The Hodges

love and poundage. love and poundage. how does that song go?

2011-12-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

I love my life right now. Love. Love. Love. It. There really isn't even a reason, I just do.

Last night Dewy, Rhett, and I got in the car (Rhett may or may not have been on my lap. Mother of the year folks) and we drove around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights. Rhett was mesmerized, and so was I. I was in awe of the life that I have. It just really doesn't get any better. Truly. Now onto the improvement concept. We can only move forward right? If you aren't progressing you most definitely must be regressing.

I have a goal that I think is finally going to be the key for me. Its no secret that I'm not exactly slim (especially after birthing a human), however, I think I have been going about this thing all wrong. In my attempts to get slimmer (not skinny cause that will never happen... I love butter) I have made my focuses be all about the poundage. I decided this weekend, that it needs to be about the health--not the poundage necessarily. AND I'm not one that can say I want to lose a pound a week. If I don't get that pound off, then I feel like I epically failed and I run to my fridge and eat my feelings.

I decided I was going to take it one day at a time. That means that each day is a new day. The hardest part for me is exercise. I always start my day with every intention of exercising, but some days I either don't find the time (that doesn't mean I don't HAVE the time) or I just whip out some stupid ten minute sit up session and call it good.

I don't do mornings. Period. However, I have accepted the fact, that sometimes that is the only option. My goal now is to wake up and exercise BEFORE WORK. I also don't like being cold. Major problem with working out in the morning. I have bought the Jillian Michaels work out DVD "30 Day Shred" as recommended by my lovely friend Haylee. Holy kick my butt. I don't even own hand weights (I use two bottles of Mr. Clean as dumbells--hows that for frugal? ... seriously someone buy me some weights for Christmas).

So blog land, here it is. I am making a goal to exercise every single day, not to eat after 8pm, AND to make sure I am eating healthy during the day. Remember, this is a health battle--NOT A POUND BATTLE. So if you see me, and you want to tell me I look awesome, that would be appropriate. If I don't look awesome... just lie.

on a more serious note.

2011-11-26T12:07:00.001-08:00

One of my students decided to take her own life on Thursday night. I am devastated. Monday is going to be really hard when her desk is empty fifth period.

I feel like my job is to ready students for the "real world" so that they can act like human beings when they get there. Sometimes that entails teaching comma placement and clauses, and sometimes that entails teaching things that are bigger than myself. Sometimes I get the feeling that I may have bitten off more than I can chew with this career. I can only hope and pray that I will be guided in the things I need to say and do in the next few weeks to help those students (and myself) cope.

I feel it a privilege to work with the youth. I have the opportunity to watch and see what our future holds both in worldly matters and in religious matters. I am happy to say that more often than not I am amazed at their strength and their courage, and I have a feeling that we are going to be buoying each other up on Monday.

Pray for us.

weekend project

2011-11-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

In honor of the fact that I was bitter about the Christmas music playing on the radio already, I decided to stick it to the man and make a Christmas project. That will show them. Ha.

Christmas ornaments for the mantle. Solid. I personally love the glitter on the top. Everything is better with sparkle.

new calling.

2011-11-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

I received a new calling a few weeks ago in my ward but thanks to the primary program, stake conference, and a few other items today was my first day. I am the primary chorister. I have never been more terrified of something in my life. This is the way I see it. Dealing with MOST adults is easy peasy. Junior high and high school kids are usually a breeze too. But the little people in primary??? Terrifying. I don't know what to do with them.

I have had some experience with musical callings. With the exception of one (which was humiliating, offensive, and made me cry for a week) all of them have been great. I'm not too nervous about the idea of leading music or learning/teaching songs. It is just the concept of the small people.

Today I was a nervous wreck as I walked into primary. I made it through ok until it got to music time. We were learning a brand new song that we will be singing in Sacrament meeting on Christmas, and I had been working all week on ideas to teach it, pictures, learning it myself, etc. I got up there and froze. I couldn't get my pictures in order; I didn't hold the right ones up at the right time; I was shaking; I sang the wrong notes when I had to sing it solo so the kids knew how it sounded which made me almost cry, and when I finished I felt like it was a total train wreck. I got home from church and I cried.

I have served in my wards in numerous callings from ward chorister in sacrament meeting, to relief society pianist, to young women's secretary, to camp director, etc. None of them have challenged me like this calling is. I have a firm testimony that the Lord qualifies the called. I need to put my faith in Him and his ability to make me into a primary chorister. If you have ideas or helps for me, TELL ME. "It is often through another that the Lord meets our needs."

I am reminded of the scripture in Alma 26 where Ammon is talking about his testimony and he says "I know that I am nothing, as to my strength I am weak. Therefore I will not boast of myself but I will boast of my God. For in his strength I can do all things." I'm pretty sure that is how it goes. I am also reminded of the "Forget Me Not" talk from the Relief Societ Broadcast. Stop comparing yourself, Amber. The Lord knows you aren't perfect.

Someone last week told me that perfectionism is a form of pride. I guess need to put my pride in my pocket and pull out my faith. I hope they don't fire me.

weekend projects.

2011-11-06T19:17:00.001-08:00

I finally did something with that blastedly huge wall above the door that leads from the house to my garage. The people who sold us the house had something hanging there so there have been two screws (anybody ever heard of a fetching nail?!) taunting me on that large expanse of wall.

Project number one=done.

I also found a centerpiece idea for fall thanks to that fantastically horrid website I'm addicted to...Pinterest. Friday during lunch I hit up DI and snagged the jars for a buck a piece. The rest was free because I already had it on hand. I may or may not have made my mom slam on her brakes and reverse on Highway 89 for a good quarter mile so I could grab the fallen tree branch from the side of the road. No big. Heaven forbid I just snap one off the dead tree in the back yard. I grabbed some lace I had on hand (which I added to the project cause Pinterest forgot it), threw on some rafia, added the highway 89 branches and some yellow paper rosettes and viola! The picture really doesn't do it justice.

Project number two=done.

I love fall decorations. I only have 3 more project ideas up my sleeve. Hopefully they happen before I put up my Christmas stuff.

oh my.

2011-11-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

This morning I found Darin Adams and Brooke Walker from Studio Five on PINTEREST. Umm hello? Does life get any better? I submit that it cannot.

Also, I have decided to stop being a lazy cuss and I'm going to start posting about my projects around my house. Maybe that will motivate me to get crap done??? Its worth a shot.

its a boy.

2011-11-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend my mom and I threw a shower for my cousin's wife Ashley. They are set to have a little boy next month, and if we are being honest I don't envy her one bit. Being pregnant was not my favorite thing. She, however, looks darling. I think the shower turned out cute. The theme was "Apple of my Eye" and thanks to PINTEREST (LOVE) we had some legit stuff goin' on.

The menu consisted of cinnamon rolls as big as your head (or bigger depending on your headsize), homemade cinnamon covered almonds, carmel apples, and apple cider. I wish I had taken a picture of them, but we took green apples and hollowed them out and filled them with carmel to dip the apple slices in. It was adorable. I applaud our efforts. Let me know if you want me to do your shower. I do cool stuff.

happy halloween.

2011-11-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

He was the cutest cow around.
I hope your Halloween was as fun as ours. I love passing out candy to trick-or-treaters.

not to brag but...

2011-10-13T12:30:00.001-07:00

I hesitated on posting this because I am slightly embarrassed about it. Don't get me wrong...I'm honored, but the way I see it is that there are numerous teachers who do fantastic things. I wish there was a way to honor all of them too. Regardless, I am happy to say that I was selected as the First Class Teacher of the Year for Weber School District for the last school year.

I'm honored and surprised. Special thanks to my family for coming to support me last night when I received the award at the Board of Educators meeting. Try not to mock me.

first hair cut.

2011-10-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

Welp. Rhett got his hairs cut. At the beginning, he was thrilled to be in his booster seat again, about halfway thru he decided he wasn't a big fan anymore.

Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to check what length the hubs was cutting before he took the clippers to Rhett's head. Now Rhett is bald as a cue ball. Sorry pal. Blame your dad.

there is a new law in town.

2011-10-13T11:51:00.002-07:00

Dewy's cousin got married a few weeks ago. We love weddings! Any chance to get everyone together for a party is ok with us. Rhett even got to meet his GREAT aunt and uncle from Texas, Tina and Brent. We had so much fun visiting with everyone for a few days.

The two lovebirds. Congrats on starting a new family Mr. and Mrs. Law.

pals.

2011-10-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

This is one of the cutest pictures I have ever seen.

daddy and me time.

2011-10-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

These two boys have my heart.

boys of fall.

2011-10-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

When fall arrives our lives are consumed by football. Fremont games. Weber State games. Games on TV. It is really quite ridiculous. We enjoy getting together with friends and family to watch friends and family play.

This year, the hubs and I purchased season tickets to WSU football. Dewy's cousin plays running back, and it is oober fun to watch him play. We bleed purple. Sometimes.

meet melman.

2011-10-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

The blue giraffe is Melman. Rhett likes to wrestle him and bite his face. Thanks Melman for keeping my son entertained while I blog. 'Preciate it.

weekend.

2011-10-10T08:08:00.001-07:00

This weekend had the potential of being the worst weekend ever. It turned into a rather uplifting one against all odds.

Thursday night we took little Rhett into the doctor. I already mentioned that we have been sick at the Hodges' residence, but baby seemed to be getting worse. We found out he had an ear infection and the doc prescribed us some antibiotics and drops. Phew. Friday night the hubs acted as daddy and mommy as mommy was studying her freaking brains out for the test she had to take Saturday morning. Turns out I'm not licensed to teach, and they kind of want you to have a license. Whatever. I passed cause I'm awesome. Back to the story... Rhett was miserable all night long. Saturday his cough got worse, and he couldn't breathe. Plugged nose + clogged throat = no air and a cranky baby. That night was rotten.

I had to run to Walmart at midnight on Saturday for a humidifier. Turns out baby likes his daddy and when he is around mom is chopped liver so Dewy stayed home with him while I ran to the store. I hate Walmart. Got home and got everything set up. About an hour later baby was coughing non stop. We suctioned him out every other minute all night long. I was getting sustained in my new calling at church and we needed to pay our tithing, so again I left dad at home and booked it to church for the last bit of Sacrament meeting. I missed being sustained, but they said no one opposed me...buckle up primary you got a new chorister in town. Anyway... the testimonies that were shared were exactly what my frantic, exhausted, panicked self needed to hear. One woman (who I am blessed enough to call my visiting teacher) got up and bore her testimony about how one of the hardest things about being a mom is not being able to take away their pain, but that the atonement can strengthen us and them too. I was sobbing at I sat there being so grateful that He knew what I needed, and that she was willing and able to follow a prompting to bear that testimony. Freak... I'm getting emotional right now... this mom business is making me a pansy...

Next up the hospital. I called the doc to see what I needed to do since the cough was getting worse and she said to come up. We rushed to McKay, and as we got off the elevator I was feeling really upset that I had missed the sacrament. I was already emotional, and the fact that I had missed it made me so sad. As I'm standing at the counter checking baby in, out walk two elderly gentlement with little silver trays covered in white cloth. They walked by without me seeing them, and then they turned back and came right over to us and said hello. They asked if we would like the sacrament. Cue sobbing again. We went into a little waiting room where they blessed it and then proceeded to explain that they had a very strong impression to come say hello and talk to us. By this time I'm nervous that the doctor will take Rhett away on accounts that his mother is emotionally unstable.

I'm grateful for the testimony building weekend I had, and although the weekend wasn't the best by any means I'm so happy to know of a Heavenly Father who is aware of me and my needs. Now if you will please excuse me while I go grab a tissue...

please help.

