Happily Ever After

I am a Mormon

2011-10-13T22:32:00.000-04:00

There has been a lot of talk lately about Mormons being Christian. So as much I am deliniquent in posting my long list of blog posts, I feel compelled to post this.

I am a Mormon and I believe in Christ. I seek His guidance daily in my life and all that I do. I know that I would be living in a darkness beyond any loss or sadness I have experienced without a pure knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. I converted to Mormonism yearly 20 years ago. I live and thrive by the Light of Christ. I will own that everyday of my life.

A friend of mine posted this on facebook. I invite you to learn more as well.

The Big O has signed off.....

2011-10-13T22:24:00.000-04:00

I'll preface this by saying that I have not been a die hard fan of Oprah's. While I think she has done a great deal of good in this world, her daily talk show has not been a "must" part of my day.

Anyway, today was the LAST Oprah show, after 25 years. I happen to be watching it while sewing.

She spoke the entire episode; no other guests or celebrities. It was actually quite heartfelt.

I was most touched at how she openly spoke of God. She spoke of the small promtings theLord can give you to make the right decisions, that we are never alone, that we are valuable no matter what has happened in your life. You are special regardless of what your parents did or didn't do.

My bathroom makeover

2011-05-20T17:11:00.004-04:00

We bought a small cape sytle house about 4 years ago and we have made somekind of improvement to every room in the house. We did paint the downstairs bathroom to cover a the red sponge painted walls, however, I got this overwhelming urge to do more in April.

I can add the following to my list of things I have done, but would not necessarily like to do again :)

painted wall tiles

painted shower tiles and tube with epoxy acrylic paint

cut and laid floor tile

sewed a new shower curtain (my second one) and window covering

It was worth all the hardwork and exposure to toxic chemicals LOL! AND it was very budget friendly since I did all the work myself AND didn't gut it.

It is not a "professional" job and I still have a few touch-up to do but this is a complete transformation! I LOVE it! It is so fresh and clean.

Before:

AFTER:

I'm not very good at taking pictures along the way. I thought to take the 'before' pic after getting everything all taped, the walls painted and realizing that the old house pics are on the back-up disks from when my laptop crashed. You can see the old gray and red tile in the shower. The floor was a red bowling alley marble. So Awesome! I hated to see it go.....

Potty Training tales.....

2011-05-20T09:44:00.002-04:00

My daughter is about 32 months old and not potty trained. I know....a collective gasp! She has shown signs of readiness at 22 months, 28 months and that was it. She knows when she has to go. She has several pairs of "big girl" panties, potty training books and dvds. She joins me when I need to use the bathroom but refuses to sit on her potty. She prefers to wait until I am done to give me exuberant praise for my efforts "Good Job Mommy! You went on the potty!" My response is "Ok, now it is your turn." A short and sweet "Nope" is the response I get. I an effort to model the desired behavior we got a little potty for her dolls a couple of months ago. Today was the first time she used it....for her dolls.. While she was helping her "Baby Jocelyn" cabbage patch kid go potty and praising her for doing a good job. I asked her if she was going to go next. And I got a shocking response....."Ah NOPE!"
Really?
M&M's do not hold any incentive- honestly, that is how we get her to eat her dinner- judge not....
I tried to "pay" her to go after she discovered her piggy bank and how much she liked putting money in it. A dime for #1 and a quarter for #2. She waited patiently with the bank and coins in front of her, after 20 minutes....NOTHIN' but she still wanted the coins. I had to refuse to give them to her. So that failed.
Future attempts will include a potty flushing piggy bank that actually flushing the coins into the bank when you put them in. The 'let them soil themselves" method- put her panties on her and see how she responds to the discomfort. This of course needs to be done on a nice day when we can play outside the ENTIRE day.
And finally, I recently learned how I was potty trained. My mom and older sister would put our potties in front of the tv and we would sit there until we did our business. I guess we finally took care of things in the bathroom because I no longer need to go in the living room. Now that is something to be grateful for!
So the potty training tale continues....

Do over....

2011-05-19T14:02:00.003-04:00

Ok, so blogging is not something I am good at but it is something I want to get better at. So it goes on the LIST. I think it is valuable to add because it becomes like a history or a journal. So, I'm back for a "do over".....Now does that mean I will post daily? Not likely....More than once a year? Very likely :) Things to look forward to: a possible name change to the blog, pics of latest projects, opinions on things that happen to me and OF COURSE, pics of the 2 people that make me the happiest person I have ever been! So, stay tuned....

