Blog-iversary Winner!

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments. The winner is Jennifer S. who said, "Happy Blog-iversary! Is this the kind of thing you get to register for? If not, I think that you should start a new internet trend. It's fun to keep up with your adventures. Thanks for sharing. Jenn."

Jenn, I know you just moved so email me your new address and I'll get the cards right out to you!

Giveaways are a lot of fun, I think I'll do a few more in the future to keep you all coming back!

30 weeks

This week I am 30 weeks pregnant! It is crazy to think that in 10 short weeks we will get to see this little one. I’m feeling great aside from the occasional heartburn and my feet have even stopped swelling since the weather has cooled down. (yahoo!)

I don’t feel like I am prepared for his arrival at all, considering I don’t have any of the gadgets and not even a single diaper, but starting this week, I’m scouting the sales so I can have at least a few diapers on hand.

In reviewing our pictures, I realized that we have not done a very good job documenting my growing belly, so there are no progression pictures, just a few from this week.

Everyone wants to know names. We have narrowed it down to four, and I really don’t think we will narrow the field much further. Our finalists are Nathan, Andrew (Drew), Easton and Cade. We both want to see him before we decide for sure.

I’ll try to be better with updates from now on.

And yes, I know the outfit is a little weird, but I had to pull back the cardigan so you could see. I do know how to dress myself.

Happy Blog-iversary!

Today marks my Blog-iversary! One whole year! Who knew I would stick with it?

Instead of actual presents (I wouldn't want you to spend all of that money on postage), you can just leave me a comment--even you lurkers! I have even turned off the no-anonymous-posts for the next little while to make it easier--but be sure to sign your name!

As an incentive, I'll randomly draw a number out of a hat, and that comment will receive these:

Five handmade cards. Two baby cards, a wedding card and two with no specific situation in mind so you can have them when you need them!

Now go on, leave a comment!

ETA: You have until Midnight, Mountain Time on 9/27 to comment and I will draw a winner early Friday morning.

Wherein I fulfill promises

All of my talk about the elusive sewing projects is probably getting old, so it is finally time for some pictures. We were given a crib by my parent's neighbors--so naturally it did not come with instructions. We thought about putting it together a few nights ago, but after looking at all of the parts, decided we needed a little more time to work with. Ronnie's to-do list includes this chore this week. :)

So, in lieu of the crib bedding, I will share a few other projects:

This is the valence that matches all of the crib bedding. It has a pleat in the middle that is difficult to see in pictures (believe me, I took a million) and is made of blue bandanna fabric.

I am also proud to announce that I finished my first quilt top! This was made out of a kit I bought here and was my trial before I cut into my precious crib bedding fabric. I'm really pleased with the results and will have both this quilt and the crib quilt quilted at the same time--so this won't be done for a while.

I have also had requests to see my pregnant belly and promise those will be up by the end of the week--although I can't promise any spectacular photography work.

Games

I grew up in a game-playing family.

I should probably be more specific and say that my mom was all about the games and my dad is a good sport and played because we wanted to. (Except for Pit—he regards that game as the devil).

We are also a VERY competitive family. Winning is what it is all about. We all had our specialties and would rotate through those specific games so everyone could feel dominate.

But then my parents inflicted a rule.

A rule for the winner.

The winner had to clean up. No matter the game, or by how closely he or she won, the winner had to box the game up appropriately and return it to the shelf.

As the losers, the rest of us loved the rule. The game would end, the winner would give a shout of triumph and the rest of us would throw down the cards, pieces, or dice we were holding and run out of the room to do something else…while the winner sat alone and cleaned up.

It was an effective rule to say the least and I now see the wisdom behind it.

Since Ronnie also came from a game-playing family, we enjoy playing each other. Most of the time we are pretty fairly matched (but I ALWAYS win at Boggle, and I can’t for the life of me seem to win at Monopoly). And so that our competitive natures are kept in check, I have also started to enforce the winner’s rule, (Monopoly is a lot harder to clean up than Boggle) and our marriage continues on with little conflict over games*.

