Life changes ahead!

I am terrible at blogging. But, hey, it's on my to do list! Ever since having Eliza, I'm terrible at completing my to do lists. At least I am still making them though! I still also manage to get most things accomplished in a timely fashion also. I must not be doing too bad, most days.

Life sure is funny. It seems that it is moving a million times faster than ever before, yet the days seem to drag sometimes. I guess that's the life of a mother. I've been wanting to start blogging again about thoughts and feelings and just about our adventures in life. Kinda like I used to, before I had my sweet faced child. So here I sit, almost 1am, starting a blog post.

Isaac graduates in May in Civil Engineering. He is working his tail off right now, and is always so busy. He was working up until about a month ago, when we decided it would be best for him to just focus on school. Now here we are, mostly unemployed, for the first time in our married life. As long as I have known Isaac, he's had a job. It's kind of strange to think about, but I think he has enjoyed a little bit of a break before real life starts. Also, it's a good thing he isn't still working, because I'm not sure when he would fit in any hours! It's his second to last semester, so classes are keeping him busy. Mostly his senior design class. And then there is the Civil Engineering club on campus. He's the president of that, and there are always so many things for him to do for it. Fit in homework, hours of research for his group senior project, and time spent with his two girls and he's a busy guy. He's doing awesome in all of his classes though. He really does love what he's learning, and never gives up on it!

In January, he will take his Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Which is a 6 hour test to become an Engineer in Training. EiT's have to work under a licensed Engineer or a Professional Engineer for 4 years, after which they can take the PE Exam (another 6 hours) and become a Professional Engineer. Which means they get their own stamp, and can be in charge (basically). This whole process isn't mandatory, or even part of his schooling, but some companies prefer it for jobs!

Jobs. The scary/exciting future. Isaac has applied at just over 50 companies so far. They are all over the country. From Seattle to Maine. There aren't many opportunities in the West since he doesn't have any experience yet. He has had several denials, and one interview so far. We are very excited for our next adventure, to see where life is going to take us. I'm a little bit nervous, mostly because we could be ANYWHERE a year from now. Seattle, New York, in the South, Texas, the Midwest, or on the East Coast. We have some big changes coming soon, and hopefully I'm prepared!

I'm so proud of Isaac and everything he has accomplished so far. He's so smart and such a wonderful husband and father to Eliza and I. I can't imagine what life would be like if we didn't end up together. A different set of challenges and blessings I'm sure. I'm glad I get to take on these life changes with such a hardworking partner in crime.

Eliza Ruth Wood

This is just for my records, and so that I can remember it later. It is a little long, but here it is, only two and a half months later..

Eliza's due date was December 15th.
I felt my first braxton hicks contractions at 35 weeks. I had 3 really strong contractions that happened while I was driving. I had to pull over, and Isaac had to take over. We were on the way to pick up her car seat from Fedex. It had to be shipped, because we were given the wrong one as we checked out at the baby store.
Real contractions started on November 20th at 36 weeks and 3 days. Isaac and I were out Christmas shopping, walking around the mall. We kept having to stop because it was hard for me to breathe and walk at the same time. As soon as we left the mall, the contractions stopped. I had contractions for the next couple of days on and off. At my 37 week checkup, I was dilated to 1-2. After the checkup, Isaac and I went to a movie, The Martian, for Isaac's birthday. I had contractions the entire movie, about every 3 minutes. Of course, as soon as we left after the movie was over, the contractions stopped. The next day, Nov 25, was a rough day full of lots of contractions. It is also Isaac's birthday. We went out to eat at The Bridge for his birthday, and enjoyed our last date night without a baby. The next day was Thanksgiving, and I didn't have any contractions for the next few days. My guess for the baby to arrive was November 29, and the day came and went without a baby. By this point, Isaac and I were ready for baby to arrive. I was mostly just ready to be done having sporadic and ridiculous contractions. They were never super painful, just made it really hard to breathe, and I couldn't do anything else at the time. At my 38 week checkup on December 1, I was dilated to a strong 2 and 50% effaced. We left the doctors office, and I was upset and thinking the baby was never going to come. Isaac kept having to reassure me that all babies come into the world. No woman has ever stayed pregnant. All week I was hurrying to finish up all of my papers, projects, and assignments for my classes in case baby decided to arrive at any minute.
Labor started Friday night, Dec 4th. I didn't know I was in labor, I was convinced it was just like any other time. Contractions were 3-4 minutes apart at around 10 or 11pm. Isaac and I went to bed, he assured me that if they continued I needed to wake him up. They continued for an hour, very consistently. I finally got so uncomfortable that I had to move to the couch so I didn't wake up Isaac. I didn't want to wake him up, go to the hospital and then be sent home. Especially since he had to work at 3am. My lower back was killing me, so I grabbed a rice bag and warmed it up. I eventually got to sleep on the couch after my back was warm enough to not be so painful. When I woke up, my back was still very painful. I warmed up the rice bag again, and tried to relax. I called my mom about 10:30 or 11am. After telling her how I was feeling, she informed me that back pain was her only sign that she was in labor. Isaac had gone back to bed when he got home from work, and after talking to my mom I decided to wake him up and see what he thought. After talking about it, we decided that we would at least go into the hospital. Just to give me peace of mind. If they sent us home, it would be fine. I could at least know where I was at.
We got everything ready to go, and got dressed. We left for the hospital about 12:45pm.

