Life is Beautiful!

I'm moving!

2011-07-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

to a new blog! Here is the link. Just thought i would try something new!
http://thecountrymom.wordpress.com/

Franklin Delano

2011-05-31T12:47:00.001-07:00

Frankie is no longer with us. He was put to sleep on May 30th at 8:12pm

It happen so suddenly. Frankie was running around and playing with the other dogs on Friday and Saturday. It wasn't until Sunday that he was different. He was so lethargic. He had blood dripping from his penis. He hadn't peed all day. He wouldn't eat or drink water. And when he did drink water he would just throw it up. The crap he threw up ranged from a yellow/green color to a brown/reddish color. So he was throwing up his pee and blood. Frankie just seemed to get worse and worse. He barley had the energy to hold his head up. So Monday when we got back I called a few vets and finally Dr. McConnel said for us to meet him at the Gleenwood Vet Clinic, that he probably had a kidney stone stuck. Well he did. The stone was stuck. The vet could not get the catherter into his ballder. I can't even tell you home many times the vet tried to get the cath in, but the stone was to big. The stone had been lodged to long and it was causing his urine to back up into his kidneys, which caused his kidneys to fail. And because of this his nervous system was shutting down. It was so hard to watch. He was just laying there in pain, twitching uncontrollably. All the mean while I am sobbing telling Frankie that is ok. We are trying to help, to make him better and soon we would be going home. Well the Vet said it was too late after an hour of trying. He said that he could take a syring and drain the bladder and we could try to make it up to Woodbury to the emergency vet clinic but Frankie probably would survive. So Brad and I had to make the decision to put him down. He was in so much pain. I told him the it would be okay, that we would help him. So as he the vet administered the medication, I hugged him and kissed him and told him I was sorry, that I will see him again some day. And that I loved him and he was a great dog and I was lucky to have him. And afterwards, I was thinking that when he was looking at me in the car, it was like he knew. That he was telling me he was ready and that he loved me too.
We took him and burried him under the tree. We left him in his bed so he could be comfy up in heaven. I loved Frankie, he was my first baby. He was a great dog. He was just 6 years old. I got 6 wonderful years with Frankie. And I know he is up in doggie heaven playing with Oscar and I will see him again one day.

The Next Step

2011-05-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a follow-up appointment with Susa. We talked about how the Provera went. I don't like the way it makes me feel. I made me feel tight in the chest and hard to breathe. Which I know I should've told Susa that earlier and not continue to take the drug, but I also knew that he would make be stop taking the Provera. So we discussed that and I was told if those symptoms happen again to call him or his nurse Kris right away. Still no period, but he said it could take up 7 days after I stop taking them to get it so I should have it by the 17Th. I honestly feel like I am the on the only woman on earth who is excited to get her period. Also, the Provera makes me have mood swings, nothing new :) But instead of the happy I get the sad and blah feeling a lot and the stupidest things make me crabby and/or sad. I don't feel like myself.

I am officially on a fertility drug. Clomid to be exact, 50 mg. It is an anti-estrogen pill. I tells my body that I don't have enough and to make extra of the hormone. The side effects are similar the Provera, there will be hot flashes and mood swings. And It ups the chances of multiples...7% for twins and less the 1% for triplets or higher. Brad and I only want to kids, but twins is better than no baby! I will take one pill day on days 5 through 9 of my cycle. Then for this first month I will go in on day 21 of my cycle to get a progesterone test taken to make sure that this drug made me ovulate. Susa wants me to do this for 3 months before we do any hormone testing and infertility testing, its expensive. He said that you really only have a 20% chance of getting pregnant every month. I'll take that, it is better than the 0% I was having with not ovulating.

That is all for now. I'll let you now how this goes and if I get my period!!!

This is for me

2011-05-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

I am not entirely sure where to start. I guess I am going to start off by saying that this won't be the most up beat blog I have done and that I am mostly writing this for me. I read once that writing can be a great form of therapy. So I thought that I'd give it a try.

Brad and I have been trying to get pregnant for 8 months now and before that we were "if it happens, it happens" for I'd say 4 months. That means that it has been a year and I am not pregnant. Well, I was once, but miscarried. That was hard. I don't think I would wish that on my worst enemy. I wasn't very far a long, just far enough to know what was happening. It took us 7- 8 months to get pregnant with Sammie, so I wasn't expecting to get pregnant right away. Statistics show that something like only 25% of couple are pregnant within the first 3 months and the by 7 months 75% of couples are pregnant and that by a year 90% of couple are pregnant. Well hello.....why can't i be one of those statistics. Seriously, there are people out there that have kids and don't deserve them and people who are pregnant that don't even try. What was god thinking...I am ready and willing to have another child. To finish my family. Don't get me wrong...I love Brad and I Love and Adore Sammie like I never thought was possible. But I just feel like there is this tiny little puzzle piece missing from life.

I would say since January my periods have been what you call RIDICULOUS. They come and go as the please. At the begining I was having my period right on schedule and then 2011 comes and I have two periods a month and now in March I was 10 days late, but not pregnant. I got my hopes up so high that month when I was 5 days late, but then I took the pregnancy test...negative. You have to be freaking kidding me. Then it came and I have always kept track of my ovulating schedule to increase our chances. And in April I was so anal about it....We did it every other day for 3 weeks. Then period time came....2 days late no period.... 7 days late no period. I took a pregnancy test...negative. 10 days late...I call Dr. Susa and he told to me try to wait it out a little longer. More than likely it would come, just like last month. But last month At least I started spotting at 7 days. It was what Dr.Susa likes to call overflow. But this month no spotting. Since he told me to wait it out, I waited it out till we got back from the Dells. I didn't think about it once, not once. It was so nice not to focus on it...to relax and enjoy the family. I got back on Tuesday and I called Dr. Susa yesterday (by this point I am 18 days late) and he asked if I took another pregnancy test. Of course I did, i took one that morning...negative. So he prescribed my Provera to make me ovulate to get my period. And once I get my period I am to go in and we will discuss my options further and to some tests.

My options...are you fucking kidding me. I opt to be pregnant please. I want to complete my family. I want to have another baby. Susa said that I may need to be put in fertility drugs, but we won't know for certain till we do some test. And even though he put my on Provera that is no guarantee that I will get my period and ovulate. What the hell. If something is wrong and I can't have kids or we are going to struggle to have kids...what next. I am fine adopting, but we can't afford that now. It would be a couple more years and by then Sammie will be between 4 and 5.

Life sucks sometimes. I know that god has a plan for me, but sometimes it is hard to know what it is. Why will he let people who shouldn't have kids, have them. What plan is that? Why not me? Please answer me that. I don't feel like a bad mom. Is there something that I am missing?

Yah Me!

2010-09-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

I did it! I asked for a raise and I got it! I am so proud of myself. It is scary going to your boss and asking for a raise, especially now when the economy isn't doing the greatest. But I did it! YAH ME! And it was way more than I thought it would be!

Sign

2010-09-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on my way to work I followed a semi on to the freeway and the name of the company was "Mason Dixon"! How wierd is that. I have never seen that truck before and now with talks of trying again soon all of a sudden there it is. Our second child is going to be a boy for sure now. That was totally a sign!

* in case this is confusing Mason Dixon Spence is one of the boy names we both really, really like!

People I Heart!

2010-09-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

I finally got to go to "Monday Night"! It felt so good seeing these people! These girls and boys are like sisters and brothers to me and I love them oh so very much! I just wanted to let them all know that!

Bath Night

2010-09-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sammmie almost always gets a bath on Sunday night. She likes to start the week out smelling all fresh and clean, okay so I like her starting the week out all fresh and clean! Last night she was the cutest thing ever. She loves her baths! But last night she was crawling aroung and splashing and sucking the water out the washcloth.

okay, I admit the last one is a litte wierd, but she pulls of wired so good. And she is teething so it probably felt good on her gums!

I took some pictures and i didn't want them on Facebook, so I am blogging the pics instead!

isn't the baby butt crack cute!!!

