tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42881066451758533822024-03-05T22:07:23.753-08:00........... Sincerely ................. .................. Yours ..................Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-84722773809465867262015-12-29T18:51:00.000-08:002015-12-29T18:51:53.517-08:00It's been a long timeIt's been over a year since my last blog post. We have moved to Idaho, we are still a crazy family of four, and I have some explaining to do on why I haven't written.
This past year has been the most demanding of my life. Not the hardest, but the most exhausting and challenging.
Today is my 28th birthday. We celebrated by running some errands and eating out. Nate had some exciting plans for us, road trip adventures and all, but I was too tired to go very far. In the past week I have had 2-3 hours of sleep every night. In the past year I have probably had about the same most nights.
Emmy is smart as a whip, and most days pretty happy and agreeable. She is two though, so that changes in an instant.
Everett is darling and smiley, when he isn't screaming his head off. Which he is most of the time. We have taken him to 5 different pediatricians, all of which say nothing is wrong with him. It's really awesome to spends nights rocking a baby who is screaming and writhing in pain most of the night. As he weans more from nursing, he screams more and more because I have nothing else to comfort him. He always wants his mom, and I still hold him a good portion of the day.
On my birthday, I could only find one selfish wish popping in my head. Just make this kid stop crying!
Yet I also find myself incredibly grateful. Grateful that as far as we know nothing is seriously wrong with our children. They are mostly happy and healthy. I have a sound mind that I haven't snapped yet from the fatigue and screaming I encounter every day. That Nate has a sound job. That we have been able to own two homes before I have even turned 30! I have made friends in Idaho and have been able to survive the frigid 10 degree days this winter has brought. God has blessed us with all the material things we need and many that we want. My family still always has my back and is there for a crying shoulder or a good laugh.
Even though there have been big adjustments and hard days, there has been happiness and love and plenty of divine help leading us through. And with that, I know 28 will be grand.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-88385509861962869192014-11-03T12:34:00.001-08:002014-11-03T16:12:25.639-08:00A Baby StoryOne week.<br />
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Nate and I have been a family of four for one week!<br />
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Honestly I can barely remember most of the week. All I know is it involved a lot of baby snuggling, not a lot of sleeping, and quite a few loads of laundry. We are considering changing Everett's name to I.P. Freely. #boyproblems<br />
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I can tell this is our second child since I am writing this one handed while holding and feeding the baby. But with two kids if I don't write it up now, I'll never remember the whole experience and may not find the time ever again!<br />
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It was an ordinary Sunday... at least as ordinary as days are when you are a week overdue and can barely stand because your belly is so enormous! We got ready for church, made it right on time, and committed to stay for an hour. At our church, we go three hours, to <a href="http://www.mormon.org/worship" target="_blank">Sacrament Meeting</a>, Sunday School, and Relief Society/ Priesthood meetings.<br />
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After Sacrament, I decided to go ahead and stay for the rest of church. To my happy surprise, the teacher during third hour had made cookies! I took two... I figured I had earned it. So Emmy and I munch down our cookies and listen to an awesome lesson, and as the concluding remarks are being given I start picking up a few toys she had thrown on the floor. As I bend down and reach to grab a toy wedged behind my chair I notice a trickle of water. Being super pregnant I assumed I had accidentally peed a little or something, but more and more started coming and I realized I couldn't stop it- my water had just broke!<br />
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I sat on the ground debating what to do. Do I just make a mad dash for the bathroom? How do I tell Nate? How do I contain this and also conceal the giant wet spot growing on the backside of my dress!? Luckily my trusty friend Alissa grabbed Emmy for me and another kind friend went to go get Nate. We escaped out the side door before too many people noticed, headed home to get our hospital bag, fed Emmy a quick snack and Nate some lunch, handed Emmy off to Alissa (who graciously entertained and took care of Emmy that evening until my parents got off their flight from Boston), and off we went to the hospital.<br />
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When we got there around 3 pm, they started antibiotics since I tested positive for group b strep, and I wasn't having any contractions really so we just sat around and waited. They had mentioned if I didn't go into labor on my own by 6 pm they would have to start Pitocin. I REALLY didn't want to go that route, but was preparing for it since nothing seemed to be happening. But around 5:15 pm or so, contractions starting coming hard and fast.<br />
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My amazing midwife Jennifer had another woman in labor next door, so Nate and I spent a good portion of labor alone together in the room. I have to give it to Nate, we had discussed how I needed him to be more supportive and helpful this time around and he was. I didn't seem to be getting a break from the contractions and he cheered me on dutifully. I decided to try laboring for a bit in the jetted tub, which I ultimately think sped up labor, but it didn't really relieve much of the pain associated with the contractions. Jen had delivered the baby next door to us and came in to see what was happening.<br />
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At this point, I was starting to lose my nerve and thinking the epidural would give me an easy way out of all the discomfort of the contractions. So I told Jen I wanted one, and she told me if I was at seven centimeters when she checked me, she thought I should go without it and there probably wouldn't be enough time to get it anyway.<br />
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So I hop out of the tub, and low and behold I have progressed to seven centimeters! I went from three to seven in a matter of an hour or two! Nothing like my labor with Emmy. Jenn told me transition would go quickly, but I still had them start IV fluids in case I could still get the epidural and labor wasn't progressing as quickly as everyone thought it would. Like a crazed woman I kept asking how much fluid I had left in the IV bag before I could get an epidural as the contractions were kicking my butt. By the time I was close to having the anesthesiologist called, I was at 9 centimeters and starting to feel pressure like I wanted to push. Everyone was really encouraging, telling me I was strong, I was doing well, and that I could do this.<br />
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I felt a bit embarrassed by myself, as I started to yell, grunt, push and generally make a commotion about wanting this baby out. At some point, even though I was still groaning about, my mind had resigned itself to the pain and I was able to let go of it a little. Poor little Everett's head came out, but his shoulders were stuck. Quickly an assisting nurse came over and pushed down on my abdomen while I pushed and it was over! It was an instant relief, and after he came out felt back to normal.<br />
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They handed him to me, and I instantly loved him. They let the cord finish pulsating, clamped it, Nate cut it, and then I delivered the afterbirth and got stitched up. The joy of having a baby get a little stuck is having to be stitched up after labor. I really could have cared less though. He was finally here!<br />
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I feel like this labor went so much differently from last time. I was well rested when I came into the hospital, I ate during labor which helped keep my energy up, and it was so much quicker this time around I was able to manage things so much better. When Em was born, I didn't feel an instant bond. I was exhausted and felt disconnected from the whole experience. I honestly feel part of it was not getting an epidural. I was able to feel the experience entirely and everything that comes with it. It was the labor I really wanted and am glad I had the support to get through it medication free.<br />
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Some people will think I am nuts, but honestly I didn't feel like it was all that bad. I am sure the speed of this labor had a lot to do with it, but I have been in worse pain in my life. I'm not saying it was not an intense experience, nor do I think everyone should go meds free. I think everyone has their own ideal birth and this was my experience.<br />
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So that it the story of Everett Nathaniel Eaton. Healthy and strong, arriving at 8:28 pm, weighing in at an impressive 8 pounds 11 ounces, and 21.5 inches long.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who has brought us meals, congratulated us, and supported us. We are so blessed to be surrounded by awesome friends and family who are happy to help in various ways.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-68930026404371064822014-10-20T17:57:00.000-07:002014-10-29T10:06:11.870-07:00OverdueToday, lots of things are overdue. Writing a blog. Our baby boy. This rant about pregnancy you are about to read. So I am taking care of the two I can control.<br />
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Pregnancy is a strange time. In a phrase from Taylor Swift, it's miserable and magical. I know I am super blessed to be able to have children. A lot of people don't or have a hard journey to finally be parents. Yesterday was the day our baby boy was due to come, but like his big sister, he was a no show.<br />
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One of the worst things about pregnancy is the things people say to you. To quote some of my favorite questions and comments over the past few weeks:<br />
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"You are HUGE!" (Which coincides with the subcategories of: Are you having twins? Are you sure you aren't having twins!? Since when is it ever polite to tell someone they look like they swallowed a bowling ball?).<br />
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"They are going to be how far apart? Was this planned?" (Em and her brother will be 16-17 months apart, and do I ask you what goes on behind your closed doors you creeps?)<br />
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"Oh, so you are done having kids after this?" (Do people only have more than two kids if they get one baby of each gender? I don't know if we will have more than two, but it's okay to have children if you want to. It's no easy feat, but they are some amazing little people.)<br />
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"So when are you having this baby? "(Clearly I don't know when this baby is coming. Would they need to give mothers a due date if they all magically knew the moment their babies would decide to be born?)<br />
