Painted House

This summer we had the entire downstairs of our house painted. Most walls had never even been painted- just plain flat drywall paint- my least favorite. I decided I NEEDED them painted- and since we have a nice house, we paid a painter to come. He is very reasonable and does a fantastic job. I can paint, and have painted lots and lots through the years- even did the bathrooms and mud room here, but not all over, and since we have nice molding, and I am not that proficient, we just hired it out. Anyway- he painted the same color throughout my downstairs. It is called Sisal- from Ralph Lauren- I use Behr paint, but the color was what I wanted. I love it.
Well, at the time the kids were in their own bedrooms- and we hadn't decided to have another baby. Leah's room was already purple, and Celeste's room was yellow. Alex's big room and our room were stark white flat paint. I could not wait to get them painted. So, a few weeks ago, we brought back our painter and had him do the bedrooms. I was so happy that day! The only room we left alone was Leah's purple room, because that will now be Elaina's room, and the big girls are together in Alex's old room, and Alex in the yellow one...we just played ring around the rooms basically.
I picked the Sisal for our room- it's just such a nice color. The girls chose Cotton Candy, and Alex chose Colorado Springs. These rooms will stay these colors for a really long time- trust me!! I have zero intention of having them redone for YEARS!! The kids love their new rooms too!
We hung curtains in the girls' room- the pink softens the purple they chose- and they seem to love that too. Alex got Atlanta Braves Fat Heads this summer, and so they were the first thing to go on the walls. He decided against curtains for now. Within a year, all our windows will have nice, faux wood white blinds in them, so they will eventually look nicer and shut out more light. Here are the new rooms:


We have actual pictures in our room! I picked these out for my own Christmas present- I am in love with squares right now, and the images are simple- love it!



The pictures don't really do the colors much justice, but it is so nice to live in a painted house again...I just have the kids' bathroom to do, and we haven't decided on a color for it yet, so it can wait- so for now, the painting in this house is done! And the very best part- I didn't have to do it!! OH, and there aren't any marks on the ceilings or molding- now that is worth every penny!

Even though I have spent too much time in my bed these last couple of months, I don't seem to mind it as much now that it is painted- it's just cozier and warmer. So, one project done...just a tip of the iceberg!

Valentine Heart

I love spending, more like wasting, sometimes, time on crafty blogs...
it became sort of an obsession this summer when I logged off Facebook...
now I just check them every few days-
So, I saw this tutorial about making a simple heart craft for Valentine's Day. Didn't seem that hard to me, so I went out and bought the materials- a whole 3 bucks for it all.
Here is the original picture and simple instructions:
Cute, huh?!


1-You purchase a cheap plastic heart plate
2- You cut out red felt circles (it fails to mention you need a million!)
3-You fold them and hot glue them to the plate
4- Any pattern you want
5-Display it somewhere in your house

Doesnt' sound so bad or hard, right?!
That's what I thought!
First of all- I have dull scissors- that didn't help.
Second, I cut for over 2 hours- crappy circles out of felt with crappy scissors- 6 sheets of felt- each getting nearly 30- do the math- it was a lot of circles!!
It took 3 hours for the entire project- pretty sure the original person making this isn't a novice, like me, and picked a smaller plate!
Anywho, here is mine:
I haven't put it on my mantle yet- but I think it turned out okay...Dana thinks I am crazy- he knows me all too well!!
Here is my mantle, and my black table now- I will put it on one of them to finish it off:
Happy almost February! Oh, and I start seeing my OB every 2 weeks now- the countdown is on!!

I am so loved.

On Saturday, about 9am, my doorbell rings...
Seriously?!
I am out of bed...barely...
In my robe, hiding the pajamas underneath that don't fit at all...
Hair a mess, no make-up, and a slight headache.
Picture that.

