Weekend Frivolities'

Friday, November 30th 2012

DATE NIGHT is here once again. I suggested to Tim that we needed to have date night this month, and so he thought of going to Ogden City’s Christmas Village. I had never been, and been living in Ogden for 7 years. So we started our fun evening dining out at Golden Corral which was also a first for us. Neither one of us had eaten there before; so we thought we’d give it a try after talking about going to there for years. The food was really good, and with a buffet you have SO many choices it’s unbelievable. We will be dining out there again.

After dinner we went to the Christmas Village at the Ogden Municipal Building. It was raining, but we weren’t going to let that stop us from having a good evening with each other. We walked around and looked at the cute little houses/building with their decorations and lights. It really was interesting to see them. I want to take Kohl there one year as a family.

Saturday, December 1st 2012

OH MY GOODNESS it’s December. Today Tim and I set out to buy the baby’s crib and mattress since it’s essential he has somewhere to sleep. My family has joked around about having him sleep in a dresser drawer or suitcase, but I can provide a crib for my baby. We did our research on different cribs and found the one we love at a fair price at IKEA, so we made the trip down to Draper since that is the only location in Utah. We first got breakfast at IHOP before journeying down to IKEA.
The drive down was fun because it gave Tim and I a chance to talk, but as we drew closer to our destination we had a handicap driver cut us off, and then we observed the same driver proceed to cut someone else off. They could have seriously caused an accident, but thankfully there were no accidents.

When we walked into IKEA I was just overwhelmed with the size, and the hustle and bustle of all the people walked around. This was the first time either one of us had been in IKEA. I grabbed a map, and asked for assistance before we heading upstairs.... this place is incredible with all the cool stuff for your home. I told Tim that we were there on a mission, and needed to focus otherwise we'd be there for hours.
I wanted to get what we needed, and get out as it's very tiring to stand and walk for hours.


The crib we chose for Kohl.

We checked things out around us as we were walking to get our items from the stock room. If I could I would like everything in that store.
As we were standing in our check out lane this guy cut in front of us. I didn't say anything to him, but I did let it upset me. At this point my back was hurting, and I needed something to eat.
We finished everything at IKEA and got the boxed crib and mattress into our Dodge Stratus, and headed to the local 7-Eleven for drinks and chips for me. I could feel my blood sugar dropping, and needed to eat something right away. We decided that once we were closer to home we'd eat a real meal, which we did.
Our drive home was again wonderful. We talked and laughed, and had a great time with each other.

With Grateful Hearts part 2

As to my previous post I said I would take all my thankful notes and make a list. Here are the things that I wrote down in the month of November, but I am keep my list posted on the fridge and adding to it. I need to be thankful all year round not just one month out of the year. Also this is to serve as a reminder that these are ALL blessings from my Heavenly Father.

(In no special order)

1. My Pregnancy
2. Electricty
3. Music
4. My home
5. Public transportation
6. Tim
7. Roxy & Koda
8. Tim's ability to work and that he has a great job
9. Family
10. A caring and understanding Mom
11. Art
12. Talents
13. Indoor plumbing
14. The Gospel
15. My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
16. The Atonement
17. Modern Medicine
18. Service to others
19. Vaccum with hard floor attachment (saves me from back pains)
20. Netflix
21. Nail Polish
22. Warm showers
23. Priesthood blessings
24. Delicious food
25. Comfy bed and pillows

With Grateful Heart

As the month of November which to me seems to be quickly flashing past me, I have not forgotten the things that I am thankful for. I've challenged my family this month to write the things they are thankful for whether it be one a day or several and each has a container to collect their thankful notes. The ultimate goal is to fill it completely full.

In thinking of the things we are thankful for, we also need to remember to thank our Heavenly Father for it wouldn't be without HIM that we would have all provisions and blessings in our lives.

Later I thought I'd blog all the things I wrote down for the month from my thankful container, but to name just a few today. I am very thankful for my health and the ability to be carrying this baby in me. It has been a long desire of mine to be a mother, and I am just overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for this blessing.

I'm also thankful for my families. They are greatest support systems I could ever have or want. I love everyone from my husband to, parents, in-laws, to siblings (both sides,) and that is just a couple of things I am thankful for, but certainly not ALL!

Boy oh BOY!

