1 of 104

Yesterday was one week out of 104 since Jesse left. It's been pretty easy, surprisingly. However, I keep wondering how he's doing and what it's like for him and just what's going through his mind. I would have to say that the one thing I really miss is being able to communicate with him. I've been patient and I just sent my first letter on Tuesday. So, it will probably be next week at some point that I receive my first letter and I guess I just want to hear from him!

Next week I go to the Nauvoo temple! I am looking forward to this new experience, then it's on to Nebraska for a few days! Then, home and preparations like crazy. Once Jesse left everything started setting in and reality came back. I guess when he's around I go into some fairy tale world or something...I now feel the stress of getting everything done and the reality of me leaving in January! It certainly is gonna be one incredible adventure :D

Done.

All done. One year of teaching, cleaning, playing, disciplining, learning, raising, and many other things is over. It's time to go home. Tomorrow the Clark's and I are exchanging gifts and going out to lunch. Then, Monday morning it's off to the airport and flying to St. Louis. It'll be nice to be home and I love the Christmas season.

I guess, since I'm done being a nanny I need a new blog title...once I leave for my mission it'll be something mission-y buuut.. I've still got a month... Any ideas?

Wow

I tried so hard not to cry in front of Jesse when I said goodbye. Unfortunately, I few tears slipped a couple minutes before I got inside...and once I got inside and shut the door..well yeah. I think that was harder than I imagined and one of the harder things I've had to do. He is truly my best friend and I couldn't help but to remember some of my favorite times with him.

The first time we met I told him 2 things straight up. 1. I'm going on a mission in a year. 2. I'm going to marry a chiropractor!! (Kinda joking, but that would be schaweet!)

The first time I REALLY got to hang out with Jesse was playing Walmart hide and seek. We hid by the potatoes and gave the other team the hint of "dirty". We sat there and talked. Then after the group found us and went off to hide, he told me to close my eyes, then walked over, grabbed a bouquet of tulips and presented them to me. That's when I knew he was cheesy.

On our first date we went bowling with a group. I didn't see it happen, but somehow he managed to step onto the lane, slip and land on his back. Averi had to pull him off the lane.

The first time he tried to kiss me I told him no. :) Our first kiss was at the top of Picachio Peak (it took us like 2 hours to get to the top, but it was BEAUTIFUL.

One night we were at the park with a bunch of people after park curfew, and had the cops called on us. The cops asked for our id's and made sure we were all 18 or older. Then told us to go home.

Another night we were at a different park after dark and the rest of our group left and he turned on some music and danced with me :)

One night, he took me on a date going back to a lot of the places we had our first memories. We went to Walmart and he had sent up a little scavenger hunt for me. We hiked part way up CG mountain. We went back to the park and danced. Then we did something different and played chess...or was it checkers? Either way, I won! :)

Those are just a few of my favorite memories. We have had so much fun. And of course, I have loved the nights where we lay under the stars, go for a walk, or just drive around and talk and talk and talk and talk. :) I can't wait to go home now and start getting ready to go on my mission! :) It'll be an exciting adventure and Jesse and I will get to know each other in a new way :)

I love Tuesdays :)

Tuesdays are my favorite. It's P-day for some of my missionary friends and I love to get and read their emails! :) They make me smile and get me excited to serve! Today Reggie Nichols emailed me. He flies to South Korea on Monday at 3 AM! CRAZY early. His mission is the mission that got attacked, but it's still open. I guess there isn't too much worry about it. Anyway, I love to hear him talk about the MTC. He's always so excited and upbeat. Anyway. There ya have it. Tuesdays ROCK! :D

I'M NOT AN EMOTIONAL PERSON!

Haha, guess I was wrong about that. I have never been one to cry easily. But the last few days all I have to do is think about what is gonna be happening this week. Jesse leaves Wednesday and I leave Monday. I haven't exactly cried, but eyes tear up and I almost cry.

Oh, let's not forget that it's my last week of work and my motivation is running low! I had no desire to get up for work today. Last week I started hitting the snooze button. This week I almost turned my alarm off completely. How do I keep my energy up and keep my mind off of the heartbreak I'm about to feel? :S


On a positive note, I get to go home and see my family for Christmas :) On the 28th we go to Nauvoo and go to the temple!!!!! Then we are going to Nebraska for New Year's! Time is moving quickly and the next thing I know, I'm gonna be in the MTC getting ready to go to Minnesota! :) All I've got to do is get through this week...

Miracles and Reminders :)

Tonight was the last night of institute for the year. I've really appreciated Sister Dick and her effort in teaching. She's been a great teacher and I'm really going to miss her. I got to spend a good amount of time talking with her, President Anderson and Jesse. It's amazing how much the people here mean to me. After the activity Jesse and I got into the car so I could take him home. I was in the left turn lane, waiting for traffic to be clear when I realized that the truck turning left across traffic was coming straight at me. Right as this was registering they suddenly swerved out of the way. I don't really know what was going on with them or why they thought they could turn directly into a car but I had to stop and breathe. Even though I don't know what circumstances brought on the near collision I know that the Lord is watching out for me. This is the 3rd auto accident I have been miraculously saved from. It was a simple reminder that the Lord loves me and is watching out for me. :)

Smiling!

Jesse just left my house. We've spent the last 1 1/2 hours reminiscing and just talking. Some of the memories we have are just SO funny. I've been smiling all evening. It's been one incredible year. I'm excited for Jesse to leave for his mission in 9 days...but I'm not saying it's gonna be easy. It'll be an adjustment, seeing as how we at least talk everyday, if not see each other everyday. Tonight was good :)

The 15th will be the start of Jesse's 2 year adventure. The 20th I fly home, it will be a busy month and a half before I go to the MTC. And that starts the beginning of my 1 1/2 year adventure! Crazy how quick life goes :)

Missionaries

Marcus leaves tomorrow for the MTC. He is headed to Chile!! He is gonna be such an awesome missionary!
Jesse leaves December 15th and is headed to Hawaii!!
I report to the MTC on January 26th and I'm headed to Minnesota!

We have been in mission prep together all year, we are sort of like the 3 amigos, but we are the 3 missionaries off to save the world!...sort of ;)

Reflections

It has been a long, weird, incredible, amazing, hard, short, frustrating, and maturing year. There have been sooo many ups and downs, so many adventures, experiences, disappointments etc. and it's hitting me that I only have a few short weeks left before my whole world changes.

I have never had such an emotionally challenging, tough, frustrating but completely reward job in my life and I can't imagine what it will be like when I'm actually a mother. When I came to Arizona, Wesley could hardly speak. If you ask him about his trip to the zoo the days after he went around Halloween he would start telling you: I picked up a duck from the bucket (a rubber duck) and it had a number on it and then the man asked me "What sound does a sheep make?" and I said "baaa" then I chose stickers. He has learned so much and grown so much and looking over the past year I am almost brought to tears at how much he has learned from me. But, more than that--how much I have learned and how much I have grown. It has been a challenging situation and job but I know that it has helped me prepare for the future.

