Kristin's Neverending Story

Check out The Squish

2011-07-09T11:51:00.001-07:00

http://juliashinklephotography.blogspot.com/2011/07/squish.html

I love that little boy!!

Jaren's Birth Story

2011-02-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

I know that this is coming pretty late, but I finally sat down at wrote it out.

From week 20 I had started having Braxton Hicks contractions. I got them frequently until the very end. They were always sporadic and far enough apart to not worry me, however, or the doctor. Until Wednesday, December 15th.
That night I started feeling contractions every 5 minutes. It lasted for up to an hour and a half, and then they slowed down. They never really stopped, but they were far enough apart to not worry me. The next night, the 16th, they came every 3 minutes for nearly two hours. They eventually subsided and slowed down. I had a doctor’s appointment the next day, so I figured I’d mention it to her and see what she said.
So, the following day at my appointment, I met with the nurse practitioner who told me that I was more than likely going to go into labor early. She predicted in the next two to three weeks. At this point, on December 17th, I was 34 weeks and 4 days pregnant. She told me to take it easy, rest when I could, and drink a lot of water. So I did, but the contractions never really went away. Whether they be 5 to 20 minutes apart, they were there.
I was exhausted, my body hurt, I couldn’t sleep. I was getting to the point to where I was hoping these contractions would either quit or make me get it over with and go into labor. Lee asked me, “Is this normal to have so many contractions?” and I would just shrug it off and go about my day, thinking if I’m in labor, I’ll know. He told me I should go to the hospital several times, but, yet, my stubborn self stayed home.
Finally, on December 22nd, Lee told me again that I should go to figure out why I kept having so many contractions. At this point the contractions were, I thought, about 8 to 12 minutes apart. So I finally gave in and called the doctors office. I left a message for them to give to my doctor and was told they would call me back. I figured it would be a heck of a long wait, so I got in the bath with my book to relax. As soon as I got comfortable, the darn phone rings. I literally rolled my eyes knowing that they were going to tell me to go to labor and delivery. I dreaded the trip because I KNEW they were going to say, “Well, you’re crap out of luck and you’ll just have to continue to deal with the monstrosity of contractions at home,” in so many words. Sure enough, I was told to go to L&D.
I’m sure on the way to the hospital I looked like a crazy person to other drivers. I was talking to myself, praying out loud, crying… I was thinking about how embarrassing it was going to be because, at the moment, I hadn’t been feeling any contractions. I was thinking, ‘Of course, as soon as I get the call and go to the hospital, the stupid contractions would stop.” Each mile I got closer the more upset I was becoming because of my lack of contractions and my stupidity of actually calling and wasting these peoples time when they could be helping someone else. I almost turned around several dozen times.
I didn’t, though. When I got there, they took me into a nice room with a TV and they got me some apple juice, which was really yummy by the way. The nurse asked how I was doing and I told her that my husband made me come in and I’m not in labor. Then I told her about the contractions I’d been having. She hooked me up to the monitors and, sure enough, I was still having contractions, I just couldn’t feel them – though it wasn’t long after that I did start to feel them. My contractions weren’t 8-12 minutes apart, however, they were more like 2-3 minutes apart. She checked me and said I was only 1 centimeter dilated. The doctor decided to give me an hour and if I progressed more, then we were going to go ahead and perform the c-section. Ummmm, what?! I’m not having a baby today. Yep, I was still in denial. So I texted Lee the news, who was stuck in Portland without a car, and he asked me if he should call a taxi to drive him to the jeep in Salem. I told him that nothing was going to change and they were going to just send me home anyway, so it would be a wasted trip.
After an hour and half, she comes in to check me again. Well, from here, I could definitely feel my contractions, each and every one of them. They weren’t too painful, yet, but they were getting there. My tune was beginning to change that I may just very well be in labor. But, after she checked me, I hadn’t dilated any more and I feared she was about to send me home, just when I was getting scared. She told me that the contractions were definitely getting stronger and were now 1-2 minutes apart, so she wanted to tell the doctor. She came back and said the doctor wanted to give me another hour and we’d go from there. I tell Lee what’s going on and that my contractions were getting stronger. Now they’re making my eyes water and my back was killing me. Yep, I’m definitely in labor, but I was still in denial that I would be having a baby that day. So, I told Lee that he should come… just in case.
Lee actually makes it before the nurse comes back to check on me – her hours are more like an hour and a half to two hours. When she does, I’m dilated to 3 centimeters, which means that, if the doctor okays it, I’m having a baby. I’m still in denial, though. I mean, I knew that we were more than likely going to be welcoming Jaren into the world that day, but it didn’t really hit me yet. I was still surprised that I was in the hospital and not being sent home. When the nurse came back after telling the doctor my progression, she was joined with a few other people and announced that in an hour we were going to have a baby. It was 7:00 pm, so they predicted we would be ready for surgery by 8. WHAT?! was all I could think. Lee and I looked at each other and nervously giggled, I think, but I was still kinda out of it. REALLY?! We let the babysitter – love you, Wendy – know so she could tell the kids that their baby brother would be born very soon.
