garrison

mama? nope.

2012-01-24T10:52:00.000-05:00

midnight brawl

2012-01-19T11:12:00.002-05:00

it looks like he was mauled by a two finger-nailed heffalump or woozle. time to stash the hunny somewhere else than the crib.

but really it was probably just these babies. (or the "prison shanks" as we call them-- unassuming, sharp & deadly.) time for a trimming--which is a deadly and scary maneuver itself.

in other news: the kankles can no longer be contained.

jaybird the snowbird

2012-01-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

"randy lay there like a slug. it was his only defense." & "i can't put my arms down!"

these infamous words were written all over jacob's face as he sat in that snow-covered chair, hating his furry hood and, surprisingly, not crying. he only agreed to the "snow shoot" because i triple-dog-dared-him. and when the frigid wind whipped across the yard and sent flurries into his face, he kinda smiled. he's already turning into a powder pig. bless those cold, rosy cheeks. jakey, you deserve a major award! or maybe some tinker toys. or how about a nice...football!

thanks for being a good sport jakey.

and thank you donaldsons for his snow outfit! it fits!

thank you lora

2012-01-10T09:39:00.000-05:00

what do you do in california? have a photoshoot of course! thank you lora knight photography for your amazing talents and for taking such awesome pictures of our little family.we feel like a complete mormon family now that we have a family pic to hang above the mantle with decorative wooden blocks below it that read "families are forever." haha. just kidding. we don't have a mantle.

guess who's coming to cookie-town?

2012-01-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

that would be...drumroll please...then snoopy dance...out of control air guitar next...ELDER CAWLEY!

see following excerpt from said brother's email this morn:

So transfer calls were yesterday... and im getting transfered. and guess where im going?!?! im still going to be District Leader... but for a different district... i.... am.... going.... to... BURGESS FALLS!!!!!!!!!!! and right next to that place is...... COOKVILLE!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT?!?!?! crazyness!!!!! hahahaha. im like going CRAZY here!!! what im wondering is if i meet in the same church building as cookville?!?! if so... ill see da garrisons every sunday... and also ill go on exchanges with the cookville elders bcuz im DL... so deenie and bil can feed us when im in cookville for a couple of days!!! hahahahha shweeeeeetnass!!! haha. so yeah thats going down... like down town china town!

no spencer...eh, i mean elder cawley...you're going down to COOKIE-town!
i think we'll just choose him to be the recipient of every garrison FHE service project from now on.
yeah. its decided.

eczema

2012-01-07T21:25:00.000-05:00

a few days ago, as i was elbow deep in splashing, bath water holding onto a slippery baby for dear life, i felt a few little bumps on the side of jake's belly. it was curious. but i didn't think much about it. then a day or so later... bumps. red bumps. all over the babe's belly. there was even one under his right eye.

now, being the responsible mom i am, i went to my most trusted resource. that would be the internet. and that would most definitely be a joke. buuuuuttttt. you can get some answers/advice/stories/experiences pretty darn quickly that way. and it usually calms me down because i find out i'm not the only mom out there to have the same question. and usually i find that i'm given the answer of, "don't worry. its normal. take your finger off of the speed dial for 911."

so i type in, "little red bumps all over stomach." the answer? possible diagnosis: scarlet fever, chicken pox, measles, mumps, heat stroke, allergic reaction, eczema.

and all i could think as i read on and on in those silly baby mama forums was, beth from little women died from scarlet fever. instant phone call to the pediatrician. in the doctor's office an hour later.

of course, the mom in me is freaked. and the cristine in me always gets freaked. so it was pretty much parental pandemonium inside this bod of mine. but jake's as happy as a clam. naked down to the diaper. working on his abs in the baby weight contraption.

the cranky nurse comes and goes. then sunshine-sally doctor walks in. she checks jake over, asks a bunch of questions that you're never positive you've answered correctly, and laughs at jake's eager hands wrapped tightly around her stethoscope.

and....eczema. she assures me. so a trial size aquaphor and co-pay later, and we're back home. ok ok. i bought sparklers then we went home. because keeping a "beth" experience out of my family's life deserves a little pyrotechnic fun.

sayonara bumps.

a toofer

2012-01-03T17:40:00.001-05:00

can you see it?! right there behind the drool. and if you look really closely then you'll see its twin. toofer #2. i myself discovered it by being bit on the knuckle of my pointer finger. those babies are sharp!

and if you look really, really closely then you'll see Jacob's subtle homage to me--he knows i take a lickin'--and a bitin'--from him on a daily basis. he appreciates that i keep coming back. ;)

it's a day late, but happy 2012!

2012-01-02T09:46:00.000-05:00

we didn't stay up until midnight.
we didn't sip our sparkling cider.
we didn't watch the ball drop.
we didn't have a midnight kiss.

quite uneventful.
well, jacob did take a 3 hour nap. that was cool.

like anything else in our life right now, new year's was just low-key.
we ran errands. we went to a little party. we played board games. we changed diapers.
yep. low-key.
so low-key in fact, i have no pictures to share.
lame.

but since i did go to bed early--with a massive headache might i add--i did have a little alone time to think about my new year's goals. and number 1 is--as always--to get to church on time.

for the LIFE of me I cannot be on time to church. and when i do, you know like maybe two times out of the year, the chapel looks so foreign and strange i don't know what to do with myself. and i keep expecting to see the harried and flustered garrisons clunk through the chapel doors and take a seat in the back. but like i said, that only happens twice.

oh and the "back" in this story isn't the cultural hall where you can sneak in the back side door undetected. our ward is so small that we never open up the cultural hall. in fact, i didn't even know we had one until i heard the screams of chaotic children running around in there playing after mutual one night.

no. there is ONE door in and out of our chapel. and EVERYONE sees you. its a tardy person's nightmare.

so, with all that being said, i set my alarm clock to 6 am. church starts at 9 am. i got up obediently when the alarm went off. i didn't even blow-dry my hair. i even changed jacob in the car on the way there.

and....we arrived at 9:10.

the only option left is to sleep in our sunday clothes this saturday night, wake up, grab the diaper bag and baby and head out the door.

we'll see. right now i'm having nightmares that my tombstone will read, "she dawdled. she delayed. she loitered. SHE WAS TARDY." and i'll be sent to a room filled with Placerita Junior High desks where i'll be scraping gum off the undersides with a small, metal spatula for all eternity. i think it just.

jacob's birth-day + six months= christmas

2011-12-26T11:02:00.000-05:00

jacob probably has the coolest, most-perfectly-spaced birthday. every six months he gets presents. june 25th. december 25th. june 25th. december 25th. the jubilations will continue on and on forever in perfect semiannual fashion. perfection. man i timed that good :)

and though he would've been tickled pink just to have a box full of empty water bottles, tissue paper and tv remotes, he was showered with books, toys and clothes. thank you all!

jacob was very humbled by all this generosity on his behalf. he planned on giving us his beloved pink tissue paper as a thank you gift but he decided to hold onto that and give us the gift of sleeping in until 9 am instead. which was awesome. but i fear that tradition will not last long. and honestly, i'm excited for that. to have our kiddos run and jump onto our bed at 5 in the morning, squealing with excitement and anticipation just like i did when i was a youngster. it will be a blast.

of course, sleeping in this year was a double-edged sword because since we got up late, we opened presents late and church started at 11am. the cinnamon rolls and eggs had to be postponed. scott held back his tears and focused on learning to tie his bowtie.

with church over, we headed back home and watched "A Christmas Story" three times in a row. we dined on leftovers from the night before: homemade honey-baked ham, cheese potatoes, peas, rolls, jello {no mormon meal would be complete without it} and buttermilk brownies. oh, and candy. lots of it.

later, our ward missionaries came over to skype their families and play a little Scattegories. and i tell you what, those guys are like family. they hung out with us christmas eve, and they were even allowed to watch a movie! oh, the pure, simple joy of Il dolce far niente! {the sweetness of doing nothing}

the crowning moment of christmas, however, was when i got to hear my brother's voice via skype and witness his insane talent of spinning things on his finger. seriously, he's an artist.

and the older i get, and the longer i live far apart from everyone, the more i realize that the true magic of christmas comes from being with family and friends and sharing silly times and talents and talking about nothing in particular. whether they're 2,093.97 miles away, on the other side of Nashville, on skype, on the phone, or laughing on the couch in suits and ties watching Fantastic Mr. Fox, or holding your hand, or sleeping sweetly on your lap, they magnify the magic of christmas and strengthen my testimony of the Plan of Happiness. my family is forever because of that plan and because a little baby was born in Bethlehem to his own loving family.

there are churches everywhere here in the south. and most all of them have marquees, each proclaiming that Christ is the reason for the season. but one in particular catches my eye every time. it reads: "Mary wrapped the first Christmas present." I believe in gifts. I believe in Christ. I believe that Christ is the greatest gift to mankind. And having His spirit and the spirit of Christmas is contingent on whether or not i strive to keep Him in my thoughts each day. President Thomas S. Monson, prophet of the Lord, has said, "As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always."

Christ is the perfect gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes, offering lasting happiness with our families and with Him and our Father in Heaven for all eternity. So here's to a New Year's Goal! To have the Christmas Spirit, the spirit of Christ, as my companion each and every day. Merry Christmas!

zanahorias

2011-12-20T18:43:00.001-05:00

jacob is proud to announce that he can now eat mushy, watery vegetables. he hearts them. mucho.

solvang, how i love thee

2011-12-15T17:19:00.002-05:00

what trip to california wouldn't be complete without the traditional trip to solvang? i don't know what it is about that place. maybe it's the fudge. maybe it's the christmas lights in the trees. maybe it's the one hundred small christmas trees decorated in front of every store window. maybe its the overall scandinavian feel. but i think most definitely it's because it simply is tradition. memories ooze from every cobblestone. and because of that i feel like it belongs to me and to my family. like it's OUR place. so it was fun to introduce jacob, scott and his parents to my magical getaway filled with heroic adventures (i saved my cousin camille from drowning in the little mermaid fountain), holiday motorcyclists blasting christmas music and delectable cheese and apple danishes (that i saved to have at home later but then was eaten. by. mom.)

thank you thank you heather for driving and sharing the day with us!

and speaking of scandinavian stuff, St. Lucia's Day was tuesday. i was totally going to buy a Lucia head wreath in solvang. but alas. i did not. i wanted the legit one. the metal one where actual candlesticks are stuck in there and set aflame. so awesome. but. i don't have a girl. and i could have worn it myself but carrying jacob around the house with candles on my head just seemed too much of a risk. but when i have a girl....

the blessing boy is 5 months!

2011-12-10T15:11:00.001-05:00

jacob is blessed -- 12.4.2011

2011-12-10T11:17:00.002-05:00

Our little Jacob is now a blessed babe. Scott blessed him in my home ward, Stevenson Ranch. It was absolutely wonderful to watch as Scott took Jacob up to the stand, dressed in white, and the men that I love most surrounded him. Scott gave a beautiful blessing. And my heart grew a bit bigger for him as he uttered those sweet words of advice and blessing to our baby.

Jacob--being 5 months old--did not lay down quietly like a newborn typically does. He was up and looking around and was very jolly as he was bounced in the circle, his hat securely tied under his chubby cheeks and chin. Towards the end, he lost a little patience. But was overall, a perfect baby.

When the blessing ended, Scott raised him high above his head like "The Lion King". And the ward got a good look at his round, pot-belly, since Scott accidentally raised his shirt as well. It was cute. Funny. A good, happy memory.

Sitting there in the church, my family occupying a few rows, my mom squeezing my hand, I missed them all like crazy. We are so fortunate to have them and so grateful for all they do for us. I had to focus on not worrying about leaving them again.

My cousin Camille, sister Caroline, and dad didn't make it easy for me though when they all got up and bore their testimonies. Love them so. Thank heavens I bore mine before Camille's. Her sweet words would have made it impossible for me to utter a single word if I had gone after her. And Caroline was such an example of missionary efforts and courage. She invited a non-member friend to church, then got up and bore her testimony for her and explained the happiness she felt having her at church. And of course my dad is always awesome. A power-house of knowledge and conviction and faith. Jacob has so many relatives to look up to. And that is the greatest blessing I could wish for my little son.

After a hectic picture-taking session, my family headed to my parent's house for dinner (technically linner). And the scene that follows is the quintessential image that will always stay in my memory when I think of Sunday family dinners. Kids running around, some crying, some laughing, the island overflowing with good food, tables filled with family and friends talking the night away, buttermilk brownie smashed all over the floor, hugs galore. To me, the perfect Sunday.

It was a perfect day. I have a perfect-for-me husband who I love. I have a perfectly adorable son. The church is perfect. And I am so grateful to constantly be purified and perfected by it. It's a wonderful life!

In the Circle:
Scott Garrison, Robert Garrison, Martin Cawley, Mike Cawley, Gary Larkins, Donald Riddle, Ron Masino, Brad Larkins.

Thank you to all who came! And thank you to all that came in spirit!

thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-30T12:45:00.001-05:00

i cannot even express how much fun it was to have my sister in tennessee with us for thanksgiving. family makes holidays and traditions and food that much better. and considering this was my first time cooking an entire thanksgiving feast by myself, her help was greatly appreciated. and man. it was a lot of work. and it felt like a sauna in my kitchen. or maybe it was just because my head was wrapped in a turbie twist. :) don't judge.

i could have taken the easy route, and done thanksgiving "instant" style. you know...from a box. but my family always had everything homemade. and when you're away from your family, the one comfort you have is having the exact same food from your memories. i guess its the ultimate comfort food. the way good ol' mom and grandma and aunts make it.

so i was up to my elbows--literally--in herb butter, rubbing that turkey down. the one thing my mom reiterated to me over and over was to take out the innards bag. so i took out the neck and something else--not sure what it was exactly--but could not find the innards bag. i figured maybe my turkey didn't have a bag and the neck and "something else" was all of it to find. so i moved on.

as time crept closer and closer to 3pm i went into stress mode. that's when picture taking took the back burner to the gravy and stuffing and rolls and on and on and on. needless to say, we didn't eat until 4pm. oh well.

we had our ward missionaries over for dinner--as guests, not food--and it was a blast. those guys are awesome and it was fun to have more people around our little table playing thanksgiving bingo. they even entertained us with Nacho Libre and Napoleon Dynamite impressions. it was fanTAStic! and so was Jakey. he swung away in his swing allowing us all to eat uninterrupted. such a good boy.

oh and that turkey i greased up? it too was fanTAStic! i was so proud of myself. oh and the innards bag? yeah. it was in there. i cooked it. and i found it while scott was carving the turkey. and i could've been grossed out. but i chose to believe i had just given that turkey of mine a bit of an extra special flavor. the missionaries will never know.

grand ol' grand ole opry

2011-11-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

yes. it was indeed grand. and so stinkin hot in there i had to take off my uggs and take a breather while licking up some strawberry gelato. no one told me it was an indoor excursion, so i was dressed like an eskimo, all prepared for the cold weather that lurked outside. but despite almost freaking out over my core temperature while holding a little 19 pound furnace, it was fun. gorgeous. tons of lights. zebras hanging from the ceilings holding umbrellas. and nothing gets you into the holiday spirit like a Christmas zebra.

we drove to the Grand Ole Opry Hotel after seeing elder cawley! (see previous post.) so our spirits were already high. man we love that kid! since it was a tuesday, the place was pretty much deserted. we walked around the front entrance, seeing the lights, the live nativity, and horse-drawn carriages. then inside we went. i love hotels. i wish i could live in a hotel (a very nice one) for the rest of my days like Eloise. an eternal vacation.

many people suggested we go to the grand ole opry and i thank you all. wow is it big in there. indoor rivers, waterfalls, shops, gazebos, and poinsettias everywhere. two million Christmas lights adorn the place and there had to be equally as many poinsettias--real ones, i checked.

tangent: i love poinsettias. and when they lose their red color or christmas ends, do not throw them out. if you have a green thumb like my grandma they become the most awesome looking houseplant. i tried once, but unfortunately, my thumb is akin to the black plague. here's hoping this year finds my poinsettia happy and long-living.

