BLEAK HOUSE

So Sarah lent me BLEAK HOUSE (the movie) which is adapted from the book by Charles Dickens. It's SO intriguing...and 500 minutes long...but in 30 minute segments. I can't seem to tear myself away from seeing what happens NEXT!!!

Today I watched Bleak House...did some dishes and made a huge meal of Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cheese souflee, corn on the cob, and homemade vanilla pudding. We had Deena & Jeff over to eat and play cities & knights. It was really fun.

PROGRESS

Hello all. This morning I had my very first POSITIVE READING on my ovulation prediction kit. I've done the ovulation prediction kit before--but never have had a positive reading. I will, of course, be including a picture of this exciting test result. So basically this means that I should ovulate within the next 24 hours. So that means we'll be doing the bd (baby dance) tonight & tomorrow...so don't call us...heh heh. We're very excited about this--because progress is being made. And even if we don't have success this month--at least my body is closer to working right and that's enough to put a smile on my face. =)





Today I woke up after having had 12 1/2 hours of sleep. I haven't been getting enough sleep the past 4 nights so I guess it was building up--I can't remember the last time I slep 12 hours. But! I feel better and have more energy today too. =) I made a TASKS list to help me accomplish more during the day. I found it VERY helpful. Here it is:

Daily Tasks

______Dishes
______Vacuum
______Tidy up living room
______Make bed
______Practice piano
______Read scriptures-family & individual
______Pray-family & individual

Weekly Tasks

______Change sheets on bed
______Sweep/Mop/Deep clean kitchen
______Do laundry/put away laundry
______Date with spouse
______FHE
______Magnify calling
______Meal Plans

Monthly Tasks

______Clean bathrooms
______Change air filter
______Go to the Temple

Fun Activities

______Scrapbooking
______Cross stitching
______Watch a movie
______Blog
______Check email

So I'm trying to get done the daily tasks + some of the weekly or monthly tasks before I enjoy any of the "FUN ACTIVITIES." Today I accomplished ALL of the daily tasks + did some laundry, swept, and planned the meals for the week. It feels SO GOOD to accomplish a lot and it's all due to making a list of what I think should be done. I'm not sure why this list has helped me--but it has.

For dinner we went over to Sarah's house. We had a nice mexican meal with a lucious English Black Cherry Trifle dessert. YUM! We had a great FHE (Family Home Evening) lesson on prayer. Then the kids played while we adults played TABOO. It was a great evening.

And now, of course, I must away for it is BD time!!! My husband is being as patient as he can be. =)

Let the good times roll...

Stages

I'm a woman. I go through stages. Sometimes I stay on a stage for a day or two, perhaps a week, month, year, etc. I've been going through the stage where I didn't find myself attractive for most of my life. I've always been overweight--well, since 5th grade. I was told growing up that I have nice eyes, hair, skin...and that my sister Heather was "SO BEAUTIFUL." (It didn't help that she actually modeled)

Part of my thinking was concluded from the fact that I never was asked out on dates. I felt that I had a lot to offer--but I wasn't the typical blonde, thin girl. And before all of you begin to think that I'm throwing myself a pity party or that I must have absolutely no self confidence...I think I may have turned a corner. FINALLY. I looked at myself in the mirror a couple of days ago (yes, full body shot), and I thought--my, don't I look good! I mean, I have a great figure--it's proportioned. Even though my size is bigger than most women I know--I'm still attractive. I wish that I could have felt this earlier in my life...okay, my WHOLE life. But I will settle for feeling/thinking it now. Just remember that when you read this blog--I am being completely honest with my feelings, and I'm sure a week from now I may be fretting about my size, but for now--I accept myself as I am. And let me tell you, it feels pretty darn good. =)

Thanks for all the nice emails/comments. I appreciate you all so much. =)

Today was Ward Conference. President Heap was there and before it began he was up on the stand. My daughter also happened to be up there and I saw her talking with Pres Heap. I was a bit concerned what might be coming out of her mouth--you never know what she might feel like sharing--but I soon forgot about it after the meeting began. When Pres Heap got up to speak, he said that he learned something this morning--something that Anna Pierce taught him. I was pretty worried about what might come next...then he said that he'd asked her if she was Sister Pierce--to which she replied, No, I'm ANNA Pierce. Pres Heap then went on to say how children want to be known by their first names and further--Heavenly Father knows each of us by our first names and knows us completely. It was a fun experience--but there was a moment when I was so scared to know what Anna had taught him. ;)

We had two sisters, Moriah & Emma, come over today. They are both beautiful redheds. Anna was playing doctor with Emma, using crayons pretending to be shots. Then I overheard Anna saying that Emma needed some medicine. Listening to hear what that "medicine" might be, Anna said: "You need Faith Medicine, because we all need Faith." Too precious...