The prep team took longer than they predicted and Lee and I were getting anxious. I was scared to death and Lee was trying to console me and said that everything was going to be great. When they finally took me into surgery and we left Lee behind to wait while they finished prepping me, I got even more scared. I was shaking horribly. Poor nurse had to hold my legs down while they gave me the spinal because I was shaking uncontrollably. I mean, sure, I’d had a c-section before… but I was asleep for that one. Finally – and I really mean finally because they almost forgot to get Lee, I was already cut open when they remembered – Lee came in and held my hand through the entire surgery. There were ten people in the room with us. Everyone was extremely nice. There was a time I was so sure I was going to puke, and Lee grabbed my puke bag and was actually going to hold it out for me so I could puke in it. I kept trying to swallow it back down because of his gesture, because, if anyone really knows Lee, they know how weak of a stomach that man has. He must really love me to actually offer to hold the puke bag. Lucky for him, I didn’t puke.
I remembered reading that you didn’t feel the pain but you felt tugging and pulling in your stomach, but, man, did that tugging and pulling hurt. I felt as if a bus was crushing my chest. I only felt tugging in my abdomen, but my chest felt as if it was going to cave in. Lee was so wonderful, comforting me and loving me and saying sweet things that I really wish I could remember because I’m sure I’ll never get him to say or admit that he even said them again. =P
When Jaren was born, on December 22nd at 8:54pm, at 35 weeks and 2 days gestation, all we heard was a gurgle, like a murloc from World of Warcraft, before they actually got him to cry. It was the cutest sound ever – though not so much when you hear it in WOW. He didn’t cry long because he was having a hard time breathing. We were only able to see him for a few short seconds before he was rushed away to be put on oxygen. Luckily, he only needed oxygen for a little over an hour. They then put him on CPAP to help him to continue to breath.
I was put back together and moved to recovery. Lee was able to go and see Jaren in NICU while I had to stay in recovery. I was glad that one of us could be with him. After my time was up and I was able to wiggle my toes, they pushed my bed to NICU where I could see my little Jaren. I couldn’t reach him from my bed, so I didn’t get to touch him. His face was practically covered with tubes and wraps and I couldn’t even see what, or who, he looked like. When they took me to my room and told me that he would probably have to stay for a while in NICU I finally broke down. Lee was there to comfort me, again, and helped me to feel better.
The next day, on the 23rd, I was able to hold him. Holding him was a chore and I felt guilty for wanting to hold him so badly because they had to carefully move him with all his cords and we had to be really careful. I got over it, though, and held my baby. They fed him pumped breast milk through a tube that they put in his nose. I felt so useless. There was nothing I could do for him.
Christmas day was a great day. I was discharged, no longer a patient, but was moved to a boarding room so I could still be at the hospital with Jaren. The best part, though, was that was the day they took him off the CPAP and was the first day that I was able to attempt to breast feed him. It was so much easier to hold him and everything.
We didn’t have much progress on the feeding. He would latch and fall asleep. He’s was too exhausted to try to eat. Poor guy. He just wasn’t getting it. And, of course, since they filled his belly up for him, he didn’t realize that he actually had to do something to get a full belly. It took about a week of me getting up every 3 hours and trying to get him to eat, only for them to end up having to feed him through the tube. I was getting depressed, and lonely. Lee and the kids would come and visit and bring me dinner every night and every night that they left to go home I cried. I just didn’t feel like we were getting much progress and I was getting really frustrated and I was tired.
Finally, on December 31st, I decided that I was going to spend new years with the family and make it to the church activity that they were planning on having. After all, the nurses in NICU were always telling me how they wished all moms were as dedicated as I was to make it to all the feedings and they told me that if at any time I needed a break, to go home for a few hours, it was perfectly fine. So I was going to do that. When I went to see Jaren that morning, his doctor told me that I was being moved into a boarding room WITH Jaren. The feeding tube was coming off and the strict 3 hour schedule was being taken away and I could feed him whenever he wanted. Within 3 days, if he gained weight, we could go home! Yeah, I was not about to go anywhere. Lee and the kids came to our room and spent the New Year with us. It was perfect!
Jaren did great. Once he realized that he wasn’t going to be fed by the nurses, he started nursing like a champ. Finally, on January 3rd, 12 days in the hospital, we were sent home where Lee and the kids welcomed us and made us feel loved. =)