*Unless I haven’t won all night, in which case, I am forced to pull out Boggle for my own piece of mind—and may throw a tiny fit in the process.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

On Friday, Ronnie's grandpa turned 90! Yes, that really is the big 9-0! I am a bad granddaughter-in-law and haven't gotten around to posting my birthday shout out 'til now.

We were unable to make it down for the shin-dig, but Ronnie wrote up his memories of Grandpa to be included in a book his children put together for him and since Ronnie obviously has a lot more to say than I do, the following is his memory.

"My memories of Grandpa go back as far as I can remember. There are many to choose from and I don’t know where to start. The motor home trips we went on, the time spent at their house, and the life lessons learned along the way. I have always enjoyed spending time with Grandpa no matter the situation.

No matter what when I think of Grandpa I think of golf, and the game that many people in this family have come to enjoy because of his influence. I remember several instances of golfing with Grandpa, and I don’t think there was ever a time I didn’t learn something (which club to use in a given situation, a new four letter word, etc.) But most important of all I learned an appreciation of spending time with him, and an enjoyment of being around family.

I remember fishing with Grandpa in Idaho, golfing with him in St. George, spending time with him in Silent Valley, and at Lake Perris. I can remember learning from him the value of a penny at Lake Perris, in the motor home park so frequently stayed at. I remember swimming in the Pool with Aubrey and Grandpa throwing pennies in for us to swim to the bottom and retrieve; well we couldn’t find one of the pennies and didn’t think much of it. It came time that we gave them back when we were done looking for them, and he said “Well your one short” and I responded “its only a penny” and he said “yeah, I need a hundred pennies to make a dollar and now I might be short.” And Grandma chimed in with her patented “Oh, Jay…” I learned it’s not the value of that one penny that is so important, but built upon and added to others, they can make a difference.

The enjoyment of visiting and spending time with Grandpa is what has carried over into my adult life, now married, there isn’t a time that KaLee and I don’t go to see Grandpa and Grandma when we are in California, and we both enjoy those moments greatly. I love Grandpa for all he has done; the impact he has made on who I have become is far greater than he will ever know. From the trips, to the time spent in his home, to the many conversations when I was younger prodding me to get my Eagle Scout Award, I love him for all of it. -Ronnie"

I'm showing you craftiness

And I'll admit it may be a little bit because I like to show people my work and also because I am always pleased when people approve of something I work hard on.

I've mentioned before that I make cards as a stress reliever, and with Ronnie constantly commandeering the office/craft room to study, my card-making has slowed.

I recently was able to design four cards to use in a birthday-themed-card-making party I held in my home. It was last night and while I always feel a little frazzled, I think it went great.

Below are the four cards we made. (images copyright Stampin' Up! 2007)

Now that THAT is off my mind, I can start on some other fun stuff--like finally finishing those sewing projects I have been promising for ages.

Fall is in the Air

It seems as though the instant that we are into September you can feel it. The air is a little crisper, the nights a little cooler and the sun a little less intense.

I love fall. I love the colors, the smells and the foods (doesn’t it seem like there are certain foods you make just during this time of year?)

I do not love the fact that in anywhere from one week to one month, Laramie will be hit with that dreadfully long season we call winter. There will be no warning, and it will not let up until well into May (if trends continue).

I’m trying to prepare myself mentally, but I find it incredibly hard. I had to put on socks to warm up before bed two nights ago and it was almost as if I was admitting defeat.

In family news, Ronnie continues to work very hard every day! I am so proud of his continued dedication. Now if we can just get our laptop back in our hands (three attempts at shipping and none have been successful—which begs the question…ShippERs fault or USPS fault?) we will be truly up and running.

As always, I am busy with my sewing projects (which will be posted soon I promise—I’ve completed the bed skirt, valance and bumper, we just need to actually set up the crib), stamping like a mad woman, and squeezing in episodes of The Office and Alias whenever possible (how did I ever miss those two shows?).

Hopefully something exciting, but not TOO exciting will happen soon so this blog can get back to being a little more entertaining.

The first sign

...of clumsiness.

I'll be the first to admit that I am not the picture of grace, but usually I can stay on my feet.

This is not the case anymore.

They tell you about it in all of the books and warn you about it in every weekly email.