Santa was alive and well and visiting the hotel also. we had Jacob take pictures with him and i braced myself for the moment he actually noticed who was holding him. Jacob looked up, saw him, looked at the photographer, looked at Santa's shiny belt buckle, and nothing. not a peep. it was a Christmas miracle! my kid is so brave. and just plain cute.

having him here on earth with us makes Christmas a million times more magical. he lights up our lives!

operation "my brother needs some snacks!"

2011-11-28T09:49:00.000-05:00

the monday before thanksgiving we got my brother's email. and he sounded bummed. no one had invited them over for thanksgiving and it had been a tough week. he said they would just cook themselves something in their trailer.

uh... heck no. everyone was immediately stressed that spencer was sad and would have no thanksgiving dinner! i think my mom died inside. we want our brother to be happy! and it killed me to know that i was so close, yet so far away.

as we continued to read the email he told us he had a training the next day in franklin. which is only an hour and a half away from us. i knew the time. i knew the location. i knew the way. dagnabit, i was going to bring spencer a thanksgiving feast and no one could stop me!

so with a box filled with thanksgiving classics (instant style), pumpkin pie, candy, a poster that said "gobble gobble gobble!" and the crucial thanksgiving bingo cards, scott, brittany, jakey and i drove to franklin.

our hearts were all a flutter at the prospect of seeing him for the first time since he left on his mission over a year ago. (true, this was actually my second time seeing him since i stalked him at the temple and secretly filmed him. haha. he had no idea i was there. boy was he surprised when he found a note on his car!)

we pulled in to the church parking lot and saw a dozen or so missionaries by their cars. and i panicked that maybe he had already left. i ran out of the car and asked the closest missionary if the training was over. he said yes. then i asked if he knew elder cawley and was he still here. YES! i asked the missionary if we could give him the box to give to elder cawley. i felt awkward all of a sudden since i could see the mission presidents wife through the kitchen door and saw her look back at me. i didn't want to get spencer in trouble.

the kind missionary came to get the box from the car and then spencer walked out of the church. to heck with the rules...we all ran over to him. brittany left jacob in mid-feed. but he was good and stayed calm. i started snapping pictures all the while looking over my shoulder.

elder cawley felt suuuuupppper uncomfortable. haha. i think he was shocked. and he said, "i don't think i'm allowed to hug you." haha. we didn't hug him. we just stared at him with big, goofy smiles on our faces. scott gave him a handshake. it was joyously awkward. after a quick pic with jakey, elder cawley was off. i would have been offended if it was anyone else than my brother and he wasn't on a mission and trying to obey rules that we were so conspicuously flouting. hahaha. poor guy. such a good missionary.

but we all felt wonderful knowing he had some food. and over the next few days we would say to each other, "remember when we saw my brother?" good times.

poor, poor pierre

2011-11-15T20:09:00.000-05:00

i fear our little french friend, pierre, may soon be sent to the guillotine known as "Jacob's mouth."
he was a good giraffe. lovely spots. always had a smile on his face. always accommodating to Jacob's teething whims. pray for his poor, spotted, humble soul. our poor, poor pierre.

a model missionary

2011-11-09T22:17:00.000-05:00

ok. on to happier and calmer posts. :)
did you know my brother is a model? a model missionary that is! its a double meaning. check it:

2011-11-09T12:22:00.000-05:00

I find myself seething. boiling. full of rage for the heinous act committed against three innocent, selfless, young missionaries of the Lord. I cried when I read it on a friend's facebook. All I could think was, "Why?" Why would someone choose to steer their car toward three young mean on their bikes, hit them, kill and injure them, and not stop? To keep going. I'm so angry I want to to scream. But I just cry.

And all I can do is pray that the Lord will keep my brother safe from harm. That all the missionaries throughout the world are protected from evil.

Like prophets and apostles of old, like Paul or Stephen, like Abinadi, like Hyrum, even like Joseph Smith, they were killed in the service of their God. They sealed their testimonies with their blood.

And though I'm so mad I can't stand it, the gratitude I have in my heart for the Gospel of Jesus Christ is overwhelming. I KNOW THE TRUTH. I KNOW GOD LIVES. I KNOW THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE. I KNOW FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER. I AM SO BLESSED.

It's a travesty what has happened, but my testimony of Christ, of His church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is anything but disheartened. I want to share the gospel now with more fervor than ever before. Because the examples of all missionaries, is faith-bolstering, testimony-strengthening, whether they return home to their families here on earth or to their Father in Heaven.

I pray that the families and loved ones of Trevor Reinhold Strong, 21, of Taylorsville, Utah, and Derek Jason Walker, 20, of Fairfield, Idaho are comforted and that Zachary Todd Harris, 19, of Huntsville, Alabama continues to recover without complications.

And that my own precious brother is blessed each and every day as he serves the Lord.

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

tummy time

2011-11-08T17:49:00.001-05:00

happy

spent

4 months

2011-11-08T17:36:00.002-05:00

Every time my Jake does something adorable, something new, something hilarious, I quickly type it into my phone to remember for later. You should see the "Jacob Note" I have on there. Its monumental. Dare I say intimidating. Maybe even heartbreaking, because he is getting just so gosh darn big! (already in 6-9 months clothing!) I tell him to stop but he doesn't listen. He just blows raspberries.

The last month (and a half---I'm a little late) has been full of new developments:

first trip to California!
first time starting rice cereal...he...loved...it. (seriously, he was eating it with a smile on his face.)
first Halloween. (was a wittle Tigger.)
first time watching cartoons. (his face was priceless. totally in the zone. loved it.)
first scream! (high-pitched and random. totally cracks me up.)
and...received 3 shots. (he did so good. but was not a happy camper for the next 24 hours.)

scared of:

Elmo
trains
bottle running out

loves:

passie (as always)
beating his belly like a drum with one hand
bodily-function-sounds
his pigs to be smelled then told, "Phew! Pootinkie!"
talking in the car staring out the window
blowing raspberiies
when we raise his arms high and say, "Big Boy!!"
napping in his crib (thank heavens)
smiling and talking and laughing (which i kinda love too :)
holding my hand in the car/while falling sleeping/while in the swing/while in his crib/anywhere/everywhere (which i also love though it forces me to stay for great lengths of time in awkward positions.)

most frustrating new trick:

Jake can take his passie out of his mouth. Problem is he has yet to figure out how to get it back in. He makes this gamble multiple times a day. It's a frustrating way of life for him.

(does this look like two different kids to you? haha. his faces crack me up.)

California Nutrition Class

2011-11-04T12:12:00.001-04:00

Jacob and I escaped to California about a month ago and while there got to meet up with some super-duper friends with some fabulously fun talents :) Brittany Webster is a whiz at creating events and getting people involved. She is the master planner. For example, she planned a three week Nutrition class with speakers, taste testers, etc. I was lucky to be able to attend one of them and learn a little more about green smoothies and organic foods. Brittany's dad, Bro. Patterson, is right. Those green smoothies do not taste like a Wendy's Frosty, sadly. But being what they are--pureed vegetables--it wasn't bad.

In fact, I have been so proud of myself! I have had a green smoothie for breakfast, every day, for almost two weeks now. Its a small step to healthier eating. But an important step! I mean, I hate carrots. Hate being the key word in that sentence. Or as the Grinch would say, "Loathe entirely!" But...I have been adding those to the smoothies and feel confident that soon my eyes will sparkle, just as my mom always said they would if I ate all my carrots.

I guess I gotta keep up a good example for Jacob, cuz I want those baby blues of his to shine like the top of the Chrysler Building!

Speaking of that movie reference, Jacob got to meet Annie! And Jayda! And Luke! Yay for buddies!

Thanks Brittany for your healthy-living example! And for all your hard work putting the classes together! And Lora Knight...photographer extraordinaire...see you soon! :) And Brittney Boucha--mother of the year--keep on keeping on!

happy halloween!

2011-11-03T17:36:00.001-04:00

Halloween was pretty mellow around these parts. We went to a pumpkin patch--a LEGIT pumpkin patch--where you ride a tractor-pulled whatchamcallit to the fields, find a punkin and have the nice, jolly overalled-man pull out his machete and cut you a fresh 'un. It was a down home country experience, ya'll.

Of course on Halloween we had lots of shtuff for the trick-or-treaters. All five of them. Honestly, our bad luck streak with slim pickin's of trick or treaters is getting old. Scott seriously considered workin the street corner for awhile just to draw some crowds. But when the fish nets went on, i forbad it :) That's a joke. Scott only dresses in drag on Saturdays. It wouldn't make sense. haha. That's another joke.

Tangent: Scott sees all that I post. He usually just shakes his head and says "Wow." So to clear the air: Scott is very manly. He has never dressed in drag. He was, however, his high school's secret superhero. The man wore tights and all, running around the gym during pep rallies. And that is no joke.

Jacob was a Tigger! And a mighty cute one at that. Everybody at the pumpkin patch complimented us on such a fabulous baby. He's the best arm candy a mother could have. And as usual, he was an angel for the entire excursion into the country. We love this kid so stinkin' much! Each day I find him giving me a different look. An older look. And it breaks my heart a little. Where did my newborn go???

He was average sized at birth, but now is large and in charge. At our last pediatrician visit he was in the 90th percentile for height and weight. The nurses kept saying, "Wo! He's just a chunker boy!" I loved that. It's my new nickname for this tall drink o' water of mine: Chunker Boy. But really he is just so tall! 27 inches to be exact. He's perfect in every way and Mommy and Daddy's best buddy.

Halloween was truly fun with him. Though we didn't do much except stay home, carve our pumpkin, watch scary movies and feed him rice cereal, it was a perfect family night--cuddled on the couch. Just us three. Our first All Hallow's Eve as a family.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T15:47:00.000-04:00

HO-ly MO-ly. it feels good to be back in the blogging world even if its only until Jacob wakes up from his nap. I tell ya, writing/blogging really is cathartic. Having a few uninterrupted minutes to just type away and have your thoughts be coherent is bliss. Don't get me wrong, I love my Jacob. And I'm not in the loony-bin yet. But sheesh! Motherhood is very time-consuming. Throw in a husband, a calling, a never-ending clean-up ritual involving loads and loads of laundry and endless hours spent at the kitchen sink washing and washing and re-washing bottles and you know...its sometimes just a little trance-like, a little robotic, a little "oh my heavens, isn't this the same outfit I wore yesterday?" Huh. Yeah right. I get spit up on at least once a day. And it's all good. (Remember, I live in Algood, TN?? :) Some days when that spit up runs down INSIDE my shirt I just say, "It's all good." And it doesn't phase me. Such is life. But some days when it hits my hot off the press blowdry-ed hair--that I take the time to actually blowdry maybe once a week--I have the urge to cry.

But its short-lived. Because even with that coagulated white stuff sliding down my neck I look at that big grin--also covered in spit-up--and think, Wow. I love that boy. And sometimes I even kiss that spit-up grin. And sometimes--which is usually--I just let that spit-up sit there on my clothes. Because its all good. It can be cleaned up later. I am a mother. And spit-up happens.

Along with spit-up, so much has happened in the past month or so that needs to be cataloged. We've moved, unpacked, got callings, taken a trip to California, had a baby shower, started rice cereal, got 4 month shots, had our computer crash, given talks in church, started green smoothies, helped move my grandparents out of their house, wished Scott a happy 28th birthday, celebrated Halloween, etc. It's quite the daunting task at the moment to even attempt to blog about it all.

But I don't want my spit-up saga to remain as the first post on this blog forever, so hopefully something less "bodily-functioned-themed" will grace the blog tomorrow. hopefully. until then...its been a thin slice of heaven.

3 months old

2011-09-24T13:19:00.000-04:00

suffocation by cardboard

2011-09-16T16:08:00.000-04:00

boxes, boxes everywhere

no time to post

no time to share

claustrophobic

getting no air

boxes, boxes everywhere!

moving day

2011-08-30T08:46:00.000-04:00

they'll be here in about 45 minutes. the packers/movers/shakers. and i am stressing. the thought of being without my washer and dryer for up to a week is terrifying. i mean, jakey went through three outfits yesterday. and that was just the day time. during the night he went through two. i've practically been ripping the clothes off my familys' backs just to make sure everything is washed and ready to be packed.

oh boy. my stressed-out nature is not handling this well. i feel so unprepared. and i'm shaking in my future cowgirl boots that the packers will pack something that i need. or that jakey needs. like his pacifiers. oh heaven help us.

scott as usual is taking things easy-peasy. doesn't stress and tells me to "just relax". i hate that phrase.

oh and i just realized i forgot to say WE'RE MOVING TO TENNESSEE! all we are is dust in the wind apparently. Idaho, Florida, Tennessee. we like to shake things up at least once a year and completely rearrange our lives--meet new friends, find new restaurants, enjoy different parts of the country. no big deal.

we visited there last week to find a place to live. which was suuuuupppper stressful. everything we were finding was nasty. and old. and next to junk yards full of shirtless men hauling scrap metal into the back of a pickup. no joke. i knew we had to be looking in the wrong places. eventually someone told us about Algood. So we type "Algood, TN" into the GPS and off we went.

the GPS always takes you to a certain spot so we just followed it, curious to where it was taking us to exactly. the town is quite tiny--like 2,000 people tiny--but only a few minutes to "town" aka Cookeville. it seemed more quiet and nice and so we let the GPS guide us. it takes us to Washington St to the address of a super cute and new looking townhouse. with a "for lease" sign on the yard. wow.

we call the number on the sign and the property manager says, "go right in and take a look. it should be open." luck? hmmm. we'll see. we go in...... gorgeous. seriously. this place blew away anything we had been seeing. i giggled as i ran around like a goof saying, "scott, i love it! i love it! oh my gosh. can we live here!? please!?" i literally was jumping up and down with excitement. what a relief to find a place where i wouldn't have a panic attack if jakey touched the carpet.

it was not luck. that's for sure. Heavenly Father guided us there via GPS. and we are soo thankful.

with home found we took a scenic drive to Burgess Falls and ate some handpicked peaches :)

and now the movers will be here in fifteen minutes. crap. hmm. well, this post was certainly a stress-distraction. but scotts still running around in his undies, the baby needs a new outfit since those diapers are rubbish and don't do their job, there's dishes in the sink that need to be washed, laundry to be folded, outfits to be packed, a kitty to hide since he'll freak when outside people enter his tiny, sheltered world. ok. stressing. really stressing now.

five years later--we still have eyes only for each other

2011-08-27T13:46:00.001-04:00

*amazing poem by world-renowned poet adieus50@hotmail.com:) for real. google it.

two months

2011-08-20T16:24:00.000-04:00

ok. seriously. look at those baby blues. he totally rocks it.

we love our Jacob/Jakey/JJ/ Jay-bird/G-man/Babykins.

so much so that we give him a gazillion nicknames. cuz he's cool like that.

