She Calls them Whoopies

One of my really good friends, Jennie, breeds basset hounds, and some of the cutest ones EVER might I add. I've had so much fun seeing litter after litter of her beautiful babies, and they get better and better with each litter. One of the first litters we really became friends during was her "D" litter. "Sunny Delight", or Delight as we call her, has always been my favorite. Then there's "Fannie" and "Francis" from the "F" litter. (I just loved Francis color) and she just recently, like Sunday, Dec. 18th recently had her "H" litter. Man, oh man! Poor Lovey (the prego dog), we were really wanting her to get pregnant this time around because when Chloe will be born in Feb. when these pups will be 7 weeks (at their cutest), so that we'd be able to take some dang cute pictures of her with the puppies. So Lovey was Artificially inseminated (only twice) but she gave birth to a whopping 13 puppies! (That's a lot). She went into labor Saturday night, and Jennie texted me this morning saying that there had been 2 puppies born and that she was about to take Lovey in to get the rest of them out by C-Section. (If I had 13 in me, I'd want to have a C-section too!) So I made my way to the vet, saw the 1st to pups, and they were so cute, and FAT! This is a good thing. So we are waiting for the vet to get some of his staff together, and while he was gone to change into his work clothes from church clothes, Lovey gave birth to her 3rd babe. It was breech! But it was an amazing process to witness. So on and so forth, they get Lovey down under anesthesia and another puppy pops out! Then she actually gets the poor dog cut open and the doc takes the rest of them out. Me, Jennies sister Shandi, and their cousins were all taking the pups out of their sac, and rubbing them dry and getting them to breathe. OMG, it was just like 101 Dalmations! But there were so many, I was rubbing two puppies at once, and everyone else had at least one other too, then the vet tech brings in two more, we all looked at each other like, "Holy Crap!" But it was fun! Definitely hope that I get to be part of another litter arrival in the future!

On another note, I haven't updated much. I just haven't gotten around to it. And I keep forgetting! Nothing going on here at our house otherwise though. Work, play, more work, and sleep. I'm getting tons of sleep, I can't fall asleep but once I finally do, I wake up anytime between noon and 1pm, a whole half a day... wasted. Better enjoy it while I can though! Chloe's room is all set up and ready to go. Her pacifiers and Bottles are boiled and sterilized, now I just need to manage some of her clothes in to the washer and dryer. (I'm slightly scared things will shrink though... hence the procrastination)

Blake and I's anniversary is Monday the 19th, so we will celebrate our 3 years together! Tuesday, we've got a baby appointment to make sure everything is still on track. And Wednesday we head to Utah! We are so excited, Blake has been long awaiting another break. (Even though Thanksgiving wasn't too long ago, haha)

Grateful

Ok... I said I was going to do a Thankful list on Thanksgiving. I did not do that but let me start off with things that I am grateful for so I'm not a total hypocrite:
1. My family
2. A job
3. a roof over our heads
4. a car to drive back and forth from WA to ID
5. nail polish
6. friends who support us
7. the opportunity to mother one of God's children

etc. etc.

Thanks giving was great! We went home to Washington on Tuesday. On Wednesday we spent time with both families, Thursday we spent with my family and had dinner with them, then on Friday is when Blake's family was having their dinner. So we were lucky and didn't have to eat 2 Thanksgiving dinners in one day. Then Saturday was my awesome baby shower! I got so much, Blake and I are figuring the only thing we really need to buy before Chloe gets here is wipes. How awesome right!? She got tons of clothes and Blake and I got our Christmas gift from my parents early, which happened to be Chloe's crib bedding which I know what not cheap. (That's why it was both of our Christmas gift). But that's ok, she's got beautiful bedding that I get to look at. Both her and I are incredibly spoiled. My dad also got her some awesome Harley Davidson outfits, which probably are my all time favorite so far.

As of today I am 30 Weeks 2 days along! Only 9 weeks 5 days to go! Woo hoo!

Time is going by fast this year!

Homeward Bound

Thursday is Thanksgiving, and Tuesday we drive home!! Yay, although the drive will more than likely be treacherous, we can't wait to just get there already. So the plan is to leave as soon as Lacey is ready. We are both excited to be home this year for the first time since being married, to have 2 thanksgivings. (As if my self esteem wasn't shot already, I have to have 2 Thanksgiving dinners). I just need to remember portion control, right? As for that "Thankful" list. I plan on coming up with a few things, and posting them ON Thanksgiving.