A Photo For The Non Photogenic

Today I went to the RS Enrichment meeting. I sang a solo--it went pretty well. Several people complimented me on it. I'm a funny person. I enjoy singing and I like that other people like hearing me sing--but when they compliment me, I don't know how to reply or respond. If I say "thank you," then don't I sound arrogant?? Like, OF COURSE, I KNOW I'M GOOD. *sigh* I'm still working on a response that shows I appreciate their compliment but doesn't sound like I think I'm "all that." Any suggestions?

There was a baptism today--a father and son. Very inspirational. And I gave a shirt & skirt to the wife of they guy who was baptized. She's overweight like me, except she's MUCH more confident than me--and she's heavier than I am. I told her that I'm uncomfortable with getting a full body massage because I imagine they are uncomfortable in touching all my...um, curves. But she said that she gets massages--and she's paying them, so they should do it. Wow, I need to be more confident.

Well, at church we're doing this shoebox thing--Inside you put this questionnaire about yourself, include some items that represent you or your interests, and a recent photo. If you're like me--you have TONS of recent photos of your child, but none of yourself, because let's face it--you're the one TAKING all the photos, and certainly avoiding the idea of taking one. =) So, I decided to have Tyler take some photos of me. However, I'm TERRIBLY unphotogenic. It's difficult because I have bells palsy--where half of your face is somewhat paralyzed. So, my smile isn't even and my eyes never look the same...so you can imagine how difficult it is to have a photo of me that looks nice...not to mention symmetrical. (Which if you know me--you know that I expect symmetry in all things). Some of the pictures turned out funnier than usual--Do any of you look at yourself in the mirror and then take a picture of yourself--but it doesn't look like your reflection in the mirror? Believe me, I look way good in my bathroom mirror...but step outside?? Why is that??

So I thought I would put these photos on my blog and ask for you to cast your vote which photo is the best. Then I will print it and put it in my shoebox. It's as simple as that. I look forward to you "casting your votes."

CAST YOUR VOTE

Effervescent

The title today was a word I came across on dictionary.com. Doesn't it sound like a good name for a rock band?? Of course, they may have their groupies struggling to spell it correctly...

This morning I dragged myself out of bed and showered, etc, then went visiting teaching with Sarah. We stayed at Angela's house for something like 2 hours--just visiting/chatting/cuidando los ninos...etc. It was very relaxing...very effervescent. Then Sarah & company came over for lunch and we chatted it up for a few hours longer. It's so refreshing to have someone to talk to--and we never run out of topics to talk about.

I've been dragging this afternoon, not sure why...just felt low to the ground. Make sense? Like I've been thinking about bedtime since 4pm. *sigh* Tyler came home and we went to deliver some cookies to Barb & her family. I also took a shirt/skirt that I thought she might like. Tomorrow her husband & their son are getting baptized! What a fun day it will be. Plus tomorrow is our Stake Enrichment meeting. I am singing a special musical number: He Shall Wipe Away All Tears. It's a beautiful song and I really feel the Spirit when I sing it. =)

I'm not sure what's on the agenda for tonight. During our little drive to Barb's house, I felt much more alert. Perhaps I just needed to get out of the house??

Fertility Update: began the ovulation prediction kit today. #1 of 7 tests. Today it didn't show an LH surge. We'll see what tomorrow brings...

I'm borrowing this from Deena:
The Rules of the Game
1. Grab the nearest book
2. Name the book and author
3. Turn to page 123
4. Find the 5th sentence
5. Copy down sentences 5, 6, and 7
6. Post to your blog

Book: 1001 Ways to be ROMANTIC by Gregory J.P. Godek.
Sentences 5, 6, & 7: What is your partner passionate about? What are you passionate about? What passions do you share?

There you have it....what book is the nearest to you??? Be sure to share!!!

Don't Worry Mama...

Last night was GIRLS NIGHT at Sarah's house. We watched the most recent JANE EYRE. It was 4 hours of wonderful acting. Hence, I was up late, hence I slept in this morning, hence I've been sluggish for the majority of the day...

Recently I have come into contact with a childhood friend of mine, Mandi. I remember her being very pretty and POPULAR--which I certainly was NOT. It's so fun reacquainting with her!!!

