Uh-May-Zing

I don't know why it's taken me this long to do this.

Call me pathetic.

But I have this cousin.

My little cousin.




And she is talented beyond words.

Seriously.


{look at those eyelashes...}

She's gorgeous.

She's got style. (And when I say style, I mean she can throw anything together and somehow makes it look cute. I don't know how she does it. Pure brilliance.)

She's athletic. Good at basically any sport.

She can draw, paint, etc.

She's nice, fun, hilarious. People love to be around her.

And she is a musician.




Every since she was a little girl, she has played the piano.

And when I say that, I don't mean she has taken all kinds of lessons.

She never took lessons as a girl.

And although she couldn't read music, she played by ear.

She could hear a song and just go play it.

And she wrote her own songs.

Well, she cultivated this talent.




And last month, she came out with her first cd.

She wrote all the songs on it.

She plays the piano in all of them.

And she sings all of them.

The other background instruments are played by various others.

It's amazing. Uh-May-Zing.

I'm telling you.

She graduated from high school this past May, and she is already accomplishing so much.

Right now, she is in Boston at the Berklee College of Music attending a summer camp.



I'm so proud of her.

She has two of her songs up on her myspace page and the same two on her facebook page.

And if you want a cd...let me know. I think they still have more available. If not, she's planning on going on I-tunes in the next couple of months.

Enjoy!

Lessons Learned

1. It's okay to not get everything done on your to do list...especially if it was for the sake of making someone's day. Spontaneity can be quite rewarding. Sometimes it's exactly what you need!

2. Spending quality time with your family is the best

3. Sometimes dates like old times are a good thing. They strengthen the relationship.

4. Don't judge someone before you get to know them. They may just become one of your favorite people.

5. Even though you feel bad that he's sick, having your husband stay home from work is really fun. It makes the day better. And yet, it also makes the day go by too fast. Much too fast.

6. Living off of no fresh groceries isn't fun. Fresh fruit is the most amazing thing in the world. Without it, days are just blah.

7. Taking two hours out the day for a nap can be a good thing. If your body needs it, you can't argue with that. When you wake up and feel BETTER than you did when you laid down...it's a good thing.

Lately...

I have been doing way too much of this...





And Jess has been finishing these...





When all we really wanna do is this...





One week and two days and I am FREE from school.


Then I'm going to spend lots of time with him...

Be the Best You Can Be #14

How did I do last week?

1. Learn to let go of things I don't get done. I love my little schedules and my new frame of mind. It's worked out well so far. Love.

2. Baby projects. Did I say three a week? Ummm...didn't get that many done. I did, however, pick up my crib and dresser. They are both set-up in the nursery. Yay!

3. Stay on top of school. Well, I'm ahead of schedule. But only because I have to be. Apparently studying over 8 hours for one test (plus the 6+ hours per chapter) isn't enough to get an "A". So I pushed myself and got ahead so I have MORE time to study for the exam. Bleh. This class is going to be the death of me. 1 and 1/2 weeks. I can DO this.

New goals:

1. I just finished the New Testament, and Revelation was a challenge. Okay, more than a challenge. So Jess went out and bought me a study guide. And I am re-reading it with that now. It's a long, thorough study guide...but I'm hoping to have it all done by the end of August. Complete with new insights.



2. Get through school. Stay on top of things. Don't get discouraged. Study harder.




3. Baby projects galore. This baby is coming! And I want to RELAX and GET SOME REST before he gets here. Which means I need to step it up on the baby to-do list NOW to leave me relaxing, sleeping, reading time LATER. So this project really needs to take shape...

The Power of the Spirit

"Youth of all ages, even infants, can and do respond to the distinctive spirit of the Book of Mormon. Children may not understand all of the words and stories, but they certainly can feel the “familiar spirit” described by Isaiah..."
~Elder Bednar

This morning I read through Elder Bednar's talk from this past conference. It is simply amazing. And I loved this quote.

So yes, Jess and I will be reading our scriptures with Baby Ryan in the room. And yes, I will read him stories from The Friend. And I will sing him hymns and primary songs.

I want him to feel the spirit early on.

I may or may not already read my scriptures out loud for him...

This talk is amazing for parents with kids of all ages...and for future parents as well. I highly suggest it.

Happy Sunday!

Sneak Peek

This week has been CRAZY busy so I haven't had the chance to really do a craft.

So to make up for that, here's a sneak peek at the biggest project in our household right now...


More to come...

Get Organized Tip #1

I love lists. All kinds of lists. In fact, many of my organization tips will involve some form of list. It's just part of who I am.

I also love schedules. They help me stay on track.

