I decided not to put these in any specific order. I've been influenced by many other wonderful people, but these were the first that came to mind.
1. Tenley. I thought I was perfectly happy before we had her. I had no idea. I wouldn't know the joys of motherhood if it weren't for her. She motivates me to be the best I can be. She deserves to have a mother like that. I want to be her friend, her comforter, her advocate, and her teacher. As I see her perfection, she brings me closer to Christ.
2. Dalin. We're so alike. I love him with all my heart. He teaches by example. He is always quick to forgive me. He encourages me to be my best self. He makes me happy. Every minute I have with him is precious. He has taught me that it's okay to disagree on things. He keeps his feisty wife calm. He supports me always. I know he is on my side. I'm so thankful our marriage is forever.
3. Grandpa French. Losing my grandfather was one of the hardest things I've gone through. I actually cried more when my great grandmother passed away, but I think that's because I still have yet for his death to sink in. I wasn't in New Hampshire when he was rapidly deteriorating from liver cancer. And since I had seen him so little the past three years because of school, it still feels like he is home in New Hampshire. Making breakfast, and fishing, and taking pictures like always. My grandpa is an incredible example of so many things. You'll have to read this if you really want to understand why.
4. Dad. I love my dad. He is generous and caring and so much fun. He loves making his children laugh. He is very loyal and has strong values. He is the very best Home Teacher. I don't know if he's ever missed a month. His example of this tells me that he is obedient and willing to help others. He is an amazing example of service. I love that he cares for the elderly and is always happy to go out of his way to help family, friends, neighbors, and even those he doesn't know. I hope to be like him in many respects but particularly his example of service to others. Read more about my awesome dad here.
5. Mom. My mom does so much for me (huge understatement). She is incredibly giving. Like my dad, she can't help but give all that she has to her children. She is as loving and comforting as a mom can be. She is always the first person I want when I am hurt or sick. She has taught me what a joy being a mother can be and makes me want to be the best at it. Apart from that, she is talented and so creative and she has passed those genes off to me. She has helped me to love cooking. She is the best organizer I know. She sets a great example of obedience to the principles of the gospel. Her happiness and positivity is infectious and rubs off on others. I'm so thankful for her.
6. Nana French. She is so wonderful. She has taught me to love cooking. She is so nurturing and cheerful. She is understanding and always has advice to give. She loves her family. She dedicates so much time to her children and grandchildren. She stands for what she believes in and is not afraid to speak her mind. She is brave and tough and I hope I can always be like that, too.
7. Whitney. I always wanted to be like my cousin Whitney growing up. She is one of the most Christ-like people that I know. She loves serving others. She is kind, sweet, and womanly. She is confident in herself. She is honest and true to her faith. She is the epitome of a righteous woman and is going to make the most amazing and dedicated wife and mother. She is a light to others. She lives her life with patience and humility. I want to be that way.
8. Sarah. Sarah is one of my two very best friends (besides Dalin and Tenley). She is one of the happiest and most positive people I know. She brings so much joy to everyone around her and everyone loves her because of her happiness and sense of humor. She always strives to do the right thing and is courageous in her willingness to stand for truth and righteousness. She is fun to be around and she shares her joy with everyone. I want to spread that same happiness to everyone.
9. Megan. One of the most caring and sensitive people out there. She is extremely intelligent but still so humble. She is the best listener I know. She is thoughtful and kind to everyone. She is creative and talented at many things. She takes care of herself. She has so many friends because she makes a wonderful one. She is understanding and as sweet as can be. I want to have as patient and mild a temperament as she does. She is a true friend to those around her.
10. Jesus Christ. My Savior, Redeemer, Friend, and Advocate. He has done so much for me and is the primary reason I have so my joy in this life. He is real. He lives. He is our Brother and He loves every one of us, even in our imperfection. He died for us and I know we can live with Him again if we try, try, try our best to be like Him. I want to be like Him.
Who has been the greatest influence in your life and why?
Showing posts with label dad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dad. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 19
Friday, October 25
My Relationship With Your Dad
This post is for Tenley and for our future children who have not yet entered this world. But I can assure you (future children) that I'm already thinking of you daily and that I already know some of your names. For the rest of you, we'll have to wait to know your names until Dad and I come to an agreement.
Your dad and I met under weird circumstances. At least, that's what I think. It is not the type of romantic story I'd imagined for myself while growing up. I thought I would marry a boy from one of my college classes or maybe from my church ward. I thought we would meet at some activity like Stadium Singing or a group movie night with friends from my apartment complex. Thanks to Disney, I even thought I might meet him in the woods (which sounds kind of sketchy, but really--how many Disney princesses met their princes in the woods? Like all of them.). I never imagined that your dad and I would be set up by someone or that our first conversation would take place through Facebook. I mean, really...Facebook? I know it's modern day, but the internet is just not romantic to me--period.