Fertility Update: My period actually ended on wednesday...thankfully I won't be having another 6 week period this time! I will begin the ovulation prediciton kit tomorrow morning. I've actually been having sharp pains on my right side--where my ovary is...hmmmm. I'm trying not to get my hopes up TOO high. I haven't been ovulating--which is why we haven't become pregnant. If we DO ovulate this month, then we might achieve success. Anna told me that she had a dream I was pregnant with 2 babies--a boy & a girl, and that after they were born she helped me feed them and take care of them. What a precious girl Anna is...hopefully her dream (and mine) will come true. Pray for my ovaries to ovulate!!! =)

Tyler is at school tonight. I cleaned the house, did some dishes, put away some laundry, read my scriptures, played the piano--all after spending the afternoon playing games with Anna, reading her books, and snuggling while watching CARS. Most kids I know pretend they are LIGHTNING MCQUEEN from that Disney movie. Not my girl, she says she is MATER---the old truck...isn't that hilarious?? I think so.

Sometimes when I'm a little frustrated over something or a bit agitated, Anna will snuggle up to me and say, "Don't worry Mama, no one's not gonna leave you." I have no clue where she came up with this phrase, but I want to always remember it because it's too cute. No one's not gonna leave me...

Enjoy the pictures below and also be sure to watch the youtube of Hugh Grant. Eat your heart out you 80s lovers...

Check out my Slide Show!

Pop! Goes My Heart...

Hugh Grant, 80s style...enjoy!

Baby Shower

Today was a baby shower for a gal that I know. I was asked to bring refreshments to the shower-so of course I went. If I hadn't have been asked to make something, I'm not sure I would have gone. I bought a gift early-that's not the problem. I love buying gifts for people. It's just been a while since I've been to a baby shower, and when I go I find myself trying to act normal in a situation that brings out my desire to have another baby. I am glad that I went, because I want to show moral support. Plus, I really like the ladies in my ward. I looked around the shower tonight & decided that I would be happy to grow old with these ladies. They are good, solid, non-gossiping ladies. I like them.

The Latest

So, I posted a blog, but deleted it because it contained info that wasn't meant to be shared--not by myself, by someone else I know. So, if you're interested in knowing what it's about, just contact me via email.

I'm happy being in OH. Finally, a state that knows how to keep snow around. In OK, snow was here & gone within an hour. Those of you who know me, know that I LOVE SNOW. I LOVE WINTER! This is MY FAVORITE time of year. I love blankets, hot chocolate, fireplaces, Christmas, baking, soups, crockpot recipes, having time off with family....this time of year is my favorite. =)

Make-Up Day AFTER Valentine's Day

Yes, more trouble on the Valentine's Day history for the Pierce Family. Tyler & I came to the conclusion that we're each very good at shopping for what we would like...but not very good at shopping for the other person. He only wants practical gifts that are useful and lasting. I like to have the fleeting but enjoyed flowers & chocolates. Well, this year I bought him flowers & chocolate. If he would have bought them for ME instead, all would have been well. Nevertheless, we have finally come to the conclusion that we should openly discuss our expectations for any holidays that include gift giving. You're probably thinking that this should have been done some time ago--since we've been married for over 6 years now. And you would be RIGHT! We should have, but somehow just kind of hoped it would all work out every year...but better late than not at all! Stay tuned for Feb 14 2008...we'll see if our little talk today proved a lasting effect on future Valentine's Days...

Tyler went to the church today to do some Clerk-related stuff, then went skating at a local indoor skate park. Anna & I went grocery shopping at the commissary. They had huge pork roasts for $5! They're normally about $10 at wal-mart. Yeah, I was excited...I bought 3. I've heard that pork roasts make great barbecue sandwiches...we'll have to give it a try. :o)

Today I discovered that not only do I have a blog--but I also have one on myspace. Apparently I made an account sometime last year...then forgot about it. If you are doubly interested in the life of Jill, feel free to add this site to your favorites:


http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&setonlinenow=1&setrsi=1&Mytoken=51429E19-8D8A-4342-B08BB32AD3F5F13435430126

I will attempt to write in both blogs---and not the same thing in both, obviously! :o)

I've been on a Bollywood binge...I rented some movies from Netflix. (2 other ones with Sharukh Khan, Melisa!-by the way, would you like to see them? I thought I might send them your way and then you could mail them in for me??) Anyhow, Bollywood is the Hollywood of India. I've enjoyed the movies that I've seen thus far: Main Hoon Na, Veer Zaara, Devdas, Bride & Prejudice, and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. I have yet to watch: Kal Ho Naa Ho: Tomorrow May Never Come. That's on my list of to-dos for tomorrow. ;)

Check out my Slide Show!