I carefully open the door, without even looking out the window next to the door. There stands a nice delivery man, holding this:An Edible Arrangement! I still have no idea who was sweet enough to send this to me- I just kindly thank him- I am sure he is happy to be out of my sight as well...and head to the kitchen.
The girls are giddy with excitement- as well as I am- how nice to have a delivery of this wonderful treat at my door on a cold, snowy Saturday morning!

Inside is a card from my dear friend, Allison, Alex's 1st and 3rd grade teacher, and a colleague who I subbed for last year....she had just read my blog, and didn't know I had been sick...I hadn't gotten around to telling most of my staff friends that I had resigned, so she didn't know. How thoughtful- I just cried....

I have the best friends...I truly do...my family calls regularly to check on me- my father in law every couple of days- it has been so nice and wonderful. I am beginning to feel better- this new dosage is doing something...I am hopeful about it continuing. I have a blood draw tomorrow to see if it will last for a while longer. I am not symptom free by any means, but able to do day to day tasks a little easier.

I am so very grateful for all the thoughts and prayers you have all sent my way- I feel them- I really truly do. A very special thank you to Allison for this delight- it lasted about 10 minutes, by the way- it was heaven sent! The chocolate covered strawberries were divine, and there are few things I love more than fresh pineapple- and how cute are they?!
Here is a closer look:This brightened my day, and certainly my week and perhaps the whole month- it's amazing how simple things can change things! SO thankful, SO grateful, SO blessed, SO loved. I love you too!

Just Dance

Santa brought Just Dance 2 for the Wii for Christmas. It has been a blast! The kids want to play all the time! They are really getting down the moves and even Celeste racks up the points! I just sit back and watch- the one time I did play, I was exhausted afterward!! These kiddos rock it out like nobody's business- I could watch it all day!
On a side note: thank you for all the kind words about how nice I look- that happened to be a one time deal- I have since backslid-ed and am just as bad as the beginning on most days. It has been a trial for sure- and one I am working hard to get through. Thankful for Dana who once again has picked up all my slack and been there whenever I need him- which is more often than I care to admit. I am starting a new dosage, once again tonight, so we can hope once more that this time it will take full effect so I can look and feel better.
Good news, though- Miss Elaina will be here in just 12 short (we, I, hope) weeks!! Yipee!!

Pic of the Week #5

26 weeks....
About to start the final third of this chapter in my life...my color is finally returning- good meds will help with that!
And I couldn't resist adding this one for today: I asked him if he minded pushing something pink and brown...he just smiled and said, "she is worth it!" Love it! I hope Elaina does too!

Snow Bunnies

A few days after Christmas, the snow started to melt a little here and so we were outside taking down the lights and the girls were playing in what snow was still left...
Dana pulled them on their sleds and though it wasn't that cold, they still were bundled up!









Fun times!! Not long after Celeste fell off her sled, the string broke, and Daddy did too! He said done and that was that! Super fun for an hour or so! Now it's snowing again- welcome to Winter!!

2010- A Look Back...

2010 was a great year! We were blessed in more ways than I can tell you! It was also a year not exempt from a little adversity- but fortunately not more than we can handle (though I am sure Heavenly Father has more faith in us than we do to handle this stuff!)...
Anywho...Here is my 2010 Year in Review (thanks, Laura!!)

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’ve never done before?

Worked while having children at home- I started substitute teaching this past school year to help supplement our income when Dana's job was eliminated and he took a job teaching 30 minutes away with nearly $15K less income. It was stressful, to say the least, but a huge blessing, because I taught where Alex and Leah went to school and Celeste was in the best hands while I was teaching at Suzanne's. This income allowed us to not touch our savings, which we needed every penny when we sold our home and had to pay out nearly $20K cash!

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?

To be honest, I don't think I made many resolutions last year- I think keeping my head above water was probably close to #1 and I think I did fairly well with that.
As for this year, my #1 resolution is to stay positive...Keep Calm, right?!
Keeping life in perspective and not sweating the small stuff has always been a challenge for me, so I am hoping to continue to work on that this year...again.