Happy Two Month Birthday Goochie-Goo!

(see? there's another one.)

a grand ol' garrison time

2011-08-19T14:01:00.000-04:00

not one, not two, but three Garrisons came to visit ~~the baby~~ us. :) we loved it.

we got to hang out, talk, touch the Atlantic, go out to eat and shop with these three wonderful people: Grandma and Grandpa Garrison and Aunt Holly! we love you!

mall at millenia: orlando, florida

2011-08-17T15:47:00.000-04:00

what to say...

well, we went to the mall.

pretty normal. nothing extraordinary or terribly cool.

but as we walked and talked and shopped and ate

i couldn't help but think i was the luckiest girl in the world,

pushing my extraordinary babe in his stroller, stealing a kiss from one pretty hott hubby

(mine to be exact)

and soaking up the extraordinarily normal but oh so sweet coolness of my life.

yep. it was a good day.

and when this random stranger came up to me and was like,

"you should model! totally, you should.

can i please take some pictures of you and that handsome babe in your arms??"

i was like, "yeah! for sure. click away man."

eventually Jacob had to turn from the camera and rest those stunning features of his.

then he whispered in my ear, "Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking."

To which i replied, "For serious."

(actually Scott begrudgingly took the photos, Jacob can't talk yet people, and we just like quoting Zoolander.

you know. normal.)

the big blue

2011-08-09T13:42:00.003-04:00

sunday skype session

2011-07-31T20:12:00.001-04:00

we are one good-lookin' family.

life lately--according to my iphone

2011-07-30T09:34:00.000-04:00

we snuggle nose to nose.

i've blow-dryed my hair maybe twice.

one blow-out diaper.

tons and tons of smiles.

love/hate relationship with the booger sucker.

sleeps 5-7 hours at night at times.

he's my best-est boy.

practices his backbend/gymnastics skills after feedings.

slept all through Harry Potter 7.

one little happy family.

one month

2011-07-23T16:01:00.001-04:00

9 lbs. 12 oz. 22 in.

Jacob's first week (and a half) of life!

2011-07-20T12:19:00.002-04:00

We got home from the hospital in the late afternoon on Monday, the 27th--the actual due date--and my mom flew in that night! It was such a relief to have her by our side and help us learn how to care for our baby. And honestly, I was just happy to have her take care of me and hang out with us :)

Scott was able to get two weeks off for paternity leave from work--soo wonderful. So Jacob had three adults to cater to his every whim. Actually, it was really just two. I spent most of the time flat on my back on the couch or on the floor, practically papier-mached with Icy-Hots all over my body and popping pills left and right as I learned to eat upside down. Pumping sideways on the floor was also a challenge. I have so many skills now.

Though we were pretty confined to the house, we had tons of fun. Jacob is honestly a perfect baby. He cried maybe once. And slept for 5-6 hours straight every night. He is a piece of heaven. Grandma Heidi gushed over Jacob every second she could--and cried too :) She was already dreading leaving. As was I. But I was good and waited until the last day to fall apart and cry to her about how there would be no one to blow-dry my hair. haha. That's how much my mom loves me--she blow drys my hair and puts Icy-Hots on my back, neck and forehead. But when the time came for her to leave, I was 1 million times better.

We took lots of pictures of course. And cuddled lots. And kissed him lots. And talked to him lots about all the people that love him. Grandma Heidi was going down the list and said, "...and Uncle Spencer on a mission loves you..." And Jacob smiled HUGE. It was so awesome. Excitedly, we switched gears and talked to him about missions. Grandma Heidi continued, "And Jacob's going to go on a mission." ANOTHER HUGE SMILE. Every time we said the word "mission" Jacob would smile. It was not a coincidence. My little J Man is already preparing to serve the Lord! :) He will be a great missionary.

Grandpa Martin's little Dodger! My dad is sooo excited to take Jakey to Dodger Games and eat several Dodger dogs (that'll be a couple years :) But he's already practicing holding his bat for T-Ball.

I could munch on that precious face all day. Ha, I do! And look at him holding that baba like a champ.

Hospital Recovery

2011-07-16T21:36:00.001-04:00

I had about two great hours to hold Jacob, kiss him, stare into his eyes and gush over him with Scott until the headache from Hades stepped in. (Dear friends who are expecting their first: Every birth/recovery experience is different. Do not be freaked out by mine. haha. Stop reading if you'd like. But now I'm sure you're intrigued, right? :)

It felt like Hannibal Lecter was drilling a hole right into the center of my forehead. It was sensitive to the slightest touch. It was not normal. My nurses constantly asked me to rate my pain. Which was annoying. I wanted to yell, I don't know! What scale am I basing this off of? Because I'll say 10 just to get some relief! And honestly, my pain felt like a 10-- and according to the happy face pain chart in my room, a 10 was "excruciating."

And while the headache made it hurt to even open my mouth to eat, it was more debilitating and frustrating than anything else. Lying flat on my back seemed to be the only natural remedy, which made it nearly impossible for me to care for Jacob. Scott was amazing and took care of everything. He was by Jacob's side constantly while also taking care of me, making sure I was drinking enough fluids, helping me walk to the bathroom or even get up, filling out all the paperwork, making sure Jacob was fed on schedule (since nursing was also hindered by my headache and body aches), changing diapers, getting me food, etc etc etc. He did it all. He is my knight in shining armor.

He bonded with Jacob instantly and fell in love with his little boy wholeheartedly. It was so precious to watch him care for Jacob and talk to him so sweetly. And while it warmed my heart to witness that connection, it also broke it a little. I felt jealous. And sad. So, so sad.

I wanted to bond with my little boy too. I wanted to nurse him and cuddle him. I wanted to help to take care of him. I wanted to feel like a mom. As Scott held Jacob in the corner, and smiled at him and cooed at him, I cried silently. I now ached emotionally. I wanted him.

"Can I please hold him?" I asked, trying not to show my sadness. Scott brought him to me instantly and set him down beside me on the hospital bed. I turned on my side and just took him in. Internally, I hoped he knew me. That he knew I was his mom and remembered me even though I hadn't been near him as much as his dad or the nurses had been.

And then he smiled. A sweet, ear-to-ear grin as he stared back at me. I lost it. It was such a tender mercy from Heavenly Father. He had heard and answered my informal, un-uttered prayer. The Spirit was so strong in that moment and I had the overwhelming thought that my son loved me and knew me. He knew I was his mom.

Most of my time in the hospital feels like a blur. Time sped by in a flurry of meal trays, medication rounds, pumpings,and visits by anesthesiologists, lactation consultants, OBs and nurses. The three anesthesiologists that visited me all tried to assess how to help me. They suspected it could be a spinal headache--which occurs when too much spinal fluid is drained from receiving an epidural. But my symptoms were not typical and since they were not 100% positive it was a spinal headache, they recommended not following through with the solution--a blood patch--which came with a slew of possible complications/procedures. I agreed. So I would simply have to wait the headache and body aches out--which they guessed could last anywhere from a week to two weeks.

Finally, after an emotional, painful and very difficult "recovery" (I didn't feel recovered at all, however), we were discharged from the hospital. As Scott packed, did the last paperwork, rented the breast pump, took our things to the car, and got my prescriptions from the pharmacy, I dressed Jacob for the car ride home. It took all my concentration to focus and ignore the pain. I dressed him as quickly and gently as I could, trying to keep him warm (his body temperature had been a little unstable). Everything fit which was a relief, but his little hat would not scoot down over his head on the right side. I tugged a little harder and saw Jacob's lips pout then shudder as he stared at me in surprise. I suddenly realized I had been tugging at his ear! My poor baby. I was really out of it. I felt horrible. But he looked pretty darn cute, and thankfully made it out of the hospital with two ears :)

Jacob Scott Garrison: Labor & Delivery

2011-07-12T18:44:00.003-04:00

***warning: birth story ahead.***

For months and months, years even, I've wondered and dreamed about what our little guy was going to look like. I never could get a firm picture in my mind. But the moment my baby came into view it was as if I'd always known that was what he would look like. That he couldn't be any more perfect. That I had known his face forever. (Because I have!)

In the weeks before my due date, Dr. Benezra kept telling me, "You're going to come early. Meet me at the hospital Friday?" He was half-teasing. I think more than anything he was trying to get my mind to tell my body to go into labor. He's so sneaky. But I was already at a 2 and very thinned out. It was so encouraging to know my body was making progress and I fantasized of arriving at the hospital at 8cm and delivering within an hour ;)

I walked and walked and walked on the treadmill every morning while watching the Casey Anthony Trial. I wanted baby to just "fall out" at the hospital. So walking was my obsession.

It's funny how your due date becomes an obsession as well. How you cling to it as THE date, when all it really is, is a guesstimate. But when Dr. Benezra kept telling me over and over how I was coming early, admittedly I panicked a little. No no no no no, I thought. I bet I'm late. It'll be the 27th or later. I just know it. And when I stayed at a 2 for my last two appointments I knew I was right.

I was wrong.

Friday, June 24th: Scott had the day off and we spent the morning running a few errands but overall we were fantastically lazy. We watched the Casey Anthony Trial pretty much all day. We ran a few more errands--a trip to Target for a few supplies since we were too lazy to go actual grocery shopping--and I wore Scott's basketball shorts and a shirt that said, "The Look of Love." I didn't think twice about it--I didn't think at all about my maternity wardrobe actually. But I received several comments and laughs as people pointed out the words over my massive belly. It WAS pretty funny I guess.

One man, after chuckling over my shirt, asked the question I've heard a gazillion times the past few months, "When are you due?" Funny how in the first trimester you beam when answering that question and towards the end you loathe those words. I told him, "Monday." He answered, like he knew, "Oh you're not gonna last that long." Ya, ya, ya. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Thanks for the input.

Once home, I made a chicken sandwich. Ate some BBQ chips. Nibbled on some cookies. Then repeated the meal. Yep, two helpings. I was so satisfied.

5 pm: In the midst of the trial, I had the thought, "I want to look at all of Baby G's clothes hanging in the closet." I got up. Walked into his room and...

BAM! Water broke. What? Really? No. I turned around and headed for our bathroom. As I passed Scott I said warily, "I think...my water just broke."

"...What?"

"I think my water just broke," I repeated. He followed me to the bathroom and just stared anxiously for more information. The look on his face was a little panicked, a little scared, and way nervous. After a few minutes, I knew for sure. My water had broken. Holy crap. I was in labor. Had this moment actually come? I never thought it would. I thought I'd be pregnant forever. I hadn't even had any Braxton Hicks contractions for crying out loud!

Scott begged me to call the nurse. the doctor. someone! I think he wanted some professional guidance on what to do next. He was jumping out of his skin with nerves and anxiety. I think I heard the phrase, "We need to get to the hospital," about 50 times. But surprisingly, I was calm. Me! Calm. Weird. Honestly, I think I wanted to delay getting to the hospital because I was scared and not really mentally prepared. And the fact that contractions hadn't even started helped my denial of the urgency/reality of the situation.

I called the doctor's office, told the nurse my water had broken and that I wasn't having any contractions yet, and asked if I could take a shower. She said, "Sure. Then head to the hospital." I told the news to Scott. He looked at me with terror, "You're going to take a shower?!" Like I said, he was halfway out the door. But I was calm as a summer's eve and gave him a list of things to do while I got cleaned up. I've never seen the man take to chores as earnestly and as quickly as he did then. He even added on some chores for himself like washing dishes. Amazing. He added the last few items to the hospital bags, cleaned the apartment, made the bed, took out the trash, grabbed the electronics, and ran this way and that way.

I took my time, however. Shaved my legs. Then I started to blow-dry my hair. (Another example of my "in labor"-denial: My hair takes at least an hour to blow dry and Scott is very aware of that fact.) "You're blow drying your hair?! We really need to go, sweetheart."

Still no contractions. But Scott sped down the highway with his jaw set and determined. He did not want to deliver our baby in the car. (He was scarred by our friends' story: Cleat and Ida made it as far as the hospital parking lot when Cleat had to deliver their baby. It's a crazy story.) He even used the navigation, which he had told me earlier that week he wouldn't need since he knew how to get there. Another clue that Scott was a wee bit nervous.

7 pm: We got to the hospital, parked, and walked to the maternity elevator. Ironically, it was raining and storming--so all that wasted time doing my hair was further wasted--hence the frizziness/fullness. Oh well. I was admitted. I walked to my room. I changed into the gown. I was checked--my water had broken for sure. I was at a 3.5. I was definitely in labor. Still no contractions. If this is what labor feels like--painless, then wonderful!, I thought. Or maybe I have a really high pain-tolerance that I never knew about? Sweet!

I survived the IV and all that jazz. They asked what/when I had last eaten: I regretted my choice of two chicken sandwiches and bbq chips. My nurse was wonderful though. Little with long blonde hair and so so kind. She'd check me and chat with me and made the whole laboring experience seem normal, not dramatic. She was calm and comforting and I feel so blessed that she was assigned to me.

Once alone and given time to "progress", Scott plopped in a movie and we watched the monitor as my contractions--yes I was having them just couldn't feel them--came and went. I tried to sleep a little and so did Scott. I loved laying there in the dark, my eyes closed, listening to my baby's heartbeat reverberate through the room. It was the sweetest sound. So calming and reassuring. Baby was ok. I was ok. Soon we would see him.

I was making fast progress, thankfully. Soon I felt uncomfortable--my lower back ached but not to the extent that I couldn't get up and walk around. It felt better to stand, to move. I munched on ice and padded around the halls in my hot pink socks with Scott. We marveled at the craziness of the experience, that it was here: the time to meet our baby! We got really excited as we watched the babies through the nursery window--soon our baby would be in there! Surreal.