2011-10-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Ok so right now the school I work at is in desperate need of some funds--who isn't right? We are in a competition, and whichever junior high gets the most points wins $10,000. You can help as many schools as you want, and I am asking you to help my school. It's easy--all you have to do is log on to facebook and do the following:

**Find the ORION TITANS MY SCHOOL IS COOL page and like it.
**Find the NEWGATE MALL page and like it.
**Leave a comment on the Newgate Mall page that says ORION JUNIOR HIGH
IS A COOL SCHOOL.

Also, if you shop anywhere at the Newgate Mall and you are willing to give me your receipt, that helps too! I would soooo much appreciate your help! Feel free to pass this information along to all your family and friends. I would love to be able to teach new novels and get new materials for my students, and this money would help out alot. Thank you for all you do!

conference weekend.

2011-10-03T11:23:00.001-07:00

I love conference. I always feel rejuvinated after watching a weekend of conference. Like I could go and tackle the world if I wanted to. I won't...don't worry. There isn't enough Diet Dr Pepper in the world to talk me into taking over the world. Plus I haven't drank that stuff for over 5 months now. I know, I know... be impressed. I hate it every day. That in itself is a whole different story.

I hope your conference weekend was as great as ours was! Rhett was out like a light the second the choir started to sing. I always said I wouldn't be one of those people who just blogs about their kids. Apparently I lied.

Can you blame me?

new toy.

2011-10-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

Rhett gots lots of items at showers before he was born that we haven't busted out yet. Since he is now eating that delightful mush cereal (gag) he needed something to help him sit. I'm wanting a bumbo, but I keep forgetting to get one. Alas, we have this little booster seat. Observe how him meeting the booster seat went down:

Mom... are you serious? What the crap is this thing?

Hmmm... it has this nice tray I can slap at or grab onto... interesting....

Wait a minute... sitting up without exerting any effort whatsoever?? I'm in.

Dad! Are you seeing this? I can even still feel carpet in between my toes!

This was a great idea... a VERY great idea. Now... where is my food.

We were laughing so hard. Please feel free to appreciate how adorable my son is. Go ahead... I'll wait. Kid cracks me up.

sick.

2011-10-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

We at the Hodges residence are all ill. Poor little Rhett. When he breathes you can hear the flem in his throat and it fascinates him. It makes him breathe really loud and fast with his eyes wide. What a weirdo. Special thanks to Dewy for bringing the disease home. We sure are eating lots of soup and grilled cheese.

parent teacher conferences.

2011-10-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. Word. Talk about the epitome of tacky.

First off lent me vent my frustrations at having to hold such a conference from 1-7:30 pm. Given, they do feed us dinner (Olive Garden...delish) but I don't feel that parents needs over six hours time to come see me. I think I helped maybe 20 kids the entire time. I have over 200. You do the math.

Anyway, one of my students comes and sits down with mom, dad, and little sister. There is about a 4 foot span between them and me thanks to a table. I have at my left elbow, which also happens to be the corner FARTHEST from them, a water bottle and a cup of treats provided by the school to each teacher to munch on as the night drags on. Said parents sit down, and dad proceeds to reach clear across the table, around my water bottle, and grabs the cup of treats. He proceeds to stick his grimy hands in it, get a handful of the nuts and mike-n-ikes, and reach back across the table to set the cup back behind my water bottle where I so cleverly placed the cup in order to avoid such an instance. I was bewildered. What is even better is that mom then proceeded to do the exact same thing.

Rule #1 when going out into the social world: Only take something when it is offered to you.
Rule #2: We all know what happens when you assume things (like that a cup of treats is intended for you)

At least it gave me something to rant about all night. Good thing I hate mike-n-ikes.

happy birthday old lady.

2011-09-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Happy 50th Birthday Nan. I had one of my classes sing to her via speaker phone. Her nickname is Nouget, so I made them say "Happy birthday dear Nouget" and they were cracking themselves up. It was legit.

Special thanks to Pinterest for giving me the "50 sucks" idea. Don't mind my cupcakes. They look like a child did them. I'm all for lots of messy frosting.

obsessed.

2011-09-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. Gosh. I have a serious problem.

I have only been on Pinterest for about 48 hours. Straight. Oops.

Click on the images to check out what I'm lovin' on.

P.S. if you are on pinterest we need to be followers so I can steal your ideas.

school.

2011-08-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Welp. We are back to the grind. So far so good with a few minor "not-so-good" moments.

The AC went out at the school down my hallway. Of course it would go out down my hallway, why not? I feel bad for people who never had it to begin with. I'm sitting in a classroom of 30+ students who forgot to wear deodorant and remind me every five minutes how hot it is. Thank you Sherlock, no one else noticed that everyone was melting. Kids have been collapsing throughout the district. Cancel school? Yes please. Will they? Of course not. My classes are large, but so far they have been good. As long as they keep the collapsing business to other places I'm good. I think I'll take my lunch and go sit in my car with the windows rolled up to cool down. Seriously, a 91 degree classroom is not ideal.

Everyone keeps asking if "it is so hard for me to leave Rhett." DUH. There is no such thing as a stupid question, but if there were, that would qualify. I feel like I'm shirking my motherly duties here and pawning him off on other women to raise. I have nightmares that one day I pick him up and he is calling the babysitter mom. I cry about it all the time, and for those of you who know me and my heart of stone crying is not a common occurrence. I can't wait for our first break. I'm just grateful that I have women I trust and love to watch the boy I love. It takes the sting away a little bit.

cheer camp.

2011-08-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

We survived.

The girls were warned each night that if they woke Rhett up the consequences would be lethal. They decided to learn the hard way. Conditioning kicked their trash. I had a few throw up, and a few cry. The highlight of the event was when one of my cheerleaders, in tears because she was sure that she just couldn't run anymore, said she couldn't do it. I turned and said, it is mind over matter. Tell your self you can do it, and you can. A few minutes later I heard her say: Come on! You can do it! You can do it! OH WHO AM I KIDDING!? I CAN'T DO IT! I about died laughing.

The cabin is such a fantastic place to go. It is beautiful and tranquil. I wish we could get up there more often than we do.

cabin chronicles.

2011-08-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

This summer we had quite a few adventures up at mom and dad's cabin. The first adventure was when Auntie Cindy and cousin Michelle came to play from California.

We went fishing and played at the lake. The boys hung out at the cabin, and the girls shopped to our hearts' content in Park City. Rhett got spoiled rotten on that trip. Shocker.

welcome to the hodges' residence.

2011-08-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

All my projects are almost complete. Since closing on our house I have tackled the following:

painted the dining room
painted the kitchen
painted the master bedroom
painted the nursery
painted the banister, mantle, and hand rails
unpacked almost everything
spray painted almost everything in sight
covered pillows for the master bedroom
and gone on a mondo spending spree (it felt like) that we won't be telling the hubs about... it was home decor... couldn't resist.

Behold the almost finished project!

I love my house. More than I ever dreamed I could love an inanimate object. I even have my own craft room. Look out. I would take a picture but it isn't completed, and I'm not entirely proud of my craft room's uncraftylike appearance. There are also a few other rooms in the house not pictures. The family room, laundry room, storage room, and backyard are all missing here but will be added when they are presentable. The baseball memorbilia was given to me by my legit mother in law. The picture on the right houses my father in law's first little league ball cap and my father in law's grandfather's catchers mit from the 1930s. I love my baseball room. It is supposed to be Dewy's man cave, but I may or may not have my fingers in it...

The master bedroom isn't completely decorated yet. I need some shelves and some more pictures in it, but it is coming along nicely. I love my bedspread and all my new furniture. Hoorah.

Enjoy.

elder holland.

2011-08-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my little family went with my parents and Kaylee, Ethan, and Austin to the Pioneer Day Fireside at Weber State. We also were blessed with the opportunity to meet Elder Holland when it was over. There is something about being in the presence of an apostle that is undescribable. We were all in awe.

Elder Holland told us that Rhett had "Holland cheeks." We may or may not have been beaming.

moving.

2011-07-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

We are exhausted. I'll tell you more later.

i hate boxes.

2011-07-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

I can't live like this.
You would hate boxes too.
I can't find my remote.
Worst. Day. Ever.

independence day.

2011-07-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

happy 4th of july.

We had a great day.

I hope you did too.

bear lake.

2011-06-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have been very blessed to have been able to travel to a lot of places during my life. So when every other person at the Hodges family reunion asked me if I get out much I chuckled. So what if I was 23 when I took my first trip to Bear Lake?

Loved it.

Dewy's umpteenth great grandfather was the first owner of Bear Lake. He owned the whole thing, and there is still a canyon called Hodges Canyon. A lot of the Hodges clan still lives up there, and we had a blast at the reunion with them all. The home where the reunion was held was rad, and the view was to die for. Wouldn't mind going back there... no sir.

oops. yep i did.

2011-06-24T10:41:00.001-07:00

I'm posting more pictures. I know, I know... but look at him? I mean really...

blessing part 2.

2011-06-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

I just loaded up these pictures from Rhett's blessing. Enjoy. Or dont...Whatev.

4 generations.

2011-06-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

We are lucky enough to be able to take four 4 generation pictures. The fourth one will happen in a few months when grandma and grandpa get home from their mission. But for now here are three:

The Tuckett side of our family: Great-grandpa Larry, Grandma Nan, Dewy, and Rhett.

The Hodges side of our family: Great-grandpa Ben, Grandpa Bart, Dewy, and Rhett. Talk about some good looking men. Bart's dad reminds me of older time actors and singers. Like Frank Sinatra. He dresses like a million bucks every day.

The Schaffer side of our family: Great-grandma Cozie, Grandma Cheryl, Me and Rhett.

idaho.

2011-06-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Back in the middle of May we went to Idaho to listen to Dewy's cousin H.D. speak before he left on his mission. He did a fantastic job. Elder Tuckett will be serving in the South Africa, Capetown mission. He is going to be legit, and Dewy is proud as punch that someone else is going to Africa. It was fun to spend time with the fam. While we were up there we had our annual girls day festivities. We went to lunch at this little bed and breakfast where I had what was probably the best BLT I have ever eaten. Not kidding. Afterwards we went back to Grandpa Larry's and painted his house.

Sisters: Scout and Boston on the left and Aunt Tam and my mother in law, Nan, on the right

The two little girls were hilarious. We were only painting the base of the house, and we were trying not to get any blue on the white part of the house. At one point a fly landed on the house and little Boston took it upon herself to kill the fly. With her wet paintbrush. There is now a big blue spot on the back of Grandpa's house. It was awesome. You can see the spot in the picture below.

When I took the picture on the left I said to the girls, "Hey girls, turn around and smile so I can take your picture," and without the slightest hesitation Boston turns and says totally serious, "Have you ever seen a monkey ride a pig?" I fell over laughing.

We spent the night at the Marriot and all of us forgot to bring our swim suits so we hit up Walmart and went swimming. Sunday morning we woke up and went to Sacrament meeting. H.D. delivered a fantastic talk. We are going to miss him. After the meeting we had lunch (can't have a Mormon gathering without some sweet grub after) and visited for a while before everyone went home.

house.

2011-06-23T08:06:00.001-07:00

Dewy and I have a house. I'm giddy. I've been losing sleep pondering different ways to decorate our mantle. The house is beautiful, and more importantly it literally has EVERYTHING we want and then some. I can't wait for Rhett to play on the swing set. Feel free to come visit us. We accept house warming gifts. Kidding...kind of.

Stay tuned for what is sure to be fairly entertaining stories of packing, unpacking, cleaning, painting, moving, and a not-so-new ward. Can't wait.

sunshine and summertime.

