California

Easton has had lots of fun meeting lots of people. If we can put him down when we get home it will be a miracle.

Easton with Aunt Toni. He is sporting his family picture outfit. It is seriously to die for.

The little one with Grandpa, Kara and Brooke.
Brooke cuddling the baby. She told me yesterday that "His head is very heavy for his little body."
Kara and Easton. He is obviously trying to figure out what this is all about (at least that is what his expression says).

Easton and Aunt Sandy.

Smelly?

We are currently in sunny California, so please excuse my lack of posts recently.

Now, on to what I really want to discuss.

Deodorant.

I know it is a little personal, but we're close friends--really close friends, remember?

In high school I was always a little sweaty. In college I thought I had solved the problem, but then time went on and my sweaty problems returned.

I expressed my annoyance to Ronnie and he proceeded to tell me that he has always had good luck with deodorant. Just deodorant. None of that anti-perspirant stuff.

So, I went to Wally World and purchased a stick of just deodorant.

It worked wonders! No more sweaty problems, no more yellowing shirts. It seemed to be a miracle.

When I find a product I like, I stock up on it. So I purchased 3 more sticks and life was good.

Until this week.

I'm on the last of the three sticks. It's been three years, so they have been good to me. I put deodorant on my shopping list and went on my weekly shopping trip.

Wally World doesn't carry just deodorant for women. Believe me, I have read EVERY SINGLE STICK on the shelf.

If I care to smell like a man, I am set. Apparently, women need anti-perspirant protection, but men can deal with just deodorant.

I have now checked three other stores with the same result.

I'm stretching this last stick to the max--with the hope that I can find my precious deodorant so that I don't have to have sweaty problems again.

If anyone knows where I can find this essential item please let me know. Otherwise, you may not want to be around me for a while.

And may all your Christmases be white

I've talked about a few of my family's Christmas traditions before. We were happy to be present for all of them again this year.

The past few years, we have been able to talk the younger kids out of actually acting out the Nativity Story when we read it, but with the perfect little "baby Jesus" available, we couldn't resist.

Ronnie's recent decision to grow a beard really added to the authenticity of Joseph.And here we see the Shepherds. Their flocks were totally obedient (and absent).This was the angel in prophetic position.And the wise men bearing their gifts. Here is the snazzy narrator. He gladly volunteers for this position (notice how he is the only one without any stitch of a costume).
Obviously, Grandpa has his job down pat. Cuddle the sleeping baby while catching a little sleep himself after an early Christmas morning talking to Adam in Guatemala.

We hope you had a great Christmas!

Christmas!

We had a fantastic Christmas! We even had a little Santa's helper in the house.
And Easton got his first "real" bath. He did not love it.
Then we had Rudolph pay a visit.
And finally, the future hunter tried to stay warm in the snow storm that dumped 4 inches on Laramie all day. It made for a beautifully white Christmas.

Hats--Lots of them

We recently had a hat-trying-on-party. Here is one that Ronnie's sister Aubrey made that just won't quite fit his head.
Another from Aunt Aubrey. Yes he loves the Binky and YES we love that he does!
And another hat by Aubrey--too cute!
Great-Grandma N made this one--super soft and super cute!
The second one by Grandma N. I think Easton was a little tired of the flash at this point.

Sunday, Sunday

I love Sundays.

Well, actually I have a love/hate relationship with them. I love the edification that I can receive at church and the laid-back atmosphere of the day, but HATE that it means the beginning of another week.

But guess who's not working for another 4 weeks?

That's right--me! I'm loving every minute I can spend with my little one.

Now on to the stuff that I really wanted to say.

Seeing as how it is December, the peak of RSV season, Ronnie and I have decided that Easton will not be attending church until his blessing (roughly). My dad came over this morning and watched him while Ronnie and I attended Sacrament Meeting. (You should have seen the strange looks we were getting since I am obviously not pregnant and we didn't have a child with us.)

The hard part of this decision is that I am in primary and teach my little CTR 6 class in the last hour and Ronnie is in Young Mens and also has obligations during the last hour. The mom of one little boy in my class is an absolute sweetheart and has substituted for me for the last two weeks, but I feel bad continuing to ask the parents to sub.

The Bishop got up to the pulpit today and made an announcement that significantly relieved my stress.

Our ward is only having Sacrament Meeting next week.