Date Night

2010-09-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful. Everything we needed and more. It was so nice to not have worry about Sammie, as much as I love her, it was nice. We did up going to Vino in the Valley and what a gorgeous night to go....GORGEOUS! It wasn't as chilly as I thought it would be, until you actually went and walked the vineyard, then it was a little chilly. We drank a whole bottle of their house wine, ate, had great conversation, then walked the vineyard. It was defiently very benefical for us to have the date night!

MMMMM

2010-09-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is what I am eating right now, literally, I just spilled ice cream on my pants!

Date Night

2010-09-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Brad and I finally get a date night!! WHO HOO!! You really have no idea how much we need this and how much I am looking forward to this! Our relationship needs this....

We are going to Vino in the Valley(http://vinointhevalley.com/). I am so excited. I have been waiting all summer to go here! I went last year with some girls from work and LOVED it! Unfortunalty I didn't get to enjoy any wine because I was pregnant. But you bet your fanny, I will this year! It is the most amazing place...I would choose this over any resturant and day.

Just a shoot out to my mom for watching Sammie and keeping her overnight for us! Thanks mom, Love you lots!

I Heart Fall

2010-09-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to it being 64 degrees in my house... Why you might ask? Because we don't want to turn the heat on and waist precious fuel and Brad wasn't around for me to ask if we could start the wood stove up yet. So in esence I am saying....I guess it is my fault! ;) What is a girl to do!
PS: No worrys though...I put a heater in Sammie Girls room, so when I went in there this morning it was nice and toasty warm!

Toasty.....toasty marshmellows! I wish I was under a toasty blanket with a cup of hot and toasty apple cider! mmmmmm

Anywho! I think we need to chop a lot more wood if I am going to stay toasty warm all winter long!

2010-09-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am so glad you are back! You make a fall day perfect! And because it is September, in my mind it is fall!

2010-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

It is September 1st...what a great day! Summer is finally over. I have never been a huge fan of summer. It is just to hot and sticky. I like fall and winter, much more my thing. Plus I like wearing all those nice thick cozy sweaters and all my flannel!

Sammie first...she is the most amazing thing ever. 7 months old and she is crawling(quite fast), standing and walking when she holds on to furniture. Just yesterday she crawled up the steps. I have never been more proud! Sometimes I think to myself "Sammie girl, don't grow up to fast, take your time and enjoy everything that life has to ofer you. You are amazing now and you will do amazing things later on in life" I could jsut eat her up when I stick her in little jeans. Those have to be one of the cutest things. I hate that I only get 4 hours a day with her. That is just not enough. I'm not sure if I'd want to be a stay at home mom, but part-time, just so I could spend more time with her.

Life has been interesting to say the least. So much going on in Brad and mine's life. I wish it would all slow down. We never get to see eachother. 4 hours a week if we are luckly. He is working 3 jobs, and people say it is hard to find a job, plus he has to cut wood for the winter and get pumpkins ready now. I feel bad for him, but I know he is doing it for his family. We finnally sat down and had a talk about everything. I really needed it. I feel so much better now.

Madison is growing up to be a stickin cutie! She just lights up when I walk in the room. She is such a lovable little thing and so mellow. Megan doesn't know how lucky she is.

Brad and I will be going to Vino in the Valley on the 11th. I am SOOOO excited for that! I have wanted to go all summer long and we couldn't work out a time to go! YAH....this is why I love fall. The vineyards will be gorgeous and I can drink all the wine I want!

That's all for now!

Pioneer Woman

2010-08-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been totally addicted to this ladies blog! She just seems like such an interesting person and lives a fascinating life, yet down to earth at the same time!

Just wanted to tell ya to check it out! The link to her blog is on the left side of my blog!

Sometime you really do, do it all by yourself

2010-06-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

First I want to start out by saying that I have the most hard-working, love-his-family, wants nothing but the best for his family, husband. And I appreciate him more than he will ever know and feel like I am the luckiest woman to have him!

This past week I have just felt so overwhelmed. I just don't know what to do. With Brad working like 20 jobs (it's actually only 3, not including the ones he doesn't get a pay stub for). I am always home with Sammie, doing everything around the house, and I am always be myself. I get done with work, rush home to get Sammie, get her settled in, let the dogs out, feed the dogs...and then if she is still content: I wash the bottles, make the bottles, do laundry, make dinner, run the dishwasher, unload the dishwasher, put the clothes in the dryer, feed Sammie. Don't let Sammie take a nap to make sure she sleeps through the night (which doesn't always work) keep her occupied, fold the laundry, take care of Sammie because it is finally 8:00, so she can sleep now and eat her last bottle, hopefully put her done for bed so I can at least talk to my husband that day, go to the bathroom and it the sack because I usually have to get up with her around 5:30 to do it all again the next day.
Normally this doesn't bother me, but I see Brad for like 3 hours a week. He gets up at 5:00 goes to Reigstads, then he goes to his 2nd job till 9 or 10, then gets home a works on the side jobs that people have asked him to do and he always says yes because the money is nice. I NEVER see my husband. I miss him so much just writing this is making me teary eyed. I just wish we would win a butt load of money so he wouldn't have to work so much. Did you know that he is currently working 4 jobs right now. Luckily he doesn't work for the school during the summer. Plus on top of those jobs he is getting wood and pumpkins ready for the fall to bring in some extra money. I have NEVER known a person to be this dedicated to his family. It just breaks my heart that I never get to see him and the he has to work this hard. We had a hard time carving out some time to spend together for our anniversary that is next week. Sad. I just appreciate him so, so much.
I feel like we are taking on the world and it just keep throwing more crap at us. Did I mention the he had to fix the radiator on his truck. Did that work...of course not, now we have to scrap up the money so we can fix his motor...AHHHHH It is always something...
I feel better now that I wrote this though...just a little though...

2010-05-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

My first mother's day was wonderful. Brad got me flowers and a card. we went out with my family for brunch and his family for dinner. But the best part was getting to take a nap! Oh was the heaven!

Saturday I put in overtime at work. I figured I might as well as long as I can. Lord knows we could use the money! So I was so tired from staying up late Friday night and then working again on Saturday that I wasn't able to make it to Josh and Lynsie's for game night. I really wanted to go, I love hanging out with my friends! But I didn't want to push myself to far, you know.

Friday was the Taylor Swift concert and it ROCKED! I want to go to another so bad. We didn't have floor seats but that was okay because the concert was totally awesome anyways! Gloriana and Kellie Pickler opened for Taylor and they were awesome. The whole thing was awesome! Thanks mom for being able to score those tickets! Love you lots! :)

So I finally got fed up with the last 10 lbs I have to lose and not having an close to wear so I started weight watchers online a week ago. It is actually going great. I thought it would be hard but it isn't. Plus I get bonus points to use for the week for whatever I want! They believe in treating yourself! I like that motto! I have my first weigh in tomorrow, so we will see how that goes! It isn't actually a weight...I just go down to receiving and weigh myself! I don't feel deprived from food at all and I always get full. Brad is being really supportive of me so I think that makes it easier for me. He always checks the box for me and makes sure I get the right portion so I don't go over my point for the day. Then when I get this down, I am going to start exercising and Brad said he would do that with me to. I didn't want to overwhelm myself by making myself to do much at once. I know I would just give up on it all that way. So step by step.

Sammie is so fricking adorable it isn't even funny. She talks non stop to anyone who will listen! She even has to take a break from eating to talk. It so cute! Yesterday at appleebee's all the waitresses came over to tell us how cute she was and then 2 other families stop by the table to tell me and Brad that if we ever wanted to give her up they would take her! she is just so cute!

I finally blogged!

2010-05-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Now that I am back to work I can start blogging on a regular basis! (please hold you applause!)