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"You know what helps induce labor? Have you tried EVERYTHING *hint hint*?" (Once again, do I ask you what you do in the privacy of your own home!? Yeah, we've tried it. Pretty sure that's how we got into this situation in the first place. I'm also pretty sure that a male doctor came up with the science behind that old wives tale because his pregnant wife said NO MORE! And I am happy if walking 15 miles helped you go into labor, but no I'm not doing that either. As with children in general, everyone has their own opinion and what works for them. So while something works well for you, maybe it doesn't work as well for everyone else.)<br />
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I know people care, and they just want to be interested in the details of life because they are interested in my well being. But as any pregnant woman knows, I am a little hormonal at the moment, so if we could tone down the ridiculous questions and comments, I'd appreciate it. I may not take phone calls and texts for much longer... but I will be back to myself in a few months, and then I will be happy to accommodate crazy remarks with a polite smile rather than the urge to scream.<br />
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We are all very excited to meet our baby boy here in our family, and can't wait to share him with you! So even though he is overdue, some things are worth waiting for!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-19601118574306099192014-08-19T20:08:00.002-07:002014-08-19T20:08:45.879-07:00Mommy GuiltIt's real. It's vicious. And it's raging at 11 PM. And no it's not pregnancy cravings.<br />
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It's mom guilt.<br />
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As Emerson wakes up for the 15th time since I put her to bed, I lay in my room another night battling scenarios in my head. Maybe she keeps waking up because dinner was too spicy and she has a tummy ache? Maybe she is having some sort of allergic reaction? Maybe she had a bad dream and needs some comfort? Is it too warm in her room? Is it too cold? I assure you this is only a picture of the thoughts that roll through my head when Emmy cries.<br />
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Every time I have fallen asleep tonight, Emerson seems to cry out. I don't think the girl even needs sleep. If it weren't for the case of temper tantrums she throws when she is overtired and you tell her no, if you let her do what she wants and play, the girl is perfectly content to never nap. And beyond that, she is still her typical smile and wave to everyone I see self.<br />
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The reason she is up tonight is probably because she refused to take an afternoon nap and is overtired. Another explanation could be she has her daddy's weird sleep disfunction and will be a sleep talker and walker.<br />
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Even with two logical explanations, I feel guilty still. That I must not be a good enough mom if my baby still has nights where she just doesn't want to sleep. Or I should have left her in her crib this afternoon until she fell asleep.<br />
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After an hour of tossing, turning, and crying, I am wanting to jump on board and do the same. I went in to check on her and she was fine. Laughing, asking to read a book, and giving kisses. So what do you do besides close the door and hope somehow I can stop hearing her cry and fall asleep?<br />
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I'm really trying to put aside the mommy guilt. Especially since I have enough to worry about with a new baby on the way too! Children definitely don't come with a manual and we have to do the best we can. Every day I pray God can grant me the knowledge I need to raise our children right. And that through the enabling power of the atonement God can make me so much more than what I am able to do on my own.<br />
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And God knows we can't do it on our own. He wants us to hand over the guilt about our short falls, about our worries and struggles. I think He made parenting hard so we would have to turn to Him.<br />
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Still next time you see me, remind me to drop the mommy guilt.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-51213303075529375422014-07-29T05:01:00.003-07:002014-07-29T05:01:45.132-07:00A Cloud Is A Giant Rain Drop Party In The SkyI realize I missed June, we'll chalk it up to pregnancy brain! So I may have needed 5 minutes to shoot out some emails this morning and caved and let Emerson watch some Baby First TV this morning. It's awesome when you finally become a parent and realize all the things you swore you would never do quickly crumble away.<br />
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<strike>I will never use TV as a baby sitter.</strike><br />
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<strike>I will never change my baby in the middle of a restaurant.</strike><br />
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<strike>I will never give my child sweets just to keep her quiet.</strike><br />
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Win some, you lose some, right?<br />
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At least "I will never accidentally leave the house in my underwear" was realized before I was about to walk out the door a few days ago. I'd like to leave that one uncrossed.<br />
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As luck would have it, Emerson's educational TV program has brought us our thought for the day.<br />
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Clouds are not sad. Clouds are happy. They aren't a lonely mass in the sky, they are actually a conglomeration of tons of tiny bits of water vapor/ water droplets. A cloud is like a giant rain drop party in the sky.<br />
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Here is my issue with the rain cloud party. I have created what I would like to call a friend cloud. I am so blessed to have lots of little rain drop party goers in my cloud and am grateful for them. However, once the air becomes a little cooler, it reduces air's ability to hold all these little vapor droplets and they all become heavier water droplets waiting for the right conditions to cause it to rain.<br />
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Well this pregnancy has created some rain. Back in 2012 BC (before children), life was a hot party. However, life in 2014 AD (after daughter... and soon to be son) has cooled the party off a bit. This cloud is not quite so quick to jump at a fun opportunity for a get together. This has caused some of my sweet little friend water drops to drop right out of my friend cloud.<br />
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So how do people with children keep friends? Is it better to just let it rain? How do you tell people you still love them, but by the time you can somehow roll your giant belly out of bed and hopefully put on some pants you feel completely spent for the day? Not to mention you still have an active one year old who takes no pity on you.<br />
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I love getting together with friends, but lately everyone has something they want to go do... it is summer fun season for goodness sake! But this Mama is going to have to let some party clouds pass her by. I have decided to start saying no. That it would be nice to hang out, but I just don't have it in me. Next year, when I am NOT pregnant and chasing two kids, I'll be there. But for this little season, it has become time to let it rain if it must.<br />
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I hope for all my friends reading this, you will still invite me out sometimes, but don't feel slighted if I just can't put on pants today to come and play. I hope you'll still be part of the rain drop party in the sky.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-15835183215900167302014-05-27T17:27:00.000-07:002014-05-27T17:27:05.267-07:00Restless in Richmond Emerson's 1st Birthday is right around the corner and if there is one thing I did NOT anticipate, it would be her still not sleeping through the night. She is such a smart, beautiful, happy baby no one knows what a struggle we have with her at night.<br />
Reading web sites about baby sleep is probably the worst idea in the world, since each one contradicts each other in advice and will generally leave you feeling hopeless. Tonight I just needed to rant about this to get it out. As I type, Emerson is crying in the other room, tired beyond belief, but unable to sleep.<br />
We have a bed time routine. It is one we do every night at the same time. We nurse and snuggle, we read a book, I rock and sing her a couple songs, and then she goes in her crib. Some nights, she sleeps without a fight, other nights she fights all night long. Our baby definitely does not lack determination!<br />
In the past year, we have tried allowing her to cry it out, we have constituted set nap times, we have read and implemented dozens of books, tried feeding her different foods, put a white noise machine and projector in her room, and a variety of other things. Nothing seems to work. And everyone who offers up advice swears their magic formula for sleep will work, but to date no suggestions have worked. Instead of people's advice being encouraging it now has the opposite effect of discouraging.<br />
And so the sleep deprivation continues. And it this point I can assure you I have some serious sleep deprivation going on. To the point it scares me sometimes. I can tell I am not as alert as I should be, which causes a fear of driving because I think I may fall asleep behind the wheel. And I know that pregnancy hormones aren't helping in the worrying about sleep or inability to sleep. Most days I am so exhausted I don't know how I will make it through another one.<br />
I have learned a big lesson this year about parenting from this experience though. It is not to compare to other people or assume you know what they go through. Recently an acquaintance told me she thought being a stay at home mom was so easy. She didn't understand why everyone said it was so hard, that when you are tired you can sit down and rest, and that they all needed to stop whining. I choked down the desire to lay a verbal smack down, but weeks later it still bothers me. And I want to know what kind of kids she has that you can sit down and rest and not constantly be on watch. I know I need a room in the house that is completely baby proof, but having a one year old, I can tell you no room is ever this way. Emerson is so curious and busy that she starts picking at the carpet edging if she can't find anything else.<br />