Dress and matching headband giveaway...

2010-09-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

No, not me, I'm not giving it away, but if you go here, http://hairbowsforgirls.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-big-one-dress-and-matching-headband.html you will be able to join in on this awesome giveaway, too.
Honestly, I'm posting this on my blog for an extra enty! The dress is that beautiful! If you have a girl, come on over and try to win, too. I mean, just look at it! What girl wouldn't look absolutely stunning in this dress?!

The Burns Baby - Boy or Girl?!?

2010-09-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Surprise!! I'm pregnant...

2010-09-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

OK, so if you know me then you already knew this. At least, I hope you did, because as of yesterday I'm 19 weeks along. Yep, it seems my slacking on writing on my blog has went as far as me not even sharing the good news. So I'll do so now, not that anyone really reads my blog, anyway - since it's been inactive for the most part.

I had the big ultrasound a few days ago and it's a................... monkey. Yep, that's all I'm telling you, for now. Lee decided a while back that we weren't going to find out what we were having, but we decided the day before the ultrasound that we were both too practical not to find out what it was. I mean, we have NOTHING baby wise, so we need to start completely over and it will be good to know what to buy, and what colors. I'm not a fan of yellows, really. So now we know the colors and things and I'm stoked. I feel bad because I was secretly hoping for the opposite sex than what I'm getting, but I am NOT disappointed, at all. I'm definitely excited.

So, the reason why I'm not sharing just yet is because Lee banned me from doing so. He is making something so we can share what it is and I need to be patient with it. I should be able to post it in a few days.

The ultrasound, as far as I know, went well. Baby is measuring around 10 oz, bigger than the 8 and 1/2 babycenter said it should be, and was moving around like crazy. Silly baby! While the baby was cooperative, I was not. Apparently, I was having a Braxton Hicks contraction and she couldn't measure the cervix. She came back every 5 minutes to see if it relaxed, but it took 20 minutes. She was patient. She said that she wasn't aloud to tell me anything and my doctor would call me. I figure since I haven't heard anything, yet, things must be looking good. I'm crossing my fingers that that's the case.

One of those days...

2010-08-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you wake up and just know you're going to have a bad day? Of course you have... Everyone has been there. And you're usually right, correct?

Yep, I was. It's only 11:10 am and my day already sucks. Not only that, it progressively keeps proving my assessment this morning to be correct. I even said an extra long prayer this morning, hoping to refrain from such a bad day, but, I suppose, it was my time.

That's OK, I probably needed and deserved it. It's making me want to bring out my creativity and bury myself into writing. That's something that I really need to do, anyway. I really need to finish the book I've been working on because I already know what the next book is going to be about, and it's exciting. I really want to start writing it, but, come on, if I can't finish my very first novel, how am I ever going to finish another one?

I'm just not feeling Demon in the Knight at the moment, though. Ugh! I have people waiting for new chapters and I haven't done anything about it for awhile. It's just sitting there, 3/4 of the way finished, stuck. Poor Liam and Paige have been stuck in that school, hiding from the bad guys for nearly two months now, and I continue to leave them there. I suppose it's time for a new chapter so they can, at the very least, get out of the school and figure out their next move. Maybe because of my bad day, and my need to be left alone, I can help them along.

Yeah, that's what I'll do... Yay for bad days!!!!

I'm such a doofus....

2010-07-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

So... Lee gets packages often. I NEVER open his packages. EVER!! And it's not even that he cares if I open his packages, I just never do. Fedex just stopped by and left a package from Amazon for him. I was like, 'Wha?? He don't buy things from Amazon. I'm opening this one.' Of course, totally forgot that my b-day is in two days...

I feel SOOOOO bad. I saw my present and he's not even home for him to see the pure shock and excitement on my face. This man would get so annoyed at me for even mentioning that I wanted a Kindle. He said that it was just a way to neglect my family with more books. Now I get why he said that, to keep me from ever thinking he would ever get me one. OMGosh!!! My present is a KINDLE!!! I'm so flippen excited. Now I have to tell him that I opened and saw my present. Not only that, I have to wait, very impatiently, for two days to play with it. I'm seriously wanting to squeal like a little girl at Christmas.

Working Out!!!

2010-05-20T01:37:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to work out. Not that I need to lose weight, but so I can be in better shape. Honestly, I don't know why I don't way 50lbs more than I do now, because I am lazy.

I bought a week pass for the gym in town, and love it, but the hubby hates wasting money when I can run outside and watch workout videos at home; so, I'm afraid, the week is all I'm going to get there. Meh, that's ok. I have added mp3 audio books to my blackberry for entertainment as I workout. That was one of my problems, not being able to put down a book to work out. I would much rather be reading. This is the perfect substitute.

The only problem with working out it the fact that I get horrible migraine's, it seems, when I do. Nearly everytime I have a good run, my head feels as if it's going to explode. Why is that?

Today, after working out, I felt as if I were drunk. I was so dizzy, and everything was a fog. It was really weird. I honestly thought I was going to pass out. Never felt that way after a workout before. Meh, I'm all good and plan on doing it again tomorrow.

Someone let the crazies out.

2010-04-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

I'll say it again, I seriously need a new job...

Crazy: "Hey, you!"

Me: "Yeah?"... See More

Crazy: "You're a cute and sweet girl..."

Me: "Umm... ok?"

Crazy: "I wanted to letcha know that I'm going to make a statement for you and your generation.

Me: "And what's that?"

Crazy: "I'm going to jail."

Me: "Uhhh, OK... I'm sorry?"

Crazy: "I'm goin' to rob a bank so this joke of a government will take me to jail. I've already called them and told them I'm goin' to rob a bank and shoot me some idiot cops. They told me they won't take me to jail until I do try it, though. I sent them my picture. They said they'll send it to the banks to let them know to watch out for me."

Me: "Uhhh... Okaaaaay..."

Crazy: "I'm doin this for you and your freedom."

Me: "How exactly do you robbing a bank have anything to do with my freedom? That's ridiculous."

Crazy: "Cause I'm making a statement to the government that they're a joke. They already told me that I can't smoke in a bar. See, they took your freedom, too, by not allowin' us to smoke."