Last night, the children and I came up with a list of family goals for 2011:
*Start scripture study at 8:10am until 8:20am- however much we read in that time.
*No more name calling/and or fighting with each other- this includes Mom and Dad!
*No more yelling- having a new baby in the house this year- we decided- did not need to hear such loud voices- she is worth more than that.
*Be kinder to each other and serve others more.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A had several friends have babies, but no one in my immediate family.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not anyone in our family, but a wonderful man from church that we loved.

5. What countries did you visit?

Yeah, dumb question.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

Great Health!!

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched in your memory and why?

30 April - the very last day of the Housing Tax Credit, when we went into contract on our house- selling it to move on to our dream house. Selling our house was a very long, daunting process- well, having it for sale for over a year was...it drove me crazy at times, always keeping it in perfect order, just in case we had a showing! Funny thing...it was at the end of our "selling contract" when these people came through, and I had given up on the perfection aspect- they loved it anyway...we sold it for only a few thousand less than what we paid, but still had to pay a ton at closing to get out- but a huge, huge, huge blessing that could only come from above.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Managing to save money and still have everything material and then some that we want.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not spending more time alone with the scriptures and being grateful.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Unfortunately, yes...After becoming pregnant in August, I started to feel very sick and tired, and all that goes along with it...I started having anxiety attacks and hot flashes and all sorts of nausea and discomfort...my OB suggested they test my thyroid...and yep, that was it! It had given up and my body was not producing any thyroid hormone. I spent a few weeks yo-yoing on several medications before seeing an Endocrinologist, who took an ultrasound my neck and found a 3cm nodule on my thyroid. It will have to be biopsied and removed after the baby in the Spring. Fortunately, she gave me a gel capsule medication that seems to be doing much better for me- I am getting back some energy, and not having the symptoms that plagued me for weeks. I am grateful for finding out while pregnant- she has saved me!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A new, beautiful Home!!

12. Where did most of your money go?

Closing on our old house!

13. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Moving

14. Happier or sadder?

It depends on the day!

15. Thinner or fatter?

Fatter for sure!! Before I knew I was sick, or before symptoms, rather- I started gaining weight- probably last winter- just a few pounds here and there- and then a total of 15 before I got pregnant. I just thought it was because I was getting older and my metabolism was slowing, but after diet and exercise changed nothing, it became clear that it wasn't just me!! Now I am 25 weeks along and have put on 30 pounds- (I count the 15 prior to getting pregnant!)- Now I will focus on weighing less after she is born.

16. Richer or poorer?

Richer- Dana got his job back this year here where we live, and also is coaching 2 sports- that helps us stay afloat- because this house is WAY more expensive than our old house- but because we got it at 70K less than what it was built for 5 years ago, we can afford it- otherwise, we'd be in the poor house! I officially resigned today from subbing, so now we will have to restructure our money so that we can afford to live here on just his salary- and with a new baby and new medications each month, it will be interesting...but I have faith!

17. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Enjoying nature.

18. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Complaining.

19. How did you spend Christmas?

I was not well this Christmas- or as well as I normally am, so it was a little less fan-farish than usual. My brother had Christmas dinner at his house, and because I still had anxiety attacks, I chose not to go- my parents took my kids and they enjoyed it...it was nice to just be home- it is comfortable here and I am sick, there is no place like it. Thankfully we made it to my parents for a couple hours before my body gave up. The pictures don't lie- you can see it in my face- I hope next year's are much better!

20. Did you fall in love in 2010?

Just more and more with my family

21. What was your favorite TV show?

Glee, again...and Modern Family...and SVU of course.

22. What was the best book you read?

Sadly, I don't know...I don't think I read much- except magazines when I was subbing HS.

23. What was your greatest musical discovery of 2010?

We fell in love with the music from the World Cup this year and the kids listened to it constantly this summer.