But we did, and now I think it's cool that we met and immediately liked one another just by talking to each other. We just get each other--it's hard to explain. We talked for a week, met after that week, started dating at the end of the second week, and got engaged two months later. I guess it's true what they say, "When you know, you know." Your dad was my first and only real boyfriend. While we were dating during those two months I was praying hard every day to know if I should marry your dad. I liked him that much right away. Every Friday morning, my roommates and I would go to the Rexburg temple to do some baptisms. And every Friday morning, while we waited in the chapel, I would pray for confirmation that marrying your dad was right and would write about what I was feeling in my journal.
On Friday, April 22, 2011, I wrote the following in my journal:
Reasons I know: [that we're meant to be]
Dalin sincerely tells me he love me
We have quirky things in common
We share most interests and opinions
Dalin treats me like a royal daughter of God
He makes me want to be my best self
He is my best friend. Already
He is not superficial or shallow
The Spirit remains around the two of us when we are together
Dalin has a testimony and is an example to me and others
Dalin is understanding
He is patient with my imperfections
He is willing to wait as long as it takes [to get married]
He and I can talk of gospel topics and sacred things
We share many similar perspectives
He loves me for who I am now
He is willing to make changes/sacrifices for me
He is not worried about my family, though I sure as heck am [this was in response to our wanting to get married after knowing each other for so short a time]
He and I both feel we don't deserve each other
He does not hinder my future goals but encourages them and wants to be a part of them
He is an Eagle Scout
He served a faithful mission
He wants children (however many I want! :)
He is flexible about the future and where we will live
He believes in me, more than I do myself
He is temple worthy and wants a temple marriage
He is what I want and more from a spouse
He is willing to try new things
He is frugal and cautious about money--but not when it comes to me
Dalin is honest--even with me when I make mistakes
He is trusting and forgiving
He has goals of his own
He wants to serve a senior mission (with me)
He wants to travel (with me)
He is good at compromising
He always wears his seatbelt (and makes me wear mine)
He is concerned for my welfare and safety
So yeah, that was a pretty extensive list and I am sure there would have been more but I ran out of time. Almost exactly a month later on Monday, May 23rd, Dalin called my dad and in an eleven-minute conversation, asked for my dad's permission to marry me, which was both brave and wonderful of him. I remember pacing the living room of my apartment, anxiously awaiting Dalin's phone call. I even called my mom and tried to get her to tell me what they were talking about but she wasn't very helpful at relaying that information. After, Dalin called and told me my dad said yes and in response, I jumped for joy (and thanked Heavenly Father because, quite frankly, it felt like a miracle that my dad had given his permission). A week later, I was down in Provo with Dalin when he proposed in the woods (bonus point for him ;) and I told him yes. It felt funny because we already had known we were going to get married. Asking me was more of just a formality than a confirmation.
Your dad and I were sealed--not just for our time on earth--but for time and all eternity in the Boston Temple on August 19, 2011. It was the happiest day of my life. I truly mean that. I loved my wedding day. My mother in particular made sure that it was so special for me. Yes, I wish I had been able to have more of our delicious wedding cake and more time dancing with Dalin and taking in the atmosphere of the reception, but the short and simple and perfect ceremony at the temple gave me the comfort of knowing that your dad and I were sealed together forever. And because of our choice to marry in the temple, you guys--our children--are sealed to us forever, too, automatically. It is a beautiful and amazing thing that the gospel of Jesus Christ makes this a possibility for us.
Your dad is my best friend for a lot of reasons. For one, he is a great listener. And I'm a great talker (as you already know by now), which makes our partnership perfect. When I'm worried or can't stop thinking about something, I can tell him and he'll offer his opinion or give me advice or, if I ask him to, tell me to quit worrying and help me see a new perspective. He doesn't make me feel silly for being a dreamer, and his realistic approach to life anchors me a little. He appreciates my creativity and tells me so, which makes me happy. We both love reading and especially during our first two years of marriage alone, we did a lot of reading together. We would swap books on the Kindle or tell the other if a book wasn't worth reading. I would tease him for liking some of the nerdy books that he does, and he would tease me for reading the same books and watching the same movies over and over again. He tolerates my incessant comments about how I miss New Hampshire and why I love New England so much. He has never complained about it. Besides those things, he also is a really, really good man. He works hard for our family and is doing his best to make sure that we are financially secure. When I was worried about the cost of things after Tenley was born, he reassured me that everything would work out and reminded me that it was worth it. He is very faithful. He is the leader of our home (though I still feel that I get a fair amount of say).