You may wonder why?---and you would be among most of the ward, but when church is changed from three hours to one hour, you don't ask questions--you just roll with it.

P.S. When asked by the Bishop where Easton was today, Ronnie responded, "He was sleeping, so we left him at home. Are we not supposed to do that?" It got quite the laugh.
Note: We are not actually delinquent parents. Easton was enjoying a nice nap with his Grandpa right next to him.

The many faces

I know every baby makes weird faces, but Easton has made me laugh out loud several times lately with the expressions he gives me--especially the classic, "You are such a dork, Mom!"

No one tells the truth about pushing...

So this will be the labor story. I realize that there are a few out there who would rather not read this...and to be honest, I don't blame you one bit!

After three delays for the induction, we called at 7am on Sunday the 9th and were told that we could come up to the hospital. We got ready and were admitted at about 8:30am. Once were were in the Family Care Unit (the new and fancy name for Labor & Delivery), they hooked me up to all of the monitors and it was discovered I was having contractions!


Now a short back track--Saturday night after dinner I had what I thought to be one contraction (my stomach tightened--really hard, and then relaxed) and then I just had a crampy feeling for the remainder of the evening and through the night. I even made Ronnie rub my lower back due to the ache that I was feeling there, but I didn't for one moment think that I was in labor.

The doctor came in, I was dilated to a 2, but the contractions were coming too fast to truly be effective, so they wanted to slow them down before they did anything else. I got an IV and they pumped 2 full bags into me to slow down the contractions (apparently dehydration can cause the contractions to not be as effective).


The IV worked, my contractions slowed down--too much. They gave me a pill to soften my cervix and I continued to wait. Ronnie and I walked around the halls a lot and I *loved* pushing my IV cart wherever I went.

At 2pm, the doctor decided to break my water to get things moving. It worked, but not incredibly fast. The contractions became more intense, but I did not get to a 4 until 7pm. All of my labor was back labor--which was NOT my favorite thing. When the doctor came in and I was at a 4, he asked what my birth plan was and I responded--Epidural please! I assume they called the nurse anesthetist at that time, although I did not see her until 9pm.


After the epidural was in, my pain was less, but my back pain was relatively the same. After an hour, I asked for more relief--since I was really feeling the back labor again, but was told that the epidural doesn't do much for back labor pain (What!!! Doesn't it numb me from the stomach down? How can my lower back not be part of that equation?)

At 11pm, the nurse checked me and I was at a 9 1/2. The entire nursing staff was amazed at my quick progress (little did they know that I am my mother's daughter, and once we get to a 4, we move VERY quickly).


A little after midnight, I began pushing. How I wish I was one of *those* people who push twice and then get to hold their little one. Alas, it was not to be so. I pushed for 2 hours and 15 minutes to receive my little bundle of joy. (He really was worth it though!) Easton arrived at 2:40am and I proceeded to cry with happiness and then try to control the shakes I was having so I could hold him!


Looking back, I am so grateful for Ronnie and his support through the entire thing--I'm also happy to report that I did not turn into a psycho lady during labor and was only mad at Ronnie once the entire night (and that was at the very end when I was too tired to say anything out loud and I wanted him to read my mind so that I wouldn't have to use ANY more energy talking).


I'll be happy to report if you really do forget it in a while--but not for a long while. I was talking to my all-knowing 80 year old Grammy on the phone last weekend and she said, "They tell you that you will forget--but you DON'T! If I can remember 55 years later, you can be sure you will too!"


And I'll leave you with that.

A New Location

We have decided to start a blog dedicated to Easton. That way, I can post photos for all of those relatives that are craving a little more without taking over this blog. You can find the blog here, or link to it on the right sidebar.

Welcome!

This is a place for photos of little Easton. Don't expect explanations, in fact, you should feel good if there are dates.

a few more...

Here are a few more pics to last you until I can get a bit of a handle on life and resume a few of my cherished "normal" activities (such as blogging).Easton with Grandma Cali

Easton with Grandpa Cali

The proud new grandparents who haven't quite decided what they want to be called.

Easton in all of his precious-ness.

Part of the reason that this week has been a little rough. Easton had jaundice and had to have Phototherapy in this "clam" bed. He had to be in it at least 12 hours a day for two and a half days. It was torture for poor Mom and Dad--not to mention him.

I wasn't thinking that he was looking very yellow until I saw this pic of Easton and his daddy snuggling. There is definitely a yellow tint about him. (well there was, it is gone now).

