A Mom and a Dad

Ok, I always knew families were supposed to have a mom, a dad and however many kids. I always felt bad for single moms, having to be both nurturer and provider. It wasn't until tonight that I realized, and truly appreciated, how divinely inspired the basic family unit is. And all these feminists that are having kids without a husband are absolutely BONKERS! I know there are other situations out there that result in single motherhood, but those that are actually choosing to be single moms... I can't imagine.

Tonight, I baby-sat for our neighbors. It was their anniversary and I figured everyone deserves to go out on their anniversary, especially if they have kids. So, when he asked, I was a little hesitant since I'd have to do it alone and they have 3 kids... 2 rambunctious little boys and a little girl who is only a few months old. And I'd be bringing my own kid along... he's still inside, but that has it's own obstacles. But, it was their anniversary. It wasn't an awful experience or anything... they were actually pretty good. I mean, they did fight a little and make a few messes and of course the baby cried an inconsolable cry while I was trying to get the oldest to bed and only wanted to be walked around with, turned facing out (which was killer on my back... and our little bean wasn't too fond of the screaming person sitting on his already cramped quarters)... but it made me grateful to have a husband that is excited to be a dad and that actually wants to help raise our kids. He even says he wants to help with middle-of-the-night feedings. I'll be on my own for the first few weeks, but once little bean can take a bottle, I won't turn down offered help. We'll see if he still actually does want to help with those feedings once we have to do a few of them... especially with the crazy, long hours he's been putting in at work. He'll probably be just as exhausted and sleep-deprived as me, even if he doesn't help in the middle of the night.

Like I said, it wasn't an awful, horrid experience. It just gave me a new sense of gratitude for my amazing husband and for the uplifting and sincere hope (who knows what this life will hold and what may happen) that I won't have to raise my children alone.

Seven Months Crazy

This past weekend we were able to take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. We spent the weekend up Scout Mountain in Caribou National Forest, camping. I know, seven months pregnant and camping...? Am I completely bonkers? We actually only spent one night (which was enough for me) but it really wasn't that bad. My only complain was that the airbed wasn't very supportive and my hips started to hurt... and AJ kept smothering me. He was afraid I'd get cold and so kept sliding closer to snuggle, even though I was moving away because I was cooking to death. It was a little funny. He was only thinking of me though, and I love him for it.

We came back to town for some things we'd forgotten and some things we discovered we needed after a scrumptious breakfast. We made it back up in time for lunch. AJ then helped Travis fix the brakes on the ATV they'd borrowed. And ate a delicious dinner. We played some games with Travis and Misty and then came home for bed.

We got up Sunday and went to Sacrament meeting before heading back up to a rainy afternoon and evening in the mountains.

We went up with some friends and their family. It was great to get to know them and to spend the weekend with Travis and Misty. We are thankful for such good friends and the invite. We had a great weekend. And we ate incredibly well. It was delicious and I'm sure a couple of these recent extra pounds aren't just from a growing baby.

We were able to get some gorgeous sunset pictures though. I love summer time!

Back From Boise

We are back from Boise, whew! It was nice to be able to go with AJ this time, but there really is no place like home. All the things I never thought I'd miss, I did. Things like the dishwasher, the washing machine and dryer, the full size fridge, and a toilet that doesn't try to suck you down every time you flush it or at least spray you with toilet contents (yuck!). That was always interesting. Yesterday, when AJ came back for lunch, we were both in the bathroom. He flushed the toilet and we both jumped to the side. It was kinda funny. Here's a quick update of our trip.

We left Sunday, Mother's Day, around 9pm. It was after midnight by the time we got all our stuff up to the room. AJ started class the next morning. I made my nursing pillows and started working on or little 'childbirth class'. Wow, there's a lot of info on that, but knowledge is power, right? I guess we'll see.


