasoning, and add chili powder and garlic salt to taste. Bring to a boil and you're done!

I was going to put a really nice picture of the soup in my bowl topped with cheese and sour cream, but I forgot 'cause I was too hungry and I ate it...oops ;)

Optional toppings:
Chips
Cheese
Sour Cream
Avacado

You can add whatever you want, get creative!

I like to use Bush's Chili Beans in mild sauce, you can use any chili beans, but I like these best. And I'm not a fan of chili in a can (with the meat), IDK, something about canned meat doesn't seem right to me, but it's up to you. You can use it with the meat, or brown some meat and add it yourself. And I realized that it's super low in calories (depending on how much of the toppings you use). But it's so delicious! Try it and let me know how it goes :D

My early Christmas present is....

2009-12-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

A SEWING MACHINE!!! Something I've always wanted! I'm sooooo excited! This one is not just any sewing machine, but a Confidence Quilter! I know, I know, I'm not much of a quilter, but it comes with so much stuff for making super cute things anyway, it's not just for quilters.

Check out the extra long arm...oh yeah.

Look at all those fun stitches!!! I don't know if you can see it, but there's actually a doggy stitch. It's on the bottom row in red, how cute is that?!

And it came with a lot of extra presser feet and a quilting foot, whoohoo!

So fun!

Now what to make for my first project? I known it's going to be a refashioning because #1 I'm so addicted to that right now, and #2 I really shouldn't spend extra $$ on just some fun fabric, so it's time to get thrifty :D

THANK YOU! THANK YOU Ben, my love!

Merry Christmas to me :) (and you too, of course!)

When you give birth...

2009-12-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

+ You gain a serving of intuition

- You loose have your mind/memory

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

= Becoming a Mother

Cutie Pattotie Booties!

2009-12-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Aren't these booties just adorable! I totally want some for Rowan! Of course I'd love to figure out how to make them too, but it might just be easier to win them which is another reason I'm posting this (shhhh, don't tell). Check out her Etsy shop HERE.

Life is good to me

2009-11-10T12:20:00.001-07:00

Tracy of at Beneath My Heart posted this and it gave me some food for thought.

If I Could Live My Life Over

I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television-and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I ‘d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”
There would have been more “I love you’s”…
more “I’m sorry’s”…
but mostly,
given another shot at life,
I would seize every minute…
look at it, and really see it…
live it…and never give it back.

Written by Erma Bombeck

This makes me reflect on my life. Though my pregnancy was hard, it was worth it. I'm only now starting to really realize the cost of becoming a mother. Of course it's all definitly worth it, but it's something you don't really expect. I never really thought about it costing me my body, since it has really changed since the birth; or my free time, free choices, sleep, energy, etc. But I have to say that everytime I see her smile, or the beautiful look she gives me when she wakes in the morning makes it completely worth it.

I feel like it's a fair trade off. Maybe there are things that I enjoy that are hard for me to do now, with a little baby, BUT I've done so much in my life and gone so many places, probably much more than the average person, so I wanted to reflect on some of the good times and blessings that have brought me to where I am now.

*Warning: Lots of pictures*

After high school my parents and I got to go to Spain!

I was blessed to be able to go to 3 colleges. Snow, BYU, and MCC. This was at BYU.

Me and my roomates (except one, we're missing Summer). We had some great times!

For two years I was lucky enough to work next to Zion National Park, which is my most FAVORITE PLACE in the WORLD!

Rappelling in Orderville Canyon (Zion)

Subway Canyon in Zion (my favorite canyon...so far).

Rappelling and hiking. It's truely beautiful there.

More ZP (Zion Ponderosa) pics.

Playing in a mud pit, taking myself on adventures (at the set of Gunsmoke), and photo safari's with Becca :)

And of course all my many different hair styles and colors, have been fun!

Everywhere I go, I've been blessed with great friends!

I wish I had more pics including everyone. There's Keary and Andrea and Andrea's little Ryen in the one above. Then a pic of Jess and me at EFY.

I got to live in mexico as a child, and I get to go back all the time so see amazing family!

I've been blessed with awesome extended family...cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great aunts, second cousins, etc.

Here's Lecith and I in their home in Mexico.

And of course my family have always been a huge strength and blessing to me.

Incredible parents and amazing siblings. I love them all so much!

And of course, meeting the love of my life, sparked the real beginning of my life.

Here he is after I told him I liked redheads, and short hair ;)

Ben and I got married and it's been the happiest day...days of my life ever since.

And I got married in the wedding dress of my dreams!

Honeymoon in Cancun (so great!)

And just over a year later, little Rowan Nicole joined our family.

We LOVE her so much!

I have had a very fulfilling life.

And I'm grateful for all my incredible experiences and blessings. LIFE IS GOOD!

Vote for Little Rowan!

2009-11-04T12:27:00.005-07:00

Rowan is in a little picture contest at Captivated Candids, and the winner gets a free photo session in Utah. Since we'll be there in the winter I thought I'd enter her. :)

So, click THIS link and vote for her with your comment! She's #26 (same picture as here). Thanks!