Back in the bed, it hit me. Ouch. Contractions full force. One minute I was fine, resting peacefully. The next I was moaning in pain, curled on my side clutching the railing of the bed as Scott rubbed my back, held my hand. I lasted about four, maybe five of those intense, close contractions, when I half-cried to Scott, "I want an epidural. I want an epidural." He was up and out the door to get the nurse, bless him.

I'm not sure how long we waited for the anesthesiologist--it was probably only minutes. But it felt like forever. I remember making bargains to Heavenly Father in my head like, "If you end this contraction right now I'll gladly take 20 more IV's." Haha. The nerve! But I was in distress. And if you know how much I hate needles then this thinking was monumental for me. In came the anesthesiologist with his equipment, they got me into position as I panted in pain hugging the pillows...and practically my nurse. She rubbed my arms and I had the overwhelmingly urge to just cry on her shoulder and hug her. :) She was a great comfort. I needed it. As the anesthesiologist explained what he was doing and what I would feel, I tried my best to stay still--but staying still during a contraction is difficult. But I'm more embarrassed by how vocal I was. My pain definitely was heard through my voice.

But the relief was amazing. No pain in a matter of seconds. Thank heavens for modern medicine. I felt like me again, not some moaning, mental patient. I thanked the doc nearly 20 times. I thanked my nurse for "hugging" me. I thanked Scott for getting me the epidural so quickly. I thanked Heavenly Father for hospitals and doctors and for blessing me with health and comfort and ease. I just felt grateful.

Able to relax again, I rested and dozed. Every time I was checked, I had made progress. It was very heartening. After one of my checks, she looked at the screen monitoring the contractions. "What kind of crazy contraction was that!" she said. The contraction was off the charts and three-and a-half minutes long. I said a silent prayer again. Soooo thankful I didn't have to endure that one. My nurse came in to check me again about an hour later and said, "Wow! You're at a 7.5. I won't wait so long to check you next time. I'll go call Dr. Benezra." I wanted to yell, Good job body! You're doing it!

Then I got the shakes. My whole body trembled as if it were freezing, but I didn't feel cold at all. Scott came a little unglued at this. I could see it in his eyes. He was really worried about me. He rubbed me over and over trying to stop me from shaking. He put three blankets over me and just stared into my face. I know he felt helpless and scared, though I reassured him I was fine and the nurse informed us that I was in transition--Baby G was making his way down the birth canal. Throughout it all, Scott was amazing. I could have never done it without him by my side. His tenderness and loving eyes spoke volumes and meant the world.

Dr. Benezra was on his way. The nurse had me practice pushing and I did my darnedest. I had made it to 10cm. She and the doctor decided to have me wait at a 10 for awhile so baby could make his way down a little on his own. So pushing would not be as strenuous.I trusted them but also thought, So is Baby stuck in there? Can he breathe? Is he getting squished?! haha. Poor babe.

I think I started to really push around 4am. It was here. THE moment. Modesty had long gone out the window and so had any other thought or fear or embarrassment over the birthing process. I was ready to meet my little guy. My nurse was so encouraging. Scott tried his best to avoid any angle that would allow him to watch. He focused on me and would just say, "Push, push, push." :) The nurses and doctor would trip him up every now and then, trying to catch him off-guard by saying things like, "Look dad! He's right there!" He'd instinctively look then come back to my face. When my nurse said, "He has a lot of hair!" I about jumped out of my skin with excitement to see him. I touched the top of his head and it was so...surreal. And soft. And encouraging to push more effectively. When Dr. Benezra exclaimed, "Stop pushing!" I knew I would see him in just mere moments. "Look down," the Dr. said.

And there he was. My sweet boy's face peering up at me, his chubby cheeks and pursed lips were the most amazing thing I'd ever seen. Time almost seemed to have stood still. I was in awe. A baby. He was real. As I felt him leave me and come into the world it strengthened my testimony of the gospel. That I was created for a purpose. That my body was a gift. That mortality was a time for me to fulfill my divine roles as a woman, wife and mother. That I was a daughter of God. That Scott and I had helped bring one of Heavenly Father's children to this earth. And that he was a Son of God.

Saturday, June 25th, 2011, 4:40 am: Baby G was placed on my chest, crying and screaming. His purple little fists shaking. His golden hair glinting. All I could do was stare. And rub those little fists. It was overwhelming. He was placed in the warmer and Scott flashed away the camera. All my attention was focused on that warmer and the piglet-grunt cries that came from my baby. It was adorable. Scott looked to me and his eyes glistened under the soft lights. He smiled his contented, pure-happiness sideways smile. And I was so proud that Baby G had Scott as a father. And that I had him for eternity too. Heavenly Father has blessed me beyond measure.

Jacob Scott Garrison

7 lbs. 8 oz. 19.75 inches long

more to come :)

baby G nursery

2011-06-16T12:56:00.000-04:00

the space is only missing one thing: a BABY! (and a changing pad. and a good vacuuming job.)

38 weeks strong

2011-06-14T08:37:00.002-04:00

so. twelve days to go. twelve. and to be honest, it might as well be 60. because right now it seems like i'll be pregnant forever. no contractions yet. still feeling good. minus the normal aches and pains, it's business as usual. most everything is done baby-wise and so now its just a waiting game. ugh. and i am not a patient person. you should have seen me begging scott last night to let me eat my donut before dinner. i stood and stared at the box whining when he said no.

and though i desperately want labor to be over with and see what this boy of mine looks like, i can't help but feel that i have to make the most of the time that scott and i have left as just "he and me." i find myself really appreciating the little moments we share that much more, trying to burn them into my mind, and saying good bye to our newlywed years. because thats how i feel sometimes--as being a newlywed--even almost five years later.

scott had the last two days off from work and so obviously the house is a mess. not because he's messy, but because when he's around, i don't want to do anything but hang out with him. why pick up those socks in the middle of the living room when i can snuggle with my hubby on the couch? or go check the mail with him? or watch 1 star move trailers that no one's heard of and post them onto Facebook with witty comments? i mean honestly.

when he sat down to play video games last night at 9:30pm, I whined. I just wanted more scott-time!--even though we'd been attached at the hip all day and i did need to go to sleep. he laughed and said, "I'm not that fun!" My reply was, "Yeah you are." and its true. we always have fun. he's my lobster! plus, he indulges me by taking/and letting me take photos of us :)

look! there's a baby in there! isn't that crazy?! i can just imagine him all curled up and squished like those hedgehogs in Alice in Wonderland that act as croquet balls for the Queen. just all roly-poly and pudgy and oh-so-cute. luckily, he doesn't have spikes or anything. though his little heels have some bite to them.

and there's hubby and kitty. kitty is about to have his whole world rocked when a crying infant enters his domain. i think he's going to find it to be quite a rough transition. tough luck cat. only two weeks-ish left.

my baby loves to be swaddled

2011-06-05T19:09:00.000-04:00

not the one in my belly. the one that sleeps next to me at night and steals all the covers. the one that twists and rolls and smacks his lips and jabbers in his sleep until he's practically mummified himself. the one that i have to use the gaping jaws of life to move over so i can steal just a corner of our California King sized quilt. i'm baffled that i haven't ripped it yet. i suspect black magic. seriously, the man baby's got skills. i don't know how he gets himself wrapped up so tight at night. sometimes, when i'm particularly ticked that i wake up freezing with not but a sheet to cover me, i kick him. in the back. or the leg. its childish. and i feel bad in the morning. but it usually gives me enough time to take advantage of his weakened death grip on our quilt. if i had to apply for a job tomorrow, i think that would be listed as my number one skill: man baby un-swaddler. i get lots of practice.

the upside is that hubby will be a great baby swaddler. we took a baby care class at the hospital and hubby swaddled the pants off that plastic baby. he's a pro. he took on the challenge with ferocity and swaddled that baby over and over and over. and then one more time. the man appreciates a good swaddle and wants baby G to have the same experience that he enjoys every night as a human burrito. oh man, what i would do for a del taco burrito right now.

in a barn, at a ward halloween party, 2005

2011-06-02T23:57:00.000-04:00

that is the answer to the trivia question: where did Scott and Cristine first meet? actually, it was, where/when did Cristine first notice Scott. because by this time he had already dreamed about me :) but its true. and truth be told, i think i was the one who took this picture! crazy. so when our friend Brady (white suit and gnarly sideburns) posted this pic on Facebook, I had to snag it. and blog about it. it's a piece of Garrison relationship history.

Scott went as an "inside-out guy." ????? not really sure what that is, but he wore all his clothes inside out. i had gone as a piece of blue gum stuck under a shoe. yeah. i tied a shoe around my head and wore blue tights. with short blue shorts. to a WARD Halloween party. I will never know what I was thinking when I made that decision. but apparently Scott liked my legs. so its all good.

i think my eyes followed Scott everywhere that night. i watched as he set up the pie eating contest. i watched as he shoveled horse manure and muck out of the barn. i watched as he participated in the "eat as many pumpkin seeds as you can until you throw up" game. that's my kind of man. i was hooked. still am.

(he's the one with the tongue. nice honey.)

bassetball

2011-05-31T21:12:00.003-04:00

In west philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where scott spent most of his days,
chillin out, maxin', relaxin, all cool

yadda yadda. We like bassetball. (as the Larkins kids say it :) And the fresh prince. classic.

The brevard county park is right next to our casa, so we took advantage of the fabulous 80 degree weather and worked off our cold stone indulgence. Actually, scott was the one who got a workout. He had to run after the ball pretty much the whole time since i ~~don't want to~~ can't run in my present 36 weeks state. "I choose not to run!" (Seinfeld) We played an intense game of "Around the World." Tensions ran high, the competitiveness was epic, the shots were legendary. We were 0 for 7 in the beginning. So legit.

Of course, it would have been a different story if we had been wearing our new ShotMaster shirts, and if the crazy dad on the court behind us wasn't yelling at his seven year old son, "Triple threat! Triple threat!" That dad needed to be schooled and brought down a notch or twenty, but I had my baby to think about and I prefer to save my energy for labor. Lucky son of a gun. I was this close.

did i mention we're expecting two babies?

my focus cannot be matched.

look at that fiiiiinne figure. tweedle dee ain't got nothin on me.

or my ballin' kitty.

Best part of the night:

We walk into our apartment. Scott realizes he left his water bottle in the car.

And yells in exasperation, "George Albert Smith!"

I laughed for 10 minutes straight.

fhe to the mlb

2011-05-24T17:04:00.001-04:00

Monday night we paid our respect to the Sea Cow-- aka the Space Coast Manatees. Apparently, they are the worst team in the league--which we quickly grasped based on the score. But...the awesome stadium is just 2 minutes from our apartment, the night was balmy with a cool breeze, my tummy/Baby G appreciated the cheeseburger, two hot dogs, two bags of Lays potato chips and two ice cream sandwiches I guzzled, Scott got to represent L.A., and we had awesome seats above the dugout--along with the other 12 people in attendance. We felt so All-American.

"What a hitter! What a league! But girls playing baseball?"

Name THAT movie!

foods

2011-05-23T01:22:00.002-04:00

It's 12:30 in the AM. And since I took a two and a half hour nap after church, my biological clock is a little screwy. Not to mention I ate my weight in mashed potatoes and watermelon at dinnertime. I'm feeling fat and sassy and in no condition to lay down until I've digested a bit more. Plus I desperately want to keep the heartburn at bay.

So that got me thinking about the foods I've enjoyed--or not enjoyed--during pregnancy. So if you really could care less about my pregnancy diet preferences, stop reading. This is strictly for memory's sake.

Had to Have It
fruit, fruit, fruit. In the beginning, I just wanted something cold, crisp and clean. Open mouth. Enter fruit. Cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes and watermelon--I cannot seem to get enough. Lately the watermelon in our area has been fan-flippin-tastic. I don't think I've ever appreciated watermelon so much as I have the past few weeks. I gorge myself practically. Which doesn't help with my rapidly escalating number of nighttime potty breaks, might I add. But so worth it.

sweets. ay ay ay the sweets. In the first trimester, chocolate made me barf. It was depressing. But HELLO third trimester! Sweets are back on the menu--cheesecake, cupcakes, and donuts. Oh glorious chocolate iced donuts, how I crave you. And thank you donuts for helping me gain some weight and tip that scale. I am proud to report that I have gained 6 pounds in just two weeks. Not necessarily happy, but proud. I don't feel so self-conscious now when someone says, "Wow you're really small for being 8 months pregnant." It gets on my nerves that comment does. Because I hear it all the time. Then I usually get the follow-up comment, "You need to eat more. You want your baby to be healthy." yadda yadda. I really want to retort with, "My doctor says I'm right on track actually, so there!" But it sounds childish and I'm afraid I've really never been very good with confrontations. Just call me George McFly.

tortilla chips. That was pretty much my go-to item in the first and first half of the second trimester. Salty, plain, crunchy tortilla chips. Wherever I went, so did the tortilla chips and crushed ice. Pretty much lived on those babies. I don't miss them.

Take it Away
chicken. Chicken anything just revolted me--especially chicken in creamy sauces like chicken divan. blech. I think really it had to do more with the texture and temperature. Hot, creamy, soft items just gagged me. Its all about the fresh, cold, crisp and crunchy baby. (Which reminds me--I HATE pickles. Loathe those suckers. But when I saw a jar of Vlasic pickles at the grocery store a few months ago, all I could think of was that deliciously loud crunch that pickle makes in all the commercials, and then my mouth started salivating and I HAD to have that jar of pickles. Scott looked at me like I had spiders coming out of my ears when I placed that item in our cart. He detests them even more than I do.)

bbq chips. This one makes me want to cry. We use to have a love affair, bbq chips and I. No longer. Sometimes I'll try one. Just one. For old times sake you know? But it just isn't the same. The relationship has gone sour and so does my stomach.

Other than that, life's dandy. For the most part, I think Baby G really enjoys the food I choose for us. Sometimes, like tonight for instance, I worry that I've put him in a food coma. When something tastes good to me, it really tastes good and I eat and eat. I've never been able to scarf down food so easily than I can now being pregnant. I feel like I've accomplished something when I look down and see an empty plate. It's a good feeling. Until I stand up. And notice my center of gravity has shifted forward about two more degrees.

Tonight it felt like I had shifted forward about 20 degrees. I could barely straighten my back and walk erect I was so full. Then Baby started kicking and moving and with all that food in there too I felt like I would pop. I once saw a BBC Monty Python excerpt where a 400+ pound man sat in a restaurant by himself eating and feasting and devouring. When the waiter came by to give him his little complementary mint with the check, the man refused. "I'll pop if I eat another bite," he said. "Ah come on!" pushed the waiter. "It's just one little mint." The man thinks for a second, shrugs his shoulders like what the heck, alright, and plops the tiny mint in his mouth. Then he immediately explodes.