I don't know if any of this even makes sense, but I just can't help but reflect on how much my move to Arizona has affected me. Not only has Wesley had a huge effect on my life, but my branch presidency, my stake president, the members of my branch, and let's not forget Jesse and his family. My branch president has become like a father to me--him and his 1st counselor. I can't even express my love and gratitude for them. Jesse's family has been SO good. They have let me come into their home and spend family nights, or nights that I needed out of the house or just a place to feel comfortable. They have felt like a family away from my family. They were kind enough to include me in their Thanksgiving dinner and it was SO nice to be included and feel like a part of a family for Thanksgiving. :) Even if they don't know it, they have given me strength to make it through this year.

Of course, last is Jesse. If it hadn't been for Jesse this year would have been SO different. Let me tell you about the first night Jesse and I met:

I was at institute and hurting and alone because Curtis had just broken up with me. I felt so out of place and no one seemed to want to talk to me. I texted Pama and said "I think I'm gonna go home. I feel out of place and no one is talking to me." She responded and told me to talk to someone but I was being shy. Just moments before I was about to walk out the door Jesse came up to me and introduced himself. We began talking and hit it off really well. A few months after we met I mentioned how I almost left and he told me that he had received a strong feeling that he needed to come talk to me, and that he'd been scared to talk to me. We are both grateful that he followed that prompting.

If that had not happened I'm not sure I would have gone back to institute and who knows what would have happened if I wouldn't kept going to institute and gotten to know my institute teacher, Sister Dick and the other students. I'm not even sure I'd still be going on a mission if Jesse hadn't come along and strengthened me throughout this year. He was always there when I needed a boost of strength and optimism. Without him, this year would have been a lot different and I'm grateful that the Lord brought him into my life, regardless of what happens after our missions. I've learned so much with him and we have had the most amazing and priceless friendship.

I can't accurately express my feelings about these people who have been in my life but my emotions are strong and Arizona has been my first REAL home since I left Auburn, Nebraska. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to come down here and meet new people and have new and strengthening experiences. :)

(If you made it to the end, I'm extremely impressed! Sometimes I just need to put my thoughts and feelings into words, even if no one reads them.)

11 Things People Should Know About Me

1) I HATE being late.

2) I hate it when meetings are unorganized.

3) I often give looks without meaning to and they convey the wrong message...so if you are getting a cold look from me, don't take offense, I'm probably off in space thinking about something completely random.

4) I'm not shy, but I only open up to people who seem interested. If I don't feel like you care to listen, I just choose not to talk.

5) I'm a Mormon.

6) I love my family and friends and will stick by their sides through thick and thin.

7) I LOVE chocolate and ice cream.

8) I'm stubborn and will argue my point--that's why I did persuasive speaking in high school.

9) Just because I don't talk to you doesn't mean I don't like you.

10) I love to play the piano to relieve stress.

11) I like to be self dependent. I hate having to rely on others to get me to where I'm going or get me what I need. In most situations I'd rather walk than ask for a ride.

I'M GOING TO.....

Minnesota Minneapolis Mission
English Speaking
Report to MTC on January 26th, 2011

Mission Call!

Tonight, I will be opening my mission call!! It arrived Saturday, but the Clark's didn't gather the mail until Sunday evening. So, I just found out! My mission call is going to be brought to the airport, and I will open it before driving home. So, maybe tomorrow I'll post where I'm going...I'm soooo excited!

NE, AZ, Mission, Jesse

Once again I have found myself back in Nebraska. It certainly has been a trip down memory lane and it has definitely become a piece of my past! I know, or maybe I should say talk to, almost no one here anymore. I have spent a long time thinking about things that have happened in various places, the people I've known, our relationships, the good times, the bad times. Just memories. It's awesome to look back over my life and see how each experience shaped me and prepared me for where I am now.

My stay in Arizona is coming to an end, so very quickly. I have about 6 1/2 to 7 weeks until I arrive home in Illinois. Which is 28-31 days of work left. I've recently been realizing how much I love Wesley and how hard it's going to be to just leave him to a new nanny. The Clark's were interviewing a girl the other night and I found myself wondering who she was, what she was like, what she looked like...just questions about her in general. I had to force myself to realize that it wasn't my choice and that the Clark's would choose whomever they felt would take the best care of Wesley. I love that little boy. I'm certain that the only way I could love a kid more is if they are my own...buuut we will leave that one to test out WAY later.

I'm still waiting for my mission call. If I haven't said it on here already, I knew from the beginning of this year that the Lord was gonna teach me patience, and He certainly is. It probably has something to do with me asking him to get it to me on Thursday instead of Friday so I didn't have to wait until Tuesday to open it. Haha, well, I guess I'm a slow learner.

It has been 2 days since I've talked to Jesse, 3 since I've seen him, and I miss him. Lots. I feel pathetic. Last night I was wondering how in the world I was going to make it 2 years...it seems like such a long time. This afternoon I was reading Preach My Gospel and read this quote from President Ezra Taft Benson:

I have often said one of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy. There will be no homesickness, no worrying about families, for all time and talents and interests are centered on the work of the ministry. Work, work, work--there is not satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work.

So, if I work work work and do my best, I'm certain the time will fly by :)It's still weird to think that I'm old enough to serve a mission. I used to think that the missionaries were old and mature...now I'm older than a lot of them :S haha, oh how time changes everything! <3

Halloween

Since everyone else is posting their Halloween pictures, I may as well post mine! Jesse and I dressed up as Wesley and Buttercup from Princess Bride. Some people could tell right away, others had to ask... I think Jesse pulled off the costume quite well...as for me...I was in a dress with blonde hair and a tiara. I definitely needed Jesse at my side to give the impression of who I was. The Halloween party we went to was enjoyable :) We started out Saturday morning with a service project making a path on Casa Grande mountain (I'm still a bit sore), then we showered and went up to the temple grounds with his brother and a couple friends. Then we came home and went to the party. It was a great day!



This is Jesse (Wesley) being attacked by an R.O.U.S.!


Wesley got to do several Halloween activities during the week and dressed up as a pirate, and a might cute one at that. When asked what a pirate said his response was "Arrr is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!" Then he would continue singing the song. He is so cute and funny singing that.

It's such a weird place to be...