On Wednesday, we took a little roadtrip to Caldwell and bought our car seat and stroller combo. It was the last major baby item we needed and it's a relief to know that we don't have to worry about it anymore... and that we can actually bring our baby home from the hospital. =] We hadn't really done much for Mother's Day (as far as AJ and I) because we were so busy trying to get ready to leave. I didn't have many expectations and so wasn't disappointed. AJ did wish me a "Happy Mother's Day", so at least I knew he didn't forget or totally ignore it, and I was ok with that. He did admit, though, that he felt bad for not doing more, and in this case it really was the thought that counted. It was nice to know that he did remember and had grander intentions. My parents and sisters were here Saturday and time kinda got away.

Friday night, AJ made reservations at Tucanos. We got there and the parking lot was full of people waiting for seats. It was awesome to walk right in and be taken to a table immediately. Especially when the people in front of us were told there was a 20-30 minute wait. We stuffed our bellies to bursting with a delicious assortment of meats, and of course grilled pineapple. Yuuuummmmmyy! My favorite (well, besides the pineapple) this time was probably the teriyaki beef. It was scrumptous. It was slightly more expensive than we'd anticipated, but it was fun to actually have a date on date night. We've slacked a little since I got pregnant and AJ wasn't working. We were together all the time and date night kinda fell by the wayside. We also had to make a trip to Wal-Mart for some Rolaids and whipped cream. I know, quite the combo, huh? The whipped cream was for our chocolate pudding tho... and the Rolaids are pretty self explanitory.

Saturday, after AJ got done with class, we went to look at new phones at the Verizon store. We were kinda just looking, especially since we showed up about an hour before they closed. It was a fun little adventure and I enjoyed the time I got to spend with my hubby.
Sunday, AJ called me about 10 minutes after I crawled out of bed and asked if I wanted to go with him to lunch. Some of the other guys in his class were going to and one of the guys was super nice enough to pay for everyone. It may not have been the most appropriate Sunday activity, but I think it's important for AJ to be able to spend some leisure time with the guys he may one day have to put his life in their hands. It's easier to trust someone in a life-or-death situation when you're already friends with them.

Monday we went back to the Verizon store. I found a phone that I am in love with and my line was eligible for upgrade. The phone I have now suffices, but it's kinda cheaply made. We should've done more research on it before we bought it. Well, they ended up not having any in stock... and it was cheaper to order it online anyways. Well, at Wal-Mart they had an upgrade from AJ's Blackberry Pearl to a Blackberry Curve for $8.88. So, for what my upgrade would've cost we both got new phones.
AJ took his final test on Tuesday and as soon as he was done with his class we hit the highway home. We got back last night around 6pm or so. We just relaxed at home... as well as putting together our stroller. AJ got up this morning and went off to his first day of work at his new job.

It's sure good to be home.

Projects #1 & 2

So, I was super lucky and blessed enough to get to come with AJ this time. Instead of being stuck at home all alone I sit in an Army barracks all day, waiting for my Soldier Boy to come home... but it definitely beats a couple text messages, possibly a phone call and lots of lonely nights. However, in order to not go completely insane in this little room, I brought along several projects to entertain myself durng the day.

Project #1:

I want a nursing pillow for after our baby is born... but they can be quite pricey. Since I don't have $20-$85 to spend on a little pillow I decided to try crafting one with my own two hands. I wanted one that was made with a sturdy cover and then had cute little slipcovers that go over it, so they can be washed when they get dirty. I searched everywhere for study, pillow-like fabric... you'll never guess where I finally found what I was looking for. That's right, on a pillow! We found a two pack of jumbo size pillows at Wal-Mart. I cut the tops open, took all the stuffings out and shaped the cases the way I wanted. I used the original stuffings in my newly-formed nursing pillows. I have the pillows made, but still working on the slip covers. The first one I did in a traditional "Boppy" c-shaped pillow, but it turned out a little small, especially for AJ. The second one I did in more of a u-shape. It turned out bigger and AJ should be able to use that pillow a lot easier. For bottle feedings... that is. He already pointed out to me that he wouldn't be using either of them for nursing. What a little smarty pants. So, I ended up with 2 nursing pillows for what a single, cheap one would've cost me. That makes me happy.