Alternatives To Punishment

My friend, Maria, sent this to me about alternatives to punishment for children. Thanks Maria!!! =) She recommends that you copy this list and post it where you can see it, as a constant reminder:

Use positive reinforcement.

Create a positive environment.

Say yes as much as possible.

Save no for the important things.

Use natural consequences.

Use logical consequences.

Use restitution.

Leave it up to your child.

Compromise.

State your expectations, and get out of the way.

Give specific instructions.

Give a reason.

Offer help.

Give a choice.

Redirect your child.

Remove your child.

Make positive statements.

Give in occasionally.

Give your child time to agree.

Simply insist.

Make rules.

Ignore some behavior.

Avoid nagging and threats.

Distract your child.

Use humor.

Make it a game.

Be willing to admit your mistakes.

Stop and think before you act.

Don't make a big fuss over little things.

Stick to routines.

Don't hurry your children too much.

Get to the root of the problem.

Correct one behavior at a time.

Give yourselves time.

Use the golden rule.

Model appropriate behavior.

Think of your child as an equal.

Always keep your love for your child in mind.

Valentine's Day 2007

So yesterday school was cancelled for Anna and the base was closed--so Tyler didn't go in to work. It was a funny thing--both Tyler & I had thought of things to do for each other, but they involved the fact that we would be "apart" for at least PART of the day...and then we were together all day. So that nixed all our fine plans--and we had to be flexible. We ended up heading to Deena & Jeff's house for an italian lunch + Settlers of Catan gaming. It was really fun & relaxing. Afterwards, Tyler took Anna & I to Chili's for some fine dining ending with Molten Chocolate Dessert...YUM! We came home and found the SEES candy that I had ordered waiting for us...a great day. Tyler HAD planned on taking me out to Chili's while Anna was in school and he tried to hire a quartet to serenade me at the restaurant! Isn't that romantic? Of course, it couldn't transpire b/c Anna didn't go to school and he was also thwarted in his efforts to hire the quartet-as their phone number (that had been widely publicized) had been disconnected. :( But wasn't it a sweet thought?? I think so. And I HAD ordered my sweet husband some flowers that would be delivered to him at work yesterday...but he didn't go in to work yesterday...I called the flower shop today and they're planning to deliver the flowers today...better late than not at all, right?

Let's say I break into your house

A lady wrote the best letter in the Editorials inages!! It explains things better than all the baloney you hear on TV:

Recently large demonstrations have taken placeacross the country protesting the fact that Congressis finally addressing the issue of illegalimmigration. Certain people are angry that the USmight protect its own borders, might make it harder tosneak into this country and, once here, to stayindefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand thethinking behind these protests.

Let's say I break into your house. Let's say thatwhen you discover me in your house, you insist that Ileave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washedthe dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors;I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'mhardworking and honest (except for when I broke intoyour house).

According to the protesters, not only must you letme stay, you must add me to your family's insuranceplan, educate my kids, and provide other benefits tome and to my family (my husband will do your yard workbecause he too is hardworking and honest, except forthat breaking in part). If you try to call the policeor force me out, I will call my friends who willpicket your house carrying signs that proclaim myright to be there.

It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicerhouse than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself.I'm hardworking and honest, um, except for well, youknow.

And what a deal it is for me!! I live in your house,contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep,and there is nothing you can do about it without beingaccused of selfishness, prejudice and being ananti-housebreaker. Oh yeah, and I want you to learnmy language so you can communicate with me.

Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?! Onlyin America....if you agree, pass it on (in English).Share it if you see the value of it as a good simile.If not blow it off along with your future Social Security funds.

Toasted Spice Cake

Today was a HUGE snow day. In fact, we're in level 2 of a snow storm. That means that if you don't HAVE to leave your house--DON'T! Tyler didn't even go to work today. It was a glorious day! Of course Anna's school was closed, so we all 3 were home together. We played games, Tyler took Anna sledding outside, watched CARS, we had a "pajama party" and ate dinner. It was really fun! Part of me wants to have tomorrow be just the same, but then Anna wouldn't get to go to school & have her Valentine Party, and then Tyler & I wouldn't get to go our for a romantic Valentine's lunch...the weather isn't supposed to clear up until the weekend...so, we'll just see what tomorrow dishes out.

