Levi and Trish Duffin

HOPE

2010-05-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Well here I am on the end of another miscarriage... We found out we were expecting in March and were super excited. It was a long journey to get there and we were hopeful that this one would be different. We had been told by so many people that it is really common for a woman to have at least one miscarriage in her reproductive years, so we hoped ours was out of the way. Apparently that isn't the case for us....

We had our first appointment on April 6th. I was sooooo nervous. Based on our dates at that time we thought we were 8 weeks along. That is around the time I miscarried last time so I was bracing myself for bad news. To my excitement there was a strong heartbeat! However, based on the size the Dr. put me at only 6 1/2 weeks. They told me the fact there was a heartbeat is a very good sign and that 95% of all pregnancies that show a heartbeat go on to be completely normal. It was such a relief and we really felt like we could start to let ourselves get excited. We scheduled our next appointment for 4weeks later, and since it was so early they were going to do another ultrasound at that appointment as well. Yay!

That 4 weeks was quite the roller coaster. Some days I was so confident that everything was going to be fine. Afterall, there was a heartbeat, right? I couldn't wait to find out what we were having. I was starting to think about how I wanted the baby's room to be. We already have the names picked out. That's what you are supposed to do right? Other days I reminded myself that anything could happen and to prepare myself for the worst. Apparently I should have listened to myself.

The Thursday before my Tuesday appointment I started to have some spotting. I panicked! This was not a good sign. Levi and I rushed down to my clinic because we were really concerned, especially after what happened last time. I have to say, I was really disappointed with the receptionist and the nurses. They totally blew us off and acted like I was just another paranoid expecting mother. They told us that some spotting was completely normal. No need to worry. If I "really wanted" to I could have them draw some blood that day and on Saturday and they could check my hormone levels. However, they wouldn't have the results until Monday morning. We thought about it and decided that we would listen to them. I felt if we were going to have to wait it out until Monday, we might as well wait until our Tuesday appointment when we would have another ultrasound. You know, I really should have listened to myself. I know my body. Last time I miscarried, I had no signs, no spotting, no cramping, nothing. The only way we knew about it was from the ultrasound. This time I should have insisted on an ultrasound, even if we went to instacare or the emergency room. Something was not right. But I let them make me believe that I was just being paranoid. (I mean honestly, how can we pregnant women be so disruptive to their daily schedules!)

So we waited through the weekend. We went in on Tuesday morning trying to be positive and stay hopeful. I was so nervous I thought I was going to throw up. After waiting 20 min. for the Dr. come in, we got ready for the ultrasound. At that point, deep down, I knew. I was just bracing myself for the bad news. Once again there was no heartbeat. For some reason, not even a week after my first appointment, it all stopped. It only grew to 7 weeks and 1day. I went on for almost a whole month with no sign of miscarriage.

What really bothers me is that the Dr. just seemed to blow it off as well. To me it is obvious there is something going on here. Both pregnancies failed around the same time (the first was estimated at around 8 weeks, the second at 7 weeks). I was oblivious to both, seeing as how I had no cramping or signs or miscarriage. There has to be a reason I can't stay pregnant. But my Dr. told me that if she referred me to a specialist, they wouldn't do anything because it has "only" been 2, not 3. Seriously? I have to go through this another time until someone will investigate what is going on? I am seriously thinking of getting another opinion. There has to be something going on.

Right now I can't even address the emotional side of all of this. I have kind of been trying to block it out of my mind until I can deal with it constructively. It is not fun.

To top off my horrible week, my sister got married two days later. I had every intention of going and just trying to power through it, but I ended up not going. I just couldn't handle talking about it yet and I knew my family would want to express their condolences. I didn't want to be a bawling mess at what was to be a celebration for my sister and her new husband. I know I will forever regret missing that special day for her, but I just know I was not strong enough.

I also know we will make it through this. That there is an answer out there for us. We just don't know what our path will be yet. Somehow, and I don't know how, I still have HOPE.

Blah-g!