Me: "Actually, they're making sure that I live longer and stay healthier by taking out the smoking in a bar. I don't have to sit here and smell other people's smoking while I work. I'm glad they did that."

Crazy: "That's what they say because that's what they want you to believe. See... They've already brainwashed ya. I have to do this."

Me: "Umm... No, that's how I feel and that's what I believe. I'm a free thinker and I enjoy not breathing in smoke."

Crazy: "Well... They steal from ya by taxin' you on everything."

Me: "That's just a part of life. Something we've got to deal with."

Crazy: "Well, I'm done. I'm going to be put in jail so I can show them that I'm done with them trying to support me with social security and then steal from me. They won't be gettin' anything from me and I don't need them. That's why I must prove this by going to jail."

Me: "Actually, if you're in jail, they'll be supporting you and you'll have to do exactly what they tell you to. How does this prove yours or my freedom, exactly?

Crazy: raises voice, "I won't be doing nothin' they say. They can lock me up in confinement, because I won't do nothin'."

Me: "Well, I think that's just ridiculous. If you go to jail, you're giving up your freedom."

Crazy: "I'm giving up my freedom for you. You won't think it's ridiculous some day. You're too young to get it. When you're older, you'll get it, and you'll be grateful."

Me: "Riiiiight..."

Crazy: "Well, when you see my name in the paper for robbin', you'll know that I did this for your freedom."

Me: "...and that makes absolutely no sense."

Crazy: "Cause you're too young for it to make any sense. That's why I came in tonight, to see if I should do it here in the next few days, but I respect you and the owner (he talked to Danny, the owner, too) and I'll find somewhere else."

Me: speachless

Crazy: parting remarks, "Just remember it was for you and your generation. You'll wish you could thank me some day."

Me: "Riiiight. See you later." relief

Crazy: laugh "Only in the paper, and you'll remember me."

Sad news...

2010-04-11T23:36:00.001-07:00

Hannah, my best friend for the past 23 years, has been through so much. It amazes me how strong that woman is. She lost her mother, who was an amazing woman, just a few years ago. She still has a hard time with it. She recently divorced and his now raising two young kids on her own. Now, her older brother just found out that he has a brain tumor. He's only 32/33. He's too young for this. Hannah has three older brothers, and of them all, this one, Jason, was always my favorite. He was always so nice to me growing up. He has so much going for him. He has traveled the world, spent time in the army, modeled in LA, and so many more things. Hannah and I, several years ago with 3 young kids, even drove all the way across the country, from NC to Cali, just to visit him and his amazing new home.

Now, he's sick and isn't getting any better. They want to perform surgery on him, but he has no insurance and is short $10,000. Hannah and her brothers are trying to save money, collect money, accept donations, so that Jason can go through with this surgery and be able to go back home to NC and spend time with his family while he goes through this horror.

Keep them in your prayers and thoughts,even if you don't know them. That family has been through so much in such a short time and this just tops it. They are all struggling through these trials.

I'm so bad...

2010-04-07T18:00:00.001-07:00

It has been FOREVER since I have posted on here. I know, I am so slack. I'm going to try to be better. I also have a blog for my books that I read. If anyone is interested, it is http://kristinloverofbooks.blogspot.com/

Anyway, family life is great. I'm still working at the bar, but hope to eventually get out of there, still. Someday... The kids are growing up fast - too fast. Lee has an awesome job in Portland that he loves. Anyway, I gotta go and mess with my book blog and figure out how to work it out.

Good day to everyone, if anyone is still around. =)

Olivia got her hair cut again...

2009-02-22T23:34:00.001-08:00

Since Olivia had a hard time keeping her hair looking nice we decided to chop it off.. She loves it.. She was so excited when we told her we would let her cut it.. She has wanted it this short for 2 years.. Now she can brush her own hair and I don't have to deal with her screaming when I am trying to get tangles out of it.. I was worried, but it is pretty darn cute..

MY HOUSE!!

2009-02-19T16:54:00.001-08:00

Since I didn't update on the house that I thought was perfect for us, I guess I should do that now.. That house already had an offer (it was a great price so it went fast).. I was bummed.. We looked at many other houses but just didn't feel right about them.. A few we thought we could see ourselves there, but it just wasn't right..

One day after leaving church, we saw a house for sale (it is practically across the street from our church).. We talked to our agents and they looked it up for us.. So about a week ago, we went to look at it.. As soon as I walked in the door to this house I just knew.. I knew it was our house.. So I looked around.. We were only going for 3 bedroom, but this house had 4 bedrooms.. It has 2 bathrooms, and the most beautiful kitchen that I have EVER seen in a home.. I wanted this house.. So did Lee.. So did the kids.. We all felt right about it.. We told them we wanted to make an offer.. So we did.. Right after we made an offer, someone else decided to make an offer also.. Since we did first, we were able to change our offer.. We added $7,000 to the original offer.. Then it was time to wait.. We had to wait to see what offer would be accepted.. We had no idea what the other people offered.. Lee told me not to get my hopes up (which I did).. Guess what?? I am assuming that you already guessed because of the title.. =) YEP!! It is going to be ours.. They can not withdraw.. We can, but they can't.. It is ours.. Then again, I knew it would be as soon as I walked in anyways.. I am SO excited.. Unfortunately we have to wait for the closing date before we get the key and get to move in.. But near the end of next month, we will be moving into our new home.. My first real home (not counting the house I grew up in).. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?? I couldn't be any happier..