Tim and I are so excited to be having a boy. Thursday, October 11th was the big day for us... after an early morning appointment with the eye doctor, that afternoon we anxiously went to the McKay Dee Maternal Fetal Medicine and waited for what felt like an hour, but was 10 minutes before actually going back. I started off having to provide some urine and blood for testing, and then we went in to the dark ultrasound room. Tim and I together...

Side view of our son. It's hard to make out,
but there is a leg and butt check with his penis poking out.
On top is his hand.

First the ultrasound technician checked for the heart development, and brain as well as all the other major organs. So far looks good. Then she went right for it and showed us our son's most identifying mark. He wasn't shy either, he was sticking it out there for all to see. In every position the technician moved there was no doubt of the gender.It's a BOY! I got teary eyed, because I'm just so happy for a boy.

She took the measurement and at 17 weeks 6 days, He currently is measuring at 18.4 cm or 7 1/4 inches and weighs about 8-9 oz. If he keeps this up I'm going to have to deliver him before our due date. I blame Tim. Tim is tall man, and so his son is taking after him

The technician then moved on to check the baby's heart beat which was a little tricky because he was moving around a lot, but she got it and his rate was at 154. Then she listened to my blood pressure through the blood vessels in the uterus. Fascinating stuff.

His profile
 

It really is exciting that moment you find out whether it's a girl or boy, and we really couldn't be more excited.
On our drive home we discussed the name for our son. We had already decided on the first name, but mostly we were finding a middle name that fit with the first name and with a little help from my mom, sister, and the Internet our boy has a name.
Kohl Hunter Jensen!

Out Comes the Monster

I've hit a stage I didn't necessarily want and that is "the irritable stage." I've heard talk about being irritable during pregnancy... Recently everything around me just irritates me. The little things at home that I didn't mind are now bugging me. Conversations with my husband are interesting, because sometimes he'll say something that normally I'd ignore, but I now feel the need to say something.
At work, I'm not going to lie, but there are things there that irritate me. I don't want to be like that!
I feel like I'm turning into the big mean monster.

The BIGGEST irritation is with our health insurance.
I need test strips for my meter in order to monitor my blood sugars, however for the past couple of weeks I've been having to deal with contact this person and that person, to my prescription expiring, to we can switch you to the preferred meter, but when we send it to billing it's not covered. Just a mess and a severe headache. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Coming up on 10 weeks...pregnant that is

Disclosure: I began writing this blog on Thursday, August 16th, and so continued as if still the same day even though it is now Friday.

I still feel like a hippopotamus, but now I'm beginning to look it. I'm developing my "baby bump" as some may call it. It just looks weird with my over weight belly and my waistline in the middle drawing a nice noticeable divide. Erggg....
I'm currently at 9 weeks 6 days, and actually feeling really good. I switched to taking my prenatal vitamins to evenings instead of mornings and that has helped tremendously. The biggest thing is controlling my blood sugars, and unfortunately it's come down to that I need insulin. My body isn't producing enough especially now that I'm growing a mini me. Honestly, at the first idea I was a bit upset, but now I just don't care because I will do whatever it takes to make sure this child is healthy, and has a fair fighting chance. I love my dijete (de-yai-tai, Korean for little one.)
I had an interesting experience with this NuMom2B steady today. First off I was warned that it'll take about 1 1/2 hours...
My goodness the amount of paperwork you go thru. Let's just say ridiculous, but don't get me wrong. I wanted to do this. Medicine/ Health care is ever changing or advancing should I say, and they need volunteers to help them grow.
Any ways, back to point. So with the study they drew my blood, and took other body fluid samples. Plus as kind of a bonus I got another ultrasound of the baby. This time for me it seemed REALLY, real. The nurse showed me the heart beat (again, this being the 2nd time I've seen it) and the baby's heartbeat is at 184bpm. Normal and healthy. Also we could see the shape of the baby. It's so cute. It was funny how the nurse used the term bottom instead of butt. Also with the ultrasound she checked my ovaries and uterine wall, and everything looks good.

Everyone there is really nice, and they try to make you as comfortable as possible. I actually had a few laughs with everyone.
By the time I got out of there it had been 2 1/2 hours, but it didn't even seem that long.
Oh! the best part is that my next visit in October I get to find out the sex of the baby. FINALLY! I can't wait. I've been wanting to know for the past 2 weeks.

