The Phelps

Month 3 & 4

2011-05-20T19:53:00.012-07:00

Dear Annika,

You are getting so big. It has been a big couple of months. We went to Utah, you got your first cold, attended your first wedding and all the stuff in between. It has been so busy I began writing this for month 3 and now it is for 3 and 4.

Utah was great! You were a perfect angel on the plane. Everyone doted over you, they love you so much. Your dad gave you a beautiful blessing that gives me great hope for your future. Grandma made you a beautiful blessing dress and you looked beautiful in it. There were so many people at the house after that you could hardly move. I’m amazed at all the love that someone who has only been around for such a short period of time can bring.

The unfortunate part about Utah is I came home with a cold that you got a couple days later. Along with the cold you got an ear infection. I worried about you non-stop, but your dad keeps reminded me that it will just make you stronger. I just couldn’t wait for you to get better.

Grandma and Aunt Flo came to visit for Easter. We did a lot of running around and as usual you were a gem. You met the Easter bunny for the first time and you were not about to smile, but you didn’t scream. So, I consider that a success.

Around 3.5 months you started giggling. It is about the cutest thing ever. It makes me forget all my cares in the world and enjoy the small moments.

At 4 months you still hate tummy time and refuse to roll over. However, you have great neck stability. You are dying to sit up. You love to stand. I’m sure rolling over is just around the corner. We tried rice cereal on May 11 and you hated it. Also, you are trying to blow raspberries. You can’t quite get it yet, but you are close.

You are such a people watcher. You are happy to sit on our laps or in your stroller and just watch the world around you.

Oh how I miss having you in my belly and with me every second of the day. I’m learning to mourn the pieces of you we lose as you get older and look forward to the pieces we will gain. Buffy said the other day you are like vitamin sunshine and it is very good definition. You bring sunshine to my life every day and I couldn’t imagine it without you.

Month 3

Month 4 Stats

Length: 26", 95th percentile

Weight: 15lb 3oz, 75th percentile

Head: 42.5cm

Love,

Mom

Month 2

2011-03-22T20:40:00.007-07:00

Dear Annika,

Where has the time gone? I already miss you being small, but I’m so excited for you to grow. I feel I missed so much of you being small with all the medical mishaps. I wouldn’t trade you for the world though. I can’t wait for you to start laughing, crawling, and talking. We are going to have so much fun.

This month you started smiling. It is about the cutest thing ever. You’ve also learned to be expressive when you cry and have started using a pouting lip. As much as I hate to admit it, I think you are cute when you cry. I love your gummy smile.

You are trooper about our on the go lifestyle. You sit in your car seat and either sleep or play. You will sleep through anything from a dr. appointment to dinner at a restaurant.

Your dad continues to amaze me. He is so involved. He watches you all day and appeases me by continuing to put bows in your. However, most the time I do come home to you no longer wearing pants. You have him wrapped around your little finger.

Hannah has started watching you when dad is working. You love it there. You watch her kids play and smile away. The help feed you and even read you to sleep. I love that I don't have to worry about who is taking care of you. I am so thankful that you have such great people in your life.

You have started cooing. When you really get going it is like you are singing. Whenever we turn on a camera to record it, you instantly stop. Maybe you weren’t born to be actress?

I can’t imagine life without you.

Love,

Mama Bird

Stats

Head: 39.4cm 25 percentile

Weight: 12 lb 5 oz 75 percentile

Height: 24” 90 percentile

Month 1...Already

2011-02-11T16:35:00.004-07:00

Dear Annika,

Oh what a month it has been. We brought you home on January 13^th and I promptly popped my knee cap out of place and ended up back at the hospital. We left you with grandma and you experienced your first bottle. You haven’t looked back since. You prefer the bottle to nursing, but breast milk to formula. You hate getting your diaper changed, taking a bath, and basically anything that requires you to be naked.