Things on my mind

2009-11-04T00:25:00.005-07:00

I've been thinking about the priorities of my day...I think they may be a little twisted.

#1. Rowan

Her sleeping/waking/eating/playing/entertaining/tummy time-ing...etc...

#2. Hmm...kinda embarrassing but here goes: Email/Facebook

#3. Laundry

#4. Researching (items for my upcoming jewelry "business"...just on Etsy). I look up all sorts of materials that I dream up. Sometimes look for inspiration.

#5. Getting ready for the day. Okay, I'm not like a complete mess, I promise! I usually shower in the evening when Ben gets home so that he can take care of the little one. Usually when I have a minute in the morning I'll put on a little...little bit of makeup, and pull my hair up somehow. But if I'm not planning on going anywhere I might just leave it at that and stay in the comfy house clothes known as PJs. :)

#6. Eating. Here's where I think I'm mostly out of whack. It can be like almost 1 o'clock and I won't have eaten anything because all of the things above, or usually just #1, will take up most of my time. Hmm...maybe I need to revise that. Actually I just started the 11 day diet (that Ben used before we got married), and it requires 4 meals a day so I think I'll be better about eating from now on.

And don't worry, I don't think I'm really fat and I don't have self-esteem issues, really. My biggest reason for getting back to my old size is that I really, really miss my clothes. And shopping for that size is soooo much easier! I'm especially dying to wear my favorite jeans again. So, that's my motivation. And I'm going to need motivation 'cause tomorrow is an all fruit day, and as much as I seriously LOVE fruit, it's the hardest day of all 11. You never feel full and you're just aching for some carbs!

Woah, I got off on a tangent...

#7. Errands. These actually scare me, since the last couple times we've gone out (last week), little pretty has thrown such a tantrum that I'm actually afraid that she's hurting herself by screaming that way. So...I'll admit I've been avoiding taking her out. But that can't last forever and she'll have to come with me some places, so we'll see about that later.

#8. Cleaning. Sad that it's at the bottom of the list, but I try a little here and there everyday. Some dishes one day, pick up the living room the next. You know, a little at a time, but I probably never have a completely clean house...but who does, right?? ;)

Most of all it's #1 that times my time, energy and focus. So everything else may, on occasion, just have to wait 'till the next day. It all depends on her :)

I guess I'm in a talkative mood right

now...or maybe a writing mood. It's probably 'cause I'm sleep deprived, tired, but not sleepy and very awake, which makes me kinda hyper. Oh and I've got lots of thoughts rolling through my head 'cause I just finished another book. Gosh! I just love books!!!

So, I just finished reading "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer (Twilight series writer, I'm sure you know). I had been told a long time ago that it wasn't that good, and to not waste my time, so I read a few pages in (at the bookstore), and decided I wouldn't read it. Well, Laura and Maryanne (my neighbors and friends) told me that they really liked it and that I should give it another try. Well, after I got past the first little part, I was hooked! I really liked it. And I'm very comfortable with S. Meyer's writing style. It's somewhat predictable, and she's into drama, grief, pain, love, hope, but ultimately happy endings (at least so far that's what she's written). I'm not always into happy endings, but for the most part I am.

There are many books that I'm sure have influenced her writing, but the ones I found (by way of her writing, or the way the story led) in this book were: Harry Potter, especially #7; Ender's Game (or maybe Speaker of the Dead, which I know she really likes); ohh there were some more, but now I can't think of them. Probably part of the sleep deprivation.

I've also been thinking of the miracle of life! I can't help it every time I see my little girl. I think to myself so many things: "Wow, how amazing God is that he made my body able to have ME make YOU! And you have a life! You're a real life with a soul and actions and moods and choices! How am I so LUCKY that I get to be your Mother! ...Wow the word is still weird to me. I'm a Mother? Still, I LOVE it! You're my responsibility, and that's a HUGE responsibility!!! To raise you, and the right way, but I want to do it."

I keep thinking to myself: okay, it's time to stop being the carefree young adult I once was. I've gotta try to become more like those that raised me because they did it right, and I know of no better way to do it for her. I've got to become more selfless, caring, tidy, organized, mature (in some sense of the word, 'cause I don't think I'll ever REALLY grown up), charitable, trusting...of myself and of others, especially my "partner in crime" ;) These things I need to be, just like my role models: My parents. Because I want to be as good as a parent as they were to me. Because in my eyes they were, and are, perfect. I know I won't come close to that, but I'm going to do my best to try. :)

Well, that's it for tonight. I think I wrote enough that I can go to sleep now. Maybe all I needed was to get some of my thoughts out of my head and on paper...I mean online. Goodnight!

Halloween in the 20's!

2009-11-03T14:42:00.010-07:00

For Halloween this year I had a number of ideas for costumes for the 3 of us.....buuuut, none of them really worked out. The Wednesday before Halloween was our ward Halloween party so, I had to have something! Here's what I came up with for that night.

I grabbed one of my many costumes, a fringe flapper dress that I got years ago at Savers for $7. Woohoo! And I thought of a way to get us all to tie in together. For Rowan I needed some supplies. Laura and I ran to the fabric store. I got some stretchy black velvet (on sale), and

fringe and some sequence (sp? I don't think I've never written that word before). Also, some stretchy sequence trimming to make a headband.