So what's new with me...lots! I am back to work now, have been for 2 1/2 weeks now. Boy, was that first week rough and I mean rough. I was emotionally exhausted from crying and missing Sammie. Physically exhausted because I wasn't used to doing much through out the day other than taking care of Sammie and when she napped I had the option to take a nap. I wasn't used to getting up and the same time everyday anymore and boy did that time get early. Not only did I change my schedule to be done earlier, I had to plan extra time in the morning for Sammie just in case she needed to be feed or just wanted to be held. Going back to work was a huge change in my life. But all in all I am glad to be back to work. I think it makes it easier knowing she isn't at a daycare facility, that she is just with our neighbor Renee 3 days a week, with Brad 1, and with Pam 1 day.

I found out last week that we can put in overtime, so I am torn between the extra money(which we can definitely use) and rushing home to Sammie. I have been putting in around 5 hours a week of overtime. Every little bit helps.

Sammie is adjusting well to being at Renee's. She loves her little girl Aubrey! I almost think it was more rough on me than her! The first week she would be awake all day, heaven forbid she miss out on anything, so she would sleep all night from the time I got home till the time I got her up the next day, except to eat!

This week for mother's day, mom and I are getting our pedicures on Thursday. Then Friday Megan and I get to go to Taylor Swift concert. YAHHHHH! I am so ridiculously excited! Plus we get free parking at Brad's work! Bonus!

That's all for now. My breaks is over. But don't worry I have lots more to catch you up on!

Update on Samantha

2010-02-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

I know that it has been over a month since I wrote a blog, but to be fair I did just have a baby! So being a mommy is the best thing ever! I knew that I was ready to be a mom and have kids but I never thought I could love anyone this way. It is a different kind of love for what I have for Brad, I can't really explain it. Samantha is the most amazing little person every. She has such a personality, she has had it from birth. She hardly ever fusses and is smiling and making the weirdest faces. She likes to sleep with her arms up over her head, which I thought was weird but I woke up the other night sleeping the same way she does.
It was a little hard for me the first day Brad went back to work last Wednesday. I called him crying because I couldn't do it by myself. Which of course I can! I think I was just overwhelmed and extremely tired.
She has sleeps really well at night. She goes to bed between 8 and 10 and sleeps for four hours at a time. We really only get up with her once at night and then again around 5. So not bad for a newborn, eh.
My first outing with her by myself was a little scary. She had an appointment at 9:50 and I wanted to leave the house at 9:15 but as soon as I put her in her car seat she started crying. Which of course broke my heart. Needless to say we didn't leave until 9:30. She did really good. I did really good!
She can sleep through anything...the dogs barking, loud noises, being passed around from person to person. She really is an incredible baby.
Brad has been an amazing father and husband. I couldn't imagine going through any of this without him.

What else... I really miss my friends. I mean really, really, really miss them. It is like not seeing my family. I find myself reading their blogs and facebooks and find all these things going on in their lives that I no idea.

Some days I go stir crazy from being inside all day. But I really don't have anywhere to go.

2010

2010-01-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

It seems like a lot people are talking about what happened last year and what they hope will happen in the coming year. Everybody is talking mostly about the bad that happened last year...what is the deal with that. Does no one have anything good or positive to say anymore. It is getting a little sickening hearing about all the negative if you ask me. I would think that out of 365 days that most had to be good...lets see...you had your health, happiness and if you made it through the year with a job and didn't loose your house or your car and you managed to get by with paying all you bills and could say you did it all on your own, I would say that classifies as a good year.

As for me I had a great year. Brad and I are happy and healthy. We both managed to get by with out getting the flu! (knock on wood) We both managed to hang on to our jobs and pay our bills without asking for any help, even though Brad went down to 32 hours a week. We managed to put away a little money in our savings. Didn't get to take a trip any where, but that is okay. We still had fun being home with family and friends. After all it is all those little moments that make life great right!

And all I can ask for in 2010 is for all those same things again! I am hopping for happiness and health for us and that we both keep our jobs! And that we can have many, many, many more of those little moments that make up life!

Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-12-30T13:28:00.001-08:00

Happy 25th Birthday to the love of my life and my best friend!

I am so proud of you! I am even more proud to be your wife!

* I know this is a little early! His birthday is actually January 2nd!

36 weeks

2009-12-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

I am officially in the last month of pregnancy and I hate it. It is just so exhausting and uncomfortable and painful. I know people tell you the last month is the worst but seriously, this bad, is not what I expected. I have had a few meltdowns, which I think are to be expected since I am pregnant and Brad has handled them all great! I am just so excited, anxious, nervous, and overwhelmed all at the same time it was inevitable that I would have the breakdowns. It is nice to know that Brad is feeling the same too. I am constantly tired. I sleep like crap because I so uncomfortable. Though since she has dropped a little more I can breathe a little easier at night.

I had my 36 week checkup today with Dr. Susa and of course everything is great. I am topping in at 180 lbs, which puts me at a weight gain of 30 lbs. Not bad for always eating like a pig :) Samantha's heartbeat is 144 and she is constantly active. I feel like she never sleeps! Dr. Susa did an exam and she is the head down position pushing on my cervix. He said my cervix is very soft, which is excellent! All the more ready to dilate! The Braxton Hicks contractions are happening more frequently which I know means the real thing is soon going to happen. Also my stomach measured in at 37 cm, which correlates with how far along the baby is, which is another thing that says she is running a head of schedule! Thank god!

breaking point

2009-12-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday I had my melt down. I just started crying. I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted Samantha out. And not because I am anxious to see but because I can't take the pregnancy anymore. I more fatigued than I was during the first few months pregnancy. Along with that I can't sleep because I can't get comfortable or I have to get up and pee or because she is jambing one her limbs somewhere. 7 of 10 times when she is shoving her limbs it actually hurts, not uncomfortable, it hurts. I am all stomach and it isn't growing anymore but she is and she is running out of room. I JUST WANT HER OUT.

On a good note...she is already dropping and has been for a week. Now the statistics normally say that for a first pregnancy this won't happen until 2-3 weeks before due date. So this means she is running 2 weeks ahead. Also with my last ultrasound Samantha's size was a week a head of schedule too! So Mom and me are thinking that she will be here more like the middle of January than the end!

Update

2009-11-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

I had my 31 week appointment with Dr. Susa yesterday. Everything is fantastic with Samantha. Her heartbeat is 133! He also got me in for a free ultrasound so I could see her! She is adorable of course, as if you had any doubts! Susa took all her measurements and she is actually running a week ahead of me at 32 weeks and 3 days and I am at 31 weeks and 2 days. Maybe she will be on time...keep your fingers crossed! What else....She is in weighing in at 4lbs 3oz, which is right on track to be an 8lb baby. Whoa... pushing that out....sounds fun! I am weighing in at 175. It sounds HUGE...but I have gained less than 25 lbs, which is a perfect pregnancy! I will be going every 2 weeks so look for more updates on Samantha!

Whooo

2009-11-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

Life has been pretty crazy lately. There has been so much going on and so much to do that it seems hard to keep up with everything. It has been a while since I posted so let me talk about my baby shower that I had on November 8th. It was hosted by my mom, Megan, and Pam. They did an awesome job with everything from the food to the decorations. There were tons of people there. I think I had to write out a total of 37 thank you cards (which I am still working on). I got tons of stuff for Samantha. Everything was adorable! Also on the 8th was the start of childbirth class. It goes for 5 weeks. It is on Sunday from 6:30 to 9:15 and the class is jam pack for the whole time with information. There was so much that I didn't know and I am glad that we spent the money to take the class. I was actually quite surprised because 3 couples in the class are from Woodville, what is the odds of that. Then there is one couple from Woodbury who is completely snobby and 2 couples from Hudson. There was suppose to be a teen couple as well but they never showed. I haven't been going to Mondays lately either. I have been just too tired with staying out late on Sundays. Everyday I go home, make dinner if it is my turn :), and sit on the couch. I don't move for anything unless I have to go to the bathroom. Brad is pretty wonderful about getting stuff for me and he does it all with a smile most of the time! The back is gets pretty unbearable some days that I could just cry. The weakness is getting better to manage though! I have less than 9 weeks to go, if she comes on time. statistics show that they average first pregnancy is a week late. A WEEK.... I don't know if I can go an extra week with the back pain.
Life is busy till the due date though.....
11/26---Thanksgiving
11/27---Black Friday shopping with Mom and Megan
11/28--Max's hockey game
11/29--Caitlin's baby shower and childbirth class
12/4--Max's hockey game
12/5--Max's hockey game
12/6--Max's hockey game and childbirth class
12/11--Reigstad's holiday party
12/12--Wedding
I actually think I have weekend off for now!
12/24--Christmas eve!
12/25--Christmas!
12/27--Max's hockey game
12/31--new year's Year
1/2--Brad's Birthday
Then after that several more hockey games and planning Megan's baby shower
1/25---Due Date

I am sure that I left some things out! But that is all for now!

