Whoo are you

Remember to go to Night Owl Crafting and grab the questions, answer them on your blog, and link back there. Oh yeah, and comment on other people's!

Here are this week's questions! 
These questions are a repeat from week 15

1.  What is your Zodiac sign?

I'm a leo, through and through. Loud, obnoxious, loves attention. Yup! That's me.

2. Name 3 things that are always in your purse besides your wallet.

Pens! Lip gloss, and cards. Random, I know. I despise boredom.

3. Which magazines do you look at the most?

Family Fun is the only one I actually subscribe to. I also love the Ensign, which is a church magazine. I get it on my phone.

4. Do you pluck or get your eyebrows waxed? 

I get 'em waxed. Otherwise, I look like a man

5. How often do you go grocery shopping?

Actual grocery shopping- rarely. Like once every couple of months. But I love it when I do. Otherwise, we're at the store daily. And I"m sure we spend FAR more money that way.

Well that was fun...

So you know how sometimes you have your plans all laid out in front of you and then something just doesn't work? Yeah.....

My plan for Sunday (yesterday) was to go to church, come home, throw a pot roast in the crockpot, take a nap, play games with my kids.... pretty much just take it easy. Turns out NONE of that happened!!

I woke up around 7. I had been lying on my left side and had a little bit of a kink in my back on the right side. I figured I had just slept wrong, so I rolled over. The pain shot out and hurt that whole side from my armpit down to my waist. So I sat up. It kind of went away and I was left befuddled. Was it all in my head? Was it something serious? Was it nothing at all? I sat there for a minute and then it happened again, so when the hubster woke up I told him about it. It was not the worst thing ever, but still pretty painful, but not constant. I knew they weren't labor pains or braxton hicks. I couldn't pinpoint where the pain was coming from or even if it was inside or outside.

So, I called my doula. She said it sounded like it could be a UTI, a kidney stone, or appendicitis. I had Roger call our neighbor to ask if he could come help give me a blessing (more on priesthood blessings here). I was hurting so badly that I couldn't even remember what was said. We missed church the last week, so I asked our friend if my oldest could go to church with their family. He agreed. I then called another friend and asked if she'd take one of my other two kids. She agreed to take them both and even came over to get them. When she saw me, she told me I needed to call our OTHER friend because that friend had had BOTH kidney stones AND appendicitis while pregnant before (can you imagine?!?!). So I called Vanessa and I was totally rude. I didn't even say hi. Just "How do you tell the difference between..." anyway... she described them personally and I decided we definitely needed to go to the emergency room NOW.

We went in, they sent me straight to the women's center (which is GORGEOUS by the way!) because I was over 20 weeks pregnant. I'm so glad they did. They got me in, took a sample, asked a million questions, etc. By that time I couldn't even move. I hurt SO badly. Like- worst pain ever!! Eventually, they got the lab work back and decided it was kidney stones. So they gave me a little bit of morphine. It helped for like, 30 seconds. I was hurting so badly that I was throwing up. Apparently the morphine can cause nausea. Yeah, this had nothing to do with meds and everything to do with pain. BUT they gave me zofran for the nausea- which knocked me out cold, thank goodness. I was able to sleep between death pains. Apparently they had me do a CT scan, although I don't remember much of that. Turns out the stone was too big to pass but had already blocked my ureter. Hence the pain of all pains. Normally at this point, they'd shoot noise waves at your tummy to break up the stone so you can pass them. They can't do that when there's a baby in there.

So they decided to surgery. Now, when I think surgery, I think relief. Because it means blackness and no pain for at least a little while. Not when you're pregnant!! They put lidocane on my back and gave me a tiny bit of pain killers (because of all the morphine I'd had throughout the day). Then they poked a hole in my back and through whatever tissues and stuff till they got to my kidney. They put a tube in to drain it and now I have this fancy shmancy pee bag to carry around. Joy. It's AMAZING how much better I felt once my kidney wasn't trying to kill me.

I stayed overnight (not that I got much sleep) and until lunch today. My mom stayed the night last night and is staying again tonight. I don't know what I'd do without her. And my friends have banded together and shown so much support. I have meals for DAYS coming in, plus the offer of more if I need. I am seriously SO blessed. And I wouldn't wish this on anyone. :D

Comments

Ok, I need help!!! Seems like nobody can comment. And I need comments to validate my postings. If you know how to fix this, please PLEASE send me an email imafishtank at gmail dot com

THANK YOU!!!