24. What did you want and get?

A perfect house- and my Nikon D3000!! Dana got me a bag and tripod for Christmas- I am in love!

25. What did you want and not get?

Nothing.

26. What was your favorite film this year?

Movies?! Did I see any of those?! Well, Eclipse came out and I am an Edward adorer-er, so that was a good one!

27. What did you do on your birthday?

Dana brought me flowers and lunch from Panda Express...then I went to my parents house for dinner with the kids (Dana had soccer), and when I blew out the candles, shouted, "I'm pregnant!!"- it was awesome.

28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I wish we could've gone on a vacation.

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

Trying to fit into my clothes!! Now, I just wear the same wonderful maternity jeans everyday- because they allude that I am not as big as I really am!

30. What kept you sane?

Dana, as usual.

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I fell in love with Keira Knightly's hair...but no one in particular otherwise. I did truly enjoy watching Jennifer Grey on DWTS though- she is amazing at 50- I could only wish to look that good and be in that shape at that age- I can't even do that at 35!!

32. What political issue stirred you the most?

We got a new Governor this year, and I can only hope it's going to be better with him!

33. Who did you miss?

My friends who moved far away- you know who you are!

34. Who was the best new person you met?

I became great friends with several teachers who saw me as a colleague rather than just a parent this year- that meant a lot!

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

I learned that adversity is going to be a part of my life whether I like it or not-so I better learn to embrace it and look for ways to use it to strengthen myself and those around me. I need to see that the Lord sees me in terms of Forever and that it is important how I meet these small life challenges, because that will solidify where and how I spend eternity. I learned that great blessings come in mysterious ways- we did not think we would have more children, in fact, I was very opposed to the very idea. Then, after spending time in the Temple, and listening very closely to the Spirit, it became clear that we were to have this last one. When it happened, and I shared the news with a dear friend, it became apparent that sometimes we are given things to help others- and I have grown closer to the Lord through this experience. I only hope to embrace this new life and in 2011 and work harder to make it an even better year than 2010.

2011

I officially changed the title of my blog today. I have long believed that in simplifying my life, I would be happier. I have tried daily for about 4 years to do that. It has proven successful in most areas.
In 2011, I wanted to make a new Mantra, if you will, to "keep calm and carry on." I have heard this quote often this past year, but never really understood it until this morning while in the shower...funny, right?! Well, after these past couple of months of adversity (which I am teaching about tomorrow in RS), I have come to see that keeping calm will help me more this year than I thought before.
So, a new year....
So many new things in store this year...

I am excited to start it today- for every day is a new day!Happy New Year!!

Christmas 2010

Another Christmas down...
More gifts than we can imagine...
More love than we feel...
And...I am finally starting to feel a little better!! (though you can't tell in this picture, because I wasn't on Christmas itself...) But am now.

Leah's fairytale Christmas included an American Girl doll that looks just like her!

Dana and I got way too much...as you can see...but our favorite is the fire pit from my parents!

Celeste got her "purple, peace sign bike"- that she has begged for...and a walking dog..Dana's favorite! ha ha

Alex, too got a bike and lots of games and music and fun stuff- so spoiled.

Every year we take a group family picture that includes Sean's family too- but since I was too sick to make it to his house, we just got this one with us and my parents...with my new camera and tripod- Thanks, Dana!! And I put a copy of this in the Hallmark ornament my Dad gets me each year- I look forward to putting it on the tree next Christmas!
My house is still a disaster zone...I am hoping in the next few days to get enough energy to start getting things in order for the New Year. The new medication seems to be settling into my system better and I am hoping to feel normal very soon! Happy New Year to me! oh, and to you, too!

2 Things....

A couple weeks ago was my annual girls shopping trip to the outlet malls...I haven't written about it because I have still been sick and haven't felt like writing a whole lot. I probably shouldn't have gone...to be honest- it was super fun, of course, but I was more miserable than I thought I could be...but darn-nit-I was NOT going to miss this once a year trip with my favorite shopping friends!