When we have an argument, we either resolve it or we save it for later. And usually we forget about it. We never yell at each other, and we consider the D-word (the D-word is divorce) to be a swear and never EVER use it because, quite simply, it isn't an option for us. We're not doing that because we chose to be sealed forever. Sometimes, we do go to bed angry with one another, but I think that it has been a good thing because by morning, the problem seems significantly smaller and much less important. We also both feel much more forgiving toward one another. And sometimes, the problem was only created because one or both of us was tired and not thinking clearly--or not behaving as nicely as we should have been. We always apologize to one another. Sometimes we both know one of us was more at fault than the other, but we say sorry anyway and promise to try harder. We are not perfect. Especially me. But we are trying our best at being great spouses to one another and the best parents to you. Every day, we try a little harder to be a little better.
Your dad is my best friend. We are family because we chose one another. And that choice was an eternal one.
Read more about our love story here.
Can you think of anything from our relationship that I should have added?
What would you want your children to know about you and your spouse's relationship?
Your dad and I met under weird circumstances. At least, that's what I think. It is not the type of romantic story I'd imagined for myself while growing up. I thought I would marry a boy from one of my college classes or maybe from my church ward. I thought we would meet at some activity like Stadium Singing or a group movie night with friends from my apartment complex. Thanks to Disney, I even thought I might meet him in the woods (which sounds kind of sketchy, but really--how many Disney princesses met their princes in the woods? Like all of them.). I never imagined that your dad and I would be set up by someone or that our first conversation would take place through Facebook. I mean, really...Facebook? I know it's modern day, but the internet is just not romantic to me--period.
But we did, and now I think it's cool that we met and immediately liked one another just by talking to each other. We just get each other--it's hard to explain. We talked for a week, met after that week, started dating at the end of the second week, and got engaged two months later. I guess it's true what they say, "When you know, you know." Your dad was my first and only real boyfriend. While we were dating during those two months I was praying hard every day to know if I should marry your dad. I liked him that much right away. Every Friday morning, my roommates and I would go to the Rexburg temple to do some baptisms. And every Friday morning, while we waited in the chapel, I would pray for confirmation that marrying your dad was right and would write about what I was feeling in my journal.
On Friday, April 22, 2011, I wrote the following in my journal:
Reasons I know: [that we're meant to be]
Dalin sincerely tells me he love me
We have quirky things in common
We share most interests and opinions
Dalin treats me like a royal daughter of God
He makes me want to be my best self
He is my best friend. Already
He is not superficial or shallow
The Spirit remains around the two of us when we are together
Dalin has a testimony and is an example to me and others
Dalin is understanding
He is patient with my imperfections
He is willing to wait as long as it takes [to get married]
He and I can talk of gospel topics and sacred things
We share many similar perspectives
He loves me for who I am now
He is willing to make changes/sacrifices for me
He is not worried about my family, though I sure as heck am [this was in response to our wanting to get married after knowing each other for so short a time]
He and I both feel we don't deserve each other
He does not hinder my future goals but encourages them and wants to be a part of them
He is an Eagle Scout
He served a faithful mission
He wants children (however many I want! :)
He is flexible about the future and where we will live
He believes in me, more than I do myself
He is temple worthy and wants a temple marriage
He is what I want and more from a spouse
He is willing to try new things
He is frugal and cautious about money--but not when it comes to me
Dalin is honest--even with me when I make mistakes
He is trusting and forgiving
He has goals of his own
He wants to serve a senior mission (with me)
He wants to travel (with me)
He is good at compromising
He always wears his seatbelt (and makes me wear mine)
He is concerned for my welfare and safety
So yeah, that was a pretty extensive list and I am sure there would have been more but I ran out of time. Almost exactly a month later on Monday, May 23rd, Dalin called my dad and in an eleven-minute conversation, asked for my dad's permission to marry me, which was both brave and wonderful of him. I remember pacing the living room of my apartment, anxiously awaiting Dalin's phone call. I even called my mom and tried to get her to tell me what they were talking about but she wasn't very helpful at relaying that information. After, Dalin called and told me my dad said yes and in response, I jumped for joy (and thanked Heavenly Father because, quite frankly, it felt like a miracle that my dad had given his permission). A week later, I was down in Provo with Dalin when he proposed in the woods (bonus point for him ;) and I told him yes. It felt funny because we already had known we were going to get married. Asking me was more of just a formality than a confirmation.
Your dad is my best friend for a lot of reasons. For one, he is a great listener. And I'm a great talker (as you already know by now), which makes our partnership perfect. When I'm worried or can't stop thinking about something, I can tell him and he'll offer his opinion or give me advice or, if I ask him to, tell me to quit worrying and help me see a new perspective. He doesn't make me feel silly for being a dreamer, and his realistic approach to life anchors me a little. He appreciates my creativity and tells me so, which makes me happy. We both love reading and especially during our first two years of marriage alone, we did a lot of reading together. We would swap books on the Kindle or tell the other if a book wasn't worth reading. I would tease him for liking some of the nerdy books that he does, and he would tease me for reading the same books and watching the same movies over and over again. He tolerates my incessant comments about how I miss New Hampshire and why I love New England so much. He has never complained about it. Besides those things, he also is a really, really good man. He works hard for our family and is doing his best to make sure that we are financially secure. When I was worried about the cost of things after Tenley was born, he reassured me that everything would work out and reminded me that it was worth it. He is very faithful. He is the leader of our home (though I still feel that I get a fair amount of say).