I have probably made comments like this before, but it's SO weird to have sooo many of my friends getting engaged and married. In this past year:

+ Marianne and Ryan Jackson were married (my only friends from IL)
+ Erin and Samuel Randall were married
+ Pama and Derek Alder were married (Pama has been one of my best friends since we were like 14ish, and Derek served his mission in our ward and taught and baptized Justin)
+ 3 couples in my branch recently got engaged
+ 2 more of my friends are expecting engagements in the upcoming months
+ 2 of the 4 girls that were in my primary classes growing up are engaged (the other is about to serve a mission)
+ a few that I can't think of right now...

On the other hand, I also know several people about to, or are serving missions:
+ Torvald is in Norway
+ Reggie is in the MTC heading to Seoul Korea
+ Marcus will be going to the MTC soon to go to Chile
+ Jesse will be going to the MTC soon to go to Hawaii
+ Emily beu is in the MTC on her way to the Mesa Arizona Temple mission
+ Alex is in the MTC headed to Tuscon Arizona
+ Lindsey will be going to the MTC to go to Bolivia
+ I will be receiving my call in the next week :)

Anyway, it's just weird to know so many people heading down that path, when I'm heading down another one. When I come home there are gonna be babies and I doubt I'll have any single friends left! Weird. Yeah, anyway. Just some interesting thoughts.

TOMORROW!

Man, this is starting to kill me! My papers are IN Salt Lake. Tomorrow they could be assigned and I will know by tomorrow afternoon or evening. Time is going soo slow! If they assign my mission tomorrow, I should know where I'm going in the next week. Only downfall is that in a week from tomorrow, I will be in Nebraska. Phooey. So, I won't be able to open them until Tuesday of the following week, when I can get mom and everyone on the phone/skype. It's so close I can almost taste it! Any guesses of where I'm gonna get sent? I kinda think I'm getting sent to Russia... We shall find out...

Jesse's Mission Call!

Jesse is going to Honolulu Hawaii and he reports December 15th :) He is going to do SO well there! :)

Mormon Dr. Seuss Twist :)

The Mormon Church and Brother Lurch

I am Lurch.

I am Lurch.

From the Church.

That Brother Lurch!
That Brother Lurch!
I do not like that Brother Lurch!

Do you like the Mormon Church?

I do not like the Mormon Church.
I do not like it Brother Lurch.

Would you read the Book of Mormon
Here or there?

I would not read it
Here or there.
I would not read it
Anywhere.
I do not like the Mormon Church.
I do not like it Brother Lurch.

I’ll have the Elders
At my house.
You could come over,
With your spouse.

I will not go
Into your house.
I will not let you
Teach my spouse.
I won’t read your book
Here or there.
I will not read it
Anywhere.
I do not like the Mormon Church.
I do not like it Brother Lurch.

We can talk about it
In this box,
With our latest convert,
Brother Fox.

I won’t discuss it in a box.
I will not meet with Brother Fox.
You won’t indoctrinate my spouse,
So don’t invite us to your house,
I won’t read your book here or there.
I will not read it anywhere.
I do not like the Mormon Church.
I do not like it Brother Lurch.

I’ll come and get you
In my car!
We’ll go to church
It’s not too far.

I would not,
Could not
In your car.

You may like it.
You may see,
We’ll talk about Joseph Smith
Or Genealogy.

I could not do genealogy,
Not Joseph Smith, Lurch let me be!

Not in a box,
Not with a fox,
Not in your house,
Not with my spouse,
I won’t read your book here or there,
I will not read it anywhere.
I do not like the Mormon Church.
I do not like it Brother Lurch.

A train! A train!
A train! A train!
We could go to Utah
In a train!

Not in a train! Not genealogy!
Not in your car! Lurch let me be!
I won’t discuss it in a box.
I will not meet your Brother Fox.
You will not get me or my spouse
To set one foot inside your house.
I won’t read your book here or there.
I will not read it anywhere.
I do not like the Mormon Church.
I do not like it Brother Lurch.

Say!
In the dark?
We can teach you stories
About Christ or Noah’s Ark!

I would not, could not,
In the dark.

You’ll have to give up
Your champagne.

There’s nothing wrong with my champagne.
I’ll need some when I get off this train.
Not Joseph Smith. Not genealogy.
I do not like them Lurch you see.
Not in your house, not in a box,
Not with my spouse, or Brother Fox.
I will not read your book here or there.
I will not read it anywhere.

I do not like it
Brother Lurch.

I do not like the
Mormon Church!

Maybe you think
Mormons are weird.
Were you told we have
Horns and a beard?

Mormons have parties
With snacks and Root-Beer.
You shouldn’t believe
Everything that you hear.

You know, I kind of like Root-Beer,
And parties are not all that queer.
I think I’ll give up my champagne,
I hear that stuff can melt your brain.
But no more cigarettes or tea?
I cannot do that! Can you see?
I won’t discuss it in a box.
I will not meet with Brother Fox.
I will not come into your house,
And keep your distance from my spouse.
I won’t read your book here or there!
I will not read it anywhere!

I do not like it Brother Lurch.

You do not like it,
So you say.
Try it! Try it!
And you may!
Try it and you may I say!

Say!
I like the Mormon Church!
I do! I like Brother Lurch!
And I’ll invite my friends to hear,
And teach them all to love Root-Beer.
I’ll throw away all my champagne,
And head for Utah on a train.
I’ll do my genealogy,
It is so fun, so fun, you see!

We’ll go discuss it in a box.
I’d like to meet your Brother Fox.
And you can take me to your house,
And have the Elders teach my spouse.
I’ll read the scriptures here and there,
And convert my friends everywhere.

I do like the
Mormon Church!!
Please,
Baptize me,
Brother Lurch.

Nanny in Distress

I've had a rough couple days of work lately. So, Jesse decided to write me another poem, titled "Nanny in Distress."

She has arms of warmth and affection
Her sweet love has a way of connection
Hard at times, she smiles through it
Even when Wesley is throwing a fit.

If nannying were a grade, she'd be grade A
This is my way of saying you brighten a day
Through poops, time outs, and bottles of milk
You still manage a smile as soft as silk.

Just keep loving, you're almost there
Even when your job is hard to bear
You can do it, you're holding to the rod
Remember when serving a child, you're really serving God.



I thought it was kinda cute and sweet. So I decided to share. It brought a smile to my face and laughter to my soul :) He really is an amazingly caring young man and would do pretty much anything moral to bring a smile to my face :)

Lake+Boats+Tubes+Knee Boards= FUN

Our Branch went to the lake yesterday. We took 3 boats. 2 of which were faster and had tubes, knee boards, and wake boards. I didn't try the wake boards, none of the guys on my boat could get it, so I just enjoyed watching them fail. :) The tubes were SOOOO much fun! I am proud to say that I did not fall off even once! although, the constant landing and sliding on my elbows gave them some nice little burns. I wish I had taken my camera on the boat and taken video or pictures. It was so awesome! I'm extraordinarily sore today, but I wanna go again! Here are some of the pictures from the trip :)










HAHA look at those muscles!! YEAH!