That's it. That's all I remember. But that's the image that came to my mind as I thanked our friends and waddled uncomfortably out to our car and then again as I climbed the stairs to our apartment door. Then Scott accidentally dropped a cupcake on the floor. I cried instinctively, "Ah man I was gonna eat that!" And I meant it. I really think I would have eaten that cupcake.

Scott saved my life.

"hospital?" "trash can."

2011-05-17T09:46:00.000-04:00

20 million cyber hugs if you can guess what movie the title's from. If you can't, I'll explain my logic for the title. But this post needs to be quick. Hubby has the day off which means I have precious little time to do three things before Papa Bear awakes: 1.) steal his b-ball shorts, 2.) peruse the internet before its used solely for video games, and 3.) grab some Dunkin Donuts before he can say no.

Priority number 1 has been achieved so onto number 2: blogging and mindless internet surfing. Yesterday, I worked a short three hour shift, which is always preferred over the normal five hours-- lately grabbing a size medium from the bottom shelf has seemed more like an Olympic feat than a simple bend and snap. Three hours of folding, sizing, and pest controlling. Love bug season has arrived here on the Space Coast and they are ev-er-y-where. So my folding boards have been working double duty-- folding knits into perfect little presentations ...

and HOLY CRAP! My stroller just arrived!

and sweeping the little paired up nasties onto the floor where clients can step on them. Cruel? Nope. Everyone hates them. Hubby too. As we were driving the other day, a whole swarm of the love bug couples landed on our car. He says to them, "Love Bugs, I do not love you." My thoughts exactly, even more so since my manager pulled a couple out of my hair the other day. Sick.

So the carnage ended at 6 and we headed to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. The tour was scheduled for 7 and Hubby wanted plenty of time to well, time the drive, since we had no idea exactly where it was located. We don't usually worry about directions too much in this household since we've got our trusty old navigation app on our smartphones--seriously what a lifesaver, especially being new in the area. Hubby puts in our destination and away we go. About 30 minutes pass and soon we're going down streets I've never heard of. And the streets and neighborhoods are looking more and more ghetto. You can picture it--busted up cars on the lawns, overgrown bushes practically covering the houses, kids with no shirts on running down the middle of the road, some voluptuous ladies strutting on the corner. Yeah. But Victoria--Hubby named the navigation's voice that--keeps telling us its only a couple minutes away and that we're almost there.

I started to get a wee bit nervous about this so-called "awesome" hospital I'd heard about it. I couldn't see a large building anywhere. Victoria says, "You have arrived at your destination." A dead-end. More like dead meat for these two white kids in a sketchy part of town. There were a few stares. I locked the doors. To ease the tension I said, "Hospital?" and pointed at a particularly (sad, but true) trashy house. Scott replies, "Trash can." It was the perfect scenario to use that line. We laughed and laughed and then got the heck out of there. It was not a place to dilly-dally.

So with our efforts to time the drive to the hospital shot, and after nearly being shot ourselves (not really mom) we pull into the hospital parking lot just in time for the tour. And I am happy to report it was a large building in a nice part of town. Unfortunately, we had no time to eat anything and so we guzzled down peanut m&ms to tie us over--Baby G went crazy.

I'm glad we did the tour. I think it eases a lot of the unknown worries about what it will be like to stay in a hospital and be a ... gulp ... patient. I've never had to stay in a hospital before. Never. In fact, its sort of been a kind of subconscious goal to steer clear of anything medical related. I've erred on the side of caution most my life. (Until about a year or so ago where I suddenly went skydiving and shark swimming and would jump into the pool without testing the water first--life on the edge.)

Something that really surprised me were all the safety precautions that the hospital has in place to keep your baby from being kidnapped or switched at birth. Are there really so many sickos and chesters out there that would come into the baby wing and steal one? I tell ya the nurse has me paranoid now. I'll be checking our ID bands nonstop. But it was reassuring to walk the halls of the Labor/Delivery wing and not hear screaming and moaning echoing from the rooms. I think I would have burst into tears. It was calm and quiet and nice. Not to mention, hubby was by my side, holding my hand, and kissing the top of my head every few minutes. He loves me. And I think he was realizing more and more the feats I am about to encounter. It made me feel so gushy and happy to have such a loving, caring stud muffin husband who gets my jokes and knows my thoughts.

Of course, we stopped by the nursery window and watched the three babies chilling in there. One had to have been maybe an hour old. I got so excited in that moment thinking that in just six weeks we'll have one of those. Six weeks! Then I thought, "Wow they're pretty big. How in the world is Baby G gonna come out!? Please let him be no more than 7 pounds." So I'm all pumped to get the carseat installed and my hospital bag packed. And if its one thing I know to bring now, it's warm, comfy socks and a robe, because it was freezing in there. And DVDS. And food. And maybe some fruity, hippie, yoga chant music to eliminate the pain and help me envision rainbows so I can enjoy a natural birth (ha, yeah sure, I didn't believe that hoopla the moment I read it--its epidural all the way.)

With the tour over, Hubby and I booked it to a restaurant to induce our food coma. Hubby also spotted a Friendly's! We didn't think they existed anymore, so we made a U-turn at 60 mph and skidded into a spot at the front (not really mom). I ate a giant, three scoop, banana split sundae all by myself (really mom.)

And then the night was topped off by probably the most preposterous piece of pregnancy advice I've received yet: "Eat an entire box of Kraft macaroni and cheese with A-1 steak sauce. That'll get your labor started." I nearly gagged all over his Friendly's apron. Ha. Men. Keep the Friendly advice to ice cream flavors.

baby bookin

2011-05-16T13:19:00.001-04:00

I have always been good about keeping a journal--writing private things down on paper and sharing fun things on cyberspace. I love old photo albums and letters. And where most people might groan to look through an old relative's photo book and hear stories of strangers and people and times you have no connection to, I relish! Seriously. I loved looking through my Great Grandma GG's photos and asking questions: "Who's that? Where's that at? Is that you?" I think its the romantic in me. Or maybe its selfishness too.

Because I looove watching home videos of myself and looking through the photos and scrapbooks and baby books of...well...myself. So I cannot fathom why in the world I have literally stopped keeping a journal--a real, meaningful, day to day journal about what my life has been like these past almost 8 months of pregnancy. It's frustrating. Because on top of all the other "to-do" items on my list to prepare for this baby--like getting Desitin for diaper rashes-- I'm now adding a steaming, hot bowl of guilt to the mix for not jotting down every little detail of what its been like to be pregnant and experiencing it all for the first time. I just know, there will come a day when my precocious boy will come to me and say, "What was I like in your tummy?" And heaven help me, If I can't remember. That's one thing I think you can be selfish about--learning all about what it was like to be the center of your parent's universe. Especially since he'll be the oldest (I can relate. I loved all the attention. Just watch the home video of me re-enacting "Matchmaker Matchmaker" from Fiddler on the Roof.)

So the goal. Ahem. Is to make a book. A bound copy of the milestones during Baby G's life as a fetus. I'm crossing my fingers I stick with it. And if not, the blog is the back-up. So be prepared to hear a lot about Baby G from now on--little details and instances that probably he and I will really only appreciate--like the way my round ligaments cry out in pain with every stretch he makes. Man that's getting old. But tonight we tour the hospital! I'm so excited to see where I'm headed in a few weeks. Scott's mainly focused on timing the drive. He doesn't show his stress to me, but I know he's starting to feel a little on edge. Especially since last night he thought my water had broken while I was sleeping. Boy was he relieved to hear that I had simply spilled my water bottle. I tell ya, that was a rough .2 seconds for the hubby.I might have to strategically plan a few more of those to get in some practice :)

So you'd think I'd start jotting down the memories now. Nope. Like the true procrastinator I am, I've decided to start tomorrow. No time in this present. Time to shower and attempt to put on pants like a normal human being and not dance a jig trying to aim my foot for the leg hole. My basketball tummy doesn't allow me much of an accurate, aerial view these days.

quatro + cinco de mayo

2011-05-14T10:24:00.003-04:00

quatro de mayo: Idaho friend visits! "Jessica Smith from Margene's Bridal come on down!" It was so fun to see an Idaho friend and reconnect to that part of my life--The Potato Days as we like to call them. Jessica--you are as cute as ever.

cinco de mayo: the BABY shower! I truly have a great ward, great friends and co-workers. Ida, my little hostess, is a master at throwing parties. Diaper bowtie garlands were hung, everyone wore bowties on clothespins, the cupcakes and water bottles were adorned with Baby Garrison flags. And food, food, food--chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate cupcakes with chocolate mousse, keishes, chips, dips, candies galore.

I tell ya. She is a gem. So awesome. Which really makes me kick myself for NOT TAKING PICTURES. I know, its a travesty. But the night was so fun, I honestly didn't even think twice about the lack of picture taking. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such awesome people here in Florida.

32 weeks with the baby shower loot.

can you spy a creepy kitty?

two door cinema club ///// baby g's favorite

2011-04-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

through belly morse code, baby g has expressed his wish that i post

this music video of his new favorite band "two door cinema club"

he's gettin his groove on as i type. the kid has great taste in music, what can i say?

///// crib evolution /////

2011-04-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

scott masterfully--and efficiently might i add--put the crib together a few weeks ago.

a couple of times i got nervous that he'd strip the screws because he was tightening them so aggressively. i scolded a bit and he responded,

"well i don't want the crib to fall apart when the baby's in it!"

true true.

i guess it is a lot of pressure for a man to provide a safe cribbing experience for a babe.

the pressure i feel lately is found in my ribs and hips.

man provides crib.

woman provides womb.

same thing?

the burger place ///// 30 weeks

2011-04-18T18:09:00.000-04:00

i like a doctor that uses lots of glowing adjectives:

your baby's heartbeat is phenomenal
you passed the glucose test with flying colors
your blood count is perfect

apparently my baby and i are just perfect :) perfectly healthy. and we are very grateful.

so to celebrate our perfect healthfulness we went to The Burger Place.

for an 8oz burger.

french fries.

a chocolate malt shake.

sneakity peakity

2011-04-14T19:00:00.000-04:00

another one bites the dust

2011-03-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

well, a chain link that is. i am 27 weeks. 27 weeks! how did this happen?!?! next week i enter the third trimester. freaking out much? yeah. yeah i am. mostly, because i feel so unprepared. you can't bring a baby home in a box filled with countdown chains, or lay him to bed on top of a lamp. no siree. that won't work. i have simply had the hardest time making decisions for this little one. i thought my eyes would bleed and explode out of my head i've been looking on the internet for so long, researching, comparing, searching, searching, searching. even my cat has noticed the maniac obsession that has become "baby's room." (he nips me when i've been staring at the room for more than an hour because he lacks the coordination to slap me instead.) i can feel myself being torn in two: one half desperately trying to feather baby's nest, and the other half clinging to my tried and true habit of procrastination. oy.

the main struggle? i was ~~hoping~~ determined to have a modern nursery. but have you ever checked out the prices of an Oeuf crib? Or any good quality modern crib for that matter? it's not in the cards my friends. so i've slowly let go of my dreams of a super clean-lined gray/white modern crib and watched as Scott did a Snoopy dance that he gets a traditional crib in espresso. and you know what? it was awesome to see that pleased him so much. Scott is unlike most other guys in this arena--he really cares about what furniture we pick out. the man's got a vision in his head which unfortunately is completely different from mine.

since he's chosen the crib, i claim rights to naming our child. i think its fair. maybe we'll just name him Oeuf.

the crib bedding should be arriving any day now (ahem, mom). and i am dying to see how it turned out. it's the starting off point for the whole room and i'm praying seeing that bedding will kick me into successful, results-driven nesting. til then i peruse the internet daily, poring over images of baby nurseries and gathering inspiration.

but we truly are excited to see this guy in just a few months! the kicking, rolling, turning, pushing, jabbing workouts he religiously performs are so welcome. they hurt now and then. but they're welcome nonetheless. just now it felt like a giant, hard marble was rolled down my belly from the inside. crazy. what was that? i've also noticed the bliss that was second trimester starting to wane, and the achy hips, sore belly and a nap a day routine is starting to once again reappear. i can't complain about the naps, but when homeboy decides to shift all his weight to the right side of my belly and pushes out to the extent of giving me a visibly lopsided abdomen, i must admit it freaks me out a little. but then i place my hand there and i can't help but smile as i think, "oh, this must be his bum :) .... or his head .... or his back." whatever it is, i truly love it. he can jab me in the ribs all day, and i'll still love him. and he does.

so i'm trying to hold onto those moments and not obsess over what his nursery looks like or what crib we get. all i want is a healthy, happy baby. (and an easy delivery.)

my point of view lately

2011-03-19T16:20:00.000-04:00

*fail: spilling a tomato on your belly

*epic fail: trying to "wipe out" said stain with a red napkin

sun, sand + seashells at satellite beach

2011-03-18T16:22:00.000-04:00

in-laws come to town

2011-03-13T23:10:00.000-04:00

We were so happy to have Scott's parents with us for a week! Shopping, day-tripping, hanging at the beach, spotting alligators and not to mention...RITA'S WATER ICE. What a blessing to have one in nearby (45 min drive:) Orlando. Pennsylvania is a far drive for Scott when I'm up at night craving that cup of heavenly delightedfulness.

The sneaky alligator in the water was HUGE. I spied it with my keen eyes from the car. Camouflage got nothin' on me.

The ONE picture with all four of us was on my MIL's camera. And that camera is now lost. :(

my birthday trip to california

2011-02-17T13:04:00.000-05:00

What a blessing it was to be home with family for a week and a half. I've missed everyone's sweet faces. There really is nothing like living close to family and friends.

I loved our Family Sunday Dinners and playing Mafia with everyone. (Even though some of the little ones cheat :) I loved going to Del Taco about seven times for a bean and cheese burrito--no sauce, extra cheese. I even went at 10:30 am once. (I <3 Del Taco.) I loved having lunch with great friends: Lora, Brittany & Britney. I loved going to the Fabric District in LA with Mom and Aunt Hilary to shop for baby's crib bedding fabric.

on the hunt in Michael Levine's

mom's really excited to be a grandma

homeboy's future crib bedding. fun and bold.

I loved getting ready in the mornings with my mom--laying on the bed, eating tortilla chips and crushed ice, borrowing her Urban Decay eye shadows, borrowing clothes, borrowing jewelry, (I borrowed a lot it seems). I loved just being with my mommy and running errands. I loved watching Lina play in her first volleyball tournament and doing so well!

