Easter Weekend

I have no specific purpose to this blog today, just felt like blogging!

This past weekend was Easter and I had a lovely time! My inlaws came out for the weekend which was wonderful - I have been suffering from this sciatic pain on and off and this past week has definetly been one of being -on- so having Logan entertained by gma and gpa was awesome. Logan interestingly enough has an extreme attachment to his Grandpa Bly. Don't get me wrong, he loves his Grandma Bly also but if gpa walked out of the room without expressing where he was going or that he would 'be right back' Logan had a mini meltdown. (welcome to my world lol) Of course who doesn't love being loved by small children so i'm sure gpa was thrilled about it! He's one of the only men that Logan has really taken to to be honest - he loves his daddy but the issues we had when Logan was a baby with Michael and him are still present alot of the time. My mom pointed out the interesting fact that Michael is soooo much like his own mother and that it's interesting that Logan has a strong attachment to Gpa Bly and not Gma (who Michael is ridiculously similar to lol)..because as far as MY parents go my mom is the one that Logan is attached to. ...not that there's any logistics behind my last few statements but it's just an interesting thought process I think.

Easter was good though! We don't stress the 'easter bunny' concept, we just said things like 'its Easter!' and such as I find the Easter bunny cute but not at all linkable to the real purpose behind Easter (unlike Santa who can be linked to Christmas in such a way of giving, etc). We hid plastic eggs on Saturday morning filled with either money or some Reeses Pieces hard candy. He was reeeally fun to watch find and shake and open all 12 of his eggs - then he had to feed his piggy bank in between feeding himself lol.

Lastly, the weekend before Easter I was "asked" (meaning I was volunteered) to play a song in the Easter Fireside up at the church (makes me nervous even remembering it as I get stage fright). At first the plan was to just sing all the verses of a particular song, which to me seemed boring and out of place at a musical fireside, so I 'fancied' it up a little bit just to make it slightly more unique. The reason I don't get involved in certain things (like this) is that I have a tendancy to take things personally and then hold a grudge afterwards if it doesn't go the way I envisioned. Yes that's not necessarily the right attitude and I eventually just let it go (sometimes very quickly even) but it's just how I am - so it wasn't any different this time, small unimportant things like who was assigned to sing what, etc was changed by the girls singing and of course that being the case I was a wee bit ticked off. Otherwise! the fireside was beautiful but it was definetly a reminder as to why I don't participate in them all the time - at least in a 'leader' roll - sure i'll be a part of it just let someone else be the boss :) lol

Maternity Clothes

I went to this store in town today called 'great things in store', it's a new and used store that features children and women's clothing, and of course toys, and then whatever donated items they may get in.

Well what a good time I had in there today! lol I went in looking for a skirt and came out with 2 shirts, jean capris and a sweater (all maternity clothing of course). It wasn't a 'steal of a deal' - all of that cost $49.50 - but considering how much maternity clothes actually cost (all of these items are Thyme brand) I am happy with my purchase. Now I am just waiting for May 1st because I have a 'buy $100, save $50' coupon for Thyme Maternity, except you can only use it from May 1-15.

Anyways, new clothes have a nice way of making a person (especially me) feel better about themself, so it was $50 well spent.

ALSO, on Friday my mom has some bags of mat clothes for me to go through that a friend is lending me. I have my fingers crossed our tastes are similar and our sizes are similar!

This and That

1. Logan has been sleeping phenominally! I am so impressed. His sleep routine is one that has him in bed by 8pm (waking at approx 7:30am with the occasional night where he wakes up briefly in the middle somewhere), and he naps almost like clockwork from 12-2:00. This past few days I have allowed him to sleep longer as he has been suffering from congestion and he's still kept on schedule which has made me happy!

2. My anatomy class is an online class and I have 20 mini tests. I did the first two tests and scored 94% and an 82%. Its an open book style testing system but I did the tests first and then checked my answers and am confident I would have had a good score without the open book availability (a pass is 75%). I am really enjoying everything about the course so that's a bonus! My plan is to try and have at least 10 chapters read and test complete before baby arrives. I have 1 year to finish this course and 1 year to finish the Bowen specific anatomy course (which is a 3rd of the material in 'length') so i'm well on my way!

