Ghost Candy

This is a sucker that Camden found in his trick-or-treat candy.

He calls him 'The Holy Ghost.'

I have no idea where he got that. 

(I'm even his nursery leader, so I know he didn't learn it there, and

 I PROMISE I didn't even call it a ghost when he took it out of his bag in the first place)

Made me laugh!

Halloween pictures

 Getting ready for the trunk or treat

He kept saying scary, but just wanted to sit and stare at it!

 Our little dinosaur.  Devin is goofy and I am an elephant

 LOVED seeing his grandma and trick or treating at her house!

 But he has especially been obsessed with Grandma's pumpkins this year

 Camden would not wear his hat unless I wore this one....I guess it's a good trade--I pick his costume, he picks mine.

 Halloween Day outfit.  We went to my first baby Dr. appointment together on Halloween!

Getting home--checking out the spoils!

All I can do

This broke my heart today.  I mean, it hit me HARD.  And I'm not even entirely sure why.  Part of it may be that these pregnancy hormones are affecting me a little crazier this time than the last (so I've definitely been more emotional/grumpy, but that's for another post), however some of it is for sure warranted.  I mean, I know as well as anyone that media can put a huge spin on things.  I know they can make you believe something that is a little (or a lot) off the truth and that we have to use our rational brains to pick apart and dissect what is real verses made up, however, the idea of this actually happening, if it is true, frankly sickens me.  And that is my fear---that it IS true.

I mean, I look at that man, and he's about the age of my own father.  I can't possibly imagine my dad being hungry.  Not having anywhere to go.  And then resorting to something he knew was wrong, feeling the pang of guilt, trying to do right by it, and then suffer the consequences to an outrageous degree.

I continue trying to console myself by thinking about the possibilities going to jail MAY have (but probably not) offered this homeless man.  Regular food, shelter, a chance for detox?, companionship??  But I also know how insane, scary, and downright dangerous prison can be.  And my heart ACHES.  I literally bawl my eyes out EVERY time I see this.  I can't believe that a man who is starving, trying to change (perhaps??) his life, and then realizing a mistake and trying to recompense that mistake ends up in jail approximately 5 times longer than a man who probably affected the consequences for millions more in a painstaking and irrevocable way (I mean, c'mon. THREE BILLION dollars!!), but it is a white collar crime....and it is not in Louisiana.  I may be inferring and therefore implying too many things about that, but still, I can't help but feel our country is not where it needs to be--in many things--but especially in equality among all men.  We still have a long way yet to go.

I don't know the backgrounds of these men, and honestly, it doesn't matter to me from an issue point of view (it matters like crazy to me from a personal point of view).  The punishment does not fit the crime, and men, women, REAL HUMAN BEINGS, cannot be left to be treated this way.  Left starving and for want--I don't care what the reason, let God be his judge.  I know there must be consequences to our actions, but I just can't believe this is the right outcome, and I fear for our world.  True, I may not be as faithful as I should be, but this kind of story rests on my soul for quite a long time because I just don't know how it can be fixed.  And I am, to a certain extent, an idealist.  I want the world to be a better place.  I want people to feel loved and to love.  I want for people to have their bellies full and their hearts warm; a place to call home.  I want all to have their loneliness satiated and their righteous desires fulfilled.  And I know how that can be done. 

Charity.

Christ.

the Atonement.

and our Hands.

So I continue to say, please Lord, "grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage [and will] to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference."

And for now, that's all I can do. 

(except, perhaps, continue to bawl my eyes out)

Shopping and Airplanes

This is how we went shopping yesterday. 

 

 I'm still on my learning curve for the mac and trying to get pictures to work.  You'll just have to look at it sideways I guess.

 

Everyone was just in awe of the cute little boy doing some grocery shopping.  Some people even stopped to take pictures! My mother-in-law found this little grocery cart at a garage sale, and he has been in love with it ever since.  Though our shopping trip took a little bit longer, it was a great learning experience, a lot of fun, and a HUGE entertainment (it kept him SO involved with the shopping process!), so it was well worth the extra work involved.  Everyone in the store was so nice to us; even when we got in their way, so I was grateful it turned out well. 

