Christmas vacation hadn't gone particularly well for me the past 3 years, so I was kind of nervous to see how this one would turn out. For the most part it was great. I am 100% converted to Christmas in our own home. from now on. However, spending part of Christmas night in the ER wasn't on my to-do list. I'd been battling back pain for most of Christmas Day and by night time I couldn't even lay down for longer than 2 minutes before it hurt too bad and I had to sit up or something. I hadn't slept the night before thanks to my insomnia, so I knew I needed to get some sleep. Ibuprofin and a heating pad weren't making a dent in the pain, so we called up my dad and he came and stayed with the kids while we went to the ER. I apparently strained my rhomboid muscle really badly, so they gave me a shot of a stronger anti-inflammatory and sent me home, after telling me that recovery could take weeks and possibly require physiotherapy. So most of our Christmas break was spent with me doing a whole load of nothing other than popping Motrin like it's candy and changing my position every 5-10 minutes. That being said, it was still the best Christmas that I'd had in a few years. I loved being at home and being on our own schedule. The kids really enjoyed time with Daddy. They weren't big on a nice Christmas dinner, though, so I'm going to do something a lot more basic for Christmas 2013.
There's a lot to look ahead to this year such as ward YW camp, Ty starting Kindergarten and whatever else may come our way. For the moment I'm just enjoying the fact that Brettley loves the switch to the toddler bed and the boys are loving the fact that they have a play room right now.
The goings on of our geeky little family and the musings and soapbox moments of the lone female in the group.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Best Christmas Present EVER!
2 posts within 8 days, *GASP*! My tree went up, YAY! More exciting though, is that I got the best Christmas present ever on Tuesday from my favourite crazy. I gave her the present I'd bought for her back in October, because I wanted her to be able to enjoy it all winter (she'd become used to mild Pacific coast winters). I had bought her a Gryffindor scarf, which matches the one I've had for almost 7 years now. I'd mentioned in passing that night that one day I'd love to have a Weasley sweater or a Ravenclaw scarf. (If you don't know your Harry Potter, I apologize for the confused expression on your face at this point) Anyway, so we went out for a late meal on Tuesday after I was done Young Women and she handed me a wrapped box. Inside was a Ravenclaw scarf that she knit for me herself. It's special because 1) I'm a Ravenclaw at heart, 2) It was knit just for me, 3) It was knit by my bestest friend who is practically my sister, and 4) I know it took her a lot of time to make it and she is NOT someone who has a lot of spare time, which means she has been using a lot of the little amount of it that she has making something just for me. I feel so special and loved! So I just wanted to share that little story and make sure I have it documented for my own sake. Happy Christmas season!
Also, it came with a card which my adorable 2 year old 'niece' insisted on drawing a picture inside of for me because she loves her 'Aunt' Nikki.
Also, it came with a card which my adorable 2 year old 'niece' insisted on drawing a picture inside of for me because she loves her 'Aunt' Nikki.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I Do Still Exist...
I'll be honest. I'm mostly posting just because I feel like I should, since I've had 2 posts in the past 2 months.
I kind of feel like I've been owned by my calling for the past few months. Between a trip to the Calgary Temple open house, a plethora of weekend meetings, Young Women in Excellence and extra activities beyond the normal Tuesday ones. I was kind of hoping for a break this month after all of that, instead I'm busy getting ready to train my new class presidency and get us all ready for the new youth curriculum starting in January (which I'm beyond excited for, by the way). Oh well, it's okay that I'm busy because I really do love my calling. My former class president turned 14 two weeks ago and finished her Young Womanhood Recognition requirements the night before. It's things like her getting her certificate and medallion that remind me why I love my calling so much. I was so happy for her and impressed with her accomplishment.
My tree still isn't up, which is a huge deal for me. Normally I struggle to wait until December to put it up. In my defense, though, I ended up sick on Monday night and the kids were super cranky and that's why it didn't go up. Tonight, though, before I race off to a presidency meeting (see what I mean about being owned?). I haven't felt as passionate about Christmas this year and it feels so odd. I LOVE Christmas and I'm usually bouncing all over the place this time of the year. I'm not even done my Christmas shopping yet...*gasp* I am, however, really looking forward to having John at home with us for a week and a half and to not having to travel anywhere this year. I'm excited to be able to wake up in my own bed on Christmas morning and to do things on my own schedule.