Now I'm not saying that being able to stay home with her is not a wonderful and awesome experience, because I love it. I love being able to watch her grow and learn, to snuggle her during the days, and to love on her like crazy. It is the best job in the world, even if I think it's one of the most demanding. But if anyone wants to send the sandman our way, I won't complain one bit about the dust on the floor. I'll even leave him treats like kids do for Santa. Please Mr. Sandman being us a full night sleep. At least one in the coming year. I don't know that I can handle two babies if I don't get some sleep at night. However, Emerson just finally fell asleep, so I am going to sleep while I can for now!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-18240817930508209722014-05-10T19:17:00.004-07:002014-05-10T19:17:55.595-07:00Motherhood<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b>"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way..."(</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b><u>A Tale of Two Cities</u> by Charles Dickens)</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">If you are a Mom, you get this quote. Motherhood comes in so many shapes and sizes. For some it is a future hope for others an every day reality. Some of the best mothers I know don't have children of their own. But they have mother hearts. They give all and ask for nothing in return. My sister Darcie is one of the best examples of this I know.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Today was an incredibly hard day. Being pregnant and chasing after Emerson is sometimes more than I can take. Occasionally instead of finding joy in the journey, I am trying to get the journey over as fast as possible. We all need a break sometime though. Acknowledging you can't do it all is okay. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But acknowledging all the things your mother has done for you is essential! I am in awe of the line of incredible mothers I come from. I honestly don't know how my Mother made it look so effortless. She worked full time but still made us a priority always. And then there is my Grandma, who is the toughest woman I know! She raised 10 kids, and from what I understand she did it without much help from my Grandpa. Yet she has one of the biggest giving hearts I know. The same one I see in my sister Darcie. The same one I am trying each day to develop.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Some days as a mom, everything is joyous. Other days it can feel like the winter of despair. Being a stay at home mom can feel extremely lonely, but then you get one of those sweet front tooth grins and you get the strength you need for one more diaper change, one more snuggle, or a little more patience when you have picked her water bottle up off the floor for the 18th time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Although it is hard, I know motherhood is God's work. To finish with the words of Charles Dickens:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b>"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done"</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Thank you Mom for everything you've done and still do! I love you! Happy Mother's Day!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-80779474074272992662014-04-28T17:45:00.000-07:002014-04-28T17:45:07.786-07:00Why?Have you ever noticed that life goes on a cycle? We have times where life seems routine and easy, and then where everything seems challenging. In life right now, I would say Nate and I are in the easy zone. Though I am sure we will be back to the challenging side of things when we have <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvzcKeU04Ok" target="_blank">two babies</a>. (I linked the announcement... we had a taste of a viral video and made it on GMA and the Today show!)<br />
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A few years ago when Nate and I were first married, it seemed like something was always going wrong. Doctors visits, hospital stays, deaths in the family, struggles with work... we seemed to be catching tastes of it all. And then at some point, things leveled off and we were no longer constantly treading water, trying not to drown. We were on top, floating on by through life. The life cycle. Your life gets flooded, you resist drowning in it, and eventually you stop treading water and learn to float.<br />
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That is the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation/earth-life" target="_blank">purpose of life</a>. To get knocked down and to get up again. To learn. To progress. To ultimately return back to live with God, wiser then when we left His presence and hopefully more like Him.<br />
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But sometimes life just seems unfair. Because life IS unfair. Its part of living in a fallen world, things just don't work out for us sometimes. If you are like me though, you want justice. Nothing bad happens to good people and people who do bad things fail. But rain falls on the just and the unjust. Hardworking people lose their jobs, healthy people you love get cancer, and lots of other seemingly awful things occur every day. And you try to make sense out of it all. Why? Why does this have to happen to me? Or him? Or her? But there is no point trying to figure it out, because most of the time we don't get an answer. It's just life.<br />
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As I have had people close to me struggle with challenges much bigger than my own, especially things that are SO unfair, I often wonder why God couldn't have provided a miracle? Where was the lamb in the thicket or the angels to shut the mouths of the lions? Why would He let something like this happen? When things are hard, I admit there are times where I've wondered, where is my miracle?</div>
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And at church on Sunday as I pondered why hard things have to happen, it was reconfirmed to me once again that when there is no lamb in the thicket, or if God doesn't send angels to shut the mouths of the lions, He already provided the miracle. "In the gift of His Son hath God prepared a more excellent way (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.11?lang=eng" target="_blank">Ether 12:11</a>)". </div>
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Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all things are made right. All the inequities and injustices of life will be reckoned for. And instead of dwelling on the "why?", I felt God's love fill my heart with hope. For the new day. For second chances. For the time when all will be made right by Him. And though the "whys?" still pop into my head, His peace has comforted my heart and I know that He is in control. Though I don't understand, I have faith in His plan, and that is what carries me forward.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-40918513700910727582014-03-02T13:55:00.001-08:002014-03-02T13:55:32.513-08:00Call to Repent<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In church today, I gave a lesson entitled "Faith and Repentance". I had NO idea how to give this lesson. It spoke about the need to call others to repentance. It was hard to reconcile the idea of calling someone to repentance vs. judging others. After reading lots of devotionals, talks, and speeches on the matter, this was what stuck out the most to me. The following excerpt is from a talk entitled <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/1981/10/people-to-people?lang=eng&clang=eng" target="_blank">People to People</a> by David B. Haight:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Arturo Toscanini, the late, famous conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, received a brief, crumpled letter from a lonely sheepherder in the remote mountain area of Wyoming:<br />“Mr. Conductor: I have only two possessions—a radio and an old violin. The batteries in my radio are getting low and will soon die. My violin is so out of tune I can’t use it. Please help me. Next Sunday when you begin your concert, sound a loud ‘A’ so I can tune my ‘A’ string; then I can tune the other strings. When my radio batteries are dead, I’ll have my violin.”<br />
<br />At the beginning of his next nationwide radio concert from Carnegie Hall, Toscanini announced: “For a dear friend and listener back in the mountains of Wyoming the orchestra will now sound an ‘A.’” The musicians all joined together in a perfect “A.”<br />
<br />The lonely sheepherder only needed one note, just a little help to get back in tune; he could go on from there. He needed someone who cared to assist him with one string; the others would be easy. Then, with all strings in tune—in harmony—the lonely sheepherder would have a source of companionship and joy and could play uplifting strains.<br />
<br />My expressions and encouragement this morning are to God’s children whose batteries may be low or with strings in need of tuning, those whose souls were one time touched by the words and teachings of the Master and His servants but have been attracted away into other interests and activities. Some may have been neglected or not sufficiently involved in a meaningful Church responsibility or may have a feeling of injury or hurt or even unworthiness.<br />
<br />Some have allowed themselves to get out of tune. They may have lost the pitch and drifted from the original score. The Savior of the world gave rules to live by and taught principles of love that encompass concern and encouragement:<br />“Come unto me, all ye that labour,” he said, “and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<br />“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.<br />“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/11.28-30?lang=eng#27" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; color: black !important; font-weight: normal !important; text-decoration: none !important;">Matt. 11:28–30</a>.)<br />
<br />He did not limit or say “all who are perfect come unto me” or just the rich, or just the poor, or just the healthy, or those without sin, or those who pray the longest, or just the sick. His invitation is to all: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” comfort, peace; “for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”<br />
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes when our batteries are running on empty and we make a wrong decision or two and our lives get out of harmony, we just need a little help. One note of encouragement or help to get us on the right path. Repentance isn't about judgement and guilt. Yes, we should feel sorry for what we've done, but the joy of repentance is turning away from the sin and getting back in tune with God. Its about love.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Lately my life has seemed a little out of tune. Not that anything in my life is egregiously wrong, just that I haven't been as close to heaven as I'd like to be some days. In the hustle and bustle I forget to do those things which bring me back to God. It was such a tender mercy to be assigned to teach this lesson and another testament of God's goodness and guidance in my life.</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-85003105536654356372014-02-03T17:42:00.002-08:002014-02-03T17:42:46.666-08:00It's For Your Own GoodMissed the January post.. I know I know... but when your baby only sleeps in one hour increments it seems difficult to get anything done during the day. Last night she slept through the night. It. Was. HEAVEN.<div>
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Occasionally when God has something for me to learn he lets me struggle until I figure it out. At other times I get subtle nudges. And rarely I get words directly whispered in my ear. God's message to me the other day was so clear I thought I should write it down, so I am sharing it with all of you. I caught myself telling Emmy "You don't understand this, but it is for your own good" when trying to clothe her the other day. She was sobbing, and it was freezing, and I just needed to put her in some warm clothes! As a mother, I know staying warm is more important than her desire to free spirit around town naked, but she didn't care and tried to squiggle away by any means possible.</div>
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How often does God say that exact phrase to us? When our lives seem to be crazy difficult, and we don't know if we can take anymore, how many times has God told us, "I know you don't understand, but this is for your own good!". And we are angry with Him, even though He knows what is best for us.</div>
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I heard Him say those exact words to me, to allow me to understand that He is in control and will lead me where I need to be. I may not understand His plan for me all the time, but need to know He knows what is best and will make all things good for me. For all of us.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-28895457591517326982013-12-31T18:31:00.003-08:002014-01-06T11:50:57.260-08:00Three Lessons I Learned this Year<br />
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Here we are again at the end of another year. I would say 2013 has easily been the best year of my life. The hardest year by far, filled with overwhelming joy and learning experiences. I have decided to repost a few things I have learned this year.</div>
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<b>Your body will change after you have a baby! </b></div>