We drove to the hospital, and I was convinced that we were going to get sent home. I wasn't in pain that much. Mostly just uncomfortable, and I could hardly breathe.
Walking into the hospital was the worst. I didn't want Isaac to drop me off, so we parked and walked in together. I pushed the button to be let into the Labor & Delivery hall, and they immediately opened the doors. We walked down the hall and the nurse helped me into a room. She gave me a gown and had me change. She checked me, and then went to get the resident on call. He checked me again, and said I was dilated to 3cm, 80% effaced, and at a 0 station. They decided to admit me. The resident joked that he didn't think I was actually in labor because I was so calm. The nurse, who was my absolute favorite, did all the check-in stuff and then had me walk up and down the hall to progress labor a little. At this point, I hadn't decided if I was going to have an epidural or not. I wanted to wait until I actually felt pain to decide. That happened when I was right in the middle of the hall. I literally didn't want to walk down the rest of the hall. The resident came down and asked if I wanted a wheelchair, and of course I said no. I wasn't about to be a whimp. He asked if I was going to want an epidural, and I said that I for sure was. I got back to the room, and they said the anesthesiologist was in surgery and was going to be another hour. It was 3pm and they checked me again. I was at a 5 and 90% effaced. I was, at this point, actually in pain. It was so much that I was indeed screaming, and the whole floor probably could have heard me. The nurse gave me some sort of pain killer in my IV to take off some of the pain. It didn't seem to help too much, but it did make me very nauseous. It did, however, make the pain bearable. At 4 the anesthesiologist came in and started to get me ready for the epidural. It took what felt like forever for it to happen. But once I had the epidural, I felt great. The only downside to the epidural was that it slowed the whole process down. Had I not decided on the epidural, Eliza would have made her entrance two hours earlier. I was able to get some sleep after the epidural, and just relax. They checked me at 6 and I hadn't progressed at all. They asked if I wanted Pitocin, or if I just wanted it to take its course. I decided to take Pit, and the contractions picked up like crazy. I was checked at 6:40, and was dilated to a 7. Then again at 7:30, I was at an 8. At that point, my water still had not broken. They said that I could have them break my water, and that would probably make me progress really quickly. My family was at Red Lobster eating dinner, and waiting for me to progress more. I wanted to wait for them to be back before the baby came, so I told them I wanted to wait a little while. At about 8pm, they broke my water. I progressed to a 10 by about 8:15. Right at that time, Isaac called my mom to see how close they were. They were pulling into the parking lot, and everyone was running to the elevator. Jared, my sister's boyfriend, and my dad were running the fastest. Which is funny because neither one of them were going to be in the room. Jared waited in the waiting room(because he was sick). My dad and sister waited out in the hall. My mom and Isaac both stood by me. Since nobody knew if the baby was a girl or boy, everyone that walked in the room the entire day made a guess, and there was a tally on the board. I pushed only a few times, and only for 19 minutes before Eliza came. It also helped that I threw up a few times while I was pushing. I was shocked that a little girl came out at 8:43pm, since I was convinced that I was carrying a little boy! Isaac cut the cord, meanwhile I was in total awe of the fact that sweet baby was mine. I kept saying to the doctor that that baby was mine, almost asking if I was dreaming or if everything had just happened. They let me hold my sweet girl for a few minutes before they took her to get measured. The nursery nurse then took her to measure and clean her up. She was COVERED in white vernix. So much so that you couldn't see any color! My mom and Isaac went over with her to get cleaned up and measured, she was 6lbs 1oz and 19 inches long. My dad was anxious and telling everyone that he was ready to come in and see her! The resident and doctor stitched me up, I only had 2 first degree tears. The nurse and resident both told me that I needed to have lots of babies because of how quick the whole process was.
We still hadn't decided on a name. We knew what we were going to name the baby if it was going to be a boy, but we had a couple different options if it was going to be a girl. Isaac came over after a little while and said she looked like an Eliza. I definitely agreed. Our little Eliza Ruth was screaming, and oh so wonderful. She was given the middle name Ruth after Isaac's maternal grandmother. Once we were both cleaned up, they brought her over and I attempting nursing. I quickly learned how ferocious of a little human she is. She nursed very well, and liked to bite! It was almost as if she was born with teeth! After I nursed her, my dad and sister were able to come in and hold sweet little girl.
Once everyone got a chance to hold her, they left for home. Eliza had to go to the nursery, to get all checked out, and I hung out for a little while and waited for my epidural to wear off while I ate applesauce and drank juice.
At about 11:45pm or so, the nurse came in and helped me use the bathroom and then wheeled me down to my postpartum room. Isaac then went with Eliza to get her first bath. After what seemed like forever, they came back and I got to hold my little girl again. The time I waited while they were both gone felt like 5 hours, although I think it was maybe an hour and a half. The entire first night, I think I slept maybe an hour. I didn't want to sleep, and I couldn't sleep. I just wanted to hold her and watch her sleep the entire time.
We had our friend Breanna stop by Sunday morning, and my sister Lindsey and Jared stopped by as well. Isaac's two older sisters, Anika and Karlee, and their families come and visit on Sunday afternoon, as well as my parents. We could have been discharged Sunday evening, but we decided to stay an extra night. There was a postpartum nurse and a nursery nurse that we had at all times. The only nurses that I didn't like the entire time I was there, were the ones that just so happened to be the two the discharged us. The nursery nurse that we had the second night, was AMAZING! She held Eliza all night in the nursery, so that she wouldn't be fussy, and so that I could get some sleep. She brought her in to me every 2.5-3 hours so that she could eat, and then would take her back to the nursery and hold her. She was the sweetest lady! However, the nurse right after her was the worst. She brought Eliza in every 25 minutes telling me that she was hungry because she kept chewing on her hands. When in all reality, Eliza is just really fond of her hands. She was born with two round marks on each wrist where the skin was rubbed raw from her chewing on them in the womb. Anyways, so I would try and feed her, and she wouldn't eat, because she wasn't hungry. At the same time I had that nursery nurse, the postpartum nurse that I had kept wanting to chat with me all the time. She would come in to take vitals, and would stay and chat for a half an hour! I was trying to sleep for peetsake! The two of them were bound and determined to not let me sleep! I did LOVE the rest of the nurses that we had. Eliza's going home weight was 5lbs 10oz.