We were looking through some pictures on Facebook and Camden stopped me at this one because he saw his uncles.  "Dallins....and Byrins.  Temple! And clouds....but where da airplane go?"  Anyway, if you know this place, it's Disneyland....NOT the temple, but I thought it was funny that he thought it was, and I was so glad that he recognizes his uncles still.  Not to mention, he obviously thinks there is always an airplane in the sky (we live right by the airplane flight route in Vegas, so there kinda is), so it's funny that he would even recognize this sky does NOT have one.  Anyway, he's just a cutie and we're glad to have him!

The house

So, after finally finishing putting everything away from the move, and then tackling 7 loads of laundry I was behind on because of the move, I was/am exhausted. It took me a little while, because I started having pain in my lower abdomen and didn't feel like I could lift one.more.box up the stairs; even if it was a tiny or lightweight one.  Devin was so busy with work, that it became a long and mundane process as I told him what I needed moved and to where (he hates when I tell him what to do and I had/have a LONG honey-do list) right when he got home from work, but it was just getting to a point where I knew if I kept lifting heavy things, we would be disappointed with the results.  I have also been doing quite a bit of painting, so I  think I've been pushing my body to the max.  I probably went up and down the ladder approximately 80 times this weekend, along with all of my up and downs and all arounds with the paint roller, and the moving of furniture....it took quite a toll on this pregnant girl's body.  But I am finished with the big stuff, and can now just worry about the painting and decorating.  Still a lot of work, but at least our house is livable.

 Here are the before pictures of our house though...and later, I'll post each individual room as I finish it.  Which will probably take forever.  But I'm working on it.  And actually, most of the pictures are fuzzy.  PRobably because I downloaded them off the internet (they are what it looked like with the previous owners stuff).  I just didn't want to send you to the sight, because that would completely give away our address.  And it may anyway for people smart enough to figure it out with the pictures, but I'm not computer savvy enough to fix that problem.  Anyway, have a happy day!


On second note, every time I try (for days I've tried this, mind you) to load the pictures from my mac, a thumbnail pops up saying the server is down.  Is there something I don't know?  How do I upload my pictures on this computer??

We're BA--ack!

This ugly picture taken courtesy of my iMac in my brand new house; WITH the internet!  We're back in business people!  LOTS more to come--when I feel a little more settled.  Hope you're awesome!

A Whole New World

*I am fully aware that I fell out of the blogging world for like the last 2 months.  For several reasons.  We haven't had internet at my house since we moved to Vegas, so blogging isn't my first concern in the precious few moments when I DO have the internet. Also, I haven't been as into it.  See below.*

I used to love that song when I was little.  I literally tried to live my life in the movies (still do) because they are so romantic, and I am truly one of those.

Now, I really am living in a whole new world though. And it's not easy.  It's not awful either.  I have so many people who surround me with whom I share a deep love.  There has been so much support and my family has truly rescued me often.

I know I have mentioned health issues I've had before, but recently, they have been much worse.  Not really because I can't deal with the pain or sorrow that comes along with feeling like you can't take care of your husband or child or family or friends well enough, but the kind that comes when the doctors can't figure out what's wrong with you and you wonder if it will ever pass--if you will EVER be able to take care of your husband or child or family or friends well enough or if you will always be at their mercy.  I had a lot of dreams about the kind of wife and mother I would be back when I had lots of energy.  A year and a half ago that all changed. Don't get me wrong--I don't feel like I'm a terrible mother.  Camden is such a good, good child though that he allows for some of my physical inabilities.  He can keep himself quite entertained when I do not have the energy to get up.  He cuddles next to me in bed when he wants to be held (some of my FAVORITE moments!!).  And luckily, I do not ALWAYS have to be in bed, so overall, it works.

At least it is comforting to know that I have so much support and love.  The last couple weeks when I have been in the ER, my parents have taken over!  They took Camden and cared for him the first time for the LONG 14 hour wait to get into the ER so Devin could be there with me.  When Devin had to go to work, my dad switched him out so I would not be alone.  Devin sacrificed many hours of sleep and they all drove me around while I was on heavy pain killers.  They have held me up when I literally couldn't stand on my own.  My sweet brothers have cared so well for Camden by playing with him and getting him and me things needed while Mom was finishing her last week of college. (YAY Mom! Sorry again that I couldn't be there!) Not ONCE did I have to worry or have to figure out anything on my own.  My mom has taken me to countless hours of Dr's appointments and ER visits and my mother-in-law has been willing to watch Camden when there wasn't anyone else who could.  I am truly grateful for each of their service.