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<a href="http://weseekjoy.blogspot.com/2013/12/babies-ruin-bodies.html" target="_blank">This</a> was a phenomenally written piece. Can I say I am happy with my new body every day? No. But if there is a price to be paid for this amazing experience I will pay it. I don't need the body I had when I was 20. I'm not 20 anymore, and I would never go back to being there again. I've learned so much. I thank God every day for this beautiful baby he has blessed me with and understand His love so much more because of her.</div>
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<b>Everyone needs help sooner or later. Usually they just need to be reassured they are loved!</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>My entire life has changed this year. Almost every part of my identity has been altered or modified as I stepped out of my comfort zone into the journey of motherhood. I had to adjust to becoming a mom, staying at home, and the biggest change of all was my relationship with Nate. We have become parents together, and no one prepared me for how it would change our marriage. Things are wonderful, but it is still a challenge. Mostly after long and tiring days with the baby or work, we are now having to make efforts to connect. Where once our relationship was effortless, it now requires intention and purpose to keep things on track. Time together is so important and it needs to be intentional. We are working on finding time to be together everyday and being present in those moments.</div>
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<b>We feel complete as we fulfill the divine roles God has given us.</b></div>
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I believe God has given each one of us divine callings. For some they will accomplish amazing feats, like Noah building an ark. For millions of others who have lived on the earth we do what seems like ordinary things, sometimes with no recognition of the greater purpose it serves. I believe <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation" target="_blank">family</a> is essential to God's <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation" target="_blank">plan of happiness</a> on the earth. I believe it is a divine calling to be a mother. This has been reaffirmed to me by this feeling of happiness and completion I have felt since becoming one. I have always felt like God has something for me to do, and constantly felt discontent, as if there was something more for me. I believe God still has many other purposes and roles for me to accomplish, but I have found peace in motherhood. A contentedness, <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/neh/6.3?lang=eng" target="_blank">feeling I am doing a great work</a>, a work which has been divinely commissioned for me to do. I don't believe it a coincidence that Emerson is a part of our family. I believe we are meant for each other. For Nate and I to teach her and her to teach us important life lessons. There are so many people who search everywhere for their purpose in life, and even I am guilty of it, when it is so simple and right in front of us.</div>
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May God's blessings be upon each of you in 2014. Happy New Year!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-71598292790365099512013-11-06T06:29:00.002-08:002013-11-06T06:29:50.433-08:00Word!In Mormonism there is a standard of health revealed by the prophet Joseph Smith in 1830 called the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/word-of-wisdom" target="_blank">Word of Wisdom</a>. It is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. Growing up Mormon we heard lessons on Sunday about it all the time. And every time we would have the lesson it would go something like this: DON'T: Drink, smoke, do drugs, drink tea and coffee and etc. DO: Eat your fruits, veggies, and grains, exercise, sleep as needed.<br />
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But as I have been reading books about our food system and how crazy it has gotten, I have really struggled to know how to eat best for myself and the baby... and my husband... but I've stopped trying to convince him to eat healthier... you can bring a horse to water but you can't make 'em drink ;) (I love you Nate!)<br />
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I have recently read Michael Pollan's books <u>In Defense of Food</u> and <u>The Omnivore's Dilemma</u>. They seem to touch a lot on the subjects I've been studying.<br />
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In the Doctrine and Covenants 89:4 it warns us about evils and designs of conspiring men, perhaps the type of people Pollan talks about in his books, who scientifically process and modify "foods" to make us want to eat more or to cut back on costs for themselves while making more of a profit off their foods that we are finding cause all sorts of "Western diseases" (Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and more.)<br />
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So how do we combat these issues, the scriptures tell us to eat wholesome herbs and fruits in the season they grow and grains like wheat, rice, and oats should make up the bulk of our diet. Meat is to be used sparingly and would preferably be used only in times of winter, cold, or famine.<br />
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The biggest thing I realized I needed to fix was to do all these things with thanksgiving! Generally in our home we pray before every meal and we give thanks for our food, but how often do I just say those things and not really act on them. I know most of you are in the same boat as me, with lives so busy we are frequently eating fast food, making and eating meals as quickly as possible to try and make a few extra minutes available in our day.<br />
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Thanksgiving means to acknowledge and give thanks to God. When we are really grateful for a gift, we could just say thank you, but doesn't it show more gratitude when we savor the gift. We are glad in our hearts, we take time to use the gift, we use it with prudence, making sure not to squander it away and think about its future.<br />
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In my own life I know I can use a good dose of this type of gratitude in all areas, not just food, but I have realized to follow the counsel God gave me in these passages we call the Word of Wisdom, I need to be more conscious of where my food comes from, making sure its a sustainable source, to quote my Italian heritage to enjoy "La Dolce Vita" the sweetness of life by savoring all aspects of it. To me it means making a meal and sitting down to enjoy it with family and friends. To bring back meal time where we forge friendships and learn to appreciate the sweet things of life.<br />
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This also means not gorging at meal time... enjoying a slice of cake rather than cramming my stomach to the brim with it... no matter how good it is. I've realized I have become a bit gluttonous and when I have a small taste of something really good, instead of enjoying it, I scarf it down without even taking time to chew and taste it.<br />
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So this is the new goal for eating. To live in constant thanksgiving. And to enjoy living La Dolce Vita.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-34912009901606715632013-09-30T18:13:00.001-07:002013-09-30T18:13:22.630-07:00Underoo MishapsWell time flies when you are having fun! It has been a crazy 4 months... Emerson is getting so big and I am excited to get some updated stats at the pediatrician's office next week. (Not so excited about the shots... but such is life.)<div>
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Motherhood has not been the easiest transition for me though. I doubt myself, and sometimes wonder how I have managed to keep myself and her alive. It seems like all the mamas around me have their stuff together and I feel like I am a hot mess all the time. And it spirals downward from there and I fall into a trap of thinking I am unable to do anything right for my baby or myself.</div>
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In fact on Sunday, Nate was being a mad man doing laundry, making dinner, and taking care of virtually everything in the world. I was taking care of the baby. And I tried to not ask him for help because he was super busy, but I had worn a dress with a tricky zipper up the back and wanted to ask him to unzip it for me. But determined to do something on my own and not to bother him, I wiggled and tugged but could not get it off. And that is when I realized the zipper was snagged. I sheepishly slumped down the stairs to Nate to ask for his help. I was feeling pretty ridiculous at this point but kept it together even though I wanted to cry (sleep deprivation makes you cry about everything!). And then we discovered the real issue. The dress got snagged on my underwear! </div>
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Seriously!?</div>
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It gets better though. This particular dress was tailored to flatter curves. But my new curves were a little too much. Nate stood there tugging as I frantically tried getting it off any way I could. The dress would not budge. The jaws of life were going to need to be called in. Nate had to use all his manly strength to rip my poor underoos out of the zipper, which luckily did not result in an atomic wedgie as I believed it would, and the zipper broke off, freeing me from dressy prison and leaving a nice breeze on my backside from the ginormous hole the ripping left.</div>
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And so this blog was to say, thank you to my wonderful husband Nate. Being parents is not easy and we are still adjusting to having three in our family, but we are committed to each other. He is so patient as he takes care of our house, changes loads of diapers, and now has to rescue me from myself...or my newly breezy wardrobe...</div>
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Thank you Nate. I know I couldn't do this without you.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-84821337331164964362013-08-22T17:28:00.000-07:002013-08-22T17:28:37.418-07:00The Day I Put On Mom JeansSo yesterday for the first time I ever, I put on my first pair of "mom jeans". No I don't mean metaphorical mom jeans... I mean MOM JEANS! Anyone who lived through the 80's and 90's knows what I'm talking about. The high waisted jeans that have super long pockets that moms think make them look like this:<br />
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When in reality they look more like this:</div>
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Such are the cold hard facts of life. You have a baby and your body is never the same. But I am not the same either. After years of teasing my Mom for her sweet, sweet mom jeans, repeatedly telling her no one in the world wears mid-rise or high-rise jeans, I found myself in a dressing room trying desperately to find a pair I could call my own.<br />
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Starting my undergrad classes at Mom University, I find myself toting a freshman 15 I cannot seem to get rid of. And people expect you to get rid of it.<br />
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But this week I decided I don't care what a number on the scale says and will not be starting out the day stepping on it to see if I am down a pound or not. I'm not wasting time in mourning my newly striped belly. Because they are now a constant reminder of what I have been through to get to where I am now. I just don't care anymore, because where I am now is <b>MAJESTIC and GLORIOUS</b>.<br />