2010-03-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

Nothing new to report... just checking in. We are doing good. I figured it was past due to do another post... Blah, blah, blah!

Well, come to think of it, I suppose there have been a few developments. During the Olympics our TV was pretty much always tuned in to watch the games. While watching, we caught a few rounds of curling. I had never really taken a moment to understand the rules and watch how it is played. I started thinking that it looked kind of fun! Well I got online to see if there were any local curling clubs and it so happens that the Cache Valley Stone Society was just gearing up for the season! They had a clinic on Monday night so Levi and I decided to go check it out. We really had a good time! We got to try all the aspects of curling. It takes practice to get good at it, but it isn't too hard to catch on! I didn't even fall on the ice (although there were a few near misses)! One thing I really like about it is that strategy is large part of the game. Levi of course picked up on it right away. He beats me at EVERYTHING! Gah! He did say he was surprised at how well I picked it up though (I think that was a compliment?).We are trying to decide if we should join the league.... so stay tuned!

I am anxiously awaiting spring! I need to feel the sun on my face! I need to feel the promise of no snow in the air! I need the beautiful blossoms! I need, need, need spring to get me out of this slump! Oh fair spring... please don't keep my devoted heart waiting much longer! I can't wait to snuggle up with you and whisper sweet nothings in your ear! I wait with bated breath for you and only you! XOXOXO P.S. I love you!

Talisman

2010-01-06T18:49:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I am aware that I am a total killjoy. What a bummer my last post was! Well no new news to report.. So on and so forth! Christmas was simply fabulous despite my morose attitude. We went down and stayed with my parents in Utah county. We played lots of games, got lots of Addy time, and just generally enjoyed everyone's company. Unfortunately Levi injured his knee Christmas eve while we were delivering Sub for Santa gifts. He is still going to physical therapy and we will know next week if he has to get an MRI. No good deed goes unpunished! Christmas day we went to Gran & Gramps' house for a delicious dinner. It is always so nice to see them. I have set a new goal to go down and see them once a month. Time is of the essence and Gran is my kindred spirit!

I have adopted a new talisman. I try to wear it daily. I found it on the therhouse etsy shop. It just really spoke to me of the importance of hope and courage. I need to stay hopeful and positive with myself. That is what keeps me going. I also need the courage to go on when my hope is not fulfilled. I need the courage to make those decisions that are maybe a little scary. I need to have the courage to stay hopeful that is for sure!

I need to get me one of these! Isn't she precious? I just adore her and had so much fun cuddling her over the holiday break!

Ebenezer, you are my kind of man!

2009-12-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Bah-freaking-humbug! Isn't it horrible? I am most definitely not in the Christmas spirit this year. It's weird, I want to be in the spirit, but I'm just not. I really know that I have so much to be grateful for. I have a good job and work with wonderful people. I have amazing friends. My family is awesome. My husband is my best friend. I have a roof over my head. And yet, I am in a funk. A baby funk. Instead of a monkey on my back I have a big giant BABY on my back. I know I am supposed to be patient. I try to have a positive attitude about it all. I know that nobody wants to hear a big whiner. But right now it seems that all the world is pregnant or has a baby. I keep telling myself that things happen for a reason and when this is all over I will know why I had to have this trial. But that doesn't always help in the here and now. I feel totally crazy because I want it so bad. It is biological I tell you! I am trying to have hope and be positive, relax and not obsess. All I have to say is that it's a good thing that last year I didn't know I would still be at square one a year later. Right now all I have is hope. That's it. Plain and simple. So there you have it. I have effectively vented. They don't call it a Pity Patty Party for nothing!

You make me wanna shoop... shoop shoop ba-doop

2009-09-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Wait... Not this Salt n' Pepa!

This is the Salt n' Pepper I'm talkin about!

The two little girls in the front are my cousin Misha and me. That's right Mish & Trish a.k.a. the ORIGINAL Salt n' Pepper! We are 2 weeks apart in age and we were inseparable whenever we could be together. We have so many hilarious memories. I will always treasure the weeks during the summer that I would go stay at Aunt Suz & Uncle Joe's and Mish and I would play, play, play. I just love Mish, she is so fun to be around.