I'm very glad that my doctor, Dr. Kim Cox, was able to be there to deliver Eliza. Since it was a Saturday, it was whoever was on call that was supposed to deliver her. He just so happened to be there when I was walking the hall and said for the nurse to call him when I was getting closer, and he would come back and deliver the baby. I loved the atmosphere of the hospital, and most of the staff, they were wonderful. I really hope that the rest of my babies delivery experiences are somewhat similar to Eliza's!
I loved not finding out the gender for my first baby. I think it made the whole delivery experience such a fun one! I was worried about having an epidural, because I don't do well with any kind of pain medication. It was a great experience though, and I wouldn't change getting one. My legs were tingly the entire time, and I didn't have any feeling, but I still had enough movement. There really aren't too many things I would change about the whole of it.
These are pictures that were taken the day we went home by someone who goes around to all the rooms at the hospital.

 

2015 Recap

January-
~We went on vacation with Mariah's family. A Caribbean cruise that left from New Orleans.
~Spring semester started up the day we got back.
~Mariah took all online classes with her new General Education major, while working 30 hours per week.
~Isaac was chugging along with his Civil Engineering degree.
~Mariah moved to the front desk position at work.

February-
~We celebrated our first legit Valentine's Day as a married couple (last year 2014 Mariah had her last wisdom tooth out).
~Towards the end of February we both decided we were ready to start trying to have a baby.
~We attended the Idaho Falls temple for the last time for awhile, because it closed for renovation.

March-
~One of our best friends Breanna came home from her mission to Louisville Kentucky this month, and we attended her homecoming.
~We were both convinced that Mariah was pregnant this month, but were sadly disappointed when it just turned out to be an ovarian cyst. This lead to a semi-hard few weeks.
~We signed up for Life Insurance this month.
~We looked at our new house in Mid March, and paid the security deposit and signed the lease towards the end of the month.
~We attended Mariah's work party at Outer Limits, where we played laser tag and mini golf. It was a lot of fun!
~We went out to eat at Big Judd's the night before our camping trip with most of Isaac's family.
~We went on our first camping trip at Twin Bridges together this month during spring break.
~We attended Maycee Kerr's baby blessing the end of this month.