When you are pregnant, your center of balance is off....really off.

I have noticed a small difference when doing little things like climbing stairs, and putting on pants, but have always been able to recover.

Yesterday, on my way out of church I tripped.

I tripped, rolled my ankle and fell in the parking lot.

I'd like to believe that it was as graceful as possible, but my sore ankle and skinned knee attest to the opposite.

Did I mention we are in a new ward? And that this was our first full-block church meeting? And that it was a chance for me to make a good impression?

I certainly know how to pick my timing.

Don't tell me I'm alone on this

I like to think that I am considerate.

I have been taught how to address adults, the proper manner of responding to requests, and to write a thank-you note whenever necessary.

Because that is what nice, considerate people do.

I fear that our youth are not getting that education.

This morning I received the following text message:

“Hey coach. I’m not sure if you got my text yesterday but i verbally committed to boston college yesterday”

Obviously this text was not meant for me. I can only assume that it was meant for a sports coach at the University of Wyoming and that the person who sent it was being recruited and has since decided to go elsewhere.

Since when is a text message an appropriate way to decline an offer? Especially a text message that is poorly written?

I can only hope that the first text message (the one sent yesterday) was sent to the correct number so that Wyoming does not continue recruiting this person and that as a result of the stupidity shown they have now ruled out anyone who was educated in the same household and/or school.

I could continue this post by giving you my opinion on text messaging in general, cutting in lines, phone call etiquette and many other topics, but I think you all get the gist.

We are Washington Parkites

Laramie recently had a change. We got a new ward. They took three wards and made four and we are part of the new-ness.

Previously we were in the same ward as:
My mom
My dad
My sister
My brother-in-law
My other sister
and
My brother

There were a lot of Wyos or Wyo-in-laws roaming the halls each week and I loved it! Despite what you may think, I didn’t really hang out with them though—Erica is in primary and my mom is constantly visiting another wards (for her calling, she is not a ward-hopper).

Anyhow, Sunday was the first ever meeting of the Washington Park Ward. We meet in the older building in town—the one that I went to until I was 16 and we moved. Did you know that there are still church buildings with no padding on the back portion of the pews? There are, and we got ‘em.

The ward seems very friendly with your usual mix of people in a college town, a few elderly, a few established families and a heck-of-a-lot of married students. Seriously, a lot!

And what do you suppose was the best part of this new ward forming?

The stake only called the Bishop, and his counselors—no other callings are filled yet.

So we only had Sacrament Meeting.

(you soooo wish you were me).

Post Script-for those of you unfamiliar with Mormon terms: stake=city leadership over all of the wards, Ward=congregation, Bishop=leader of congregation, counselors=other men who help with congregation organization, etc, callings=tasks that congregation members are asked to help with to have the church run smoothly, Sacrament meeting=one hour of our three hour church service (the other two hours are spent in Sunday School and a meeting with either all men or all women).

One-Shot KaLee

Disclaimer: This is one LOOONG story.

Many, many, MANY months ago, I promised the story of One-Shot KaLee.

And now without further ado.

In Wyoming you can hunt big game at the age of 12.

I want you all to pause for a moment and think of a 12 year old you know. Now think of a 12 year old boy. Would you want them in possession of a high powered rifle? I didn’t think so.

Nevertheless, that is the law, so every year men take their young sons out to get their first big animal.

I was not 12 on my first big hunt, I was 14—but I essentially had the arm-strength of a 12 year old.

I had decided before hand that I wanted to hunt antelope. I chose antelope not because they are edible (in fact jerky is the ONLY thing you really want to do with antelope meat and even then it is not very good), I chose antelope because there are LOTS of them on the plains of Wyoming and I figured I could get one with relatively little effort.

Towards the end of the antelope season, my dad, my brother Adam and I loaded up in the truck to get me an animal. We drove about 30 miles outside of town to a ranch that belonged to some friends. We pulled off of the dirt road and there they were.

Three large antelope.

My dad hurriedly handed me my .243 youth stock rifle and told me to use the bumper of the truck to steady the gun and then take a shot. I crouched down next to the truck and got the antelope in my sights, but then a strange thing happened...