Saturday will then be my baby shower. I'm so excited! I have no clue what'll go on since I haven't really been to a baby shower before. But I can't wait.

Well it's off to work... lame. Tuesday night just needs to get here sooner. I could use some loving from Moby :)

Birthday Boy x25

Blake will be turning into an old man this week, 25 whole years of age! Tuesday is his birthday and I can never get away with any surprise. (Well I did last year with an Xbox). I had plans with his friend to go and get a coat he wanted and a game he is wanting, and surprise him with the coat sunday before church and the game on his actual birthday but that didn't work out. Snow prevented me from getting to Idaho Falls without him as a driver, and I spilt about the game because I knew, that he knew, what I had been wanting to do. (You know when you have something hiding but you know that the person you're hiding it from knows what you're hiding? Dang that sense!) Anyways this game is Modern Warfare 3... Ever heard of it? We were at the check out at Wal-mart, and the cashier looked at ME and said, "play call of duty huh?" well I went along with it, "Oh yea, I'm totally addicted, I can't bring myself to stop playing." Anyways, he was pretty excited for the game. Happy Birthday Blake!!! (And Andrew!!)

More of an update, 1) I actually announced my pregnancy on facebook. I was so nervous to put it on, I had no idea why, it was definitely an adrenaline rush. So many congrats, Thanks guys! I go to the doctor again next week (28 weeks along) to be tested for gestational diabetes, and probably to hear her heartbeat again. She's been measuring a week bigger than I am along, so I continue to have my fingers crossed that she'll come a little earlier vs. later. I can't wait to have my baby in my arms, not my gut.

I was also called to be Relief Society Secretary last week. Woo Hoo! I'm actually pretty excited to have a calling like this one. Although every calling is important, everyone knows how important this one actually is. Hopefully it'll help my build my testimony for the Relief Society, since I've certainly had my struggles with it. I do worry about fulfilling it though... I've been the biggest airhead since being pregnant, I really hope I don't forget something vital!

Art was created by Hands

In all 3 places that Blake and I have lived since being married, we have been greatly blessed with todays modern conveniences. i.e.- washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave.... that might be it. Because we are aware that a lot of places don't offer the washer and dryers or microwaves, and sometimes even dishwashers. (At least not in Rexburg). So to have them in our apartment has been a great blessing.

Now in this post, I'm not going to talk about art. But except maybe the art of cleanliness? About a week and a half ago I was doing the dishes and realized that we were out of dishwasher detergent. Sad day, that meant that the whole pile of dishes in the sink (that takes about 3 days for us to accumulate to fill the dishwasher, because 2 people don't use THAT many dishes) now had to be done by hand. I suppose this was okay, because I don't have anything else to do while Blake is at his internship and I'm home alone. Blake had been gone most of the day for some convention sort of thing about health. And when he came home, I told him, we were out of detergent, and that I had to do the dishes by hand. He then said to me, "You know what I learned today? That the toilet is often more clean than the kitchen sink, so I hope you disinfected it too." He then mentioned that it should probably be done several times a week. Ew, gross right?

So I've been doing the dishes by hand, out of laziness to go to the store and buy detergent. How pathetic. But after I had been doing this for a while, I've been learning, that our dishes are actually probably more clean when washed by hand than by putting them in the dishwasher and having it do the work for me. Now I don't know about everyone else, but I do like to eat off of clean dishes. And I don't know if it's the fact that our dishwasher sucks, or if I'm just going through that "nesting" thing people talk about, but I'm liking having "cleaner" dishes. After doing the dishes by HAND I'm able to disinfect the sink, so that maybe our kitchen sink can be cleaner than our toilet. Not to mention, the dawn with Olay in it, smells delightful, and also helps keeps my hands feeling nice, and soft. (pruney with the water, but that goes away.)

Martha Stewart Who?

So for my sisters birthday I decided a long time ago I wanted to do something red, black and velvety... of sorts. We both LOVE red velvet, and especially when our grandma Madsen made it, it was the best ever. So, I wanted to make some cupcakes and had the idea of dying them red and black (her favorite colors), and doing a ladybug thing, since ladybugs have always been her thing.

Here are some pics:

Before Frosting

After Frosting

Can you see the ladybug? The red frosted cupcakes are a chocolate chip cupcake food colored black, and the black frosted cupcakes are red velvet. Both with a cream cheese butter cream frosting. I tested out the chocolate chip cupcake recipe a few weeks ago, and they were dang good, but this time, not as good as I remember? But I have to admit, I was so taken aback by how awesome the red velvet ones were, I thought that I would never be able to make a cake or anything red velvety as good as my grandma! She must have blessed me with the gift.