Not to mention starting next week, I will be getting 3 days off of work (fri, sat, and sun) because of my new awesome idea of the work schedule.. I will have to pull a 13 hour shift on wed, but who cares, I will get 3 days off.. =) Life couldn't get much better.. Well I could find a better job, but for now life is AWESOME..

I will post pictures as soon as I get to take some.. I am drooling over my soon to be kitchen.. WOW!!!

House Hunting

2009-01-31T19:10:00.000-08:00

Yes!! Lee and I went house hunting today.. We are going to buy our first house.. You have NO idea how unbelievably excited I am about this.. Our real estate agent took us to 6 houses today.. A few were ok, and a few were good, but there was one that was PERFECT for us.. Ok, it had the ugliest green carpet upstairs, but it was PERFECT.. It is exactly what we want.. So we made an offer.. The price for this house seemed way cheap for how huge it was.. It is 2 story.. There are 3 rooms upstairs and the downstairs needs work done to it.. It hasn't been completed but we can make a theater room in the downstairs and even add a few more rooms if we wanted to.. The yard is HUGE.. The house is HUGE.. Did I say that it is PERFECT?? I swear if we don't get this house I am going to cry.. I am in love with it already.. It has a built in garage, a shed for outside and another section of the house that is not connected that can be made into a play room.. Seriously though, the house is only 170,000 and after we have lived in it and finished the work that was already started in the extra space and the downstairs, this house will go for 250,000 or more I am sure.. Either way, I could live in this house for the rest of my life.. It is beautiful and PERFECT.. I can't wait to go and look at it again.. I needed to take pictures.. I will definitely have to get rid of that 70's green carpet though.. LOL!! It was hideous.. =P

Been awhile..

2009-01-15T21:53:00.001-08:00

Hmm, it has been a while since I updated.. The time went by kinda fast.. I got sucked into some awesome books and didn't even touch my computer.. I have been really busy lately.. I seem to work ALL the time.. I really need a vacation.. When I am not at work, I seem to be reading or spending time with the kids.. I almost forgot that I even had a blog.. *sigh* I never put any Christmas pictures or anything up.. I am such a slackard.. I will get better.. I swear.. =)

Happy Birthday Olivia

2008-12-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

It was a fun and busy day.. Since Lee works graveyard, the kids woke me up at 9am to eat cake and open presents.. Oh brother!!!

While Lee was sleeping I took the kids to the indoor swimming pool where I stayed in the warm pool the entire time.. We met our neighbors there and had some fun.. =)

After the pool, we got changed and went to the high school where they had a Christmas thing going on.. We drank hot chocolate, Olivia got to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas, and we got to ride on a sleigh with 2 huge horses pulling it.. I took a picture of our neighbors Tiffinay, Dan, and Makyra that I thought was SO cute..

After Lee woke up, we went bowling.. It was a very busy day.. I was happy when the kids were in bed and I got to have some quiet time after this day.. =) Was a very good day though..

After Lee finally woke up, we took the kids bowling..

Kaleb Has Glasses...

2008-12-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

At first he loved them, but now he hates them.. =) He sure does look smart in them.. I think they are adorable..

Kaleb's Baptism

2008-11-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day.. It was so amazing and so wonderful watching Lee baptize our son and confirming him a member of the church.. I cried.. I am so lucky to have a husband that holds the priesthood.. I was/am a proud mom and wife..

Anyway, the pictures are backwards, but I didn't want to upload them again, so this works..

Us eating Mexican after the baptisms.. We were lucky to have Aunt Becca and Uncle Phillip join us all the way from California..

Kaleb looks scared to death.. He always get that look and scrunches up his chin when he is nervous.. Vaneta (I don't know if I spelled her name right) was baptized also.. When the bishop called them up there we thought he was going to marry them.. It was so cute..

Kaleb and Olivia

Poor guy.. =)

We did not get a good picture of all of us.. I don't know what Lee is doing, but he has the SAME face in all 3 of the family pictures.. There were a few cameras going off so I think he picked a spot to stare at..

My men.. =)

My baby is getting baptized...

2008-11-25T00:49:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it?? On November 29 Kaleb will be getting baptized.. I am SO proud of him.. He is really growing up.. Lee tested him though to make sure he was really ready and he has proven himself to us all that he really wants to do this and that he is ready.. Watching Lee baptize Kaleb is going to be incredible.. I am SO grateful that I have a man that holds and honors the priesthood and is able to baptize our children.. I just know that I am going to be the mom that I am and bawl.. What can I say?? =)

Wishing upon a star....

2008-11-20T01:04:00.001-08:00

Star light, star bright, I wish open the first star I see tonight.....

I wish my house would clean itself because I just CAN'T keep up...

Being silly before church

2008-11-16T22:47:00.001-08:00

The things we do while waiting for Lee to finish getting ready for church.. =)

I am sleepy..