And a pic with mommy. I won't be posting any pics of me in the hospital--just believe me when I say that you will thank me for that decision. And if you have already seen a few. I'm eternally sorry!

He's Here!

Easton Jay entered the world early this morning at 2:40am. He was 7 lbs. 10.5 oz. and 19.5 inches long. He has a full head of dark hair and looks very similar to the way my youngest brother Jordan did when he was born (I told Ronnie that Wyo genes were strong, but I don't think he believed me until now).

He is perfect.

The camera with all of the good shots doesn't have a way to hook up to the laptop, so you will have to wait a little longer for those, but for now you can gaze at these.

And Finally

We are in the hospital. As of 8:30 there was room so they let us finally come in.

Stay tuned for updates!

And Again....

A call to the hospital this morning produced another delay. I'm supposed to call back tonight at 6pm and see what the status is at that point.

At least I don't have to wonder how long I would have gone if I just let nature take its course...obviously my body is not quite ready since I still have not had a single contraction.

We'll keep you updated.

A delay...

First, you should all feel very special.

I'm posting this as Ronnie is in the middle of a final, so he doesn't even know yet.

The hospital just called and asked to push me back. Apparently there is another girl who actually *needs* to be induced, so she gets precedence.

The plus side of this is that the doctors have switched shifts so my favorite will actually be there for my delivery!

I am now slated for noon tomorrow.

Thoughts Before We Enter the Hospital

Ronnie: "The BYU game is on tonight on Versus--do you think they have digital cable?"

KaLee: "Do you think they have wireless internet so I can blog ASAP?"

News

Not the kind where I actually have a baby in hand, but news nonetheless.

I went to the doctor yesterday.

I'm still not dilated at all.

But the baby is really, REALLY low, so I was told he could come anytime.

Then, we scheduled an induction!

I'll be going into the hospital this Friday at 5pm to get started and will have a little one sometime on Saturday.

Yippee!

The day before...

I'm still feeling good.

No contractions, just sore feet.

I have a doc appointment late this afternoon, so you can look for an update then.

....but don't get your hopes up, I know I'm not.

A pic to tide you over

While I'm sure most of you would prefer some baby pictures to be appearing, you will have to be content with my 39 week pictures--plus our Christmas tree in the background!

Nesting

So, I'm told that before I have the baby, I'll have a burst of energy and get things done around the house.

It is not happening.

I am cleaning the house today, but only because it is on my to-do list for the day (and we all know how I am about my to-do list).

Again, consider this post your confirmation that nothing is happening.

Entertainment

I don't think I have specifically mentioned how Google Reader has changed my life, but seriously--it is the greatest thing EVER! When before I linked from blog to blog to blog and then later would do the whole process over again to see if anyone had updated, now I sit back and let Google Reader do the work for me.

The result?

Google Reader checks on 204 blogs for me. Yes, that is right over 200. Each one is categorized and I am rarely without a blog to read.

However, this has resulted in me not linking to a few blogs on my own blog and as such all of you have no idea of some of the goodness that is out there.

So for your enjoyment: a few of my favorite blogs. (Warning: I don't know any of these people personally.)

DesignMom. I was almost slaughtered yesterday when friends realized I had been keeping this gem to myself. She does have fantastic giveaways sometimes, but she also has fantastic ideas. I don't know her personally, but she lives in NY and has 5 kids (and she's LDS).

Oh Happy Day. The sister to DesignMom. She finds the greatest things and lives my dream life in San Fransisco. Well, at least she buys my dream clothes and furniture.

Adventures with Lindsay. She's a young, hilarious mom and avid reader living in NY. Love it.

Bone Junior. She's single. She's sassy. Her stories are so funny they seem a little unbelievable, but then she has pictures to prove it.

Cicada Song. Just married. Designs purses (coolest. job. ever).

Hollywood Flakes. I bet you can guess where she lives. Read her archives though--you will NOT be disappointed.

Voice of Reason. Never met her, but we could be friends I think. Based purely on her movie taste and sarcasm.

You can take this post as proof that I am not yet in any kind of labor.

I'm a Winner!

I have been entering the giveaways over at Design Mom for what seems like forever and I finally won.

It just happens to be the PERFECT thing too!

This book:

Head on over to check out her awesome giveaways yourself!

No Progress

This post is about the pregnancy and how I am not one of *those* people who have their babies early. If you don’t care to hear about such things, move along.