I had a stroke the night of the 26^th that crippled my right side. Your dad has taken over as main caretaker and does a great job. I don’t know where I’d be without him. Also, you adore him. You have him wrapped around your little finger; he will do anything to make you happy.

You’re slowly moving out of newborn clothing and into 3 month. You love the swing and have started watching the mobile at the top. You are a perfect baby most of the time. You usually only cry when you are hungry. You are our baby bird. When you are hungry you form your mouth in a way that makes you look like a baby bird looking for a worm. It is very cute.

It is a joy having you as a part of the family. It feels like you have always been here.

Love,

Mama Bird

Stats

Head: 35.5cm 25 percentile

Weight: 10 lb 5.5 oz 75 percentile

Height: 22” 75-90 percentile

Thankful

2011-02-08T16:51:00.003-07:00

When you lose half your body overnight, you become aware of things you never thought of and thankful for even the little things.

I am thankful for...
my husband
a healthy baby
my parents being her for 4 week to help
my boss being patient with my schedule
physical therapy slowing bringing back my right side
being able to use my right side at all
my knowledge and speech being in tact
family
friends

These are just a few of the many things I'm thankful for. Even with all the trouble, I wouldn't take back a thing because I have this.

Although, I'd have to think really hare before I do it again.

2 Week Stats

2011-01-21T14:09:00.002-07:00

We went to the pediatrician today for Annika's 2 week check up. The doctor says she is doing great.

Head: 34 cm, 25 percentile (So far, she doesn't have her daddy's head)
Height: 20 in, 75 percentile
Weight: 8 lbs 2.5 oz, 75 percentile

Also, here is a video of her waiting for me to finish getting ready. This is the mood she is in most of the day.

First Bath

2011-01-20T12:41:00.002-07:00

Annika got her first bath, since her umbilical cord came off, today. In the womb she use to start moving around a bunch at the sound of the bath being filled. At the time, I thought she was having a party, now I think she was kicking and screaming.

Beware, there is screaming.

Life By the Week

2011-01-18T21:50:00.009-07:00

Little Miss Annika,

This is a chronicle of your time spent in my belly. Not all of it was pleasant, but I’d do it all over again because it brought me you.

By 4 weeks both your dad and I had graduated. Dad with his law degree and I got my BS in accounting. Also, you went on a lovely cruise to Alaska with Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Scott.

At 4 weeks we moved to Austin, TX and found out the next day that you were coming.

Around 7 weeks we went to our first doctor's appointment and saw your little heartbeat for the first time.

At 13 Weeks we headed to Las Vegas for Kayla's 21^st birthday and for Grandma's 60^th birthday. It was sweltering hot and we were pretty miserable the whole trip. But, it was good to see family after 2 months.

You spent weeks 8-21 making me sick most of the time. You did not like mornings, cleaning, hunks of meat, or sweets. We spent most of this time going to the lake, movies, and doing activities that didn’t require a lot of energy.

At 17 weeks I got impatient and so we went to see if we could find out what kind of parts you were equipped with. However, you didn't want to show the goods.

At 18 weeks, you finally gave up on modesty and showed your stuff. The technician was pretty sure you were a girl. It was around this time that I thought I started feeling you move, but I wasn't sure. It felt like birds in my belly.

At 20 weeks, Grandma and Aunt Flo came to visit and we found out for sure you were a girl. But, most importantly, that you were healthy and growing normally. Mom thought for sure you would be big when you were born. Since your legs were measuring about a week ahead of your body, you can blame dad for that one, you were put in the 82 percentile.

Around 22 weeks, I was sure that what I was feeling was you. Daddy didn’t get to feel you for a couple more weeks.

At 24 weeks, we were rear ended by a city bus. It was just a small jolt and you remained well protected in my belly.

At 25 weeks, we left your dad alone on his birthday, so he could enjoy Austin City Limits. We headed to Salt Lake to visit Grandma. It was a fun trip, but a little overwhelming trying to fit in all the things we wanted to do. The good news is we hit the tail end of peach season in Utah and I was able to get the peach pie from Maddox I had been craving. Did I mention my sweet tooth came back full force around 22 weeks when you decided to let me feel like a normal person again?