2011-06-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, the hubs and I took off to Park City for our early anniversary celebration. It was exceptionally weird to be alone without Rhett (who spent the night with Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Brad) but it was a much needed getaway. I was starting to feel like I had lost myself, and that my sense of "wife-ness" had been completely replaced with "mom-ness" so getting to rekindle our little love flame was nice. It made the hubs and I all lovey all weekend which made everyone else want to gag. Loved it.

We stayed at The Lodges Deer Valley Resort. Our room had a private hot tub on the deck, and probably could have slept both our families in it at the same time. It was a little ridiculous to get it for just one night for just the two of us, but since when are we anything but ridiculous? Get real.

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early (only because checkout was at 10...who does that?) and hit up the outlets. Dewy really came into his own. My husband is a saver. I spend all our money and he saves anything he can get his hands on. So I was planning on our outlet day to be full of me spending everything and him fighting off an aneurism. Not so. He spent more than I did. I got more things than he did. I'm a professional shopper. He will figure out how to shop like me one day. It gives him something to aspire to. Does anyone else love the houses in Park City? I couldn't snap the pictures fast enough as we drove from our hotel to the outlets. I love main street, which was right by where we stayed, and I would love to own one of these little houses that overlooks main street. Sigh.

On the way home we ate lunch at Taggarts Grill. Delicious. When we got back, we spent the remainder of the evening at my mom's and swam. Rhett had his first swim. It was so fun. He didn't really do much of anything. He just kind of sat there in our arms like "whats the big deal?" Oh well...

blessing.

2011-06-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 5 we blessed Rhett. Best. Day. Ever.

I was a complete stress out for about a week or two (or four) prior to the event. Here's the deal. I'm house sitting for my grandparents who are on a mission. That being said, I was feeling lots of pressure to make sure the house looked pristine as did the yard so that no one ran to my sweet grandmother to tell her I'm trashing her house. Cause I'm not. Phew. I think I succeeded.

Saturday turned into "stress-out Saturday" as I cracked the whip on my dear husband to get the garden tilled and the remaining weeds pulled so we could party out back after the blessing. I made chicken salad for (not joking) 3 hours. I'm inventing a machine to shred chicken perfectly. Don't steal my idea. I was glad we had stress out Saturday so that Sunday could be enjoyed.

Sunday morning, Rhett slept in til 8 am. I knew right then it was going to be a great day. As I dressed him in his little suit I had a lot of thoughts run through my mind. There is no rhyme or reason to how thoughts appear in my brain so there isn't going to be rhyme or reason to how they appear on the blog.

I'm so glad the hubs holds the priesthood and honors it. I was overcome with gratitude as I thought about Rhett and all the things in life he has to look forward to, and I realized he has a great example to look to for guidance--his dad. I pictured Rhett being baptized, receiving the priesthood, passing the sacrament, graduating from high school and seminary, getting a mission call (that thought was fleeting cause him leaving me isn't sitting so well at the moment. I can barely handle my brother being gone. I'll be a disaster when he leaves) and getting married in the temple.

Dewy was inspired to give the most beautiful blessing I have ever heard. I might be biased, but the blessing was fantastic. He bore a heartfelt testimony later in the meeting that once again made me count my blessings for having such a great man for all time. In his testimony Dewy mentioned something that I haven't shared with blogland. Its a little tender to my heart, so if you choose to comment, please be gentle.

Rhett loves to stare at lots of things, but three things in particular catch his interest without fail. First, ceiling fans. Loves those. He flirts with them. Second, lights. Any kind of light catches his eye. And last (deep breath) is the picture in my bedroom of Christ holding my baby sister that passed away when she was 5 months old. That picture was drawn for us by Jean Keaton who draws pictures of Christ with children, and there is a copy of it in my bedroom and at my parent's house. When Rhett lays on my bed his eyes wander over to the wall and he stares at that picture. He knows them. He knows his Savior, and he knows his Aunt Cortney. I know he does. It is a very humbling thing to watch him stare at the picture with wonder. He has done it to the picture at my mom's as well.

The day was perfect. We were surrounded by family and friends that we love and who love us in return. Seeing that is overwhelming sometimes, isn't it? Thank you to everyone who came that day. We love you so much.

excuses.

2011-06-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

I find myself making excuses, and feeling this compelling force making me rattle them off to any unfortunate soul who should pass me by.

Last night Dewy and I played softball. We have played on co-ed teams for years, one of which being Dewy's work team. Softball is something I have a pretty good handle on...usually. I have played for years, and I pride myself on being one of the girls that the guys don't cringe at when the ball comes to them or when they hit on the team. That all changed last night.

I've always been a not-very-quick runner. If we are being honest with ourselves then I should tell you that my high school coach used to yell at me while I ran to first to "unhook the trunk!" or "get the piano off your back Allen! RUN!" I'm not proud. I didn't think it could get worse. I now am even slower than I was, and after I hit each time last night I wanted to run to the dugout and scream "I just had a baby! I'll get better I promise!" or when I made a slight error in the field I wanted to holler to the girl who threw me the ball "Sorry! I just had a baby! My body doesn't twist like that at a pace I want it to! I'll work on it I promise!"

I got a new dress for Rhett's blessing this weekend (I braved the stores again... everyone applaud) and when the sales girl asked me what size I needed (because of course the dress I wanted was too high for me to reach) I wanted to say "I just had a baby. See? Proof! I'm not always this obese I swear!" as I pointed to my stroller.

Think I can blame everything in my life on Rhett now??

last day.

2011-05-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Happy last day of school. I thought I would grace the students with my presence today. Worked like a charm.

I bought a yearbook to commemorate my first year of teaching. The kids signed it for me. One student signed it, "Mrs. Hodges, you are the coolest woman in the world. Don't tell my mom." Yeah, well... what can I say?

I also weeded for 3 hours today. My word. Thanks for helping, mom. Happy summer everyone.

stupid.

2011-05-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

I was reading through some of my latest posts (because lets be honest sometimes I crack myself up) and it occured to me that I'm an idiot. Remember my post where I claimed "mornings around here usually last til noon"??? Don't all mornings?? Ugh.

I'm retarded.

house.

2011-05-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

minimum requirements:

3 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

garage

1700 square feet--ish...

located anywhere from North Ogden to Hooper

No more than 160K...ish.

GO BLOG LAND! GO!

Find me my dream house.

house hunting.

2011-05-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

I hate it.

Someone find me my dream house for my dream price please.

I'm tired of looking.

rhett the model.

2011-05-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

I had Rhetts pictures taken by a good friend who does photography and I. LOVE. THEM. Go look at how cute my baby is. Just in case you were still wondering.

Click HERE

Thanks Jamie.

mornings.

2011-05-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Mornings around here last at least until noon. Proof?

We are in the kitchen eating breakfast at 12:30 and I'm still in my pajamas. Oops. Probably should put make up on before I take any more pictures... Ugh I love to cuddle him. He is snuggly.

oh boy.

2011-05-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

I love having breakdowns in the middle of Target. Awesome.

This week I have been hunting for a blessing outfit for Rhett to wear. Talk about impossible... I was at Target on Tuesday looking around when I decided that seeing as my maternity jeans aren't fitting and my pre-baby jeans have holes in the crotch and wouldn't fit anyway, I should go check out the jeans for myself. Idiot. I grab a pair of jeans that was a size bigger than what I wore before I got pregnant as well as one two sizes bigger just for good measure. I go into the dressing room, take off my staple sweat pants that are worn every day, and pull on the one-size-bigger jeans. I'm pretty sure pants are supposed to be able to get up past your knees. Crap. So I try the jeans two sizes bigger. Yep. Pants are supposed to be able to get past your butt too I think. Awesome.

I sit on the bench in the dressing room and sob. Literally I lose it completely in the handicap dressing room at Target with Rhett sitting next to me in his car seat asleep. Charming. Turns out, I fit into jeans that are FIVE sizes bigger than my pre-baby jeans. Yep you read that right, FIVE, and I wasn't slim to begin with. I text Dewy and vow to never eat another thing for as long as I live and I leave Target empty handed. Now brace yourselves because I'm about to indulge some info here that I usually wouldn't. Here is a message I sent Dewy during our conversation at that point: "I don't like myself. Not even a little, and that has never happened to me before." I hit an all time low sitting in the parking lot of Target. The tears are coming right now even as I type. Emotional garbage. Hate it.

Yesterday I stopped off at work to pick up a few things, and when I got there a surprise was waiting for me. The Lord knew I needed to go to the school that day, cause there was no way I was planning on going there before I actually showed up. I walked into my classroom and my long-term sub said that he had some things for me. Last week was teacher appreciation week, so he loaded all my gifts from the PTA into a bag. Then he handed me a large white envelope and said he wasn't sure what it was. I got home and opened it. Here is what I found:

It was a nice surprise, and I was grateful for the reminder that even if I might not be in love or even liking myself someone else might be. It was in that moment that I missed my students a little bit too. I was so glad that they gave me all my nominations so I could see what my students said about me. It was a much needed uplifting moment. Now... those of you who have had babies--my baby is a month old today. I need this excess skin/weight gone. What do I do? Help!

hear me roar.

2011-05-09T09:40:00.001-07:00

I am a mother.

Yesterday I did a lot of thinking about motherhood. What a glorious thing it is to be blessed with a baby. What a miracle it is to be able to conceive a child, have it grow inside you, and then bring it into the world. I am grateful for the ability to have children of my own, and I'm grateful that the Lord sent Rhett to me. We are a perfect fit. We both love to sleep; we both cry when we are hungry, and we both love Dewy. Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot.

As I held Rhett at 4 this morning and rocked him back to sleep I realized what a clean slate he was. It is my job to teach him everything. It is my job to make sure he has the guidance he needs to be a good person. No pressure. I'm up for the job. I never knew how fullfilling it would be to love someone the way a mother loves her child. My heart is full.

Special thanks goes to my own mother for being a fantastic example of what a good mother is. I have a wonderful mother who serves her family and others before even considering herself. If I can live up to be half the woman she is I will have done a good job. Special thanks also goes to my mother in law for being who she is and for raising children the way she did as well. I am married to a wonderful man, who would attribute his goodness to his mother as well. We are surrounded by wonderful women in our lives. Here's to you. Thanks for all you do.

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day yesterday.

nursery. again.

2011-05-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

I have been postponing this post until we have moved, but sometimes you've gotta give the people what they want. Emily Dawn... I hope you're happy.

Let me preface this post with this disclaimer: Currently we are house sitting for my grandparents who are serving a mission. I don't think grandma would be super impressed if she came home to find one of her bedrooms completely repainted a funky color and holes in the walls from hanging items. So... the wall color doesn't match the bedding. Get over it.

Remember, my FANTASTIC bedding was made by a friend of mine. She is a VERY talented lady, and she would love to make your bedding too. Email me if you want her contact info. Thanks again Kelly. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.

This is his dresser. Obviously. Notice the library on top. That isn't even close to all the books I have bought Rhett. Dewy told me I'm not allowed to buy any more. Too bad. Kids become readers in the laps of their parents, and my kid is going to read. Thanks Dr. Seuss. That beautiful quilt sitting on top of our blanket basket next to the dresser was made by a wonderful friend of mine named Kim. WE LOVE IT. Kim makes beautiful things. Thanks Kim!

The changing table. I debated on even buying one of these, but I'm so glad I did. I made the totes on the shelf there... feel free to like them.

The inside of the crib. I'm so bummed that these pictures don't do the colors justice. They look so much brighter in person. Would someone tell me if they think this bedding is neutral? Could I use this for a girl too if I have one?

The entire crib with that stunning quilt included. I love LOVE it. I'm glad we chose the nursery set we did, even if it took hours to assemble and caused Dewy some serious grief. The only thing I left out of these pictures is the glider chair my parents bought me for my birthday. Its the same wood as the furniture with a tan upholstery. It saves our buns at night when Rhett wakes up and we rock him back to sleep.