I went to the doctor yesterday.

It was the one I don’t really like (since they force you to see everyone in the office, even after you have clearly found one you like the most).

The baby is great, he is growing (no estimate on size), and I feel really good for a 39 week pregnant lady. Warning—more information than you may care to know: I am 50% effaced but not dilated at all. I have been this way since they started checking two weeks ago. Oh, and I also have not dropped yet.

The doctor then told me that he would see me next week and that it may be a good idea to start talking to my uterus about having contractions (Really? Don’t you know I want this child in here forever?)

I proceeded to ask if he was sure that I wasn’t one of *those* ladies who have contractions, but don’t know about them. He smiled and then answered, “No.” (So much for my dreams of a pain-free, drug-free, 20 minute labor and delivery).

So, if I call you this week—be prepared that as soon as you say “Hello” I will immediately respond with “No baby yet” and then we can proceed to solve the world’s problems via telephone.

Flu Shot?

I have never, in my entire life, had a flu shot.

It’s not really that I am against them, but more that the inconvenience of getting one was never outweighed by the flu that I did catch.

For the last month or so, my doctor’s office has really been pushing them on me—using phrases like, “We REALLY recommend them for pregnant women” or “ Are you SURE you don’t want one?” or “You will die a horrible death without one.”

So at my last appointment, I gave up.

When the nurse asked me for the third time if I was interested in getting a flu shot, I said yes.

She proceeded to giggle, blush, and skip out of the room in excitement to get me a permission form and then stood over my shoulder as I wrote out the check (because they REQUIRE pre-payment of course).

I filled out the form, but left one question blank, since I was unsure of the answer.

It asked if I was allergic to thimerosal (a preservative found in contact solution).

I have had much frustration with the wearing of contact lenses. My eyesight is really not that bad, but the truth of the matter is, I just don’t wear glasses like I should, so contacts seemed to be the obvious choice.

A year and a half ago, after all of the tests, etc, I was fitted for my “special” astigmatism contact lenses. I happily wore them for 3 weeks and then my eyes turned blood shot red.

I went to the doctor and tried a new solution. Same problem, this time within a week.

Again, to the doctor. AGAIN, another solution. Same problem. Same day!

So, I gave up. We were moving, I was busy and didn’t want to take the time or money to fix what was going on. (Remember, my eyesight isn’t THAT bad.)

Fast forward to three weeks ago. I went to a new doctor here in Laramie, told him about my frustrations and was prescribed a new contact lens and new solution. For the first time, my eyes actually felt normal as I was wearing the contacts. I was happy and the doctor was happy.

The only thing I was told was that I was allergic to *A* preservative in regular contact solutions. Not the specific preservative.

See my problem?

The flu shot form did not say what would happen if I was allergic to thimerosal. For all I knew, my arm could have fallen off.

The nurse returned and I asked her about thimerosal. She looked at me as if I was speaking a foreign language and then proceeded to tell me to call my eye doctor. As luck would have it, the doctor was out as was the contact lens consultant, so I forced the poor receptionist to go get a bottle of my solution and read me the ingredients.

My solution had no thimerosal, so I concluded that I was, in fact, allergic to that specific preservative.

The result?

I can’t have flu shots! Ever. (Well, at least not until they develop one that is thimerosal free).

How’s that for making your day?

ETA: Since my cousin was so kind to point out that there are such things as preservative free shots (see the comments), I suppose I can't use this excuse for the rest of my life as previously planned. [Insert rant about how MY doctor's office is completely clueless as to the availability of such a shot.]

Thanksgiving and such

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend with maybe a bit too much relaxation (based on the internal struggle I had getting up this morning).

We stayed here in Laramie since I can't travel and spent the day at my parent's house. It was wonderful to eat good food, have good laughs and watch good movies. Ronnie even took the ENTIRE day off of school.

Now it is back to the real world--sadly.



P.S. Yes, I'm still pregnant.

No News

I suppose I'm to the point in the pregnancy where people are starting to want more regular updates, so I apologize for my lack of posts this week.

I'm still pregnant.

In fact, I went to the doctor yesterday and haven't made any progress at all in the last two weeks, so it is pretty doubtful this little one will arrive early.

I haven't gotten around to taking a 38 week photo yet, so in lieu of looking at my gigantic belly I thought I would show you a few of the new things in the baby's room.