Misha lives down in St. George with her little wild bunch! Cutest. Kids. Ever!!! Well my mom, my sisters, and I all decided to take a little getaway to St. George and have a girl's weekend. It was so much fun! Misha has a beautiful home and is the hostess-with-the-mostess. She just makes everyone feel comfortable and want to stay there forever!

We drove down on Friday afternoon and had plans to see Annie at Tuacahn (total diasappointment by the way). We pulled into town, freshened up, picked up Janalee, and went to dinner. (Salt & Pepper in the center!)

Here is Mom, Cic, Addy, & Mish @ Annie. The show itself was okay. The biggest problem was the sound was too high. Everyone was mic'ed and they were still trying to project as if they weren't. I'm sorry, but there is nothing more ear piercing than 25 prepubescent little girls screeching into a microphone.

On Saturday Mish's kids all had soccer games, so Mom & Janalee went shopping, Leah & I watched Lexi's soccer game, & Cic stayed home and watched the 3 toddlers (what a brave girl)!

Then we decided to cool off by taking the kids to the pool. It was so much fun. I intend on taking my future kids swimming often. LOVED IT *in a sing-song voice*!

Here, Cic, Craig, & I are playing ring around the rosies with Sami, Jax, & Beck. They were soo cute! Addy would rather be lounged out than anywhere near the water. I can't blame her. It was pretty chilly at first!

Later that night we decided to go get some YUMMY food at a place called Haven. MMMM. It's kind of home cooking with a twist. They also have delicious desserts, like deep fried oreos and homemade sugar doughnuts. They also have really cute decor. Our pics really don't do it justice. If you are in the area, you should really check it out, they do have a website at havencuisine.com. It is an experience!

Overall, it was a really fun weekend. I didn't want it to end. St. George is beautiful. Mish has some amazing views, and I could have just sat and chilled at her place for at least a week. I didn't get nearly enough sleep, and for good reason! I just didn't want any of the fun to end. Now that fall is settling in... ugh, I am already fantasizing about returning to our little getaway in the desert! Thanks Mish for being such an amazing cousin and friend! I will always have a special place in my heart for you! And you make me wanna Shoop!

Take me to Vegas, I'm on a roll...

2009-09-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Two posts in 2 days?! Incredible, I know. This one is only to do a little bragging. Before the arrival of cute little miss Addy, I "slaved" away and made a quilt for her. I wanted something that wasn't too "babyish" and that she could grow up dragging around with her. I have to say I am pretty proud of how cute it came out! And then Leah has to go and upstage me with making Addy so cute.... Sheesh! Can't a girl ever come out ahead?

P.S. No, Leah doesn't stuff her baby into the corner of the crib. The baby in this picture is a fake... it threw me off at first too :)!

Leah was nice enough to model it for me. You can't tell here but she was 9+ months pregnant, and it was a long, HOT, active weekend! (She was even running around playing yard games, the crazy woman!!! When I am 9 months pregnant I am taking full advantage of it!)

Promises, promises...

2009-09-21T09:26:00.001-07:00

Yeah. So I kind of still totally slacked in the blogging department. What can I say? Perfection has never been something I claim to be! This summer has been super busy and I have had plenty to do. My house is definitely evidence of this. It is a disaster area! But at least I can call it my own! One of our major projects this summer was to refinish our hardwoods. They are original and

needed a little TLC. These are after we sanded them down. I was too embarrassed to show how bad they looked before, hence no "Before" picture. Just use your imagination... 3 dogs + wood floors= one heck of a scratched up floor!

It took us most of the weekend and the dogs were not so happy to be locked out (They could use a lot more of it, if you ask me!), but after all was said and done, we are pretty happy with the results.

Now I just have to get my dogs acclimated to wearing booties around my house!

There's a V.I.P. in my family!