The antelope started walking TOWARDS me. I was not prepared mentally for this. Antelope runs away? Totally prepared. Antelope wants you to pet it? Not prepared.

The animal had only started at about 75 yards away to begin with, but as he walked and I stared in unbelief he was closer to 50 yards away.

I said shakily “Uh, Dad? He’s coming towards me!” He answered, “Shoot, Shoot!”

Again, I took careful aim and then finally pulled the trigger.

Due to the recoil of the gun, I didn’t see if I hit him, and the antelope ran about 30 yards over a small rise on the plain.

“KaLee!” my dad yelled, “You just injured him! Now we are going to have to chase him across the plain for who knows how long!”

We walked briskly over the rise and to our surprise—there he was. My shot was perfect. He only ran those 30 short yards then collapsed.

My dad’s tone completely changed, “Great shot! I didn’t think you got him this good!”

Now came the hard part.

While the antelope WAS mortally wounded, he would not die naturally for several hours, so my dad explained that I would need to shoot him again, right now.

I looked down into the large black eyes and heaving chest just 3 feet from me and couldn’t do it. Luckily Dad was kind and did it for me.

Now that the antelope was good and dead, we had to clean him. I’ve never been really queasy, but I’ve also never seen blood in that quantity. Dad kindly explained that he would help me clean my animal this first time, but that from now on, I would need to clean my kills myself. As we proceeded to gut the animal, I felt more and more strongly that I would NOT be able to do this by myself the next time. I expressed that feeling and little Adam, who was no more than 8 years old, piped up and exclaimed, “I’ll clean it for you next time, KaLee!” I looked down at him and said, “Sounds great to me!”

We loaded the animal into the back of the truck and drove home triumphant. Dad was bursting at the seams to show everyone the size of the animal that his daughter had taken down with ONE SHOT.

I was not out to get a trophy animal. I was just out to have my first hunting experience, but when we got the antelope home and measured the horns, we found that I had shot a 15 ½ inch antelope. I proudly mounted the horns and they currently hang in my parents’ garage.

To this very day, no one in my family, immediate or extended, has killed a larger antelope.

And I have never had to clean another kill.

Because I have never been successful again.

And the fun begins...

Ronnie completed his first week of law school. They definitely threw him right into the thick of things. I am so proud of his dedication as he has studied each day (and most nights) to make sure he is prepared for class.

This is a real change from his undergraduate degree.

We have gotten to know quite a few other LDS first-year couples. Ronnie is pretty sure there are 12 of them in his class of 77—not too bad of a percentage. They are all so nice and I can't wait to get to know them a lot better as the year progresses.

We were surprised to find out that Ronnie is the only BYU grad at Wyoming this year but he is surrounded by at least three Utah grads—they like to give him crap.

I am adjusting to my new schedule of most evenings to myself—at first it was quite liberating; I could watch whatever I wanted on television; read for unlimited amounts of time; and do other girly past times like paint my nails, etc.

After only one week, the novelty is wearing off.

There is nothing on television (until the fall season begins), I finished all of the books in my “to read” pile and my nails haven’t begun to chip.

So, I started a hobby that I have wanted to pick up since the purchase of my beloved Bernina.

I am quilting.

Yep. Quilting. I have to say that I love it so far. Now I only wish that I had a dedicated sewing area so my kitchen table wasn’t such a mess.

I finished the binding on a blanket that had been sitting in my closet for 8 years and am now sewing the bedding for this new little one. (I’ll post pictures as soon as I have anything to show for my work. I am still in the cutting stage (the worst stage of the whole process) but hope to have completed projects soon.

And since my back and eyes won’t allow me to quilt for unlimited amounts of time please let me know if you have any good book recommendations—I’m open to just about anything!

Cash Jeremy Goff

Little Cash Jeremy Goff was with us on this earth for six days. Heavenly Father needed him home and he left this life yesterday afternoon. We are so grateful for eternal families. Please remember Natalie and Jeremy in your prayers.

Prayers

My newest little cousin was born August 17th at 2:02a.m. Cash Jeremy Goff was at 24 weeks gestational age and weighed 1 lb. 14 oz. He was born alive, crying and moving around (they say he is quite the little fighter).