Project #2:

AJ and I wanted to take a childbirth class before our baby decides to make an appearance, since neither one of us have ever done this before. Unfortunately, the classes the hospital offers are once a week, for three weeks. And, of course, all the available classes fall on a three-week span in which AJ will possibly have to be gone for at least one or two of the classes. What to do, what to do?

So, the solution we came up with... I am researching all the basics on the topics they cover in a childbirth class and then will present my information to AJ. I told AJ there's nothing like 'the blind leading the blind'. He claimed he was used to such arrangements. So, I guess that's what we'll do. I've been working on it and decided that short of saying "here, read this..." out of several books and such a powerpoint would be the easiest way to organize, as well as present, the mountains and mountains of information. AJ has made fun of me for putting a little more than just basic text and such on some of the slides, but at least it's giving me something to do.

AJ has AT the three weeks before and during our little bean's due date... hopefully, he'll be able to be there for the birth. Although, I'm not thrilled to have to go through labor alone, either. Well, I won't really be alone, my mom will be here... but AJ helped get us into this, it would be nice if he were there to help get us out of it too. At least he will be in Boise, not Iraq or Afghanistan. The most he'll miss would be three weeks of midnight, 2am, 5am, and 8am feedings, those yucky meconium diapers, breastfeeding by trial and error (possibly with crying from both baby and mother), the yucky umbilical stump, however many times I may get peed on cuz I'm not used to having to clean little boy parts and, of course, hours and hours of pain during labor.

Wii Are Having Fun Now

My parents came into town last Saturday. My Great-Grandma passed away and her funeral was on Tuesday, so they came up for that. AJ and I had to leave Sunday so he could be at his class Monday morning. We were able to see them before we had to leave. We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse to celebrate Mother's Day with my parents and sisters, aunt and uncle, and my cousin and her kids. It was fun to get to see everybody. My sisters came back to our house while my parents went to run some errands. We played the Wii for probably close to 5 hours... that's gotta be a record! Hahaha. Although, sadly, I'm sure it's not. We sure had fun though!

Kaiti catching a hula hoop on Wii Fit

Kimme and Kaiti playing tennis

Playing Mario Kart... AJ had already kicked our tushies

Trimester Number 3

The exciting news this week... besides the fact that I'm not stuck at home, just in an Army barracks, while AJ had to come to a class in Boise... we're officially 2/3 of the way thru this pregnancy. That's right only two and a half more months and we'll have a little boy in our arms, instead of in my belly. YAY! Although, I'm sure this will be the most uncomfortable trimester, at least it will be the last one... 'cause if he doesn't come out on his own, I'm going in to get him out! I can't wait until my stomach doesn't feel like it's constantly tumbling and turning. Sometimes our little bean wiggles around so much it makes me feel a little sick. So, only about 12 more weeks to get all the things we still need, to get the house baby-ready, to get the little bean's space organized... oh, and to pick out a name. Only about 12 more weeks until our little couple becomes a family. Only about 12 more weeks until our lives will never again be the same... talk about bittersweet emotions!

And It Came To Pass...

AJ had a job interview this morning...

... at a bio-diesel company located in American Falls, about 20 miles from here. He wasn't real worried about it, other than some of the other guys that were interviewing had more industrial experience than he does. They went through the interview (which was more of a small training class and then a tour of the facility). It's WAAY more math and chemistry than I would ever want in a job, but my cute little nerd was soaking it up like a sponge. He loved it, he came home talking all nerdy and sciency.

AJ got a phone call a couple hours later. They informed him that HE GOT THE JOB! We're excited and I'm so proud of him. We have been incredibly blessed and know who is behind this. There was way too much 'perfect timing' for it to have all been a coincidence. It truely pays off to pay tithing and listen to promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Thus, it came to pass that my fabulous husband did go forth and obtain gainful employment, with which he intends to provide for his cute, little family. Yea, I mean Yay!