It was about this time that we started to register and stock up on gear for you. One of the things they don't tell you before getting pregnant is that there are so many decisions to make when you are expecting you first child. As you will learn, I'm super indecisive, so this was really hard for me. As I have now learned, some of those decisions aren’t all that important.

At 28 weeks, to prove the sweet tooth was back, I failed the 1 hour glucose test; but, passed the 3 hour, so all is good. I celebrated with a little Halloween candy.

At 31 weeks we went to Salt Lake for 9 days. We decided to visit for Thanksgiving, since I would be on travel restriction for Christmas. While we were there Jennae threw us a wonderful baby shower. It was great to see everyone. There are so many people that loved you before you even got here. We spent more time relaxing this time and it was less overwhelming...that is until Thanksgiving. Grandma ended up with 22 people for Thanksgiving. It's always great to have that much family around, but it was stressful for Grandma. But, as always she made it through without a hitch.

We spent the next few weeks getting everything setup and ready for you. I think I've done about 15 loads of just your laundry. You are very loved and we are thankful for all the wonderful friends and family that made this possible.

At 36.5 weeks I took a bit of a spill by tripping on a speed bump....OK let’s be honest, I crashed and burned. I was pretty sure I had protected my belly and you, but the doctors wanted to be sure. They did a NST, but chose nap time and you didn't really want to wake up. So, to be double sure, they did an ultrasound. You passed with flying colors and as a bonus, you are still a girl according to the pictures. It was this time that mom’s blood pressure started to raise.

At 38.5 weeks I started having vision troubles and continued to have high blood pressure. Mommy’s doctor decided it was time for you to join the world. We checked into the hospital that same night to get things going. On Tuesday morning I started having very strong contracts and in 3.5 hours, you were here. You were born at 9:23am on January 11. Weighing in at 7 lbs 15 oz and ~20in long.

Today you are a week old. We already love you so much, it feels like you have been a member of our family forever. You sleep about 98% of the day. When you want food, you are like a baby bird hunting with mouth open. Your dad particularly hates it when you cry, which you only do when you get your diaper changed, get a bath, or are hungry. You are a little piggy, you are already drinking 4-6oz in a feeding. Mommy likes this because you usually sleep 3-5 hours also. You are so perfect right now, I’m worried about messing you up. I’ll try my hardest to live up to your potential.

Love,

Mama Bird

A Break

2008-06-03T10:37:00.002-07:00

Things I've had the time and energy to do since I decide to take the semester off.

Read 7 books, for fun.
Eat dinner before 9.
Take a hot bath any day of the week.
Take a full lunch break.
Go to the movies.
Spend time with my husband.
Watch t.v. without feeling guilty.
Attend appointments with my mom.

Taking a break this semester good be one of the best things I've done in awhile. Although, I will pay for it in the upcoming semesters.

A New Calling

2008-05-27T11:47:00.002-07:00

I have officially left my CTR 7 class and began as the Young Women's Secretary. I'm a little nervous because I have never done this before and wasn't given much instruction. If anyone has any ideas, that would be great. Otherwise, I will be figuring it out along the way.

My New Obsession

2008-05-23T14:55:00.001-07:00

Get this widget!

News

2008-04-21T11:33:00.004-07:00

I have been debating how, when, or if I should share this news on my blog. I decided it was better that you hear from me rather than someone else. People have been known to twist the details.

My mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The official diagnosis was March 26 and she had a double mastectomy last Thursday. It is invasive lobular breast cancer that is at least stage 2. She will need chemo and radiation. Chemo will start in about a month and radiation will come after that. She is doing really well after surgery and is in high spirits.

I wish it were better news, but I thought everyone should know what is going on.

Husband Tag

2008-03-05T16:54:00.003-07:00

I'm with Angela. I don't usually do these, but it has been awhile since I posted.