Bretts is walking quite well now and has actually started conversing a bit, which was HUGE progress for him. I'm a lot less worried about his delay now. Ty is still my crazy man who entertains us all of the time. Caleb loves grade 1 and is doing well with learning to read and to play piano. We were looking at girl clothes the other day at Walmart and he thought a pink onesie and pink leggings would look good together. They didn't, so I said "You don't know anything about fashion, do you?" to which he replied "I don't know about fashion, but I know a lot about women". I have NEVER laughed so loud in a store before, ha ha.
Oh, and about 2 weeks ago I gave up Dr Pepper for the next year or so...First and foremost, because drinking a minimum of 2 bottles of it per day is kind of an issue and I didn't like feeling so dependent on it. Second, because I'm trying to get my body into a healthier state for when it's time for Baby Bly #4. I still miss it, mostly because I miss drinking something with flavour, but I told myself that once I make it to the end of the month without having any that I can get a new pair of jeans, so that's my extra motivation right now.
There are a few other things going on, but I'm sure you don't want ALL of my dirty laundry aired, ha ha. So yeah, I'm still here, and I'm still checking blogs a couple of times a week. I just don't feel like I have a lot to say lately, I guess.
Have a wonderful Christmas season!
I kind of feel like I've been owned by my calling for the past few months. Between a trip to the Calgary Temple open house, a plethora of weekend meetings, Young Women in Excellence and extra activities beyond the normal Tuesday ones. I was kind of hoping for a break this month after all of that, instead I'm busy getting ready to train my new class presidency and get us all ready for the new youth curriculum starting in January (which I'm beyond excited for, by the way). Oh well, it's okay that I'm busy because I really do love my calling. My former class president turned 14 two weeks ago and finished her Young Womanhood Recognition requirements the night before. It's things like her getting her certificate and medallion that remind me why I love my calling so much. I was so happy for her and impressed with her accomplishment.
My tree still isn't up, which is a huge deal for me. Normally I struggle to wait until December to put it up. In my defense, though, I ended up sick on Monday night and the kids were super cranky and that's why it didn't go up. Tonight, though, before I race off to a presidency meeting (see what I mean about being owned?). I haven't felt as passionate about Christmas this year and it feels so odd. I LOVE Christmas and I'm usually bouncing all over the place this time of the year. I'm not even done my Christmas shopping yet...*gasp* I am, however, really looking forward to having John at home with us for a week and a half and to not having to travel anywhere this year. I'm excited to be able to wake up in my own bed on Christmas morning and to do things on my own schedule.
Bretts is walking quite well now and has actually started conversing a bit, which was HUGE progress for him. I'm a lot less worried about his delay now. Ty is still my crazy man who entertains us all of the time. Caleb loves grade 1 and is doing well with learning to read and to play piano. We were looking at girl clothes the other day at Walmart and he thought a pink onesie and pink leggings would look good together. They didn't, so I said "You don't know anything about fashion, do you?" to which he replied "I don't know about fashion, but I know a lot about women". I have NEVER laughed so loud in a store before, ha ha.
Oh, and about 2 weeks ago I gave up Dr Pepper for the next year or so...First and foremost, because drinking a minimum of 2 bottles of it per day is kind of an issue and I didn't like feeling so dependent on it. Second, because I'm trying to get my body into a healthier state for when it's time for Baby Bly #4. I still miss it, mostly because I miss drinking something with flavour, but I told myself that once I make it to the end of the month without having any that I can get a new pair of jeans, so that's my extra motivation right now.
There are a few other things going on, but I'm sure you don't want ALL of my dirty laundry aired, ha ha. So yeah, I'm still here, and I'm still checking blogs a couple of times a week. I just don't feel like I have a lot to say lately, I guess.
Have a wonderful Christmas season!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Honor Bee = Check!
I finished my Honor Bee requirements this morning. After completing Personal Progress, you can elect to earn an Honor Bee. To do this you need to read the Book of Mormon again and do 40 hours of service. At least a portion of that service has to be helping a Young Woman with her Personal Progress. I finished both my Personal Progress and my Honor Bee within less than 14 months, which I'm really happy about. I'm excited to go and start Personal Progress all over again now. I love my calling so much and am so grateful for the chance that I have to serve the amazing girls in my ward.