Sorry the image isn't very clear. The dress was a REALLY quick throw together. I didn't even do a very secure stitch. Just wanted her to have something to wear...but I think it turned out fairly well for being completely spur of the moment. It was a lot of fun to go to the Ward party with Laura (Ben was studying). They took almost a whole street in a neighborhood. And there were different booths at different houses...cake walk, bean toss, haunted house (in a garage), fishing game, etc... And the Hot Dogs were great!

On Halloween night we went to Carrabba's for dinner with some friends and of course we dressed up!

And here's some glam shots, for fun!

Can't waste all the effort I put into that makeup right? ;D

Crying Babies

2009-10-31T10:42:00.001-07:00

Does anyone else go into a panic when their child starts to scream in the middle of a public place? Or a party? Or any group of people? It's funny 'cause when we're at home I can pick her up and she'll generally stop crying, but when we're out and about...nothing will stop her. Of course I try to act calm, but inside I'm thinking "PLEASE, PLEASE STOP CRYING!" or "What's the fastest way out of this place?"

Of course if she cries at home, well no big deal, but when I have to subject others to it I feel aweful! I know, I know...it's a phase, it's a part of motherhood, and I have to just deal with it. But that doesn't mean that I'm gonna like it. It really puts me out of sorts to have her loose it like that in front of others, then I feel like I don't wanna go grocery shopping, or to the craft store, walmart, etc.

What's funny is that there really isn't anything in life that causes me to panic or freak out 'cause it's all within my control. At least my reaction and presence are in my control, so whatever happens to me doesn't matter because I can react cooly everytime since it's MY decision. Here's the problem: Her crying and actions are not my decision, they're hers. And since she is my responsibility it's like others look at me like it is my decision. Oops, sorry, have you ever had children? ... No? Well, it's like this. No control.

Don't get me wrong... please don't think I'm complaining! I sincerely and dearly love this little girl and would do everything and anything for her wellbeing. She is one of the two best blessings of my life, and she is just perfect! Except for screaming in public places.

So, I guess this is a confession. Yes, I do get flustered sometimes, and yes I do go into a panic mode sometimes...and those sometimes are when my little girl looses her cool in front of others. So if I ever act strange or flustered when the little cutie decideds it's time to let it all out...well, that's why. Oh, and I also feel terrible when she freaks out and someone else is holding her. Not because I'm possesive at all, I really want her to be used to having lots of friends and family hold her, but because I feel like they've been burdened with listening to her scream or maybe they're holding her out of kindness, but really they want to put her down...something like that. So, all in all...just ignore me if I start to act weird because the little darling has just had it for the day. Thanks!

My Family and celebrities

2009-10-24T22:04:00.006-07:00

Recently Ben and I rented "The Proposal", and it reminded me of the fact that Sandra Bullock always reminds me of Michelle, my sister. It's not just looks, of course they're both gorgeous, but the way she talks and certain movements, etc. Come to think of it almost all my family have a celebrity that reminds me of them. Will Smith reminds me of my brother Robert. They're both cool and funny, but serious too...and dashing dressers. Scott Baio (aka: Charles in Charge) reminded me of my brother Mike, but only as Charles in Charge. Maybe it's because they both always had nice dark, thick hair, and great surprising smiles. What's funny is that Robert's name is Roberto Carlos and we used to call him Charlie...well, many still do, but anyway, we'd always say that he was 'Charles in Charge', so it's a bit ironic. Then there's Bill Cosby who has always made me think of my Dad. They're both really funny and they do have some features that make them look similar...to me anyway. And I always remember watching the Cosby Show when I was younger with my Dad, then that makes me think of all the shows we used to watch when I was a child: Cheers, The Cosby Show, eventually Home Improvement and others. Then there's my Mama. Mom actually doesn't have a celebrity that reminds me of her. I guess she's just so wonderfully unique that there's no one like her. Well, judge the pictures yourself and tell me if you can see any resemblance. ;)

Baby Einstein

2009-10-23T18:01:00.003-07:00

Hooray for Baby Einstein! It actually keeps Rowan entertained for at least 20 minutes, and I love it! Since we got back from California last Sunday she's been acting rather off. She cries all the time and sleeps much shorter periods. It's hard to get anything done at all! And I'm in the middle of trying to get jewelry made to sell on Etsy.com. I thought she was too young for the DVDs, but while she was crying and nothing was working I figured "why not try it?" Well, I did and she actually likes it. Especially when they show the shiney objects...I guess she's like a racoon in that way ;) Anyway, I'm so glad that at least for a little while I can get some jewelry made or some laundry done. :D

Video of Rowan

2009-10-15T14:06:00.002-07:00

Here's little Rowan in the morning. Such a doll! Look out for those dimples :)

Happy One Month, baby girl!

2009-10-07T18:47:00.003-07:00

Okay, I lied...a little. In my last post I said that Rowan was one month, well...that wasn't completely true. She was 4 weeks old that day, and she actually turned one month on the 5th, so Monday. But I wanted to share a few things that I love about this precious girl all the same.