Awesome, guys, Thanks. I tried changing one setting. Here's hoping it works. I appreciate y'all!!!

More posts to come soon (esp since I have to take it easy)

Journaling 101

So, because of September 11th, I decided to dig out all my old journals. I wrote 19 of them between Jr. High and the time I got married. They were all different sizes, some hardly fit anything. I was young and stupid, so 95% of them are about boys. It's  fun to look back at things that I had noted, but not noticed. I was so convinced that no boys liked me in High School, but I look back now and kind of what to smack myself in the head. I sabotaged myself numerous times and didn't figure out that I LIKED being me until it was too late.

Anyway- luckily I included some of the most important things in my journals as well. Things I wanted in a man (kind of eery to read them and realize how much Roger fits the bill there!!), reasons I was mad at my parents (that are the exact same reasons my kids will be mad at me), important happenings in the family.

I've had a few friends ask about HOW to journal. I get very excited because I have my preferred method, which I LOVE to teach, but there is honestly something for EVERYone. It doesn't matter how busy you are, how creative you are, or how much moolah you have (or don't have). Journaling is as individual as the individual doing the journaling. To start, I'd like to talk about some different journaling methods.

The first, cheapest, and easiest, is what I call a Jar Journal. I do this on top of my regular journal. As funny little things happen during the week, I jot a note down (ALWAYS include the date). Then I fold the note up and put it in the jar. Our plan is to read through all the notes on New Year's Eve (or day, depending). I'll then record them all in timeline order in a regular journal. The nice thing about this is anybody in your family can add notes at any time!

The second method is your traditional journal. There is a common misconception that you need an ACTUAL journal to do this, but really? Any form of bound paper will work! After school starts, you can get nice composition notebooks for around $.25 at WalMart. There are a couple differnent ways to use traditional journaling. First you have to figure out WHAT you are journaling- a family history? memories of your parents? lessons to teach your children? why you love being a parent? trying to improve writing skills? This will set the tone of your journal and help you feel less lost when it's time to write. More on this in another post.

The third method, one I have never tried, but kind of want to, is printing your blog. If you are really good at typing all the stuff you want to remember, including pictures, then perhaps this would be the best choice. Downside? It costs money. But still, it's a really cool idea!!!

Lastly, but DEFINITELY not the bottom of my list... is Art Journaling. I do love a good art journal. The fun thing about an art journal is that it makes you WANT to write. Makes you want to fill in this space and create something beautiful. There is no set medium, template, or set of rules that you have to follow. You do what YOU want to create something beatiful. I am certainly no expert here, but it is my favorite way to journal. I laugh at myself a bit because my "style" is a little more left brained than most art journalists, but I like it that way. I'd like to do a full blog post about the different styles (and ways to start) soon!

So!! Who's up for a journaling challenge?!?! This is for you, Tera, Michelle, and Janelle!!!!! (And anybody else who would like to join, of course!!)

I Spy Date

So, if you know me personally, you've heard me talk about The Dating Divas. Because let's face it, it is an AMAZING site that I love and adore and am SUPER grateful for. This may come as a news flash, but Roger and I do not have a money tree in our backyard. I know, I know!! Due to lack of funds, we don't get out on dates much. I mean, a couple people have offered to watch the kids, but I hate to dry up all my resources too quickly.

I did a pretty awesome photo shoot the other day for this adorable girl named Kayti. This was my favorite photo shoot to date. Why? You ask- Here's why:

I know, this is the picture I'm most proud of, I think!!
Anyway- Kayti offered to babysit in exchange for the photoshoot and since I trust her (she's a good girl!) and needed a night out and would NEVER be able to afford $2/hr per kid for 3 kids for 3 hours.... I took her up on it!

I found this cute I SPY date on Dating Divas and decided to use the idea and kind of switch it around a bit. So here's my version!!!

First, we went up the canyon. I kind of forgot that it was Labor Day weekend, so we struggled a bit to find a spot, but finally found one that was just big enough for our van, so we didn't feel too bad. We backed in, popped the trunk, rolled down the windows and layed out blankets in the back of the van to chill out on. (Interesting side note, a few people wandered around a ditch behind us and stared at us like we were deer. Hello! Nothing happening here, fully clothed- door open)

 Yeah, see, back there by the trees, that's where people stood and looked in like, "oooh, do we get to see some stuff?" Sorry to disappoint, pervs!