My Ghost Stories

Ghost Story #1:
It's not really a ghost story, but I was slightly worried...
AJ worked Wednesday night at Home Depot helping to rearrange some displays and such. He left around 8ish and I expected him back around 4am. I went to bed about 3:30. I woke up around 7am and still no husband. I figured it had just taken longer than they thought; but then, of course, my mind jumped to all the bad things that could possibly have happened. Well, about that time I had that familiar pressure on my bladder. I also had a little Jackie Chan practicing Kung-Fu on my ribs and anything else he could reach. I got up to go to the bathroom and eat something, hoping that would make my little martial artist go back to sleep. AJ walked in about the time I was on my way back up to bed. It startled him that: A) I was standing just inside the door when he opened it B) that I was actually awake and standing just inside the door. 7am is not a time of day I see very often. AJ showered and then made us some delicious smoothies. He got in bed and was asleep in like 3 seconds. He got a couple of phone calls about an hour or so after we fell asleep, but then it was off into the land of La-La.

Ghost Story #2:
I woke up to what I thought was knocking on the front door. We were expecting a package from UPS so I figured I better go answer it so we didn't have to try to be around for a re-delivery. On my way down the stairs, I heard someone pressing the numbers on our keypad lock and twisting the handle, trying to open the door. I thought that was weird, but figured that maybe AJ had told Travis or someone to come pick something up and just come in. Well, I get to the bottom of the stairs and open the door... and this older lady is standing there with what I assumed to be her grandson. She stepped back quickly and was like "Oh, this is the wrong one." I was still a little sleepy and looked at her like "Duh." She apologized over and over and I could tell she was absolutely mortified. I told her it was fine and closed the door.

If it had been midnight instead of noon, I would've made AJ go get the door. But, I thought it was just UPS. Admittedly, it may not have been the smartest thing to do after I heard someone pressing the keypad (especially since I was wearing a bathrobe and not much else). And all the while, my Knight in Shining Armor never left the land of deepest slumber.

13 More Weeks

Only 13 more weeks of pregnancy left! Woohoo! I am beyond excited. Even though I know I'm going to grow to the size of a barn and then swell like a puffer fish. We have a fully formed baby boy, he's just putting on the baby fat and his lungs are developing a little more. Yay! It's always comforting to know that if he had to come right now, he'd have a very decent chance at surviving with today's medical technology. That helps make the last six months a little more worthwhile. =]

We had a doctor's appointment yesteday. I had to take the dumbest test ever... the Gestational Diabetes glucose test. I couldn't eat or drink anything, except water, for 3 hours before the test (thank goodness for that at least, at least I could give a urine sample). Then, I had to drink this super sweet solution of 50 grams of glucose. It actually tasted better than I thought it would; not great, but tolerable. A lot of women get nauseated from all the sugar and the empty tummy. The worst part for me: not being able to eat for 3 hours. I felt more sick in the hour before we went to the appointment than I did after I drank the sugar juice. Hopefully, that was a good sign, at least as far as the GD goes. Sometimes I need me some chocolate!

We also talked about getting this baby here... mostly brought on by the fact that my friend was induced Monday morning. It was kinda on my mind. At this point, I measure right on schedule. We start the last trimester next week, and that'll be when baby bean puts on most of his weight. The doctor wasn't really too worried about it... until we mentioned the fact that AJ was 10lbs 4oz when he was born. I was 7lbs 6oz. After, she heard that she made a note to keep an eye on that, which makes me feel better. She agreed there's no way I could have a 9lbs or 10lbs baby... "8lbs will still be really hard"... her words, not mine. So, we'll see what happens I guess.

We also talked about the weird little shadow she saw on our first ultrasound. She said it's not usually any more than a calcified muscle in his heart, which she didn't seem to think was much of a big deal... I don't know anything about it, so I guess unless we find out it's something serious, I'm not gonna worry. However, we get to have another ultrasound to check it out. We were thinking they'd do it in like a month or so... We scheduled it for tomorrow before we left the office. Not that either AJ or I have any complaints about that. It's always fun to see the crazy little monkey swinging from my rib cage.

Check back for more pictures and or video...

Time to Celebrate

Today's big news: AJ passed his PT test!

Yay! He worked long and hard and definitely deserves this victory. Although this means we still have to put up with the Army, at least he's still actually in the Army... I'm so proud of you and all your hard work. Congratulations, Sweetheart! I love you. Time to celebrate!