When we have an argument, we either resolve it or we save it for later. And usually we forget about it. We never yell at each other, and we consider the D-word (the D-word is divorce) to be a swear and never EVER use it because, quite simply, it isn't an option for us. We're not doing that because we chose to be sealed forever. Sometimes, we do go to bed angry with one another, but I think that it has been a good thing because by morning, the problem seems significantly smaller and much less important. We also both feel much more forgiving toward one another. And sometimes, the problem was only created because one or both of us was tired and not thinking clearly--or not behaving as nicely as we should have been. We always apologize to one another. Sometimes we both know one of us was more at fault than the other, but we say sorry anyway and promise to try harder. We are not perfect. Especially me. But we are trying our best at being great spouses to one another and the best parents to you. Every day, we try a little harder to be a little better.
Your dad is my best friend. We are family because we chose one another. And that choice was an eternal one.
Read more about our love story here.
Can you think of anything from our relationship that I should have added?
What would you want your children to know about you and your spouse's relationship?
Friday, July 26
More Than Ready
Well, we're just ten days short of our due date and I am dead ready to go.
We finally packed our hospital bag, though we could have done a better job. We just keep thinking once we need to go, we'll still have a little time to add last-minute things and we don't want to go to the hospital for a false alarm so we're going to wait things out as long as we can. I would go over what I put in our hospital bag, but right now I am extremely uncomfortable with the baby positioned as low as she is (she must have dropped more) and so I need to watch a movie or something to distract myself. I am growing increasingly frustrated because I haven't yet had any regular contractions (just occasional powerful waves) and my patience is waning. I know that the baby will come when she is supposed to but I can't take much more.
Dalin, too, is growing impatient. He is so excited to be a dad. We talk about our daughter constantly and that is really the only thing we can think about. We've been taking our doctor's suggestions to heart, but the internet basically has informed us that there is no proof that anything really induces labor. She'll come when she's supposed to. I just hope for all our sakes that it's in the next week...
I'll write more later, but for now, please please please just pray our daughter comes soon or I'm going to go completely crazy.
In the meanwhile, to keep me distracted, take a second to answer either of these:
When do you predict I'll go into labor?
What was your experience as a first-time mom?
We finally packed our hospital bag, though we could have done a better job. We just keep thinking once we need to go, we'll still have a little time to add last-minute things and we don't want to go to the hospital for a false alarm so we're going to wait things out as long as we can. I would go over what I put in our hospital bag, but right now I am extremely uncomfortable with the baby positioned as low as she is (she must have dropped more) and so I need to watch a movie or something to distract myself. I am growing increasingly frustrated because I haven't yet had any regular contractions (just occasional powerful waves) and my patience is waning. I know that the baby will come when she is supposed to but I can't take much more.
Dalin, too, is growing impatient. He is so excited to be a dad. We talk about our daughter constantly and that is really the only thing we can think about. We've been taking our doctor's suggestions to heart, but the internet basically has informed us that there is no proof that anything really induces labor. She'll come when she's supposed to. I just hope for all our sakes that it's in the next week...
I'll write more later, but for now, please please please just pray our daughter comes soon or I'm going to go completely crazy.
In the meanwhile, to keep me distracted, take a second to answer either of these:
When do you predict I'll go into labor?
What was your experience as a first-time mom?
Sunday, June 30
Being Pregnant: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
I want to end on a positive note, so I'm going to begin this list in reverse.
The Ugly~
1. Swelling legs and feet. I don't think I've had this visibly yet, however I have felt the effects. My feet ache from the weight of being on them for a long period of time, and my legs have started to feel numb when I use them a lot.
2. Stretch marks. I have not spotted any yet, but it's only a matter of time. Most appear in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
3. Feeling full to the point of bursting after eating too quickly. This happens to normal people, too, but when there is a baby taking up more stomach space, it feels really uncomfortable.
4. Acid reflux. I have only experienced this one time and it was after drinking an entire can of Inca Cola (which I think has caffeine in it). It didn't hurt, but it felt like I had vomit coming up my throat for several hours. No more of that...ever.
5. Unfixable muffin top. I can't do anything about it while pregnant except deal with it. And try to wear clothes that don't pronounce it.
6. Worrying about my body post-baby. I shouldn't care about this, but it's hard not to worry a little. I want to be able to do the things I normally do. And I don't want to feel un-cute. Hopefully breastfeeding will slim me down a lot more quickly.