Greatest year

2009-08-20T18:12:00.017-04:00

Tank you Easer Bunny!

2009-04-13T20:59:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when...

2009-04-05T21:36:00.004-04:00

you leave a crawler alone while you get a bottle....

So big!

2009-03-16T19:01:00.025-04:00

Sorry it has been so long between posts. I put a lot on Facebook. Here are some pics and videos of the every changing and growing little princess! Every facet of our lives has changed and we love every minute of it!

1st Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T15:22:00.004-05:00

Here are pics from our first Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving book and cute outift c/o Great Auntie Susan.

Sorry to those seeing these pics on Facebook too. Some how I linked facebook to the blog updates but most of the family checking the blog is not on facebook. So I do both but I really don't need a reason to post tons of pictures of her and gush.

He is making a list....

2008-11-26T08:16:00.002-05:00

And this little one is defintely on the "Nice" List

Our new winter hat

2008-11-19T20:44:00.001-05:00

Latest Adventures

2008-11-19T20:25:00.008-05:00

We traveled to Cape Cod about 10 days ago. It was a trip of milestones for our Sweetie.

It was her first long car trip.

She slept in a big girl crib for the first time.

AND she found her thumb for the first time- I think Great Auntie Susan might have taught her this :)

Tickle Monster

2008-11-19T19:52:00.003-05:00

Playing with toys

2008-11-03T17:21:00.003-05:00

Jocelyn is showing more interest in her toys and playing.

Hot Stuff!

2008-11-03T17:18:00.002-05:00

Jocelyn's Halloween costume was a chili pepper.

Blessing Dress

2008-10-19T20:11:00.007-04:00

Here is a picture of Jocelyn's blessing dress and Grandma Liz made her a special crochet blanket.

The dress came with a bonnet, she didn't wear it for the blessing, she was not willing.

Finding our hands

2008-10-19T20:04:00.001-04:00

Jocelyn has begun to discover her hands...

And will probably suck her thumb :(

Happy Baby

2008-10-06T20:54:00.006-04:00

Just some pictures of a cute, happy baby!

Her first rolls....

2008-10-06T20:32:00.006-04:00

Jocelyn is getting so big, she has little rolls now! She weighs almost 11 pounds. Do you just love it when they get chubby legs!

Daddy's Little Girl

2008-10-06T20:32:00.004-04:00

Jocelyn's Blessing

2008-10-06T20:20:00.007-04:00

In our church, we bless new babies and give them their "official name". It is similar to a christening. We blessed Jocelyn on September 21. Joe's family was able to join us for the special event. Aunt Susan and Grandpa made the trip down from Cape Cod. It was very special that we could all be together for the occasion.

Hilarious!

2008-10-01T14:44:00.005-04:00

I know it is wrong to laugh at people falling but this is too funny!

Our baby is 1!

2008-09-07T20:17:00.003-04:00

1 Month old! I can't believe it. We had the fam over for cake to celebrate her big one month birthday on Friday. Jocelyn was really excited about her first cake!

Week in Review

2008-08-31T20:01:00.006-04:00

Sunday- Grandma came home from Cape Cod and held Jocelyn for 2 hours

Monday- Jocelyn lost her umbilical cord

Tuesday- Jocelyn had her first bath tub bath

Wednesday- Happy Birthday Grandma! Grandpa came home from Cape Cod.

Thursday/ Friday- tear ducts clogged- remedy- a drop of breast milk- cleared them right up!

Saturday- Jocelyn is going bald!

Eeks, it has been a week..

2008-08-21T20:43:00.005-04:00

Since we last posted. We had another doctor's appointment today. She is still doing wonderfully. Jocelyn now weighs 7 pounds 15 ounces and is 20 inches long. I can't believe how much she has grown and changed already. Here are a few pics for her adoring fans....

Oy Vey! What are you doing to me?

2008-08-14T11:06:00.006-04:00

At somepoint in my life someone told me that when I have a baby to track thier growth by taking photos if them next to a stuffed animal. I can't remember what day it is but I remembered this.

Let's just say it took a few times to get a good picture. And I'm not sure she liked it....

So BIG!