I made a recipe today: Toasted Spice Cake. It is a recipe from my great great grandmother. I had never tried it before today. It didn't go very well. It's a spice cake with a brown sugar meringue. Sounds good, right? Well, I think I should have held off to put the meringue on the cake until after it had baked a little while. I ended up having to scrape the already done meringue off of the not done cake, let the cake bake until it was done--then rearrange the meringue pieces on top of it. Yeah, it's not so pretty, but the flavor is nice. It's a neat feeling knowing that I made something my ancestors ate...somehow I feel more connected to them. =)

Fertility update: My period began on monday. So today is CD 2 (cycle day 2). On CD 5 I will begin the clomid. I'll keep you posted...

Shake It Off And Take A Step Up

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into awell. The animal cried piteously for hours asthe farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and thewell needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over andhelp him. They all grabbed a shovel and beganto shovel dirt into the well. At first, thedonkey realized what was happening and criedhorribly. Then, to everyone's amazement hequieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finallylooked down the well. He was astonished at whathe saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit hisback, the donkey was doing something amazing.He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shoveldirt on top of the animal, he would shake itoff and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkeystepped up over the edge of the well andhappily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kindsof dirt. The trick to getting out of the wellis to shake it off and take a step up. Each ofour troubles is a steppingstone. We can get outof the deepest wells just by not stopping,never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Tagged

Apparantly, Melisa has "tagged" me to list 5 things that people may or may not know about me. Here goes...

#1. I'm fairly fluent in spanish and am learning chinese (mandarin) and sign language.

#2. My parents divorced when I was 1 year-old. My sister, Heather, & I were shuffled between two families for most of my life. I have some good/bad memories from it.

#3. I married Tyler within 3 months of him returning from his mission. We dated for 1 week--were engaged for 6 weeks, then married in the OKC temple. :)

#4. My stepdad, Bob, taught me to sing harmony at a very young age--5? Since then, I have sung in several district/state solo competitions receiving superior ratings at them all. I also sang in varsity & jazz choir in high school, then performed in some opera workshops in college. I love love love to sing. It's my favorite talent that I possess.

#5. I received a mission call to Winnipeg, Canada, but married my sweet husband instead. I miss the experiences that I would have had on a mission...but wouldn't give up Tyler for the world!!!

I now tag Maria, Deena, & Nina to share 5 things on their blogs that people may or may not know about them. :)

Italian Night

So why aren't I completely 100% well yet?? I've been sick since monday, I think I've already put in my "sick time." I'm SO READY to be able to breathe again and not cough every 5 seconds...

Today I was really struggling with energy and breathing. I didn't do much, and that's okay. When the afternoon came, I began feeling like I could do a few things. I made some cannelloni, breadsticks & italian green beans. We had the NEEL family over for dinner. They are the ones that found out why our house wasn't warm, so in gratitude we had them over for dinner. Bro Neel served his mission in Taiwan 20 years before Tyler did, so they looked at Tyler's mission pictures and relieved the good ol' days in that super foreign country. :) I really enjoy talking about Taiwan--especially since I have been there--so I can put in my 2 cents.

Bro Neel paid me a nice compliment about my singing. He was present for the Stake Classical Recital last may, when I sang "O Divine Redeemer." He said that some people can sing well, but there are very talented people who can sing well and convey the Spirit while doing it. He said that I could do that and he greatly enjoyed hearing me sing. What a compliment! :) He asked me if I'd like to sing Opera someday...I said yes, "someday." If that is what God wants me to do...

Getting Your Nails Done...Funny

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8126430922330991484&q=genre%3Acomedy&pr=goog-sl&hl=en

Must...Have...Antioxidants

In the chocolate form, of course. I'm not sure what has happened to me the past 2 years, because in my life up until then--I was not a chocolate addict. And I was PROUD to be a woman who didn't "NEED" chocolate to stay sane. It was actually kind of funny because my husband LOVES chocolate, but I was a take-it-or-leave-it sort of person. I'm here to say that things have changed. I have accepted chocolate. We are good friends. Today I was chatting with my SIL online and she mentioned something about having s'mores on Valentine's Day. Hmmm, chocolate + marshmallow (marshmallow IS my all-time favorite sweet treat) = yummy! My favorite candy of all time is the SCOTCHMALLOW made by Sees candy. www.sees.com
See photo:

Um, yeah. It's way good. Marshmallow, caramel + dark chocolate. Sheer bliss. However, today during my antioxidant crisis I didn't have these nearby--rarely do I ever get this sweet treat--so I settled for actually making a s'more. I am steering away from sugar in all forms, however, right before "that time of the month" if I don't give in a little--I feel like I'm going to EXPLODE! Anyone have a similiar experience???