That's What I'd Call a Successful Weekend

So, AJ and I decided to take a little vacation this past weekend. We had been talking about making a trip down to Salt Lake area to check out some of the baby stores we don't have around here, as well as Ikea.

AJ called and made reservations at Hotel Mathers (his sister's house) and we left Friday around 3ish. We hit up Ikea on our way down. They had some really decent cribs for good prices, but they weren't my dream crib, so we held off. Besides, we wanted to see what some of the other stores had. We did splurge on a lingionberry juice and a cinnamon roll though. We had to stop at Chadder's for a burger and fries for dinner too. We spent Friday night with AJ's sister Jewelia and her family. The first thing we had to do when we got there was go see their chickens. And the new chicken coop they were building; which, by the way, is finished now and looks just fabulous. We eventually made our way to American Fork and our hotel reservation. We watched an episode of Grey's Anatomy with Tavia and then went to bed.

We got up Saturday morning and went to breakfast at Chris and Jewelia's... it was delicious! They continued working on their new chicken coop while I... napped on the couch. I thought about going out and helping, and was even about to, but I started feeling kinda icky and that then led me to my little nap on the couch. I really am soo ready to not be pregnant anymore. Less than 100 days left! =]

After they finished what they could on the chicken coop (a run to Home Depot halted the progress) AJ and I went and hit the stores we had wanted to. Baby Depot inside Burlington Coat Factory had a gorgeous crib/changing table combo... but was waay out of our price range. We did find a cool portable crib that we wrote down in our memo pad for future reference. It was kinda cool and would definitely have been a space saver. We decided that we could probably get a full sized crib from Ikea for about the same price and we'd rather do that. It was still pretty neat though. We had lunch reservations at Tucano's.... oh my... soo delicious. And you just have to get some of the grilled pineapple every time it comes around. After we ate our guts to the incredibly full level, AJ and I went and found Babies R Us and we went and cashed in a raincheck we had at Shopko. We also went to Wal-Mart... the funny story here: when we walked in the store it was drizzling a little, but when we came back out it was raining fairly hard. Harder than I realized. We walked out the doors on the opposite end of the parking lot. I hadn't zipped up my jacket, just pulled it around me. By the time we got to the car, I had a big wet spot... all across my baby belly. And that was it! Apparently it stuck out more than everything else. It was kinda funny.

We went back to Chris and Jewelia's and the rain had stopped just long enough for them to finish the chicken coop. It turned out great. They moved the chickens from their box in the garage out to their new house. We hung out with them for a while and made our way back to Seth and Tavia's for the night.

We got up the next morning, and ate some scrumptious waffles for breakfast... Thanks Seth! Then we headed to church. I'd woken up with a super stiff back and Sacrament Meeting was about all I could handle. AJ took me back to Tavia and Seth's and I spent the next two hours with a hot rice bag on my back... and napping yet again. Seems like I do that a lot... We ate when Seth and Tavia got home and then hung out for a little while. Seth had to take a nap... he works nights. Tavia, AJ and I went over to Chris and Jewelia's for dinner. It was also very delicious... we ate fantasically this weekend. We played a few rounds of Rummikub (AJ and I even won one) and a couple rounds of Yahtzee (I also won one of those... not that I kept track or anything =] ). Seth came over for a while before he had to head into work. We all eventually left, Seth for work and AJ, Tavia and I for her house. AJ and I started a movie, but called it quits before we both fell asleep.

We got up Monday, finished some shopping, and AJ found a couple of Wii remotes he wanted to look at. We did that and then left and made our way back to home, sweet home.

So, what made this weekend so successful? Well, we came back with a crib, a walker, a swing, a pack 'n play (our Shopko raincheck purchase) and two more Wii remotes and nunchucks. Three of them were hand-me-downs, and the others we didn't pay full price for. We'd sure call that success. However, we did fail at one thing: we didn't take a single picture while we were down there. Sad face. Maybe I'll have to take some pictures of our fabulous finds...

Happy Birthday...