What is his name: Nathan Kraig Phelps

How long have you been married: 2 years in May

How long did you date: About a year.

How old is he: 27

Who eats more: He does, unless its dessert, then I do.

Who said I love you first: He did.

Who is smarter: Nate has more book smarts. I have more common sense.

Who does the laundry: I usually do because I'm really picky. There are a few loads he has been trained to do.

Who folds the laundry: We each do our own. But, we hang almost everything.

Who does the dishes: My mom. I hate dishes. Nate did them before we moved.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: Facing the bed, he does. I haven't figure out why people care.

Who pays the bills: We both do.

Who cooks dinner: Mom again. Living in the basement has its perks. Before law school, Nate cooked.

Who drives when you're together: He does.

Who is more stubborn: Definitely me. Nate is really easy going.

Who proposed: Nate

Who has more friends: Probably about the same.

Who wears the pants in the family: We each wear one leg.

And What Did I See....

2008-01-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

But, a new car where the old one used to be. They found the car a week after it was stolen. Abandoned with 800 more miles, a trashed interior and wrecked suspension. After much fighting with Geico to get our car looked at, they totaled it. We searched and searched until we found the right car for us. A 2000 Subaru Outback.
Hopefully, it last longer than the last one.

We are back in school and back into school life. Which means, boring. We work, go to school, and do homework. That is about it.

You should all go read Holly's complete version of the "stolen car, popcorn song", it's in the comments, she is so creative.

I Looked Out the Window...

2007-12-14T10:09:00.001-07:00

and what did I see. But, a empty spot where the car used to be.

Nate's car was stolen during the night. According to the police officer, the thief went to a couple of cars in our circle, took my mom's cell and then Nate's car. We are still waiting to hear from insurance before we make our next move.

My New Toy

2007-09-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

I did something I've never done before, I bought a product the weekend it came out.

I've been wanting to upgrade from my old ipod Shuffle to a new Nano. So when the new version came out, I rushed right to the Apple store to buy it.

You should have seen the crowds at the Apple store. One of the employees told us that they had to close early on Friday because they ran out of product.

Anyway, I'm pretty excited about my new toy.

Since We Last Met

2007-07-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Nate Graduated with his bachelors in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies and some other random certificates. The day after Nate graduated we moved into my parents basement to live while Nate goes to law school.

We were sealed in the Logan Temple. It was a wonderful day, we were surronded with many family and friends.

Linz, Josh, and Josiah came to visit and stayed for the sealing. It was fun to see her, I miss her already.

This also proved a good excuse to see Holly, Jared, Elizabeth, and Anna(in belly).
We have had a very busy summer. I have been going to school, I'm trying to finish as soon as possible; as even with summer semester, it will take years. We are spending a lot of time in Bear Lake utilizing the house because they are selling it. And, we went to Portland to visit Eliot and Sylvie before the baby is born.

BYU vs Utah

2007-07-24T09:55:00.001-07:00

Nate has decide on BYU, well actually he decided long ago, but I've been busy so I haven't had a chance to do an update.

There are many reasons for this decision, higher ranking, full tuition scholarship, but the most important is the BYU made him feel wanted. They are very well organized and take the time to make it feel like they really want you to go to their school. Utah accepted him and gave him a little bit of money, but it ended there. So, Nate will be a Cougar.

I, however, will continue to be a Ute. And, if we were football watchers, we would still root for Utah.

Hopefully, more updates will be coming soon.

U of U

2007-04-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Nate finally heard from the U, he was accepted with a 76% tuition scholarship renewable based on performance. Now, he just needs to make a decision.

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

We Can Be Together Forever Someday

2007-04-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

Nate and I are getting sealed.
May 12, 2007
Logan Temple
2:15 PM

One Down, One to Go

2007-03-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Nate was accepted at BYU Law, with a full tuition scholarship renewable each year based on performance. He is finally complete at the U, we are just waiting for their decision.