#54 ready for action

I loved cuddling in Lina's bed in the morning and talking, talking, talking as she got ready for Seminary. I loved making Piviniters--our Danish cookie tradition! I loved seeing Tangled with the fam--sooo cute--or just laying on the couch watching TV at night. I loved the dryer weather and getting a Neti-Pot and finally relieving my sinus cold. I loved my sweet handmade birthday cards that the Larkins kids gave me. For example, Daniel made me a Birthday/Valentine's card complete with a taped on lollipop and a picture of me drawn entirely out of hearts. I <3 this card :)

I loved going to Solvang on my birthday with Grandma, Mom, Lina, Heather, Mandy and little Will--stuffing my face with waffles and strawberries at Paula's, holding the waitress's hand when she really was reaching for my menu, perusing our favorite stores like Picket Fences, Rasmussen's and the Antique Store, stuffing my face with a caramel apple, getting squished inside the Solvang Shoe Store, finding some Birthday goodies!, oohing and ahhing over baby things/outfits (which we couldn't buy since we didn't know the sex of the baby yet), getting a sock monkey for the baby (thanks Heather), resting at benches, talking about this and that, oogling over an enormous $150,000 grandfather clock, and most importantly, being able to hug these fabulous women whenever I wanted to.

heather, lina, mom

I loved going out to eat with my parents and Lina. I loved defiling a Jazz shirt with them to show the Skabelunds our unflinching Lakers pride.

fuzzy dad

I loved talking about Spencer with my family and all the good he is doing on his mission. I loved watching old home videos that my Great Grandpa GG took of my Grandpa Gary growing up--and being blown away by how much he looked like Spencer in his teenage years. I loved watching home videos of me and my siblings as little kids (it makes me so excited to see my own little one!) I loved having the baby really start to move and feel that precious one growing inside me. I loved pedicures and salon trips and feeling a bit more beautiful after months of ickiness and colds. I loved going to the Los Angeles Temple and having the session FILLED with so many kind faces from my old stake. I loved getting answers to family prayers and fasts on Sundays and seeing how the Lord truly sends tender mercies to comfort and cheer us. I loved every minute you could say. (Except for the minutes when all I wanted was an ice cream twist from Foster's Freeze and their machine was broken EVERY TIME we went buy for one. Those were bad minutes.)

I am blessed with a wonderful family--exemplars of love, kindness and righteousness. I am blessed with a wonderful husband who put on a happy face and told me he was excited I was going for a visit. Our little boy will have so many people that love him, so many people to help set an example of living the gospel righteously. He is one lucky little dude, and we are so excited for him to come!

a v-day poem

2011-02-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

We're so in love.

And have oddly shaped heads.

We ate some berry pie,

Watched TV, then went to bed.

Happy Valentine's Day :)

*side note: the link is now broken to our JibJab video. Our heads were only funny looking in the video. I don't actually think we have weird heads, haha. Or do we?

my little basketball player

2011-02-09T19:36:00.000-05:00

It's a BOY peeps! Our sweet little boy is movin' and groovin' and growing those long femur bones of his to join the Lakers one day. When the Ultrasound Tech told us the news, Scott's face lit up and he gave my ankle an extra squeeze. We laughed as we realized we were both wearing blue that day! Meant to be :)

I've always thought in the back of my mind that I would have a boy first. Throughout my pregnancy, I've always subconsciously said "he" when referring to the baby. (Though I'd quickly say, "or She!" Don't want to offend my little fetus ya know?) But, I was right. Mother's intuition I guess. (Or at least I like to think that way--that I'm omniscient :)

20 weeks

a wittle foot

But we are so happy! We can finally start buying clothes and little things that only a boy needs, like a Pee-Pee Teepee. So far we only have a sock monkey, a Thanksgiving onesie, and two boxes of diapers. Homeboy needs some STUFF! The essentials, of course, like a Lakers and Dodgers jersey.

(But we can't get too carried away. My Aunt Hilary's last child was supposed to be a boy.
THREE ultrasounds all said "BOY" and out popped sweet Colette. This gives me a little anxiety.)

2011-01-24T16:16:00.000-05:00

i heart him

2011-01-22T15:56:00.000-05:00

proud to be a mormon blogger--a mogger

"Ye are the light of the world..." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." --Matthew 5:14 & 16

So proud right now. Proud to be a member of the Church. Proud of my sisters in the blogging world that set wonderful examples of light and happiness by simply being who they are--trendy, beautiful, smiling, fun-loving wives/mothers and daughters of God. The woman/author that admits her obsession with Mormon Housewife blogs, says she's tied to them because they are in one word--"uplifting."

If she were a member of the Church I think she would have called it "the Spirit."

take that canadian!

2011-01-13T15:52:00.000-05:00

Cable is G-O-N-E gone! Wow it was harder than I thought. Story:

Past couple weeks I've been thinking about canceling. But then the thought, "What about The Bachelor? The Office?!" would enter my head. So I pushed the "cancel cable" idea away and snuggled into my blanket Monday night to watch...The Bachelor. What else? And...I was so mad at myself. I kept fast forwarding through the skanky parts or the dumb parts or the commercials and then I thought, "You know...for LOVING the Bachelor, I sure do fast forward a lot." And then I thought, "Wait a second, aren't I supposed to be doing something tonight? .... Oh! Just Family Home Evening." Yeah. I was watching The Bachelor--or rather fast forwarding through The Bachelor--and ~~forgot~~ chose to skip Family Home Evening. Talk about guilt.

And that was it. I resolved to cut the cable cord, figuratively speaking. So this morning, I made the call. And if I'm being honest, I was actually nervous. Like anxious nervous. I sounded confident as I told the guy to cancel it and I was proud of myself, but inside I was feeling like a heroine addict about to go into rehab. Then the Canadian (the cable guy over the phone--I know he was Canadian cause he pronounced "house" as "hoose") tells me, "Well what if we offered a special promotion and lowered your payment? Would you reconsider keeping your cable service?" Oh you cunning Canadian, I thought. Way to tempt me.

My resolve rattled, I rationalized quietly that I'd hear what he had to offer. It was like a memory reel played through my head of all the shows I love. The entertainment, the laughter, the tears. Couldn't hurt to just hear about the special discount, right? Plus, TV's not that bad. And if I get a deal.... I almost said it. The words were on my lips. But then I remembered my seminary teacher, Sister Halladay, and the word "rationalize" on the chalkboard in stark, white, large letters. Except it was spelled "rationa-LIES!"

"No!" I yelled gallantly into the phone and stood upon my wicker office chair. "I will not succumb to you hound of Satan!" Actually, I just said, "No thanks." And that was that. But I felt so empowered! It was awesome. Hard, really hard. But like ripping off a bandaid.

A girl I work with told me last week that as her New Year's goal she was quitting smoking. And she had started that morning. She said how every morning she had gotten up and had a cigarette and a coffee. But this morning she just had coffee and she said it felt "awkward." Haha. I laughed at the word choice, picturing her drinking her coffee and feeling awkward at herself. I didn't quite understand at the time. I think I do now. It's like those "Quit Smoking" commercials where the message is you have to relearn your life without cigarettes.

I've gotta relearn my day to day routine without watching TV or having it on while I make dinner. It's weird. Eerily quiet. Truth be told... a little awkward. But oh so glorious. Oh the possibilities!

And so this dramatic glimpse of my life ends. Take that Canadian!

(Let it be known that I am not one of those people. The "Oh we don't watch TV in our house" people. If I do ever say that. Smack me.)

oh goodness...

2011-01-05T19:22:00.000-05:00

...what to say? Not much. Maybe a little venting?

Vent #1: We have a new calling. Still in the Primary, but we've been moved to the SENIOR Primary. Class time is fun with our four 8 year old girls. They love American Girl Dolls and so we clicked instantly. But Sharing Time...just not the same. I guess I can't really judge it based on one Sunday's experiences, but gone are the hilarious comments, gone are the inquisitive looks, gone are the outbursts, gone are the eager hands high in the air, gone are my little ones who drew me pictures. Gone gone gone. I'm a little depressed.

Don't get me wrong, Senior Primary IS a lot more reverent. But I think that's what I miss...the chaotically entertaining last hour of church. Oh well. I love our girls we teach already-- they are so quiet and sweet and attentive. But what I wouldn't give to hear a little 5 year old's prayer of, "And please bless that we will get everything we want for our birthdays." I could cry.

Vent #2: I'm done with the constant variety of pregnancy symptoms. I think I'd be happier to have just one symptom and work on dealing with it. But no... It's sharp hip pain one day, then nausea the next, then back pain another day, then a headache the next, then a cold for four months, then bloating the next..... Jiminey Christmas! It's so frustrating. And I'm only at the beginning of the second trimester. It worries me. Why can't I just speed up time and have the baby tomorrow? I'd love that. If only.

Vent #3: Why does every show on TV have to be raunchy in some way? Seriously. I could just stick to the Hallmark channel but it doesn't seem worth it. So I was all ready to cancel it when I see that "The Bachelor" season just started. Ugh. Talk about an ideal example of a raunchy show....but I like it. There I said it. I admit it. I like it a lot. I don't know why. I know I shouldn't. But its so gosh darn entertaining. But I felt the same way about "Glee" and kicked the habit this past season. And you know what? My life didn't end. I don't NEED to watch that show. I've been perfectly happy without it. So, I'm working up the nerve to throw cable out the window.

That's it. Nothing else.

christmas 2010

2010-12-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

Well, Scott and I celebrated our third Christmas together--just us. Though we miss our families, its fun and special to just celebrate with and focus on my best friend! We prepared and baked our homemade honey-baked ham together, mixed the cheese potatoes together, went to the Walk-In doctor together (Scott now has the sickness), did some last minute shopping together, cleaned together, watched "A Christmas Story" together, read in Luke 2 together and cuddled as we waited for Santa together!

Christmas morning was fun and surprising as we opened gifts, listened to Christmas music and made our traditional crepes with strawberries. We videotaped the whole thing. As I watched it today I laughed and laughed at how cheesy we are! We're so weird and goofy and hopefully our children will think we're funny and not totally embarrassing.

This was our last Christmas, just Scott and I. We cherished the time alone, but were even more excited as we talked about what it will be like to have Christmas with our baby next year. So crazy! I can hardly wait.

The day was even more special when my phone rang and the caller ID read: "Bowling Green, Kentucky." I was confused at first, then quickly answered as I realized it was my brother Spencer!!!! He is serving in the Nashville, Tennessee Mission but is assigned to an area in Kentucky right now. We were so excited to hear his voice and listen to his stories. He is a wonderful missionary and is loving his mission.

We were truly blessed this Christmas and are so thankful for family and friends.

bird watching

2010-12-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

Here in Florida, we see large exotic birds all the time. One we've really been wanting to see though, but haven't yet, is a large, white stork.

But after months of waiting, we finally got the word from a professional stork watcher that one will be coming our way on June 27th.

We can hardly wait. Legend has it that this famous white stork also brings a present! The stork was nice enough to send a sneak peek of our present and its message to us: "Howdy Folks!!"

That's right! Baby Garrison is on his/her way. We're super excited and admittedly a little in denial. (It's hard for me to believe that there is actually a human growing inside of me.) But I felt our baby "flutter/quicken" the other day and it was crazy! I'm a little worried this itty bitty baby is gonna be a kicker, because when we watched him/her on the screen he/she was a movin' and a groovin' and barely held still long enough for the nurse to take the heartbeat. But he/she's our little kicker and we love our itty bitty baby.

On the screen at the doctor's we could clearly see the baby's profile and especially the cute little nose. The head is on the left and our baby is looking up. You can make out the forehead, littlest tip of the nose, mouth and chin!

Excited mom--who does not smoke, despite the way she may be holding the pregnancy test.

First shocked, then happy Dad! He stared at the test for no joke--five minutes straight--not saying a word, then asked, "What does this mean?" Haha. Even though it clearly says on the test, "PREGNANT." Silly Scott.

Cheesy but happy!

Thanksgiving: Because I Have Been Given Much

2010-11-29T17:34:00.000-05:00

My sister Brittany and I grew up watching a certain LDS video called Lorenzo's Songbook. It's so old and so unknown I couldn't even find an image of it on Google. But here's the gist: a brother and sister discover an old chest in their grandmother's attic. When they open it, they find that the chest and its contents belonged to their pioneer ancestors. And there to tell the tale is Lorenzo, a scruffy, old stuffed animal (i think a dog?) that belonged to their great-great-great grandmother and remembers all of the tales of crossing the plains and being part of the early Church.

Haha. Yeah. But we loved it! Primary songs were sung throughout along with glimpses and lessons from Pioneer Days. One particular song on the video was my favorite: Because I Have Been Given Much. As the song played, it showed two sisters who served one another and went about doing good. Another scene showed the pioneer grandmother as a little girl giving a small wooden heart to a friend. Even as a kid, the song touched me. My mom even let Brittany and I play with a similar wooden heart she had as a decoration. I felt so cool to have that wooden heart and then do acts of service and leave it at the scene of service.

I'm not sure what ever happened to that wooden heart. But I really cherished it when I was little. I am so grateful for that sweet, simple video and the amazing spiritual impact that hymns can have in our lives. It was played in church on Sunday and I nearly burst into tears! The lyrics are so humbling. It made me count my blessings this Thanksgiving and think of those who are in need of them.

Some of my cherished blessings currently:

My family. Being on the other side of the country is hard. I miss being able to hug my mom or play with my cousins or talk with my grandma. So I am also grateful for technology! What would I do without my phone?
Health. I've been sick for a month now with a pesky sinus infection/bronchitis. It simply won't go away. But being sick sure makes me realize what a blessing it is to feel well and be productive.
Patience. Not mine, but my husband's. Scott is the most patient, loving, kind, and understanding person. Even when I'm cranky and lash out, he'll just smile and laugh and suggest that maybe he take me to bed or get me something to eat or rub my back. He never acts in anger. He is a wonderful example.
Christmas Music. It simply lifts my spirits and brings me so much joy! It is my favorite time of the year.
New Friends. There are many great couples/families in our ward here in Florida. They are so kind and have been wonderful. They make us feel loved and wanted.
Visiting Teachers. I have a great visiting teacher. She is small and happy and a great source of advice. She brought me flowers the other day and I love her for that!
Trials. Yes, trials. I am grateful for their humbling abilities. Their way of putting things into perspective.
My brother. Every week he makes me cry. His letters are so inspiring. His example is remarkable. I am so thankful for the blessings he brings to our family as he serves as a full-time missionary in Nashville. He serves among some very humble people of very meager means and tumultuous backgrounds. He truly embodies the hymn "Because I Have Been Given Much." He is serving his fellow man by sharing his knowledge of the gospel.

Growing up, the hymn always meant taking care of the poor and needy. Now, my missionary brother has helped me see a new meaning: sharing the gospel with our brothers and sisters. Taking care of their souls and salvation.

Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

I have been blessed with much. I hope I can raise my children in a home like I had: filled with wooden hearts, thanks giving, and hymns!

All Hallow's Eve!

2010-10-31T15:14:00.000-04:00

As we enter the "darker" half of the year, it seems only appropriate to tell a scary story!