2008-08-14T10:58:00.005-04:00

I missed posting on Tuesday- my sweetie's 1 week birthday. We had a very busy day and I didn't get to it. So I thought I would post on our first doctor's appointment. My baby is PERFECT! According to the doctor- btw- I love this doctor! She is healthy and strong and gaining weight nicely. She now weighs 7 pounds 6 ounces. I'm not sure how much she lost in the hospital, but if the doctor is pleased, I'm pleased.

Look at this cute little double chin!

YES! We had a baby!

2008-08-10T21:19:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week, we had our sweet little Jocelyn Roxa. She arrived weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. All the doctors and nurses called her "fiesty". Wonder where she gets that! Life doesn't get any better than this, well maybe with a little more sleep :)

She is a very happy baby- eats and sleeps well.

I hope to get more pictures and maybe even video up in the next couple of days. It is time for a feeding and then perhaps a nap for the evening.

Thank you for all your prayers, love and support.

Mommy and daddy are the happiest people on earth!

Priorities, priorities...

2008-08-02T13:40:00.004-04:00

What do you do first when you doctor tells you to start walking to induce labor....

Get a pedicure and manicure in baby pink of course!

Then start walking!

Hopefully our little one will be here this weekend! We'll keep everyone posted!

BTW- Joe's pink eye is all gone, so he gets all the glory of being in the labor room with me :)

Joe felt left out...

2008-07-29T16:00:00.004-04:00

With all the "pink" coming to the house, Joe felt like he wanted to be more involved, so...

He found a little pink eye! Not sure how or where, but it developed suddenly last night, went to the emergency room to rule out a cornia scratch (after doing some yard work earlier in the day) and headed home with antibiotic drops. We hope he is better before the baby comes otherwise, I'm in the market for a labor coach...highest bidder gets the prize! His eye looks ALOT better today, and he gave me permission to post this.

Ode to my triathlete....

2008-07-27T18:13:00.012-04:00

Joe finished his first Olympic triathlon today- 1 mile swim, 23 mile bike ride and a 10K run. A few photos of the big event.

I missed him going into and coming out of the lake, but we caught him transitioning to the bike.

Then from the bike to running....

Towards the finish line...

And at the very end....

Official Time- 2 hours, 46 minutes, 51 seconds- 2:46:51

I'm VERY proud of him. Now the baby can come :) .....

A few friends who did the sprint triathlon.

Kudos to everyone for all the hardwork- you should be proud!

(L-R) Matt, Phil, Joe and Mark- not pictured- Cary and Christanne

I don't like Braxton

2008-07-25T13:39:00.003-04:00

Or Hicks for that matter! I can see the need for Braxton-Hicks contractions- so you are prepared for the intensity of the real thing but SEIROUSLY! couldn't they help move things along since they happen anyway! Can you tell I'm getting to the "let's get this show on the road" phase! I'm also entering the phase of "I can't wait to meet you, baby". I think this is normal, at least I hope.

BTW- our little lady is still moving a lot and a good size, not too big. The docs are very happy that I have been able to keep my blood sugars under control, therefore keeping her weight under control.

Does this baby make me look fat?

2008-07-23T14:07:00.004-04:00

Being pregnant opens a whole new world of retail experiences. This was my favorite t-shirt-

Does this baby make me look fat? And with that, a long awaited picture of the "bump"!

PS- no need to answer that question, I already know!

Wii wants to play

2008-07-22T20:50:00.002-04:00

So today was a fun day- we bought the allusive Wii. I think Joe is a little bored since we are not venturing to the beach much this summer, plus the heat wave is a little to much for me handle. Joe is testing the Wii out now. Baseball and tennis were not so much fun, and I think we are on the 6th swing at golf. Does each swing count as a stroke? I think he is trying to incease his handicap. Ok, now boxing and for a man I consider to be very non-violent, he is really enjoying the KO. Do all grown man jump and down when playing the Wii? I guess you really get into it. Hmm, maybe this will be a good way to go into labor.....

Opps, I did it again!

2008-07-22T20:38:00.005-04:00

For those of you who know the ins and outs of my little brother's crimial history, here is yet another entry in the books and the latest on where he is.
I just found out that in late June he was charged again with a felony crime (theft) and is back in jail after a brief yet hopeful attempt in a rehabilitation/ half-way house. He decided to repay the good people trying to help him get back on his feet by steeling from the charity organization he was doing a service project for. I make light of this situation because it is the only way I know how to handle it. It seems his MO is to commit a crime just days before his release. He had less than a week to complete the program at the half way house. On a positive note, he is fed 3 times a day and has a roof over his head. This has not always been the case for my wayward little buddy. At least he used the clippers I sent him to cut his hair before his photo op.
http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/page/content.detail/id/507320.html?nav=5005

Do I need a camcorder?