The Bad~
1. Waiting, waiting, waiting. It feels like she's never coming.
2. Getting emotional over new things. Like children getting hurt (even if it's on TV and it's fake). Or babies. Or when I mess up because of my pregnant body.
3. Nothing from my old wardrobe fits. Even jeans that were big for me pre-pregnancy don't fit. Baggy shirts that seem promising? My belly still pokes out at the bottom. And worst of all, sometimes I don't notice right away until I feel a sudden breeze...also, maternity clothes are expensive! I'm pretty cheap so this is really frustrating for me--I just don't want to buy clothes I can only wear for like four months at a time!
4. Feeling guilty. I wanted to wash the dishes and do the laundry and pick up the house...but I just couldn't do it all.
5. Feeling overwhelmed. I have so many things I should and could be doing. I just can't anymore.
6. Perpetual exhaustion. Feeling tired (or never feeling energized) never seems to go away.
7. Clumsiness. I dropped an entire bag of goldfish this morning. Then I was too frustrated and emotional about it, that I couldn't pick them up right away.
8. Belly being in the way. I spill even a drop, it is guaranteed to land on my belly. I have also hit my belly into corners and things a few times which really hurts and freaks me out (I worry I've hurt the baby).
9. Inability to pick things up easily. Sometimes I use my feet to pick something up because it's just so hard to bend over with a big belly in the way. And sometimes (I hate this) I bend down to get something but can't make it on my first try because my legs weren't spread enough to make room for my belly.
10. Peeing. Often. Standing up, climbing stairs, descending stairs, getting out of bed, adjusting my legs, drinking something, baby squishing my bladder--all of these bring about an instant need to pee. And it's most annoying when it's only like a teaspoon's worth. So many ten-second trips to the bathroom it drives me crazy.
11. Leaking. From a few spots. Enough said...
12. Inability to sit on the ground. On my butt? No. Cross-legged? Nope. Kneeling? Definitely not. If I do these things anyway, I lose circulation in just a few minutes.
13. Getting asked all the time about when you're due. If I weren't so impatient, maybe I wouldn't mind. But now it's just tiresome because I'm already counting down the days.
The Good~
1. Knowing I'm bringing a new little spirit child into the world. And knowing she has unmeasurable potential.
2. Growing our family! So excited to have a family of three!
3. Creating life. It is so cool that women have the ability to bring tiny new humans to this earth. I love reading about what is happening to my body and knowing that I have all the supplies to bring a healthy new life into the world.
4. Feeling her grow and move inside me. Sometimes those kicks and stretches are uncomfortable, but I still enjoy feeling her push her little foot against my belly and her wiggling around.
5. Buying things for her. I haven't needed to buy very much since we've received so many things used but it's so much fun to look!
6. Getting lots of hand-me-downs and baby gifts. People love buying baby stuff. And having the first grand-daughter (or first grandchild) for your parents has its merits.
7. People asking about your baby. I don't really like talking about when she's coming (since it reminds me how long I have left) but I love telling people about how it's our first child, the name we like for her, and about how excited we are to have her.
8. People go out of their way to talk to you and be nice to you. Seriously, everyone wants to hold the door for you and everyone wants to help you. No one minds loading your car for you or lending you a hand when you look like I do.
9. Getting to eat whenever I want without people commenting. I snack and snack and everyone's like, "Keep eating, that baby needs nourishment!"
10. Willingness to serve increases in others. I've been getting a lot more help from friends, family, and husband with chores and others things. When you're pregnant, it isn't a burden for family members to help you out.
11. Being given a break when you do something embarrassing or dumb. People make excuses for you like, "It's okay, you're pregnant," and being able to use the excuse of "pregnancy brain" which is real.
12. Babymoons. We are so excited for our daughter to be here and wish she was already, but in the meantime, we try to take advantage of the small amount of time remaining that we will have alone. This means more eating out, special dates, etc.
13. Being in charge of someone. We get to pick her name and choose how she will be raised. We get to dedicate our lives to this little daughter of God and help raise her to be the best she can be.
14. Learning to become parents. We are already figuring out what kind of parents we will be and I cannot wait to see Dalin as a father. He is going to be the best ever!
15. Knowing that, in the end, we will have an addition to our family and it will make all the waiting and discomfort 100% worthwhile. I simply cannot wait. No matter what, less than 50 days! (I don't think I'll have a choice after 43 from now anyway).
P.S. I thought of number 16. No period. Best thing ever.
What were your favorite or least favorite parts about being pregnant?
(I've been really lucky with the sickness side--I only felt nauseous from about weeks 8-12 and I never actually got sick.)
The Ugly~
1. Swelling legs and feet. I don't think I've had this visibly yet, however I have felt the effects. My feet ache from the weight of being on them for a long period of time, and my legs have started to feel numb when I use them a lot.
2. Stretch marks. I have not spotted any yet, but it's only a matter of time. Most appear in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
3. Feeling full to the point of bursting after eating too quickly. This happens to normal people, too, but when there is a baby taking up more stomach space, it feels really uncomfortable.
