Mar 10, 2007

Pics that make me pee...

This is the number 1 funniest pic of all time. Every time I see it I laugh my head off. We were at the lake and neither Carmen or I could help Megs get her goggles off cause we were laughing to hard!!


Yes, its another Meg pic. This time, we had gone to the lake and she had swam in her clothes and this was the only thing we had to put on her...my hoodie! But its her pose for the pic that I love!!!


This is David, my new cousin-in-law, who in fact looks nothing like this at all!! I'm actually quite amazed that he can do this with his face!!






I love this one cause Mark is looking at Chris with such affection...HAHAHAHA!!!





This one is sooo funny...Devin looks like a wounded animal!!

Mar 9, 2007

10 Tips for Birth Coaching...

I'm soooo excited....I get to go in with Jenna when she has her baby!! So I've been researching some info and I'd thought I'd share it!!

1. Know what to expect
Labor is not the right time to be flipping through a pregnancy book or notes from childbirth classes, so bone up on your reading beforehand. And go to a childbirth class with an open mind — you'll get solid, basic information, as well as a sense of how other coaches are planning to get through the event.

2. Be ready to wait
Unlike what you see in the movies, most women labor for hours before they even go to the hospital. Indeed, many couples find it more comfortable to spend the early stages of labor at home. Besides, many hospitals won't let you check in until your contractions are regular and coming about every five minutes. So be available to do whatever your partner finds relaxing at this point, such as watching TV, taking a walk, or cuddling on the bed. This isn't the time for finishing up last-minute projects or doing household chores.

3. Be flexible
Labor strategies that work for some women might not work for your mate. Well before your baby's due date, take time to discuss with your partner her expectations and options. Later, you can take the initiative with her wishes in mind. But be prepared to change course — part of a labor coach's job is to discern what works and drop what doesn't.

4. Don't take things personally
Your partner may seem to be in her own world during labor. Giving birth is a long, hard job and some women cope by reaching deep inside themselves. And she may become outwardly irritable at times, too. She may love having you massage her early in labor, for instance, and then during transition find being touched intolerable and let you know that in no uncertain terms! It's important not to misconstrue her behavior as a rejection of you.

5. Bring a few things for yourself
Your partner is the center of attention, but you may be spending the night at the hospital, too, so don't forget to pack some things for yourself. Essentials: A clean shirt, comfortable shoes, and a sustaining snack (one with no strong odors, please!). Bring a bathing suit, too, in case you decide to join your partner in the tub or shower.

6. Ask questions
Medical professionals should, but don't always, explain what they're doing and whether it's mandatory. Don't be shy about seeking out information, whether about medical procedures or about helping your mate get more comfortable — especially if she's not up to asking questions herself.

7. Be her advocate
Only you and your partner know what you both want, but she might not be in the best condition to make hard decisions. Be ready to step in if the situation calls for it. You may need to request that her healthcare practitioner be woken from a nap, that an anesthesiologist be paged, or that a mirror be brought in. And if your partner plans to breastfeed, help make sure that she has a chance to do so soon after the baby's born, and that someone's there to help her if she's having trouble.

8. Help her stay focused and relaxed
Suggest different coping techniques when necessary, drawing on the methods you've both learned in childbirth classes. For example, suggest position changes or help your partner find something — such as a breathing pattern, your face, or even a foot rub — to focus on during the contractions, and bring her back to it whenever she starts to think she won't make it.

9. Know your limitations
A lot goes on in the birthing room. Be aware of what you're willing to do during the process, and what you want to leave to the professionals. Maybe you're comfortable cutting the umbilical cord — but not helping to "catch" your baby. If that's the case, say so.

10. Just be there
This is one of those events for which showing up is the most important thing of all. Even if you want to — or have to — leave most of the hands-on stuff to the pros, your presence matters. And no matter how you really feel, project a sense of confidence and calm reassurance: "You're doing great! Everything's going fine." There'll be time for you to unravel later.

Saving the Moo-lah!!

These are the items that I am saving for....only one comes in plus size, thats cause I'm determined!!!
P.S. I love Old Navy!!





Mar 6, 2007

ANNOUNCEMENT.....

Christy & Liv’s Shower

Monday, March 12th
7:00 pm
Moe’s House

(Appetizers or Desserts are awesome if you can!!)
There isn't a group gift since Christy is pretty set up already, but feel free to
go together with someone if you'd like!


Call me for more info!!


Mar 1, 2007

My American Idol Picks...

This is the first year I've watched a whole season of American Idol and I'm loving it
These are my faves:
Gina Glocksen- I love her voice. She's totally different than previous winners. I don't think she'll go all the way, but I really like her!!

Melinda Doolittle-This is the girl I think will win it and if she doesn't I will be sooo surprised. She has got the most incredible voice ever!!!


Sundance Head- This guy is super good and his name is Sundance...cool eh?

Chris Richardson- This guy is good too...different which is a good bonus!!

Feb 28, 2007

ITS OFFICIAL....


On February 25th, 2006, Ryan proposed to Leah at church in front of the whole church!!! There was a lot of cheers that morning! We are soooo excited!! Later that afternoon, the four of us (Ryan, Leah, Mark & I) went to our favorite adventure spot and took pictures...it was a lovely day!!

















Feb 27, 2007

Aunties Eyes...

Okay, yes, i know obviously he doesn't have my eyes, as being of no blood relation to me, but

you have to acknowledge the resemblence. Now that I think about it, I think he has my nose....*wink*





Feb 25, 2007

Finally...

There are very few pictures of Mark and I that I really like (well me in the pics)! But today Leah took some of us and... I LOVE THEM!!! Here they are...















My 'Champion'

I wanted to give honor to one of my greatest friends in the whole world! On February 23rd she exceeded my expectations. One of the nurses continued to call her 'Champ' & 'Champion' ! She truly was! She became my hero & champion while she endured a hard labor to deliver her beautful little Liv all the while maintaining her 'manners' & sense of humor even in the midst of it all! What an honor it was for me to be a witness to this miracle! Thanks Chris & Christy for letting me be a part of your extra special day! I love you much!!!!







Feb 23, 2007

"The Blessing of a Storm"

I did not know His love before,
The way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him,
My pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care,
The "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still,
Not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me,
I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow,
I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark,
The storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship,
I found I had no hold.

The ship that I had built myself
Was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare,
With nowhere else to hide
I had no strength or faith to face
The trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply spoke His name
And bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me,
And then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm,
But I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night
He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day
Or when I'd smile again.

Yet through the pain and endless tears,
My faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time,
But my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in a brand new light,
His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone could
Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm,
I sometimes wondered why.
At times I thought, "I can’t go on."
I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side,
He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife,
Through fire and flood,
He helped me all the way.

And now I see as ne'er before
How great His love can be,
How in my weakness He is strong,
How Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good,
Although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear,
And then He said, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"
He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy
And flooded me with peace.
I saw His face now clearer still,
I felt His presence strong,
I found anew His faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.

And now I know more storms will come,
But only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow
As nothing ever could.
I still have so much more to learn
As Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more,
That's where I want to be!

Feb 15, 2007

Feb 12, 2007