Caving

We went caving on Friday. It would have been cool if we could have stayed longer, but Sarah had to be to work by 10. This is the before picture! I didn't take my camera with me because it would have been caked in mud by the end! We had to climb up to a hole climb in and then slide through a bunnyhole. In some spots it was super muddy and slippery, some spots it was sticky, and other spots weren't too bad. We had to be careful of our footing in areas so we didn't fall down and get hurt. One of the boys told us they heard a story of a boy who broke his leg in the cave and had to hike back out. I guess there is a lake in the back of the cave, it takes a long time to get there though. It was enjoyable. Maybe we will go again sometime. :)

Food for Thought

Last night at institute, my institute instructor, Sister Dick, left us with a closing thought to start off next week's discussion. Often times I think that a serpent is a symbol of the devil, however a serpent is actually a symbol of Christ. So, we are in Moses, talking about the plan and war in heaven and about to get to the Garden and Adam and Eve. So, her point was, that Satan had been kicked out of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's presence. Yet he had the nerve and was arrogant enough to come slithering into the garden, where both of them dwelt, in the appearance of the Savior to tempt Adam and Eve.

Just a little something to get you thinking. I might post more about that topic. Institute was really great last night and I learned a lot! :)

How?

How do you help someone, who knows they need help, but refuses help? How do you help them understand that it's ok to accept or even ask for help? And on top of it all, how can they expect anyone in their right mind to just sit back and watch them? It's like watching a mouse trying to climb out of a 5 gallon bucket. It can't do it alone. It starts going and slides back down. BLAH. It's frustrating.

A Post of Happiness

This is a little video of Wesley, I thought it was cute so I decided to share :)






And this is the picture I am contemplating using for my mission pic. I might try to take a new one.

New mormon.org

I created a profile on the new mormon.org :) It's cool how the internet is now being used to share the gospel. I'm really looking forward to serving a mission and getting out and being an active part of missionary work!

Opinions Please?

So, I have been asked to give a brief mini lesson for Mission Prep class on The Gospel Blesses Families. I'm supposed to share a personal experience or a story. I can't think of anything besides sealing us together for eternity. I mean, some people HATE their families, why would they want to be with them forever? So, besides being sealed to your family forever, what blessings does the gospel bring to your family?

Emotions

Wow it's been a roller coaster of emotions during the past 24 hours! Jesse and I had some discussion and have both felt as if the other has been irritated with the other. Well, basically-that's not really true. So we talked that out and started talking about charity and how we both need to become better and do more for other people. Then we dropped by our friend Matt's house to pick something up and he told me that a girl in my branch was venting to him and I guess I offended her and possibly not only her but a few others. I'm not really sure. Basically, I feel like I've been a terrible friend and so when I got back in the car I reduced to tears because I feel like I have been failing in many areas. So after I stopped crying Jesse took me home and I went to bed. It's the start of a new day, and time for me to start being the person I should... so to a new me! Here it goes! :)

It's All In YOUR Control

We have all had our good days, and we have all had our bad days. I think that if we all look back at those days we will notice that on our bad days we have a particularly frustrated or negative attitude. An "anything that can go wrong will go wrong" attitude. Well, bad things happen in life and I've learned that if you train yourself to control your emotions and not let what happens control your emotions that you have more good days than bad. If any of you have read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, you will have an idea of this theory. After working many years on trying to develop a more positive attitude (and STILL working) I have found more and more success with this theory. Also, one day I was reading in The Book of Mormon in Alma and came across this verse in chapter 41, verse 15:

"For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored..."

Even in the scriptures it is telling us that when we are sending out positive, happy, excited vibes, that's what we get in return. Have you ever had a bad day and someone who is super happy come up and starts talking to you or just smiles at you and it makes your day just a little better? Or have you ever had a fabulous day and then someone who is upset, negative, sad etc. comes up and suddenly your mood isn't as great? Remember that your attitude not only affects you, but those around you! You have the choice to make your day good or bad!

Ok, random rant, I know :) Update on my mission papers: I need to finish insurance information, get my physical, upload a picture and my driver's license, meet with my Branch President to help me prepare more, continue to attend Mission Prep, then another meeting with Branch President, one with the Stake President and my papers should be submitted in...42 days-ish!! :D

The process has BEGUN!

I started working on my mission papers yesterday! I can turn them in in 46 days.:) Maybe a couple days before that. It all depends on when my departure date is. I'm debating between working throughout January and leaving in February, or coming home at Christmas and leaving around my birthday. I would want to find temporary work while I was home though. Anyway, those are my two options. I really just wanna go and get outta here. Earlier I was leaning toward working through January, now I wanna leave in January. We'll see what happens. I have two dentist appointments in the next 2 weeks, then I need to make a doctor's appointment. After that....it's just getting the paper work done! :D

FREEEEE!!!

I HAVE OFFICIALLY PAID OF MY STUDENT LOANS! I had $4000 of loans at the beginning of the year and I have now paid it off!!!!!! Whoooopeeeeeeee! Now to budget and save for my mission :)

Recent Events

Well, I spent a week in Utah/Idaho and was really excited to see family and friends that I haven't seen in a really long time. Bear Lake was beautiful, and the inn we stayed at was AMAZING. I then took Miranda up to BYU-Idaho with me and Tonya and Rocio helped to give her a tour of campus :) I got to see some old friends...and find out that Pama, probably the girl who knows me best even though we don't talk much anymore, is ENGAGED. How exciting, but soo weird. Sometimes I still feel like we are in young womens! She can't be engaged yet! I've had so many friends become engaged/married recently that sometimes I'm sort of jealous. BUT! I remind myself of all the stresses that come with weddings and the wonderful fact that I am going to fulfill my lifelong goal and dream--to serve a full-time mission! :D Which I'm extremely excited for! I'm hoping to be able to start my papers soon. My branch President is meeting with someone today to help him get things set up for me!! I'll keep you all posted on my mission papers :)

Miranda came and spent this past week with me. We got in on Saturday evening in a car with no A/C. It was HOT but we made it :) She got to meet some of my friends and we spent a lot of time with Jesse and his two little siblings Jake and Tessa. We attempted hiking--Tessa, Jake, and I were regretting the decision, so we turned around went home. So Jesse, Keenan, Max, and Miranda finished the hike. We also went Cliff Jumping. No worries, Miranda and I did not jump off. We didn't go to where we had planned on going. We went with Jesse's cousin Bo and I swear that bad directions run in their family, but we still ended up at a lake :) The cliffs weren't the best, but a few jumped and had fun, and the rest of us just swam until a storm came in and we had to make the hike back to the car. It was quite the adventure and we were just as wet by the time we got to the car as when we got out of the lake!