I have no question that a loving Heavenly Father is watching out for us.  There isn't a reason in this world we should have ended up in Las Vegas--not with the economy the way it is; and especially with Devin's career options.  But we did.  And there couldn't have been a greater blessing than to be here now at this time.  As hard as things could have been, they really haven't been for, "my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30).  Truly His yoke is easy, and because of that, those moments that make for us a whole new world don't become so overwhelming to bear.



*An update for those who have been wondering--I have bilateral mild to moderate hydronephrosis in my kidneys (the right being worse than the left--among other symptoms which would probably be TMI).  They still do not know what is causing it.  Originally, it was concluded that I had possible kidney stones, but after CT scans, those were not found and problems and pain are still occurring.  I appreciate all of you who have kept us in your prayers and put my name in the temple.  I have felt the spiritual, emotional, and physical blessings the Lord offers through the Atonement, faith, prayer, and priesthood power.  Thank you, thank you!

I want, pretty please, and thank you

I want one of these:

February Sale Price $449.00







And the only thing stopping me is:

(no, not the mountains and hills, the person.....oh, and probably the price tag) :O)

What about you?  You have a want right now, you can't have?

A few Camden funnies!

Camden HATES that I sat him on the toilet today when he started farting and saying "poo poo." Unfortunately, it didn't scare the crap outta him, but it did scare the living daylight out.  He was screaming bloody murder!  I never knew kids were TRULY scared of the toilet!

I was scrolling quickly through facebook one day.  Camden was sitting on my lap because we had just done some ABC songs on youtube (he loves to watch but will, unfortunately, never join in on singing along).  As I was moving down through the pictures, Cam pointed at one and declared, "Jasu!" (which is how he says Jesus).  When I took a closer look, it was a picture of a Muslim.  I guess he just assumes any pictures of a man with a beard are Jesus!   

Camden is obsessed with balls.  He calls a basketball 'bakasu.'  The other day, there was a basketball game playing on the computer (we don't have television) and I could hear him saying "shoot! shoot! Go! Go!  Oh, shoot! Bakasu shoot!"  It was darn near the cutest thing!  

If Cam wants to go outside, he doesn't whine at me or the back door.  He just helps himself through the doggie door and enjoys some time in the great wide world.  The other day, while at my in-laws, he brought me some dog poop back in.  Thanks Cam.  That was a joy... 

*Cam still loves Elmo, telephones, and remote controls. He is starting to really enjoy jumping off of things, as well as turning on and off all the lights (mostly ON since that is his favorite word right now--besides bakasu).  He's quite the daredevil and is apparently not afraid of anything but the toilet. 

On a separate note, my husband came home from playing basketball tonight and said he has shot well from 3 point range for the last two weeks.  I'd say he knows how to Jimmer.  or perhaps he's intruding on someone else's court.

Something you can learn about me....

I LOOOOOOOVE March madness!  Don't ask me why for sure, but I have always enjoyed the competition and rivalries, the comradery and unified feeling of watching a game in a community.  And certainly, Jimmer Fredette's superhuman abilities are contributing to my extra special feelings toward my alma mater (did you WATCH last night's game?!?!).  For me, there is just that innate desire for people to come together and be unified in a single purpose.  And sports isn't a bad place for that to happen.  Though, I'm not as big a football fan (as my husband), I do feel that sports can contribute to disciplining, uniting, and adding a sense of enjoyment for many people--though, I would much prefer basketball/soccer to any other (I don't at all like golf).  Not to mention, I have seen the great amount of bonding shared between my husband and his siblings through playing sports, as well as the fun I have had with my own family, so I certainly see their use.  I also LOOOOVED intramurals at BYU (I really just loved BYU period).  I miss them terribly!  It was such a good form of exercise and social fulfillment for me.  It's was just so nice to get off my butt and go DO something with the body Heavenly Father gave me.  Sports are fun family outings that are little to no money, which is always a priority for us.

I HAAAAAAAATE sewing!  I really thought it was just because I was in a small apartment for the last several years.  But nope.  I really just don't like sewing.  At all.  I even have a sewing machine and all the accessories.  My mother-in-law paid me to fix a whole pile of clothes several weeks ago.  Luckily, I got paid, because I have decided that short of earning money, I will not be sewing for fun.  Between the broken needles, rethreading bobbins, cleaning up tiny pieces of thread and fabric that make themselves comfortable around the entire house for weeks, wasting of thread, and just my utter distaste for the whole process (it is NOT relaxing for me....therefore=not fun), I have decided it's just not worth it to do on a regular basis. Sure, I love the finished product, but the process to get there is hardly ever worth it to me. I much prefer repurposing furniture and such to sewing (P.S.  Watch for it--the old fashioned table and chairs I bought recently are about to get a makeover---Okay, perhaps AFTER we move to the new home we will hopefully get {made an offer MONDAY; now just waiting for bank approval. Could still be months}).  That is what I enjoy.