April-
~We got keys for our new home on April 1st.
~We went to Isaac's mission reunion the first weekend this month, and had a great time catching up with people he hadn't seen in awhile.
~We watched General Conference and absolutely loved the talks.
~We also moved the essentials into our new home the same weekend.
~Isaac's dad and brother in law, Hans, came down and helped us finish moving on the 11th.
~We also went to red lobster that night with Mariah's family.
~We found out that Mariah was pregnant on April 15. Even though we were "not preventing" we were still totally surprised. I felt great for the most part, except for nights when I usually felt minimally sick and so very exhausted.
~Mariah started working full time again on April 20.
~Mariah had her first doctor's appointment on April 23, which consisted of some blood work, and seeing how far along the baby was. The nurse tried the heart doppler, if we could hear the heartbeat then it was 10 weeks, if not only 6 weeks.We couldn't, so only 6 weeks at that time. 
~We went to our last couple of Sundays in our old ward, and also our last cub scouting events.

May-
~May started with a boom of Mariah being a lot more sick, although less tired.
~We finished up our semester the first few days, and took finals.
~Isaac had a little bit of a break after finals, which was nice for him to get a little bit caught up on his sleep.
~We went home for Mother's Day weekend to spend time with our families.
~We told both of our families that we were expecting a sweet baby in December on Mother's Day,  which also happened to be our 2 year Anniversary. Everyone was so excited, and we got some wonderful reactions.
~We went down to Utah for Memorial Day weekend and stayed with our friends the Bradley's. We went to the Payson Utah temple open house, and spent all of Monday going to baby stores and checking out prices and different products (Idaho has the worst selection of baby stuff).
~Mariah got stranded on the freeway for a little bit after the car overheated, while she waited for a tow truck.
~Mariah taught her first Relief Society lesson on May 31st. She was very nervous.

June-
~We had another doctor appointment on the 2nd. We got to hear the babies heartbeat for the first time, and the doctor estimated about 12 weeks. Mariah had to have her blood taken again, to test her thyroid levels. The nurse called the next day and said her levels were still low so they sent over a prescription of medication.
~After starting to take the Thyroid medication, Mariah started to have a lot more energy than she'd had in a long time.
~We announced the pregnancy the first week in June, at 12.5 weeks.
~Titus came home from deployment, and so the first weekend in June we went to Idaho Falls to see him.
~We went to the Manti pageant on June 20 with Mariah's parents.
~Isaac's summer class ended on June 25, and he was so glad to be done!

July-
~We started out July with Isaac starting work at Mariah's parents shop. He commuted everyday to work while living in Pocatello.
~July 4th was spent with family. Barbecue, Chukars game, and fireworks.
~We had a doctor appointment on July 8th.
~We felt the baby move for the first time on July 10th(M) and July 11th(I).
~We received our new callings this month. Isaac as the Sunday School 1st Counselor, and both of us teaching Sunday School (12-13 year olds).
~Isaac's 5 year class reunion was on July 24th, it was fun to see some faces we haven't seen in awhile.
~Mariah chopped all of her hair off again in July.
~We both spoke in our new ward on July 26th. It was nice to be done with that!
~We got to see our baby at the ultrasound on July 28th. We were both glad we didn't find out the gender yet!

August-
~Mariah's sister Lindsey went through the Logan temple for her endowments on August 1. It was a wonderful experience.
~We had another doctor appointment on the 4th. It's always reassuring to hear that everything is going well!
~August 7th-10th we spent in McCall Idaho with Isaac's parents and most siblings.
~Isaac was finally done working 2 jobs on the 14th.
~The 19th while we were in Idaho Falls, we went to dinner with Mariah's sister Lindsey and her boyfriend Jared. This was the first time we'd met him.
~School started back up on the 24th, Isaac taking 16 credits and Mariah with 15.
~Mariah also gave her two week notice at work on the 24th.
~The 31st brought another doctors appointment. We got to hear baby's heartbeat again, which of course the nurse had to keep trying because of our wiggle worm! Only 15 weeks to go!

September-
~Mariah started out the month with a sinus infection, which is seeming to be a regular thing at least once every fall.
~Mariah's last day of work was the 4th. Definitely mixed emotions.
~Isaac ran in the Pocatello Marathon on the 5th, and finished just under his goal time with a final time of 3:29:23.
~We also went to the last Chukar's game of the season with the Wood family. It was less than 50 degrees, so we were wrapped up in blankets!
~For Labor Day on the 7th, we went to the fair with the Stewart family. We were both exhausted after walking around for 5 hours. Mariah being 26 weeks pregnant, and Isaac having ran a marathon two days prior.
~Mariah took the glucose test on September 23, at 28 weeks. It was definitely not a big deal, like everyone seems to think.
~Isaac ran another marathon on the 26th, the Huntsville Marathon. It was definitely the hardest one he has run so far, with way too hot of temperatures.