Friday, October 5, 2012
28 Things...
I decided about a month ago that on my 28th birthday that I would post 28 random things about myself. I apologize in advance for any typos as I'm doing this from my phone since my desktop is at the doctor's.
1) If I could learn three things it would be how to dance, how to play piano and how to box on a punching bag properly.
2) I would give a whole lot to be able to sing even remotely well. This, however, I don't feel is something that can just be learned and is simply a gift that I don't have.
3) I wish I'd pursued acting. It was something a few of my teachers over the years thought I'd be great at, but I never did much with it for some reason.
4) I'm a chronic joint cracker, but I try not to do it around other people because I know some people are disgusted by it.
5) I am a people pleaser. John thinks this is more to my detriment than anything else. I bottle a lot trying to keep others happy.
6) I'd also be interested in learning how to make my own jewelry.
7) I was on a med at the age of 14 for a month that gave me lasting problems of my pupils dilating too much. It causes a fair few headaches.
8) I love Booster Juice with a passion.
9) I miss my father-in-law far more than I let on.
10) The smells of canned or juiced pineapple instantly makes me nauseous. I try to simplify things and just say I'm allergic, but I'm highly sensitive to it and it's not pleasant.
11) Any day that combines Dr Pepper and bacon is a winning day in my book.
12) I'm a geek at heart and love being given opportunities to geek out.
13) I love having impromptu dance parties with my boys.
14) My birthday always falls on the same day of the week that year as my mum and my brother. This year we had Friday birthdays.
15) I'd love to have a stylist to work with that could help me find a fashion style that suits my personality and my body type.
16) I'm a huge fan of The Olive Garden and The Old Spaghetti Factory.
17) Caleb and I sang a song together a couple of weeks ago and it was an incredibly special experience that he's chosen to make a daily ritual.
18) I am a planner. I love planning out everything, even vacations I'd never be able to actually take. I just find the process enjoyable.
19) I did the whole Personal Progress program in 8 months (give or take a few days).
20) 1/6 of the music on my phone is by Glee Cast. It's seldom that I like the original better.
21) I sleep better if there's music playing quietly the whole night.
22) I love hugs!
23) I love the Christmas season and have a hard time waiting to decorate, but I refuse to decorate before November12th.
24) I love playing outside in the rain. I find it very refreshing.
25) I'm scared of the dark and sleep with the light on when John's not with me.
26) If I were to go to school I have absolutely no idea what kind of course I would want to take.
27) I still occasionally miss my eyebrow piercing, even though I'd never have it redone.
28) I seriously have some of the greatest people in my life and I'm beyond grateful for them.
Happy 28th birthday to me!
1) If I could learn three things it would be how to dance, how to play piano and how to box on a punching bag properly.
2) I would give a whole lot to be able to sing even remotely well. This, however, I don't feel is something that can just be learned and is simply a gift that I don't have.
3) I wish I'd pursued acting. It was something a few of my teachers over the years thought I'd be great at, but I never did much with it for some reason.
4) I'm a chronic joint cracker, but I try not to do it around other people because I know some people are disgusted by it.
5) I am a people pleaser. John thinks this is more to my detriment than anything else. I bottle a lot trying to keep others happy.
6) I'd also be interested in learning how to make my own jewelry.
7) I was on a med at the age of 14 for a month that gave me lasting problems of my pupils dilating too much. It causes a fair few headaches.
8) I love Booster Juice with a passion.
9) I miss my father-in-law far more than I let on.
10) The smells of canned or juiced pineapple instantly makes me nauseous. I try to simplify things and just say I'm allergic, but I'm highly sensitive to it and it's not pleasant.
11) Any day that combines Dr Pepper and bacon is a winning day in my book.
12) I'm a geek at heart and love being given opportunities to geek out.
13) I love having impromptu dance parties with my boys.
14) My birthday always falls on the same day of the week that year as my mum and my brother. This year we had Friday birthdays.
15) I'd love to have a stylist to work with that could help me find a fashion style that suits my personality and my body type.
16) I'm a huge fan of The Olive Garden and The Old Spaghetti Factory.
17) Caleb and I sang a song together a couple of weeks ago and it was an incredibly special experience that he's chosen to make a daily ritual.
18) I am a planner. I love planning out everything, even vacations I'd never be able to actually take. I just find the process enjoyable.