#1 A Tale of Two Babysitters

With the kids in bed upstairs and midnight fast approaching, Cristine and Tara tiptoed down the creaking wooden staircase. The McKeon house groaned and moaned like an old witch but the two girls felt braver in each other's company. The couch felt cozy and safe and the TV's soft noises helped to mask the creaks of the floorboards and the whistle of the wind on the paned windows. Each pang, groan, and rustle in the dark house sent their hearts pattering and their eyes wandering around the room, but they didn't admit it to the other. But soon the noises became bearable and common and their heads began to nod and droop.

Then, suddenly, scratch, scratch scratch! Their eyes expanded like growing balloons and the air whished out of their chests. Clasping hands and holding their breath they sat still as gargoyles, then shuddered at the thought of one. Silence. The girls listened hard, straining to find a direction to the noise in the thick black of the room. Scratch, scratch, scratch! Behind them! Shadows danced across the walls, the TV's glow making their outlines look menacing and large.

"I think it's coming from in there," Cristine whispered, pointing towards the french doors. The girls' peaked their eyes over the back of the couch hesitantly. Scratch, scratch, scratch! They ducked back down and both looked to the clock on the wall. The McKeons wouldn't be home for another hour at least.

"Maybe we should just go see," Tara timidly suggested. Cristine shook her head back and forth slowly. Entering that dark room was the last thing she wanted to do. She would happily wait it out until Brother McKeon could go in there with a bat. "Come on," Tara prodded trying to sound brave. "We'll do it together."

Clasping hands again, they crawled awkwardly in front of the couch and then to the wall, and then to the french doors. Tara slowly straightened up and even more slowly turned the handle. With the door opened, they peered inside with their hearts thumping like jump rope on pavement. SCRATCH, SCRATCH, SCRATCH! Cristine yelped and ran to the couch. When she got there, she was alone.

"Tara!" she whispered as loud as she dared. "Tara!"

"Cristine, we're such idiots," Tara's voice came from the dark room.

"What? Why?" she asked still peering over the back of the couch.

"Just come in here," said Tara.

Cristine left her safe spot warily and approached the room riddled with fear and curiosity. Tara flipped on a small lamp. SCRATCH, SCRATCH, SCRATCH! There on a little side table, inside a plastic cage, two hamsters scratched away at their wheel and pencil shaving carpet. Cristine almost cried with relief.

From that day on, Tara and Cristine made sure the McKeon's hamsters were left upstairs and out of earshot while they babysat in that old, creaking house.

***

Happy Halloween!

church + life: Our Primary Class

2010-10-26T13:31:00.000-04:00

I love my calling, have I ever told you that? I do. Love the giggles, sudden exclamations, meltdowns over someone stealing someone else's chair, eager hands stretched to the ceiling to say the prayer, and the on-going question, "Did you bring candy today?!"

Scott and I teach the 4 going on 5 year olds in the Junior Primary. We have 6 kids that come regularly. Each is so different and they all crack me up.

One boy knows only one volume: loud. Everything he says is done in a shout. But I recently found out he has three older siblings and a younger baby brother. So, I imagine, shouting may be a necessity for him at home if he wants his voice heard. He gets embarrassed easily and will look at me out of the corner of his eye if he thinks I'm watching him. (I like to make my kids sweat and see me as a threat. haha.)

One boy wants to answer every question, be the first to do anything, and volunteer for ev-er-y-thing. He is a tender little heart and has the sweetest little voice. He loves Mario and makes me drawings of him on the Sacrament Meeting Programs. This Sunday he seemed really enthralled with the lesson. I touched on the Atonement and crucifixion of Christ. We talked about how that probably really hurt, especially when Judas betrayed him and people were mean to him. This little boy suddenly told us this long story about how his family had lived in Japan and a group of bullies used to push him down. It was sooo sad as his sweet little voice told how much it had made him sad. His eyes were all big and glistening and it just broke my heart. But then they all started saying, "Those guys were mean. I loooove Jesus. Yeah, me too. I love Jesus." It was such a special lesson and made me so happy as a teacher that they understood and even applied it to their own lives.

Another boy is just stinkin hilarious. He is so little. Wears glasses. Loves Star Wars. (That's been a big topic of conversation among our class: Star Wars and Mario.) So cute. Pretends his hands are space shuttles and flies them around in front of him making noises. Above all, he is SO SMART. Seriously, this kid gives deep, text-book answers. Sometimes I don't even know what he's talking about. I actually think he may be smarter and more knowledgeable about the scriptures than I am. (It all made sense when I found out his dad is a chemical engineer and his mom was a physics professor. yikes!) But I count it as a blessing to learn from this humble, sweet little spirit. Examples:

I told the class we were going to read a scripture from Matthew. This little boy, pushing up his glasses says, "He was a tax collector." Now these kids say a lot of random things, so I kind of just dismissed it. But then I started to think, "Was he?" haha. I looked it up and sure enough...he was! This kid blows me away.

Another time I showed a picture of a Christus in a Visitor's Center. We had talked about symbols and so I asked them why they thought a scene of the universe, planets, stars, etc had been painted behind the statue. This same little boy answered, "It is supposed to remind us of all of Heavenly Father's creations." I was shocked. I just stared at that face and was blown away. Who is this kid???

After class was over we waited for his parents. He was the last one left and so I asked him, "How are you so smart? I bet your parents tell you you're so smart all the time." He said, "Eh." hahahaha. So I asked, "Well then how do you know all the answers?" He replied matter-of-factly, "My brain just tells me. I am soooo smart." I laughed so hard. And couldn't stop beaming after he left that I am so privileged to have this little Primary class to learn from.

Their testimonies are so pure and so strong. They are truly mighty little spirits. I look forward to every Sunday to see my little class and learn from their simple and heartfelt explanations. They make my week! Honestly, how could this face not make you smile!!?

happy + birthday: SCOTT

2010-10-18T12:14:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my favorite person's birthday! He turned 27! So old, haha, almost to 30. Yikes.

Scott has a voracious appetite for life! And turkey legs. He is always eager to try new things and be "out there" in the mix of things. He is a man of many talents and hobbies: golf, soccer, guitar, fishing, snowboarding, video games (of course), boogie boarding, and so much more. When he sets his mind to something, he achieves it.
Scott loves animals. He should have been a veterenarian because he loves to pet critters and snuggle them. Dog, moose, cat, whatever, he's fasinated by them. (When we were engaged we went on the hike-from-h-e-l-l and ran into a baby moose. It was probably one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. But what does Scott want to do? Pet it. Take pictures. Risk our lives. I was not about to be impaled by a crazed mother moose and so pried Scott away.)
Scott got a kitty! He's been begging me for a pet since we got married, but I'm just not an animal lover. But it was what he wanted for his birthday and Scott works so hard for us, I couldn't say no. So we now have an 11 week old kitty that we named Kobe Bryant. Scott loves him, plays with him, snuggles him, cleans him, etc. He promises me this is good practice for when we have a baby. I have never been, and never will be, a person who comapres pets to children. That's crazy-nonsense talk to me, but it is cute to see how happy a little kitty makes Scott and how responsible Scott is taking care of him.
Scott is a good brother-in-law. He loves my siblings and they get along so well. I think it is fun for my brother and sisters to have an older brother. The other day I was talking to my sister Brittany when she said, "Someone is calling me. It's Scott!" So she hung up on me and talked to Scott. haha. He had just called to chat and make sure she was safe after she had a weird car situation. I love that. He checks up on them and is the perfect protective older brother. He is a great example to my brother Spencer to serve a full-time mission. He jokes with Lina and they all love each other.
Scott is such a hard worker. I say that about him all the time, but its because he truly is. He never ceases to amaze me. He wins award after award for his performance. He's just been nominated out of the entire district for an award given by the District Manager. He gains recognition constantly because he works hard and it shows, he picks up other peoples' slack, he's professional and ethical, he is always finding ways to be more well-rounded. I love him for his dedication and committment :)
Scott is MY HUSBAND! Obvious, but sometimes I still feel blown away that he is mine and chose me. Daily, I pray to deserve him and treat him with as much kindness as he shows me. He is so sweet and loving. He always builds me up, encourages me, and compliments me. Like this morning for instance, my hair was curly, frizzy, crazy, I had mascara under my eyes, morning breath, etc, the "ugly works", but he kissed my head and told me that I am always so beautiful in the mornings. I think he's crazy. But I still love it. He is so sweet and I know our kids will be the same way :)

I love you my silly, sweet Hubby! Happy Birthday!

me + hubby: 4th Anniversary

2010-10-14T10:04:00.000-04:00

squidging our toes in the sand. a perfect anniversary :)

Mormon Messages: Continue in Patience

2010-10-08T11:02:00.000-04:00

Hawaii, Part X: Pearl Harbor

2010-10-04T11:20:00.000-04:00

The trip ended with a visit to Pearl Harbor.

It's truly astounding to stand on holy ground and remember all the lives lost for our country. I am so proud to be an American and cherish this divinely blessed country in which we live!

We took the boat ride to see the Arizona Memorial. The Memorial stands over the sunken ship: the final resting place for the 1,777+ crewman who were killed on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.

To this day, survivors from USS Arizona can choose to be laid to rest inside the sunken ship.

I think that is so amazing and patriotic--to be laid to rest with your brothers.

The names of all the men are etched into a marble wall in the Shrine Room.

After the Arizona Memorial, Scott, Lina, Dad and I toured the USS Missouri. It was the ship where the Japanese signed their surrender. It has been converted into a museum. The guns were huge and the stairs were tiny and steep. It would be a dangerous place to work and live if you were a klutz.

Pearl Harbor was a nice, patriotic close to an adventurous Hawaiian vacation. We are so blessed!

Hawaii, Part IX: Skydiving

2010-10-01T13:15:00.000-04:00

The highlight of the trip! For years I had been stressing over it: Could I do it? Should I do it? I can do it. No I can't. Yes, I can. Maybe. We'll see. I don't know. Dad, just lock me into it. Mom, stop saying that I can back out now, it's making me nervous.

This struggle went on for months.

I would watch skydiving videos on Youtube for months, trying to imagine my experience falling towards the ground at 130mph. Every time I did my palms got sweaty. My stomach would toss around like a stadium beach ball at a Dodgers game. But I was determined to do it, by golly! I've turned a new leaf recently and decided to not be so scared about things and take chances, experience new things.

Of course, my Mom thought we were all insane.

Maybe she's right. Because it was insane. Insanely awesome!

The morning of Skydive Hawaii day, we got up, got dressed, and I barely ate a thing. I did not want my breakfast falling at 130 mph beside me. Everyone--Dad, Scott, Spencer, Brittany and I--were all super excited but a little tense. Reality was setting in. The day had arrived. We had to act on all of our "I'm going to go skydiving!" talk and hype.

We drove towards North Shore on Oahu listening to music and trying to pump ourselves up. Two songs will forever be associated with skydiving: Dynamite by Taio Cruz and Gettin Over You by David Guetta. They got me through the drive. Made me feel cool. Pumped me up. Got my wiggles out.

At one point we were all head-banging because we needed to release our nerves somehow.

We arrive.

We sign our ~~death~~ certificates.

We are on the list.

I am lucky #1 in the family.

If I die, then the rest of the family knows it's not a good idea.
Apparently, it's a sacrifice they're willing to make. ;)

Thank you for your prayers dear sister. I promise not to haunt you if I die.

We wait, and wait and wait. Watch someone's first/primary parachute cut away as it tumbles violently to the trees. Freak out. Get a grip. Wait, wait, wait.

My turn.

My tandem gave me the instructions--which weren't many--and got me into my equipment. It was thrilling. He was nice, but tough. Pretty hard-core, no-nonsense, rough talker. I had him repeat the instructions to me over and over because he'd say them so fast and I kept feeling like something this dangerous needed to be explained more fully. But nope. He pretty much hollered instructions as we went.

When it was our turn, my tandem and I walked to the truck and hopped in the truck bed. We were dropped off at the tiny airplane that would hold only me, my tandem, the photographer, and the pilot. It was that tiny. We were scrunched together. As the plane lifted into the air I tried to keep the panic down. My heart races just thinking about it. I wish I could add the video but I don't know how. Words will have to suffice.

It was too loud to talk. I looked out the window as we climbed higher and higher into the sky. Pretty soon all I could see were white, fluffy clouds all around us. It was pretty surreal knowing that I would be diving into them. When Slava, the photographer, would film me in the plane, all I could give was a simple nervous smile and a shrug.

My tandem then got us hooked up together. We had to dance and shimmy and move around a bit in that confined space until I was sitting on his lap and he hooked me in. I was very grateful that he pulled hard on those clamps, belts, safetys and harnesses. I did not want to slip out.

Suddenly, it was time. The door was opened. Which was terrifying for a split second. Slava got out and hung onto the wing to let me and my tandem go out first. My foot got caught trying to swing it out onto the ledge. Embarrassing and caught on tape. All I could see was clouds. Surprisingly, I really didn't feel scared. It just felt...surreal. That's the only word I can think of to describe it. It was like a dream. Like I wasn't really doing it. I leaned my head back like I had been told, crossed my arms, and suddenly I was falling.

My eyes rolled back in my head. I lost my stomach for a moment. I felt like I was tumbling but weightless.

My tandem tapped me to put my arms out....and there I was...SKYDIVING!

I was smiling like an idiot but I couldn't help it, it was sooo awesome. I felt like my whole body was smiling. Alive. Full of adrenaline. The wind ripped all around us and I got a little soaked falling through a rain cloud. The cloud tingled my skin and was definitely cold. It sounded like bacon sizzling as we passed through it. Slava was in front of me most of the way filming and smiling and shaka-signing.

It was over so fast, but felt like an eternity at the same time. It was simply unbelievable and I am sooo glad that I did it. A once in a lifetime experience. Who knows? Maybe a twice in a lifetime experience? But I'm not sure I want to push my luck.

When the parachute was pulled, my tandem and floated quickly down to the landing field. And it hurt. So bad. The harness dug into my legs. My tandem had us twisting and turning and I could barely keep back groans of pain. But the views were amazing. The ocean, fields, mountains, all was gorgeous. We came in hot on the landing, but my tandem was a pro and it was very smooth as we landed on our feet.

I immediately felt drained. It was the biggest rush of my life. So invigorating and exhausting. My family was happy to see I was alive and greeted me with big smiles and hugs and peppered me with questions. I was so cool. Now it was their turn to follow in my awesome footsteps!

Brittany did it!!

Dad was last to go. Brave and stoic as always.

Spencer did it! He got his skydiving certificate!

We are so awesome! Cooler than anyone we know :)

Scott and Dad did it!!

Scott was lucky enough to get both a video and a cd full of pictures by accident.

So here is what it looked like for Scott!

We are so grateful to my parents for giving us this wonderful experience!

It was just AWESOME!

Hawaii, Part VIII: Hanging at the Beach, Banished from the Beach

2010-09-23T12:57:00.000-04:00

With all the adventures, we did hang out at the beach quite a bit. Unfortunately, because it was so relaxing and chill, we didn't take as many pictures.