... to AJ! Yesterday my dear husband celebrated his 25th year of life. He got up early and saw his parents off (they spent the night on their way back home to Northern Idaho), went running and came home and showered. By then, I was ready to rejoin the land of the living. We ate breakfast and then played us some Wii. He kicked my tushie at golf, but then I got a little payback when we played tennis. We both did the fitness score rating: AJ is a fitness level of a 39 year old... and I'm 59! AJ consoled me with the idea that it really meant a pregnant 39 year old. But it was more a test of coordination... and neither one of us are real strong in that area (even when I'm not pregnant I'm pretty clumsy). It was still fun though. We had been talking about grilling some hamburgers for a few days and all the talk just made me want them even more. So, we finally decided to do that for dinner. We invited some friends over and had dinner together. It was pretty delicious. We hung out with our friends for a while, but Russ works nights... they left around 8pm so he could get a little sleep before he had to go to work. AJ and I had another Wii tournament. We took our fair share of wins and losses. And then drowned ourselves in fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream and some amazing brownies. Thanks, Ashley, for the brownies! AJ didn't want me to make him a cake, he's trying to get his running time down and said we didn't need a whole cake sitting around... I had to agree there. We finally went to bed... and AJ said he had a great birthday.

AJ's "cake"... that I admittedly ate most of...

Sequence of AJ blowing out his candle...

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

Baby Quilt

I finally finished the baby quilt I started last Friday night. The edges came out a little less than professional-looking, but it works and I'm ok with it. It doesn't look awful, but it's not as perfect as I might have hoped. In fact, AJ was going to rip the seam out until his dad talked him out of it. If it works, it's good enough. I need to wash it now, to make sure all the ties are in tight and to fluff the batting a little. It was quite the project (especially seeing as I had no idea what I was doing really, I just kinda made it up as I went), but I'm very happy with the way it turned out. Hopefully, the little bean will be too.

After I tied it, before I finished the edges.

All Done!

The Back.
We were a little worried that the back would be a weird color when
compared to the front, but it turned out alright.

We Did It...

It seems I've been slacking on keeping our blog updated. Usually our lives are so boring there isn't much to write about. Well, here goes:


So, we did it. We are now the proud, and somewhat sore, owners of a Nintendo Wii. AJ found one on Craigslist, complete with a few games, that was in our price range. So, for FHE on Monday we drove up to Idaho Falls and picked it up. We spent less in gas than we would've in a store on sales tax. The games weren't really ones we wanted, so we traded those in for store credit at at local game store. We've been playing the last few days and we both woke up a little sore today. But, it's been a lot of fun and we think it was worth it.

What a Weekend

Well, I guess our little story begins when Travis called and needed AJ's help to move a dishwasher. We went over there and did that. While AJ was in the midst of that, he got a phone call reminding him that he'd volunteered to help with security that night. The school district here has a night up at the university museum that kids 8-10(ish) can go and spend the night in the museum. This year they had a science theme. A physics professor did a demonstration of some cool science experiements and such. They then split into groups and went to different departments and learned about jobs and such. AJ was a little disappointed he got stuck in the Physician's Assistant group and not with the guys doing a laser presentation.

So, while AJ spent friday night at the museum guarding little kidlets, I was determined to get a good portion of my next project done: making a baby quilt. I found a quilt panel that I absolutely adore and some flannel to back it with. I ended up spending more on it than originally planned, but I am a lot happier with the way it's turning out than one that we found already prequilted at the store. I spent hours and hours bent over this quilt cutting the batting to fit, measuring out the ties and marking them and then actually tying it. All without quilting frames! Ahh. Needless to say, I was pretty sore the next day... and even more so the day after. So much I couldn't even get out of bed! Ah, but I convinced AJ he should rub my back to help with the soreness and stiffness. And it did. He's such a stud. There will be more to come on the quilt... but it's not finished yet.

So, it has finally started to warm up a little here (actually the last few days have been absolutely gorgeous, i'm just afraid to jinx it). We decided that the nice weather wasn't something we could pass up. We headed to the park, met some friends and played some disc golf. Well, they played and I walked the course with them. I'm awful at throwing a frisbee of any shape or size and with as sore as I was from being bent over that quilt the entire night before (it really was all night, I didn't go to bed til about 6am) I decided it would be better for all involved if I just observed. However, I was able to get some neat shots of AJ and his mad skills. =]

Here's to hoping the weather stays gorgeous!