My treat to myself!

2009-10-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

My new boots came in the mail the other day, and I just love them! You never really know when you order stuff online if it is going to be the same when you see it in person. So here they are....

Aren't the adorable!

La De Da

2009-10-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love decorating for it! I think it is my favorite holiday because it is the one between my two favorite seasons...fall and winter! Those seasons are just so pretty to look at! This year I reluctently gave up my annual Halloween party after much debate with Brad. He wanted me to do it since it is my favorite Holiday. He offered to help set up and clean up and deal with all the drunks in case I get to frustrated! I gave it up anyways. Luckily Josh and Lynsie are having one so I still get to at least participate in the celebration! This got me thinking though...I probably won't be having Halloween parties for several years. And I probably won't have my annual cabin-friend get away in August either. Why you ask so curiously...because I have a baby on the way and all those things will have to change! It is all for a good reason. She will be the highlight of Brad and mine's life! We will want to save our money for family getaways. Brad remembers all the time's he had those getaways with his family and my family goes up to the cabin several times in the summer. Those will be the things she remembers! I know that Brad and I will need time to ourselves, but then Grandma and Grandpa can watch Sammantha! And in a year or so my friends will be getting married and having babies themselves!

Admire

2009-09-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

Let's just take a moment to admire the little one who is growing in me. I must say that I do this several times a day. How can you not believe in God when you have the most amazing thing growing inside of you!

The Secret

2009-09-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Daughters always ask their mom " How will I know when I meet the right one" and mom's always respond "You will just know" Now for those of you reading this blog I am going to share with you my secret of how you will know when you meet the "one".

I have been with Brad for over 6 years now and have been married for over 2. I didn't know instantly that he was the one I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. It took some time. It is not like an instant look across the room and you know. But here is what I do know about how you know when you meet the one.

There is one big thing that you know will tell you and several some things that reveal them selves over time to let you know. There are only three people in this world that I know would do anything, literally anything, to save my life...my Dad, my Mom and Brad. I honestly feel that if I was held hostage they would give their lives to save me. There aren't many people that you can say that about. I'm not saying that the rest of the people in my life don't love me with all their hearts. I'm just saying that if it came done to them living or me living what would they choose?

This is the main reason I feel so ridiculously safe with Brad.

The other reasons...
He will go done to the grocery store at 10:00pm and get you popsicles because you can't stop crying.
He always takes the window seat flying because it makes me nausea.
He lays on the couch with you when you are sick or pregnant and being extremely needy even though he is secretly in pain wanting to do anything else.
Thinks of your stubbornness* as an asset and not a flaw.
And
After six years of being together, every night he still asks for sex, thinks your sexy(even while pregnant), and kisses you good bye in the morning while you are half a sleep.

*I may be one of the most stubborn people you will know, but once I have my mind set on something that is the way it is. Once I believe you can do anything Brad, which I do, no one else can tell me different. And always know that I do believe that you can accomplist whatever you set you mind too!

What's new...

2009-08-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it has been a long time since I posted anything to my blog. So what is new in my life. Lots I guess. Brad and I have done a lot around the house this month to prepare for the little one on the way. I finally finished painting the room and it looks wonderful. But no one can see it until it is completely finished. Brad is half way done with firring in the basement. He tore off the north and west side on the siding on the house and put tyvek and more insulation on the house and the had to put the siding back on. He added gutters the east and west on the house. All the while making sure that we get plenty off wood chopped and stacked in the basement. and I believe that he still has some chopping to do actually. We went through a lot of wood last year. This winter I am sure that we will go through even more. Ummm.. what else. Beginning of August went up to my parents cabin with all my friends and enjoyed it for the most part. Then i didn't see them again till this past Monday and found out they all went out with out even asking if I wanted to go. I know that I can't drink, I mean won't drink, while I am pregnant but I thought it would just be nice to be asked, after all I am their friend right. Got a shocker of a surprise this past weekend. A good shocker of a surprise. It will be just a matter of time until everyone knows. Been having lots of looking at all the baby stuff. Didn't realize I needed so much. We found a daycare we really like and at a decent price and then last night found out a friend of the family is starting a daycare and offered us an amazing deal that is hard to say no too. I think that highlights the majority of what has been going on. I know there has been more but i guess if you talk to me you know the rest!

2009-08-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

I have nothing else to say expect that I am ridiculously tired at the moment... And I miss my friends who I haven't seen since the beginning of August....And, I guess I have more to say but will do it later because I am crabby at the moment!

Tadpole

2009-07-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

flowers

2009-07-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last week Brad brought home flowers for me!

2009-07-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my mom and me went shopping up in Woodbury. I wanted to price out baby furniture and the other necessities that we are going to need. When I went to pick up mom, my dad told me that he wants me to pick out a crib that I like and he will pay for it. He said that it had to be new and not used! So one the one pictured above is the one I got from Target. It was steal and in the perfect color too! Brad and I were given a dresser by his grandma and it was a dark wood so i wanted to make sure that crib was a dark wood also. The color is called esspresso. I can hardley wait to paint now...i have all the colors picked out! I am so excited.

Along with getting the crib, I need some shirts and a pair of dress paints to wear to work and let me tell you....the pants are AWESOME!!! the feel like I am wearing comfy pants, I could wear them everyday! It was weird trying on the shirts though...it seems like I am never going to fill out the shirt. It was hard spending the money on them when I plan on only being pregnant once since we are adopting our second child.

Anyways, I had a great day shopping with my mom!

12 Weeks

2009-07-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is me at 12 1/2 weeks along! I woke up yesterday morning to this. I hadn't had much of a belly yet. I tried to put on my black dress pants this morning and couldn't buckel them!

Bruised Arms...

2009-07-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would take a picture of my arms so you could see what the went through on Monday. Now the pictures don't them justice to how badly bruised they really are and they look worse every day.

Eventful Monday

2009-07-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was a very eventful day for me and not all good either. So my morning started out like usually, I got had my bowl of cereal before I did anything else. I have gotten in the routine of doing this because I get very weak in the morning and have already collapsed in the shower once. scary I know. Anyways....I went about my normal routine getting ready and I was feeling fine until i was ready to put the dogs in their kennels. I started to feel faint, clammy, weak and sweaty. I know these signs very well so I had another bowl of cereal. After eating that i started to feel better so I went on my way to work, already running behind, I brought two gronala bars with me and my lemon heads trying to get mt blood sugar levels back up, but on my way into work it hit me. The weakness, clamminess, tiredness, sweaty, and neaseasness. I sat in my car for a few minutes to catch my breathe and started walking in very slowly. When I got to my desk I went to sit down and I collapesed right there. I started crying, i didn't think anyone heard me, so I tried to pull myself up and tell myself to suck it up, but then Ali came over and I lost it. I couldn't ignore the symptoms and I was scared for the baby. She brought me over to the ER (thank god I work in a Hospital). I could barely carry myself, Ali probably carried most of my weight. I went straight into a room in the ER and they hooked me up all the while just crying. They took my blod pressure which was 144/90 and high for me. Then they took my glucose level which was really high for at 157 because of all the food I was cramming in my system on the drive in. I couldn't stop shaking, crying. I was clammy, hot and cold at the same time. It was aweful. Ali called Brad for me and he was there within a half an hour. I could tell he was scarred. You can always tell in his eyes! I was in the Er for 3 hours. They tried four different times to get an IV in to me and after that they finally had lab come draw some blood. My arms are all bruised up and hurt and are unbelievable sore. It hurts to lift anything. Since they couldn't get an IV in me I laid there and ate toast and drank water until my color started coming back and my strength. Amanda let me have the rest of the day off and i was grateful. I slept from noon to two, until we had to leave for my OBGYN appointment.
Now this was my first appointment with Dr. Susa. I just love Dr. Susa. He is very down to earth and I am very comfortable around him. Which is a good thing since he has to look at my vagina several times throughout this pregnancy! We got to listen to the babies heart beat which was the most amazing thing in the world. Dr. Susa said he had a hard time finding it since the baby would sit still at all. You could actually hear the whooshing noise of the baby moving around. IT was amazing. He was also able to get me in for a free ultrasound. The baby is so big. You could actually count the fingers on little hand. I have a bunch of picture that he printed off for me. IT is the most wonderful thing in the world to see the little baby inside of you and know that everything you are experiencing is for the little baby!