Piper Ann

2007-03-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Nate's sister, Erin, gave birth to Piper on Mon, March 12. She was 6 pounds 12 ounces. She is just about the cutest thing, I can't wait to meet her.

Scores Are In

2007-03-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Nate got a 170 on his LSAT, which is in the 98th percentile. What does this mean? With his GPA and LSAT combined he should be able to chose between Utah and BYU. And, he will hopefully get a scholarship. Yeah! Keep your fingers crossed.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

Not too much going on. We are a boring married couple, and I like it.

We are now team teaching Sunday school to just the 12 and 13 year olds. It is hard because the lessons they have for you don't quite fill an hour, but we are getting better each time we teach. We are getting more creative with our activities, which helps a lot.

Nate just took the LSAT on Saturday, so we are on hold for making too many plans until we see what score he got and if he is admitted. He has applied to Utah and BYU, with Utah being his first choice.

I have been going to school again. I am taking 3 classes heading for my BS degree in Accounting. It is keeping me busy to work full time and have 9 credit hours.

Well, that's an update on us. I hope everyone has a great Valentines day.

2006

2007-01-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

January started off in a new home in Sugarhouse. We am still living there. We love the neighborhood, but would love to have a little more room. So, hopefully before too long, we will upgrade to a 2 bedroom.

Most of our time between January and May was spent planning for our wedding, which was on May 6. It was perfect. A small party in a back yard. Thank you everyone who helped celebrate with us. We then went on a Mexican cruise for our honeymoon. It was a great vacation.

The rest of the summer was spent playing and working. A few small camping trips and a few small trips to see Nate's family. During the summer, we were also called to teach the YM/YW. We taught 12-17, but the class was split and we now teach 12-15. It is an exercise in patience, to say the least.

The next big thing to happen was in November, I took out my endowments. We will be getting sealed sometime in May or June in the Logan Temple.

We spent Christmas in St. George and Sandy and got to see some family.

Overall it was a great year! We are looking forward to 2007 and will try to update you more.

Love is...

2006-11-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

Making dinner and doing the dishes.

Welcome to the World!

2006-08-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

Update: Here is a picture from last night with his eyes open.

Easton Sacks was born yesterday at 2:13 p.m. He was 7 Pounds 15 Ounces. He is such a cute little guy. I will try to get a some better pictures tonight. He didn't like my flash.

We Will Miss You

2006-07-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Skip died somewhat unexpectedly on Monday. He went to the hospital for a routine procedure and never came out. Although he was somewhat of a yeller, he had a heart of gold. He would have done anything for me or my family and I loved him.

Click the photo to see the obituary.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2006-07-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

Since we got home from our honeymoon, I have been swamped. Between work and play I haven't had a spare moment.

This is one of my favorite pics from the wedding.

It was a beautiful day and everything went perfectly. Our honeymoon was really fun also. We did a Mexican cruise. Since we have been home, we have had a big meet at work, we went to St. George for a night and we have been to St. Charles a couple of times. We have also done various fun activities and worked a lot, but I think I have bored you enough.

Vote For Festus

2006-06-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

I know I am a silly dog mom, but I entered him in a contest. Vote for Festus

What a paperclip can get?

2006-04-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Holly first introduce this website awhile back. This guy has now traded a red paper clip all the way up to a year of free rent. Amazing! Maybe I should get a red paper clip?

Easter

2006-04-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Easter was quiet. We spent the morning with my parents and then drove to Bear Lake to spend the afternoon with Nate's grandma. This is a picture of Logan Canyon on the drive up.

Setting The Record Straight

2006-04-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Somehow, people got the impression that I am pregnant. I just want everyone to know that I am NOT pregnant.

Flower Girl

2006-03-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Isn't she the cutest?

Love is...

2006-03-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

Picking the onions off my half of the pizza, before you cook it, because you know I hate them.

Black and White Twins

2006-02-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

If you have some time, this is a pretty interesting story.