The next day we went swimming at the public pool when another storm came in (it's monsoon season) and we were forced out. We played in the pool's sand volleyball court with some little kids who thought they were all that. I was sooo ready to smack the little boy. Apparently he was 12--he looked like he was 6 or 7 and his brother looked like he was older, but apparently that was not the case. That night we went on a group date--sort of. Jesse and I, Max and Corri, Wilson and Miranda, and then Jesse's brother Jake and another kid Matt came without dates. Basically Wilson, Jake and Matt surrounded my sister asking all kinds of questions and giving her undivided attention. It was pathetic. At the end of the night they were all asking her if she had a phone/facebook.... everyone wants her to come back. I think they like her more than me :/

It's weird having 2 weeks off and now having to jump back into routine. I saw Wesley Friday afternoon for the first time and he gave me a hug and let me hold him for like 3 minutes. He told me all about his vacation to Oregon. I have missed this kid..I just haven't missed the responsibility, pressure, and stress my job brings. Oh well! :D

Life is wonderful and my internet is back up. I haven't missed it too much, just the ability to stay in touch with my friends and family.

3 Days until He Meets the Family...

So, Friday night Jesse, Jason and I leave for Utah! Jesse is coming up with the main purpose of meeting my family. That's kind of a nerve-wracking thought. Originally, I thought he would only meet mom, dad and the siblings. However, by the looks of it, he may end up meeting A LOT more than that. If he isn't nervous about meeting any of my family...then..well, I don't know. I know I was a bit nervous when I met HIS grandparents. His parents were kind of natural since I go over to his house. But the fact that he has to go out of his way to meet them...yeah. It's sort of exciting. I've never had a special "meet the parents" thing before. I guess it's sort of a big deal? I don't know. I hope everyone thinks he is great, because he really really is! Maybe everyone will be supportive of me becoming a Chapman? hmmm..not that that really matters RIGHT now...but in a couple years. Plus, if my family likes him and supports it, it makes it all the easier to go back to it after the mission :)

Confession...

You know the tall blonde boy in the picture with me at the top of this blog? Well, I'm in love with this boy. He's my best friend. And while I'm excited for us to go on missions and have amazing experiences, I'm looking forward to seeing him again after we get back. We have one amazing friendship and I hope that friendship lasts an extremely long time! That's basically all I wanted to say, so now everyone knows, if you didn't already know, that I'm head over heels for a boy, and his name is Jesse. :D

On September 23, 2010 I can.....

TURN IN MY MISSION PAPERS. From today, that's 79 days. I'm excited. If you couldn't tell. I talked to my branch president today and I'll have forms from him on Sunday along with more info. It's not often that a branch president of a singles branch sends people on missions... Anyway, I'm excited. I'm finally taking the first step into my dream! It's gonna come fast. I've got to decided what my departure date will be, but I've got plenty of time to figure that out. Between July 26 and August 16th I will have: Top wisdom teeth removed, general teeth cleaning, and 4 cavities filled (2 appointments). The next medical thing there is the physical. Oh joy.. haha. Ok, well that's my news! Isn't it AMAZING? :D

Missions :)

I'm excited and I really want to have my call already. My friend Emily Beu just got her mission call to the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors Spanish Speaking mission! That's 45 mins away from me! Of course she still has to go to the MTC...Maybe she'll be here before I leave to go home! That would make me happy :)She reports in September! Wow, as I see other people get their calls and get closer to submitting their papers it's getting me even more excited!

I wonder where I will go! It's exciting to think about :D I had a dentist appt yesterday so that I could get xrays taken so that I can go get my other 2 wisdom teeth out! I will schedule an appointment..probably Tuesday. I think most businesses will be closed Monday. I'm going to be scheduling the extraction for the last week of July. I'm also going to try to talk to President Anderson (my branch president) about mission prep stuff. Just to figure out what all I need to start doing and maybe even start on paperwork. I still feel like my mission is a goal I want to do eventually, but it's still forever away! Maybe it will feel more real once I start filling out papers and making preparations. Who knows. I think the only other thing after the removal of my wisdom teeth is the physical (so NOT looking forward to that). Then it's making sure I have all the financial covered...speaking of which...

I'M SUPER CLOSE TO HAVING MY SCHOOL LOANS PAID OFF!!! :D I have enough in the bank to pay them off but...I have a trip to Utah coming up, a dentist cleaning, then cavities to get filled, plus the removal of my wisdom teeth coming up, plus 2 paychecks of tithing, so I want to make sure I have enough money in the bank to cover it all... but I just made a big payment on it and now have $251.45! It's such a relief! After it's all paid off everything is going to saving!! (With some taken out for some spending) I need to relook at where I will be financially and create a budget so that I know where I will be at the end of the year! I'm excited! I'm pretty sure the next 6 months will go by fast and the next thing I know I will be in the MTC! :D

I Did NOT Kiss a Boy!!

Contrary to my cousin Randall's most recent post...I did not kiss a boy tonight! As Jesse and I have worked to make our relationship more casual as prophets have asked before our missions, we have developed a good friendship. Unfortunately and confusingly along with this we seem to be more short with each other. I don't understand it. Let me give you an example:
Tonight we went on a group date and went ice skating (we did hold hands, we decided that on a date that was acceptable and still casual enough), then we went to Inn n Out. It was fun! Then, instead of going home we decided to go to Mill Ave. Which is the college street. Forgetting that it was a Friday night after 11pm we went anyway. After parking and talking about where we can park without getting towed or ticketed we parked somewhere Jesse has parked many times. I saw a cop driving around looking at the cars so I kept looking back to make sure he wasn't ticketing people and asking Jesse if he was SURE that we could park there. This annoyed him and frustrated he asked why no one trusted him and his judgment and that he'd been there before and to just trust him. Surprised by this sudden burst of frustration I kept quiet sort of irritated by the way he'd reacted. I felt bad for annoying him, but it's my personality to worry about things to prevent things like tickets and getting towed from occurring in the first place. It didn't take long for him to pick up that I was irritated and we talked. He apologized many times and things are ok. But why is it that we suddenly are short and snappy with each other? I don't understand. I care about him so much and him me, so why do we sometimes treat each other in ways that don't show that?