Quick Update

So, yesterday we got 4 new fishies for our tank, an algae eater and 3 silver fish... i don't remember what they were called. They have black spots on them and these long, skinny "feeler" type things that come from their lower fins. The cool thing about these fish though, is that they breathe air. They have to surface every so often and suck in air. It's pretty wild.

We also went down to Grace for FHE. My dad was in Logan yesterday for work and we all met in Grace for dinner and FHE. It was good to see everyone again. The highlight of the night, besides seeing family of course: my aunt is visiting from Arizona... and she brought her Wii. We all took turns playing bowling after the FHE lesson. I'm not good at all in real life, and so wasn't expecting much. I didn't disappoint, but it was more enjoyable than real bowling. I didn't have to wear icky, smelly shoes... and the 8 oz Wii remote didn't tweak my wrist like a 10lb bowling ball does. =] AJ and I have been thinking about one... and last night I think they sold him on the idea. We'll have to see if we have money for one, but it would definitely be a lot of fun. And might be how I can lose all this baby weight after the wiggle worm is born. Sadly, I'll only have about a month of semi-decent weather after delivery and recovery to lose the excess weight and I be much more likely to do something like this as opposed to running outside or going to a gym. I'm not a graceful exerciser and so the 'privacy of my own home' has some appeal. We don't have a final word yet, but we'll keep you posted... hehehe.

We went to the doctor today... everything seems to be going well. I finally gained a little weight... about 5 lbs in the last two months. Which beats the weight loss I had last time. Little baby is getting bigger, as is the ever-expanding belly. I can't wait to be able to roll over in bed again. And stop bumping into things.

Anyways, that's a quick update.

Random Ramblings of the Bored

Welcome to my ramblings. This post doesn't really have any pertinent information in it. Mostly, I'm just bored and randomly mumbling whatever comes to mind. You have been warned, so don't feel bad if you actually do read all of this and then wonder what the point was... there really isn't one.

So, very little has happened lately. Other than the normal complaints of pregnancy, which is getting a little old and boring on some days, there's not much to be unhappy about. AJ has decided on a color for his bike... but I'm not gonna spill the beans just yet. In case he changes his mind... or it doesn't turn out like he hopes.

In order to stave off the baby boredom, I've come up with a few projects to entertain myself with. The only hang-up now is convincing myself to actually do them. Some of them I actually have started and a few I've actually completed. The curtains I made for the living room need a little tweaking. AJ isn't really excited about them... he thinks it makes our house feel like a dungeon. I like them because they make me feel like I can open the blinds and not have the entire neighborhood staring at me all day and night long. And if I want to watch a movie and not have a glare from the window on the TV screen, I just shut the curtains. They do what I wanted them to and I think they keep our lower level warmer than it used to be. We've got such awful drafts around our window and the back door. So, fixing those are my project this weekend during conference while AJ's at Drill. That and adjusting all of my clothes that don't fit. Hemming up my pants, mostly. Story of my life.

I've gone through my clothes and pulled out the ones that don't fit anymore... now I just have to find somewhere to store them until I can wear them again (hopefully... someday, maybe). I've also washed all of the baby's clothes that we have accumulated so far. I have to find somewhere to store them too until we actually start setting up his little domain. I think we've decided to keep him in our room for the first little while. It's just so convenient to have a guest room when people come visit. We're not quite ready to give that up and AJ has too much Army and computer stuff for us to move all that out of our other spare room. We'd have no where to put it. So, unless we put our baby in the hallway... or the bathroom? or worse yet, the linen closet?... looks like our room is it. For now anyway.

So, there you have it. I'm finally caught up on laundry. Most of it is folded and put away. There are a few things in the dryer still and a basket of little baby boy clothes that need attention, but all in all, not too bad. I made potato salad from scratch today. Not really hard, but I'd never done it before. It didn't turn out too bad, if I may say so myself. AJ ate it, so I guess I'm still earning my keep around here. There is a delicious strawberry dessert chilling in the fridge (at least I'm assuming it will be delicious). I'd call it a full day. =] Especially when you consider I slept funny on my neck so it's sore... and my back is killing me.