My Little Protector

2006-01-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

A New Home

2006-01-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

I came back from New Year's in Idaho to find my roommates moved out while I was gone. Which, by the way, I think is very cowardly. Well, my landlord was nice enough to let me out of the lease. The best part about that is someone moved out the day after I was out so I'm getting my full deposit back.

The bad part is I missed Angela's farewell dinner due to apartment hunting. Angela I hope you have a great time in Arizona and I'll miss you.

So, I moved last weekend. It is a cute 1 bedroom duplex around 15th and 15th. I love the neighborhood. You see more people walking than you do cars and there are a ton of dogs around. Also, there is a little park just a couple blocks over. I will post pictures once it's organized.

A Million Little Lies?

2006-01-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

I read the book A Million Little Pieces. It was a really good book, a bit depressing though. It didn't keep me up at night, like it did Oprah. However, I did enjoy it. Well, I read it under the impression that it was a true story. Some people are saying that is untrue. I would like to believe the author isn't lying when he says it is true, but some of the stories are unbelievable. You can read more if you want in this article.

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

We had our family party on Sunday and Festus thought he was one of the kids. He thought Santa was great, but a was a little disappointed that he didn't get a prize. I guess Santa will have to remember that for next year.

Festus Gets a New Coat

2005-10-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

Which is Bigger?

2005-10-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

This is Festus with some veggies from our garden. The zucchini was longer than him.

I'm Getting Married

2005-10-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

For all of you who don't know. Nate and I got engaged. We are getting married May 6, 2006.

I'm editing this post to include pictures for Momila.

This is Nate & I in Montana.

This is my ring.

I Think We Made Her Year

2005-10-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Ace Hardware to pick up a few things. And as most of you know, I'm the crazy lady who brings her dog everywhere. On our way out of the store a grandma like lady stopped me, from her car, to say hi to Festus. He jumped right in her lap and she was so happy her eyes were watering. Eventhough it wasn't me doing it, it felt good to make someone so happy. I find it more amazing each time I take him out how many people he can make smile, just by being him. He is the best!

The New Car

2005-10-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is just a stock photo, I unfortunately haven't had time to take a picture. But, we (Nate & I) got a new car on Friday. It is basically the car I had, but newer, faster, and cuter except the bumper.

Let's Help Them

2005-09-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

So, unless you live under a rock, you know about Hurricane Katrina. I've been watching the reports and it is all very devastating. One of the things that hits me the most, is that the people couldn't take their pets. Some of you will think I am crazy for saying this, but I would die before I left Festus behind. It brings tears to my eyes every time I see a stranded pet or even someone with their pet. To some people, losing a pet is like losing a child. Don't get me wrong, I feel bad for the people, but pets can't do anything without the help of others. There are now a few places that are helping to go rescue the pets and get them back to their owners or another good home. I really like the following organization http://news.bestfriends.org/
Here are a few pictures of pets they have already rescued.

A New Use for a Cat

2005-09-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

So, AJ brought home 3 cats on Saturday. They are cute, as long as you ignore the fact that they are cats. I thought of a few uses that most people have already thought of cat stew, cat tacos, and cat tire tread. Well, Sunday night I learned a new use for cats. Alarm clocks. For some reason the one I fondly refer to as "The Bitch" decided that I should be up at 2 A.M. I'm sure my boss liked it, because I got to work over an hour earlier than I usually do. But, I'm still catching up on sleep. Good thing they are outside cats.

Back in the Saddle Again

2005-09-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

Congrats to me! I'm no longer married!

Shoes!

2005-08-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

I love new shoes!

Vacation Time?

2005-08-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

I found a fun link to go and map out where you've been in the US, only discover I've only seen 25% of it. It would seem it is time to go on vacation. I'm thinking New York.

create your own personalized map of the USA
or check out ourCalifornia travel guide

What do you do in your spare time?

2005-08-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Most of you know Festus. He is a sweet and inocent little puppy, until you see what he does in his spare time....