October-
~We went to Idaho Falls for conference weekend, to spend time with family. We were able to make a lot of freezer meals with Isaac's siblings on Saturday the 3rd.
~Mariah went to Witchpalooza at Gardener's Village with her mom, sister, and a few extended family members on the 10th.
~We both had dentist appointments on the 14th, and found out that Isaac had two cracked fillings. He hadn't noticed them a ton before, but they got increasingly more painful until they got fixed!
~Isaac had a job interview on October 21, for a promotion at FedEx to an assistant manager type position. He ended up getting the job, and we felt very blessed and happy about it.
~Towards the end of the month, we took a sequence of preparing for baby/birth classes and a hospital tour. We both felt a lot more ready after attending all of those, especially the hospital tour.
~The baby shower was October 24, and we were lucky enough to have so many supportive family and friends bring gifts over to help us prepare for the baby.
~The last weekend in October, we went to Utah to finish up some baby shopping. We stayed with our friends the Bradleys. We were able to get the baby's carseat and many other important things.

November-
~We were lucky enough to do a temple session at the Rexburg temple on the 7th of November. We had to wait over an hour, but it was worth it. It was the last planned temple trip until after baby.
~We registered for classes at midnight on the 8th. Mariah registered for her very last college semester, which seemed so surreal.
~Mariah's first contractions were felt on November 10th. Braxton hicks contractions had been going on for a couple weeks prior.
~The weekend of the 13th-14th, Mariah went to Utah with her mom and sister for a girls weekend, and to do some Christmas shopping. It was a nice, last trip before baby came!
~Towards the middle of the month, we started to finalize all the things for baby around the house and really started to make sure that everything was completed for baby.
~I started feeling a lot of contractions while we were out shopping on Nov 20. We were thinking baby would be coming very soon!
~At our 37 week checkup for baby on November 24th, we found out the contractions I had been having for days were making things progress. I was dilated at a 1-2.
~After our appointment, we went out to a movie, The Martian, and although I had contractions the entire time, we loved our last movie date night for awhile.
~Isaac's 23rd birthday was on the 25th, and he spent a majority of the day taking care of me because I was feeling lousy. We did go out to eat for his birthday at a restaurant called The Bridge. It was the most expensive meal we've had as a date night for just the two of us. We loved our last date night before baby came.
~For Thanksgiving, since it was so close to my due date, and since I'd been having contractions, we had decided to stay in Pocatello for Thanksgiving. Mariah's parents came down and made food/ate with us.
~At our 38 week appointment, I was dilated to a strong 2, and 50% effaced.
~The first week of December, we were both so busy trying to get a bunch of school stuff done before the end of the semester. It was a very stressful, busy week with so many due dates.
~My labor contractions started on the night of December 4th, although I figured it was nothing, since it had been nothing every time before.
~We finally went into the hospital on the afternoon of the 5th, and our sweet Eliza girl was born that night.
~We came home from the hospital on the 7th. Mariah's mom stayed with us for the week, and that was an awesome blessing. That week was dead week at school, and Isaac was busy busy with work.
~Finals week was the following week, and it was very busy and stressful with a week old baby. We survived, and both ended up getting the grades that we needed.
~We went to Idaho Falls for Christmas, and it was wonderful that we were able to go for more than just one day.
~We received a lot of wonderful Christmas presents, but we mostly loved how relaxing our Christmas was and how much we got to see family.
~We ended our year visiting with the Titus family. They are basically a second family to us, and it was wonderful to see them.

2015 was an extremely busy, wonderful year. We had our lives change entirely when we became parents, and we wouldn't have it any other way. This time last year, we never would have guessed where we are today. We are so very excited to see what 2016 has to offer and what is ahead of us!

Baby Baby

We are so excited about the baby we are expecting in December.

The estimated due date up to this point is December 15, but we will see how close that is after the ultrasound in a few weeks. Last week, on June 2, we got to hear the babies heartbeat for the first time. It was a strong 165. We are both so excited, and nervous for the upcoming months. December will be a busy, crazy, exciting time with finals, peak(busy season) for Isaac's job, Christmas and baby will be coming! We aren't finding out the gender until birth, which we are very excited about waiting. It will be an adventure, but one of the best ones yet!

Home

So as it turns out, I am the best blogger. Not. Apparently there is nothing too great or crazy in life that is worth documenting. It sure has been an interesting semester for both Isaac and I. We've both grown a lot as people, with many adjustments and changes that have happened.

We have moved again. This is our 3rd house in the nearly 2 years we've been married. We usually move right around our anniversary, and live in each place for roughly a year. This place, I have a feeling is going to be the one for the remaining time in Pocatello. We love it. It has so many things that we have never had before. Like a dishwasher, which is the most wonderful thing ever. It also has gas forced heat, which we have never had the luxury of having. There is a nice storage area/laundry room that fits all of our extras, so that our 2nd bedroom isn't a storage room :) We are getting hand me down washer/dryer, that will be our very own. We've always been able to find something with a washer/dryer, so this time around having only hookups and having to get our own is kind of exciting. It feels more adult and real life. Which probably sounds weird. We also recently bought our first big piece of furniture together. We bought a nice bed frame for our bedroom. For the past two years, we were borrowing a bed from my parents, the one that I had in my room from the time I was about 10 (yes it was a queen size, don't worry). It worked well for us, but also happened to be a few feet off the ground, and we both wanted something a little closer to the ground, for our old bodies ;) It is funny that after knowing each other almost 7 years and being married for almost 2 years, we are still experiencing plenty of firsts together. Yet another reason why eternity still doesn't feel long enough sometimes.