First, I know everyone thinks that their own baby is adorable, so of course I do too! She is truly precious! Rowan has the most perfect little features, cute lips, nose, eyes, and eyelashes (which just stared to get a little darker and more visible). She has adorable strawberry blond hair, and of course I just love her tiny little body altogether. :)

Ben and I are just so in love with her little sounds. Every time she coos, coughs, sneezes, even when she's upset and makes mad little sounds, they're just great!

I love tiny feet.

Tiny hands, fingers, and toes.

Soft skin.

I especially love to see the way that she loves us. It's a strange and beautiful thing to watch a newborn express love. It's impossible to describe. I can sense it and feel it from her, especially in her recognition of my voice. I love that. I especially LOVE to see her love Ben. You might not notice at first, but she does act different with him. Not a whole lot, but I can see a different pattern in her behaviors when he holds her, and I can tell that she loves him so much.

I love the way she acts when she's in the water. It's almost like she's mesmerized. She becomes very calm and almost curious. She'll just stare wide-eyed, but with a content look on her face, and she seems very happy. :)

I love that she looks cute in everything I put on her.

I love how much she looks like a little doll when she's got a little bow on her head.

She's also a somewhat hearty baby, not that she's fat at all, but she just seems very well put together and like she would be able to withstand a lot. I don't know if that makes sense.

I love watching her grow, but I really hate it too. Every time I notice growth I'm ecstatic, but then I get so sad because I know that she won't stay my small baby forever. And even though I'm enjoying every moment of it, I know that there still won't be enough moments for me. I'll want more and more and she'll just never stop growing. But I'm still excited to see her progress...to sit up, to talk, to crawl, to show excitement for the new things that she'll discover every new day. Also, I can't wait to have a girl in the home that I can ask fashionable questions to (like about jewelry), 'cause Ben's not a whole lot of help in that department, though he's a huge help in others! I can't wait, and yet I want to hold time back all the same. Bittersweet I guess, it's life.

I just love this little girl.

Where's my background?

2009-10-05T10:40:00.001-07:00

What happened? Why the white wash?

She's Here!!!

2009-10-01T16:06:00.007-07:00

I know, I know, I've been a bad girl. Rowan is one month old TODAY and this is the first time I'm writing about her. Sorry :( It's just hard to blog when I have her in my arms ALL the time!

So, our precious baby girl came to us on Saturday, September 5, '09; 4 days before her due date. She weighed 7 lbs 15 oz, and was 20 1/4 inches long. We so exciting to have her!

Here's the birth story if you're interested, and if not just go on down to the pictures and see how CUTE she is!

Friday afternoon (Sept 8), my sweet Mom and I sat on the couch most of the day trying to keep the contractions away since my sister Michelle was not going to be arriving until Sunday morning. No luck. By Friday evening I was having pretty close contractions, but they were somewhat irregular. Well, I didn't want to go to the hospital and then have them just send me home again, and I rather wanted to labor mostly at home since it's more comfortable. So we stayed at home and timed contractions nearly all night. I would sleep for

about 3 minutes at a time...that is to say, in between each contraction. Ben was already exhausted from school and such so he fell asleep. Mom went to bed and I timed contractions through the night. Around 4 am I came out to the living room and rocked on the glider chair and then Mom came and timed my contractions from then on (btw, contractionmaster.com is the best and easiest for timing contractions). Around 5:30 am they were SUPER strong so I said it was time to go. We were already all packed and ready since the night before we weren't sure if we would be going or not so we got ready anyway.

We drove to the hospital (thank goodness it wasn't far away). Once we got there we checked in and then they took their sweet time coming down for me. Finally they got me up to triage, I gave them my birth plan and I was still set on going natural. I did think for one second..."Hm, I could get the drugs and then I wouldn't feel anything...um...no, not worth it." That was the only time I ever thought about it. The nurse told Ben to go ahead and set up the labor tub in the other room, then she checked me and said "Good girl, you're already at a NINE! He might not even have time to fill up that tub."

YESSSS! I was almost there! And it wouldn't be long at all!!!

Then another younger nurse came in and said that she was going to put in a saline lock..."Um, no thanks." Then she said she needed to draw some blood..."I'll just become weakened or faint, no thanks." Never saw her again.

Finally I got to my labor room and got in the labor tub. Highly recommend these tubs, they're amazing! It felt so good to sit in the hot water while laboring. My midwife, Ramona, arrived and said that once I was ready to push to get up on the bed. I still hadn't decided on a laboring position for delivery when I was ready to push. I had kind of planned on the squat, but it just didn't feel right so I laid on the bed. Ramona had to break my water (I figured she would since they had to do that for my Mom and Michelle for many of their pregnancies). After that I pushed for about 20 mins or so and she was out at 9:09 am! It totally didn't feel like that long, actually I could've sworn that the whole morning only took 1 hour instead of 4! Ramona was so great. I highly recommend a midwife, but especially her. She was so supportive, gave clear directions, and was there the WHOLE time! I just love her!
The whole experience was amazing! I'm totally not afraid of labor at all. It's hard, I'll never say it's not. But I think it's all about endurance and relaxing through the contractions. If I relaxed my whole body through a contraction, well it's hard to do, but it actually was less painful and I swear it made me dilate quicker. Actually, I had Ben help me by repeating to me to "relax, relax", that way it was more like taking orders and easier to do.