3. This pregnancy is so difficult on my\e emotionally in many different ways. I joke that it's got to be a girl because our 'hormones' aren't melding well ;) but I also am guessing it's a girl because there's not a thing the same about this pregnancy in the least then the last - either way (boy or girl) i'll be happy! But, the hardest part of this pregnancy is that I feel so -unattractive-. It does not help when people say 'oh you look just great' because I don't feel it and that's not something anyone can make better for me, it's just going to be this way until the baby is born and I can start working on my body again. It also doesn't help (in fact it irritates me beyond all belief) when people say 'you're pregnanct, you're supposed to gain weight' - so if any of my blog readers say that, off with your head! lol. But the unattractivness is different this pregnancy from last.. I had an exceptionally lucky pregnancy with Logan where I only gained 20 lbs and i'm almost there already and just BARELY past the the half way mark, so you can imagine the struggles that brings someone who has had a lifelong weight problem. sigh. Anyways, worldly things like new clothes give me short term (sometimes long term) happiness lol so in May I have a great coupon for Thyme Maternity and i'm going to get some stuff that actually fits at that point!

4. I think that's all but I thought i'd label this #4 anyways lol. Life is great otherwise! (I should mention in relation to point #3 it's not -all- the time, it just flares up occasionally - especially after moments of indulgence on food that I wouldn't usually eat. So at least 50%of the time it's a struggle.

5. We are going to the temple this coming Saturday. I had a long time struggle with the temple after we got married - I stayed clear of it for 2 years because long story (not appropriate for my blog or anyones ears or that matter but mine and michael's) I just didn't enjoy my first time through. This is a common feeling for alot of first-timers but I needed time to get over it. Now I am making an attempt after some humbling experiences and prayer to go more regularly and I have a new spirit about it :) I have a new found love for the blessings that the temple brings and am grateful to be allowed a part of it.
PS. Calgary temple should be done end of next year I hear! Woohoo! That's 20 mins away from us :D

20 weeks & counting

Well it's time to publicly announce my pregnancy :) I made it to the half way point and though many people know i'm pregnant I wanted to avoid facebook and blog announcing it until at least half way because I really get annoyed (sometimes) when I'm asked constantly how i'm feeling and when am I due, etc. This just gets half the time out of the way and before we all know it baby Bly #2 will be here!

To answer your questions though:
1. I feel great...now! lol. 1st trimester I was nautious and dizzy the entire 12 weeks (no throwing up though thank goodness), and I just felt icky. 2nd trimester (14 weeks) sciatic pain started and still continues to be but is bareable. Weight gain is at 15lbs, all put on in the 1st trimester, but once 13 weeks hit I haven't gained any since so I feel MUCH better about myself. :)
2. This pregnancy is 100% nothing like Logan's pregnancy. In fact I tell people the only similarity is that there is a baby in my stomach.
3. I am due Aug 28th
4. Did we find out the sex of the baby? Surely did NOT :) we love the surprise!

Now the ultrasound: it was reeeally wonderful! I was very blessed to have a student working on me so since this u/s place comes equipped with a screen for us to watch while they work I got to see my baby for an hour and 20 minutes 'perform' before our eyes - and having a student they were discussing and explaining things the entire time and telling me what we were looking at, etc. (we left Logan at a sitter which was a blessing - thanks so much Tanya!!). Also they gave us the disc for free with 27 AMAZING photos on it! I was so excited. My highlights of the actual u/s is that they paused at the hands to watch it open and close, open and close - and just watching the hands was so cool - and while focusing on the hands they were at his/her face and the little profile on the screen opened and closed his/her mouth veyr distinctly. I was extremely happy with the u/s all around. Side note: I know that my body doesn't need the full amount of water that they require so I only ever drink a 500mL bottle of water before I go and they actually had me go and empty my bladder (2 cups each time) FOUR times lol..

Anyways, I am very happy and excited and suddenly everything feels that much more real!

19 weeks 4 days pregnant

Logan's first 'official' tantrum

About an hour ago (11ish) we came inside from a walk and time at the park and Logan did not want to come inside but it was definetly time as it was coming close to nap time, etc. Well he started to scream and wouldn't let me close the door (of course he wanted it WIDE open - and actually just wanted to go back outside but he also wanted the snack he was being offered as well). I brought him in and closed the door and he screamed some more, and so I took off his boots (so he wouldn't dirty up my floors) and his hat, which threw him into an even bigger fit. After that I let him be to scream for awhile, then came back to attempt calming him, then took off his coat and mits (which threw him into an even BIGGER fit). When I came back to him about 5-10 mins later he was crying on the floor in the entry way and had pulled off every shoe and every winter item we have in the 'boot room' section of the entry way. lol, so I picked him up and we went to bed (he was just beyond exhausted from screaming). He fell asleep almost instantly.