Back to moving. We are about half and half in each house at this point. Which is okay, but hopefully we will be able to finish moving everything this weekend. It is true that moving brings your relationship closer together... and teaches you that you sure can disagree about a few things! We started looking for a place a little earlier this year, because I had been so antsy to move for MONTHS! We had two major requirements: it had to have a dishwasher, and it had to have laundry options. Isaac also really wanted gas heat (which turns out I have severely missed). I looked online for quite a few weeks before I found anything that really looked like something that might interest us. We decided to schedule a time to look at this one, and instantly we both loved it. The only thing that we immediately did not like, was the lack of a coat closet. Turns out, we will take dishwasher over a coat rack any day! We didn't want to immediately take the first thing we saw, just because we liked it, only to find something that we liked more later. On the other hand we also didn't want to pass it up and then be disappointed and not find anything that we like as much. It's not perfect, but it is as close to it as any place we have lived since getting married! It feels the most like home. The only downside to looking so early is that we had to pay double rent for one month so that we could secure it. Which has actually been totally doable. It looked daunting at first, but somehow it has been possible.

I look forward to all of the memories that we will have in this house together in the next two years.

The only constant

The only constant in life is change. It seems to always be changing when you least expect it. And sometimes when you need it to, in order to maintain some sort of sanity. 

Lately, life has been a little bit less than enjoyable. Busy, stressful, and full of a lot of things that I was just hating. Once I made one major change, everything else has been a lot more enjoyable. I've decided to change my major, yet again. And for the first time in months, I feel like something is going the way that it should. I have loved the accounting program, up until this semester. Not only is it extremely hard, but I was not enjoying what I was learning. I was learning everything and doing what I had to get by. Not any extra. Just enough. After a lot of discussions with Isaac, we came to the conclusion that I needed a major change in life. I was stuck in the ruts, and felt like I was going no where. 

We explored about a billion different options, trying to find out which one was going to be best for me, best for us. It ultimately came down to the fact that I didn't really see myself as an accountant in the future. I got to a certain point in the program, and just didn't feel it anymore. So, I am going to continue in school. Because heaven knows I didn't just waste the last four years of my life in college to not end up with a degree. I am going to get a bachelors degree of general studies. Essentially I am going to be taking a bunch of different classes. All upper division, so all hard. But, I will get to learn a lot of different things. There are so many different options, and I am honestly excited to have the option to learn about different things. 

I am paying to go to school, I might as well enjoy it while I'm here. I have approximately a year left. 3 semesters, and then I will be done. I also have a whole boatload of elective classes, that have taught me so many things. I don't regret doing accounting, because it taught me a whole lot about everything. But, I'm ready to enjoy my education. I love learning, so much. But there comes a point, when I need to learn something that interests me.

On a different note, I love my husband. He has been so good this semester at helping me out. He is great at making sure we are always fed, and that I stay sane. He truly is my better half, and I'm glad that I don't have to do this life without him. I look forward to the day when I will hopefully be able to stay at home and take care of him and our family. 

While driving in the car tonight, this next song came on the radio. Isaac's first words were, "Remember when you cried to this right before I left for college?" Yeah... Yeah. It just so happens, that change is the most terrifying thing for me, but it always leads to bigger and better things. Here's to the next year.

Everything falls together

And by fall together I mean are placed that way by a loving Heavenly Father. There have been many changes in our life lately. We were both a little stressed here and there wondering where we would be in life in a few months. Isaac was looking for a second job for the summer. We were looking for a new place to rent, with hopefully quieter neighbors. I was looking for a new job with a more consistent schedule, and with not so late of hours (secretly also hoping for better pay as well). 

We almost bought half of a lawn mowing company for Isaac to have something to do during the summer. Then he almost worked for someone mowing lawns.

We toured so many houses and apartment complexes. Drove around looking for rent signs for days on end.