I love my nursey. Thanks to everyone who made a contribution to it.

rhett.

2011-05-06T13:32:00.001-07:00

You didn't ask to see another picture of Rhett? Too bad.
I am one of those moms.

I call that his Popeye face.

Um... Sunday is Mother's Day. I'm in that club now...weird. They will let just anyone leave the hospital with one of those babies these days...

promo.

2011-05-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Two of my husbands greatest quality (be aware that there are way more than two) are that he is honest and he works hard. These two things led us to some fantastic news this week.

The night of Rhett's 3 week birthday, Dewy was informed that he was to meet his boss at their corporate office in the morning on the top floor. Immediately he stresses. The top floor has nothing on it except the offices of the executives. No pressure. Better get a haircut. The hubs loves his job, and he is good at it. He plans on being there for life, and has seen success and benefits from the job that he does while he is there. Wednesday morning his dream came true as the company made good on a promise he has been hearing for about two years.

Mr. Hodges is the new branch manager at the 26th street branch of Goldenwest Credit Union. I couldn't be more proud. He works so hard to support our family, and we are that much closer to our goal of me being able to stay home. His stress level also increased about 13 notches since the promotion, and hopefully he catches on with this position as quickly as he has with all the rest.

Love you Dewy. Thanks for being the honest and hardworking man that you are--among other things.

trauma.

2011-05-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm updating. Finally.

A week after Rhett was born we had to take him in to get circumsized. Traumatic much? Duh. I was sobbing before we even hit 25th street on our way from North Ogden to the hospital. Dewy sat and laughed at me. I'm telling you...this emotional garbage has to stop immediately. When we got to the doctor's office and were in the room waiting for her to come in I tried to gain some composure so the doctor wouldn't think I was unstable and take my baby away. No luck. She came in pulled her chair up close to me and asked if I was doing ok... I shook my head with gusto. Dewy then informed me she meant me personally after the delivery. Oops... I looked like a doofus. I choked out that I was fine. Think she was convinced? Me either.

We asked her a little bit about the procedure (like if we had to watch... such charming parents we are. Send our son off to the knife alone while we wait outside...someone call D.C.F.S.) She told us he would be numb and that she would give him a little sugar water to distract him. She then informed me that she NEVER EVER uses sugar water for anything else (acting like I was going to not be ok with sugar water... are you kidding me? Dope him up! The less he knows what is happening the better! And give me some too while you are at it) and that the procedure would be about a half hour. She took my baby and left the room. Cue sobbing hysterically. From me. Not Rhett mind you... me. Dewy looked at me and said in his you-are-acting-like-a-2-year-old-so-I'm-going-to-talk-to-you-like-one voice "Lets go for a walk." So we did. We walked, I cried. We came back to the room and sat down for about ten minutes before doc came back with my baby. He was sucking on his binky. No red face from screaming. No red eyes from crying. Not a peep. She said he didn't make a sound the whole time. I glared at him... tough guy huh? Already trying to make mom look like a fool huh? Punk.

A week later we took him in for his two week appointment. I stripped him down on the table (while the nurse waited outside by the scale) and as I took his shirt off his cord fell off. Sweet. That thing was gross... someone asked me if I kept it. Who keeps those? Thats sick. If you kept your kids' cords I'm not sorry for offending you. Anyway... it left a little bit of goop on his button, but nothing major. Doctor comes in (amazed that I'm not crying this time I'm sure) and looks at him. She looks at me, looks at him, looks at me and says "Um... when did his cord fall off?" in a voice that screamed "I'm calling the authorities! You are not bathing your child!" I calmly replied, "About 30 seconds ago. Its in the trash." I added that last bit just for good measure. Ha. This visit we had to get a PKU test done. Boo for that. I held Rhett at my shoulder while the nurse pricked his heal. The kid started screaming when she started pulling his foot down to get the blood on the paper. Are you kidding me? Not a peep when the snip him, not a squeal when they poke him, but he wails like he lost a limb when they grab his foot. Nerd.

Unfortunately I don't have any updates about myself except to say that I am not nursing because I'm bone dry. Apparently I have faulty equipment or something because nothing came in. I'm not even heart broken about it, because lets be honest I wasn't going to nurse because it was healthy for Rhett, I was going to nurse so my uterus would shrink faster in hopes that I would lose weight. Mother of the year folks. Currently my days are filled with holding Rhett. That is literally all I do. Ask the hubs. Dishes? Don't care. Laundry? I'd rather be naked. Sitting on the couch holding Rhett and looking out the window in between the times I kiss his cheeks? My new favorite past time. If you made it to the end of this post I will reward you with pictures.

Pick a neck roll... my heavens child.

He likes the ceiling fan. The kid stares at it and talks to it. P.S. Haylee...we love that blanket.

This is what I stare at all day. Love him.

rhett's story.

2011-04-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Ok. It has been a week and I now feel about halfway to normal so I am going to attempt to document Rhett's arrival. Deep breath... here we go...

Last Monday the hubs and I geared up for our appointment with the doc. My appointment was supposed to be on Tuesday, but I was entirely finished with being pregnant and spent a week straight calling his office (not joking) and telling him things like "Sure hope you have a nice weekend since I won't cause I'M STILL PREGNANT" or "You sir are a sadist and I want to light you on fire" so he caved and moved my appointment up to Monday instead. I went into the appointment ready to convince him that this baby needed to be out. Like, yesterday.

He checked to see if I had dialated any more(which is anything but pleasant...wish someone would have warned me) to which I hadn't. Baby was still huge, still floating, and I was still dialated to a 1. Super. He started to explain that we could give him one more week to drop, and I immediately started glaring and shaking my head. He then said there was still the C-section option, but I needed to know that if I went that route I probably wouldn't be able to pop out 12 kids (oh darn) but would probably be limited to about 4 (oh darn again). I explained how ok with that I was and he informed me he had already scheduled the C-section for the following morning. He figured that would be my answer. Duh. We called family to let them know the plan, and Dewy and I stopped and ate at Boccia's for dinner as a last meal kind of thing if you will. When we got home, my dad and my father in law came over to help Dewy give me a blessing, and it was readily evident I wasn't the only one who needed one. Dewy was a stress case. It was making me nervous and a few times I looked at him and said "You knew this was coming right? This wasn't a secret... I haven't just let myself go there really is a baby in there..." Turns out he was more worried about me being sliced open. What a sweetie.

Tuesday morning bright and early the hubs and I were at the hospital. I was taken straight into surgery prep while Dewy filled out paperwork. I was prepped for about an hour and they finally told me it was time to go. Ever walked into a surgery room? Seemed a little weird to just walk in there, but whatever. The room itself was a little daunting. White walls, white floor, white table, etc. Kinda creepy. I got up on the bed and Dewy sat next to me while they administered the epidural. Weirdest feeling of my life. It didn't really hurt so much, just felt a little uncomfortable. My whole body tingled like your foot does when it falls asleep. They placed the bar over my shoulders where the sheet would go to keep me blind to the procedure, and then they taped my belly to it so as to lift my belly clear up to my chest. I could feel everything they were doing. I couldn't feel the pain, just the pressure of someone invading your guts. Then all of a sudden two doctors were on either side of me with their forearms on my rib cage shoving him out. That was a little weird too. Out came Rhett about 10 minutes after the procedure started, and Dewy was off to follow him. This is when things got a little less than pleasant.

Apparently they turn off the epidural after baby comes out because it takes a while for it to wear off anyway. Not for me. No sir. The stitching up process took about 30 minutes and about 10 minutes in I could feel them. They turned the epidural back on, but by the time they were finished stitching and stapling I had tears streaming down my face. Worst. Half-hour. Ever. When I got into recovery, they couldn't get my morphine pump to work, and to save you the details I was without pain meds from 9:30 am until 4pm. I was slightly less than impressed, and may have been slightly less than pleasant. Meanwhile, baby Hodges needed a name. We went into the hospital with 4 names: Kai, Bennett, Kenyan, and Rhett. When he came out, Dewy followed and immediately decided he didn't look like a Kai or a Kenyan. He wanted my help with the name decision, but I was out of commission. Finally when Icould focus I said if I'm picking then it is going to be Bennett and Dewy said, "Rhett it is!" Why he even waited for my input is beyond me.

We spent 4 days in the hospital, which got really boring, but we are home now. Rhett is a great baby, and a fabulous sleeper. He goes to bed at 9:30 and wakes up around 4am. Hoorah. Mom is now a bawl baby and cries at the drop of a hat. Not a huge fan of that...it better stop. Gotta go kiss his cheeks off.

rhett dustin hodges.

2011-04-18T10:52:00.001-07:00

8 pounds 12 ounces

21.5 inches long

Love him with all my heart.

crap.

2011-04-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed lately there has been a "pity me" trend on this blog. I'm not proud. Now, I always said I hated those women who acted like they are the first women to ever be pregnant on the planet and I swore I would never whine and complain like that. Then I got pregnant. I don't feel like I have whined and complained the entire time... just the last few weeks. All of that is beside the point really. Do you ever feel like you are so picked on and your life is so hard and then something happens and you realize there is someone out there who has it worse than you do and you want to crawl under a rock and hide your embarrassment for ever even THINKING about complaining? Yeah me neither, but if I ever complained I might feel that way. I am a Fremont High graduate (woot woot) and I am proud to say that while in high school our graduating class was pretty much all friends. We had smaller groups of kids that hung out together, but for the most part everyone in our graduating class was friends with everyone else. That being said, you have to know how my heart broke when I caught wind of what one of those friends was dealing with. I'm going to do the benefit race. You should join me. Check out the blog to see whats up.

http://shawnanderinbarnes.blogspot.com

In case you were wondering... there is still no baby at the Hodges' house. Don't you worry though, I am not complaining anymore about it.

breakdown.

2011-04-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a mental breakdown. Yesterday we went to the doctor to find an exact weight and get set out what was supposed to be the "plan" for getting Fetus here. My day was great right up until the appointment got underway. We went to the parinatology ultrasound first to get a weight estimate: 8 lbs 6 oz they said. We took the report over to the doc. He chuckled to himself and did some tests of his own after which he said: "This kid is at least 9 lb 5 oz. At least." Excuse me?? Then why the crap am I still carrying him? Get out the knife and start cutting already please. He hasn't dropped down into the birth canal. I'm dialated to a one. And he thinks he wants me to go another week just to give Fetus the chance to drop. He mentioned that AFTER he told me that there is only an 8% chance he will drop to where I could deliver him normally. Nope. Not happening. I'm not one who understands gambling and playing your odds (lets face it I'm just not smart enough to figure things out that involve numbers and such...) but 8% doesn't sound too charming to me. I'll go with the 92% thanks. I left the doctor with this parting comment: "I will be going into labor on Thursday morning. When I get there, we will give him 5 minutes to drop and then we are going to start the C section. Got it? See you Thursday. Go ahead and clear your schedule." When I got into the car the weight of it all slammed me in the chest. I can't go another week. Mentally I'm done. I can't tell you the last time I slept (which isn't helping the situation and if one more person tells me its just preparing me for when the baby is actually here I'll scream because I feel like it would be much easier to wake up to take care of my baby rather than be awake all night because I can't breathe or because I hurt) and my students told me yesterday that my legs look like elephant's legs. Hate them. Part of me feels like I shouldn't complain because at least I can have kids where some women can't, but that part of me is being overrun by the angry and frustrated woman with a broken rib and elephantitis. Last night admidst my breakdown there was a silver lining. The hubs and dad gave me a blessing. Wish I would have thought of that sooner. I was secretly hoping they would say something that would command my body to induce labor, but alas it full of comforting things and I did feel much better after we finished. It is a good thing today is the last day of work. Pray for my optimism to return.

elephantitis.