Now, I should explain how I handle tantrums. When I say this is his first 'official' tantrum, I say it like that because he has had mini tantrums when he hasn't gotten his way and will scream and kick, etc but will just get over it within 5 mins. This time he probably screamed for 20-25 minutes and actually -messed- something up (the bootroom). So, I am a firm believer of allowing children an opportunity to express themselves - why should we suppress feelings of anger or frusteration? Usually I will say to him things like, "you can scream and be angry all you want, but you aren't going to get a <blank>" or "if you're angry this is the time to be angry, but mommy will not speak with you until you are settled down. Come find me when you're ready to talk" - and things like that.

Let me tell you, this isn't always easy to follow through with. I would say about 70-80% of the time I can allow him to just be upset and angry (sometimes he has to be upset and angry in time out depending on the situation), but the other 20-30% he catches me in a moment that I get upset and angry back at him. Thankfully I am able to apologize if that happens and we hug and I express my love for him and ask his forgiveness (also a principal I am hoping to teach him by example), but as all mothers I am only human and we all lose our cool sometimes. It's interesting though as I can see the specific instances forming a pattern when I do catch myself yelling back, so I am hoping to start catching myself before I get upset and work on my patience.

Anyways, first official tantrum: we survived! Woohoo! Here's to hundreds more! LOL (hopefully not..)

General Conference April 2011

For those of you who do not know, twice a year the General Authorities (including our beloved Prophet: Thomas S. Monson) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints put on a world-wide conference over two days time - in this time we are taught and guided with many inspiring talks. I take notes to help me stay focused and these are some of the highlights that I took note of:

Saturday Morning Session
1. We have another Canadian Temple being built in Winnipeg Manitoba :D
2. L. Tom Perry shared about keeping the Sabbath day holy and specifically I took note of the suggestion to dress modestly and appropriately all day long - he said we don't have to wear our Sunday best, but I have made a committment to not wear pj pants and a tshirt after getting home - and to pick something a little more formal than that.
3. L. Tom Perry (one of the 12 apostles) said that 'Christ should be the centerpiece of our lives' and it made me think of some artistic ways to make that a physical ornament for my home - I am going to look at maybe making a centerpiece that might portray the Savior in it.
4. Jean Stevens (1st counsellor of Primary Presidency) reminded us to be as little children 'submissive, meek, humble, patient and full of love'. We should -behold- our children.
5. Walter Gonzolez (of the seventy) talked about missionary work. He shared a particular story about a young man that was to go on a mission and in his country he was told if he went his family could suffer but he went anyways, and his mother wrote him and told him to stay out longer because they were receiving soooo many blessings for his faith and obedience to serve a mission. (lol). Also he said that any person can feel and know the gospel is true - we should always share our feelings and knowledge with others.
6. Temple covenants can strengthen marriages. <--this really inspired me to try and attend more often. I am so very excited the Calgary temple will be 20 mins from where I live now. When we are struggling as a couple we will have the power of the temple so close.
7. Kent Richards (of the seventy) - spoke on trials (one of many talks on trials). No pain or trial we have is without purpose, in fact it is for our education and part of the plan of happiness. This talk made me think about my grandfather and how I hope he is one of the angels/spirits around me when I am struggling.
8. Quentin L. Cook (one of the 12 apostles) - He spoke about the Relief Society and Priesthood and church callings, and marriages and how we are equals as human beings and all have responsibilities (whether some are different than others or not) and can excel at what we are assigned to do. He really focused on the importance of women (I almost felt this talk was for those who feel that it's 'unfair' that women can't hold the Priesthood). He also spoke about something that humbled me as I can be judgemental on this topic. He said 1. no women should ever feel the need to apologize or feel less about herself for raising her children at home. and 2. we should be careful and non-judgemental towards those working mothers as their circumstances are different than yours and their situations are personal. <--I have vowed from this point to try and be less judging and more understanding.
9. Henry B Eyring (1st counsellor of the 1st Presidency) - "A person cannot give a crust to theLord without receiving a loaf in return" <--speaking about service. The Lord was a perfect example of someone who dedicated themselves to service and we should try and serve others more. When we helps others we are helping ourselves - if we serve someone often our own problems just disappear or seem less important.

Saturday Afternoon Session (I only caught the last talk)
M. Russell Ballard (member of the 12 apostles) - we need to stirve to keep our lives -simple- as often we get bogged down with too much focus on wordly things. He also spoke about charity. One specific comment went something like this: when charity exists, there is no place for gossip or unkind words. We need to serive at home, in our communities and at church. "Kindness is an essence of greatness".