Put I also have a problem. It drives my husband crazy.

I write out my schedule for each day. Sometimes I have ten minute slots with something filled in to do during that time. Each and every minute of my day is scheduled out. Then, I refer to my schedule several times a day to make sure I'm on track. If I get off track, I feel frustrated with myself--incompetent even. I quickly readjust my schedule and continue on. Everything on my schedule is a priority. By the end of the day, I am left with many things that didn't get done. I constantly try to fit a MILLION things into one day. I schedule them all so close together that it's impossible to get them done. And before I go to bed at night, I feel defeated. I never feel accomplished.

This is how I used to function. And it was becoming a real problem.

Then I read this post and it dawned on my that it's okay to not get everything done in a day. It's okay to be spontaneous and stray from your schedule a bit. It's okay to only have one or two priorities in a day. Now, I still need to have a schedule because if I don't have anything to follow...I still won't feel like I got anything done. I didn't have a plan to stick to in the first place. But, I'm learning to write out my schedule with only the important things. I don't schedule out every ten minute increment, rather every hour. I've learned to let go of certain things, give myself more time to accomplish tasks. And I choose one or two things that I feel are most important and set those as my priorities. If I only accomplish those things, then it's okay. That was my job. If I accomplish more, even better. And if I finish everything on my list...well that would be a miracle. But I'm simply okay with getting done what I get done. Life is meant to be enjoyed.

So yes...I made up my own little note cards for my schedule (and of course the lesson on the back. Great idea Angie!)




I love them!

And already I've felt more relaxed.

By the end of the day I feel better about myself.

And I'm also learning to be spontaneous at times--to stray from my schedule.

It's actually kinda fun.

Something New

I'm trying something new.

My lack of blogging at times stems from two main reasons:

1) I don't take pictures. EVER. And blogs without them feel so boring. When Baby Ryan comes, I'll probably take more. But until then...it seems I have nothing to take pictures of but myself. Sometimes I resort to that...but I always feel awkward just putting pictures up of only me, that I took myself.

and...

2) Blogging is usually the last thing I do before I fall asleep at night (most nights). So by that time, I'm out of inspiration or things to write about. At least pregnant me. Night used to be when I got my inspiration. Not anymore.

So here is my solution--

I'm coming up with topics, so to speak, for each day. That way, I know ahead of time what I'll be blogging about. And if I get the inspiration one night, I can write more than one blog and set them up to post on different days. Plus, I can take pictures during the day that will correspond with that topic. I'm hoping this helps.

Here is my schedule:

Sunday: Spiritual or uplifting thought
Monday: Be the Best You Can Be (of course)
Tuesday: A recap of what Jess and I (and Nash and Ryan) have been up to
Wednesday: Live and Learn (Lessons I've learned that week)
Thursday: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Tips, Recommendations, Reviews, etc. just for girls)
Friday: Get Organized Tip
Saturday: Craft or Project

So I guess I'll start this tomorrow?

We'll see how it goes...

It's True

I've always believed that scorpions are evil and possessed.

I HATE them.

One of my biggest fears.

And I was right.

Revelation, chapter nine.

No lie.

Scorpions have power.

They are evil.

Is it bad if that's all I got out of my scripture reading for the day?

(P.S. -- If anyone has a good suggestion of a Revelation study guide book...let me know. I'm thoroughly confused...)

What I've Learned

Lately I've learned a few things.

1) Cherries are so good. I'm seriously in love with them. And wondering why yesterday was the first time I've bought them.

2) Tylenol does nothing-NOTHING-for back pain. It's not even worth it.

Ninth grade cheer

3) Starting the day FIRST THING with scriptures is amazing. I used to do it early on, but only after getting ready, eating breakfast, and straightening the house. As of lately, I do it before I even get out of bed (other than to pee...which I do 4,356,782 times a day now).

4) Some teachers make really hard tests when there is no need. And it frustrates me.

Girls Night Sophomore Year

5) Peaches just aren't any good when they are hard. If I WANTED something of that consistency...I'd eat an apple. Thanks for trying, Mr. Peach, but you are MEANT to be squishy. I'm SUPPOSED to get all sticky eating you and look like an idiot with juice all over my chin. Try again.

6) Having friends is really important. Whether it's your husband that you see everyday, your family that you see quite often, friends you see every few months, or an old pal you haven't seen in years...they make life better. Plain and simple.

Disneyland During Nationals Junior Year

7) Feeling my baby kick is the greatest feeling ever. It's been happening for months now...and I still get giddy every time I feel him move. He is such a miracle.

8) If you are going to make a pan of brownies...give some away. Or else you are left with the whole pan. And that's never a good idea. Especially for a pregnant girl...