Divorce Meeting

2005-08-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

We had our final meeting for the divorce today. It went as smoothly as could be expected. We finally got everything worked out. The papers will be drawn up, hopefully, by the end of the week. And, we have asked the 90 day period to be waived. So, keep your fingers crossed that next week I will no longer be married.

The Garden

2005-08-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have been keeping a garden. All you who know me, know that is a lie. Nate has been keeping a garden, I could kill a plastic plant. But, we have finally begun to see the "fruit" of his labors...

The first was this lovely zucchini.

The next was this tomato.

Soon, we will be enjoying this cucumber.

And this green pepper.

We also have spicy peppers, green beans, eggplant, and soybeans.

My Tattoo.....s?

2005-08-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I have a tattoo. I personally think it is really cute. It is a butterfly on my right shoulder blade, which hardly anybody ever sees. If I get a chance, I will post a pic. When you get it, it feels like a really rough cats tongue. It doesn't hurt hardley at all. Once you get one you want more. It is an addiction.

Needless to say, I want another one. I think I want a star or three on my right foot above my pinky toe. The delemia I'm having is that I don't know that I want to be the marked up person and what happens in the long run? Does a 90 year old women want a star or three on her foot and a butterfly on her back? I don't know.

My Game of Life

2005-08-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, step two of the process is now done. Step one was selling the house. Sold. Scott and I have now had our bankruptcy filed. Today is officially the last day we have to be married.

One thing I've learned in this process is that the day you file you don't want to have any money in your accounts because they can stake claim to whatever is in your bank accounts that day. So, before you file, you should go on shopping sprees. Okay, so maybe that isn't the right way to go about it. Really, you should just file after you make all your bill payments, you know rent, etc.

The next step is to finalize the divorce. We meet with the mediators on Monday to hopefully finalize everything and get the paperwork to file. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, everyone keep your fingers crossed.

Maybe I can move...

2005-08-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

You scored as WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON IS AWESOME FOR YOU!

WASHINGTON

67%

UTAH

50%

FLORIDA

42%

NEVADA

42%

California

34%

NEW YORK

34%

LOUISIANA

33%

WYOMING

25%

What state should you live in?
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Vacation = Tired

2005-08-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Why is it, after going on vacation, that I feel more tired than I did before I left?

School, Are You Sure?

2005-08-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well, they have finally evaluated my classes and won't except some of them. One, Business Statistics, which I hated by the way. The other, Basic Computers, this one is really fustrating. I took a class that taught more than their version and they won't except it. Oh well, at least I can take it online.

The part that makes me unsure is, because of the late registration, I will be going MWF from 7am-9am. Now, we all know that I already have a hard enough time being up by 8am. I guess I will have to see how it goes getting up at 5:30am, it is in Ogden. But, I'm still trying to get the 7am class online. I will let you know how it goes.

Sold!

2005-07-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

The house is finally sold and out of Scott and I's names.

Home Sweet...Hell?

2005-07-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

My little home that was bought a little over two years ago has become somewhat of a hell for me.

First, it was sold. Scott left for vacation and left anything that he didn't want in the garage for me to take care of. It was a full truck load to the DI and four weeks of garbage. Also, since the sale fell through and he was out of town, I had to fully clean the house.

Next, it is for sale again. This time we need to paint the brown and teal walls. Scott is still out of town. So, my parents went and painted it for us. I'm very thankful for that.

Then, it sales again. This lady is a pain. So far, I have recleaned the carpets, tightened every face plate in the kitchen, changed lightbulbs, and swept the garage. It doesn't end here. She wanted the yellow wall painted. So, my mom and Nate helped to get that wall painted.

Finanlly, the closing. Lets just hope that everything goes smoothly with that. Thankfully I have my mom because it wouldn't haven't gotten taken care of without her and I.

So, a short story long, the dream first home has now turned into a thorn in my side.

How old is my boss?

2005-07-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

School...Financial Aid...

2005-07-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

So, I've played with the idea of going back to school. My new office is about 2 minutes from Weber, so I can go at lunch.