Beware of Pregnant woman

2009-07-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

So lately is seems like everything and everyone is pissing me off. Yes, pissing me off. I say one thing and it is like no one heard me. The only thing that makes me feel better is lounging on the couch with Brad. BUT NOOOO...he is outside doing whatever it is Brad does outside. I know he hates sitting inside with me when it is nice outside, but sometimes babe you just have to cave and sit inside with me okay! Let me tell you about what has pissed me off this week...
First I had a wonderful day to myself at home on Monday ( I took the day off) Did a little laundry, some dishes, but just basicly sat around on the couch with my puppies. Wonderful! Then at 5:30 I left to go over to Walton's for our weekly get together. Everything was goin great, super was delicious, then someone said "let's go on a walk" Oh crap....now I am not lazy, I just tire out sooner and when i go on walk with Brad it is a slower pace. I specifically said "not our normal long walk please"...guess what....long walk. My heart starts to race and I can feel it in my stomach like that is where my heart is. I do not like that feeling. It makes me nervous and uncomfortable and it is hard to breathe. yes, I could have said something but i already said not a long walk...no one listened. This is why I took myself out of the rotation. I will only be going when i feel up to parr. Now don't get me wrong...Jewells walked in the back of the pack with me and a slower rate but i think she is the only one who is going to have patience with me through this. I love all my friends, every single one of them just the way they are. but everything is pissing me off right now.
Second...Brad yells at me last night about the remote...the stupid remote. It wasn't turning the TV on and off, but everything else worked. So i told him to change the batteries.Well that was the stupidest idea he has ever heard of. He was literally yelling at me. This pissed me off. Well guess who was right...ME. Maybe next time he will listen!

Week 11

2009-07-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Baby's Development
How your baby's growing:Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

Mom's Development
If you're like most women, you're feeling a bit more energetic now and your nausea may be starting to wane. Unfortunately, you may also be suffering from constipation (caused by hormonal changes, which can slow digestion) and heartburn (hormones again, relaxing the valve between your stomach and esophagus). Just remember, all this discomfort is for a good cause.Don't worry if nausea has made it impossible for you to eat a wide variety of healthy foods or if you haven't put on much weight yet (most women gain just 2 to 5 pounds during the first trimester). Your appetite will likely return soon, and you'll start to gain about a pound a week.

Week 10

2009-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Baby's Developement
Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

Mom's Developement
At your next prenatal visit, you may be able to hear your baby's rapid heartbeat with the help of a Doppler stethoscope, a handheld ultrasound device that your practitioner places on your belly. Many women say that the beating of their baby's tiny heart sounded like the thunder of galloping horses and hearing it for the first time was very moving.Before you got pregnant, your uterus was the size of a small pear. By this week, it's as big as a grapefruit. You may or may not be ready for maternity wear now. Even if you're not there yet, your regular clothes are probably feeling uncomfortably tight and your blossoming breasts are straining the seams of your bra. The thickening in your midsection is most likely due to slight weight gain and bloating. If you're between regular and maternity clothes, pants and skirts with forgiving elastic waistbands (or low-rise waistlines that sit below your belly) will provide some much-needed comfort.Depending on your level of fitness, you can most likely participate in a wide range of activities during pregnancy. Swimming and walking are excellent choices for the whole nine months. Exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance — three qualities that can help you carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, prepare you for the physical stress of labor, and make it easier to get back into shape after your baby is born. (Unfortunately, there's no evidence that regular exercise shortens labor.)

Week 9

2009-06-24T10:48:00.001-07:00

Baby's Development
Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.

Mom's Development
You still may not look pregnant even if your waist is thickening a bit. You probably feel pregnant, though. Not only are morning sickness and other physical symptoms out in full force for most women, but you may feel like an emotional pinball as well.Mood swings are common now — it's perfectly normal to feel alternately elated and terrified about becoming a parent. Try to cut yourself some slack. Most women find that moodiness flares up at around six to ten weeks, eases up in the second trimester, and then reappears as pregnancy winds to a close.

MMMMMM

2009-06-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

This is has been what I have been craving...wierd! I probably eat 2 0r three a day! MMMM Bomb pops!

Father's Day

2009-06-22T07:54:00.001-07:00

I know this is a day late, but since I spent the day with my father I didn't get the chance!

I have the best dad in the world. He is smart, funny, and so generous with his family!

Thank you dad, I am proud to be your daughter! Love you!

Week 8

2009-06-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Baby's Development
How your baby's growing:New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.

Mom's Development
You may notice that your bra is getting more snug. Soon you'll likely need a larger size with better support. Rising levels of hormones cause breat gorwth and other tissue changes, all in preparation for lactation. Your breasts may continue to grow throughout pregnancy. Don't be surprised if you go up a cup size or two, especially if it's your first baby. Keep this in mind, and allow for room to grow when investing in a new bra.Feeling fatiuged Hormonal changes — in particular, a dramatic rise in progesterone — may be contributing to your sluggishness. Nausea and vomiting can certainly cost you energy, too. And you may be having trouble getting a good night's sleep at this point, especially if you're uncomfortable or find you need to get up to pee

Brad!

2009-06-16T13:04:00.001-07:00

Yesterday (6/15) was Brad and I's 2 year anniversary. TWO YEARS! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. It really does seem like yesterday we got married. We have been together six total! On Sunday we went out to Outback Steakhouse and ate on their patio, it was a lovely day for it. We took our time eating and talking. It was wonderful!

He is my soulmate! I could not have asked god for a better man. He is my best friend, there is no other person out there who I could even consider replacing him as my best friend! I feel so safe when I with him. He is a great provider for me. He always makes sure that we have what we need. He works two jobs so we don't have to go without. He is looking to the future to see what he can/whats to do so we don't have to work our whole lives. He is always doing stuff around the house. He is always going non stop. He spoils me rotten. And all he asks in return is that I love, oh, and the he can race!

I LOVE YOU BRADLEY MARK SPENCE!

week 7

2009-06-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Baby's Development:
The big news this week: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.If you could see inside your womb, you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.

Mom's Developement:
Your uterus has doubled in size in the past five weeks, and eating may feel like a chore — or worse — thanks to morning sickness, which by now may be in full swing. (If you're feeling fine, don't worry — you're lucky!)You may need to pee more than usual, too, thanks to your increasing blood volume and the extra fluid being processed through your kidneys. (By now, you already have about 10 percent more blood than you did before you were pregnant. And by the end of your pregnancy, you'll have 40 to 45 percent more blood running through your veins to meet the demands of your full-term baby.) As your uterus grows, pressure on your bladder will send you to the bathroom as well.About half of the women who feel nauseated during the first trimester will find complete relief by about 14 weeks. For most of the rest, it'll take another month or so for the queasiness to ease up. It's unlikely, though, that the need to pee more than usual will ease up. In fact, research shows that both the frequency and volume of urine tends to increase over the course of pregnancy.