Rowan and I were in the hospital for just under 2 days, we left the next night. Our staff was amazing, THANK YOU GUYS! Michelle still arrived Sunday morning, and she and Mom were the BIGGEST help the following week, I'm so grateful to them! Especially when Rowan was trying to figure out her feeding/sleeping schedule and probably figure out why she was out in the open instead of cozy inside of me, they took shifts during the night to help Ben and I sleep. Love you both so much!!! Thank you for taking time away from family and work to help us out, and thank you to the families back home that let them come and help us. :)

We are still adjusting to our little babe, but figuring her out more and more all the time. It's just so neat to have a little person with tiny little fingers and toes, and eyes and lips, she's so precious!!! It's amazing to me how she came together perfectly! I just don't understand how people can see that miracle and not believe in God. I'm grateful to have been able to be a part of that miracle. Though the greater challenge, I'm sure, will be the lifetime role of being a good mother. I hope I do well at that, 'cause that's what really counts. We love Rowan so much and feel truly blessed.

WARNING: Lots of photos::

Here is me in labor at home. WOW! I was HUGE!

(Sorry about the size of the pictures. First they were too big, now they're too small. Well, I'll go and resize them, but for now this is what'cha get.) (And blogger is being weird and won't let me write in between the pictures, but they're pretty self-explanitory. Enjoy!)

Place your bets....

2009-09-04T07:18:00.002-07:00

Just a quick poll to see when you think this baby will finally be born. I'm really not too anxious to "get her out of me" like I've been hearing from others that recall their month #9. But I am anxious to see her and hold her.

My midwife did say that I had three things going for me this weekend:

1. There's a storm coming

2. Full Moon

3. LABOR DAY!

K, she did say the last one was a joke, but that she really does see more babies born during storms and full moons...huh, who'd have thought?

So, when do you think it'll be? Poll to the right. :D

Still pregnant...

2009-08-27T20:39:00.001-07:00

so I forget to blog. Sorry :(

But I do have good news! My Mama is coming tomorrow!!!

Health Care, everyone's talk'n 'bout it!

2009-08-21T18:15:00.002-07:00

I don't want to get too political in my blog, unless I deemed a certain topic really necessary for me to voice my opinions. But I did just send an email to my Congressman, Jeff Flake, asking him to vote against the Health Care Reform Bill, and I thought that some of you might find his response interesting. So, here it is:

Dear Crystal,

Thank you for contacting me about universal healthcare.

The rising cost of healthcare is truly a major problem. As you know, over 45 million Americans are either unable to acquire health insurance on their own or simply choose not to have coverage.

I believe that all Americans should have access to affordable healthcare, and the federal government can achieve this by making the market as open as possible and encouraging health insurance companies to offer a wide variety of plans that cover a wide variety of health conditions. The key to meaningful reform is not more government intervention, but rather to allow the free market to control costs and improve quality through choice and competition.

For those truly unable to acquire health insurance, government programs like Medicaid and welfare are available to qualifying individuals. Medicaid is ahealth insurance program jointly funded by both the states and the federal government. The United States welfare program provides assistance to qualified low-income individuals and families.

Waste, fraud, and abuse are prevalent in government programs, and we owe it to all taxpayers to ensure that only those who truly need assistance are the ones receiving it. Expanding the government's role in healthcare will not create access to affordable healthcare but, as we have seen in other countries that have nationalized their healthcare systems, will only create delays, rationing, and increased overall costs. Instead, a free market system will lower costs, encourage innovation, and empower individuals.

I believe that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a successful example of the free market system encouraging individuals to obtain health insurance and control where their health care dollars are spent. Millions of Americans are now taking advantage of HSAs, which allow pre-tax dollars to be used for health care expenditures. I support the expansion of HSAs, so that more Americans will have the freedom to determine the direction of their health care dollars.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to do so again in the future. I also encourage you to visit my website, which may be found athttp://flake.house.gov/.

Sincerely, JEFF FLAKE Member of Congress

WYRW - thought provoking

2009-08-15T15:18:00.014-07:00

So sorry about missing last weeks WYRW!

This and last week have been crazier than usual, since I've been training my replacement at work, which can be more tiring than just working...or that's just the pregnancy. She's great though and I know she'll do a great job! But with keeping my mind busy like that, it's hard to think of anything outside work. So, there was no "Would You Rather Wednesday" last week.

I have to admit that I was a little surprised by the votes in the last poll. I did think there would be more even votes, but I guess it's more appealing to chew on a dried piece of someone else's saliva than risk a "potty" mouth disease ;)

Well, I thought I'd throw in a quick WYR for today. Considering how much our world revolves around the computer these days (for work, keeping up with friends, email, blogging, facebook, etc.) I came up with the following poll:

Would You Rather:

a) Never be able to use the computer again.