Well, I found out what I have: pneumonia. Yeah, no wonder I don't feel so good. So I'm on some pills, trying to relax and let my body heal. (I'm sure those s'mores will speed up the process)

Fertility update: no blood today. Hopefully it won't return until after I've finished taking the progesterone. :)

Do you like my new & improved blog setting? I was needing a little change. Pink is a funny color. I used to loathe it, but it's kind of growing on me...we'll try this pastel pink with brown template for a little while. It's nice to know that I can always change it up if I feel so inclined.

Tyler went grocery shopping again for me today. He said that doing things for me is a way he can show me that he loves me. Isn't he sweet? I'm so lucky to have him. :)

1001 Ways To Be Romantic

Have you read this book? I have read most of it. (yes a book that I have actually read out of!!) It has so many good ideas on how to be romantic. I personally do not think it is fair for women to expect men to be romantic and shower them with romance--and then not feel they should do the same for men. There's no reason why women can't share the romance--especially since we already know how we want it to be done, whereas our poor husbands don't really know where to begin...why not show them by example?? Well, if you're short on ideas--find this book, or something like it, and you'll be set for "the most romantic day of the year!"

Well, I may feel very romantic, but my mortal shell is still quite sick. I may have to seek professional help to overcome this one...although I am hoping that my natural methods will pull me through as in times past.

Do you ever say things that are completely misunderstood? I have come to the conclusion that I am a lousy communicator. I do not communicate very well. It is hard for me to convert my thoughts/feelings/emotions into words. And when I attempt to do it--many times they are not received in the way that I had intended them to be understood. I feel like Moses...I need a spokesperson! Where's my "Aaron?" Anyhow, about once year I get in a situation where I have not been understood and someone has been upset about it. Yes, I know that it's only february of this year, but it's already happened, so I guess I shouldn't talk to anyone until next january to keep my once a year record a reality. *sigh*

Around 11am Anna began asking me when we were going to make lunch. I told her that it was "only 11" and that her bus wouldn't be here for another 1 1/2 hours. So, around 11:45am, I began making homemade pizza. At 12:25pm, the bus arrived. But guess what--the pizza wasn't even done baking. GRRR! I should start listening to my daughter more...poor girl got a granola bar as she raced to the bus. Bad mommy...

Diet Rules for Cheaters

1. If you eat something and no one sees you eat it, it has no calories.
2. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are cancelled out by the diet soda.
3. When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you don't eat more than they do.
4. Food used for medicinal purposes NEVER count, such as hot chocolate, toast and Sara Lee Cheesecake.
5. If you fatten up everyone else around you, then you look thinner.
6. Movie related foods (Milk Duds, Buttered Popcorn, Junior Mints, Red Hots, Tootsie Rolls, etc.) do not have additional calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.
7. Cookie pieces contain no fat--the process of breaking causes fat leakage.
8. Things licked off knives and spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something. Examples are peanut butter on a knife making a sandwich and ice cream on a spoon making a sundae.
9. Foods that have the same color have the same number of calories. Examples are: spinach and pistachio ice cream; mushrooms and white chocolate.
NOTE: Chocolate is a universal color and may be substituted for any other food color.
10. Foods that are frozen have no calories because calories are units of heat. Examples are ice cream, frozen pies, and Popsicles.

Lovingyou.com

Hi there. It's about that time of year again...V A L E N T I N E' S D A Y. For those of you who want some different ideas, I have found the following link to be useful:

http://www.lovingyou.com/

Disclaimer: I will not be held responsible for any shady ideas found therein, especially topics like "steamy sex," etc. Use caution!

I'm still sick today, but able to do some things. However, once I do one chore--I have to sit down and relax because I don't have much energy. I did some cleaning up on the computer, watched Anna play trouble & chutes and ladders. Anna was really good for me today. Poor girl didn't have school today either, so she was home...again, with her sick Mama. She was very obedient and played quietly for the majority of the day.

My sweet, wonderful, thoughtful husband went grocery shopping for me after work. He went to SAMS CLUB, bought what I needed, then came home & took Anna out to Wal-mart to spend her "tooth money." Any guesses on what my baby bought with her $1?? At first she told her Daddy that she wanted candy. Then she said, "Candy isn't good for the body. Hmm, I want chippies instead." Yeah, pizza flavored pringles potato chips, those ARE good for the body.

So not only did Tyler go shopping for me at two stores--he gave me some alone time by taking Anna to the last store. He's so good to me. He's been so kind and helpful. :)

Fertility update: Okay, so remember how my period ended this past monday??? Not so, as of today, my first day off of estrogen. I had some bleeding ths morning-so I called into the nurse hotline. Dr. Groll said to continue on the progesterone and not take the estrogen. Of course, since this morning I haven't bled anymore...