2008-11-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

There are some awesome things about being the manager of a job, but there are some bad things also.. We just hired a new girl a week and a half ago.. She was short around $30 3 times.. She didn't really work.. You work by yourself at this place, so it is important to remember to do everything when you open or when you close the bar.. She forgot to turn the hood fan on is the morning which made it smokey because of the grill.. She forgot to turn off half the neon lights when she left.. One time on her till she counted her money wrong.. She wrote that she had $225 in 5 $ bills.. She had $215 and she said $3 in coins, but she had $5.. She just didn't care.. She hurried and did a half *** job in everything.. So yesterday she came in with her boyfriend to shoot some pool and drink some beer.. Fine and dandy but she was scheduled to work in 2 hours.. You can't come in and drink right before your shift.. Not only that, but the day before she was supposed to work at the other bar and didn't show up, didn't call, nothing.. So Javier (half honor) came in to bring me stuff and saw her drinking.. He fired her right then and brought me a new girl that had started that day.. So guess what?? I have to go in tonight and train the new girl.. Meaning I only get 1 day off this week because today was supposed to be my day off.. *Sigh* Oh well..

The Bishop is coming over soon to talk to us.. Not sure what about.. Probably just wants to get to know us better.. Lee already has a calling.. I don't, but I am sure that he could have met me at church to give me a calling.. I guess I will find out when he gets here..

Last night our ward had a talent show.. It was AWESOME.. So many people were SO funny.. Kids got up there, people acting, and the Bishopric did a hilarious skit.. The bishop was being interviewed on what he does in the morning by one of the counselors and the other counselor was behind the bishop with a blanket on him.. So he used his arms like they were the bishops.. It was SO funny.. The bishop got toothpaste all over him, shaving cream everyone, and cereal and milk poured on top of him.. SO FUNNY!! Anyways, Lee wrote a song about the atonement and played his guitar and sang the song.. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing.. His song was SO powerful.. Half the room stood up after he was done clapping and screaming.. He has such a powerful voice and the spirit was there in his song.. I have such a talented husband.. He is truly amazing.. He said that he wrote the song last week and asked Heavenly Father for a little help.. He said after that the words just poured out onto the paper.. AMAZING!!!!!! I wish I recorded it.. Someone did thought..

Want to fast with us??

2008-11-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

This is not a debate..
We all know that I am LDS (mormon).. Well, my church is being attacked hardcore.. It is sad.. People are crowding the LDS Temples (the most sacred places on earth) with signs of hatrid and vandalizing church buildings.. People are sending white powdered envelopes to the temples to scare innocent people.. People are sending hate mail to the president of the church.. People are yelling and and pointing fingers.. Homes are getting attacked and vandalized.. I know of people that have gotten attacked while getting gas.. Members everywhere are getting cussed at and yelled at.. People are threatening to burn down our temples and churches.. Many people have lost friends over this.. I know that many feel that the church deserves this, but I personally think it is unfair to single us out..

Thank goodness I do not live in California.. I would have had a REALLY hard time voting for prop 8 (ban on same sex marriage).. I do not care at all about same sex couples getting married.. I am happy to see any people who are in love be joined together.. I have many friends (even on here) who are gay.. I hope that no one judges me.. I love you all and do not care in the slightest about your sexual prefences..

That being said if ANY of you REALLY know me, than you know that I have a STRONG testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.. I believe WHOLE HEARTEDLY that Jesus Christ restored his church to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith.. I KNOW that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me and EVERYONE else on this earth.. I KNOW that we are ALL brothers and sisters and were sent to this earth to recieve a body.. I KNOW that Thomas S Monson is a TRUE prophet of God and he recieves revelation for our day.. I will follow the Lords Councel.. I KNOW that all of these things are TRUE and I can not and will not deny my faith and my Father in Heaven..

To see everything that is going on is just so sad to me.. Yes, the prophet sent a letter about prop 8.. Yes, many members used their own money for ads on yes for prop 8.. It was NOT the churches money, it was the members money.. If it was so important that God wanted the members to vote yes on prop 8 than of course members of the church were going to do what God asked them to do.. They did not do this because they hate, they did this because of their honest belief and their faith in God.. All members that I haved talked to said that they feel the same as me.. They feel that they do not care if people are gay.. They do not judge.. It does not change who they are at all.. They respect others choices as do I.. There was a lot more to it than that though.. Members of the church just did not want to change the definition of marriage and were warned of the outcome if it didn't pass.. Latter-Day Saints are BIG on the sanctity of marriage and family..

Anyways, I feel that I am defending myself (I didn't even vote, I live in Oregon) and the church that I believe in..

I guess my point is, why are the LDS being blamed for it passing?? I understand all the money from the members, but there were more than just LDS that voted.. Even if all the LDS people voted no it would have still passed.. We do not take up half the population of California.. Shoot we only take up a small percentage.. We are being blamed and worldwide we are being attack..
So a few friends and I decided that we are going to fast and try to get anyone else who would like to fast with us.. A fast for the saints to be strong, the temples and church buildings to be protected, and those who are angry to have their hearts softened and bring them comfort. We understand that they are hurt and angry.. A fast for peace and tolerance and for the saints to stand strong during this trial. To let our lights so shine before men.

The fast date will be on Saturday, November 22nd..
ETA: It will be tomorrow instead... We feel is to be more appropriate with tomorrows events.. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/13/35310/262

There are several more protest groups planning on going to more temples worldwide this weekend.. Pray that everyone stays calm and are well protected..