2009-07-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

I am very proud to announce the much anticipated arrival of a special little person in my life. Her name is Adalyn Lila and she is the first grand-daughter in our family. My brother Aaron and his wife Leah welcomed her on July 28th at 2 am. As you might have guessed, I could not help myself and had to rush down and get a glimpse of her with my own eyes! She is absolutely scrumptious and I can't wait to be her FAVORITE Aunt! (So take that Cic & Kenz!) She has a beautiful full head of hair and is all cheeks! The poor little turtle takes after her Daddy and has no neck, just rolls and rolls of skin.

On a side note, I have to tell everyone what a special person little Adalyn's mommy is. She has really been a blessing in our family. Leah is one of the most sweet natured and easygoing people. She does not have a mean bone in her body, but do not be deceived, she has a backbone! She keeps my brother in line! She is so thoughtful and is going to be an amazing mother!!!!! My only regret is that we don't live closer! She is definitely a kindred spirit! I hate to say it, but if anything "happens" to them, Aaron is sooooo screwed, cause I think we'll all keep Leah and get rid of him! (Just kidding Aaron... we all know you would never be dumb enough to mess things up! LOL!)

And the three of you that read this blog die of shock!

2009-07-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

So obviously I've been a bit remiss in my posting! Tsk, tsk! Well I am back by not-so-popular demand! So those of you who were giving up faith in human kind or otherwise just ready to beat me over the head with my keyboard, you may all take a deep sigh of relief. I am going to catch up on my posting!!! I have been up to many projects and have lots of fun to report on this summer! Life in the fast lane...

So keep checking and there will probably be a few posts a bit more regularly!

(What, you didn't think I was going to give it to you all at once did you? I am what you could call a blog tease!!!)

New post

2009-06-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here ya go Sarah! This is technically a post!

Onesies

2009-03-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Sarah and I threw a baby shower for our best friend Brandy. It was a ton of fun and there will be more to post later. However, I am so happy with the results of our activity. We set up a table for everyone to decorate onesies and this is what I came up with. I think they turned out really cute and it was a lot of fun!

Also, I recently made these bibs for my friend Jackie's little girl. I am not a great photographer so I apologize for the less than adequate pic.

I used hot pink and teal hand towels for the terry cloth backing on these. I think they are pretty cute!

Introducing baby Duffin....

2009-03-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

First here is our daughter Levisha.

Who knew we would have a blonde?! She is the "Little Princess"!

And now, our sweet little Trevi...

He is the apple of his daddy's eye!

Last, but certainly not least, please meet Levi Jr.

He's quite the little handful, but we are just so blessed to have the little dumpling!

Okay, so they are only simulated, but it is way too funny not to share! If our real kids are going to be this scary looking, I may be having second thoughts!!!

Honest scrap, or crap? You decide!

2009-03-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

It is called the honest scrap award and these are the rules...A) First list 10 honest things about yourself--and make it interesting even if you have to dig deep.B) Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of Honest Scrap...

I feel like my life is pretty much an open book so any of this information is probably no surprise to anyone who knows me! Well, here goes!

1. One of my favorite things to do is sing in the car. I love turning the radio up and singing my guts out. I have to be alone though, otherwise I am too worried about what I sound like.

2. I have cetaphobia. In layman's terms, an irrational fear of WHALES! It is really bizarre and I totally know it is irrational. It has gotten worse as time goes by. Killer whales don't bother me though. Just all others. I get sweaty and nauseous and the chills anytime I see a picture of them or even just get a mental picture of one. Even the animated one in Finding Nemo puts me over the edge. However, everyone thinks it's really funny to point them out to me whenever they can. GROSS!

3. I am a comic book geek. This has been somewhat recent. I had a friend in middle school who would lend my his X-Men comic books and I liked them then, but recently Levi has been getting into them which in turn has had me getting hooked. My only problem is that they are not cheap! I have a really hard time spending that much money on something that takes 15 minutes to read, and then you can't wait for the next issue to come out. They are pretty entertaining though. I think it would be kind of fun to go to Comicon in San Diego. That would probably be quite the show!