2011-04-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Behold my swollen self. This picture is disgusting, and the worst part is that my whole body looks like this, AND this is actually looking pretty good since its still morning. Give it til the end of the day...

If you push on the top of my foot it stays indented. Charming.

cheer tryouts.

2011-04-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

are over. Can we move on please? Fetus can come now... any time.

Speaking of Fetus...

Looks like the doc is going to be slicing me open. Little man is not so little. We go in today to get an actual weight estimate after which we will know what the plan is. If I get to pick, he is coming out on Thursday morning. If I dont... well... I'm in charge so just plan on him coming out on Thursday morning.

happy birfday.

2011-04-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Our entire family will have their birthdays within two weeks of each other it looks like. Good thing I'm first.

For our birthdays Dewy and I decided we wanted to get some new shoes. I wanted to (legit) running shoes and Dewy wanted new basketball shoes. Behold the ultimate running shoe...

These things are unreal.. They are so light and flexible you can literally roll them up. Something about trying to mimic running barefoot??? I am ashamed to say that since getting these shoes I made sure that my new jogging stroller matched--yep. I have a lime green and black stroller. I'm not proud that I bought it for the colors. Don't judge me.

Dewy got the new Chris Paul basketball shoes. I have never spent more money on a pair of shoes in my life... or three pairs for that matter.

Good thing the kid plays a lot of ball. Happy birthday to us, now if we could celebrate one more...

23.

2011-03-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

I am 23 on the 23rd at 9:23am. Getting me something rare and expensive would be appropriate for the occasion.

mrs hodges the pineapple.

2011-03-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

My students are hilarious.

I informed my classes that my birthday was next week and that if they wanted to get me something rare and expensive it would be appropriate. This morning when I got to work, one my students (we will call her Sandy) came waltzing in with this.

She told me that on her teachers' birthdays she likes to give them a pineapple that looks like/represents them. She apologized profusely that mine had no arms. Um...hello! You impregnated a pineapple... the fact that it is armless is the least of my worries.

Not to worry... its just a bouncy ball under there. I checked.

name.

2011-03-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ok. Seeing as you people were absolutely no help last time we tried this, I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourselves. I have added another poll to the right hand side of the blog with name options. I left off the "neither they are both awful" option because last time that was a joke and that was the majority vote. Jerks. So, should you so feel inclined to help name my son, do it.

Three weeks to go.

nursery bedding. for real.

2011-03-14T08:44:00.001-07:00

Ok, no tricks this time. Kind of.

Saturday Fetus and I had two more showers. My old home ward hosted a shower for us in the morning, and my current North Ogden ward hosted a shower for us in the afternoon. Both were legit, and we were spoiled rotten. Whoever invented the concept of a shower does not receive nearly enough recognition and praise in my opinion. I can't imagine having to purchase all the items you need for a baby on my own. Good thing I'm so popular and have lots of friends to do it for me. Just kidding. Kind of.

At the morning shower the angel I mentioned earlier, Kelly Barnes, presented me with the quilt portion of my baby bedding. OH. MY. WORD. I couldn't have even imagined anything more adorable. I literally drooled. If you remember back to the post where I deliberated about a "theme" for the nursery (because I know all you do all day is sit and read my blog and memorize it) you may recall a certain "bird" theme that I loved but was informed by the hubs that it was girly and gay due to the color scheme. Kelly (this is how legit she is) remembered my dilema and made a side of the quilt that represented me and one that represented the hubs. Brace yourself. Once you see these pictures you are going to want to run out and have her make you some bedding.

This is the hubs' side. The coloring in my room doesn't do the fabric justice. Cripes.

This is my side! Way cooler than the hubs side. She took my love of that bird bedding and incorporated it into the quilt! AH! She never ceases to amaze me. Here is a picture of the bird up close.

Go grab a Kleenex. I know you are drooling too. I can't wait to see the rest of the bedding. The colors are really much brighter than these pictures show... darn lighting. Oh well. You get the point. My email is on the right hand side of the blog. If you want her number/email shoot me a message. She is obviously way too legit for words.

hated explained.

2011-03-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

Ok. Last week was not the smoothest. As much as I would love to indulge myself and go into great depth and detail explaining why, I must exercise my self control. Trust me, it is better for everyone when I exercise my self control. In order to shed a small bit of light on the situation, please let me share with you a PORTION of ONE of the emails I received regarding a situation with cheerleading a grades. I have removed the name of the person as well as the school they work at so as not to get myself sued.

"Hi Amber,
My name is ******* ***** I have been a cheer advisor for 10 years and also drill team, softball coach and diving coach all for ***** High. I was talking to one of my friends about your regulations of grades. I can't believe you would put a girl on probation or kick a girl off the cheer squad for this.

I don't know if you understand this and being a teacher for 21 years I know that I do. I am a very strict cheer coach with very high standards for my teams however, my rules that I set for my athletes have to be in line with the guide lines set by the school district. This could be a law suit waiting to happen. I know of not one school that judges grades the way you do. If a mother looked into this and got others involved it could be a bad choice for you.

Cheerkleading is a sport just like basketball, volleyball etc., you should talk to the others who coach and find out their standing on this rule you have implemented into your program.

I know you are the coach and you decide what is in your disclosure but
as one coach to another I would look into this part of it because it
could get you into trouble and being a coach is hard enough dealing with
parents but when rules don't make sense then it causes you more grief
than you need.

I hope you will think about this and maybe next year you could see how
this hurts your squad instead of helping them..."

Please remember that this was only a portion of the email, and I received NUMEROUS emails just like it from other advisors across the state of Utah. Allow me to point out some false statements in the email... this will only take a minute or two.

1- "I don't know if you understand this..." No my dear I don't know if YOU understand this. Cheer regulations differ from school to school, and junior high is different from high school as well since we don't fall under the High School Athletic Association. By the way, I don't really care if you have taught for 21 years. So has the teacher down the hall from me and all they do in class is watch movies. Your years of service don't mean anything to me.

2- "Cheerleading is a sport just like basketball, volleyball, etc..." WRONG. Where were you this summer when the Athletic Association ruled that cheerleading WAS NOT A SPORT? If it were a sport "just like" those others, then why do those athletes only have to have a 2.0 when cheerleaders are required to get a 3.0 GPA? Just saying... oh and I hope you don't mind my removing the "K" from the word cheerleader as you tended to include it throughout the course of your email. Next time, check your grammar and spelling before you send me an email. 'Preciate it.

3- "You decide what is in your disclosure..." I COULD ONLY WISH! The school has a constitution for cheerleading that was written up by the administration and voted on when the school opened. I had no say. If I wanted to make suggestions on changes I could, but in order for those changes to happen a vote takes place among the administration, school council, and the current cheerleaders and a 2/3 vote is required to implement the change.

4- "...see how this hurts your squad instead of helping them..." Oh I thought that removing responsibility or not holding them accountable was hurting them. My bad. Oh wait, are you saying that when they get to the real world they won't be held responsible when they don't follow through with something? I must not have learned that lesson yet since I have only taught for one year and not 21. Hopefully one day I can be as wise as you are.

I have never felt so attacked as I did last week. Maybe its the hormones causing me excess stress, but really?? I never lost my fire or desire to do my job well last week, but I am getting scared because lately I have felt myself fighting the battle of "what is the point?" Why go beyond my job description (or even within it for that matter) if all it is doing is "hurting my squad?" I don't do things for the praise, but when I feel like I'm busting my butt being at the school at 5:45 for practices that I don't even have to attend and I don't even deserve common courtesy I question things a little. Don't get me wrong, I'm not "advisor of the year" material or anything, but normal humans aren't quite so vicious... are they?

I love my cheerleaders. I love my job. I don't love feeling unappreciated or attacked. I think it is a good thing for everyone that this baby will be here in 4 weeks and in that time period the inmates can run the assylum. Ok... enough of the suckfest. Next post please.

always kiss me goodnight.

2011-03-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last night around 3:30 am I felt Dewy's hand slide in to hold mine under my pillow. I opened my eyes (since I of course wasn't asleep) just as he sat up, leaned over, kissed my forehead and my cheek, and went back to sleep. My heart melted.

This morning when he woke up I said, "That was sweet of you to kiss me in the middle of the night last night..."
He said, "What are you talking about? I kissed you when I came to bed at 11 but I only kissed your shoulder..."
I said, "No at 3:30 this morning you kissed my forehead and my cheek and you held my hand..."
He said, "No I didn't..."

I would like to know who he was dreaming about last night at 3:30 am...

sleep deprived.

2011-03-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

Ok. Last night we had our second encounter with deer.

We have two bucks who seem to like to frequent our home thinking it a dining establishment. The first time I met them was at 4 in the morning when I heard a weird noise outside and was sure it was someone walking around on the hard crunchy snow on my lawn. Turns out, it was just two bucks pulling leaves off the bush beneath my bedroom window. No worry. Last night they came again.

They have been here countless times before, because Dewy has seen their gift of "droppings" left on our driveway. Thanks for that. Last night after I FINALLY got myself to sleep (lets be honest this is a miraculous occasion because sleep is NOT something I expect to receive in the middle of the night these days) Dewy smacked me in the back and in an I'm-trying-to-whisper-but-I'm-just-so excited-that-it-isn't-working voice he said "HEY! THERE ARE DEER OUTSIDE AGAIN! AND THIS TIME THERE IS A DOE TOO!" I will be the first to admit that I am an absolute bear if woken before I think I should be. Dewy has seen that wrath more than once unfortunately. It took all my energy last night just to grunt an acknowledgement and roll over and not shout "WHO CARES?!" or smack him. The hubs however sat up and watched them munch away and enjoyed every second. One day I will again appreciate nature at its finest, but until that day I would like to lay with my eyes closed in my bed and pretend to sleep while I count all the reasons why I'm excited to be a mom so as not to become certifiably insane. AND I would like to do those things in peace.

nursery decor.

2011-03-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

You thought you were going to see pictures of the nursery didn't you? Too bad.

Today I finally completed compiling all the needed material for the bedding for fetus. Can I get a hallelujah shout out please? A while back when I was stressing to the max about a themed nursery I received a message from a friend via FB informing me this was my first child and so I should have CUSTOM MADE bedding. Um duh... why didn't I think of that? This friend is from my old home ward, and she has saved my buns countless times when it comes to things like this. For example, when I was getting married not only did she do ALL my flowers (which were exactly perfect might I add) but she also left my reception (which she helped decorate mind you) to run to the grocery store in order to buy two round cakes with which she made me an impromptu wedding cake (when mine was a little bit late) using one of her kids' sippy cups to make it layered and flowers to decorate it. She is seriously wonder woman. She also called me a few months after I got married to inform me that she had a Christmas tree and lights she was getting rid of and if I wanted it I could have it. For free. Ha. Score. Her name is Kelly Barnes, and she has every talent you can think of. Not even kidding. Including making custom baby bedding.

Today I took my fabric over to her so she could work her magic on my purchase. I can't wait to see it. If you are in need of some baby bedding tell me so you can call her. The woman is gifted, and so reasonably priced it should be a sin. Call her. Do it. I'll post pictures of my bedding when I get it back. Until then... lets just imagine the miraculousness its going to be. Sigh.

nursery bedding.

2011-03-03T11:01:00.001-08:00

Well. The fabric has officially been purchased. I can't wait til its all made.

This fabric will be the crib skirt. I bought this baby a while ago online after going into the store I was planning to purchase it at only to discover it was gone and they wouldn't be ordering more. I threw a slight tantrum in the car after that. Ask Dewy. He was there.

This baby will be the bed sheet. It will also be included in the bumper pad and the quilt as well. It didn't come in the same fabric collection, but was made by the same designer. Hopefully it will work seeing as I also ordered it online and haven't seen it in person... pray. Please pray.