4. Acid reflux. I have only experienced this one time and it was after drinking an entire can of Inca Cola (which I think has caffeine in it). It didn't hurt, but it felt like I had vomit coming up my throat for several hours. No more of that...ever.
5. Unfixable muffin top. I can't do anything about it while pregnant except deal with it. And try to wear clothes that don't pronounce it.
6. Worrying about my body post-baby. I shouldn't care about this, but it's hard not to worry a little. I want to be able to do the things I normally do. And I don't want to feel un-cute. Hopefully breastfeeding will slim me down a lot more quickly.
The Bad~
1. Waiting, waiting, waiting. It feels like she's never coming.
2. Getting emotional over new things. Like children getting hurt (even if it's on TV and it's fake). Or babies. Or when I mess up because of my pregnant body.
3. Nothing from my old wardrobe fits. Even jeans that were big for me pre-pregnancy don't fit. Baggy shirts that seem promising? My belly still pokes out at the bottom. And worst of all, sometimes I don't notice right away until I feel a sudden breeze...also, maternity clothes are expensive! I'm pretty cheap so this is really frustrating for me--I just don't want to buy clothes I can only wear for like four months at a time!
4. Feeling guilty. I wanted to wash the dishes and do the laundry and pick up the house...but I just couldn't do it all.
5. Feeling overwhelmed. I have so many things I should and could be doing. I just can't anymore.
6. Perpetual exhaustion. Feeling tired (or never feeling energized) never seems to go away.
7. Clumsiness. I dropped an entire bag of goldfish this morning. Then I was too frustrated and emotional about it, that I couldn't pick them up right away.
8. Belly being in the way. I spill even a drop, it is guaranteed to land on my belly. I have also hit my belly into corners and things a few times which really hurts and freaks me out (I worry I've hurt the baby).
9. Inability to pick things up easily. Sometimes I use my feet to pick something up because it's just so hard to bend over with a big belly in the way. And sometimes (I hate this) I bend down to get something but can't make it on my first try because my legs weren't spread enough to make room for my belly.
10. Peeing. Often. Standing up, climbing stairs, descending stairs, getting out of bed, adjusting my legs, drinking something, baby squishing my bladder--all of these bring about an instant need to pee. And it's most annoying when it's only like a teaspoon's worth. So many ten-second trips to the bathroom it drives me crazy.
11. Leaking. From a few spots. Enough said...
12. Inability to sit on the ground. On my butt? No. Cross-legged? Nope. Kneeling? Definitely not. If I do these things anyway, I lose circulation in just a few minutes.
13. Getting asked all the time about when you're due. If I weren't so impatient, maybe I wouldn't mind. But now it's just tiresome because I'm already counting down the days.
The Good~
1. Knowing I'm bringing a new little spirit child into the world. And knowing she has unmeasurable potential.
2. Growing our family! So excited to have a family of three!
3. Creating life. It is so cool that women have the ability to bring tiny new humans to this earth. I love reading about what is happening to my body and knowing that I have all the supplies to bring a healthy new life into the world.
4. Feeling her grow and move inside me. Sometimes those kicks and stretches are uncomfortable, but I still enjoy feeling her push her little foot against my belly and her wiggling around.
5. Buying things for her. I haven't needed to buy very much since we've received so many things used but it's so much fun to look!
6. Getting lots of hand-me-downs and baby gifts. People love buying baby stuff. And having the first grand-daughter (or first grandchild) for your parents has its merits.
7. People asking about your baby. I don't really like talking about when she's coming (since it reminds me how long I have left) but I love telling people about how it's our first child, the name we like for her, and about how excited we are to have her.
8. People go out of their way to talk to you and be nice to you. Seriously, everyone wants to hold the door for you and everyone wants to help you. No one minds loading your car for you or lending you a hand when you look like I do.
9. Getting to eat whenever I want without people commenting. I snack and snack and everyone's like, "Keep eating, that baby needs nourishment!"
10. Willingness to serve increases in others. I've been getting a lot more help from friends, family, and husband with chores and others things. When you're pregnant, it isn't a burden for family members to help you out.
11. Being given a break when you do something embarrassing or dumb. People make excuses for you like, "It's okay, you're pregnant," and being able to use the excuse of "pregnancy brain" which is real.
12. Babymoons. We are so excited for our daughter to be here and wish she was already, but in the meantime, we try to take advantage of the small amount of time remaining that we will have alone. This means more eating out, special dates, etc.
13. Being in charge of someone. We get to pick her name and choose how she will be raised. We get to dedicate our lives to this little daughter of God and help raise her to be the best she can be.
14. Learning to become parents. We are already figuring out what kind of parents we will be and I cannot wait to see Dalin as a father. He is going to be the best ever!