As with any 3 ½ month early baby, he has some developing to do before he can be released from the hospital. Please keep him and his parents in your prayers.

Edited to Add: My aunt has started a blog to keep all of us updated on his progress. You can find it on my sidebar, or here.

All Grown Up

I’m officially a big kid now.

Last night I had an extremely long and detailed dream about being in a musical production. After the performance I was running around getting things ready for the post-production party and all of the sudden…

I peed my pants (in the dream that is.)

I awoke frantically, sure that I would have a mess to clean up (cuz let’s face it, when you have vivid dreams about using the bathroom, they are usually a bit more vivid than you would like).

To my surprise—it was just a dream.

I think that proves it.

I am a grown up and may even be ready for this whole motherhood thing.

Sweet!!!!!

I figured out how to put a post on this thing. (KaLee is so going to be mad at me when she sees this at work tomorrow)

So in case you haven't yet determined this is the Little bit of Ronnie referred to in the title of the blog.

I figured since KaLee has been slacking on her blog duties I should fill in, (note there are only 6 so far this month, this being the 7th posting. As I know in months past there have been a few more than this month.)

I should start by telling everyone that despite the complaining about swollen feet and the occasional back rub, I have really enjoyed KaLee being pregnant.

I mean I have been able to eat a little bit more cause she is and I don't even feel bad about it.
The other thing I like is KaLee's belly, its exciting yet crazy that there is something alive and growing inside her and I'm sorry that I am going to admit this but yes I do think its fun to talk to her stomach. (I'm not really talking to her stomach, I'm talking to the baby.)

Other notes for those who are wondering I am enjoying Laramie, I think its refreshing to have this slower paced life at least for a little while. I also have been enjoying spending time with KaLee's family they are good people and I think the world of them.

I also would like to thank everyone who has supported me thus far in my life (by the way I'm feeling a little bit sentimental) I wouldn't be half the person I am today without the influence of my parents and siblings. (Yes that includes the in-law parents and siblings as well.) You've all had a very profound impact on my life and I am grateful.

Next item of business, I have just been caught by KaLee and have been threatened that I must spellcheck and let her proofread this before I post it.

My Feet

This post is about pregnancy—if you have no desire to read it move along.

I have been blessed with a very easy pregnancy (no morning sickness, no headaches).

However, in the last two weeks a new nemesis has appeared.

Swollen Elephant Feet.

Yes, at the end of the day, or if I walk for any amount of time my feet look like this:

(Notice how there is no separation between shin and foot.)

Other than the appearance, they haven’t bothered me, except a bruise-like soreness when I touch the area around my lateral malleolus (that bump on everyone’s ankle). I paid attention in Anatomy.

So, being the internet searcher that I am, I wanted to see what I could do.

Through various sites I determined that I should not sit with my feet flat on the ground or my ankles will swell (Hello—that is what I do for 8 hours a day!).

The internet’s solution to this problem is that I put my feet above my heart for 15 minutes every hour in order to minimize the effects. (I’m sure my boss will LOOOVE that one).

My solution was to borrow a small footstool from my parents and put my feet up throughout the day (but only about a foot and a half up, instead of above my heart.

It seems to be working a bit, but after viewing a few pictures of my mom’s feet when she was pregnant with me—I feel I am fighting a losing battle.

Trip to Denver

Laramie is a mere 2.5 hours from Denver and since Ronnie’s life will soon be a quite busy one, we decided to make a trip to the Denver Temple before classes started.

We were able to meet our good friends Jared and Ashley and do a session. It was great to see them and great to be at the temple. (Did you know they give pregnant people special treatment if you look uncomfortable enough?)

We neglected to take a picture at the temple, but here we all are enjoying our Texas Roadhouse steaks. (Yes, Karen and Ray, we went again—just a week after we went with you!)

We are happy to be close to the Jared and Ashley and hope to be able to get together more often!

My Influence

I think I may be rubbing off on Ronnie.

He finished reading a book yesterday.

A book he read PURELY for entertainment.

Since I have known him, this has never happened.

I like to think it was all because of me.