19) I did the whole Personal Progress program in 8 months (give or take a few days).
20) 1/6 of the music on my phone is by Glee Cast. It's seldom that I like the original better.
21) I sleep better if there's music playing quietly the whole night.
22) I love hugs!
23) I love the Christmas season and have a hard time waiting to decorate, but I refuse to decorate before November12th.
24) I love playing outside in the rain. I find it very refreshing.
25) I'm scared of the dark and sleep with the light on when John's not with me.
26) If I were to go to school I have absolutely no idea what kind of course I would want to take.
27) I still occasionally miss my eyebrow piercing, even though I'd never have it redone.
28) I seriously have some of the greatest people in my life and I'm beyond grateful for them.
Happy 28th birthday to me!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Most Productive Dessert Date Ever
This is an extremely heavy post that I'm doing solely for my own benefit. I had a friend ask me out for dessert on Wednesday. She knew something was wrong with me (cause she's amazing) and called me out on it. I broke down and a whole lot came out about what I've been struggling with. One of those things was a man who 20 years ago broke my self esteem and it hasn't been repaired since. My friend was the first person in the whole 20 years to look my straight in the eyes and say "He was wrong, Nikki. He was wrong." I don't want to go into a lot of details about what happened because there are other people involved in the story that I don't want to talk about in this situation, but I've been carrying an obscene amount of baggage because of this man and it felt so good to FINALLY have someone tell me straight up that he was wrong.
She also said something that I've kind of replayed in my head a lot since. We were talking about how I don't know how to see good in myself and how I can only see my flaws due to my self esteem issues. She said "I wish that you could see yourself the way I see you" and went on to tell me some of the things she really appreciates about me that I don't recognize in myself.
When she asked me out for dessert, I don't think she knew that I was going to start deeply searching and trying to change a huge thing in my life after. I think we just missed hanging out with each other (cause she's the Harry to my Ron). I also know that there's no way she could have known when she asked "How are you doing, really?" just how much was going to come out. It's amazing, though, how much difference one person with a kind a sincere heart can make. I've been grateful for a while now that Heavenly Father brought her into my life, but now that gratitude is beyond words. I am so thankful that He has blessed me with her friendship at this time and has given me a friend who realizes just how much I need someone to help me feel like I'm of worth.
I guess the point I wanted to make, other than having these important things recorded for me to go back to, was to never underestimate what you could end up meaning to someone else just by caring about them.
She also said something that I've kind of replayed in my head a lot since. We were talking about how I don't know how to see good in myself and how I can only see my flaws due to my self esteem issues. She said "I wish that you could see yourself the way I see you" and went on to tell me some of the things she really appreciates about me that I don't recognize in myself.
When she asked me out for dessert, I don't think she knew that I was going to start deeply searching and trying to change a huge thing in my life after. I think we just missed hanging out with each other (cause she's the Harry to my Ron). I also know that there's no way she could have known when she asked "How are you doing, really?" just how much was going to come out. It's amazing, though, how much difference one person with a kind a sincere heart can make. I've been grateful for a while now that Heavenly Father brought her into my life, but now that gratitude is beyond words. I am so thankful that He has blessed me with her friendship at this time and has given me a friend who realizes just how much I need someone to help me feel like I'm of worth.
I guess the point I wanted to make, other than having these important things recorded for me to go back to, was to never underestimate what you could end up meaning to someone else just by caring about them.
Monday, September 17, 2012
I'll Pretend You Didn't Just Say That
Brettley had an appointment with his opthalmologist this morning. We had assumed we'd be getting a date for his second surgery. Instead we're getting sent for an MRI. When John texted that to me, my body just kind of froze and I wanted to pretend that I hadn't just read that. In the back of my mind I've known for a long time that at some point we were going to have to have one. He's 8 months behind in a lot of developmental areas and his eyes reverted back a lot more after the surgery than the doctor had expected. Therefore, we need to know if there's an underlying factor behind all of this, which his pediatrician considered earlier in the year as well. I'm terrified. About what this could mean for Brett, and for all of us as a family. It's been a pretty stressful day and I'm really grateful that I will have a chance to go to the temple tomorrow evening with the youth and find the peace that comes when I'm in the temple. I can't imagine handling any of this without the gospel in my life. I'm so grateful for it.
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