4. I love, love, love the demolition derby! I have only gone once because no one else will go with me, but I loved it. There is something so exciting about seeing a car from across the arena driving on a collision course at full speed toward another car. What reckless abandon! Too funny!

5. I really dislike french manicure toenails! Gag! To me a french manicure is meant to make your nail bed look longer and more elegant. The last thing I want is long looking toenails. I much prefer fun, bright colors or classic red toenails.

6. I used to be really obsessed with Gone With the Wind. I loved Scarlett and her story. I loved how men adored her and how she was idolized by them. She got whatever she wanted! However, as I have gotten older my perspective has changed a bit. I now see her as a spoiled rotten, selfish brat! When she finally found out what she truly wanted, she had already ruined everything and couldn't have it! I still do love the story though and Rhett makes me weak in the knees! I just don't idolize it like I used to.

7. This may not come as a surprise to anyone at all, but I always dreamed of being an actress. As a little girl I would memorize my favorite movies and reenact them for hours. I love the world of make-believe and I think that is mostly what acting is. I would still really love to be an actress, but I know the lifestyle that involves is not necessarily what I want either. Oh well, a girl still has to have a dream!

8. Another phobia I kind of have is of wind generators. It's really weird. As we were coming out of Spanish Fork canyon this last summer, I totally got the willies from the giant windmills at the mouth of the canyon. They were so huge and looming. Levi thinks I am just afraid of really big things. I think it is just really big things that move! It just creeps me out. They don't bother me from far away, it's just when I get close. (shiver!)

9. I also used to be obsessed with Seth Green! I just really liked him in a lot of his characters and I think he's cute! I know I'm weird, and I don't expect anyone to feel the same as I do, but I like him. My friend Jana even gave me an autographed picture of him for my birthday. I have to admit, I got a little teary eyed! I'm not as bad as I used to be, but I am still a fan. I just think that I am more gaga over Seth Green the actor than Seth Green the person. I don't know him personally so I can't say whether or not he is a good person. But he is really cute in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series!

10. Lastly, I am horrible at correspondence! I am so bad at writing letters! I just talk myself out of doing it. I think of all the things I want to say and get overwhelmed with it all. I feel really bad about it though because I have lost touch with so many great people that I have met through the years. I really need to get better at it! I'm so bad I didn't even write to my own little brother on his mission! I am definitely ashamed of that. So, to anyone who I have lost contact with over the years, it is nothing personal. I promise! I just really suck at writing and sending letters. I still love you!

Well, that pretty much sums it up! I don't know if there are even 7 people that read this blog, but I tag Sarah, Katie, Jana, Karlie, Kacie, Jenny P., and Jackie! Good Luck!

... and all of her dreams came true!

2009-02-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, well, at least my sofa dreams came true!!! After years and years of "making do" with our old, nasty, 6th-generation sofas, I finally got the sofa of my dreams!!!! We saved up and were able to buy it outright which felt really good. We were laughing when we put it on my check card how it is the largest purchase we have ever made with that card, and how the bank was probably going to go into seizures! However, there was much anxiety over whether or not we would be able to even get it into the basement (we were, only after removing a window)! I hate being there when deliveries like that come. I am always worried that they are going to say, "Nope. Sorry. We refuse to haul this mammoth sofa/bed/washing machine down those stairs. You and your husband are on your own!", and then I am left fretting that while Levi is maneuvering the aforementioned, he gets pinned at the bottom of the stairs, clawing for his life, all the while cursing the fact that I am never happy with what we already have!

Needless to say, I am oh so happy with this purchase! I refused to "settle" and got what I really wanted. I wanted something that would last us years and years! I wanted something that our entire future family could sit on. I wanted stainproof and dirtproof. This glorious, glorious, glorious piece of furniture will hopefully be a centerpiece to many family memories! (I know it sounds silly to care so much, but you have no idea how bad the last couches were!)

So here I unveil the sofa that I love. The only picture I currently have of it is from my phone and it was still in the store. I also am awaiting the arrival of a matching ottoman that we ordered. We originally wanted a chaise, but ultimately decided an ottoman would work best so we wouldn't be "locked in" to any certain setup.