Oh, and I've planned a sunny vacation we'll probably never take. Complete with gas mileage calculations, hotel accommodations, and attractions. Like I said, it probably will never happen, but hey, it gave me something to focus on rather than wallowing in these pregnancy blues. It doesn't hurt to dream... as long as you can differentiate and accept reality. The sunshine sure would be nice though...

AJ's Newest Project

So, there hasn't been much excitement around here lately. I guess the big news lately is that AJ has undertaken the task of repainting his motorcycle. It's a far more complicated process than I would've imagined and a bigger project than I probably would've undertaken... especially, since he's done it before. He knew how much work it was going to be. Crazy man! But, as he pointed out, he does have more time than money right now. And I think he was getting bored and needed a project.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous last weekend. And so the bikes were out and about. No way AJ was going to miss out on the opportune moment. During one ride, AJ noticed a weird noise while stopped at a stoplight. He noticed some anti-freeze on the garage floor once at home and decided to check that out. He discovered that the cooling fan that kicks on at a specific temperature, (I don't know what it is, but it's pretty warm... well, maybe not for a running engine... anyways), the fan had kicked on and had chewed into the radiator on that side. Sad day. He checked into replacing it ($350... ouch!) and repairing it ($55-$100... still ouch, but bearable). His parents are coming through on their way to Vegas sometime next month so maybe his dad can help him repair it for a fraction of the $55. The bad news: He can't ride until that gets fixed. The good news: it snowed again on Sunday. And it hasn't been real warm since. Not exactly motorcycle riding weather.

The "Before" Shots. There aren't any pictures of it, but the left side has several areas where the paint peeled and the gray primer is showing through. There are also some stickers on the gas tank that he's not so crazy about.

He's begun sanding all the old paint off and almost has that all done. He's found that when the previous owner wrecked it, it was a worse wreck than he'd realized and not really put back together as good as it could, or should, have been. So, he's been doing so light maintenance and repair on that.

AJ leaving on his motorcycle for a week in Boise.

No word on what color this new project will result in yet. He hasn't decided, although he's got a few ideas and possibilities. It's been a good project for him. It's something he cares enough about that he's doing a good, thorough job and will stick with it until it's done to his standards. The only downside: he spends time in the garage, sanding instead of on the couch with me, cuddling. Hahaha. To entertain myself, I've finished my curtain project. We now have curtains hanging in our bedroom, over our backdoor, and ones that are finished and ready to hang in our family room.

On to the next project... hemming all my maternity pants... [sigh]. You can only wear the same two pairs of pants so many times a week and none of the others fit anymore. Oh, and decorating the nursery. Or at least deciding how to...

One of those beautiful Idaho sunsets. Kodak moment.
Maybe AJ should be a freelance photographer... =]

Elder Andrew's Address

Just really fast... I have Andrew's new address in Texas. He is in the Austin, TX zone and more specifically Ceder Park, TX. If anyone is interested in writing him, let me know and I will pass the address on. He sent quite a detailed email to Mom and Dad, and they passed it on. He seems to be doing well, and has had quite the eventful past five days. He is learning lots and enjoying this new adventure. He has already realized that Southern food is delicious and will easily add pounds to a waistline. =] I'm sure he would appreciate any letters you may be inclined to write...







{hint, hint}

;-]

Texas Missionary

So it's official, Elder Andrew McCurdy is in Texas and in his first area. Living the life of a missionary. He left Provo on Wednesday and flew into San Antonio. He was able to call and talk to Mom and Dad for about 40 mins before he got on his plane. I know all enjoyed that opportunity. His Mission President sent a quick email and a photo, to let Mom and Dad know he was there and safe and settling in. Good luck, Andrew! We love you and are proud of you!

Elder McCurdy at President and Sister Cutler's home, his Mission President, on the day he arrived in Texas.