15. Knowing that, in the end, we will have an addition to our family and it will make all the waiting and discomfort 100% worthwhile. I simply cannot wait. No matter what, less than 50 days! (I don't think I'll have a choice after 43 from now anyway).
P.S. I thought of number 16. No period. Best thing ever.
What were your favorite or least favorite parts about being pregnant?
(I've been really lucky with the sickness side--I only felt nauseous from about weeks 8-12 and I never actually got sick.)
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| My big baby belly. 35 weeks |
Sunday, June 16
The Results of our Pottery Date
Well, if you read my blog every few days or so, you saw that Dalin brought me on an awesome date a couple of days ago. We each painted our own piece of pottery. Dalin chose to paint a mug, and I did a bowl. I promised to share pictures (unless mine came out terribly...) so that is the purpose of this post. The pieces were fired in the kiln and we were able to pick them up on Saturday! Here is how they turned out:
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| I love the inside of Dalin's mug...it looks way cooler in person |
We made the mug for Dalin's dad for Father's Day! Since we won't be able to see him soon enough and we don't want to risk mailing it, we are providing these pictures as a sneak peek!
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| Here is my bowl. It looks a little different than I'd expected, but overall I am pleased with how it turned out! |
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| I painted the inside to look like sand. |
In case you don't know, I'm pretty much obsessed with the ocean which is why I painted ocean waves washing up on a sandy shore. I am missing the coast a lot right now.
We don't know for sure, but we have a suspicion my mom (who is possibly more obsessed with the ocean than I am) might just want to take this bowl from us when she sees it. We'll see...but I think I would need a trade--like plane tickets to New Hampshire after our baby girl is born ;)
What do you think of our artwork? Have you ever painted pottery before?
Saturday, June 15
My Awesome Dad
I have the best dad. I know that he loves me because I have always felt his support in everything I do. He has always been one of my biggest fans. He always came to our showcases in elementary school, and every sports activity he could throughout the years, including cross-country meets, soccer games, tennis matches, baseball/softball games, and more. He is always on my side. He encourages me and is proud of my talents. He always brags about my artistic ability and asks me to paint something for him as a gift each holiday. He also tells everyone about how I love English and earned the English award as a senior in high school. He tells me that he likes to show his customers at work this embarrassing video of me accepting the award, which I have provided for your entertainment.
He sets a good example for my brothers and me. My dad righteously holds the Priesthood and uses it to bless our family and the lives of others. He would give me father's blessings when I was sick, before I began a new school year, or when I was going through a particularly difficult trial. He is an excellent example of generosity and service. He always gives as much as he can. This includes his time--he loves serving others, especially the elderly. I have always loved visiting nursing homes and getting to know the residents because of my dad. He would always ask them about their lives and find a way to make them laugh as they shared their memories and stories. He loves history and learning, which has inspired my own interest in history and fed my already strong feelings of intense patriotism and loyalty to our country. My dad is a great teacher. Whenever we go on vacations, I love when he takes the time to read us the information about a particular exhibit or attraction. He often shares fun random stories with us about things he has heard or learned which is something I always enjoy.
I am very much like my dad. We both have a good sense of humor, and are not afraid to defend our beliefs or those around us. We both enjoy talking to strangers and feel completely comfortable doing so. My dad is always so nice to all of my former classmates and is quick to strike up a conversation with anyone he knows. He also is always friendly to those he interacts with, even if he does not know them well or at all. He loves to begin a conversation with the cashier, our waiter or waitress, the people at the drive-thru, and anyone else who he might meet. He is a great missionary because of this. I get my willingness to talk to people about the gospel from him. He is never afraid to tell people that he is a Latter-day Saint and what we believe in.
My dad is very hardworking. He owns his own business installing home theaters and sound systems for a living. He has instilled the value of hard work and earning a modest living in his children. He especially has taught us the importance of being honest in our dealings with others and having integrity in all situations. Because of his and my mom's careful spending and budgeting, we always had enough money for vacations and to be able to live comfortably. Throughout the years, my parents together have made our home a peaceful place where others want to be.
I cannot wait for my dad to become a grandpa to our little girl. I know he is going to be the kindest, silliest, most giving grandpa anyone could ever ask for. I love my dad very much and miss him--especially on Father's Day. I am grateful for my loving and wise father and for the example he is to Dalin and my brothers. Make sure you call your own dad and tell him you love him on Father's Day. You can never tell someone you love them enough.
What is a favorite quality that your own dad has?
He sets a good example for my brothers and me. My dad righteously holds the Priesthood and uses it to bless our family and the lives of others. He would give me father's blessings when I was sick, before I began a new school year, or when I was going through a particularly difficult trial. He is an excellent example of generosity and service. He always gives as much as he can. This includes his time--he loves serving others, especially the elderly. I have always loved visiting nursing homes and getting to know the residents because of my dad. He would always ask them about their lives and find a way to make them laugh as they shared their memories and stories. He loves history and learning, which has inspired my own interest in history and fed my already strong feelings of intense patriotism and loyalty to our country. My dad is a great teacher. Whenever we go on vacations, I love when he takes the time to read us the information about a particular exhibit or attraction. He often shares fun random stories with us about things he has heard or learned which is something I always enjoy.