Anyway, we got home right about 1am and Jesse walked me to the door he gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He then asked if he could give me a real kiss and I told him no. I explained that I didn't think that constituted as casual. I don't know how to really explain it all and I know it probably sounds stupid...but yeah. I want the best for him and I know how easily I can distract him. I want him to go on his mission and not be missing me and I don't want to keep him from preparing for his mission either. In all honesty I have high hopes that when we return from our missions we can meet back up, catch up, possibly date and see where it takes us :) So that is where I'm at...I'm not kissing a boy :)

Nebraska

I had the lovely chance to go back to Nebraska last week! As the airplane was preparing to land I was stealing every chance I could get to look out the window! And OH how wonderful it was to see the beautiful green of Nebraska! I can't really explain the excitement that was going through my body as we got nearer to the ground! I was SO happy to be back home! As I got off the plane I called my mom to let her know that I had landed safely. When she answered I said "Hey! I just wanted to let you know that we just landed and I'm home now!" Or something to that effect. I then corrected myself that I had landed in Nebraska, although Nebraska truly is what I consider home. Anyway, I got to see Chris Brown, whom I haven't seen in 3 years! (No, not the rapper Chris Brown...) I also got to see 2 of my High School friends, Taryn and Sarah. However, my visit to Nebraska was not for me so most of my stay involved Sam and Erin's wedding! Weird thought isn't it? My big brother is married! YIKES!! But it was a happy day! I'm excited for him and Erin!



While I love my friends and Wesley here in Arizona, I really could have used a couple extra days in Nebraska! But the time I had did rejuvenate me and help me to have the energy I need for another period of time! I actually get two weeks off next week, so I'm looking forward to that! That will be about the end of my time off, I'll get to go home for Christmas for a few days, but that's about it. I will finish off the year with a bang! This year is going by quick, I'm excited to find out where I'll go on my mission and where life will take me after that! :D


This is Jesse and Jason. My two close friends here in AZ :) Jesse will be leaving in the next few months for his mission. His papers should be turned in next week!

kids...

Today Wesley dropped something on the floor, he looked at me and said, "Pick up cookie cutter."
I asked him to get down and pick it up and he responded, "Adeneena pick up!"
"Wesley, no you can pick it up."
"One...two...I'll spank you."
Then his mom came in and picked it up off the floor. What a little stinker. :)

Looking for Summer Fun?

For those of you with youngsters and are preparing to battle the long summer days, here are a few ideas that Wesley absolutely LOVES.


Rice Box

Instead of putting your children in a hot sandbox and standing out in the heat watching them try a Rice Box instead! We got a clear storage container that is short but long and wide. We then put 20lbs of rice in the container. Put in some kitchen utensils, favorite toys, tupperware..whatever you want! Wesley will play in this for up to 45 mins. To help keep an easy to cleanup mess put a sheet or tablecloth underneath them. We have Wesley sit on the table so he isn't as prone to getting up and walking around with a bunch of rice.


Playdoh--this is the best recipe I have found yet

4c flour
2c salt
4c water (optional--w/food coloring)
2Tbsp + 1 tsp cream of tartar
2Tbsp cooking oil

Mix all ingredients together; cook over medium heat until mixture forms ball & pulls away from sides of pan. Remove from heat. When it is cool to touch knead it until smooth. Store in airtight container. This makes A LOT of playdoh. So if you want to hold off on the food coloring and make different colors by kneading it into separated groups you can. I would suggest halving it depending on the age of the kid.


Oobleck Goop

1/2 c Cornstarch
1 c Water
Mix together. Play with it! Slowly reach your fingers in and let it slide. Try to hit/slap it with your hand or hard spoon. It's the strange solid/liquid goop! Wesley loved playing with this. You can add food coloring if you'd like.


Ice Cube Painting

Put dyed water into ice cube trays and freeze. Later take ice cubes and white paper outside. As the ice melts it leaves it's colors behind!


Go to the pet store and check out the pets. Wesley loves animals and it is a great air conditioned activity :)


Those are just a few of the things that have been keeping me sane as it gets too hot to spend much time out in the sun. We also go to the library and we start swim lessons tomorrow, twice a day Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Have a GREAT week!

Bucket Brigade!

Thursday Jesse and I went running, then to a goodbye party, then out to water a greenhouse that he is watering for a lady he knows. He watered and we left and went home. Friday we had a branch "camp out" in the backyard of one of the presidency member's house. We were watching Avatar in the backyard and around 11 the thought hit me "I wonder if Jesse watered today." He was half asleep, but I nudged him and asked him if he had watered. He hadn't. So around 11:30 we left to go water the greenhouse. We started down the ramp into the greenhouse (I can't see worth crap in the dark, but Jesse can see pretty well). I saw that the ramp looked sort of dark and distorted but I couldn't figure out what was going on. Jesse goes "Oh no, please no, please no...." He forced the door open, waded in and turned the light on. There was 2 feet (maybe a little more) of standing water in the 500-600 square foot greenhouse. It had seeped out the door and was still going up. Jesse turned off the faucet and started to stress out. He felt so responsible for what had happened. What actually had happened was that the hose was turned off, like normal, but the pressure from the faucet being on must have forced the hose off the nozzle. The water could have been running for up to 22 hours...although I think there would have been more water if that was the case. We'll guesstimate with 12 hours or so. We called back to where we were staying and 8 of the other singles came over with a couple 5 gallon buckets and for 2 1/2 hours we bucketed water out. Someone filled the bucket up, then handed it to the next person, who handed to the person standing on the ground above (the greenhouse is set pretty well down in the ground...) who handed it to another person, who handed it to someone who dumped the water over the wall and then handed to someone who brought it back to the first person. Apparently we dumped one bucket every 6 seconds or so. We took a couple breaks and laughed and had a good time. At 2:30 when we called it a night we had gotten it from being knee deep down to the upper-middle of my calf. We put a small pump in and let it run for awhile while we were working, then left it to keep working during the night. We came back at about 9 Saturday morning to find there was still about 8 inches of standing water--a great difference compared to where we had left it. We left the pump running and Jesse took me home). The Lady's son went over to the house sometime after we left and put two bigger pumps in which we were supposed to go turn off on our way out to Jason's that night. When we got to the greenhouse, the front was without water, but the back still had 2inches of standing water, so we left the pump running, planning to come back and turn it off on our way back to town. We went to Jason's and Jesse and I left there maybe at 20 till midnight? We pulled up at the lady's house and I started getting this bad feeling about being there. I said to Jesse "I feel like I shouldn't be here..." All we had to do was unplug the pump--it would take 5 minutes tops, so I was going to sit in the car while Jesse went, but I still didn't feel right. I went with Jesse toward the back and as soon as we were in the gate the feeling intensified. I'm pretty sure my grip tightened on Jesse's hand and then Jesse asked me to clarify the feeling I had. He asked if I had a bad feeling about going to the greenhouse. I said yes, and he said that once we were in the backyard that he felt like we should turn around and leave. So, we did. My stomach was feeling ill and upset and I was still feeling uneasy upon arriving home and for a good 30 to 45 minutes after getting home. I honestly don't know what would have, or could have happened if we hadn't listened to that prompting, but I have never felt an impression that strong telling me not to do something. I am still a little freaked out by what could have happened and part of me wishes I could know what I avoided. Even when Jesse was dropping me off I felt like I need to hurry inside and he needed to get home. I called him a few minutes later to make sure he made it home and he told me that he had a feeling like he shouldn't hang behind, that he needed to hurry home. I don't know what kind of thing could have happened, I'm just glad that I didn't have to go through it, although I'm pretty sure I was pretty dang close to experiencing whatever it was.