The final three beauties will make up the crib bumper and the quilt (which will both include the red fabric as well if you recall...) I have a vision in my mind. Lets hope it works. If not, I'll be real unimpressed with the expensive fabric purchase. Now if I could get a crib... If anyone finds that crib #1 in a nursery set could you please inform me. I spend on average about 1.75 hours a day searching the web for that set. No luck. It doesn't exist. Sigh.

hated.

2011-02-28T07:26:00.001-08:00

I don't know if you have ever felt the feeling, but I don't enjoy it. Especially when these people have never even met me. Gotta go clean up my smeared mascara and suit up for war.

snooze.

2011-02-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

Psychology Degree Programs

Today during 5th period one of my students fell asleep. I was not up in front of the class teaching today, so it wasn't like it was any reflection on my teaching abilities. Just wanted to clear that up. Anyway... my students are watching a movie on the novel we are reading, and one of them fell asleep during the film. When the bell rang to dismiss class, she didn't stir, and I decided this would be a good lesson for her to learn. As my next class filed in I told them not to touch her. They were just as loud as they normally are before class starts and yet my 5th hour student, lets call her Sue for kicks, snored on.

The bell rang for class to start, and I instructed my students that they would be taking the state writing test today and that we would be going to the computer lab to do so. Sue was still snoring. Literally. My students asked me if I was going to wake her and I said nope. If you fall asleep in my class it must be because you simply want to stay here longer, in which case you are going to forfeit your other classes. All my students filed out of the room and made their way to the computer lab. I was visualizing her waking up to an empty classroom with the lights turned off and having a full fledged freak out thinking school was over. Don't worry. I woke her up a little while later. I started to worry that she might be dead once she had stopped snoring.

d-will.

2011-02-23T09:59:00.001-08:00

Peace out.

I haven't been a fan for years. Met him once, and that was enough for me. Is he good at basketball? Yes. Do I blame him for Sloan leaving? Kind of. Do I think he is a baby? Yes. Will I miss him? Doubt it. Good riddance Mr. Williams. Buckle up New Jersey.

Ugh. His arrogance is so impressive isn't it? Gagtastic even.

crib.

2011-02-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

Welp. I found the perfect crib... or two. I checked all the reviews and consumer reports (like any good and responsible mother would do...mainly cause my husband told me to...) and they are all top notch. Which do you like better?

This is crib #1 called the Tucson Convertible Crib by Rockland

This is crib #2 called the Cherry Dylan Crib by Bedford Baby

My bedding is going to be about 13 times cooler than the ones in the pictures (obviously). Let me know what you think. They are the same price, and the hubs already gave me the go ahead. Comment quick before he changes his mind!

circus freak.

2011-02-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

I was just standing in the hall at my place of employment and a woman walked by and asked if I was having twins. Nope. Another woman asked if I was sure about that. Yep. Move along please.

Ten minutes later I wandered into the book fair where another woman said I "looked about due" and asked when the day was. I told her 8 more weeks. She said "Oh really? Wow. You sure look ready to go." Thanks.

I got back to my room with minimal self esteem and a backache. Water and carrots for lunch? Don't mind if I do. Warn 7th period. I'm going to be cranky.

heart day.

2011-02-15T08:51:00.001-08:00

I never have to worry about Dewy and his V-day skills. He always pulls through. For once in my life this time I did too I think...

Our great friends own a Quiznoes at which the hubs frequently eats. I decided that for part of his gift I would bribe said friend to deliver lunch to him at work. The convo went like this:

Me: Hey will you help out with part of Dewy's V-day gift?
Him: Sure. What did you need?
Me: If I pay you in advance and give you a good tip will you deliver lunch to him at work?
Him: Sure.
Me: With a sexy note?
Him: Only if I can A-read it and B-alter it.
Me: Fine.

I wasn't able to get a note to our friend before he went and delivered the lunch, so he took it upon himself to write one addressing it to "lover boy" and signing it from "thunder lips." I told him any promises he made in that letter would be fulfilled by him so he better be careful.

I was antsy all day just waiting for something stupendous to come through my classroom door and get me all flustered in front of my students. Nothing came. Not going to lie... I was slightly disappointed. I had a dream the night before that Lee Dewyze showed up to my classroom, so I told my students if they saw him wandering the halls to send him my way cause he was looking for me. He never came either. Lame.

When I got home, however, I found at the foot of our bed a lovely single red rose, a sweet little note from the hubs, and a gift card to the spa! Hoorah. I realize that I can't see my feet, but unfortunately everyone else can so you all can thank Dewy for the pedicure I am about to recieve.

Not to worry... I'm not that lame that all the hubs got was a lunch delivered by someone else and a note written by his boyfriend. When the hubs got home from work I had a basket all ready with goodies. Included were some Jazz warm up pants, candy, "love potion" aka IBC rootbeer, 7 Love coupons (only one of which was inappropriate to disclose to blogland), the movie "Life as we know it" which we loved, and homemade chocolate covered strawberries. I also got us personalized cookies. I was just going to get him one, and then I remembered I was pregnant and I needed one too.

That night we took my mom out to dinner. Dad had to go out of town for work, so we babysat her. Maddox was legit (as always) and the night ended on a wonderful note when Michelle got sent home from the Bachelor.

I secretly love Valentine's Day. Don't tell anyone.

excuse me?

2011-02-10T12:57:00.001-08:00

What is this "Sloan is resigning" garbage? He did not discuss this with me, and I am not impressed. The Jazz are officially toast. Sloan was hired the year I was born. He has coached my whole life. Who cares if he has the dirtiest mouth of all the coaches? Who cares that he has coached the longest of any coach in the league right now? He drives a freaking mini van and wears a John Deere hat for goodness sake. Boo.

What is the world coming to? Oh yeah... Phil Johnson is leaving too. I don't care about him. He can go. See ya Phil.

wedding #2.

2011-02-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

My dear pal Alex got married over the weekend. It was fun to be there with her, and FINALLY get to see her marry Jordan. We had a lovely dinner at Maddox the night before the wedding, and the two love birds said "I DO" at 4pm on Friday. The reception followed and ended with dancing, where I busted out the entire Boot Scoot and Boogy line dance. It wasn't pretty, but I did it. Feel free to be impressed. I am so glad I videoed them feeding cupcakes to each other. It was prime. Notice how Jordan's hand grabs the back of her head at the first so she can't escape. Ha. Little weasel.

Poor Alex looked like she had frosted eyelashes with all the frosting stuck to them. I love that she grabs more cupcakes from the stand to shove in his face. Prime. Her niece was not impressed with the display and was thoroughly convinced that "Jodan" was naughty and mean.

The night was great, and we are so happy for them! Have fun on that honeymoon you two!

issues.

2011-02-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

call me debbie downer.

I feel like a failure. I have always heard about how "wonderful" pregnancy is and how much people love to be pregnant. Do I love to feel fetus moving around inside me? Yes. Do I love the concept that in 9 weeks I'll be a mom to that poor unfortunate soul? Yes. Do I love that I can be lazy because everyone insists I'm incapable of doing things for some reason? Yes. Do I love the extra attention? Yes. Do I secretly love pants with elastic waist bands? Yes. Do I love using expectant mother parking? Yes. Do I love guilting Dewy into things that I "can't do" because I'm "carrying his son?" Of course. Do I love being pregnant?

no.

Are the women who say they love being pregnant lying hags or am I some sort of creep? I feel like a rhino. My feet are swollen, and people are eager to remind me of that repeatedly. The pounds are compiling at an alarming rate, and I all but have an anxiety attack every time I go to the doctor and stand on that bloody scale. I can't breathe when I'm standing. I can't breathe when I'm sitting. I can't breathe when I'm lying down. It takes me half a minute to move from laying to sitting and then another half a minute to move from sitting to standing and then another half minute to standing straight up. I can't sleep. I feel like I bite the hubs' head off no matter what he does. Even if it's nice. I waddle. My clothes don't fit, and the other day, my new brother in law informed me he has never seen me "not pregnant." I told him that was a sad thing for him because I was really quite a wonder to behold normally. I have stretch marks creeping in at all angles I feel like, and I can't even go get a massage without feeling like I'm going to wretch all over the floor through the little face hole. Do I hate being pregnant?

no. but I sure don't love it either.

There is all this hype about how lovely expectant moms are, and I am here to tell you that I feel about as far from "lovely" as you can get. Someone please tell me I'm not a creep. Thanks.

another wedding.

2011-02-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

BranDee got married on Saturday. It was awesome. Freezing cold. But still awesome. I am convinced that it is much more time consuming when someone in your family is getting married than when you get married yourself. Not in a bad way... just in a... consuming way.

Saturday morning the hubs and I woke up bright and early to get ourselves to the Bountiful Temple by 8:30. At some point during the morning the hubs asks "Got your recommend?" I (possibly snot-like) respond with "yes dear. thank you." We get to the temple and I decide I want to leave my purse in the car. I open my wallet to grab my ticket in, and what do you know... no recommend. Curse. I suddenly realize that the recommend that is literally ALWAYS in my wallet, is actually sitting at home in my temple bag from when we went to the temple the Saturday before. The hubs was not impressed. We walk in and I put on my best "please take pity on me... I'm pregnant" face as I inform the worker of my dilema and ask what we can do. He tells me first they are going to string me up by my fingernails, and then they are going to have me fill out a card and call my bishop to get clearance. Sure am sorry to wake you at 8 on a Saturday bishop... thanks for letting me in.

The sealing was phenominal. Seriously best one I have been to. The sealer was this small funny old man who could very well have been the sweetest thing ever. Fetus was having a dance party the entire time. I thought he was going to shoot out of my belly button on more than one occasion during the ceremony. He knows whats up. Just like in our wedding, the hubs cried and I sat there dry eyed. I have a heart of stone I swear it. No tears. Ever.

Me, Gentrie, cousin Tawni, and Aunt Tina in the first pic. Feel free to appreciate my midsection. Those of you who were complaining about needing a belly pic... there you go. The bride's party in the second picture.

After the ceremony we hung out and took some sweet pics on the temple grounds. It was super foggy (which cause some guests to get lost on their way to the ceremony) and made for some cool wedding pics for the love birds. After the temple, we hit up the luncheon (hoo-rah for food) and then the reception. Every free second I had in between things was spent decorating the reception or making last minute decorations for the reception. It turned out legit. Funny side note...

All the ladies there at the top . The Hodges clan in the next one.

At one point during the wedding day a woman (whose role will be kept secret for now) asked us Hodges women if we were in anyway related to Dewy Hodges. I was on the other side of the room at this point, but my ears perked up to eaves drop on the convo... someone trying to move in on my man? psh... Dewy's aunts reply that the bride was indeed his sister, and the women then proceeded to gush for about 5 minutes on how great he is, and how much she adores him. She knew him when he was in high school...blah blah blah. Aunts inform her that he got married and she said that was nice. Aunts inform her he is expecting a baby and she said that was nice. I'm on the other side of the room wanting desperately to jump out of my chair and scream "ITS ME! HE MARRIED ME!" but alas the obvious obesity of my body kept me from doing so. Meh. Later that night, the aunts informed Dewy of the conversation as we are sitting at the reception. They inform him of who she was to which he replies, "Oh man. I thought she was so hot when I was in high school. All our friends had a crush on her." ugh. I feel about twelve times larger after that statement. Cripes.

Dewy is so checking me out in that first picture. This other one is Dewy and his other sister Gentrie the maid of honor.

Second funny side note... at the reception we were taking pictures. It was the blushing bride and all her bridesmaids (one of which was yours truly) and the photographer says "Ok... suck in! Oh wait..." and looks at me and snaps the picture of all of us. He was of course making a joke, but don't you worry that in that picture my mouth is hanging wide open in shock and horror. Charming.