2008-07-07T19:07:00.003-04:00

As we prepare for the baby's arrival, we have lists of things to do and things to get.
One of them is a camcorder. Tell me- do you have one? Do you use it? How often? Will I regret not having one, if we don't get one? Can you suggest a brand/ model?

What to do...

2008-07-04T21:40:00.003-04:00

So yesterday was my last day of work until January 5, 2009. Yes, taking some time off to be with the baby. So what do I do now? Everyone at work was asking me if I was "ready" for the baby to come. Honestly, I'm not- in so many ways! No, the nursery is not ready- it is painted but we still need to buy most of the furniture, wash all her clothes, set-up the bassinet, get things organized and write 60+ thank you cards. And then there is this little matter of labor. Let's just say, I'm a LITTLE scared. BUT I'm trying to learn a technique called HypnoBirthing to help me get through it. I know woman do this everyday, but let's face it, we are talking about me! Wish me luck!
BTW- Happy 4th of July!

I'm Sorry...

2008-06-23T19:21:00.000-04:00

So, I didn't really think about the "comments" section of the blog. I have made comments on friends' blogs but I guess that I've lost quite a few brain cells to pregnancy. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post again. I'm still learning this blog thing but I will try to post more often and make them interesting.

It was very exciting to get posts from people I haven't talked to in a while. I could really get into this!

Any tips on making it more interesting are welcome and much appreciated. BTW- how do I put links to other people's blog on mine?

OMGOSH!

2008-06-23T12:21:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I created this blog in January and didn't really "launch" it, so I didn't think people knew it existed. Well, much to my dismay, it was found. I was heckled last week for not posting in so long.

So here is the latest- pregnancy has been- let's say- eventful for me. We are having a girl! So excited, everything is so pink! My favorite color- perfect for me. Not that I wouldn't have loved a little boy just as much. I have developed gestational diabetes. I have to test my blood sugars 4 times a day and watch every carb- good and bad- I eat. If I want a "bad" carb like a cookie, I need to exercise right after to manage to glucose. If my hormones change and I can't manage the glucose, then I will have to take insulin injections. And we all know just how happy that will make me! So, I take in the minimal amount of carbs that I can- I also have to test to make sure I get enough carbs- so don't worry- I get carbs- mostly good ones. With the gestational diabetes, I am now high-risk and have to see a doctor, not a mid-wife. And GD, makes them want to induce labor early. SO- new due date- induction begins on Aug. 4- she should arrive Aug. 5. I have also been having sciatica pain and a pinched nerve since February.

Overall, pregnancy has been ok to me, everything could be worse. I could be on bed rest- I'm glad I'm not- I might go crazy. I'm doing well, I'm trying to embrace every step. I have to say my favorite part is feeling her move. At times it is a little shocking because the movements can be so dramatic. But it is amazing!

My last day of work will be July 2 or 3.

We have been preparing for the babies arrival- it is very exciting. I am overwhelmed at how generous everyone has been. My mother-in-law threw a shower, great friends threw shower and my co-workers through a shower. So there is very little left for us to get. We now just have to put it all together and get the nursery ready. It is so much fun!

I have to figure out how to post pictures. This is all very new to me. I have picture of the 30 week ultrasound and pictures I have taken along the way of my ever growing tummy!

Yes, it is true!

2008-01-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here is my new blog to follow my pregnancy. Yes, I'm pregnant and we are so excited. I'm 12 weeks. Due August 10. I know it is going to be so hot. I'm feeling a lot better. I had some terrible morning sickness all day long but I think I'm on the mend. I get waves of nausea instead of constant nausea. It is hard to wrap your head around the fact that being so sick means that the pregnancy is going well. I'm still very tired, ALL the time, but you take the good with the bad. I'm hypoglycemic so I have to eat all the time. It is good and bad. I already have a few cravings- pickles (yes- it is true), lemon popsicles, and lemon candy. The sour seems to really help with the nausea. I'm so over mashed potatoes.
We honestly don't care if it is a boy or a girl, we just want it to be healthy. I think it is a boy but that is my hunch.