Ok, so the first thing Roger got was this I Spy bottle I made with rice. I put one each of the candies I'd picked out for the night and included the following lame riddle poem. Yes, that is my official name for all of these. Riddle Poems. Love it, please?

"For treats we can eat (you know they're all sweet)

You have to guess what they are to be the true star.

I'll give you a hint... It's not Rupert Grint :D

1) There's more than enough of the first tasty candy (Good & Plenty)

2)Beware the red herring- tries to get you all sandy (Swedish Fish)

3)There are 2 ways that Blonde lost her job* (M&M's- peanut and peanut butter)

4)And enough of these little guys could please any mob (Jelly Belly)

5) The last one is tiny- and tricky to boot (Tic Tac)

You must guess them all to partake of the loot."

 

So, yeah. I made him find each of the candies in the I Spy thing and guess what they are according to the clues. As he guessed them, I brought them out of the bag to snack on.

Then it was time to get to the good stuff!! Each package had a Riddle Poem attached to it that he had to read before opening.

 The first one said:

Selfish, I know! But I couldn't resist!

The chance for my obession to persist.

Today we'll be using together the things that are on sale.

Cheesy enough, we could use as blackmail.

Get creative! For writing you'll do!

Don't worry, love. I will, too.

 

It was a notebook and a pen, so we could write in secret code to each other. We worked together to come up with said code, then took turns writing notes throughout the date.

I don't have pics of the rest of the night because I decided to focus on enjoying time with my hubby, but here is the rest of the date... in WORDS!

Second Riddle Poem:

Are you up for a challenge is NOT what she said.

But challenge you'll get (just not in bed).

We'll take a close look at this special book

Just don't think it'll teach you to cook!

Winner takes all- too bad I'm broke!

Shut up, and just laugh at my joke!!!

That was a collection of my kids' I Spy books. We had contests to see who could find the most objects in a certain amount of time (1 & 2 minutes)

Third Riddle Poem:

What's our favorite thing to do as of late?

Fills you with fury, pride, laughter, and occasionally hate?

I have two here we never have played.

But they look like fun, which is why they were made!

That was a package including 2 new games. One was called In A Pickle (which we still haven't played) and the other was the Pictureka card came. I figured regular Pictureka was an I Spy game, so it was appropriate.

Instead of playing the new games right then, I had Roger open Riddle Poem #4:

While we are playing, we best not forget

There's always more fun when our mouths are wet. 

I know it isn't blue or yellow

But this red drink won't make you bellow.

Enjoy it now, just share it with me.

The happiest I Spiers we'll be!

You know how things don't always go according to plan? This was one of those things. First off, we were dying of thirst FAR before we got to opening the soda. Plus, I'd planned the date at 4:00 PM. Smooth move, pregnant hungry lady!! Between the thirst, the hunger, and the language of others in the canyon, we decided to stray from the plan and go get dinner. We had a blast trying to figure out the last 5 minutes of the BYU game while getting our food (WE WON!). Once we had eaten, we went next door to the park and THEN played our new game. We really had a lot of fun- and on a very limited budget!!!

Update in Pictures

Yes, I know! I've been HORRIBLE about blogging lately.  Mostly because I haven't had anything to blog about. On a personal note, we've had some fun things happen. Here are some pics!

First off, school started. I feel really bad that I don't have better pics of Xander's first day of second grade. I didn't even notice the sun on his face till I went to edit the pics.

 Xander and Camille

 Julesy Bean (her school started a week later)

 Juliana and Gavin

 Hanging up the backpack

 Juliana and Tysen

Besides school, we also started potty training!! Oh the irony of the picture that I just noticed he had already had an accident in.....

More updates soon!!

Coming soon

I have a plan to re-enter the blog world!! I have not had much energy at all the last few months, so if you still subscribe, I <3 you!!!

I do have a plan, however!! I want to have (at least) monthly Themed Family Dinners. They'll take place on Friday nights, which, at our house, are movie nights. The first one will cater to my family's mega obsession: Star Wars.

Stay tuned for pictures, menu, decor, and details!!!