...OR...

b) Be paralyzed

Details::: This is set in your current circumstances; no fantasy world here. So, what will it be???

Oh, and don't you love the pic? I know we all have those days...Happy Polling (top right)!

A Sunbeam's Love

2009-08-09T18:51:00.005-07:00

I read this story in the New Era today, and just had to share it with all of you. And yes, I still get the New Era, I guess I'm just still so young at heart :)

It's truly precious, please read on.

The Visitor

Ken Merrell, “The Visitor,” New Era, May 2000, 9

When Mike visited my class, he was faced with a startling question.

When I was 18, as I was preparing to serve a mission, my bishop called me to teach the Sunbeams. I had never before learned to love others more than myself until I had served those children in such a simple assignment. With time and patience I learned how to keep those seven children in their seats and listening to a simple lesson.

One day I invited Mike* to come to church and sit in my class. Mike was my age but had stopped attending church completely by the time he was 12. We had remained friends over the years as I had served as the deacons quorum president, the teachers quorum president, and first assistant to the bishop in the priests quorum. He had been the topic of many fellowshipping discussions and was often part of my prayers as the years had passed. Once in a while Mike would accept my invitations to come to an activity. It always surprised me when he did, so I kept inviting him.

At that time, Mike had long, black hair and a beard. His complexion was dark and pleasant. I don’t remember when I invited him to my Primary class, but one day he showed up.

“Class, I would like to introduce you to my friend Mike,” is how I began my lesson. “He is visiting us today.”

Mike sat next to me in front. The children sat in a semicircle with their eyes fixed on him. They were much quieter than usual. I was about five or six minutes into the lesson when one little boy got up from his chair and walked across the room and stood directly in front of my friend. The boy paused for a moment and then climbed onto his lap. I continued with the lesson as I watched the two of them from the corner of my eye.

The boy sat looking into Mike’s face. Mike was quite uncomfortable but did not interrupt the lesson or turn the boy away. The other children watched the two of them for a few minutes.

Then one of the girls climbed off her seat and approached Mike. I was intently interested in seeing how Mike would react and did not want to instruct the two children to return to their seats. The girl stood with her hand on Mike’s knee looking into his face.

Then it happened. The boy on Mike’s lap reached up with both hands and turned Mike’s face directly to his. I stopped my lesson to see what was about to unfold.

With the innocence of a child, he said to Mike, “Are you Jesus?”

The look on Mike’s face was total surprise. It seemed, as I glanced at the children’s faces, they all had the same question on their minds.

Mike looked at me as if to say, Help, what do I say?

I stepped in. “No, this is not Jesus. This is His brother.”

Mike looked at me as if in shock.

Then without hesitation the boy in Mike’s lap reached up and wrapped his arms around Mike’s neck. “I can tell,” the boy said as he hugged Mike.

The rest of the children smiled and nodded in agreement as their simple question was answered. Mike blinked back the tears in response to the love he felt from this small Sunbeam. The lesson went on, but that day the teacher who taught the most was a three-year-old child.

Mike spent more than a year getting ready to serve a mission. It thrilled me to learn that he left for the mission field a few months before I returned. I still think of the scripture in Matthew 18:5 [Matt. 18:5]: “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.”

We can learn so much from children, through their example of love and innocence.

Here is the link to the story online at www.newera.lds.org. Click here to go directly to the story.

New Challenge

2009-08-09T14:50:00.002-07:00

Today we had Stake Conference. And just about every Stake Conference our Stake President gives the Stake a challenge. The new challenge he presented today, is one I'm very excited about!

New Challenge to all the Stake:

Be out of consumer debt in 24 months.

Wow! That's amazing! Can you imagine how many lives this will change?? Imagine if this challenge was presented to ALL American's and they DID it! What a different world we would live in, that's for sure. Of course he doesn't assume that they will all do it by themselves, but there are so many resources within the church, or out of the church that can help. So, he did present those resources so that if anyone needed it, they could get help. How awesome. I'm just really excited about this, and I think it will do a world of good :D

It's that time again!

2009-08-06T07:07:00.004-07:00

Wow, so by one vote the outcome of Would You Rather Wednesday, from last week, was that the majority would rather LIVE FOREVER! I can see the appeal. I myself voted for die tomorrow, things are just getting too crazy around here. But then again I see Angie's (I mean Sept's) point, that you could go and see the whole world and have unlimitless time to do anything you ever wanted. Then I wonder if I really would do all of that though. If I don't do it now (supposedly), would I do it with more time on my hands, or just do the same thing I'm doing now for FOREVER? I don't know? A good debate I think.

SO, for this week I thought I'd make it a little more crazy. Yeah, it's kinda gross I guess, but I really wonder which would you choose. And I know what you're thinking, but YES you have to choose, haha.

Would you rather:

a) Lick a toilet seat

b) Chew on a piece of used gum

Details: The toilet seat could be any random toilet seat (no, it's not yours right after you cleaned it). And the gum is any random piece of gum, like one off of this wall here (below) that my brother Robert seemed to enjoy ;)

And if you would, please add a comment as to why you choose which option, I'm DYING of curiosity!