We detoured to a not so wave-friendly beach first, so we ditched it and headed to Hapuna Beach on Kona. It was fun and crystal clear and had great waves. We stopped at the little stand at the top of the hill where I ate yummy fish tacos. Then we hiked down a bit to the beach and we played in the waves all day.

(and apparently gangster signs and what-not were cool at the moment for us. ah geez.)

Our hotel on Oahu surrounded a peaceful little cove. We rented cabanas and lay in the sun all day reading, eating, playing in the water. (Note: those lily-white legs in the background do not belong to us.) We explored the rocky beach behind the hotel a couple times too. Dad would talk to the fisherman and saw a big sea turtle.

Daddy and his son. Spencer leaves on his mission so soon! Ah!

One day, we decided we really wanted some good waves to go boogie boarding. Our hotel gave us some dinky little kid boogie boards with pictures of sea turtles and whales. They were not legit. But we really didn't care, took them and headed to Sandy Beach. The concierge told us if we wanted waves it was the place to go.

We were all excited. We packed a lunch, brought coolers and books, checked out towels and a chair or two, and toted our wimpy boogie boards with pride. It was quite a drive and we finally arrived at Sandy Beach. As we pull into the parking lot we saw a HUGE and I mean HUGE wave crash onto the beach. Surfers and boogie boarders--legit ones/natives--cover the water. There isn't a gradual beach either. The waves crash against the beach because the sand dips down into the water like a V. When a wave hits, everyone disappears, sucked in by the wave. Totally rocked. The picture below swallowed at least 20 people, no joke.

(don't let it fool you. it was intense. it swallowed up 20 people every time it hit.)

I can just picture us. A large, white tourist family toting all their crap up the beach, goofy smiles on their faces, holding a loaf of bread and styrofoam Wal-Mart boogie boards. So bad. All eyes are on us, like "You've got to be kidding me. Look at these noobs." As we walk on the sand, signs and posts are everywhere: Danger! Death or Severe Injury! Immediately, as soon as we plop our stuff down the lifeguard gets on the speaker, "For all of you who just arrived," --we are the only ones who just arrived, he means us in our noob glory-- "this is a very dangerous beach. People have died here. If you are looking for a recreational beach I can give you directions here at the lifeguard station." Mortified. So bad. All eyes still on us.

He could have just said, "All you tourist losers. Yeah you guys, the white ones. There's a baby bay up the road. Take your baby boards and bread and go to the baby bay, babies." I thought Bert would die of humiliation, especially since there were tons of really cute native surfers all around staring. She headed to the station with my mom to get directions to the baby bay--to escape the humiliation---only to find that the lifeguard was the hottest of them all. Haha. It was hilarious. We toted our coolers and toys back to the car just laughing and laughing and laughing. The whole situation was painfully funny.

My dad said, "I bet that lifeguard's saying to himself, 'I just saved 7 people's lives today.'" Haha. I bet he did.

But all was well in the end. We drove to the beach the lifeguard and suggested and it was beautiful. Simply breathtaking. Hardly any people. A gorgeous beach. Big waves. Soft, fine sand. Large trees for shade. Mountains behind us. Wonderful. We were thankful that we had been kicked out to the baby bay. The waves were still plenty powerful. We all had to hold onto our swimsuits otherwise we'd be skinny dipping. We gobbled down chocolate macadamia nuts. Spencer got stung by a jellyfish. We threw spiky acorn things at my dad's back. We wrote in the sand. We swam, etc, etc. So much fun. Loved it. The baby bay is the best!

"swimmin' with the jellies! awesome. totally." --finding nemo

haha. this picture cracks me up.

using the baby boogie boards for the only thing they're good for.

happy boy!

On our way back to the hotel we stopped at a couple of outlooks to explore.
The sign says Danger, so what do we do? Ignore it. Explore. Climb. Take pictures. (with Scott's phone)
We felt brave after our death-defying visit to Sandy Beach :)

Another great day of memories and stories made in Hawaii!

Hawaii, Part VII: Snorkeling

2010-09-17T10:34:00.000-04:00

Amid all the adventure-taking, we did lay low a few times at the beach. Why is it so wonderful just to play in the water or lay on the sand reading a book? They are the simple pleasures that really make the trip.

We snorkeled at Two Step on Kona.

The real name is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge). I prefer to use the name Two Step and it is supposed to be the best snorkeling on the island. The lady who rented us our snorkeling equipment told us that after she and her husband moved to Hawaii, Two Step was the first place they went. And...they swam with dolphins. Yep, she said they knew right then that they had made the right choice to move there. I would say so! Though we didn't swim with dolphins, :'( It was still awesome.

The land is all dried lava, no sand really. You made your way across the lava to Two Step which literally had two easy steps you could take into the ocean. It was like a little seat to get your gear on and then push out from. There were quite a few snorkelers and it was a blast. One guy was getting out as I was getting in and chatting on how they had seen tons of sea turtles. I hurriedly got in. Only to realize that Spencer had taken my fins! So I had a pair of huge fins that flipped off my feet. That would never work.

Thankfully, I got his attention out in the water so he came back and switched me.

There was lots of cool, colorful fish & bright coral. I tried to catch a fish but they don't like to be touched. We all snorkeled together and had a blast. (Except if you swam out too far, it got really cold and dark, and there were no cool fishies, and I felt like a shark would come out at any second and eat me, or I would be dragged to the bottom like in "The Abyss" and then the pressure would crush me. So I swam back. The ocean both fascinates me and terrifies me.) Trying to get back on land was a little tricky. We had to put our feet in front of us to grip onto the Two Step, and...to keep from jabbing our hands onto hundreds of black sea urchins. Scary. It took the lady in front of us almost ten minutes to get onto the step. Which was quite inconvenient and hard since the waves kept pushing us toward the step. A little stressful but all was well and the sea urchins remained on the step and off my body.

We had a little picnic after snorkeling. So yummy. We had really worked up an appetite. A couple stray, nasty dogs were hungry as well, and kept begging. Scott gave them the evil eye a few times.

Dad had to chase them.

Scott was thinking, "I got my eye on you dog. You stay away from my KFC and Nillas!"

These pictures I did not take but show what Two-Step looked like. Snorkeling was such a blast and we all wish we could have gone again. Oh well. There's always next year! ;)

Hawaii, Part VI: Dolphins & Sharks

2010-09-11T10:32:00.000-04:00

We swam with critters!

Dolphins

The Dolphin Arena was right outside our hotel balcony on Kona, so we got to watch them play around at night. Finally, we got to swim with them! They are such awesome creatures. You just wanna kiss 'em! My favorite was a pink dolphin :) but I forget her name. Lina was scared to go in the water because of all the little fish in the water for the dolphins to "play" with. We were given snorkels to watch the dolphins swim below us. We gave commands. We got splashed by the dolphins. It was so much fun. Our trainer/guide was missing all three middle toes on his right foot. We affectionately refer to him as "Shaka-Toes."

We took video of the whole thing, but not very many pictures :( Oh well.

***

Sharks

I was quite nervous about this one. Why?: 1.) Sharks 2.) I get sea-sick.

We all downed some Dramamine and got on the boat. It was the 6 of us pictured above and 6 others. 2 couples and a Mother/daughter. All I can say is "THANK HEAVENS!" I took that Dramamine. As soon as we got on the boat we had to sign waivers and were told several times that most people get sick out there on the ocean. Great. It was pretty rough getting out there, but still fun. Once we stopped though, we were pitching and rolling like crazy. The mother/daughter duo was not doing so hot. My family was all pretty good.

While the captain steered the boat close to the floating cage, the deckhand had to rope it like a cowboy, pull it in and then tie it together. He then lowered a ladder type thing to get into the floating cage. Yikes!

We let the other 6 people go first (hehe). Actually, we volunteered them.

We were so excited when it was our turn. But a little terrified as well. Everyone in the first group (minus the mother/daughter who kept yelling from the cage, "Can we come back!?" They didn't even look in the water. They just held onto the cage. haha) told us it was awesome and not scary. One girl--a little hippie-ish--said it was a "spiritual experience." Now I don't know about that. But it was pretty cool.

No life-jackets. Just snorkel stuff. Trapped in a steel cage. Open at the top.

I asked the deckhand, "What if a shark jumps over the rail and comes into the cage!?"

He said it wouldn't happen. But he did say that barracudas sometimes come through the bars. Great.

(the above picture isn't of us, but this is what it looked like underwater! crazy huh?!)

We climbed into the cage one by one and the water was freezing.

It was also choppy and we each had to hold onto the bars to keep the cage from smacking us in the head.

(It happened to me once. Ouch :)

Though I was shaking from the cold, the experience was great. Sharks were swimming all around the cage. I really wanted to reach through the bars to touch one, but the deckhand had said no. And for good reason I'm sure. Surprisingly, the sharks weren't that scary. It was cool. Now the barracudas, on the other hand, are from the devil. They are the scariest looking things I've ever seen. Evil. Don't like them.

We had an underwater camera with us but those pictures haven't been developed yet. It was difficult just to take pictures, because it was so choppy in the water and the cage could smack you if you didn't hold on with two hands. Brittany, Lina and I stayed near each other the whole time. It was funny to look up from the water and see their goggled faces staring back with the waves crashing around us.

Good memories.

Afterwards, we all felt a titch woozy. Don't let the picture fool you, that water had been rough. The Dramamine is the only thing that saved us from hanging over the edge of the boat the whole time.

But the after-effects were a nightmare. Everyone was suuuuppper tired and crraaaaaanky. It's funny to look back at how out-of-it we all were. Lina yelled angrily once, "I'm freezing!!!!" hahaha. It was like she was 4 again. She was not a happy camper. Or shark-cage-swimmer I guess.

Hawaii, Part V: Akaka Falls & Luaus

2010-09-08T11:38:00.000-04:00

On Kona, we hiked a bit to Akaka Falls. A beautiful waterfall in the rainforest. We took Saddleback Road which cuts across the island. Saddleback Road should have its name changed to Rollercoaster Road. We twisted and went up and down and between Mauna Loa and Maunna Kea (the two large mountains/volcanos) with my mom screaming the whole way, Brittany and Scott feeling more nauseous by the second, and us wondering if we would drive over the next hill and find there was no more road. It was like clicking along the ascent of a rollercoaster, reaching the top and dangling over the oncoming edge, not sure if you'll stay on the track. A little scary. But after it was all over we laughed about it.

***

Our family went to two Luaus on the trip.

One was at our hotel on Kona and the other was at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.

The Kona Luau was, hate to say it, cheesy. The host belonged on a Las Vegas stage. I'm not in love with traditional Luau food either. But it was fun to watch the dancers, try some poi, and see the sun set on the ocean. We only took a couple of pictures after it was over. By then it was dark and so the pictures are quite bad. But you just can't say no to a Hawaiian girl in a grass skirt. :)

Dad liked the mannequin's outfit. So he bought it. A true boy.

***

The PCC Luau was great. Same kind of food, but it had the Mormon love seeped into it. :)

We were decked out in gorgeous leis, sipped on fabulous smoothies in hollowed out pineapples and enjoyed the show. It was one of my favorite memories: to just sit there with my family who I love so much.

We all got tattoos as well! (Henna ones of course.) Later, we saw the musical production "Ha: The Breath of Life," which was simply amazing. The story revolved around a boy growing up and reaching certain milestones in his life: learning about ancestors, becoming a man, finding love, getting married, having a baby, seeing a loved on die--and each was tied to a different Polynesian culture. For the Mormons, it was a true "I am a Child of God" theme. It was awesome. The dancers are amazing and the female dancer's had the most beautiful hair. Long and full with flowers adorning their faces. Lovely. The whole show was awesome!

Hawaii, Part IV: Golf & Spa

2010-09-06T13:29:00.000-04:00

Golf for the Boys and Spa for the Girls!

The golf course was adjoined to our resort and right on the ocean. Scott took some awesome pictures of he and the guys golfing. Golfing is one of Scott's true loves.

dad

spencer

scott

It was Brittany and Lina's first time at the spa and they loved it! (As I knew they would.)

Mom, Brittany and Lina had their treatments/massages at the same time and mine was an hour later. So I had a chance to just lounge by the spa, eating an apple and sipping on cucumber-water while reading a good book. So heavenly. I wish I could go to the spa once a month. (When I'm pregnant, I'm going to tell Scott that I need a monthly spa treatment to relax and soothe my aching body. haha. I'm going to milk it for sure.)

we were all "fat & sassy", relaxed, oiled & lotioned up after our treatments. fun fun fun!

Hawaii, Part III: Helicopter Ride

2010-09-04T17:01:00.000-04:00

My dad had been looking forward to our helicopter ride for months. He even requested that the doors be taken off the helicopter so we had an unobstructed view of the island. Sounds cool, right? It was. But it was also terrifying! Scarier than skydiving, no joke. I would skydive any day over going in that helicopter again.

Riding in a helicopter is completely different than airplane. In an airplane, you feel stable and secure. In that helicopter I felt like we would fall at any moment and like nothing was holding us up in the air. I felt like a feather on the wind and not in a good way. Thankfully, I was nestled in the middle between the pilot and Scott, packed in there like sardines. If I had been the one on the edge next to that wide open nothingness I think I might have lost my lunch. (Brittany almost did and was completely nauseous when she got off.) I held on to Scott for dear life, terrified he would take a tumble out of the helicopter and fall into a lava pit.

We twisted and turned and several times I had to hold in yelps of terror.

But the views were spectacular.

Wearing the earphones was awesome. I felt like I was in Top Gun.

We saw lava.

We saw Rainbow Falls.

We saw where lava seeps into the ocean creating great puffs of steam.

We saw macadamia nut fields.

We saw the ocean and coastline.

Simply stunning...and terrifying.

Hawaii, Part II: Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

2010-09-03T17:28:00.000-04:00

The Big Island (aka Hawaii or Kona) is simply awesome. It's not as populated and that is half the fun. One of my favorite trips we took was to the Tropical Botanical Garden. The moment you step into the Garden (which is a huge, tropical rainforest practically) you think, "Now THIS is Hawaii!"

Towering trees, foliage everywhere, and a gazillion of tropical and strange flowers and plants. Scott was particularly fascinated by the mini-pineapples. At the end of the garden we reached the ocean. One word: stunning. Take your breath away stunning. I loved it. I kept thinking, "I wonder if this is what Adam and Eve felt like in the Garden of Eden!?" haha. I was simply in awe at how beautiful Hawaii is. How beautiful the earth is!

I was cracking up (or maybe perturbed) at how many pictures Scott was taking. Literally every flower in the Garden received its own personal photo shoot. But looking back, I'm glad we have those photos, though they hardly do the scenery and ambience justice, and even though we each felt extremely muggy and hot from all the walking, steep ramps and hiking. It was a wonderful experience and beautiful beyond words.

for some reason, scott and i are glowing in this picture.

maybe we were channeling our inner adam and eve.