I recently bought the sheet music for: Comptine d’un autre été, by Yann Tiersen. It was the music playing on the PIANO youtube I listed last week. The music is so beautiful, I'm trying to play it...I haven't played this style of music since college...um, 10 years ago...yikes.

Miserable

Yes, I am miserable. I spent the day feeling LOUSY, not able to do much of anything. I had an appointment with the fertility specialist--and I didn't want to miss it--so Tyler & I went. I brought along a bowl, just in case I hurled while I was there. I've been nauseated all day long...

My period seems to be over now--which is about time since it would have been 6 weeks long today--it seemed to be done on monday of this week. So Dr. Groll took me off the estrogen and started me on the progesterone. Once that is over, my period should begin again and then we'll start with the clomid + do the HSG (dye inserted in the uterus to check to make sure everything is doing what it should be doing). So that's my update.

Other than the doctor's visit--I didn't do much today. Tyler left for Columbus 3 hours before his class began due to the snow--it took the full 3 hours to arrive and then 2 1/2 hours to drive home. Poor guy.

I actually began feeling a little better this evening--I even scrapbooked a little. :) All for today.

Cough

Yup. I woke up and shortly afterwards...I was coughing. GRRR! Whenever I am sick, it rarely ever involves coughing for me. I've decided that coughing is not fun, especially the dry cough that I now have. *sigh* I had planned to meet Tyler for raquetball, which didn't happen because the schools were closed due to our below freezing weather, so Anna was home. But then, I was coughing/wheezing, so I wouldn't have been able to breathe anyhow. *double sigh* So, Anna was home from school...and less than thrilled about it. And tomorrow the weather is supposed to be the same as today...so she may be home tomorrow, which will undoubtedly upset her again. She loves seeing all her friends at school, such a social butterfly!

I did some major cooking/baking today--which wasn't the best since I don't feel so great. I baked a turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, corn, & honey oatmeal cake. Anna walked in and saw the turkey, then asked "Is it Thanksgiving already?" So cute!

We had a family over for dinner. They have two kids, one daughter Anna's age. They played really well together. The couple seemed to have some marital difficulties, which they freely talked about in front of us...it was a bit disconcerting and led to some uncomfortable moments. But I think that overall the evening went nicely. We played PIT, which is a game I learned from Tyler's family.

Hearing about problems that other couples have makes me realize how wonderful my husband is. I'm very grateful to have him as my husband. :)

All Is Well

All is well, our house is WARM! :) It's SUCH a great feeling (literally) to know that it's not 50 degrees anymore...

Went to choir practice, plugged away on The Lord's Prayer. It's a difficult piece, but I feel that all will turn out well. I thought I would give the youth an opportunity to spread their wings in the musical arena, namely Sacrament meeting. A young woman led the music while another young woman played the piano. The songs weren't exactly the most well known/familiar, but they did really well. I'm quite pleased. I think that next month the young men will have a chance.

Nicole, a friend of mine in the ward, had her Mom visiting today. I was very excited to meet her, because she is a professional opera singer. And she didn't start that until her kids were grown--she was 42 years-old! I told her that I'm almost 30 and thought there wasn't any hope for me in that arena--to which she laughed! Guess I may have a chance afterall...

We had the Blunck family over for dinner/games. They have an adorable little boy, Josh, and are expecting a baby next month. They adopted Josh, and then 8 months later they found out they were pregnant. WILD. They are a very nice family. Their son, Josh, is black whereas the couple is white. I'm not a racist person, by any means, but I do not know if I could raise a black child, actually any child that wasn't caucasian. Tyler has been wanting to adopt a little chinese baby...but I've been hesitant. I'm not sure why, exactly, but one of my thoughts has been that one day they would realize that they didn't look like us and would suddenly feel "foreign." I don't know...maybe it's all in my head.

It's TOOTH FAIRY Time

Today something happened. Anna lost her very first tooth. My alarm clock, aka Anna, came in my bed to wake me up this morning. As we snuggled, I asked if I could see her teeth. One of her teeth on the bottom looked crooked. Tyler has some crooked teeth on the bottom, so I immediately began to worry how Anna was going to have crooked teeth like her Daddy, etc. Then I actually touched that tooth--and it moved! Shortly after some wiggling on the tooth it came right out. I hadn't told Anna about the tooth fairy or even that her teeth WOULD fall out, so she was a bit surprised by the whole ordeal and even a bit concerned, especially when she saw some blood on the tiny tooth. I reassured her that it was completely normal and even exciting! Now she will gladly show off her missing tooth to anyone who asks! Check out the photos below!