Poll to the right. Thank you and happy voting!

Would you Rather...

2009-07-29T23:50:00.006-07:00

***UPDATE: 1) I realized that religiously speaking, living forever could be like living happily in heaven or anything similar to that, so the "living forever" means: living like you are now, here on this earth as it is right now, FOR-EV-ER (name the movie). 2) If you would like to share your opinion as to why you choose what you choose, please do so under the comments of this post. Happy polling!***

I've always been into the Would You Rather Game. I like thinking of things to compare would/or wouldn't I rather do, or which would be worse. So, I've decided to have a little Would You Rather Poll spot on my blog! How exciting, I know~

This weeks Would You Rather (WYR), came to me while Ben and I were watching the movie Tuck Everlasting. Good family Disney movie, if you're looking for one. There's a lot of discussion about what's worse or better, to live forever or choose death? So, here we are with this weeks WYR:

a) Live Forever
b) Die Tomorrow

Please see the poll to the right and click on your answer. I'm excited to see the results!

P.S. - I will always vote on my own polls, in case you were wondering. :)

Give 'em a twist, a flick of the wrist...

2009-07-29T23:26:00.005-07:00

I have to admit that my new favorite song is "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts"

I don't know what it is, but it's just so happy and bouncy, and fun to sing along! All I ever really knew about this song was from, well... the Lion King when Zazu sings the chorus to Scar, then somehow the whole song magically appeared in my life, and things will never be the same again ;)

Well, I know the first recording was done by Danny Kaye, but I couldn't find any video of him singing it, so Merv Griffin will have to do, but no worries he's good too. Check out the facial expressions! So fun :D

Check out the video here.

Love it!

After baby comes I...

2009-07-21T20:51:00.005-07:00

Things that I'm looking forward to after the baby comes, and that will help me push through labor:

Wearing clothes that fit.

Wearing clothes I like.

Not having a constant jabbing in my ribs.

Going hiking, or going anywhere farther than my car without getting out of breath.

Hiking the Subway next spring, and being able to get in shape for it prior to going.

Wearing high heels.

Bending over.

Being able to take a bath with the water covering my whole body and not having a giant belly jutting out getting cold.

NO MORE SWELLING FEET!

Loosing my water weight (not to mention baby weight).

Sleeping in any position I like without pain :)

Being able to look down and see my feet.

Being able to put my book in my lap and read it, or on my belly without it getting kicked around.

And of course the best and biggest reasons:

I'll have an adorable baby to take care of and love (What? Me a Mom?? That's right :)

I get to see her everyday, feed her, clean her, dress her, and love her.

I get to see Ben be a cute new Daddy (so excited about that!).

I can't wait to share loving her with family and friends and letting them love her too!

Being a stay at home Mom, and that includes seeing her grow and develop each and everyday 'cause I'll be there! :D

Things that I will miss about being pregnant:

Seeing her squirm around in my belly.

The feeling of her squirming around in my belly.

The connected feeling I have with her, kinda like...I can feel what she's like, personality-wise, and she kinda keeps me company (sounds weird I know).

Yeah, I think that's all I'll miss about being pregnant, not much there. ;)

Overall, I really want to meet her face to face and carry her in my arms. As well as I want to wear my favorite t-shirt again (that doesn't fit me right now).

To Doula, or not to Doula?

2009-07-13T17:50:00.002-07:00

Wow, this picture makes me feel so much better about myself :D

ANYWAY...

Since the time of "baby delivery" is drawing near, and I want to be all prepared, and I would like to get some input from you. I guess in my mind I thought that my midwife would be there from when I started labor 'till the end, but in reality she only gets there when I get to the hospital. Which is still a long time, since they are there for all the more intense labor and of course the delivery, but I've been thinking about possibly getting a Doula. A Doula is like a labor coach, someone who knows all about pregnancy and delivery, the good signs and the bad signs, etc. They know the positions and things to do to make you more comfortable during the first round of labor pains into the rest of labor. They help the Dad know what kind of massages and things he can do to help. I guess you meet with them 2 or 3 times before you go into labor and then they are there for the ENTIRE labor from when you first start feeling it at home. I'm probably not making sense. Okay, for a better definition click here.

One of the main reasons that I want a Doula is that I would like to be in the hospital for as little time as possible. I'm not a big fan of hospitals and especially the way women in labor tend to be rushed through the process when they're there. Well, they can't exactly rush me when I'm not going to accept any drugs so, I guess that's moot, but still I don't like being there all the same. So, I would like to labor at home as much as possible, and then get there and just be ready to deliver! If that's possible...I did see it on one episode of "Deliver Me" that was on youtube. I've watched a lot of natural births on youtube now, and a lot of them tend to have Doula's, unless they're birthing at home, then they just used a midwife.

What I'd really love is to give birth in a birthing center (much more comfortable, and you don't have to clean it later ;), but sadly the closest one is in Tucson. Ohhhhh... :(

I've only known one other person that has used a Doula, so I just don't know if I really need one since Mom and Michelle will be there too, but at the same time...gah, I don't know. So, what do you know of Doula's and what's your opinion on them? If you had one, did you find it helpful? The statistics are pretty awesome, see them here. I'm all for shorter labor!!!