After the reception we were all starving (even after scarfing down brownies, cupcakes, and slush) so we changed our clothes and hit up Warrens. We commented on how we have never felt so tired and I looked at the clock. 10pm. Seriously? When did I get old?

I love this sister in law of mine. Can't wait til its her turn.

betty frickin' crocker.

2011-02-03T15:40:00.001-08:00

I love to cook. My birthday is just over a month away, so if anyone wants to get me a kitchenaid mixer I won't be mad. I would like a turquoise or yellow one please. Thanks.

Last night I made dinner. It was practically delicious. No big. We had homemade brueschetta on Rosemary seasoned bread fried in a skillet in olive oil and garlic and a basil alfredo pasta with bacon. Go ahead and eat up the pictures. I'll wait.

Ignore the ugly bowl holding the pasta... those were the left overs. Who wants to come over for dinner?

classy.

2011-02-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

This last week I may or may not have gotten slightly annoyed at my place of employment... I'm blaming the raging hormones inside my 30 week pregnant body.

Nothing is more frustrating to me than when someone is thoroughly incompetent or a complete imbecile. I'm a firm believer that if I don't come in your kitchen and tell you what to make for dinner, then you are not allowed to boss me at my job either. Fair is fair. Apparently, a woman from the high school missed that memo.

Some employees from the local high school brought themselves down to us lowly junior high folk to help our freshman register for the next school year which was to be done during said freshman's English classes. The entire thing was utter chaos. Said employees didn't bring any registration forms, or even something to write with. You would have thought their reason for coming was a complete surprise to them. Strike one. Secondly, only two of them came, and they came thinking they would be able to register 60 freshman within the time of one class period. Strike two. It took them two and a half class periods for that first 60 in case you were wondering. When backup finally showed up just before lunch, things began to run SLIGHTLY smoother, but I was still not impressed...especially when they sat and stuffed their faces with Wendy's. Thanks for bringing me some. I'm not pregnant or anything, don't worry about being considerate... I'm just saying...

So SIXTH period (keep in mind that is the second to last period of the day, and I have been in the library with the registration process during the day) I bring my freshman students down to register. I'm trying to form a system that will help the process run smoother and quicker, so I direct my students to sit in a certain area of the library so I can separate those who came prepared with their registration sheets with those who need to fill them out. Here is how it went down (the hag is the little gem that came from the high school):

Me: Ok guys, have a seat right over here really quick so I can get those of you WHO ARE PREPARED sent to the counselors to register...
The Hag: Actually students, we are going to need you over here...
(said super snotty like she thought I was the imbecile..cue furious glare from me)
Me: I have this taken care of thanks. They will be down to you in a second.
The Hag: Oh. Sorry. (she looks me up and down) I thought you were a student.
Me: A knocked-up 9th grader huh? Sure you did.

Sorry hag, but that card doesn't fly when I'm the size of a baby rhino AND you have seen me more than once today. Strike three.

jazz.

2011-01-27T07:02:00.001-08:00

Sure wish they didn't suck.

For Christmas, I gave Dewy Jazz tickets to go and see the San Antonio Spurs play. The game was last night. When I bought the tickets the Jazz were actually winning, just for the record.

I sat next to a man who may or may not have had a little too many brewskies. At the start of the second quarter I happened to glance at him while he took a big ol' swig of his "golden beverage" and saw that the cup he was drinking out of had six, yes I really did say six, EMPTY beer cups underneath it. That was at the start of the second quarter. We had only been there half an hour! Isn't there a limit?? He really was a fairly mild mannered individual, though his mustache couldn't say so much. He was a true Jazz fan, and almost spilled his beer a few times because he jumped up so quick to shout a profanity at the ref, accuse the refs of cheating, or simply to cheer. The highlight of sitting next to him was probably when he punched me in the head while he attempted to put his coat on. The man didn't even notice. Oh don't even act like you didn't see me... I'm the size of a whale you fool.

Overall, I'm a Jazz fan. Last night's game got really awesome when the 4th quarter hit and Sloan finally decided to make an attempt at stopping the beating we were getting. Mysteriously, when the Jazz start making their comebacks it seems to bond the entire crowd. Everyone was on their feet. Now if they could just start winning. I may have to occupy myself until that point by considering being a Jimmer Fredette fan...

As a side note, the hubs is trying to talk me into naming fetus "Jimmer." So not going to happen. That isn't even a name. Nickname, maybe. Real name? No. Maybe I should consider it though, seeing as the blogging population thinks both the names I want are awful.

snow art.

2011-01-26T10:12:00.001-08:00

I just found this pic. Dewy wrote that in the snow while he was playing outside at my parents' cabin last time we were there so I would see it out the window. I was inside helping make lunch.

Its too bad there are footprints near my message ruining the aesthetic appeal. Oh well. I'll still take it.

cruella.

2011-01-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

I pride myself on being the scariest teacher in second hall. Yesterday I took my students to the computer lab so they could begin typing their essays. Today, students were to come to class prepared with a hard copy of their rough draft for editing. At the end of one of my classes yesterday, I told them if they came unprepared to class I would rip their legs off and light them on fire. Today, every single one of them was prepared. First time all year that has happened...

...I'm utterly terrifying I'm sure of it.

not one of the prepared apparently.

2011-01-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

Remember the story about the 10 virgins in the scriptures and about how only 5 of them were prepared? This weekend, I was apparently not one of those.

Saturday night Dewy and I went to the temple with his family while his lovely sister BranDee received her endowment. I was so excited to go, though a little leary of my current size and situation. I have reached the point where I have to rent a dress now, and thank goodness those things are tents. I took my time getting ready to go, and put together a cute outfit (which is quite a task these days since I'm limited to what I feel is about 4 items to pick from) and we left.

There is a side effect to being pregnant and that is that ones bossoms begin to grow in a much unwanted fashion. That being said, and being pregnant myself, I am limited when it comes to the number of over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders that I can wear that do the job properly. I have exactly ONE of those holders that fits and only because I caved and bought one during the blessed event of the semi-annual sale at Victoria's. Only problem is, this particular brassiere is bright green and white striped, and not skinny little stripes mind you but big bold ones that have no problem revealing themselves even when I wish they wouldn't. I would have gotten a plain white one, but alas the selection was limited in the size I was seeking. Ok now back to the story...

I rent my dress and take myself calmly into the dressing room to change. As I remove my street clothing, I realize in utter horror that I have the obnoxious green and white striped bra on. Try hiding that sucker under a white temple dress... ain't happenin' folks. So I run back out to the rental counter and rent an additional slip in hopes that the thin silky layer will in some way hide my striped disaster. No luck. I sit there for about five minutes staring down angrily at the green abomination, then resort to the only other option I can think of.

As I stroll into the chapel and find the hubs already there and waiting, (as I figured he would be since I took an eternity) I take a seat. He looks at me with a questioning look that says "what on earth were you doing down there??? It cannot possibly take that long to zip up your dress... the zipper is in the front for goodness sake..." to which I explain that I had a slight issue and that the ladies may or may not be contained in a proper fashion. He ponders my comment a moment and suddenly his eyes get a little larger than normal and he voices his concern about my being slightly less than appropriate. What was I to do?? He then says, "Couldn't you rent a white bra???" Get real. Like they even rent those.

And that my darling readers is how I spent two hours entirely self conscious, and all because I forgot to put oil in my lamp.

nursery.

2011-01-19T10:11:00.000-08:00

Welp. I decided to throw all the previous options out the window and start fresh. I decided to go with a color scheme instead of an overall nursery theme. Way easier. So I took myself down to the Home Depot for about an hour and a half and played with their paint samples...matching and changing options until I found about 12 I liked... yes I said 12. Took the mall home and set them out on the counter for a few days until I simply couldn't see anything but the one I loved the most. I took those colors around to fabric stores until I found the fabric I liked... and guess what? I found a fabric collection that used the EXACT colors I picked out. Creepy right? Behold the collection.

There are a few other swatches, but you get the point I think... Now if I could just figure out which fabric to use for which part of the nursery. Decisions, decisions... any ideas?

fitting.

2011-01-18T15:36:00.001-08:00

It is exceptionally appropriate that the future of the NBA have some decent shoes. Behold the first purchase for fetus that the hubs has made on his own so far:

Lebron James Shoes. Size 3. Adorable. And so over priced. Meh. He'll pay us back when he is making his millions as a professional I'm sure. I'll be sure to remind him.

bambi.

2011-01-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

So this morning at about 5am I woke up to a strange sound coming from outside my bedroom window. I sat and listened to what sounded like a person walking around on the snow outside for about 5 minutes (completely freaking myself out in the mean time because I was just positive it was either Voldemort or the Volturi) before I finally sat up and peeked out my bedroom window. There staring right back at me, are two deer--a three point and a two point eating the bush that sits right below my bedroom window.

I whisper to the hubs to look and he sits up and joins me. The poor little two point had been hit by a car I think because he limped really bad and he only had one antler on his head. Either that or his name was Max and he was simply dressed like a reindeer. Dewy made fun of me for thinking he was a sad sight. Kind of a cool thing to wake up to... wish it had been at 8 instead of 5 but whatev.

say cheese.

2011-01-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

This is the first 3D ultrasound picture we have gotten so far. Some people can see him really easy, and others stare at it for hours without figuring it out. Here are two copies of the same picture. One copy is blank (obviously) and the other has arrows pointing out what each thing is (obviously). What a chunker. Those cheeks are ginormous. He has my nose. And I guess my cheeks too... poor guy.

Sure is pretty bendy staring at his toes like that... Could be a gymnast. The hubs is not impressed with that idea.

christmas.

2011-01-12T10:00:00.001-08:00

Disclaimer: This post is insanely long. That is what I get for waiting til now to do it.

Dewy and I went a little extreme this year. We talked about Christmas gift budgeting in October, and discussed a ball park spending range that was acceptable. I had in my mind already what I wanted to get Dewy and I had been saving for a few months already. When I dropped the bomb on what I had planned on spending, he about had an aneurysm. My philosophy was this: we can, so why not? This is the last year in our whole lives where we will be living rent free, have two paychecks coming in, AND still be just the two of us. I wanted to go all out on him, and secretly wanted him to do the same for me... don't tell him I said that.

I am now a black Friday addict. Two years ago, the women in Dewy's fam invited me to join their tradition and go with them to which I enthusiastically declined. The following year I was actually part of the family, and as such hesitatingly participated. BEST. THING. EVER. I was immediately sucked in, and last years experience caused me to start counting down the days til black Friday the second September rolled around. I had pregnancy rage on my side this year--imagine the possibilities. We started the morning at 3am at the Kohl's in Layton. After Kohl's, we hit Target (one of my favorites), breakfast at McDonald's, Old Navy, the Layton Hills Mall, Ross, and then the New Gate Mall. I shopped for a total of 8 hours, and finished everyone on my list except Dewy and my father-in-law. Epic score.

Christmas is a funny thing at my house. Last year, for example, we spent Christmas Eve at my family's Christmas party as always. Afterwards, we went to the Hodges to open our Christmas pajamas--we stayed there til midnight. I had been asking Dewy if he wanted me to fill my own stocking, to which he told me no he would do it. Christmas Eve we left my in laws at 12 and Dewy informs me we have to run to Wal Mart because he needed to fill my stocking. Guess what. Wal Mart closes on Christmas Eve. Charming. Dewy pulled in to the 7-11 parking lot at 12:30 and ran in to get items for my stocking while I fought tears in the car. My stocking held pop tarts, bobby pins, and some candy--all of which I'm pretty sure Dewy ate--and Dewy was proud as punch. Now, his gifts last year were awesome, so the stocking incident should have been made up for, but I harassed him about it all year anyway. He had my stocking finished before Christmas Eve this year. Smart lad.