On a completely different note, I've recently become more infatuated with nail polishes eye shadows etc. And you would have thought that I would have become more during school... But that was pretty much all hair I must say, I've been loving me some free time to experiment with my make-up and see what I can get away with, and what I know how to do. I'm becoming more and more obsessed with the health of everything, especially skin care. (I've always loved learning about hair care too). So now I just need to find more money to buy a few more things to "try out". One day. One day I hope to have all kinds of make up to do my kids, for their prom etc. I mean why not? And as for my little girl on the way, I really really can only hope that her ONLY addiction will be to nail polish. :)

Bored eater? No, I'm a bored Worker

Alright so let me start out by saying, I've been working for Dairy Queen for 5 WHOLE YEARS. (August was the anniversary, sad I know). Blake has been working there for a collective 22 months? I think like 2 months in high school and now almost 2 years here in Rexburg.

I'm slowly finding that I'd rather be working, than sitting around. Dont get me wrong. I love my days off, and it's nice to have them once maybe twice a week. But since there is seriously nothing around here... I'm so bored out of my mind. So on any given day of the week, you'll find me working at Dairy Queen. I hate it there, it's too demanding and for what recognition? None! Yet, I'd still rather be there, doing something, than doing nothing at home.

So, I was officially graduated from Paul Mitchell, The Hair Academy a long time ago. I've got my license, so wouldn't you say it's time for a new job? I thought so till that pee stick from First Response had 2 lines! Girl Anderson will be here in February (we're thinking her name will be Chloe Lynn), so that leaves me with a job that I hate, pregnant with a beautiful little girl, and a cosmetology license that has not really seen the light of day. I'm thinking March will start the search for a new job. One that I can use my education with, because let's face it, Dairy queen is keeping me from full happiness. AT DAWN I BREAK! (In March, that is)

I believe

Today was one of the better Sunday's in a long time. (Well conference is always good). Blake had the opportunity to stand in the circle with our good friend Mikal Rex as he blessed his new baby girl Verona Doll Rex. It was a great blessing. I'm sure it made him more nervous for the blessing of our baby sometime in February. Hopefully we can figure out a name by then!

It was also fast and testimony Sunday for our ward. I knew within the first seconds at my grandmother's viewing that I'd be sharing mine the next testimony meeting we had. You know that fiery burning sensation of, "oh man I have to go up there" that you get? I don't get that feeling very much. We can put it this way, the last time I bore my testimony Blake and I were only dating, so it was a good 4 years ago. Also, the next week I was asked to give a talk. So I was a little hesitant today. I bore my testimony about The plan of Salvation, and eternal marriage. It Needed to be shared, after what happened with the passing of my grandparents. I know that they are together and happy. Their time on earth was well spent, and I know that if I ask, I can have their help and assistance as I go throughout my life. They are missed terribly, but with a little prayer, I can feel their presence. I love them so much, and I can only be happy that they are happy now. My grandmother knew EXACTLY what I needed to get through this rough time of her passing, and she knows EXACTLY what I need to get through this trial of living in Rexburg. She was a truly remarkable person, and knew me well.

To them, Jim and Lana: I love and miss you.

Baby, it's cold outside

It snowed ALL day yesterday! Plus it's freezing today. Rainy, but still cold. It was on average of 40 Degrees today. But date night was tonight, so despite the freezing weather, we went out. :)

Date night was sort of a surprise, I didn't think we would be going out. So after work I came home, got ready to do out, Blake hustled me into the car, and we went for what I thought would be a drive and a usual walk around wal-mart. (There isn't that much to do for cheap around Rexburg). We pulled into a parking lot, and Blake asked, "How does Chinese sound? We should try the Yin Yang place, I hear it's good." So we did. And it was good, it was nice to finally go out for dinner since we hadn't been in a while.

After dinner, we went to Brolums for Hot chocolate. Stephens Hot chocolate that is, The BEST EVER! (Well for home-made, I will never stray from my favorite, Black and White Hot Chocolate from Starbucks). However at Brolums, They were entirely OUT! I guess all the snow yesterday, and cold-cold rain today. So we went to Wal-Mart, only to find that they don't carry hot chocolate yet(I wish it was a super Wal-mart). Then to Albertson's to find that they only had Chocolate raspberry flavor and Dark Chocolate left. Holy cow, Almost no Stephens hot chocolate in all of Rexburg. We came home, made a cup of HC and turned on Greys Anatomy. Needless to say, today was a good day. Despite the Cold weather and rain... BOO.