Graduation Night...In the Rain

9) Even on days when all you do is study, your back KILLS, and everything seems to go wrong...you can still find something beautiful or tender in the day. In fact, you can find a lot of them. You just have to try.

10) Prayer is so powerful. So is faith. And the combination of the two. Well, it pretty much makes you invincible. As long as you understand that you won't always get what you want. But in the end, you will always get what's best for you. Even if it doesn't seem that way at first.


April's Wedding

11. Looking through old pics makes me happy. And since I hardly take new ones, I'm going to leave you with some old ones now. And probably until I get my maternity pictures this Saturday (plus the time it take Miss Natalie to edit them).

What have YOU learned lately?

Be the Best You Can Be Week #13

A day late. Sorry. Homework took me much longer than I thought it would last night. Before I knew it, it was after midnight.

Last weeks goals:

1. Stay on top of school. CHECK. (See above). And aced my first test. Number two is tomorrow. Wish me luck!

2. Do a house project a day. I was doing good with this one last week. Yesterday and today, not as much. But it's all good. (See new goals).

3. Baby projects. I got Ryan's closet cleaned out, the room painted, a fan/light put in, a diaper case thing made. Plus, I went out and bought a few more things for his nursery. Yay!

New goals:

1. Learn to let go of things that don't get done. I was inspired by this post by this girl. She's amazing. I'm now using her method. As of yesterday. And it's working.

2. Baby projects. Baby projects. Baby projects. This will probably be on my list until baby gets here. There will always be something else to do to get ready for his big entrance.

3. Stay on top of school. I'm halfway done. Only 2 1/2 weeks left to go. I can do this! And I can't WAIT until it is over.


The blog revamp still isn't complete. Hopefully soon though.

Blog Reconstruction

My blog is going under reconstruction.

It's long overdue.

So forgive me for the next little bit while it looks pretty crazy. Thanks much!

Happy Sunday!

Swimming

A couple weeks ago, I decided to take Mr. Nash swimming for the first time.

I picked him up in my arms, and slowly made my way down the steps one by one.

When the water first touched his feet, he got really tense.

As the water came up higher, he clung to me.

Nails pierced my shoulder, fur pressed into me.

He was scared out of his mind.

I held him close for a minute while he looked at me.

His eyes said it all.

"Mom...what are you doing?"

Then I let him go.

And he swam.

He was a great little swimmer and went straight to the steps to climb out.

Later, my dad threw him in the pool, and he swam right towards me.

I loved it.

Made me smile.

Isn't he so cute?



And I think he ended up liking it, though he's still a little unsure.

Baby Project #1

I got some inspiration from this post and came up with this project. I love this blog by the way. She posts all kinds of cute, fun projects!

Supplies:
Cheap placemat from Target
Velcro
Ribbon

First, I measured it all out with a wipes case and a couple of diapers inside.



Then I added the velcro to keep the pocket closed.



And finally, I added a cute ribbon to tie it all together.



What do you think?

I love it!

I think I might make myself another one...

An easy way to have a changing pad, diapers, and wipes with me everywhere I go!

I can't wait until I have my baby here.

Be the Best You Can Be Week #12

Wow. I've been seriously slacking.

1. Stay on top of school work. My classes this semester require a lot of work. Falling behind would be NOT GOOD.

2. Get a project done around the house everyday. I have so much to do before the baby gets here. I can't even believe I only have 8 weeks left.

3. Start moving on the nursery, baby projects, and getting all our last minute baby stuff. Check off at least four things on my list of baby to-dos a week.

Forgiveness

Today in sacrament meeting, the topic was forgiveness.
I've never really thought of forgiveness as something that I need to work on...until today.
The talks were amazing and full of great words and inspiration.
I learned a lot.


And I now realize that forgiveness is indeed something that I need to improve upon.
Holding grudges is more than just being angry when someone does something really unkind to you.
Holding grudges can also occur on a much smaller scale.
It can mean finding fault in others and not letting that go.
Focusing on the faults of others only causes anger or resentment towards that person, even if its meaningless or you don't really realize it.
So forgiveness can also mean forgiving others of their faults.
Even further, it means forgetting about their faults.
Focusing on their strengths.
Seeing the good in them.
Disregarding the bad.
This is what I need to work on, especially with those closest to me.
Another aspect of forgiveness was discussed.
The obvious:
Forgiveness from Christ.
And I'm so grateful for that.
We are so blessed.
Needless to say, I loved sacrament meeting today.
And we had a spot on the soft bench...which proved to be much more comfortable for my back.
That didn't hurt things either.
I love Sundays!