So how much money should a tooth fairy give???

I went with Valene to go pick up my order from WALTON FEED. I purchased some hard white wheat and soft wheat, coconut, & honey. On the drive back, I explained our troubles with our heating service. Later on in the day, her husband called and asked if he could come and take a look at our furnace. After a few short minutes, he showed Tyler the source of ALL our troubles! The filter was full of stuff. That's ALL IT WAS. Tyler went and bought 4 filters for $1.45 at the store. Can you believe it?? We've been FREEZING for almost 2 weeks and it was because the filter needed to be changed...it's incredible how simple it all was, and I owe it all to just mentioning it to Valene, who informed her husband, Trent, who helped us solve our problem. We are so grateful and I'm already planning a "THANK YOU" dinner for them...

In addition to the filters, Tyler also bought an air freshner that you can attach to the filter, then as the air goes through it-it takes the scent throughout the house. Right now, our house smells like cinnamon...it smells really good! And it only cost him $1. Do you know how much money those Plug-Ins cost?? Much more than $1, and they only scent the area around them-not the whole house! What a fun idea! See, the things you learn from reading my blog...

We played cranium at the Palmers, and ordered pizza, too! It's just been a great day!

Cute Pics

Beef Stew

Anna's pre-k class had a FAMILY BOWLING ACTIVITY today at the local bowling alley. Tyler came home early from work and we all went together. It was quite fun. I enjoy bowling and really enjoy watching Tyler bowl-he's so good at it! Anna enjoyed playing with her friend, Krizdin. I thought that her name was "Kristen" based on how Anna pronounced it. Anna's teacher corrected me and said that it wasn't "Kristen" but "Krizdin." I said that Anna didn't know the correct prounuciation of her name, to which the teacher replied: Neither does Krizdin! :)

We watched the Chipmunk Adventure as a family...well, Tyler slept for the last half of it. But it was still fun. I attempted to make my first BEEF STEW today. I consider myself fairly good at cooking/baking. However, today proved how I DEFINITELY should have a recipe while cooking. I was given the ingredients to the beef stew in estimated amounts, however, I was never told how much water to use--and I used too much. So it ended up being a beef stew soup or beef/potato/carrot soup. Not the wonderful stew that I had been imagining all day to make...*sigh*

The Palmer's invited us over for some game playing. Anna slept while we played Settlers of Catan--knights & cities version. It was really fun, but I know I'll pay for how late I'm staying up tonight--especially when Anna will arise around 7am...

Mission Accomplished

Woke up to more snow...I just love seeing the snow fall down. :)

I made buttermilk pancakes with some whole wheat flour and then tried it with some natural maple syrup-which was really good! :) I like the honey butter syrup that I made, but for some reason it's just better with maple syrup--probably because my Mom always made homemade maple syrup while I was growing up. The natural maple syrup isn't nearly as sweet-but the flavor is quite good. :)

After Christmas, I decided that I wanted some more Christmas cds for next year, and figuring that they would most likely be less expensive AFTER Christmas, I found some on eBay & bought them. One was the Chipmunk Christmas CD. When it arrived, I told Anna that is was just for her. So every day she would ask if she could listen to it and while it was playing she would want to hold the CD case. So precious! Noting how much she enjoyed the music, I went on to purchase the CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE DVD for her. It arrived yesterday, and since then she has watched it about 5 times. Yeah, I'd say she likes it! I watched it when I was a kid, as well, so it's fun to see her enjoy it, too.

Yesterday I noted that I would do laundry today and I'm excited to report that IT'S ALL DONE! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! The three baskets for the dirty clothes are empty, the laundry has been folded & put away, and I feel a great deal of accomplishment in it. Now, if only I could say the same for the dishes in the sink...

LOVE LETTER

To my darling husband,

Before you return from your overseas trip I just want to let you know about the small accident I had with the pick up truck when I turned into the driveway. Fortunately not too bad and I really didn't get hurt, so please don't worry too much about me.

I was coming home from Wal-Mart, and when I turned into the driveway I accidentally pushed down on the accelerator instead of the brake. The garage door is slightly bent but the pick up fortunately came to a halt when it bumped into your car.

I am really sorry, but I know with your kind-hearted personality you will forgive me. You know how much I love you and care for you my sweetheart. I am enclosing a picture for you.

I cannot wait to hold you in my arms again.

Your loving wife.
XXX??