A Clean home is a Happy home

I'm so proud of myself! Because, seriously? Who knew keeping a clean home was this hard!

I'm getting in a good groove though. Blake has his internship in the mornings 5 days a week, and we work in the evenings 3-5 nights a week. so on my one day off closest to Sunday, I take it to clean the whole apartment. Which doesn't take too long, but I'm so glad that I'm finally getting in the hang of it. Who wants to live in a messy apartment right? Not me that's for sure.

After the Apartment has been cleaned, it feels good to sit down and surf the web or whatever. And I'm a lot happier when the apartment is put together, with things where they belong, and I don't see dust, or garbage on the coffee table. I also really like it when I can see the lines from the vacuum in the carpet. :) But I think my vacuum maybe broken, it doesn't create lines anymore, or I don't think that the spinny thing in the bottom spins on the carpet, or something. We will have to figure it out!

Oh Hello, FALL

It's been a while, but not much has recently surfaced. Blake started his internship, working with the old folk. He returns home with funny stories of their flatulence during the beginning parts of stretches. And both of us have been working to save that $$ we will be needing soon! Plans for the holidays? Richland WA for Thanksgiving, and Farmington UT for Christmas.

However, by the looks of it outside Rexburg is finally reaching fall. Once the gloomy days start they don't seem to end until June of the next year. Strangely, it seems everyone Ive talked to has been anticipating the arrival of the never ending clouds. Thankfully it's just raining today and not snowing quite yet! We are hoping this will be our last winter here, and that Blake will be able to graduate on time. But we'll take whatever comes our way.

New Car = More Bills

Through High school, and most of Blake's BYU-Idaho career my little '96 Honda Accord has lasted us. I love that car, I mean it was my first car. My dad bought it from my Aunt Sharon in 2007. I had been driving, and well... lets face it, sharing a car with my mom wasn't the least bit of fun. I needed it for work, and she needed it to run motherly errands. Anywho, while living with my parents for the rest of high school, I had ZERO bills. (Now a nice concept). So I made monthly payments to dad to buy my car off of him. Somewhere between my 18th birthday and graduation, dad nixed the last $200 bucks and went with me to finally put it under my name. (Seeing how I had already met Blake, and marriage was in the picture already). The car is still running, but is only worth about $1,000 (not even, I don't think), with the 300,000 miles and some cracks and dings and chipping paint, I would say it's time for a new car. 'Cuz who knows how many trips back and forth to the Tri- Cities it'll last us.

So dad, is wanting to get my mom a Honda Pilot. Which means..... The CAMRY is for sale! We are really getting a great deal from him on it. But this just means another extra bill. we are thinking of keeping the Accord because 2 cars would really be nice. But will the insurance bill be nice as well? We will see soon!

I live with Mr. Clean

During our last trip to Utah, Blake joined our new brother-in-law for a good shaving of the HEAD. Boy, was I wrong to give in and say o.k. It's o.k. I guess, a really hard adjustment considering, I love his hair! We went to the temple later that day and as I looked for him... I couldn't find him!! Then I'd see a bald head and remember. Oh yea. The first weekend back from our trip and back to work, the first thing our boss said, "What's Mr. Clean doing back in my kitchen?" It made sense, but my friend Breanne and I thought he was more like Professor Quirrell from the first Harry Potter movie. Blake had fun with this concept, and went along with it, appearing out of nowhere behind Breanne and asking, "Have you seen Harry Potta'?" in some dark hoarse voice. She pretty much pee'd her pants. One of these days I'm gonna draw eyes and two slits for a nose in the back of that hairless head. (Just for fun right?). This years Halloween might just have to be themed after Harry Potter.

Will Do Hair for Camera

How Jealous am I of one of my Best friends and sister-in-law, Danielle. We were up in Utah this past weekend visiting for Blake's sisters open house, and we had the opportunity of being with his brother and my friend! Danielle was so good about taking pictures, and with cute camera! I've always wanted a smaller camera, so it wouldn't be so difficult to take it to school or work (for those before and after shots of my work). They had this Nikon Cool Pix camera! I recently read their blog, and some of the pictures from this weekend were on it. I wish I was better at taking pictures from the everyday moments in our lives. Maybe if I got a new camera??? :)