But, let me tell you, it is a pain. First, you have to apply. Then, you have to get transcripts from every school you've gone to. Then, once you've been accepted you dive into financial aid. This is where the pain lies. They look at your 2004 taxes, which I haven't filed, fortunately they just need the information from the worksheets. I have gotten those prepared. Well, then there is the issue that my status has changed from the 2004 taxes. For one, I'm no longer a two income family or a family at all. For two, I have different job. and for three, I'm no longer a home owner(keep your fingers crossed). Well, rather than having a section in the FAFSA form for change of status/income; you have to file a amendment form. Sounds like no big deal. Wrong, you have to do it in person. So, I have to get up at 6:30 tomorrow morning to drive to Ogden to fill out a form. It is all such a pain, I should get money just for my time spent applying for it.

And by the way, I have discovered that financial aid is a word only for those not working or not working a "real world" job. For the rest of the world, the word is student loan. The kicker here, you have to fill out the FAFSA form to get a student loan. They determine how much you should pay out of your pocket and then you can apply for the loans to see if they will cover the rest. The whole process is a little crazy, they take a previous years income and don't count expenses and then they tell you what you can afford to pay.

Big Sky Country...not Lindsey's

2005-07-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

So, I went to Big Sky country this weekend, unfortunately not to visit Lindsey. But, I will hopefully do that Labor day weekend.

While there I went on 2 hikes, I know, I'm not usually a hiker. There were promises of some really pretty waterfalls, which there were. In total I hiked 4 miles. Festus is still recovering. This is him trying to navigate the rocks.

Nate's sister, whom we went to visit, does jewelry there. You can check it out at http://www.rubylane.com/shops/arabelle. I really like her stuff. Her husband works for the forrest sevice, which is why they live there.

The best part, or so I thought, is there are casinos in Montana. Okay, not so great, they are full of old people gaming, video poker and keno. No fun slots or even live tables. I did eat some good food and do some good shopping. It was nice to get away for a bit.

House for sale...again

2005-06-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well, the sale of the house fell through with the original guy. He decided to move to Texas to be with his kid. But, I am getting his mail.

From the time we relisted it, we had someone looking at it at least once a day. It sold again within one week. We should be closing on the 20th of July. So, everyone cross your fingers.

Settling

2005-06-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have finally started to get settled in my new life. Scott and I have managed to be amicable most of the time. I am mostly moved into my new home. I have gotten used to the "single life" again. I can eat crackers in my bed without getting grief.

I guess the are a few unsettling things...

The sell of our house fell through. The guy decided he is moving to Texas. Good news, we get the earnest money. Bad news, we have start the sell again with an empty house. More bad news, it puts all of our other filings on hold.

Work hasn't moved, so it is still the great unknown Ogden. I will probably move before the rest of the company, at least for half days. Which is okay, but not preferred. My hours will change to 8-5 and I already have problems with 9-6.

When it rains, it pours...

2005-05-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Why is it in life that when one thing happens a million follow? For instance, one day the company I work for decides to move to Ogden and then I end up in the middle of a divorce. It is like I am a plant in a pot and someone thought it would be fun to pick me up shake me out and plant me somewhere else. The only problem is...they haven't gotten around to replanting me. If I don't get replanted soon...

A red house....

2005-05-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of living in a red house. What do you think?

2005-04-29T14:49:00.001-07:00

Some really good advice...

2005-04-25T14:05:00.001-07:00

I think that this is not only good for someone who is going through what I am, but for someone gong through any major change.

If we concentrate too hard and too long on looking back over the road we have traveled, we often forget that there is a way ahead leading to the future. Before we can fully commit ourselves to that journey into the future, there is one task left to be done: to accept that we have changed and that we aren't the same as we were before the breakup and never will be again.

"There is a flower that blooms out of destruction, loss, and pain of breakdown. It is called Freedom."

first post

2005-04-23T20:07:00.001-07:00