Here is the finished project! Crib sheet and everything. Ronnie laughed when I arranged it all, since the little guy will be sleeping in a bassinet for the first several weeks/months and this won't even matter.

Another shot of the crib. You can kind of see one of my presents received at a recent baby shower from my two sisters.

This darling light switch cover! It is perfect for the room. As I look at this picture, I'm realizing that the crib will definitely have to be moved once the baby figures out what that switch will do.
And here is what the shelf now looks like. I received that darling frame and poem at my shower as well, and it goes perfectly!


Lastly, this is what I woke up to this morning. I suppose the 60 degree days in November couldn't last forever! I'm just grateful that we aren't trying to travel this weekend.

Flintstones, Meet the Flintstones

So, as promised--here they are in all of their glory.

A feet picture last night, after sitting with them up for about an hour.

And here they are, in the middle of the day--in all of their swollen-ness. They really don't hurt, but I will admit that it is a little weird to physically not be able to bend back your toes. Those lines you see? Those come from the shoes that are the closest to fitting at the moment.

These bad boys. Mary Jane Crocs. I really love them! I swore when crocs first hit the scene that I would never be caught wearing them--but my pregnant self has succumbed. They are heaven.

And speaking of extremities, those who know me well will be shocked to know that this is really what my nails look like at this very minute.

Yes, it seems to be true.

I have broken my 20 year habit of biting my nails.

What did the trick you ask? Prenatal vitamins to make them more than the paper-thin they were before and the threat of up-close pictures of my hands during my maternity shoot with my friend Bethany.

It's been 21 days, so that means I'm free and clear--right?

It's Official

Scenario: Sitting with several other law school wives watching our husbands play intramural basketball.

Friend 1: "How are you feeling?"
Me: "Really good, except I can only fit in two pairs of shoes now." (as I hold up my feet)
Friend 1: (Obviously horrified by the sheer size of my feet) "Do they hurt?"
Friend 2: "Is that what c'ankles look like?"

I am immensely proud that I could be an intricate part of Friend 2 seeing her first c'ankles.

(It's a good thing that I love these girls and have not been affected by raging pregnancy hormones, or there could have been some serious smack-down.)

Feet pics to come tomorrow--so don't come back if Fred Flintstone feet make you queasy.

Crafty, Crafty, Crafty

Well, this is another post where I will toot my own horn--but at least I have warned you!

This weekend was one full of completing little projects (which means they are crossed off of my "to-do before the baby comes" list).

I was able to paint and distress this little shelf for cowboy-ish items for the baby's room. It hangs above the crib (high enough so little hands will not pull it down someday!)

Next, I went to the sewing machine and completed the binding for the quilt kit that I bought online. I love it!

And finally, once I had worked out the binding tricks on the other quilt, I was able to complete the quilt for the crib set! I am FINALLY done with that project. Unless I find some extra time to make a pillow or two with left over fabric. (Only if everything else on the previously mentioned "to-do before the baby comes" list is completed).

Oh, and in answer to what a machine-quilting lady is: There are many ways to attach the layers of a quilt. You can tie it, quilt it by hand or machine quilt it. I have the means to machine quilt with my beloved Bernina, but was unwilling to take on that project with my time constraints, etc. So, I called the local quilt shop and was put in touch with a lady who does the machine quilting out of her house. She did great work, quickly and was not expensive at all! I highly recommend this route if you are not up to doing it yourself!

A List of Laramie

I’ve decided to compile a list of a few of the quirky things that I love about Laramie. Things that contribute to its homey and laid-back feel.

1. There are still stop lights on the sides of the streets that are not overhead. I don’t know if most of the world has seen them, but they look like the picture on the right. Visitors to Laramie are usually guilty of either running them or coming very close to doing so.

2. Speaking of stoplights, all of the cities stoplights (overhead or not) get turned “off” after midnight. One direction has a flashing red light and the other, a flashing yellow light. I love driving deserted, dark streets, but don’t love that I have to stay up so late to do so. (man, that sentence is proof I am getting old—midnight used to be NOTHING).

3. Everyone says excuse me in the grocery store. And I mean everyone. Instead of fighting crowds of stressed out people who are rude and inconsiderate (like I did in U***), I have a pleasant experience at Wal-mart each time I shop.

4. University students run to open the door for me. I mean that literally. Especially now that I am quite large. I love and appreciate the special treatment.