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This girl is worth it. Every stretch mark, every pound, and every spit up stain on my shirt. I know what my purpose in life is. To watch this girl grow and teach her what it means to love. To love herself, to love those around her, and to love God. And it seems all over the place people are wanting to take a piece of that glory. To steal away precious moments of majesty by spending more time obsessing about getting back into those pre-pregnancy clothes, to be able to have it all and do it all, and to feel like being a mom is not enough. But it is enough. And so much more. It is hard. It is tiring. But every smile, every giggle, and every little milestone she reaches makes my heart soar. (And who knew watching someone roll over was so exciting!?)<br />
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So it is with pride I put on my mom jeans and thank the inspiring woman who first taught me the true beauty of them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mother!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-42512311386693050972013-07-01T07:00:00.003-07:002013-07-01T07:00:31.368-07:00Practicalities<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span class="hwGrp"><span class="hw" d:dhw="1" d:priority="2" style="font-size: 24px;">prac<span class="hsb"></span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">ti</span><span class="hsb"></span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">cal</span><span class="hsb"></span>i<span class="hsb"></span>ty</span><span class="pronGrp"><span class="pr" d:pr="US" style="font-family: HiraMinPro-W3;" type="US"> |ˌpraktiˈkalətē|</span></span></span></span><span class="SB" style="display: block; font-family: Baskerville; margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="prelim"><span class="ps" d:ps="1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">noun</span> </span><span class="infGrp" d:priority="2">(<span class="syntax" style="font-weight: normal;"> pl. </span><span class="inf" style="font-weight: 600;">-<span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">ties</span></span>)</span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="sn" style="font-weight: 600;">2 </span><span class="formGrp" style="font-weight: normal;">(<span class="f" style="font-weight: 600;"> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">practicalities</span></span>)</span><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">the</span> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">aspects</span> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">of</span> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">a</span> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">situation</span> that involve the actual doing or experience of something rather than <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">theories</span> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">or</span> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">ideas</span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1"><br /></span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1"><br /></span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">A vocabulary lesson for you my friends. This word defines this new journey into motherhood I have begun. As soon as people find out your pregnant, they start giving you advice. Little pearls of wisdom learned by others along their life's journey, shared whether you ask for them or not. "Sleep when baby sleeps." "Don't spoil her by holding her too much." The list goes on.</span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1"><br /></span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">Well I have learned a few things in the past few weeks. Like don't EVER leave home without a diaper bag. When you can't get a baby to latch on and feed, you don't care how many strangers see and handle your boobs. Sleep is a valuable commodity. A box of diapers won't last as long as you think. The first few days the baby is here, any noise she makes can put you in a panic. Babies are one of the most amazing and awe inspiring sights you'll ever see. Love at first sight is real. And not just the sort of puppy love you fall out of, but the type of love that enables people to walk through fire. And it scares you beyond belief to think something bad could happen to her. Oh, and don't leave rubbing alcohol on the counter near your contact solution when you are working on 3 hours of sleep...don't worry I caught myself before I burned my eyeballs into an oblivion.</span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1"><br /></span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">And people may have told me these things before I had Emerson, but none of it was practical to me until she was here.</span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1"><br /></span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">I'm sure you have all heard on Facebook by now, but I gave birth to beautiful Emerson Lily Eaton on June 8th at 4:02 pm. A lot of people have asked how the Hypnobirthing worked and how everything went, so I will tell you now.</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">I went into labor on Friday, June 7th and was pretty glad because I was set to be induced on Monday. I noticed I was having steady contractions while Nate and I were watching The Rainmaker. It was about 8 pm and I was having contractions about 12 minutes apart. After the movie was over, I put went upstairs to bed and tried to sleep knowing this was most likely the real deal and I would need all the rest I could get. I put on my hypno tracks and tried to relax. After a few hours I was starting to get uncomfortable and decided to try sitting in the tub for a while. For me, the tub was not comfy. I was getting too hot or sitting on the tub was too hard and when I felt the contractions I would have to squirm around in the tub to try and get some relief.</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">Here is where I will tell you about Hypnobirthing. It requires a lot of practice and a dedicated birthing partner who is going to prepare with you. There are relaxation techniques and things they teach you that I feel really work, but if you are trying to do it alone you won't be very successful. I have a high anxiety personality and think I needed someone there to remind me to relax and walk me through things. So other then listening to a cd that came in the Hypnobirthing book, there was not any real preparations on our part. If there is a next time, I want to have Gina Kochany be my doula. She is awesome and I think it would have helped to have someone like Gina there to guide me through the birth experience. All in all, I am glad we took the Hypnobirthing course, and I think it helped, but I think it would have been more effective had we practiced what we were preached!</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">So I labored through the night, and woke Nate up after calling Jennifer (my amazing midwife) at 4 am and telling her we were ready to come in to the hospital because my contractions were about five minutes apart. I called my Mom and told her there would be a baby today! We got to the hospital and got settled in. Once Jennifer arrived she checked to see how things were going, and I was actually a bit disappointed to hear I was at four centimeters. I was hoping after 10 hours I would be a little more dilated!</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">We walked the halls, and I labored on. We came back to the room around 7:30 am and I had Jennifer check me again. I needed some encouragement to keep going because at this point I was getting pretty tired. I was at a 5. I asked for an IV bag of fluids in the hopes I would perk up a little, and Jennifer asked if I wanted her to break my water. Slowly I felt like everything in my birth plan was melting away and got a little discouraged. I asked about the pros and cons for breaking my water and was worried knowing that once your membranes release, you are on a time crunch for delivery. She told me it would most likely speed things up, but the contractions may get a bit more intense. I agreed to have my water broken and we discovered Emmy had pooped already and had meconium in her amniotic fluid.</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">At 10 am, I was at 8 centimeters and I could REALLY feel the contractions. Hypnobirthing teaches you to change your frame of mind from pain to pressure, but when you are having all the intense things happen in your body, you sort of forget anything anyone has ever told you. I felt like things were just becoming too intense for me to cope with. I asked Jennifer how much longer she thought it would take!? If someone could promise me it would only be an hour or two more, I would have pressed forward. But I was exhausted and finally I asked if it was too late for an epidural? And once I got the epidural around 11 am it was instant relief. I could feel the contractions, but not the pain.</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">With my Mom, Nate, and Jennifer by my side, we waited and I tried to get some rest as instructed. I couldn't sleep, but finally at 3 pm I had made it to 10 centimeters and it was time to push. In Hypnobirthing they teach you to use the natural expulsive reflexes of your body and you shouldn't really push, but I couldn't feel anything below my belly button really so that part went out the window as well. After an hour of pushing, Nate caught the baby and Emerson was finally here. Because of the large amount of meconium and Emmy wasn't taking any real breaths, they had to take her pretty quick and suction her out. As soon as I saw her, I thought... man, she looks like Nate! And then was a little bummed out that she didn't look more like me. After carrying her for nine months, she wasn't even my mini-me!</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">I can't describe the feelings of joy and relief I had once I got to hold her in my arms. What a little wonder she was (and is). She was wide eyed and looking all around. Not crying or anything, just curious to see what was going on around her. </span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">And there you have it. Emerson's birth story. Things did not go how I had planned or really wanted them to, but she is a healthy baby and at the end of the day that is what really matters. Should there be a next time, I will try again to have the natural birth I really wanted. And hopefully can prepare a little better.</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;">Thank you to everyone for your well wishes, dinners, and presents. We have been showered with love and are so grateful, even if we have been to busy changing diapers and trying to catch naps to fully show it. I am amazed at mothers every where, and am convinced the teenage attitude years would never happen if we could remember what our parents went through taking care of us when we were babies!</span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1"><br /></span></span></span><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal;"><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1"><br /></span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-1545761019764722212013-06-01T19:28:00.003-07:002013-06-01T19:28:46.853-07:00Hoping, Waiting, WishingSo I was hoping my May blog post would have been the story of Emerson's birth. Clearly that did not happen. So I missed the month of May and decided I would just write a little June update. My nephew Camden predicted I would have the baby on June 1st. With two hours remaining in the day, it is pretty safe to say I don't think it will happen. If it does, then at least I had a quick labor and delivery :)<br />
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We are getting very anxious to meet the little one. She seems to be doing well. Still finding ways to squirm all about in the tight space she is residing in. And I am still trying to find joy in the journey every day. This morning Nate and I were just waking up, and I looked down at my belly and talked to Emerson and told her it was okay if she wanted to come today. And we watched as she practiced her breathing, and we could see her little lungs pushing her chest up and down and working like a pro. It is crazy to look down at your belly and see a little person making breathing motions inside.<br />
