The "Get up and Go" Got up and Gone

Yes, that title is grammatically incorrect. But it's an intentional use of writer's license and I like the catchy alliteration and continuity. Jolly good, eh?

The bucket-load of snow that has been dumped and continues to dump on our little house completely saps me of my resolve to "go out and about." I promised myself that today would be the day:  I would actually commit and go and get my hair cut. (Not to mention go grocery shopping, return some things to the library, etc.) I even got dressed, put in my eyes, got made up--the whole nine yards. But now I just look outside at the snow softly falling and I'm absolutely sure that staying cozy at home under a blanket is a much more reasonable and productive idea. (?)

Sleep deprivation also makes going out tough. (I'm sure I'll laugh at this statement in a month or so when I'm up with a sweet little bundle night after night.) I've had several days in a row now that I haven't been sleeping very well. Turns out that an almost fully developed baby does quite a number on ones internal organs and bone structure... Who knew? Take last night for example--I can hardly blame Baby Girl for this, but I was wide awake until somewhere around 3:00 (unlocking the secrets of the universe, of course), after which I tossed and turned with a bowling ball stashed in my fanny pack that settled oh-so-nicely into my right rib cage. One thing I can say for this girl--she certainly is a snuggler! (Just like her Momma!)

Note-- Why do they call it a fanny pack? When they first came out did people wear them on their backs rather than their fronts? Tummy pack or gut pack or something of the sort seems more logical to me. Shrug.

Well, that's it folks. We'll see if I get up the gumption to pin up my heavy eyelids and brave the beautiful snow enough to have my out and about adventures. Happy Tuesday!

Comfort Food

So I mentioned that pregnancy gets more uncomfortable for me at night. Sticking to the trend, Braxton Hicks contractions (which started popping up a month or so ago) have also generally been more frequent and disagreeable at night. I think some women might label the sensation of BH contractions as "pain," (and who am I to say that theirs aren't painful--every pregnancy and body is different) but mine aren't painful, just more uncomfortable. I'll find myself instinctively trying to find some sort of position that relieves the pressure and tension in my abdomen, as if the strain is caused by some sort of digestive malfunction or acidic heartburn. That rarely works, but I suppose it's worth a shot?

I've also noticed that even though I don't feel sick at all, I always think that somehow, by their magical powers, saltine crackers will make me feel better. If I thought there might be any available room in my stomach cavity for something as cumbersome as carbon dioxide, I'd pair my beloved saltines with Sprite, but that just sounds like a bad idea when I already feel stuffed to the max. Even alone, saltines are wonderful; I love the crunch, the saltiness, the buttery toasted flavor... Bless their beautiful cracker hides.

There's nothing quite like good comfort food, wouldn't you say? What are your favorites?

Thoughts

"When I was a young man, I served as counselor to a wise district president in the Church. He tried to teach me. One of the things I remember wondering about was this advice he gave:

'When you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, 

and you will be right more than half the time.' 

I thought then that he was pessimistic. Now, more than 40 years later, I can see how well he understood the world and life." -Henry B. Eyring, April 2004

I have just spent the last half hour talking to someone who nearly everyone in the world assumes is the life of the party, the perpetual jokester, the guy who never takes life seriously. I'm here to tell you that they're wrong. This man, nearly twice my age and a relative of mine, is actually trying to battle some pretty sobering dragons. You'd never guess.

Many of you know how strongly I feel about this. That is, that people need more love, more patience, more support, more validation, more encouragement, more compassion, more benefit of the doubt, and more overt words of kindness and love and appreciation than they generally receive. I won't go into a long-winded soapbox sermon, but this is just a call to any reader to treat those around you--drivers on the road, people in the checkout line, family members, children, neighbors, coworkers, associates--with more gentleness, kindness, and warmth than you think is necessary. Let's aim high when sharing our love--the world around us may need it more than we realize.

Phone Wuss finds Bravery

I have come to a conclusion:

People do not update their blogs often enough to satisfy my manic post-hunger. I feel slightly embarrassed to think of some of my dear friends checking their traffic feed and seeing a zillion and a half hits per day and me knowing that half of them are mine. That's okay--it just means that I love them.

So... 5 weeks to go. Can you believe it?! I can't either. I don't feel that pregnant, and I'm not sure I even look that pregnant! I'll be sure to take some pictures tomorrow at my first baby shower (!) and post them to the blog so you guys can let me know what you think.