I applied for so many jobs. Spent hours and hours looking for one on every job website. Asked around to everyone I knew. Filled out a few applications, sent my resume in. And it seemed like nothing was happening in any direction.  
After a few months there were still a lot of unknown variables. Also plenty of worrying, praying, and hoping that something great would happen for us, we started to see some great opportunities. 
Thanks to our friend Cardon, Isaac was able to land an internship with the Idaho Department of Transportation. A paid internship with a guaranteed 40 hours a week. So it will be a busy summer for him. He will stay on at FedEx, with the around 20 hours a week. With a total of 60 hours a week. 
We applied for an apartment with Five Star Property Management, our application got approved, however the apartment got rented that same day. We looked at a few of their other properties, but none of them seemed quite right. While driving around one day looking for signs, we found our new apartment! It is exactly what we had been looking for! Two bedrooms, laundry, bigger living room, better closets, more kitchen space, quieter neighbors, we get to stay in our ward, so many wonderful things. Needless to say, we are excited to move in a few weeks.
After continually looking around, I finally got an interview. And then a 2nd one at the same place. Now I work at Five Star Property Management. Had we rented an apartment from them, I wouldn't have been able to get a job there. It is going to work so much better during the school year, and I get 40 hours a week during the summer. Which is going to work out so well.
Between the two of us, we will be working 100 hours a week. Yay for earning money during the summer. Things happen for a reason. In the right timing. In the Lord's timing. 

College rounds 2 and 3

Another year of college begins tomorrow. Isaac is on his second year of college, and I am onto my third. He has more credits than I do, because of all of his AP classes in high school though.
This semester will be a somewhat interesting semester. It is our first semester as a married couple. I've always heard that the first semester after you get married is either the easiest one or the hardest one. So we'll see how that plays out.
Isaac is taking 16 credits. Engineering Physics 1, Calculus 2, Engineering statics, Mechanical Engineering Materials, and Structured programming. Two 4 credit classes, two 3 credit classes, and a 2 credit class. That sure sounds like a load of fun! ;)
He will continue to work at Fedex in the mornings before school, but he will not be working at Domino's this semester.
I am taking 16 credits as well. Principles of Accounting 1, South East Asia (an anthropology class), The world of Business, Principles of Microeconomics, Business Statistics, and kickboxing. Five 3 credit classes, and one 1 credit class.
I will continue to work at DownEast after school a few days a week.
We are taking an institute class together entitled, the Pearl of Great Price. Which will be interesting. I've never really done any deep learning in there. So that'll be a fun adventure!

I am kind of excited about the dynamic of this semester. I don't have to worry about the social aspect that I always have worried about. It will be fun to just sit and study and do homework with Isaac. I am a little bit nervous about my classes though, mostly just because they are different. For the past two years, my brain has been solely focused pretty much on science related topics. Now, it will be all about math, the economy, and business. I think I will like the change. I enjoyed some sciences(chemistry), but I hated how overwhelmed I felt with others(anything biology). Math is one thing that I have always enjoyed though. I like that it always has a solution. You should pretty much always get the same answer at the end of a problem. There is little unknown in math.

Isaac is excited right now about his semester. I think he is ready to move on in life, and to learn new things. He really likes a good challenge. He has what looks like a pretty rough semester ahead, but I know that he will do well. He always does! :)

Gallbladder surgery

In preparation for my surgery, my husband and dad gave me a priesthood blessing. It is such a huge blessing to know that I have so many worthy priesthood holders in my life. To give me blessings whenever I need them.

My surgery was scheduled at 10:45, which meant I was supposed to be there at 9:15. The hospital called me at 8 and asked how soon I could be in. The surgeon was an hour ahead of schedule. So I hurried and woke up and got in the shower real quick. We made it over there, waited for a couple minutes, and then they took me back to get ready for surgery.

 

The lower right hand picture is right after I put on the hospital gown. It was HUGE! But, I still thought it was great. Although, I hadn't been too excited about putting it on, it sure was cozy.

The lower left hand picture is when they were putting my IV in my left hand. They had also just put these incredible leg things on my legs. They were supposed to make it so I didn't get blood clots in my legs during surgery, and they gave me a nice massage the entire time I was there. I asked my mom if we could buy some, and the nurse said I probably wouldn't want to because of the cost. 

My anesthesiologist gave me some kind of medicine to relax, because I was starting to stress out. It made my face itch. But soon after I was totally fine. They then rolled me into the operating room after I said goodbye to my husband and my mom. As soon as I got in the OR, this really nice lady put these toasty blankets all over my legs and body. They were super great. I thanked her, and she said that was her favorite part of her job. And the next thing I knew, the anesthesiologist said something and I was out. I didn't even get to count backwards from ten. 

Before I knew it, I was in recovery. My surgery had only taken about 30-40 minutes, which was less than the expected hour. My throat was killing, because of the breathing tube that they had in. Good thing I didn't have to feel that! ICK! I could hardly talk because of the scratchiness of my throat. I don't really remember recovery either. Just that I ate some jello, crackers, 2 bites of apple sauce, and loads of water. And apparently I slept for a little bit of time.

The upper right hand picture is of me after surgery in recovery. Recovery lasted longer than expected because they gave me an Oxycontin which my body did not like. I was also super shaky from the anesthesia trying to wear off. So I was in recovery for about 2 hours or so, when originally they said it'd be about an hour. 