I'm grateful for being able to receive promptings from the Holy Ghost and for the protection and help that was given to us and for the many blessings that came during these experiences. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do love us and they are watching out for us.

Jesse =D

Well, after some interesting ups and downs and many discussions...Jesse and I are officially dating. He started to try to push me away a couple weeks ago and his dad noticed something was up, sat him down and had a nice long talk with him. His dad essentially told him he was being an idiot and that there was nothing wrong with Jesse and I dating. Just so you know...I love his dad. I actually like his entire family...well I haven't met Stephen yet, but I might get to eventually! Both Jake and Tessa (his little siblings) and his parents like me and have all commented on it...so that's a good sign!...right?

I've got a couple good pictures on my camera...but I don't currently have a way to upload those onto my computer. I can post a couple that I do have access to though. He's cute and he is a really big sweetheart!!





Oh...and I'm not as white as I am in those pictures anymore! I've gotten tan-ish. Or at least tan for me!

3 Tales from the adventures of Wesley and Adrianna!

Today at breakfast I was singing a song from one of the baby signing time videos it goes like this: "I really love my shoes." Well, that's one line anyway. It changes shoes for other items and has other words, but the chorus is mainly "I really love my shoes...I really love my socks...." So today I sang "I really love my shoes." Wesley then pitched in, "I really love my socks!" I replied with "I really love my shirt." His response was then, "I really love my sunglasses!" My brain started running out of ideas so I said "I really love my.....hair?" He then took his turn and said, "I really love my...pause...Adeneena!" (Which that is how he pronounces my name). It was sooo precious and the first time he has said that without being prompted. It was THE cutest thing, it made my heart melt a little.

This evening we were making some delicious, no bake, PB Chocolate chip recipe and I had just finished melting the peanut butter and chocolate chips on the stove. I told him it was hot and moved to the other counter, keeping one eye on him. He has understood for the past few months that when we say it's hot, DO NOT touch. Apparently he forgot, or just decided to see if we've been lying to him... He put his entire hand on the burner. It was sad to see him hurt but at the same time it shows us a pattern in our own lives. We know not to do different things, but sometimes we forget, or choose to test it and we end up hurt, broken and humbled.

The other day I was attempting to turn right out of the post office parking lot. There was a big red truck in the left turning lane who was blocking my view. I pulled forward a little bit, so did he. Frustrated I said "Get out of my way, fatty!" I then heard giggling in the back seat...I turned to look at Wesley who then, still laughing, said "FUNNY!!!" Maybe I should think about what I'm saying around him..?

Fairy Tale Ending post poned...

Well, I obviously knew that there would be a postponement in my fairy tale story with Jesse. He's the sweetest guy ever but both him and I are planning on serving missions. We've had to decide (more so he has had to decide..) that us spending so much time together and getting attached is not a good idea for either of us. He really wants to focus and prepare for his mission and I respect that. He's my best friend and we still get to hang out and see each other and talk...but no more cheesy cute poems like my last post. But that's alright.

So I know I haven't known him for very long....but if you haven't been able to tell I REALLY like him. We are so much alike, yet so different. He balances me where I am falling short (and visa versa). He brings out the desire in me to be better and to try harder. I could go into everything, but I'll leave it at that. Basically after I return home from my mission I plan to make plans to meet back up with him...and if there are still feelings, then maybe I'll get to date him then. :) It's been a little weird trying to find where I stand as a friend, and when I should and shouldn't talk to him and how to support him while staying back. The whole situation has actually made my stomach upset and come to find out, his has been too. Is that weird? I often have little desire to eat but have to make myself do so. But my stomach feels better when I'm with him. I don't know. It's craziness. Overall I really just like him and am happy he is in my life in someway or another :D

So as this year is progressing I feel like Satan is trying harder and harder to discourage me from a mission. He had practically succeeded back in January, but I rechanged my mind and I am going on a mission. No one is gonna stop me. However, I keep getting these thoughts that I'm not cut out for it, or that I'm not knowledgeable enough, or that I won't be able to remember the things I need to remember. When I sit down and actually think about this I know that the Lord will bring things to my remembrance if I am trying my best and remaining close to the Spirit. So many people have told me they think that I will be an amazing missionary--and I really hope they aren't lying to me, because that is what I'm leaning on right now. Anyway, I'm scared for the trials that lay waiting for me to deter me from my mission plans, and at the same time part of me is saying, BRING IT ON! I know I can handle it with the Lord's help and that it will make me stronger.

I love this gospel with all my heart, I know that it is true, and I know that Joseph Smith was called of God restore His church back to the Earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Christ died for each of us and suffered for our sins. I know these because I have studied and prayed about them and I hope that each of you will take the time to do so too. :)

Cute Humor :)

The other day Jesse was on the phone with me right before we were gonna hang out and he decided he was going to write me a 5-minute funny poem. So he asked me for a random topic. I had Enchanted sitting on my dresser and so I said fairytale! Here is the poem he quickly wrote up:

There was once a girl from Nebraska,
With curly luscious locks.
She flaunted her gorgeous hair,
Quite like a fox :)

Thank goodness she was single, for in my heart I knew,
Girls like that were far and few.
So I made a point to meet her, with confidence in the Lord,
That this dearest girl would hopefully not get bored.

In the midst of my babbling, I noticed something new
I said to myself "This girl is actually listening to you!?!" :)
So the more we talked the harder I fell,
Though on the outside she could not tell....

I knew I was talking to someone precious,
A choice daughter of God
Who it's clear, holds to the iron rod
You are my fairytale :)



Cheesy? YES. But still cute. It made me laugh, and blush, and smile. He's basically a sweetheart :)

Fairytales!

After Curtis and I broke up I told one of my new found friends, Jesse, that there was no such thing as prince charming...I think I may have been wrong! Here's my fairytale story :)

Once upon a time lived an average girl with the name of Adrianna. She had been attending college only to find that money does NOT grow on trees. She was then forced to find a job and leave school. She left behind a boyfriend, friends, and family to move to Arizona to become a nanny for a 2 year old little boy. Not far into her stay in Arizona her boyfriend left her, but she began to make friends in her new home and was happy. Then Prince Jesse came along and began to help her realize that there are some amazing men in the world--men that will do cute little cheesy things for girls just to bring a smile to their face. Men that will treat a woman with utmost respect and kindness, always being a friend, a helping hand and a great example. Prince Jesse and Adrianna began spending lots of time together, both preparing to leave for a mission to serve the Lord and share the gospel with those who had not yet accepted it. They talked about everything and grew together spiritually. They were each others best friend. He always treated her like a princess, although she was nothing more than average, and the small ways he showed her that he cared made her like him even more.