If you can't tell, it is chocolate brown with teal and brown pillows. The fabric is kind of like corduroy but checkered instead of lines. It is totally comfy and am thrilled with it.

This month has been "sew/sew"

2009-01-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

Well I have to admit I have been a little distracted this month. I got this puppy for Christmas and I have a million little projects that I can't wait to do.

I love this machine! I wanted to get something that was easy to learn on, but one that I could also grow into. This was the ticket! It is an electric machine and all the stitches are adjusted with the push of a button. There are so many stitches to choose from so my imagination is just running wild. I love that I don't have to fiddle with knobs because it has auto tension and it has a self threader so it is a breeze to thread! Needless to say, I have been sewing up a storm.

My latest project is for one of my best friends who is expecting a baby boy this spring. I am so very excited for her and can't wait to see that little guy! She has some very cool prints of children with rockets that she wants to decorate the nursery with and I found a fabric with really cute rockets on it, so I just couldn't help myself! I still have to put the back on, but I am so excited about how well it turned out. It is my first patchwork quilt ever!

I want to thank my lovely friend Sarah for "modeling" the blanket for me. Since you didn't get a good look at her face, I have included a picture so you can all see how cute she is!

Rockin' around the Christmas tree...

2008-12-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

Well, the time has come. My tree is up, the music is playing, and Christmas is here! This is the first year that I have taken tree decorating very seriously. I am really pleased with how it turned out. I love to just sit on my sofa and see it glitter and glow! My favorite ornaments are my snowflakes. My Grandma made them and always had them on her tree. Last year I just happened to stop by her house in the fall and she was going through her old ornaments. These were in the pile of ornaments she was going to donate and I snagged them. I couldn't let them go to just anybody!!!! Anyway I love them. They remind me of all the best things about Christmas and also of my beloved Grandma.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

A not so very Happy Birthday.

2008-11-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

The last couple of months have been quite the roller coaster. At the end of September we found out that I was pregnant. It was such exciting news and I couldn't have been happier. It just all seemed to be working out perfectly. We decided to not tell everyone until after our first visit.

Well, needless to say, the time dragged and dragged until Oct. 30th, when we could go to the doctor and have our first ultrasound. I don't think I will ever forget the moment that the Dr. told us that she was sorry but there was no heartbeat. It was absolutely devastating. It was so weird because my body was telling me that I was still pregnant, but I wasnt'. Since my body did not pass the baby on it's own I had to schedule an emergency D&C. The soonest that they could get me in was Nov. 3, which happens to be my birthday. Not so much fun.

I went in and the procedure went well. I am pretty much healed physically, but I don't know about emotionally. I didn't know I could have such a range of emotions. I know that these things happen for a reason. I know that at least now I know that I can get pregnant. And I know that it will happen again when the time is right. I have had some good days where I feel okay, and then I have days like today, where I am totally emotional and just feel like having a good cry. I have never known such disappointment and loss. At least I know it will get better. This is just a process I have to go through.

I have to say that I couldn't have gone through this without Levi. He has been my rock. He has taken care of me and looked after my every need. The thing that kills me is the fact that I know he is disappointed too, and then he has to worry about me on top of everything else. All I know is I couldn't have made it through this without him.

I am also so grateful for all my family and friends who have all been so supportive. It really has helped to have you all there for me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

This has been a really challenging experience. However, I think it has made me stronger, and someday I am sure I will be able to think back on this and understand why these things happen. I also have a lot of hope that we will become parents when the time is right. I can hardly wait and really look forward to it. Plus I can't wait to see Levi as a Daddy. He will be so cute!

Teach your children well...

2008-10-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have been told that apparently there is something wrong with the way I was raised. They say music is the soundtrack to your life. Thus, my life must be that of an adult contemporary radio station.