Anyway, let me know you're opinion, or what you've heard. I'm just trying to get as much info as I can, while I can ;)

~Crystal

Okay, REALLY??

2009-07-11T08:27:00.001-07:00

While at the gas station the other day, I saw this on the gas pump:

On this gas pump. Good 'ol number 9.

Okay, really? Really??

Who's fault was this one? Who was it that decided that it would be a good idea to try to smoke gasoline?

I sure don't know, but I'm glad they got that warning out to the rest of us. Just in case ;)

Wahh!

2009-07-10T16:02:00.002-07:00

I'm so depressed! I just got back from the Midwife's office for my check up and I've gained weight again!!! I'm not even going to write how much I gained, it's really embarassing. I'm getting anxious about my midwife too. She doesn't really seem to listen to me when I ask her things. It could be because she had a girl that was in labor and "pushing", so she was trying to get through all her clients really fast, but I'd much rather reschedule and have her listen to me, then have no appointment at all. Gah. And if I were that woman in labor I'd be mad 'cause she wasn't there. That makes me anxious too. I think I like the other midwife in the office better, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to switch to her. We'll see. I have another appointment next week.

Sorry for the rambling.

=)

2009-07-07T08:25:00.004-07:00

I kinda feel like I don't post enough, like I wait too long in between posts, but when I post I want it to be something good...and with any luck some good pictures too. But there's no harm in updating I guess ;)

I was going to make my next post about my work trip to Laguna Beach, but I guess I'm not getting those pictures for a while, so I'll just wait. Since everyone is posting about their 4th of July day I guess I'll join in.

For the 4th Ben and I left in the morning for our ward's...correction: old ward's (sigh of sadness, we're going to miss them), Patriotic 4th of July pancake breakfast. I have to tell you it was awesome! Between Sis. Moritz's 4th of July/constitutional trivia, the musical numbers, and the BEST pancakes I've ever eaten, it may have been one of my best 4th's ever! I really appreciate the time the ward took into putting together the program and event, it was awesome! We sure are going to miss you all!!! But we'll keep in touch :)

Then Ben and I went to Home Depot to look at some ceiling fans, and paint colors (some decorating may be going on soon in our new apt). After that we came home and started to unpack some boxes. Did I mention we just moved? Maybe I didn't. We just moved. haha. Last week, right after I got back from Laguna we started packing and on Monday and Tuesday we moved everything out. Thank you John for letting us borrow your truck! We really like our new place, but I'll come back to that in a min. Anyway, after unpacking for a while we were getting hungry, and after moving it seemed that we had eaten through a lot of groceries before leaving, so we decided to go out that night. One of my favorite things is breakfast food, even for dinner. So, we went to IHOP! Yummmy! Afterwards we were going to go to MCC for fireworks, but we overheard at IHOP that they were canceled and the only one close by was at Tempe Town Lake. I've heard they're awesome there, 'cause they play patriotic music and you can see the fireworks reflection in the water, but there's really only one way in and out of there, and it gets super crowded. Well, Ben and I decided that we would rather go see Transformers 2, so we did! It wasn't crowded at all, and we enjoyed ourselves. I liked the movie a lot, but it was way more crass and crude than the last one. Plus, lots more swearing.

Anyway, right as we came out from the movie we noticed some people in the parking lot staring off into the distance. They were watching the fireworks from Tempe Town Lake right from the parking lot, and we could see them really well! Plus, the best part was that there was a flagpole nearby that had our beautiful American flag waving just to the left of the fireworks...it was amazing! So, that was our 4th, it was a lot of fun!

Back to our new apartment. Well, one great thing is that we live right across the way from some of our friends, so we already know people, yeah! The apartment is much roomier (2 bed, 2 bath) and we even have a little laundry room, woohoo! Like I was saying about the paint, they told us that we could paint as long as we paint it back before we move, but it's going to be so cute, they won't want us to change it back ;)

We're not going to paint everything, probably just a couple of accent walls in the living room and bedroom. Maybe we'll do the kitchen, not so sure. We'd love to do the bathroom a nice mint color, and check out the idea I'm stealing from Thrifty Decor Chick's nursery. For baby's room a nice chair railing molding (her explanation makes it so simple!).

Then the stripes, but we're going to use a light purple and cream instead of greens and cream. Cute huh?!

Well, those are the plans for now. I luckily have the week off (the whole office does) so it gives me time to unpack, unpack, unpack...not to mention DECLUTTER! I can't believe we have soooo much STUFF! Yuck. I wish I could have a yard sale 'cause I definitely have plenty to get rid of. Anybody want some stuff?? Maybe I'll post some things (good stuff) on here in case someone does want it. :)

Have a great week, and keep blogging (to those of you that do), 'cause I love reading them!

~Crystal

P.S. - Did I mention we live right behind a Sonic! Happy Hour from 2-4, drinks and slushes 1/2 off, I love it!!!