The upper left hand picture was right before I left the hospital after my surgery, jello in hand and puke bag in my lap (just in case). They rolled me out in a wheelchair, which was pretty great.

All of the staff at the hospital were super nice and accommodating. Even though it was just an out-patient surgery, they treated me very well.
My whole family has been super supportive and have checked up on my several times. My husband is pretty much the greatest thing. He has helped me out so much in the past day. It is just another affirmation that I married the right man. He would do anything for me at the drop of a hat. He is absolutely incredible, and I couldn't possibly be more grateful for him than I am right now. I will always be well taken care of. And a special thanks to our best friend David Titus for bringing me flowers when I was at home!
Recovery is going fairly well. The pain meds have helped a lot. The four incisions hurt quite a bit, but with time they will go away, of course. I'm just taking it easy, and relaxing. Thanks for all of the concern that those close to me have shown.

I do exist!

Oh hey..... I'm here. To post. But can't promise being back for a long amount of time. But. Updating....
Well. Life is different, and grander than before.
I married my best friend in the Idaho Falls temple on May 10, for time and all eternity. And lately I have been thinking that eternity just doesn't even seem long enough. I love that guy with my whole heart and then some. Love notes, built in personal chef, cuddle time all the time, endless kisses, love that is unimaginable, happiness that has never before existed, constant laughter. I never would've thought living with my best friend could be this amazing. It's always an adventure, and I can't imagine anyone who I would rather be with.

Decisions

Recently there have been a few things that have changed. Decisions are hard. As is life. Something that I've thought I wanted since I was about 15 years old, suddenly I just don't want anymore. The con's far out weigh the pro's. I'm trying to make up my mind and figure out something else for my life. It's almost like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. And pretty much like there is no stress anymore. Well, not any overwhelming stress that I can't handle that is. We'll see what the future brings with all of the decisions that are coming my way.
Easily enough though, I know that I will be able to handle this and make the right decisions for my future. Changing my major never sounded so good. I'm not positive what I'm going to be changing it to yet, but I have a few options that I am looking into. Pharmacy just doesn't really fit into what I want anymore. It will take a long time to get through, will be extremely expensive, and if I decide not to work when I am out of school, there will be no point in racking up that much debt. So I'm going to get a degree in something that will help me in raising my future children, and help out my future family. I am not positive yet, but I am meeting with an adviser tomorrow to figure it out.
We'll see what the future brings! Through lots of prayer and research, I'll be able to figure it all out. Change is sometimes scary, but it is going to worth it. Wish me luck.

Next Month

I have been waiting almost two years to say that. 

Speaking of two years. Almost exactly two years ago, I started my blog. On November 30th, 2010. I was just looking back at some of my first posts and it is interesting to see how much I have changed, and yet how much the same some of my thoughts still are. This post was my second post ever, and is very interesting for me to read. I thought I was all grown up at that point. And boy did I still have a lot to learn about life. I have grown up A LOT in the past two years, and I still have a lot of growing up to do. I still love learning, more than almost anything. And my love for learning continues to grow. Even though college is SO HARD sometimes, I love learning new things that I never would've thought about. Chemistry is always something that I enjoy learning about. This next paragraph has never been more true than it is right now. I had a knowledge of some incredible things at that point in my life, and sometimes it astonishes me what I thought about at times.

"Recently I've been pondering friends and how many I've had and who they have all been. And I realized something. People really are in your life for a reason. I look back at all the times in my life when I have been friends with certain people or even just mere acquaintances and realized that they have either taught me something super important or just helped me when something was hard for me at that point. I'm truly grateful for everyone that has come into my life. Whether for a short time or for a great amount of time. Whether it ended sourly or just.. ended. I'm grateful for the person that I am today, and owe it all to the people that I have surrounded myself with. To my wonderful family. To Isaac... To all of my very best friends, and also all those people that played a little role in my life at some point. Thank you."

Also, "It seems that life moves on, whether we are ready or not. So here I come. Not really ready, but excited to see what will come my way next." Wow. It seems as if I knew everything that was to happen over the next two years. That somehow I knew that I was going to need a knowledge of that, and that I would need to be able to read it, in my own words. Life does move on, and has so many times since I wrote that. I haven't always been ready, but occasionally I have been. Today, I am especially excited to see what will come my way next. I cannot believe that these two years are almost over. And looking back, I can't believe all that has happened. I was 17 years old when he left, almost 18. And now I am almost 20. 

Next month. 5.5 weeks. 39 days.
 

Inspiration

I am a quotes lover. Quotes are my life, my inspiration, and my motivation. They have a way of knowing exactly how I feel about so many different things, without me having to put it into words. Without further ado, my inspiration for the remainder of school: Be prepared for the overload!!

I got most of these from this awesome site!