A while ago, Levi and I were talking about music and AC/DC came up. I told him that I don't really care for AC/DC. I much prefer listening to some good ole' Lionel Richie. He says that if he had known this before, we certainly would never have been married. I beg to differ! I think a lot of it has to do with what my parents listened to while I was growing up. It was as "wonder bread" as it gets. Some of my favorites from childhood are Chicago, Air Supply, Phil Collins, and the aforementioned Lionel Richie. I am even able to sing along to many, many Bee Gees songs. So you see, while everyone else is jamming out to CCR, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC, I am belting my heart out KOSY 106.5 FM!

This is what make ME a Maverick!

I AM REVOLTING!

2008-10-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I have seen everybody's cute little Fall pages. I have read and enjoyed about the many virtues of Fall and all that it promises. I have even found myself enjoying spicy smells and craving warm soup, but to all of this I say FORGET IT! I dread Fall because it only means that the brutal, unforgiving, hateful Winter is coming. I want SPRING! Therefore, I have switched my background and am going to write an ode to Spring.

Oh how I love the beautiful brilliant skys, which when I look up I feel the glorious sun laying a blanket of warmth on my face. As the snow melts away, tiny blades of velvety grass pierce their way through the soil to blanket the earth in emerald majesty.

The trees are blooming and everywhere you look there are bursts of soft petals promising the sweet fruits of summer.

And who can forget the beauteous blooms of tulips and daffodils lining our paths?

Alas, Spring you fair maiden, I await your return and the promise of Summer with bated breath.

Fall, I could take you or leave you.

As for winter, you nasty old Bitch, you can

SUCK IT!

Ahhhh... the relief!

2008-09-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Well, after much anticipation and anxiety I received the results back from my final...I passed with honors! I am now able to look for a job as a part time transcriptionist. Yay! It was a lot of work but I am actually really proud of myself and I am glad that I was able to stick to it and finish. I had to take 2 days off of work to take the final and it took a good chunk of both of those, then I had to wait TWO WHOLE WEEKS for the results! Now I can breathe a huge sigh of relief and move on to "other projects!"

Levi Lovin'

2008-08-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

I am dedicating this post to my super duper fabulous HUSBAND LEVI! He really is the greatest guy and I consider myself one of the luckiest girls in the world!

***SPOILER ALERT!!!*** This is about to get really mushy, so if you have a weak constitution I suggest that you do not read any further!

For those of you who have not heard the story... Levi and I met through some mutual friends at a vintage car parade around the 4th of July. I remember seeing his tattoos and thinking " Oh boy! Mom and Dad would just DIE if I brought him home!" Well I thought he was pretty cute and we were having a good time. A group of us somehow ended up in the back of someones truck and went "cruising on main" to see all the vintage cars. I specifically remember leaning back on my hand and "accidentally" brushing his leg. And that is why it will forever go down in the history books that I made the first move!!!!

Anyway, after that fateful weekend, we saw each other every weekend (we lived in different cities) up until we got married. I just could not stand to be away from him any longer than I had to! Since then, he has been my best friend, my best support, my best confidante, and my favorite person. I am always amazed at how I can totally be 100% myself with him and I know he still loves me. He is tolerant of all of my shortcomings, and he is always so forgiving when I am being a spoiled brat. He puts up with my scatter brain ways and plays along when I blame it all on genetics! One of the things that first impressed me was how safe I feel in his big, muscular arms!

He is such a man! I mean in all things. There is not a single thing about him that does not scream masculine. I love the juxtaposition of this big strong man who loves dogs, is gentle with babies, and can be such a tender heart. It is such a contradiction. My favorite feature of his by far is his hands! I know it sounds silly, but he has real "MAN" hands. You can tell they have worked hard and to me they say they will do anything to provide for me. It just seems to be one of those subconscious things that attract people to one another.

Levi and I now work for the same department. At first I was a little worried that perhaps that might get a little difficult, but it is the opposite. When I am having a really stressful crazy day, and he walks in, I feel calmer and a little happier. This makes me know that this is for real. I am so grateful to have him. I couldn't imagine this life without him! I look forward to future and am glad to have him by my side.