On our way home this Christmas Eve, Dewy told me that I had better set the alarm when we got home so we could get up and have our own Christmas before we needed to be to the Hodges for breakfast. I rolled my eyes. Yeah right. I set the alarm anyway, but just as I suspected at 7am Dewy rolls over like a kid at Christmas as says "Hey babe. Wanna go see what Santa brought!?" He was giddy as can be. I (being the incredible morning person that I am) responded by saying, "Oh I'm sorry dear, Santa doesn't come to our house remember? Everything that is out there right now, was there last night when we went to bed. Go back to sleep." He persisted. I gave in. Totally worth it. Here is what I got from my man:

The willow tree figure is called "Our Gift" and I bawled my eyes out when I opened it. The Lee DeWyze CD made me squeal with delight and about kiss the hubs face right off. He was slightly less than impressed when he didn't receive that exact reaction for some of his other gifts.

The jewelry armoire he came up with all on his own. My jewelry was hanging real classily in my closet on a hanger, and my idea is that he was sick of hearing me grunt in the morning while he slept and I tried to move my close and get access to my necklaces... The box is the perfect size, and I love it. I asked for an Ipod, because mine mysteriously disappeared. Boom. Ipod touch. I am officially in the cool kid club at school.

This gift, Dewy also came up with on his own. It is a diamond necklace which hold multiple meanings for us. First, diamond necklace...duh--diamonds. Second, diamond is the birth stone for April when our little man is due...Dewy's birthday is also in April so that serves as a double whammy and it is in the shape of a heart to "signify his love." Little cutie. I got a lot of other gifts from Dewy as well, but these were the major ones. Now for some of his gifts...

Dewy has wanted new clubs and a new golf bag for a long time. I watched online for deals and found a sweet one on a new set of irons and sweet one on a bag as well... a few weeks after I bought them, Dewy and I were at the mall and he suggested we go into Sports Authority so he could show me which clubs he wanted "just in case I happened to get them." Cue panic attack. He went straight to the clubs I got! Epic score. Again. Last year I got him an argyle sweater and begged him to wear it. He conceded, and now he lives in it, so I bought him three more. That sweater is not one of them, but who cares...you get the idea.

Dewy all of a sudden is a hunter. Angela, I may need a support group on this one. He lacks in the gear however, so I got him all set up with camo clothing. Overalls, jacket, shirt, gloves, etc. Now he can be warm when he leaves me. Super.

Our families spoiled us rotten, as they always do. Christmas was legit. Can't wait til next year when we have a little man to buy for too. I'm sure he will be more entertained with the wrapping paper than the gift at his mere 7 months old, but who cares. Nick will be home too. I can't wait.

back from break.

2011-01-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day back to work from the holiday break. I have a favorite student. Not sure if that is allowed or not, but he is my favorite and I am very open about the fact that he is my favorite. He is naughty on occasion, but incredibly hilarious which means I have a hard time being mad at him. He does good work as well... don't worry. Anyway, over the break his family went to Disney World. He brought me back a prize. Behold:

It is a little pin, and I was giddy. Mickey Mouse as a Yankee. I. Love. My. Job.

P.S. Teachers make jackpot on Christmas. I was so loaded with gifts and treats from my students, I didn't know what to do with it all! Who knew??

P.S.S. Don't worry. I have a legit Christmas post up and coming too... Dewy was incredibly legit this year in the gift dept.

friend night.

2011-01-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

It was our turn to host friend night in December, so we thought why not have a New Year's Eve celebration? Everyone came over to our house on New Year's Eve, and we spent the evening playing games, stuffing our faces, watching the ball drop, and kissing our spouse. Here are really impressive pictures of my candy bar spread. Go ahead, be impressed... I'll wait...

The party lasted into the early morning, and everyone stayed at our house til about 3 am. Thanks for the sweet time guys.

dilema.

2010-12-21T08:54:00.000-08:00

It has occurred to me that I cannot make a decision about a nursery for this little whipper snapper. I have a couple ideas bouncing around in my brain, but nothing is sticking and I need help. I figure that the two of you who actually still read this blog may be able to help...

Nursery Option #1: Birds.
Here is my fear with this one... Is it too girly??? I have this weird love for birds all of a sudden, and I did find this under the boy bedding section of baby depot. Dewy hates it. I like the color scheme, and I like the patterns. I would decorate more, and I don't like that crib but you get the point... hopefully.

Nursery Option #2: Sports.
My concern here is that it is too cliche. All the sports bedding is hideodorous that I have seen, but this one I don't hate. The hubs loves this one. I wouldn't do the wall paper.

Nursery Option #3: Sailboats
I like this idea, because it is something I haven't seen alot. Hubs doesn't hate it either. The problem is, I haven't fallen in love with any of the bedding I have seen yet. I would use the colors navy, white, and red and I want to have navy and white stripes with the red accent color... ugh. Help.

Do you have better ideas??? Please. Help. I am open to any nursery ideas you are willing to throw out there, so either vote one of these, or tell me your idea. Thanks bunches.

baby bump.

2010-12-08T20:54:00.001-08:00

I'm convinced there are at least 6 kids in there. Either that or one who weighs 21 pounds and is 6 feet long. And I'm only halfway. Charming.

Yes I am sitting in a chair here, and slouched like anything but a lady. Please ignore my excessive bust and lack of neck... not sure whats going on up there.

Its a...

2010-11-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

BOY!

Um I can't wait to buy little AND1 basketball shoes and outfits dress shirts and sweater vests... Sigh :)

P.S. Felt him move yesterday in class. I literally started giggling.

baby update.

2010-10-25T10:18:00.001-07:00

Ok ok... I have slacked on the blog thing. However, I will not be as conceited as some and apologize for my lack of blogging, because that is egotistical and I am very much aware that your lives only SEMI revolve around mine. Lets face it, only a few of you actually are living your lives vicariously through mine. Now for the updates...

Right now I am 16 weeks along. I look like a beached whale, and I can only pray that my belly doesn't continue to grow at the rate it has been growing. I swear to you that one morning I woke up and BAM! there was the huge bump staring back at me. No gradual warning. Jerk.

I cannot feel the baby move yet, though I try to every single day. I sit with my eyes shut tight wishing with everything I have that I will be able to feel it. No luck. My child would be stubborn like that... There are two things that will make this whole situation finally seem real. 1. Feeling the baby move, and 2. knowing what the baby is. So far, neither are working out in my favor.

When we were first talking about baby names, Dewy was shooting down everything I threw at him. We hadn't made it past girl names yet, so I said "FINE! What would you name her!?" He fired back "PRESKA!" Oh my... I sat right up in bed and told him to take his Preska and get out of my house. Of course he was joking, but who even kids about a name like that? Don't even tease about it... ugh. I made the mistake of telling my students the story, and now they come in and ask "How is Preska doing today?" Sick. The poor little thing has all sorts of nicknames already. Preska, Fetus, Fetussie... the list goes on and on. I need to know what it is so I can give it an actual name!!!

We went to our apt a few weeks ago, and we were assuming we would know what we were having by the time we left. We were so disappointed. The doc didn't even do a picture ultrasound! He did the Doppler, and I wasn't disappointed to hear the heartbeat, but come on... heartbeat vs baby's sex?? Get real. The following week I had to go in to do lab work so they could test for Spina Bifida and Down Syndrome, and I about stormed into the ultra sound room demanding they do one. Not to worry... I was intercepted before I got there and I had to leave.

Our official due date is April 12. There is a lady in my ward due April 9 and SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE IS HAVING! Ugh... my frustration is brewing. I had some weird voodoo thing done to my wrist that said it was a boy, but the Chinese Birth Chart thing says girl. The baby better hurry up and decide what it is, or we will have a problem on our hands! Either that or I'm having more than one! Which would explain my overly large belly. The doc did ask me how many I ordered and informed me that sometimes they get the shipping orders messed up... Hope that isn't the case.

All in all, everything is fine. I'm out of the first trimester (THANK HEAVEN) and not feeling too bad. Now if I could just get the hubs to go on a walk with me...

ha.

2010-10-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love correcting tests. Today as I was going through all the tests, I came across this one. I chuckled. Not about the message so much, but more about the picture she drew.

Yes, that is her on the right and me on the left. What they picture isn't showing very well is that that little scribble over my middle is a tiny stick figure. Yep she stick figured my baby. At least my butt and legs and arms look skinny.

kaylee.

2010-10-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

My sister is famous. Brooke Walker (from KSL) does little documentaries that air inbetween conference sessions. Sunday, they showed Kaylee, and told her story. I bawled my brains out. I'm blaming it on the hormones. Anyway... Here is the link if you want to check out the story!

Click on the link, then scroll down to Footprints of Faith. Kaylee's picture is the prompt.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=295&sid=109376

Dewy was so thrilled that they showed a picture of him.

all is well. all is well.

2010-10-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Just a few quick updates.

Dad is fantastic. He has a small scar on his eyebrow, and all thats left on his face is a little bruise next to his nose. Otherwise, he looks (and feels) great. Funny story...

I go get my hair done last week, and there is an older lady who is in my parents' stake who gets her hair done by the same lady. She was going on and on about how her Stake President was in a bike accident and how she was so concerned that it was going to ruin his face. She just thought he was so handsome, and loved to look at him up on the stand on Sundays. She was so worried that his oh so handsome face was going to be ruined! haha... hilarious.

As for the pile it on post... The day after we found out that my dad had been in that accident, we found out my father in law was having what could possibly be some pretty major health issues. He had to go through a lot of tests, and we were all stressing to the limits. Luckily, it turned out to be not quite as serious as it could have--which we are all grateful for. So... all is well.

pile it on.

2010-09-23T10:00:00.001-07:00

Just when I think nothing else could possibly go wrong, something does.
Why does it feel like everything is getting piled on at once? Ugh. I'll explain later.

I'm not in the mood.

name them one by one.

2010-09-21T10:23:00.001-07:00

Count your many blessings??

Last night I was eating a taco and watching DWTS (for the first time ever in my life may I add) and when my cell phone rang. It was mom. I answered.

Me: Hello?
Mom: Hi can you help me with something?
Me: Sure, what?
Mom: I'm at the hospital. Dad is in the ER. I need you to go pick up Austin...

The rest of the convo is kind of a blur. All I remember is hearing that my dad was in a bike accident and that I couldn't stop crying. He was riding his bike in North Ogden by Wadman Park and got going a little fast down a hill. As he tried to slow down and turn a corner, he crashed. The neighbors who were watching Austin, were the people who saw my dad first. They said they drove by and saw a man laying in the gutter.

Kaylee was at work at this point, and unable to be reached by cell phone. Lucky for me, I'm good friends with her boss. I text him. Immediately Kaylee calls me. She is crying too. She had just talked to mom, and wanted to go up to the hospital, but mom didn't want her to drive alone. Dewy dropped Austin and I off at my mom's house, and he picked up Kaylee and took her up. I knew he was going to need help if he was going to give dad a blessing, so I called my parents bishop. He went right up. Here are the pictures I received when they all got there.

I forgot to mention that when we picked up Austin, our neighbor had Dad's helmet and bike. His helmet was completely busted up. The doctor said if he hadn't had it on, that would have been his skull, and we would have lost him. Thank goodness my dad is not an idiot, and rides with a helmet.

Dad broke his cheek bone, nose, got stitches above his brow, has a wrap on his elbow, and possibly may need reconstructive surgery for his face. That will be happening either at the end of this week or the beginning of next.

I'm not sure I can handle any more phone calls telling me that someone in my family is in the hospital. Enough of those, please.