5. I have my family close, but not too close. I’ve enjoyed being in a different ward and carving out our own place in Laramie, separate from the one I had so long ago. But, I have to admit that driving three minutes to my mom’s has some great advantages as well, especially when Ronnie has gone to the library for the evening.

6. Fashion is just not as important. Don’t get me wrong—I like looking cute, but in Provo it seemed like church was a bit of a competition of the cutest clothes and many weeks I was the obvious loser. Here, church is church. You dress nicely, but if you don’t have the latest style no one will ever notice. (sidenote: Laramie has never been on the cutting edge in the fashion department. I still vividly remember the day in Jr. High when one of the more “fashionable” girls wore a pair of capris for the first time. I looked at them and vowed to never wear a pair—EVER. Ahh, the mistakes we make!)

7. People know how to drive in the snow. I’ll be the first to admit that the first snow storm is always a little scary, since the out of state students are adjusting, but problems with stupid drivers are minimal for every storm afterward.

8. I don’t ever have to parallel park. Anyone who knows me well knows that not only do I despise parallel parking; I really CAN NOT do it. Luckily Laramie has less traffic and relatively ample parking on all streets, so this is never an issue.

There you have it—just a few of the things I love about Laramie. I could go into a few things I don’t love so much, but let’s keep it positive—shall we?

P.S. The machine quilting lady just called and told me my quilts are done. Whooo Hooo! Look for a completed quilt post soon!

36 weeks

And here is the 36 week picture. You are not lucky enough to see my face because believe me, you didn't want to see it. (I believe Ronnie had just said something and I was in the middle of a reply). I have also posted the 30 week and 27 week pictures below, just so you can have solid comparisons.

I'm still feeling really good, except for darn Mother Nature teaching me what no sleep is like. It really isn't too bad though and other than that, I could forget I am pregnant the majority of the time.

I have learned that pregnancies must seem as long to the people I work with as they do to the pregnant mother. I am asked several times a day when I am due--always followed by a "you look like you are ready to pop!" (note to others: this is never, ever, ever an acceptable comment. The pregnant woman knows exactly how she looks and does not appreciate getting confirmation of that fact.)

36 weeks

30 weeks

27 weeks

A Little Update and Lights

Just a month to go until this little one’s expected arrival—which seems crazy! I promise to post some 36 week photos this week since in Ronnie’s words “You are starting to look big!”

We had a great weekend with more free time than we should have. I’m sure Ronnie will *want to* regret it (even though he won’t be able to admit it since it was time together) as he works long hours to get everything done in school this week.

We went to Cheyenne on Saturday with our friends Steve, Lindsey and little Brinley. It was so nice to have one last getaway before the baby—even if it was just a 45 minute drive (I don’t think my pregnant self can go much farther than that these days). We got some last-minute items at Target, shopped at Kohls and Michaels (thank the crafting gods that I have SOMETHING relatively close) and then ate a delicious meal at Texas Roadhouse.

I know this post would be much better with some pictures, but I didn’t take the camera, so continue reading with that in mind.

Then we parted ways from our friends and went to Home Depot. You see, my dad is building two spec houses and we offered to get all of the lighting fixtures for the second house while we were in Cheyenne so he wouldn’t also have to make the trip.

I don’t know how many of you have picked out an entire house of lights in one trip, but it was (to say the least) a bit overwhelming. We wanted everything to be in stock (due to the distance from the store) and preferred to have the entire house in the same style and color.

This proved to be difficult.

We were able to move along fairly well until we got to the last four lights. They included the dining room and kitchen island (which needed to match) as well as the living room and front entry (which also needed to match). Home Depot had only one fixture of the four that I was completely satisfied with and NOTHING to coordinate!

Did you know that Brushed Nickel, Satin Nickel and Antique Pewter are different silver colors that match okay when in separate rooms, but look HORRIBLE right next to each other?

I finally gave up and bought three fixtures that I was okay with and one that I really didn’t like at all, and decided that if my mom and dad wanted to drive back over and change things they could, but I got things that would at least be tolerable.

So in conclusion, I learned that it is possible to pick out an entire house of lights in 2 hours, but probably not advisable.

P.S. Home Depot’s online selection also stinks, since I was going to post examples of the hideous light fixtures I was choosing from, but NONE of them exist online.
P.P.S. I was very pleased with all of the light fixtures until these last four, so Home Depot is not a total waste, just close.