Mawwiage is what bwings us togevah today!

2008-08-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm a dork, but I couldn't resist a little movie reference! Anyway, last weekend was my little brother Aaron's wedding to the lovely miss Leah. It was a whirlwind, but lots of fun seeing lots of relatives. They got married in Manti and had a reception in Alpine so we had quite the caravan. Unfortunately, my mom doesn't handle our weddings well. She gets all frazzled and acts like a basket case, but she got through it! (I think for the next wedding we should slip her a Xanax!) We got some nice pics. Below are just a few of us at the temple.

This is my cute mom and dad!

Us! (He cleans up nice!)

This is probably a preview of this year's Christmas card!!!

What Studs!!!

Please note: This is right after my brother Aaron almost dropped Leah on her face. I don't think he would have enjoyed his wedding night if she was at the hospital with a cracked jaw! Also, I love Levi's contribution! Way to pitch in!

Welcome to the world Baby Girl!

2008-07-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! are in order for our good friends Derrick and Jackie! Today they welcomed a precious little bundle of joy. I can't wait to meet little Olivia, and I couldn't be happier for her Mom and Pop!

My friends and I are a BIG DEAL!

2008-07-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we are totally grown up and responsible. Can't you see it written all over our faces?

You don't want to mess with us because because we are a force to be reckoned with!

However, we can be soooo sweet when we get what we want!

(Thanks girls for all the giggles!)

Brothers and Sisters

2008-07-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Cicelie and I threw a shower for our brother's fiance' Leah. We really just wanted an opportunity to welcome her into our family and introduce her to family members she has not yet met. I'm not sure how fun it was for her, considering 75% of the people there were people she didn't know, but I thought it was very fun.

I grew up in an extended family that really made an effort to get together and see one another several times a year. I have such fond memories of my cousins and aunts and uncles on both sides. Through the years, as families have grown and the grandkids have had kids of their own, it has been harder and harder to get together. This makes seeing one another even more special. I don't know what it is about family, but we just GET each other. It always seems as if we are always laughing hysterically and having a good time. I guess in a way, your identity in life is based on your family and what role they played. I think my family played a huge role in who I am today.

I guess what I am really trying to say is I love my family; brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, and cousins, I can only hope that my children will someday have the fullness that family has brought to my life.

To any family members of mine that read this, I love you, and thank you for being a part of my life.

Heaven help me!

2008-04-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know this blogging thing should not be that difficult, but for some reason I can't figure it out! I have been a member of the "myspace universe" for a while and I'm starting to think that maybe I am getting a little too old for that. I'm not there to "hookup" with anyone. I just think it is really fun catching up with old friends and keeping up to date with everyone. So maybe this blogger thing will be a little more fitting. That is, if I can ever learn to navigate it!

It has come to my attention that I should update everyone on what I am up to these days. We currently live in Northern Utah (where finally the weather is what one would describe as summer). My husband and I met 6 years ago (good grief! I can't believe it has been that long!) and got married 5 years ago. I work for a university as a staff assistant and Levi is an HVAC technician. I don't know how it happened, but we have 3 dogs and everyday I question whether or not I should be committed! Seriously. I AM NOT EVEN KIDDING!

I am currently doing medical transcription training which has been pretty challenging. I am ready to be done and thankfully should be by late summer/early fall. Afterward I think it will be time to consider adding another member to our little family (hopefully of the species Homo sapiens this time!) Other than that we have a pretty simple life happening right now. I am really grateful to have such wonderful friends to keep me amused! I don't know what I would do without them!

Ready or Not!

2008-04-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, let's see if I can figure out this whole blogging thing! My cousins have the cutest pages and it is so fun to see their babies and stay updated!

Things here are pretty hectic. Between school, work, and everything else, I sometimes wonder where all the time goes. Hopefully I will be done with school by the beginning of fall, and then we can begin working on other "projects." Levi is still really loving his work and happy with the company he works for. I am so grateful that he has found something he doesn't hate!

Anyway, this is just a warm up and hopefully I will have more to write on later.