In either case, Baby Girl is measuring exactly where she should be and she's head-down, feet-up. (Good girl!)  Also, Momma's getting a better idea of what these next few weeks will be like along with labor and delivery so that greatly reduces any anxiety I feel. That just frees up lots of room for just sweet anticipation! It's a good place to be in.

*Whip-lash topic change* 

I wanted to write a little bit to share with you my proud moment because my dear little buttons are just busting. I generally hate making calls for just about everything. Returning voice messages to anyone but family (and even then, I'm sometimes bad at it), church calls, calling about childbirth class scheduling, making visiting teaching appointments or reporting visiting teaching, and other uncomfortable correspondences. But today, I feel like such a good girl. In the last hour or so, I have made not one, not two, but SIX phone calls for various housekeeping purposes that I have needed to clear up. I feel so free and light as a feather because I don't have any phone obligations hanging over my head. I AM A GOOD GIRL. *big gold star-sticker on my chest*

That's all. I think I might go try my hand at cinnamon rolls with my oh-so-happy Bosch. :) Ciao!

The 12 and 13

My good friend Kate recently shared with me her list of The 12 of 2012 and 13 of 2013. I loved reading hers and thought I would share mine with you.

12 Great Things of 2012:

1. Positive pregnancy test. What a special moment--I'm so glad Blake and I shared it together.
2. 20-Week Ultrasound. We thought the first ultrasound was amazing... The second blew us away! Everything started to feel much more real because we were looking at vertebrae, kidneys, a bladder, a diaphragm, heart valves opening and closing, little fingers, a strong femur bone, a brain, two little bum cheeks (no really, I'm serious--it was wonderful) and so much more. And to find out the little thing moving inside me was a girl? Very happy moment for me and Blake.
3. The final decision for Blake's vocation: Global Supply Chain. There really couldn't be a more perfect fit for him and he's so happy with his studies and his classes. It's a great, solid feeling for both of us!
4. Graduating. Bittersweet, but such a feeling of fulfillment and completion.
5. Meeting Quinton. Blake's brother got home from his mission in late August and I finally got to meet this notorious kid I've been hearing outrageous stories about for months. What a guy! Quinton has a way about him that just makes you, how you say, smitten? (Obviously not the oo-la-la, romanticky smitten. Don't be mortified.) Come on Megan and Heather (cousins), back me up on this. Who isn't in love with Quinton in some way or another?...
6. Taking a marriage class with Blake. Such a fun experience and a great growth opportunity for both of us. And we're pretty much tight with Lloyd Newell now, so if you see us subbing for him on Music and the Spoken Word, don't be surprised. :)
7. Making it through Winter 2012. That semester stretched (and even broke) me more than any other in my life, but it served its purpose as a refining crucible. Truly lifechanging.
8. Farming this summer. There's something really sexy about watching Blake pull into the yard driving a fully-loaded bale wagon and realizing that yes--that tan hunk of ripped masculinity is all man...my man. Feel free to be jealous, ladies. I don't mind.
9. Trips/Being with Family.  Our first family trip together to Arches, an amazing cruise to Alaska with the Briggs Family, and a perfect Christmas Season with both of our families. Family: Isn't it about, time?
10. The Primary Program. Proud mother hen with all her little chicks on stage performing their hearts out. This year will be great as well!
11. Announcing we were pregnant: to both sets of parents on Father's Day and our families later in August.
12. Taking a sewing class. Probably the best class decision of my final semester. I know it sounds like an easy-A class, but you'd definitely be surprised! I worked my tail off and am so proud of the things I've sewn and excited about the new skills I'm still developing. 