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It reminds me of faith. How we see pieces of things, even when we don't have the full picture. We get moments of these tender mercies, where we feel the love and joy of God. And although we can't see Emerson, we know she is in there. That we will see her. She will be even more wonderful than we have imagined. Holding this tiny little miracle Nate and I made together.<br />
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So I wait as patiently as possible. Knowing soon I will see the whole picture, and not just get pieces of the puzzle. We will see if she snores like Nate when she sleeps, if she has her mother's ears or her daddy's eyes. And it will feel complete. This journey we have been on for the past 9 months has come to and end and we will be grateful for the experiences we had. I can't wait to see what other new lessons this baby teaches us. We already love her so much, it will be amazing to have her here to hold in our arms and call her ours. Birthdate - to be announced.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-8322741866779065872013-04-16T18:43:00.002-07:002013-12-31T18:33:50.880-08:00Thoughts LatelySomething has been bothering me lately. BIG TIME. Isn't that the only thing that drives me to blog? It seems to be getting increasingly worse, and with everything going on in the political world, I feel like it is only going to continue to spiral downward.<br />
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I would consider myself to be pretty accepting of people, respecting them for who they are and what they believe, and in return asking for the same respect.<br />
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My brother-in-law Clin reposted a blog entry entitled "Let's Stop Worrying About Being The Same" by Josh Bingham, and it was exactly what has been on my mind. It talks about how the author isn't ashamed of what he thinks and believes, even if it may be different from others viewpoints, but because we don't want to offend others we just keep quiet. In my case, rather than have people try to berate me into believing what they do, I just don't mention it. I'm not into confrontation. I enjoy having an educated conversation and learning about viewpoints different than my own, but cannot stand having someone who will not listen back or accept their may be an opinion besides their own.<br />
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Josh goes on to state this:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Obviously things like politics exacerbate that feeling of different-ness. With social media, our whole lives are on display to be judged and poked over. When I was in college I didn't necessarily know the political leanings of my friends unless we actually had a conversation about it. Now I can just check out some one's profile and infer a lot of things about their life based on which things they've liked. And it is easier and easier to surround yourself by people who think the exact same way that you do and assume that everyone else is clueless, or uninformed, or obtuse.</span></blockquote>
This is my thought exactly. It seems lately, anytime someone has a differing opinion, the first conclusion drawn is the person must be some sort of bigot, idiot, or religious extremist. Just listen to a minute of political commentators like Bill Maher or Rush Limbaugh, they are always calling someone an idiot because they don't agree with what they have to say.<br />
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So Josh quotes a great excerpt on this topic that was just addressed in my church's biannual conference. Elder Uchtdorf says:<br />
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But while the Atonement is meant to help us all become more like Christ, it is not meant to make us all the same. Sometimes we confuse differences in personality with sin. We can even make the mistake of thinking that because someone is different from us, it must mean they are not pleasing to God. This line of thinking leads some to believe that the Church wants to create every member from a single mold—that each one should look, feel, think, and behave like every other. <b>This would contradict the genius of God</b>, who created every man different from his brother, every son different from his father. Even identical twins are not identical in their personalities and spiritual identities.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
It also contradicts the intent and purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ, which acknowledges and protects the moral agency—with all its far-reaching consequences—of each and every one of God’s children. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are united in our testimony of the restored gospel and our commitment to keep God’s commandments. <b>But we are diverse in our cultural, social, and political preferences.</b></blockquote>
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Finally the answer to many of my prayers lately to try and understand the chaos around me. In this quote, I have comfort.<br />
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I agree that it is okay to be yourself. That it is paramountly important to be yourself. And believe what you want to believe. And make your own decision about how you want to live your life. The atonement is for everyone, not just people who think exactly what you do. Even though Josh has opposite view points from me on some topics, we agree on this fundamental point and that is love. It is okay to agree to disagree. Ultimately we still need to love each other. There is enough hate and ugliness in this world without people adding to it. We need more love and compassion, and less of the craziness and violence.<br />
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But I do feel the need to clarify some things. I feel like I need to set the record straight and voice my opinion, and not as a comment on someone's Facebook status where it is bound to get 100 ugly retorts back. I am having a baby and I don't need to invite all that drama and negativity into my life!<br />
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To touch on a couple hot topic issues of the day, I believe that I have the right to own a gun. I don't even want one, but I don't feel like taking away people's rights makes anyone safer. Reform some of the weak points, but I believe in the Constitution. Just because a document is old, doesn't make it irrelevant. If it did, people wouldn't read through classic literature or like movies from different decades.<br />
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I think abortion is wrong. And we are getting into a lot of trouble trying to rationalize away our morality as a society. Since when is aborting (terminating) a life different from murder? Anyone can read through a thesaurus and let you know there are tons of words that mean the same thing. As a rule of thumb, if it has a beating heart, it's a living thing and I think people need to think more seriously about what they are doing. I understand there are extenuating circumstances, but with the amount of precautions and preventative measures we now have, I don't see how anyone who just can't be responsible should be able to end an innocent life. If you are mature enough to be having sex, you should be mature enough to be accountable for your actions.<br />
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I think way too many people think they are entitled to things they are not. I don't believe I should have to pay my hard earned money to pay for birth control pills for someone else or to pay for all these other things we are legislating in for people lately. Maybe if I didn't have to deal with people who make terrible decisions on a daily basis and then expect people to clean up their messes I'd have a little more sympathy, but since when should people be able to buy nicer things than me, but then say they don't have money to pay for health insurance or a place to live? As a responsible adult, I go without some things I want because I feel it is wrong to make someone else pay my way, and I don't expect people to give me hand outs. Once again, I know some people really do need help and I don't have a problem with that. <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/1389" target="_blank">This pretty much sums up how I feel about this topic.</a><br />
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I hope everyone who reads this with a differing opinion from mine will not be offended and will listen at least to the first part of what I said. You be you, and I'll be me. And we can love each other, even though we may be different. Or even if we think the same. It's okay if you think something else, I respect that and I think its part of what makes life interesting. How boring would it be if we all thought the same things?<br />
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And thank you for a letting a pregnant lady get some weight off of her chest. I've got enough in my belly right now, I can't afford to be carrying anything extra.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-88510551301426945912013-03-31T09:18:00.001-07:002013-03-31T09:18:20.399-07:00Marching Right AlongI would like to issue a formal apology to anyone who reads my blog. To answer a question looming in your minds, no. I do not spell check or grammar check after I write my blog posts. If I had to reread what I wrote, I would probably erase it all and I wouldn't have a blog! So yes, I do have the ability to edit, I just lack the capacity to do so when it is not for work or a real project.<div>
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And Happy Easter. In church today, we had wonderful speakers. My favorite remarks today were from Lori Coats. She read a quote from a fireside talk entitled <a href="http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=734" target="_blank">"Come Unto Me"</a> given by Jeffrey R. Holland in March of 1997. Well worth a read, but for my purposes I will share the point on my mind lately. Speaking of how the scriptures are replete with messages of love and encouragement from our Heavenly Father, Elder Holland says:</div>
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<blockquote>
"The Lord has probably spoken enough such "comforting words" to supply the whole universe, it would seem, and yet we see all around us unhappy Latter-day Saints, worried Latter-day Saints, and gloomy Latter-day Saints into whose troubled hearts not one of these innumerable consoling words seems to be allowed to enter. In fact, I think some of us must have that remnant of Puritan heritage still with us that says it is somehow wrong to be comforted or helped, that we are supposed to be miserable about something. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Consider, for example, the Savior's benediction upon his disciples even as he moved toward the pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary. On that very night, the night of the greatest suffering the world has ever known or ever will know, he said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). </blockquote>
<blockquote>
I submit to you that may be one of the Savior's commandments that is, even in the hearts of otherwise faithful Latter-day Saints, almost universally disobeyed; and yet I wonder whether our resistance to this invitation could be any more grievous to the Lord's merciful heart. I can tell you this as a parent: As concerned as I would be if somewhere in their lives one of my children were seriously troubled or unhappy or disobedient, nevertheless I would be infinitely more devastated if I felt that at such a time that child could not trust me to help, or should feel his or her interest were unimportant to me or unsafe in my care. In that same spirit, I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands or trust in his commandments."</blockquote>