I am very much like my dad. We both have a good sense of humor, and are not afraid to defend our beliefs or those around us. We both enjoy talking to strangers and feel completely comfortable doing so. My dad is always so nice to all of my former classmates and is quick to strike up a conversation with anyone he knows. He also is always friendly to those he interacts with, even if he does not know them well or at all. He loves to begin a conversation with the cashier, our waiter or waitress, the people at the drive-thru, and anyone else who he might meet. He is a great missionary because of this. I get my willingness to talk to people about the gospel from him. He is never afraid to tell people that he is a Latter-day Saint and what we believe in.
My dad is very hardworking. He owns his own business installing home theaters and sound systems for a living. He has instilled the value of hard work and earning a modest living in his children. He especially has taught us the importance of being honest in our dealings with others and having integrity in all situations. Because of his and my mom's careful spending and budgeting, we always had enough money for vacations and to be able to live comfortably. Throughout the years, my parents together have made our home a peaceful place where others want to be.
I cannot wait for my dad to become a grandpa to our little girl. I know he is going to be the kindest, silliest, most giving grandpa anyone could ever ask for. I love my dad very much and miss him--especially on Father's Day. I am grateful for my loving and wise father and for the example he is to Dalin and my brothers. Make sure you call your own dad and tell him you love him on Father's Day. You can never tell someone you love them enough.
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| My Dad and Payson on our front lawn in Gilford, New Hampshire |
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| My dad and me in front of Lake Winnipesaukee |
Friday, November 2
Day Two: My family
How could family not be next on my list?
I love every single one of them so much.
Husband:
Dalin Brent Gunnell
Brothers & Sisters:
Donovan French Searle
Payson Charles Arthur Searle
Shaina ReNae Gunnell
Cassie Joan Frazee & Shay Frazee & Maddox
Jensen Kay Gunnell
Our Moms:
Linda Adams French Searle
JeNeale ReNae Hill Gunnell
Our Dads:
Keith Murray Searle
Jonathan Brent Gunnell
My Grandparents:
Charles B. French
Barbara Kane French
Claudine Kane
His Grandparents:
Leola Joan Hill
Laura L. Gunnell
Brent Gunnell
Donna Gunnell
Donna Gunnell
Aunts & Uncles & Cousins:
Carolyn & Ned Witham
Cedric, Charlie, Noah, & Margaret
Jay & Lauralee Hill
Topher, Ronan, Lacey, Lincoln
Pam & Bob Peek
Tom, Will, & Andrew
Cash & Marisa Hill
Spencer, Audrey, Emmett, & Ava
Dianne & Phil Stephenson
Andrea, Whitney, Grant, Lydia, & Nancy
Jared & Maren Hill
Preston, Noah, Cordell, & Sasha
Andy & Molly French
Jackson & Caelan
& many more!
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| Our families together |
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| My beautiful family...everyone looks great! |
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| Dalin's wonderful family--everyone looks radiant! |
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| Dalin's side! Uncles, aunt, cousins, sisters, parents, Grammy |
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| With my wonderful grandparents--Nana and Grandpa French (I love them so much!) |
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| Four generations--with my lovely great-grandmother, Nana Kane |
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| Wonderful Grandpa and Gramma Gunnell at our Boise reception! |
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| Our lovely grandmother, Grammy Hill |
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| My side: Searles, Frenches, Withams, Stephensons, and Peeks (pre-Gunnells) :) |
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| His side: Hills, Hills, and more Hills...and Gunnells & Frazees :) |
I love, love, love my family.
I am so grateful that I can be with them for eternity!!!!!
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| "We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time." ~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf |
<3
Saturday, October 27
Dad
I love my dad.
His birthday was yesterday and the entire day I wished I could have been in New Hampshire to spend it with him. My dad is so hardworking. He is extremely good at what he does and has a truly generous heart. I love that about him. He and my mom both are excellent examples of service. They are always willing to give for the happiness of others. I hope I acquired that attribute from them.
I am a lot like my dad. We have similar personalities and interests. We laugh a lot and enjoy good books. My dad encouraged me in my love for art and reading. He would read "Nancy Drew" and "The Hardy Boys" with Payson and me. He always makes me feel good about my artistic ability and pushes me to do my best in school. It makes me happy that he is proud of me and helps me to be my best self.
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| Look how handsome my dad looks here...I love that suit and tie on him, as well as the boutonniere. And his smile :) |
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| My dad is the best |
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| Dad prepared me for this moment |
<3
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