Girl's weekend

2009-06-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was fun...but exhausting! Lets see who all went...it was Jewells, Walton, Lynsie, Caitlin, Sarah, Colette, and I. Seven girls...WHOA! We got to the hotel around 5:00, got settled into our rooms and went swimming. Well some of us went swimming, there was two who went in to their waists and decided to go in to the sauna. The pool water was so warm it felt so good to go swimming. I think little tadpole enjoyed very much! After swimming for an hour we went up and order Davani's Pizza. It was soooo Delicious! The other girls did some predrinking and we sat and talked and got ready till about 10:00. We then we out to Spin to go dancing and drinking, my specialty...fountain coke! and a bottle of water along with some scooby snacks! The dance floor was just so ridiculously crowded, you could barley move and people were shovey and there was always someone right next to you. I just wanted to dance with me girls, you know! We left around 1:30, went back to the hotel, i ate another slice of pizza and went to bed before 2:00!

The next morning we slept in till 9, got ready and then went to Perkins for breakfast, boy was the delicious! I love to go out fore breakfast! There is nothing like eggs, hash browns, toast, fruit, and pancakes to fill you up!

Over all it was an excellent weekend! I just don't think I will go again. If we do a game night for sure, but just not going out! I didn't like all the people and I missed Brad so much I could've cried myself to sleep. I guess my friends just lost their sober cab ;)

6 Weeks!

2009-06-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Baby's Development...
This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean.
Did you know as early as pregnancy week 6 your baby's reflexes begin to develop and may even respond to touch? During this time the central nervous system in your baby is developing at a mind boggling pace, linking your baby's nerves and muscles to various body parts. Babies happily start swimming about and moving in fact very early on in pregnancy, though most first time moms will not recognize their baby's movements until roughly 20 weeks pregnant. Many second time moms however report feeling their baby's first fluttering as early as 13 weeks pregnant!

Mom's Development...
By six weeks pregnant you may have gained a pound or so. Most women will gain roughly 5 pounds during their first trimester of pregnancy, though some women will gain more and some women will gain less. Others gain no weight at all during their first trimester (largely due to terrible morning sickness) but make up for this much later in pregnancy. Don't fret if you do lose some weight during the first trimester. Chances are you and your baby will be just fine.
You may find yourself developing a bit of a split personality — feeling moody one day and joyful the next. Unsettling as this is (especially if you pride yourself on being in control), what you're going through is normal. Ricocheting emotions are caused partly by fluctuating hormones. But hormones aside, your life is about to change in a big way — and who wouldn't feel emotional about that?

Watch for week by week updates!

I've learned....

2009-05-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

I read these in an email that I got and I have to agree with everyone of these statments

That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of anelderly person.
That when you're in love, it shows.
That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!'makes my day.
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of themost peaceful feelings in the world.
That being kind is more important than being right...
I'That you should never say no to a gift from a child..
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have thestrength to help him in some other way.
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be,everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and aheart to understand.
That simple walks with my father around the block on summernights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer itgets to the end, the faster it goes.
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything weask for.
That money doesn't buy class.
That it's those small daily happenings that make life sospectacular.I've learned ...... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants tobe appreciated and loved.
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.I
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are onlyletting that person continue to hurt you.
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is tosurround myself with people smarter than I am.
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.I've learned.. That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take theones you miss.
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dockelsewhere.
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her onemore time before she passed away.
That one should keep his words both soft and tender,because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your littlefinger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, butall the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
That the less time I have to work with, the more things Iget done.

Ready, set, go

2009-05-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it has been just about two months since I have wrote a new blog. You can all lecture me later!

So race season has offically started! His number this year is 33! We will be going to every single race until September! I don't mind going, I actually enjoy it! I don't always watch all the races, just the ones that Brad, Nate, and Slim are in! I like to people watch and I tell you what, there are people to watch! People get so into this it is ridiculous.

Brad did his first race last Friday and did as expected. He had a blast! I am pretty sure that he took last in his heat, and I am not completly sure how he did in the feature all I remeber is that he beat Nate and he was excited about that! His steering colomn came off in the feature, but he managed to make to the in field and not the wall. Thank god!

Here are some picture of his car. He didn't spend a lot time taking out the dents because it is his first full year of racing and he figured he would just add more dents. Next year he will replace all the pannels!

This past weekend

2009-03-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend Ricky and Ashley came over to our neck of the woods. I was so excited... I hadn't seen them since Halloween! I missed them both so much. They got a big ole hug from me when we parted for the night! We decided to go bowling on Saturday night, which was so much fun! Everyone got together around 9 and we bowled for 2 hours, and did I mention we drank too! It is always fun when you mix alcohol and bowling! Here are some pictures from the night! I must mention that most of the pictures were taken by Slim!

Ricky right after getting a strike!

Ricky and Ashley being all cute!

Me, Brad, Brandon, Slim and Brittany! By this point we had had a few drinks!

Brittany and Slim

Brandon and I

Slim, Brad, and Ricky!

Ashley and I

Ricky and Ashley are coming up for his birthday, which happens to land on Easter weekend, so Ricky thought it might be fun for all of us again to go bar hopping in River Falls. I am super excited! This was such a fun night!

New Car

2009-03-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

I got a new car!

This past Saturday Brad and I went car shopping. It was planned that it would be a car shopping trip to just get prices on the vehicles that I liked and to see what we would get for a trade in on my '04 Dodge Neon. We did shopping around on the Internet at places in the cities, Hudson, and Menominee. Most places we around the same price range. So we set off to actually go look at the cars and do some test driving.

Well the first place the we went to turned out to be a good deal ( at least in my eyes). I got to test drive the Dodge Nitro...and boy did I love it. It wasn't to big and I felt very comfortable in it. Then the hassling came....We were curious as to what kind of deal we could get. So they did their thing with figuring out the interest rate and what kind of monthly payments they could offer us with a down payment and the trade-in. First they offered us only $2600 for a trade in because they claim they would get much for it because the stopped making neon's in 2005. Whatever. We said the we would have to think about, and left to go talk about it, crunch our own number again to make sure we could afford everything comfortably without altering our lifestyle to much. When we went back to the dealership the manager Jason came to us and said we can offer our $3200 for your trade-in...Now that is more like it. It doesn't sound like a big difference, but it is. We did our research on what we should expect for a trade-in.

Anyways....I GOT A NEW CAR! We did end up purchasing an extended warranty for four more years, bumper to bumper on the vehicle! And to up grade to a 2007 only is costing us $12 extra every six months on insurance.

This is my new baby and I love it! I haven't picked out a name for her yet though, but I will. She is a 2007 Dodge Nitro with only 27000 miles on her! She is red! Isn't she marvelous!

I need Help

2009-03-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

I know that I am not the most diligent about keeping my blog updated. I don't have the Internet and that is the main reason why I don't blog as much as I should. The second reason is, I never know what to blog about. It always seems like everyone else has so much going on in their lives.

So...if you guys give me some ideas on what to blog about. Any topic, doesn't matter what. I will blog about. I will give my opinion on the subject and just pretty much randomly talk about it.

I am ready for the challenge my friends..... :)

Here you go Jewells!

2009-03-04T10:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been so long. Jewells has been bugging me for weeks to write a new blog!

What is new in my life.........
Well race season starts in a couple of months so Brad is getting REALLY excited for that. He just bought a helmet of ebay. I am getting excited too, I guess! I enjoy going to the races, I just can't let Brad know how much! I like watching, being in the pits with everyone. It is just a good ole time.
My car has been acting funny lately. That is no good. I think Brad fixed most of the problems, thank god! Good thing I have a guy who knows a lot about cars. It still shakes in second gear though. We are going to take it in to get the transmission flushed out. Hopefully that will help, if not then we will probably look for another car because at the end of the year we were going to anyways and we don't want to pay out $2000 for a new transmission for a car we are going to sell anyways. I kind of don't want to get rid of it though. My parents paid for almost of the car. It is special to me. But all good things must come to an end!
Max is finishing up his hockey season. They took 2nd in their last tournament! GO HAWKS!!! I enjoy going to his games so much. He is such a good kid. He is in band and hockey and gets good grades and respects mom and dad and he is only eleven. I am so proud of him. I hope he knows that. I makes want to cry a happy cry when I think of how proud of him I am.