The Lord in his infinite mercy and goodness is asking us to trust in Him, knowing He has already overcome all things for us. Yet trusting in Him is the struggle of life. To allow Him to lead us along, without resisting or worrying about where He is taking our lives. We need to aspire as Mother Teresa once said, to be a pencil in the hand of God. We don't claim anything for ourselves. Our lives are God's work. He does the thinking and the writing, the pencil has nothing to do with it.<br />
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So this Easter I am renewing my pledge to let go of my fears and doubts about life and allow the Savior's ultimate gift to work in my life. To not let my heart be afraid and to follow His way, allowing my soul to trust in His peace. His peace is sure, and He must be the foundation in our lives if we wish to find true happiness. I know He lives. I leave you with this Easter treat. A song to help inspire courage and help with my Easter resolution to trust in His atonement a little more fully. It is an oldie, but a goodie.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-42999612482957271352013-02-28T17:59:00.000-08:002013-02-28T17:59:13.451-08:00Frito Chili Pie And ILast day of the month! I made dinner, watched Psych, and finished off the rest of the Reese's Ice-Cream. At the Eaton residence we ... and by we I mean Nate... have been packing up in preparation for our move next Friday. As full blown adults we are moving into our first house! That we bought!<br />
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We are ready to settle in somewhere a little bigger now that the countdown to baby is down to double digits. Only 89 days left!<br />
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Yesterday I had my gestational diabetes screen, and to celebrate the good results, Nate had me finish off the rest of the ice-cream in the freezer. We are trying to clear out our cupboards before we leave because living on the third floor doesn't lend itself to an easy move. If we weren't moving, I doubt we would have ever tried eating <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/09/frito-chili-pie/" target="_blank">this</a> . Scratch that. Nate would eat this any day. But I don't typically make dinners that involve Fritos. It did clear out a few of out cans though, for which I am grateful.<br />
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But while I was on the Pioneer Woman's blog, I stumbled across a post about a baby cow!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazXnvafhS2MuIfcvJEKSUZj63chXySvFKpYEQaWlfz6GSv5zdvuYlJesa7XHwiPtv0wdSSNAXR-I_vn21OOfE8bcPeCSip39ePzwV4IL0PZz3AdLP05sCgPzzMzgieE2HnnFy0Ui4SmA/s1600/8513372950_c9e6b6aea3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazXnvafhS2MuIfcvJEKSUZj63chXySvFKpYEQaWlfz6GSv5zdvuYlJesa7XHwiPtv0wdSSNAXR-I_vn21OOfE8bcPeCSip39ePzwV4IL0PZz3AdLP05sCgPzzMzgieE2HnnFy0Ui4SmA/s320/8513372950_c9e6b6aea3_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Essentially the baby cow was too weak and cold, and they took it in for a day to nurse it into health.<br />
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How adorable!<br />
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And to anyone who is concerned, no we will not be adopting a baby cow anytime soon. I'm still working in the dog thing!<br />
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But I did realize that I love animals. And nature. And I can't wait until my baby is old enough to go on a road trip! Once this belly isn't so uncomfortable, I want to go on a vacation!<br />
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The set back is, I love going to the middle of nowhere, but I don't know that Nate likes it. So if anyone has some suggestions for a vacation where Nate can still be entertained, but I can fill my days with sitting outside surrounded by nature, let me know.<br />
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I know this post is super random, but I knew I needed to write tonight. So to update life in a nutshell. We close on our house next week, Emerson is hatching along, I finally made a registry at Target for the baby, I switched OB docs last week and am glad I did (so far the midwife practice has been AWESOME), and I am in serious need of some sleep. Lets hope life calms down a little before the baby comes so I can try to get my life somewhat together!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-44126282487236237202013-01-17T16:53:00.000-08:002013-01-17T16:53:51.408-08:00Building An ArkIt has rained. Four days in a row. Cold, puddly, achy baby days. Yes, now I measure things in baby days. Like dog years. Except baby days are like riding a roller coaster, parts of the days speed by, others seem like the next 20 weeks may be 20 years.<div>
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I was thinking about building an ark after 4 straight days of rain, but just as I got up from the couch to start, I looked outside and it has turned to snow! I would like to blame the non-stop rain and the chilliness for my recent lack of ability to accomplish anything when I get home. Well, the rain, and the fact that working a full time job and also growing a baby is exhausting! </div>
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It's still unreal to me, even after the ultrasound last Wednesday...AND looking at my constantly growing belly. (Not to mention lugging that belly around all day.) You'd think the kicking feet inside would also jolt me into reality, but it's just not happening.</div>
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Our ultrasound appointment was surreal to me. I could see little arms and legs and lips and hear a healthy 153 beats per minute heart rate. As I looked at the screen I felt such a sweet testament of God's love and blessings to see such a perfect little miracle growing healthy and strong.</div>
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After what Nate believes was the equivalent of 1 million baby days, we finally heard what we were waiting for. The baby is healthy, and it is a GIRL! I knew it! Her name is Emerson... now that it has been officially approved by Nate. A lot of people have told me they don't like it, and I started having doubts about her name, but I feel like that is what her name is supposed to be! Her name means brave or powerful, and in this increasingly crazy world, who doesn't hope for a brave and powerful little girl?</div>
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And it doesn't hurt that I love Ralph Waldo Emerson. I have started to go through some of my favorite quotes to find one or two to put up in her room. </div>
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A few of my favorites:</div>
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"Always do what you are afraid to do." </div>
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"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen."</div>
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"Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience."</div>
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And this one won't go on her wall, but it is one for me to put up at work. "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."</div>
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Nineteen more weeks! I can do it!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-77702803664417835202012-12-25T05:35:00.001-08:002012-12-25T05:35:55.811-08:00Grinch AntidoteBeing pregnant makes you really sensitive. And emotional. And it becomes much harder to deal with difficult personality types. If someone does something unthoughtful or unkind, it has always taken me a while to get over. I don't like it when people are blatantly unkind. I try to understand why someone would act the way they did so I can have some sort of understanding. I am looking forward to the day I have the baby so I can get away from a lot of negativity at work. But knowing I will never be able to avoid all the grinch-types of the world, or those people who have hard circumstances that don't know how to handle them well, what do you do for those kinds of people? How do you deal with it?<br />
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I guess the issue is, I just don't know how to let things go easily?<br />
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On to better things though, Nate and I find out in 15 days whether we are having a boy or girl!! And I have been dreaming up Nursery ideas :) I like the idea of Enchanted Forest. Mostly because I love adorable woodland creatures and nature, but it seems like an easy theme. Nate wants gender neutral, so we will probably end up doing something more like <a href="http://www.creative-baby-nursery-rooms.com/enchanted-forest-nursery.html" target="_blank">this</a>. (It even has the name I like, though no official names have been decided ;)<br />
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But if we have a girl, I thought it may be fun to do something a bit more <a href="http://diary-lifestyles.blogspot.com/2010/05/incredible-woodland-fairy-birthday.html" target="_blank">whimsical</a>.<br />
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I am leaning towards the first nursery type theme. I think it will be much easier, especially if we end up moving down the line, or if I am crazy enough to try having another baby after this one. Pregnancy is tough stuff, but my philosophy on children is that it's like football, once your down, it doesn't matter how many pile on. (Once you have one child, it doesn't really matter how many you have because you have now moved on to the land of parenting. Life is never the same as it was before haha.)<br />
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Anyway... I can hear Nate stirring. Which means it's time for PRESENTS!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas again. Love, Erica.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-3112803763139606752012-12-25T04:58:00.001-08:002012-12-25T04:58:20.204-08:00Merry Christmas!Here is my favorite Christmas song this year, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1DZA_TdBBI" target="_blank">Mary Did You Know?</a> I love Cee Lo's voice in this song. And the video is very well put together. But impossible for me to watch without crying so I usually just listen to the song. Enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-106165863784781572012-12-01T07:45:00.003-08:002012-12-01T07:45:41.316-08:00Apologies.Who knew November only had 30 days? Not me apparently. And next time you see me, don't bother trying to explain that whole knuckle thing about which months have 31 days in them. I don't really care that much. If I did, I'd look at a calendar once in a while.<br />
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So in case you haven't heard the news, or the rumors, Nate and I are expecting a new addition to our family coming May of 2013. And it better be May. Tardiness is not acceptable. Pregnancy and I don't get along well, and I refuse to go over my due date. So naturally, I will be 3 weeks late and they'll have to slice me... it just seems to be the way it goes in the medical world for me haha.<br />
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I have had some pretty funny thoughts. Also scary. And exhausting. And just ridiculous. Like last night. I looked down at my feet and thought, am I wearing socks? I was, but I could barely tell. My feet are getting so white. They lost the <strike>tan</strike> sunburn from Australia quick. I could really use a tan. And then I thought, why do I care? Soon I won't have to look at my feet- I won't even be able to see them!<br />
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My outlook is beginning to brighten a little. No thanks to feeling any better, cause that hasn't happened. But instead of grumbling every day, I am trying to think how grateful I should be that we have this opportunity. We are so fortunate, and even if it came at a very unexpected and somewhat inconvenient time, what a marvelous experience it will be.<br />