8 weeks 3 days

I don't know how to say it or put it into words. I don't want to be like every other new mom to be, but I can't help but feel the same way, and express the same things....

First off I have to say that I AM so grateful to be present in this era with modern technology and medicine, because I'm really beginning to think that this is going to be a special and risky pregnancy.

So today was my second appointment with my great OB Dr. Cardona. We did another ultrasound, and she showed me the heartbeat which I can't even put into words what I felt. Afterwards we talked more about my diabetes with this pregnancy and getting all my lab work done. Currently my numbers are too high for a pregnancy, so we're doubling my Metformin, and I'll be working with a special/high risk doctor to monitor my blood sugars. There is a high possibilities that near the end of the pregnancy I may have to go on insulin, but it won't be permanent.
Some how when she said that I already knew that was what was going to happen. Come on, I am in the obese weight category. Even though pre-pregnancy I had lost weight I'm still over weight. My current feelings are that I want to continue losing weight, but that's not doable at the moment.
So, I will try to walk at least 30 minutes 3-5 days a week, prick my fingers 4 times a day, and be stricter with my diet. If I have to take insulin so be it.... I'm going to do my best to provide this baby with the best so that it is as healthy as possible.
Now that I think about it, could the Lord be teaching me lesson? I've known for years that I have to lose weight, I need to eat healthy, etc. Could it just be that He knew that this was the time to take it even more seriously, and that with being pregnant I'd take super care of myself?

Continuing on from my rant, I have yet another doctors appointment next week. Actually two on the same day. One is with my primary physician, and then the other is with the high risk/specialist. With the specialist I will be reporting my blood sugar levels weekly, so I'm really under watchful care.
And then I saw Dr. Cardona in a months time.

I'm feeling nervous and scared not for my own sake, but for the babys'. I want this child to be born healthy, without complications.
Lord give me strength!

A hippopotamus named Brigeeta

I'm feeling like a bloated hippopotamus. I really feel uncomfortable with myself. It is so bad that I HATE having to leave the house. Now I don't know if that's the hormones talking or my depression... especially since I have discontinued taking my anti-depressant for the remainer of my pregnancy.
I just can't seem to be comfortable in my clothes except for my pajamas, but even then I still feel disgusting.
Please don't get me wrong. I am estatic to be pregnant. I've been wanting a child for well over 4 years now, and now for it to actually be happening I couldn't be more happy with the fact.

I've been terrible and self fish for not giving more thanks to my Heavenly Father before, but I thank my Lord evey single day and only ask that if He sees fit that this child be been born healthy.
I have so many concerns since I am Diabetic type 2. In at least the last year that I can remember I really took seriously this condition, and made sure to get my blood sugar levels down and steady to where they needed to be before getting pregnant. With the past 3 visits with my Dr. I'd celebrate because my levels where perfect, but now I'm off certain medications I've been taking to control my blood sugars, and getting a little scared that I won't be able to control myself with my diet.
I'm already experienceing some cravings, and I've been pretty good so far to not over indulge myself, but I know it will only get worse and harder.

Today I have my second appointment with my OB Dr. Cardona. I don't mind seeing the doctor or waiting in the waiting area, but I just don't feel comfortable with myself that I'd rather just hide behind doors. Perferrably the ones to my house.
There will be a post following this one as a status update on my pregnancy. I hope that everything is going well down there, and maybe my doctor can ease me out of this funk I'm feeling!

Having a BLAST

Getting with my family is always an adventure. I think we try to see how much we can make each other laugh. Well yesterday was July 4th, Independence Day and I went to my parents house for a family BBQ and fireworks. We enjoyed steaks, ribs, fish, salads, fruit, vegetables, and home made root beer. It was a unique experience to have a neighboring family join us for the BBQ. They were so cute. We had a great time telling stories, and laughing around the table.

Later as it got dark we started to light the fireworks. The men always take charge and light them. They can't help it, especially when my brothers are such pyro maniacs. Any way, it brought the kid out of us, and we had a blast. We would yell out the colors, and "ew" and "aw" over the all the small to large fireworks. For me the best part was when ended by singing the "The Star Spangled Banner" and waving around are lit sparklers.

Truly a memory I will cherish for all time.

I am AWESOME

The definition of awesome:
1.Causing awe or terror; inspiring wonder or excitement.
2. Excellent, exciting, remarkable.