Other than that....nothing else is new with me. Till next time friends!

Sometimes it is hard to find the silver lining...

2009-01-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

Okay so I was suppose to get my monthly friend on Friday the 9Th, but I didn't. Not normal by any means...I get every 28 days, almost down to the hour. Let me rewind a little here....

I have been feeling like CRAP for the past two weeks or so. Nausea, extremely exhausted all the time, no amount of sleep would make me feel better, back aches, stomach crapping. Fun! Well all these things got me to thinking I was pregnant. By Wednesday my period hadn't come and I felt the worse yet. I went home an hour early and took a pregnancy test...negative...well that is okay maybe it was to early. Well Thursday morning was worst with nauseousness...crapping was bad, all over my abdomen...I got my period...big disappointment.

I was thinking to myself...shit this isn't normal...I know my body, it is never late unless something is wrong. I had a doctor appointment this morning. Told them everything that was going on and they wanted me to take pregnancy test...and I quote "it is going to come negative, i just took one" They insisted that I take one...shocker...negative...well I had Nurse Practitioner there so she gave a pelvic exam...

Cyst...again...she could feel it...I know my body... Well this is a huge disappointment, not that I am not pregnant, I know it will happen when it is right and all that other good stuff. Having my period come a week late is messing up when I ovulate. It is going to make it harder for me to get pregnant. And on top of it all, every time I think I am getting a cyst they want me to come in so they can keep track of how often I am getting. This isn't a normal thing to happen to the body. If I keep getting them they want to remove my ovary...MY OVARY...how in the hell is that going to help me get pregnant.

My silver lining....at least it is happening on the same ovary and since it is harder to figure out when you are ovulating, the doctor says it is a good idea to have sex everyday...Brad is a very lucky man...and that is what I told my doctor!

All I need is a little hope and prayer...I am very glad that I have god in my life.

New Year...New Start

2009-01-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

Okay...so I haven't been the best at keeping up on my blog. I don't really have an excuse as to why, but I like to blame it on the fact that I don't have the internet at home! I know, no internet, what am I living in 1900's...it feels like it sometimes.

So this year I have actually made some goals for the year and not those impossible ones that everyone make and not to loose weight.

1. To make dinner more often for my husband. I am not the best at cooking, hamburger helper stumps me. I just can't seem to get it down! I made this goal because Brad does almost all the cooking. I don't think this is fair to him (even though he is better at it). He works hard, two jobs and making sure that are house stays warm. We have a wood stove and it is a lot of up keep. We started out with 14 cord and they are almost gone, so he is constently chopping wood whenver he has the spare time. He really is a great husband! Also I want to be the mom who cooks for my kids, does the bake sales. I WANT to be that mom!

2. To have sex more often...I know, OMG she is talking about sex for everyone to read. I am really really lazy. I would much rather go to bed than have sex. It is not that I don't enjoy sex, i do, and Brad is really selfless when it comes to sex. So I discussed this Brad and he agreed to doing more little things to put me in the mood...like candles or music or a note in my car. I really do think that he will do this and that it will help.

Now these may not seem like much for New Year's resolutions but I made them realistic and important to me, that way I stick to them. I love my husband more than he will ever know! He is a great provider for me!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T08:13:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. May you all have a joyful Christmas and blessed new year!

Virgin Islands

2008-12-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

So I know that it has been a very long time since I have written a new blog...I am very sorry to all of you who read it. Please accept my apology.

So I was recently down in the Virgin Islands for one of my best friends wedding! It was awesome. We couldn't have asked for better weather, expect that it rained on their wedding day(which is good luck, right!) Every where you went there would be someone to talk to or hang out with because there was a total of 26 people at our resort! The people down there were super nice and not the nice where it is fake. They actually were sincere. Just thought that I would put up a few picture for you to enjoy!

Sisters

2008-10-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

So lately my sister Megan has been acting up more than usual. Now this isn't surprising to any of us but it is disappointing. This past Saturday she got drunk and I don't mean haha drunk, I mean I'm drunk and I don't care what I say to anyone drunk. Well anyways, she texted me Saturday night and from the first text message I could tell that she was drunk. These were nasty messages... and I was nothing but encouraging to her. Telling her that she is beautiful and smart and that she can do anything that she puts her mind too. She pretty much told my F*** off and that she hates me and she doesn't want to ahve anything to do with me. This was so dissapointing to me and I will tell you why. First...she is my sister and I love her for who she is. Second off...I don't have a good relationship with my older sister. I never have and I have a feeling that I never will. I wanted so desperatly to have a good relationship with Megan. I knew that I was going to have to work hard to have this but it would be worth it, I love her. She moods come and go and when she has a good one it is realy good and when she has a bad one it is nasty. She pretty much told me that she doesn't want to have anything to do with me.

After thinking about this for a few days I realized that I already have two great sisters...Jessie Jewell and Jessie Walton. They may not be blood but I love them just as much, if not more than I could love a sister. Those two girls have been a part of my life since 6th grade. We have been through good and bad times. And I know that as we get older and all get married and have kids, we will always be there for eachother.

Thanks for being apart of my life girls... I love you both so so much!! :)

Lazy October Sunday Afternoons

2008-10-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was wonderful. The weather was beautiful and the slow pace at home was awesome. Brad and I splept til 8:30, made pancakes together, well almost together, I set out the butter and syrup!! Then we bumbed around the house, I cleaned, he worked on something in the basement. Then we carved some pumpkins together. He gutted them for me and I carved out the designs. I was great teamwork! When he was done with that he went outside to rake up the apples and to bring them out to his deer stand in the woods. I came out just in time for him to ask me of I wanted to come along!!! It was very nice to go out in to the woods, get the trail stuck, laugh and joke about it and have a good time. Did I mention that the weather was beautiful! The woods was very beautiful, the colors and all the fallen leaves. I couldn't have asked for a better afternoon in October than that!

Martina McBride Concert

2008-10-20T10:36:00.001-07:00

So here are the photos that I promised I would put up! The concert was totally awesome.

Slow Moving

2008-10-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

So I don't think that today can go any slower. I finished all my normal daily activities plus extras like loose filing, making labels, etc.
So I came up with a song to entertain myself...

Why is today going by so sloooow
I still have two hours left to gooooo
I wish that I was in the Caribbean
Soaking up the sun an the beach

Remember when you sing it to add a little bounce to it!!!

Martina McBride

2008-10-16T11:18:00.001-07:00

So Brad just scored FREE VIP concert tickets to see Martina McBride this Saturday!

How awesome is that!! :)

10 Things

2008-10-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

10 things to know about... Rachel Spence

1) My new favorite smell is Cinnamon Pumpkin from Bath & Body works. It makes my whole house smell like fall!
2) I love to bake but hate to cook.
3) I consider my husband, Brad, my best friend.
4) My dad and mom are my inspiration to be the best person I can be because of everything in life they have overcome together.
5) My favorite holiday is Halloween, even though October is my least favorite month.
6) I still cry when I think about my pappa and nanna. It has been 4 or 5 years since their passing.
7) I am perfectly happy being consider a country girl!
8) I feel very sad if I don't get to see my Monday night crew every week.
9) My puppies, Frankie and Roscoe, are spoiled rotten and I don't care!
10) I believe that the words " I'm sorry" can go a long way if you have upset someone.

There is a small glimpse in to what Rachel is like!!

Lucky Me

2008-10-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

So this is what I have been dealing with for the last week and half...

and that is why I really haven't cared if I kept up with my blog!

Oh yeah, I still have it. The doctor wants to wait till next week to another ultrasound because I am handling the pain well..thanks to the pills he gave me! And one more reason that I am lucky is because if this cyst doesn't RUPTURE on its own, more than likely, I will need surgery to get rid of it. Please rupture!