I am slack.. Halloween..

2008-11-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

So my supposed to be really good pictures with the nice hay to sit on with a nice background ALL turned out blurry.. I am so upset about that.. This is what I have though.... Olivia cracks me up, she always has this huge goofy grin on her face.. Silly girl..

All about Kaleb..

2008-10-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

I rarely get a decent picture of Kaleb.. He hates getting his picture taken.. I thought this one was cute though.. He has such beautiful eyes.. His eyes are a dark blue and he has LONG black eyelashes..
Kaleb is SO smart.. In 1st grade Kaleb got first place out of ALL the 1st graders (3 classes) in the spelling bee.. In 2nd grade (out of 3 classes) he got 2nd place in the math competition (they gave him a shirt with his name on it).. Now in 3rd grade, he is in advanced reading and math.. He is captain of the battle of the books team and is bringing home 4th grade math that I am having trouble with (I need to go back to school).. It amazes me on how smart this kid is.. Not only is he extremely smart he is honestly a GOOD kid and person.. He strives to choose the right.. He rarely gets in trouble (occasional forgetting to close his mouth when he eats).. He is so caring and sensitive.. You have to be careful with him.. His feelings can get hurt easily.. I honestly believe he is going to make it far in life.. I honestly believe that he will go on a mission and that he will help many people.. He is truelly the best son I could have ever even thought to have.. I am lucky to be is mommy.. =)

Somewhat better picture of Olivia's LONG hair..

2008-10-31T00:20:00.000-07:00

OK!! I am only adding this picture because it is a slightly better picture of Olivia's LONG beautiful hair that she so badly wanted chopped off.. Most is over her shoulder, but you can tell how long, shiny and straight it was.. I loved her long her.. Oh well, she looks much older now with her new cut.. She almost doesn't look like a little girl anymore..

HAIRCUT

2008-10-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

So we finally did it.. We got our hair cut today.. Olivia's doesn't look much different, but it is shorter..

Her hair was braided and in piggytails earlier, so her hair looks funny in her before pictures.. =)

Scary I know.. I didn't get a before picture of me.. My hair is very fluffy if I don't straighten it or put gel in it.. Darn natural curls..

My new style.. Half straight and half crazy..

WOOT!! Olivia's first "real" haircut.. It went from her butt to right below her shoulders..

My first time with highlites.. What do you think?? I needed the haircut.. The hairdresser told me my hair is extremely healthy.. She said not that many people have extremely healthy hair anymore.. I think I just have A LOT of hair and it is CRAZY..

My talented husband..

2008-10-29T00:32:00.001-07:00

This is a talent show that Lee and his friend were in.. They got 1st place.. $500.. I was laughing SO hard while taping this that the camera is shaking ALL over.. Oh yeah, they prepared this whole thing 2 hours before the show.. DORKS!!

All about Lee

2008-10-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

1. Where did you meet your husband? Tee Hee!! When I was 4 years old, my family moved from Utah to North Carolina.. We found a 2 story yellow house.. We also brought our large rectangle trampoline.. Well...... (I don't remember this, but Lee does) He said that he remembered when the "new" family with 5 kids moved in next door.. Him and his brother wanted to come over and play but were too scared.. Finally one day when I was jumping on the trampoline by myself with my (he has a good memory) "pink elephant shirt, blue jean shorts, piggy tails, and my red face" he got the courage to ask if he could jump with me.. He was 3 years older (my brothers age) and they became best friends.. Sad that I was too young to remember the first day I met him.. ; )
2. How long did you date before you got married? We have a LONG history.. We dated once when I was 13.. We kissed on that same trampoline lol.. My brother was mad and we broke it off.. We both kept those feelings for each other though and became really good friends.. He dated, I got married =O and after being in a HORRIBLE marriage for almost 5 years we started officially dating.. We had our good and bad moments.. We dated off and on for 2 and a half years before he FINALLY proposed..
3. How long have you been married? 3 years
4. What does he do that surprises you? Nothing surprises me with him.. I know him TOO well..
5. What is your favorite feature of his? His eyes.. They are blueish green.. I love them..
6. What is his best quality? His love for my kids..
7. Does he have a nickname for you? honey
8. What is his favorite food? Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls..
9. What is his favorite sport? football
10. When and where did you first kiss? On my trampoline when I was 13 and he was 16..
11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Play games
12. Do you have any children? 2 Kaleb and Olivia.. He may not be the biological dad, but he is their father..
13. Does he have any hidden talents? Hidden talents??????? This man can do anything and everything.. It makes me SO angry.. He can play ANY instrument you give him, he can sing like no one else, he can paint, he can create games on the internet, ok he can do just about anything and I am not exaggerating.. Why did he have to get ALL the talent??
14. How old is he? 29
15. Who said 'I love you' first? It was so long ago, but I am pretty sure that he did..
16. What is his favorite music? He is very picky about music.. If the artist has TALENT, I mean actual musical talent, not the normal hit songs that you would hear that always sounds the same.. He likes finding bands that not many people have heard of and listen to them..
17. What do you admire most about him? His dedication to me and the kids.. He gave up and changed SO much for us..
18. What is his favorite color? He doesn't know.. I have asked many times and he says "I don't know" red is his least favorite though..
19. Will he read this? He doesn't know my blog addy.. If he did, he still probably wouldn't bother.. He is not into blogging..
20. Who do you tag? Who ever wants to be tagged..