Synonyms

• (excellent): excellent, super, phenomenal, fantastic, terrific; wicked, bang-up, cool, sweet

I tend to focus too much on the negative things, and so in attempt to change that around I am making a list of the things that make me awesome. I was inspired by my friend Erin Grey...

My smile
My laugh
Being a good wife
Being a good caregiver
Being a good listener
I'm:
compationate, caring, loving, friendly, bubbly, artistic, crafty, humoreous, common sense savy

Birthday Blast

Celebrating 29 years...
I want to say thank you to my parents to whom I would never have been given life. They always made sure I had clothes to wear, that my belly was never empty. They provided a safe home, and loving environment in which I was able to grow into the woman I am today.

Every year on my birthday I think to myself, "WOW, my parents brought me into this world." It's not just a celebration of my birth, but the love my parents have to share and give...

I happily admit my age. Age is just a number, it doesn't define who I am as a person.
I had a great time celebrating with family, as I do every year. Saturday, March 31st I went bowling with my sister Elaina and her hubs David, and Tim. We had a great time, but near the end of the 2nd game we were getting tired. Afterwards we went for a late lunch at Costa Vida...YUM! Then we parted ways.
Tim and I went back home and took a nap for 4 1/2 hours...hahaha! That was a long nap, but I felt great afterwards and by this time is was time for dinner so we grilled steaks, and had baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and a green salad.

Sunday, April 1st my actual Birthday... I enjoyed mini cinnamon buns with my hubby for breakfast, and just relaxed all day. That evening we had dinner at his parents house, and dessert at my parents.

It was so much fun, it was hard to go back to work the next day, but that wasn't the end of our celebration...
Tim and I this past weekend had more partying to get out of our systems, so we first went to get Tim's hair cut from his usually buzzed hair (He looks so HOT!) and then went for lunch at the Oliver Garden which is one of my all time favorites.  Once we were finished we went over to the mall and did a bit of shopping. Tim bought himself a new pair of sunglasses (shades), and I bought some goodies from Bath&Body Works. As we were walking back to the parking lot we passed the Cinnabun stand, and I just had to stop and get one. I love them, and it has been ages since I last enjoyed that guey goodness.
More than anything I had the best time just hangin' out with my hubby.

So in conclusion I had a great time celebrating my birthday!

Birthday expectations

Ugh, My birthday is less then a week away... it's not the age that bothers me, but that feeling of not accomplishing things that I imagined I would have by now. I always put a hard expectation upon myself, and then I get depressed when I don't meet them... How can I over come that?
Birthdays to me feel like a new beginning like if it were New Years and you make goals, and when each birthday comes around I'm disappointed in myself.
I'm going to try to be postive, because I know that things could be so much worse. I have a blessed life. I have a wonderful loving husband, 2 healthy fun-loving dogs, and beautiful home. I have family and friends that are so supportive, and I have my health.

Any how, I'm going to have fun celebrating!

A jamble of thoughts...

My thoughts are all over the place, but I wanted to get a few of them down.
Oh my goodness this past week has been awful with both Tim and myself sick with the Nami virus. Nami virus is like influenza, but supposedly milder symptoms... We were coughing, sneezing. I ran a fever for 5 days. The only thing we could do to cope with it was cough syrup/lozenges, aspirin, and sleep. There were moments where I woke up and didn't know what day it was... we were delirious. On the plus side we spent the time together.


Just recently a friend and I have decided that we want to get together once a week at least and make crafts of every media; (paper, wood, paints, stamping, etc.) which makes me so excited. I need something like this to get me out of non-social life. I've been working on some wooden clovers, and the words "Kiss Me" for fun St. Patrick's decor in the home.

Also recently Tim and I have been making big financial decisions. Tim was blessed to receive a bonus, and with such we wanted to refinance our home, but because of where the value of our home and what is still owed; we'd have to pay too much out of pocket. So the next thing is the roof. Our roof needs a major makeover so we've begun getting quotes from several roofing companies to get a fair price, and loyal/great service. It really makes me nervous to spend that kind of money, but it is a necessary investment. I'll also have a ease of mind knowing my roof is protecting us.

I'm seeing GREEN

I don't have any decorations for St. Patrick's Day so I was inspired to make something and also was inspired from Pinterest on my latest craft project, and I really enjoyed making it. I'm now stumped on what to do next, but here's what I did...

I cut a circular wreath form a cardboard box, and glued green card stock on top.