Stay tuned for more results!

Sniff, Sniff

2008-09-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

I MISS MY FRIENDS

Pet Peeve

2008-09-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

What is it about a grown woman using a mini backpack as purse. This just irchs me to no end.
I just don't get it. Didn't she carry around a backpack enough in high school. Does she think that it makes her look young, hip, cool. Well it doesn't. A backpack is meant for kids, not grown woman!

SCORE!!

2008-09-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

So I went in to go to the bathroom, did my business, and as I was washing my hands I realized that my shirt made me look like a referee! Not cool. Luckily my strips are at a diagonal! But still, pretty wierd. I wish I would have noticed this before I left for work!

why oh why

2008-08-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

So it was inevitable that I would some day write about my sister Megan. I have two sisters, but she is the one that I am closest with and she is also the one sister than can break my heart over and over again, or make so mad to the point that I want to punch her in the face, or I could just give her a big hug and tell her that I will always be there for her.

Let me start back a few years...I am three years older than she is and is high school we did not get along. She was what you call a "trouble" child. And oh boy was she. She was running away from home, skipping school, making up huge lies bout the family, and stealing money and cigarettes from her family.

It wasn't until I moved out that I even thought about hanging out with. I would definitely say that I missed, which was a huge shock to me. The longer that I wasn't home the more I missed her and the more that I hung out with her. We were actually doing stuff like normal sisters would...she was becoming my friend.

About three years ago this October she was in a horrible car accident...I will never forget this. She was on the way to our parents with two of her friends because I was having one of those stupid jewelry parties. My mom and I though it was weird that she wasn't there, so we called her phone several times, left a few messages, and that was that. We thought that she choose to hang out with her friends instead of coming to the party. At about 8:30 that night we got a call....Megan was in a car accident....no we can't tell you how serious it is right now...she was brought to regions...the other two girls were airlifted to regions. Were left there standing, unable to breathe. When we got there, it was worse than we thought. One of the girls passed away. The other on life support, and Megan, oh Megan, she was life support too. She couldn't hear us. Though we knew she could, she could hear us telling her we love, feel us kissing her swollen hands and face. She knew we were crying for her to survive, praying to god not to take her out of lives yet. We hadn't had enough her yet, the world hasn't seen the true effect that she will have it. We cried four hours, days, and yes weeks. She went through a few surgeries that night, then a few more, and a few more when she finally come off life support. That took weeks. I have never prayed so hard in my life. I have never cried so hard in my life. I have never felt so guilty in my whole life, like it was my fault that she was in the car accident, if only I hadn't had that stupid party. She wouldn't be here. I kissed that swollen face of hers so many times i lost count. I was there everyday until she finally woke up. Even after she woke, they take her off the ventilator, she couldn't breathe on her own, what did this mean, all those numbers.
She was in the hospital until a little before Thanksgiving. She had gone through at least 6 surgeries. She broke her sternum, had internal organs all looked at, her was broken in several spots, her hip bone popped back in to place, a burn on her leg, a graft put over that burn, a hone put in her knee to keep that hip bone in place, but she is alive.

Now almost three years later she her, and still a pain in my ass, but I love it. I couldn't image life without all that drama that she brings. I just want her to know that she is a beautiful person, inside and out, and we all love her so much, no matter what she does. She can do anything that she wants and deserves to be treated with all the love and respect that she deserves. I just want her to realize that she does deserve all the love and respect. I want her to focus on her and not boys that don't treat her with respect. I want her to realize that she is going to be somebody some day.

I love you Megan!!!

Wrongfully Acussed

2008-08-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

So in my relationship with Brad I have always been the one who is the so called "spender" and he was known as the "saver". And along the way I have also gotten the title of "nagging wife". I don't like either one of these titles, especially the second one, because I am not a nag! Well, sometime last week, Brad and I were on way somewhere and it dawned on me that...Hey he spends alot of money, maybe more than me. So I say "hunny, why did i get the title as a spender and you a saver when you spend more than me?" His response" HAHAHAHA...beats me, you may go out shopping more than me, but when I shop or buy something it is usually a big chunk of money" I did not find this funny at all. I then respond" and why did I get the title as a nagging wife?" " We usually discuss a time together to both be at home so we can do whatever and you aren't there, so i give you like ten minutes, and if you haven't shown up I call" Brad: HAHAHAHA Me: That's not funny. It is you fault I seem like a nagging wife and the spender of the relationship. I DON'T LIKE IT!!!! Brad: HAHAHA. It is my fault...that is awesome!! Rachel: GRRRRRR!
So for whoever reads this blog, please, please, share with your friends that I am the saver, he is the spender and I am NOT the nag...it actually is his fault this time :)

Here I am

2008-08-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

So finally I am going to tell you a little about my life. I thought that it was about time! I live out in the country in Spring Valley. I love it. No nosey neighbors or rules to live by, just my own. Now I don't just live by myself, I got married last June to the best guy in the world. He was probably the only one to put up with crap :) We've been together five years and it still feels like yesterday we just got married. His name is Brad and he is all mine. Now i should also mention that I put up with his crap as well. But I wouldn't change a thing about us!

I also love my family so much. They are all so very important. I can't go that long without stopping in or calling just to see how they are. They are the reason why I am who I am today and where I am today. I love going to the cabin with all of them! I feel like my mom is one of my best friends and I am a daddys girls, as wierd as that sounds. I have a little brother Max, who is 11, a younger sister Megan, who is 19, and an older sister who is 24.

This is my mom, dad, max, and me when I graduated!

This is my dad and me on my wedding!

And finnaly last but by no means not last. My friends or as I like to call them my adopted family. We have all been friends since highschool and vowed not lose touch like so many others, so every monday night we get together and hang out, doing whatever our little hearts desire! Now these are the kind of friends that would drop anything and be by your side in a matter of minutes if you needed them. You can't find real friends like that anymore. So here is a few photos of us. Enjoy!!

Evil Staplers

2008-08-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

So when I started my new job, there was this stapler already on my desk. Cool right. Oh No! It would only work when it wanted to, never when I needed it to. So finally after three weeks of listening to me pound on this evil stapler, my co-worker went and replaced mine with the one in the workroom. Now this is a wonderful stapler (so far) and I love it.

Just today I went in to the workroom to make copies for the clinic and I saw that evil stapler and it was the only one on the counter, so I used... BIG mistake...it finally got the best of me. It stabbed me, not the other way around, you heard me, it stabbed me. I couldn't believe it. That darn stapler. I shall walk back to my desk next time I need to use a stapler!

A good nights rest

2008-07-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got our new matress. YAH! After three years of begging!
It was even better than I'd imagined. It was like sleeping on a fluffy cloud, nothing could harm you. I was ready to get up when my alarm went off, but I hit the snooze just so I could lay on it a little longer! We also got a new bed set for it, it looks like it is in those magazines that you look at, but can't afford! It is awesome.

Just though I would brag that up, since most people don't get a good nights sleep, and I DID!

I can't believe that I am doing this!

2008-07-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

This is my first blob...actually I didn't even know what a blog was until my friend jewells talk about them all the time. She is the one who made me do this, literally, she would of hurt me if I didn't. I know you think i'm kidding, but i am NOT!

We used to work together, but i started a new job and now we don't see eachother everyday. I was a hard change. We have been friend for 11 years and counting. That can of change is hard when you have that bond with someone, that bond that means you will be there now matter what time, what day, or what is going on in your own life.

It was hard for me to pick a name. A name is everything, it is who you are. I came up with a couple but I liked this the most. I am very emotional and strong headed in what I feel, I think on my emotions not my brain. The "whole nine acres" related to the part of the country, redneck, play in the dirt kind of girl that I am. I love that part of me and so does my husband (you'll hear a lot about him, i'm sure).

I am not a huge talker, but so far so good. I just hope this doesn't end up like all the diaries i tried to start!