I DOOOOOOONNNN'T like taking pictures.  I like being in pictures just fine, but I will never have the desire to make my picture taking skills equate to a photographer's.  It just isn't in me.  SOOOOO glad I have my sissy poo, JaNae, to take care of that department for me. Please, move closer to me ASAP!  (Otherwise, we may just be missing a big chunk of Camden's life--and perhaps several more children to come).  I just can't get in that good of a habit, unfortunately.  I did long for the habit of being able to take ANY pictures (that being separate from taking any GOOD pictures), but maybe that will still occur one day.

I will NEEEEEEEVER make time to paint my nails.  Not fun, smelly, and I peal off my fingernails anyway, so that would just draw attention to things undesirable to look at.  Further, if nails are short, I think they look goofy painted.  I am just not able to grow out my nails--piano playing (and nervous habits of pealing prior to playing in front of people) will do that to a person.

I am EEEEEEEECCCCCSTATIC to be teaching piano again!  My students are doing FABULOUSLY!  I just got so lucky to have obtained some naturally talented young ones, and we are just having SO.MUCH.FUN!  A nice bonus, is that I can get paid to do what I love, and Camden has luckily done very well with it so far.  I can control my hours and how much I work at it, too, so all around just a positive experience!  I can't wait until we get to the point of doing recitals!  They are AWESOME!  I have missed my intimate relationship with music.  Having music in my home is very important for my family.  It is one of the priorities of priorities for me and will certainly bring the Spirit into our home.

I LOOOOOVE cooking/baking, but only if I have my own kitchen stuff and I know where everything is.  I spend a great deal of time planning my meals for each week, as well as the grocery shopping I need to do (I keep my grocery shopping to a max of once per week and sometimes try to do it more like every other week).  I have been staying with my brothers-in-law this week and cooking has been more challenging because I don't have the kitchen items I am used to, but it is just so satisfying when people can sit together, eat dinner/lunch/brunch/breakfast, chat and be satisfied.   Plus, baking is the way I have decided to gift people for their birthdays, mother's days, etc. lately because it's an inexpensive way to give a gift, while still putting effort into it; especially when you're dealing with people who already have everything they need. (Plus, I REALLY don't like Bath & Body works kinds of things as gifts and that seems to be the alternative.  It's just an expensive cop out in my opinion.)  Anyway, I don't really like eating a lot of food, but I sure do like feeding other people a lot!! :O)

I THRIIIIIVE off of writing in my journal and reading the Ensign.  During my last 3 years of high school, and my first few years of college, I wrote in my journal every single day.  I never missed a day and I ended up having several books full of records.  When I got married, I kinda lost that everyday habit.  Journal entries became few and far between.  I have started to get back into the habit and it really does wonders for my disposition and happiness.  It is something I truly enjoy--it's just making the time to do it!  The Ensign has had some wonderful, wonderful articles (as usual) and I just love to read all of the stories and prophecies given by our church leaders.  It is a wonderful blessing to have that magazine!  There have been some articles lately that have specifically helped me during our house search.  It has been a real blessing to receive the inspiration while going through the experience.  I am grateful the Lord watches out for me personally.

A few updates:

-Camden is going to nursery now. He has definitely needed an adjustment period.  We're not there yet....
He also says a lot lot lot of words, but tries to combine them and it doesn't quite come out right.  He will be quite the talker though, when it all comes together for him.  He LOVES being in Las Vegas with his grandparents and some uncles.
-I have been spending a lot of time working on things.  My mom is now paying me to clean her house twice per month, piano lessons, and watching my down syndrome brother-in-law, Calvin.  Camden has a blast with all of this because he loves to be at Grandma's house, wants to learn the piano, and enjoys the fun sounds Calvin makes at him (as well as all the TOYS Uncle Calvin has!). 
-Devin is doing well at work.  He enjoys his job and the hours are certainly nice for him.  He has been doing a great job and the company is keeping regular work, so we are grateful and happy!