To be continued... :)

Breathing

So I have never had allergies until moving to Arizona. And it has really triggered my asthma. Yesterday I went to take my inhaler to find that it was empty! I knew I'd be ok for the night, but I was worried about today. Today I was having difficulties breathing and it got worse while at church. During Sacrament meeting I started feeling dizzy, drowsy, and it was getting even harder to breathe and had an added wheezing sound to it. I got a drink of water and tried to stay relaxed but I really needed air. So after Sacrament I asked a couple guys to give me a blessing. It was amazing. My lungs loosened and I have been able to breathe well since then. It was absolutely wonderful. Tomorrow I have to find a doctor to renew my prescription and get me an inhaler, but I wanted to share with you my little miracle. :) It was a great reminder that the Lord loves me and that the priesthood power is real, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true gospel on the Earth.

Disciplining a 2 year old...

Alright so I need help. Wesley typically responds to counting (1...don't do that, or you will get time out. 2...do you want time out? 3...) He will usually stop right after 1, sometimes he will get a time out but our old method of time out no longer works. He would be placed in his play place until he could say "I'm sorry, (name of person)." Now he can climb out of it. (Not to mention he's picked up on that he gets out after saying sorry)
The other day at the park we were running on the grass and he ran up to where the rocks were and started going toward the road. I told him to come back to the grass. He looked at me and kept going. I said, "1...we will go home Wesley." He stops and looks and continues. "2...Do you want to go home?" Stops and looks again and continues. "3." Screaming from Wesley as he darts toward the grass. I pick him up and take him over to the stroller. Once I attempted to put him in his stroller he started to throw a tantrum so it was impossible for me to put him in. I told him he would get a time out. He still didn't stop so I sat him on the bench and told him he was on time out. I told him that he didn't listen to me and that it was time to go home now. He started trying to get off. I picked him up and sat him on my lap. He then wiggled around, stood up, looked at me and smacked me on the side of my face. I told him NO, we DO NOT hit. I picked him up and put him in his stroller. He didn't throw a fit after that. But I had no more discipline at that point. How am I supposed to get through to him that hitting is not ok. It's not the first time, but usually he gets time out. He was already on time out. So how do you discipline a 2 year old and get them to listen to you? How long should a timed time out be? Should I have him count to ten (since he has recently learned how to do that) and then say sorry? Will he sit still on a chair? Will he associate timeout on a kitchen chair with eating and throw a bigger fit about eating? Man, I have a lot to learn about kids before I have my own! If you have any suggestions they would be much appreciated!

Are you laughing at me!?

So, today I was practically begging Wesley to eat his breakfast. I made him pancakes, just like he said he wanted! He took one bite and refused to eat it, saying he wanted water. "Wesley, eat a bite of pancake first, then I will give you a drink of water."
His reply, "eeehhh water??"
"No, Wesley, eat, then I will give you water."
"No. Water?"
"Eat."
"Water?"
"Eat."
"Water?"
"Eat."
"Play?"
"Eat."
"Walk?"
"Eat."
"Farm?" (This could mean Old McDonald song or Leah's Farm Signing Time)
"Eat."
"Farm?"
"Eat."
"Farm?" He gets a smile on his face and begins giggling.
"Eat." Dang, I can't keep a straight face. We both started laughing.

You know, it's really hard to keep a stern face and attitude when they are so dang cute. Throughout the day he would mimic my laughs. It was most entertaining :) My favorite time of most days is right before and right after nap time. :D He will cuddle up against my chest and lay his head on my shoulder until he falls asleep. I love feeling his warm body so close, he's soo cute. After his nap he curls up on my lap and sleeps for anywhere between 10 and 45mins. So I get cuddle time and I always feel so special :)

Wesley and I have begun a project. We are making an alphabet book! Today we did the letter A. I printed out a captial and lowercase letter A and let him color them. I also printed pictures of an airplane, alligator, apple, and uhh I don't remember. Anyway He enjoyed coloring the pictures while I cut and glued this pieces to colored paper. (I tried to get him to help with the gluing, but it didn't hold his attention long). Tomorrow we will do B. Hopefully it turns out nice. When we are done we will use contact paper and then bind it all together :) After that I'm considering doing numbers. It's a good craft plus learning! So, that my update...oh it finally stopped raining, but the sidewalk we usually take to the park is still underwater, it hasn't rained for like 2 or 3 days now...hmph. Thank goodness there is another way around it! :D

UNTITLED--due to lack of creativity

I have never considered myself a very creative person. I can't sit down and draw you a picture, I can't come up with fun activities, or even make believe! This sad fact about myself has become painstakingly obvious over the past couple weeks as I have attempted to nanny for a almost-2 year old child. I have decided that the hardest part of nannying thus far, is the fact that I have to raise this child the way the parents want me to, not how I feel is correct. It's been a stressful weekend. The parents and I had a short meeting the other night and they talked to me about what they wanted me to do better at and what I was doing good at. Afterwards I felt so overwhelmed and like I was not good enough for the job. It's definitely made me reconsider whether or not this is where I am supposed to be. I'm hoping my spirits will be lifted once I start attending the singles ward, hopefully make some friends and not spend every night here in the house and constantly with the family.

So today it had rained, so Wesley and I had to stay inside all day. He went to his drawer and pulled out crayons and a coloring book. I wanted to color too, so I ripped a page out for my own coloring. Well--later tonight he had one of his books and ripped a page out of it...hmm I wonder where he got that idea!? Also he bonked his head after dinner and ran right past his mom to get to me. It was sort of exciting in a way. Wesley and I spent some time with alphabet flash cards, and to my surprise his attention was held until we got to letter "Y". Then he got distracted by his sign language flash cards. I have also learned a fair amount of sign language. I like the idea of kids learning sign language because it helps them communicate before they know how to talk. It helps reduce tantrums and other lack-of-communication issues. Some of the common signs used include: cheese, yogurt, please, sorry, thank you, bike, play, climb, rock (and mountain), help, clean up, sleep, diaper, eat, walk, giraffe, elephant, lion, tiger, bear, dog, cat, bird, zebra, tree, leaf...ok so pretty much everything, you get the idea :) I have always wanted to learn sign language, so this is a good start!

Well, if any of you (scarce) blog readers have any suggestions for fun, developmental activities for children about the age of 2 who like to do pretty much anything..it would be GREATLY appreciated.