I didn't find that many deals- I bought things, of course, but they were things that I could've gotten on another trip when I actually feel like shopping...wait...I actually said "feel like shopping?!" I ALWAYS feel like shopping! That is ME- a huge part of who I am...but lately with all these crazy body changes, I have felt like doing nothing more than staying in my house and rolled up in my bed.

However, one purchase made the trip worthwhile- (not to say that being with the girls wasn't- it was FABULOUS!). I had been on the look-out for stocking holders...at our new house we have this beautiful mantle and visioning stocking hung on them was picturesque...however, we only have crappy old holders that will fall over if just one ounce is in them- they are from our condo- old... Anyway, I hadn't found what I was looking for, until I stepped into Pottery Barn...good gosh, could I live in that store- but my word, I can barely afford a bowl- even at outlet prices! But Ashley, who knew what I was looking for, found a bin of these lovely, silver, heavy duty, perfect for my family stocking holders- in boxes, no less!! Originally priced at $30 (yeah right!), on sale for $4.99- seriously?! I need 6 - like now!

I love that they are open with a hook on them...perfect for an ornament or something inside each one...but what? The next store on our list was Bath and Body- where I found these perfect 2x3 silver and gold glitter frames, that I could rip apart and hang with red/silver ribbon inside each one- with everyone's perfect face...and for $1.25 each, I was sold!

Here is the finished (without presents in them) product:
You like?Next year, there will be one more, and probably different stockings since the order is all thrown off with this 4th angel coming! But aren't they nice?! I love them!
Okay, so I went to an Endocrinologist this week...
I have never in my life felt more miserable than I had last weekend- I even went to the ER- yeah, that miserable...
They gave me Zofran (a wonder drug) to take the nausea away, and sent me home. Then the specialist gave me a new form of thyroid medication that is natural without fillers and additives- I started that two days ago- I have yet to feel wonderfully better- but I am very hopeful that I will soon- I was hoping by Christmas but she didn't give me much hope for that. I am still a tad emotional- to be candidly honest, it has been an emotional journey...I have spent hours sobbing uncontrollably- and the slightest thing can bring me to that point- I have spent hours on the cold floor of my bathroom, hours sitting outside in the cold - anything to keep my body temperature down...hot flashes and fevers have ruled my days...Headaches like nothing - even my RX won't touch- thankful forever for Dana who has not complained a single word and has done every single thing I have needed and wanted- he has shown me a side I knew he had but thankfully I had never needed before this point. I have struggled with not being able to physically get out of bed, or accomplish even the smallest task...I have not been me, and that is hard on me...
BUT, on a good side- it should all change soon-
Hopefully, right?!
The endocrinologist found tumors on my thyroid that have probably been there a long time...they are called Hashimoto's nodules- and though I can't feel them- the largest one is 3cm...apparently big for them...so...it has to be drained and biopsied after the baby comes in the Spring. It is hard to tell what is causing all my symptoms- because I am pregnant and hormones are crazy some could be attributed that just that alone. But because the nodules finally caused my thyroid to stop working, I have to take meds forever to produce that missing hormone- lucky me!! I don't think I will mind doing that if they make me feel better. I was having anxiety attacks all the time and even at night. I don't think I thought that is what they were, but she confirmed that is normal when your thyroid is not working and you are in symptom overload. That actually made me feel a little better.
I like to think of this little girl as a blessing in many ways- I could tell you all of them, but just one way is with this disease...had I not been pregnant when my thyroid stopped because of the tumor, it would've taken a long time to get diagnosed...just waiting to see an endocrinologist is usually several months- but because I am pregnant, I didn't have to wait at all! So nice!

Today we are going out one last time before Christmas- just a few last minute simple things to pick up- I am going to attempt to get 2 things done today- that will be interesting....