Step 2: I cut strips of paper with various colors of green, and folded them over and over creating a accordion affect

Step 3: I then glued the ends and formed circles

Step 4: Added some fun cut out flowers, and brads

 Step 5: I glued everything onto the wreath form I created. Added a ribbon bow...
Wala, the end result is a fun green paper crafted wreath.

I had so much fun making my St. Patrick wreath, and may make another one with different colors, but I now look for the next inspiration!

Crafted Valentines

My crafting mo-jo got me wanting to make something, and so I thought that I would make something to give out on Valentine's Day. It was pretty simple, and totally worth the results, and this can be done for any holiday, birthdays, or as party favors.

I took my choice of paper 12"x12" and cut it in half so there are two 6"x12" pieces. From there I took one of my halves and cut it to be 6"x6 1/2" and then scored at 1/2" and 3"...this gave ease when folding.

Then with just a 8 1/2"x 11" sheet of paper I cut it to match the width of the folded envelope ex. 3", and folded that piece of paper in half horizontally and vertically. Here's where it got tricky I dotted the corner of the double fold at the top and drew a curved line down to a 1/2", and then with scissors it out. Once unfolded it looks like a leaf...this was used to create the fold-in tabs on each box.

The outer edge was cut out, and then I scored the inner leaf edge to give a defined line to fold-in. 

I decorated the outside with red hearts that I cut from my Cricut, stuffed the inside with yummy treats, and ta-da...fun Valentines for all my friends and co-workers!

Romance Spent Our Way

A romatic day for Tim and I. Valentine's Day is February 14th, however due to our work schedules we wouldn't be able to do anything together on the 14th.We wanted to be sure to have the time we wanted to spend time together celebrating our love for each other... It worked to our advantage to celebrate Monday, February 13th Tim had his flex day which meant he didn't have to work, and I was able to take the day off from work. The fun began with going to Impact Guns where we did some target shooting. We had a great time.

Tim had an excellent handle on the 9mm handgun.



Together at the shooting range!

After playing responsibly with guns, we went to our favorite place Olive Garden for lunch. It was oh so yummy, and we had a wonderful time talking.We had our dessert to go... We had planned to go to a movie, but after lunch I was feeling dizzy, and my head was pounding so we just went home. Both us of just relaxed and watched Agatha Christie's Poirot, which we've really enjoyed watching together.

While relaxing at home, there was a surprise delivery of these beautiful roses, a cute teddy bear, and card with the words "To My Beloved Wife Brigeeta, Happy Valentine's Day! Love,Tim.

Tim can be so thoughtful! 

To me it was a perfect day with the man I love.

I don't have to have a dozen rose to be smitten by the man I love!

Feeling like a tossed salad

The way I'm feeling my feelings are all over the place, but I'm trying to put them all together in one big bowl.
First the lettuce: I'm happy with the man I married, and having a home, and dogs. They have filled my life, and my heart with such joy it's difficult to put into words.
Second the carrots: I'm excited for the home improvements that Tim and I have planned, but not the costs :( We have the roof to re shingle, rebuild the shed, finish the deck, install french doors with doggie door, and possibly install vinyl fencing.
Third the radishes: I want a baby; like I want to be pregnant right now, but then the realty is I'm scared, and unsure. I so desire to be a mom...
Fourth the tomatoes: I don't know if it's the winter blues or my depression, but I haven't felt like myself lately. It's like my mind is numb, and physically I'm just moving along day after day.
Fifth the craisins: I'm super excited to be taking a vacation this year. We haven't pin pointed where we're going, but together we will enjoy our trip.

So toss it all together, and add some dressing... we have a salad of tossed emotions! Remedies are in the works!!!!

Wow it's 2012 already?

Wow! It's 2012. It seems weird to think that I'm living in this day in age, but I'm grateful to be.
I haven't really made any new year resolutions, because I know myself... I never live up to them. I'm just going to take things one day at a time, and see where this year will take me.
We have plans this year (these are no goals...) We are going to re shingle the roof, possibly put in all new vinyl fencing, and take a week vacation somewhere. The house continually needs repairs, and we need a vacation. The last one was in 2010.
I do have a desire however to get pregnant this year. Tim and I are at a good place in our lives that a baby would just add more joy and happiness into our hearts.
Here's to a new year, new adventures, new stories...