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At this Christmas season, for the first time I am really understanding how difficult being a mother is. And I know I am only beginning this journey. The worry about the future mom's have, giving everything for their children. If there is an experience geared towards helping women understand pure love, it is this one.<br />
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I am not ready to be a mom yet. But I don't know that anyone is truly ready. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who has brought me breakfast in bed every morning. And defrosts my windows in the mornings. And is EXTREMELY patient.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpLsmfA8Zqj4-QXur0Pz2gMSPv2QWTRTn4IIG-RcHr5mfpBXD7Gbzr-nTLkAYAnK7PmwvixyiUyaetbDU3FnpX3y2WOQciwmLDjgrTcx-WNVy2Gkh683h-64aaiCU4ERx-JFUuDsO2CU/s1600/angry+woman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpLsmfA8Zqj4-QXur0Pz2gMSPv2QWTRTn4IIG-RcHr5mfpBXD7Gbzr-nTLkAYAnK7PmwvixyiUyaetbDU3FnpX3y2WOQciwmLDjgrTcx-WNVy2Gkh683h-64aaiCU4ERx-JFUuDsO2CU/s320/angry+woman.png" width="320" /></a></div>
This has been me lately. Except, let's be real for a minute. There is no rolling pin in these hands. I have maybe walked into the kitchen a handful for times without vomiting or coming close to it.<br />
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The Nate has done all the cleaning, food prep, and everything else lately because I have been pooped. Everyone keeps saying it gets better, but the headaches only seem to be getting worse. I have been trying not to take it out on other people when I feel miserable, but so far, I have had few successes.<br />
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But I will keep trying. And when I feel better, I will talk to people again. Maybe even have a night out somewhere? I'll keep you posted.<br />
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Even if it took some time, I am very excited for a baby. I have already picked out a name I like. I have determined I am having a girl until proven otherwise. Nate thinks it's a boy, but in asking around for guesses, girl is taking the lead big time. So far the name I have picked out hasn't been popular with other people. Lucky for me, I don't care haha. If our child doesn't like their name, he or she can legally change it at age 18.<br />
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More to come on baby names and the gender reveal party we are planning. I am hoping by 20 weeks I will be functional enough to host such a thing. Thank you all for your patience with me. For your kind words, encouragement, and support. I am so blessed to have friends and family who look out for me even when I fall short. Thank you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-54650470309789321672012-10-29T14:14:00.005-07:002012-10-29T14:15:39.663-07:00A Return to Virtue<div>
In my church's youth program, the young women have a theme which they say each Sunday before our sunday school lesson. This theme has eight core values which the girls strive to develop. Each week they stand and recite the following:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;"><span class="all-caps" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">WE ARE DAUGHTERS</span> of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. <span class="all-caps" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">WE WILL “STAND </span>as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (<a class="scripref" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/18.9?lang=eng#8" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7e7e; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Mosiah 18:9</a>) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are: Faith • Divine Nature • Individual Worth • Knowledge • Choice and Accountability • Good Works • Integrity • and Virtue</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;"><span class="all-caps" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">WE BELIEVE</span> as we come to accept and act upon these values, <span class="all-caps" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">WE WILL BE PREPARED</span> to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.</span></blockquote>
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The most recent value they added was virtue. The ability to maintain high moral standards. Recently more and more people are starting to notice a turning away from virtue. Rather than focusing on teaching our children to have character, we are teaching them they should learn how to navigate right and wrong themselves and let them figure out what is best.</div>
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I recently had a conversation at work about honesty which has caused me to think a lot about this lately. </div>
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In this conversation about honesty, Jane Doe tells me that she feels it is okay to lie at work if you are caught doing something wrong if it will bring bad consequences for you. I know we each were raised with different values, but since when did it become okay to lie as long as it makes you look better? How trust-worthy does that make you sound?</div>
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But I realized, this isn't just a singular incident. Everywhere around us, people are told to reason for themselves what is right and wrong. Instead of society having a consensus of what is moral and immoral, we'll just find what works best for ourselves.</div>
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When will we as a society figure out that morality should not be rationalized? People are coming to see virtue and character as something we have to develop only when a tough decision is placed in front of us instead of developing it every day. We need more people willing to pay the price each day to build integrity and character, to make the decision now, and not wait until the next moral dilemma occurs. It's easy to rationalize in particular circumstances what is right or wrong, but if we have a moral compass to point us in the right direction, we won't have to rationalize, we'll already know where our standards are and can make a decision based on principles.</div>
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I read chapter eight from Jonathan Haidt's book <u>The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom</u> this afternoon I found interesting. The chapter is entitled "The Felicity of Virtue." Essentially his argument is the same. That we are losing values of society due to this moral relativity. He gives a call for people to return to virtue for the sake of society.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">I believe that we have indeed lost
something important – a richly textured common ethos with widely shared virtues
and values. Just watch movies from the 1930s and 1940s and you’ll see people
moving around in a dense web of moral fibers: people are concerned about their
honor, their reputation, and the appearance of propriety. Children are
frequently disciplined by adults other than their parents. The good guys always
win, and crime never pays. It may sound stuffy and constraining to us now, but
that’s the point: some constraint is good for us; absolute freedom is not.
Durkheim, the sociologist who found that freedom from social ties is correlated
with suicide, also gave us the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anomie</i>
(normlessness). Anomie is the condition of a society in which there are no
clear rules, norms, or standards of value.
In an anomic society, people can do as they please, but without any clear
standards or respected social institutions to enforce those standards, it is
harder for people to find anything they want to do. Anomie breeds feelings of
rootlessness and anxiety, and leads to an increase in amoral and antisocial
behavior. Modern sociological research strongly supports Durkheim: one of the
best predictors of the health of an American neighborhood is the degree to
which adults respond to the misdeeds of other people’s children,
rather than look the other way. When community standards are enforced, there is
constraint and cooperation. When everyone minds his or her own business, there
is freedom and anomie.</span></blockquote>
We need a return to virtue. Without it, life becomes unstable. Happiness is fleeting because we have no purpose to our lives. Nothing to work for, with nothing to gain. Whether you believe in basing moral standards on religious beliefs or not, the need for a return of virtue is a call for everyone for a better place to live.<br />
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Do you agree? Do you think there is a need for a return to virtue? Or am I too narrow-minded? Have we evolved to a case by case basis for what is right or wrong because it is a better way? I'd love to hear your thoughts.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288106645175853382.post-56911023583023126762012-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:002012-09-20T19:03:29.718-07:00Puppies Inspired By PuppiesThe other day when I was feeling a little bit down, Nate asked me a question I thought was pretty weird. "Do you need to look up pictures of puppies?" (It may have had something to do with a mysterious folder named puppies I left on my desktop a couple weeks back, but no one can be certain.) I rolled my eyes and said no, I did NOT need to google puppies, but today I finally had to give in.<br />
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Sometimes when your day looks bleak, or you've had a bad day and nothing seems to make it better, you just <u>have</u> to google puppies. I bring you the cream of the crop mood lifters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictgPikzYbwrCsvRvpY91DpkbLtqU76fp-NAt9jOG_1B8FuWRehp4Zpeghasft1LiA5u6nwNnuMMjHdjDlfCZuR7dhdD_kD1vbgnvecQ12U8Yu4XIburnp64e21FmxyeHHmcGJ2B0Ctvc/s1600/Shar-pei-Puppies-puppies-15138266-400-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictgPikzYbwrCsvRvpY91DpkbLtqU76fp-NAt9jOG_1B8FuWRehp4Zpeghasft1LiA5u6nwNnuMMjHdjDlfCZuR7dhdD_kD1vbgnvecQ12U8Yu4XIburnp64e21FmxyeHHmcGJ2B0Ctvc/s320/Shar-pei-Puppies-puppies-15138266-400-300.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I did all day today.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbCDANWSzKpR1cEpv8TygBWX8XRQVmq7Ll-9vus65K7epkFlZM00NBOiu85CYz16VTh-i55UF1xtF47D-Q-Mzf3N92AMO55Ov3e9SKbhGB925S2CAnx0Vby_d0FhyphenhyphenDWfuyB3amuogVh0/s1600/Dog-CutePuppy-FaceCloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbCDANWSzKpR1cEpv8TygBWX8XRQVmq7Ll-9vus65K7epkFlZM00NBOiu85CYz16VTh-i55UF1xtF47D-Q-Mzf3N92AMO55Ov3e9SKbhGB925S2CAnx0Vby_d0FhyphenhyphenDWfuyB3amuogVh0/s320/Dog-CutePuppy-FaceCloseup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Nate should give into soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpyn4-tOzD3TZQm0mPlfYzVgL-8bOPWDE6tjwWdJGRlPyc8fBVtAPjllTPbduZ2hmPVrV6grqTKcHH0nUZ0XNj3APy-Xdkg-srAlkpWo-rJNInKmyCupaD9hiyxI-CS1Z_0kL2DvQXMU/s1600/cute-puppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpyn4-tOzD3TZQm0mPlfYzVgL-8bOPWDE6tjwWdJGRlPyc8fBVtAPjllTPbduZ2hmPVrV6grqTKcHH0nUZ0XNj3APy-Xdkg-srAlkpWo-rJNInKmyCupaD9hiyxI-CS1Z_0kL2DvQXMU/s320/cute-puppies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I am going to do right now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6SYMgEGeM3IuTW0Ubqx_9VeAQBCu7uq3MVtuHT4CTO0LNNtzurnslqZ2lUl5j2yzt3b4d_DUBnZ6m3MkYmYvDY0N6huUYkWKlTiGLN0cRS7gI5RSdAV-kJs6aASCHZKCeROeORLwpQM/s1600/dog-eating-ice-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6SYMgEGeM3IuTW0Ubqx_9VeAQBCu7uq3MVtuHT4CTO0LNNtzurnslqZ2lUl5j2yzt3b4d_DUBnZ6m3MkYmYvDY0N6huUYkWKlTiGLN0cRS7gI5RSdAV-kJs6aASCHZKCeROeORLwpQM/s320/dog-eating-ice-cream.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real reason Nate doesn't want a dog. Because he'll have to share his ice-cream.</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4