Sunday Morning Session
1. Deiter F. Uchtdorf - Compared our testimonies to waiting on the road to damascus. Often we are waiting for that grand miracle to prove to us that God exists. Also compared our testimonies to a puzzle - it comes to us piece by piece and as we get the pieces put together we then start to recognize the greater and grander picture. I also made note of the comment about who we have to study out and ask questions first before jumping to prayer.
Challenge: When asked about how our weekends are, make a note of mentioning church and/or a spiritual experience or something we learned - it's an important part of our lives, and those who love us and those we love have a right to hear about it.
2. Paul Johnson (of the seventy) - "The only way to see the view is to make the climb"
3. H. David Burson (presiding bishop) - provident living and the welfare program. "helping people help themselves" was his focus.
4. David A. Bednar (member of 12 apostles) - I loved his metaphor about light. He talked about how there's the kind of light we walk into a room and flick the switch and have instant light, and then there's the kind of light when the sun comes up:subtle and gradual. He then related this to receiving revelation - sometimes it's instant, sometimes it's subtle and we have to know how to hear and recognize it. He also furthered the sunrising analogy to include that sometimes it's overcase or foggy out but we still have enough light to konw it is day.
5. President Monson talked about temples - Logan was cranky and ready to have our undivided attention so I didn't get to hear -everything- but it was a lovely talk about how important temple worship is. His one challenge that related to me was to be sure every room as a picture of the temple in it.

Sunday Afternoon Session
1. Richard G. Scott (one of the 12 apostles)- shared a lovely story about his wife (now gone) who had suprised him with random notes through their marriage, and he did on occasion as well, and when she passed on he found all the notes safely kept among her cherished possessions. I learned also from this talk that if I have a wilingness to give and share and serve the arguments and criticizing moments in my home will lessen each day. "Mothers have divine instincts" <--brought me much comfort. I also am going to take as a challenge when he said that his wife in her morning prayers would pray to have someone be led to her that she could help.
2. Todd Christoffersen (one of the 12 apostles)- compared us to gardeners. We garden and shape our gardens/crops (sometimes involving cutting things down to size), and he compared this to Christ being able to help shape us as our gardener. He also made comments that it is our duty to correct and chasten our children - if we do nothing when we can teach or correct it is a strike against us (plainly put).
3. Carl B Pratt (of the seventy) - spoke about tithing. I really really enjoyed the part about him saying the Lord does NOT bless us with money but rather other life lessons or blessings. Challenge: to take those times when I feel i'm being blessed with money and find the spiritual blessing attached with it (like the wisdom in saving or the obedience of paying tithing).
4. Lynn G Robbins (of seventy) - "we often make to-do lists, but why not a make a 'to be' list". Also talked about disciplining our children is important in the right manner - with patience and love, not anger. (D&C 121). Also said that challenging children (specifically mentioned behaviours) should be viewed as a blessing rather than a problem - they are here to strengthen different attributes in our own character. And he really expressed that we should praise our children for their character traits over their worldy accomplishments, which is somethign I am going to also try and do (so many challenges this conference!).

That's all I really got out of Sunday afternoon because Logan was awake and distracting :) But that's okay! I listened best I could and feel like I came out of this weekend with some great reminders and lessons - can't wait now until October! I love the spirit conference brings into my life, and when the Ensign comes out I am going to try really hard to put the challenge to read and study the words on paper that Pres. Monson gave us.

Movie "Life As We Know It"

I rented this movie this week and have been meaning to write a small blog about it. Aside from it dragging out a good 20-30 mins too long, it's just one of those 'make ya think' kind of movies. The jist of this movie is that this man and women (who don't particularly even like each other) are best friends with this one couple. Well the couple had a baby girl and just shortly after her 1st birthday the couple is killed in a car accident and in their will they left their baby girl to the man and women. Over the course of the movie they figure out ways to make it work, etc and of course per Hollywood they fall in love and are a 'happy family' in the end.

This movie got me to thinking - it had alot of tear-jerker moments and of course when you have children (or even not) you have of course thought of the worst case scenario of something happening to you both - what happens to your child(ren)? They reeally captured the heart wrenching reality of this concept. I don't have a specific person(s) in mind that I would leave Logan to, or my future children, but I suppose I have criteria (like I would want him/them raised in an active LDS home and I would like to see him/them raised in a home with a full time stay-at-home mother). Those two things are probably my biggest criteria. At this point we have written in the back of my journal that should something happen to us we have the 'fate' of our kids resting in my mom's hands - should I have an official will: probably, but I don't so that will have to suffice for the time being.

Anyways, It was a really moving movie, and it wasn't a movie that really inspired me to rush out and get a will made or anything like that, but it just was one of those movies that made me start thinking.