13 Things I'm looking forward to in 2013:

1. Giving birth. It's one of my New Year's Resolutions. (Haha, take that--I'll for sure accomplish at least one!) I've been curious about childbirth for so long and now it's my turn. I feel like I still have no idea what I'm doing, but I trust that my body will.
2. Finding out this month where Blake will intern.
3. Blake's internship this summer. It'll certainly be a new adventure!
4. Hopefully settling into our own semipermanent place, and at least getting a better idea this year of where we are going to be long-term. There is something so transient and fleeting about college. I'm looking forward to something that feels more solid and grounded.
5. Blake's graduation! Proud wifey.
6. My own commencement and walking in April with Beth.
7. Lots of "firsts" with Little Girl - touching grass, swimming, fall, Halloween, snow, Christmas...
8. Reading the Book of Mormon with Little Girl.
9. Journaling for our family. (I have a goal to write four times a month.)
10. Blake blessing our baby.
11. Seeing what Little Girl looks like!
12. Setting, pursuing, and achieving goals. I've got some really great ones this year.
13. Decorating our "place" when we get one. Autumn Apt. felt like a very temporary stepping stone to G&G's house, and I haven't felt at liberty to nail holes in the wall, etc. at G&G's. Interior decorating really isn't my forte, but I'm excited to give it a shot and see what comes of it.

Here's to a great year. 2013 will be the best one yet!

A Moment of Silence

Dear Buy Low,

I am deeply sorry that you fell victim to the oh-so-alluring Wal-Mart price match monster. You may rest peacefully in the knowledge that even though your own produce was generally questionable to say the least, your rockin' prices helped so many Utah County residents, including myself, legally rip off Wal-Mart and make them eat their price match policy. You will be sorely missed.

Farewell, my beloved.

First Day of (Not)School + Christmas

So Monday was my first day of not going back to school. Bizarre! I'm glad I was able to fill the day with lots of productive things to keep any nostalgia at bay. I couldn't help myself, though--I went through Blake's syllabi on LearningSuite and documented each classes' assignments and due dates on our Google Calendar.

I can see the red flags raising in your head as you read that. Don't worry!--I'm not being a micromanaging wife! (I think?) I did it (1) because that is one of my all-time favorite things to do to get organized at the beginning of the semester and I was missing it yesterday; (2) because I like to have a genuine understanding of Blake's classes so when he comes home and shares the cool things from class, I have some sort of context to understand which class he's talking about; and (3) because Blake will often say in passing, "Do I have paper due next week?"--almost as if he's thinking out loud, but for some reason I have this sick disease where I feel like I have to know the answers to his questions. (Maybe that's the Mom instinct coming out in me. Seriously, does anyone else feel like Mom always has the answers? "Mom, where are my running shoes?... Mom, do you know where I put my backpack?... Mom, what's for dinner?... Mom, when's Dad getting home from his work trip?... Mom, what day is the school dance again?... Mom, how many tablespoons are in a cup?..." You get the idea.) So maybe that last point convicts me as a micromanaging wife, but in either case, I think Blake likes when I can be genuinely and actively involved in his life, and vise versa.

Anyhow, so Blake's back into the thick of school, and I'm making things ready for Little Girl's arrival next month. I've also been enjoying the opportunity to read for fun--it's been a while! I'm currently reading a book by Dallin H. Oaks--Pure in Heart. It's not very long, but it has some really insightful ideas and connections that make me question why I do the things I do. It has been interesting to evaluate my motives, attitudes, and desires and get ideas on how I can make them more pure. Look into it, if you'd like--but don't be daunted by the first chapter or so. (I felt like I had to pause in the first two chapters to take in every sentence individually in order to fully wrap my mind around what was being said. That's Elder Oaks for you!) I've also been enjoying keeping house, working towards several goals, and organizing.

So there's a little update on what we're up to now, but I also wanted to backtrack a little bit and say how grateful I am for this past Christmas season. I'm not sure I can think of a happier or one where I've thought so much about the true reason for the season. Here are several highlights:

• Being pregnant. There is something very special about carrying a baby during Christmas. I don't know that I've ever pondered so much on Mary and how remarkable of a woman she is. Her response to Gabriel when she was told that she would bear the Son of God touches me:  "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word." No protests. No "Whoa now--back up the train--don't you at least want to give me an interview??" No "Are you sure you've got the right girl?", no "Holy cow, there's no way. How am I supposed to deal with this kind of pressure?" Just a simple "Here I am, send me." A young, pure girl (likely anywhere from ten to fourteen years old) with a trusting, willing, submissive heart. I love her and cannot wait to thank her for her goodness. What a truly inspiring example to all of us. Anyway, I felt like I had a connection with her this season. I feel so much joy when I feel or watch this baby girl moving and growing inside of me. It's amazing to me that Mary felt these very same things. I'm sure she would look down and watch her stomach, just as I do. And as she would look down and rest her hand on her stomach, she'd know that she was feeling the literal Son of God, the Redeemer of the World, the King of Kings. And somehow, she was able to bear the magnitude of that knowledge and the towering responsibility that lay ahead. What a truly chosen vessel of the Lord. I know that in my own way, I am also a chosen vessel--Heavenly Father has seen fit to send this little girl to Blake and I and entrust her to our care. What a grand and glorious responsibility.
• A few days before Christmas, we welcomed another perfect Christmas Miracle to our family: Jadon Joshua Briggs, now the irresistibly cute and happy son of Jake and Christy. The best way I can put it is that my joy really is full. I cried when I found out and I just kept expressing so much gratitude to Heavenly Father for answering the prayers of our family. He's absolutely adorable, healthy as a horse, a completely happy baby, and all in all, such a charmer! We are so excited and I feel like he absolutely fits in the family like he was always meant to be here. We're also doubly excited that Baby Girl will not only have a cousin her age, but one her EXACT same age! Welcome to the family, Jadon! (See here for the full story.)

• Christmas and Birthday generosity. Blake cornered me one night and asked me what it was that I really wanted for Christmas. My answer: "Honestly, we have a lot of big, necessary purchases coming up. That's good, and it's okay, but we both know that buying things (big or small) stresses me out, and I would love it if everyone in my life would buy me stuff that I need but never want to buy for myself." Wish granted. Seriously, I can't remember a more practical Christmas and I am just overjoyed and grateful for the thoughtful generosity of so many in our family! Hair buzzers, crib mattress, changing table pad and covers, nice window scraper, rolling pin, pastry blender, work out clothes, baby bobby pins (for me, not for the baby... we're pretty sure she's going to be a very feminine kind of bald for the first year)--these are just a few and they're all things I would have dreaded buying myself! Probably the biggest Christmas surprise of all was the very last present I opened. It was from Blake in a large box and I had been in total suspense all month, which is why I saved it for the very end. I ripped off the paper, resolutely tore off the packaging tape, opened the lid of the box and gasped with wide eyes and a dropped jaw. A BOSCH. A big, macho-sized Bosch mixer of my very own!!! I was shocked and thrilled and shocked some more. He did all the research and went through all of the hassle to find me a Bosch that was also heavenly priced. Have I mentioned to you before how much I love Blake? If it's been a million times, let's make it a million and one:  I LOVE BLAKE. A week or so later, I got a birthday surprise from my mom just as magnificent:  A WonderMill Wheat Grinder! I'm so, so excited to start making oodles of homemade wheat bread! I am seriously overwhelmed with the generosity and love that I've felt this year from "Santa," Blake's parents, my parents, and both of our families. *my best Tiny Tim voice* God bless us, every one!

Those were the biggies, but I also wanted to mention a few other minor ones:

• Having finals over so early. I know it couldn't have been all that different from years past, but feeling like we actually had some down-time in between the stress of finals and the joy of Christmas was really nice.
• Managing to avoid illness while being surrounded by sick kids and adults everywhere. One cold (or worse) after the other would start threatening, Blake and I would pound Airborne or Emergen-C like holics, and somehow we'd make it through unscathed. Tender mercy!
• Spending loads of time with family. In a matter of a few weeks, Blake and I put 600 miles on the car going back and forth between the places and people that we love. Blake got me home for Christmas so much this season--there isn't a better gift he could have given me.
• Watching North and South. I'd never seen it, and it was a wonderful consolation prize for being too pregnant to go skiing/snowboarding with Dad and the older Hull kids. Mom and I watched it from start to finish and my oh my, what a beautiful experience.
• Playing games with both families. I think it's hilarious that Word on the Street is permitted in the Briggs family even though it's almost as contentious as Risk was back in the day. Sabateur, Hand and Foot, Speed Scrabble, Junior Cranium... so much fun!
• Christmas Traditions, old and new. The Festival of Trees, Christmas Around the World, Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert, doing sealings with the family, the candlelight dinner, singing around the piano, the nativity, mine and Blake's first Christmas Slumber Party, being at the condo and cabin with our families... Traditions are wonderful. :)

It was a truly magical Christmas. Here's to the New Year and the exciting things 2013 has in store for all of us!