My poor camera..

2008-10-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

I browse around on other blogs and I get jealous.. They always have awesome pictures of their kids and family and my blog seems so dull and boring.. I got a REALLY nice camera for $400 (way cheap for this camera) from someone a few years ago.. I bought it because I was flying out to Utah to see my grandpa and see the scenery of the state I was born in.. It had been 10 years since my last visit.. I barely remember much about Utah because I was 4 when we moved to NC and I had only visited a few times.. Well before I even made it to Utah I was running to catch a plane (that I missed) and hit my brand new camera on a chair.. It broke.. Just a small piece of it though.. So I can take pictures, but I can't view the pictures that I take.. I can't change the scenery, whether it be person, landscape, fast motion, video etc... I can't view the pictures to delete the bad ones.. It is a pain.. I hardly bother with my camera because of this, but it still works nicely and I am sure that if I found the right place, I could get it fixed.. I guess I should stop being irritated with it and stop complaining about it and just take some darn pictures to put on my blog.. I just wish it worked the way it should.. It is SO nice.. I can't believe I broke it before I even got to play around with it.. It has so many NICE features that I can't even use.. *sigh*

My day off..

2008-10-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

Yay!! I had a day off of work.. It was nice.. Today was Stake Conference and since I am still new to town, I didn't go =(.. Yes, I was bad and I slept in.. If felt so nice since I have been working SO much and haven't been feeling good.. I do feel better though, just not great yet..

There are only 3 of us that work at Managhans.. Well, one of them just gave her 2 weeks notice.. She is the one that always works the day shift.. I am not going to complain, because now I can work more during the day and get to see the kids more.. I hated not being with them hardly at all last week.. I do the schedule, so I will make it more convenient for the family.. I am still trying to figure out what days to give the other girls off.. I want sundays off for sure, but the other girl usually has sunday and mondays.. I need 2 girls to work tuesday and friday nights because it is busier.. The new girl starts next week.. I don't know how to split it up so we can have 2 days off in a row.. To have sunday off for me is going to be hard if I don't want to split up days off.. I guess I better figure it out though..

Lee got a calling today.. He was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency.. Should be good for him..

WHY ME??

2008-10-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

So I started my job and guess what?? I am SICK.. Horribly sick.. I have a BAD cold.. My head hurts, my nose is stuffy, my body is weak, having problems breathing, fever, cold chills, stomach ache, throat hurts.. Why couldn't I get this BEFORE I started my job?? Bleh!! I do seem to feel a LOT worse when I am sitting at home trying to sleep though.. I can't breathe well so I am having a hard time sleeping.. I didn't notice it as much while I was at work..
So I skipped church (too sick) =( and had to work tonight.. But now I will be doing the schedule and I will be giving myself Sundays off.. I am excited about this.. =) I guess I gotta be fair, but I don't think the others care if they work Sunday or not..
So I work 6 days in a row and on Thursday I get my first day off.. I can't call out cause I am sick, because I am the ONLY person there at that time.. There are only 3 people that work there.. Craziness.. My wonderful husband went to walmart to get me some medicine, so hopefully I will feel better tomorrow..

Haircut??

2008-10-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

So I am thinking of getting mine and Olivia's hair cut.. Olivia has been wanting a haircut since she was 4 (she is almost 7 now) and I just couldn't do it.. Her hair is almost down to her butt now.. She has such beautiful hair.. But of course, it is her hair and not mine and if she wants it cut, I guess I shouldn't make that choice for her.. My hair is halfway down my back and needs to be cut badly.. It looks so unhealthy.. I want my hair long, but it needs a good cut.. So I was thinking that maybe Olivia and I can get our hair cut and donate it to locks of love together.. She would get her way and her beautiful hair would go to a good cause.. I will have to take before and after pictures when we do it..

I got a job...

2008-10-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

It has been so nice not working since we left North Carolina.. I quit my job in July..

Well, I got a call today to talk to an owner at a restaurant.. I went to speak with him and he gave me the option between 3 restaurants that he owned.. One would be more money because it is a busier place, another would maybe be $80 in tips a night, and the last would be a manager position and I will be serving at times also.. He said I get paid more an hour with the manager position, but make less because I won't be making as much in tips since I won't be serving all the time.. He had 3 girls coming in and because I got there first, he let me pick first.. I accepted the manager position.. I realize it was less money, but I do not want to stay in a restaurant/bar for the rest of my life and I know that putting a manager job on my resume would help me to expand a little more.. He also said that I will be doing the schedule ; ) so I will be giving myself Sunday off.. The downfall of this job is I will be working when the kids get out of school.. When will I see them?? When will I get to read to them?? I feel like I will be neglecting them.. Maybe not though.. I don't know the time I will be working yet.. I go in Thursday to learn about the job more and to see if I will like it.. Wish me luck..

LOL!! I am a dumby..

2008-10-10T11:52:00.001-07:00

So I was trying to figure out why when I typed in http://kristinnb.blogspot.com/ it took me to someone that was not me's page.. Well, I figured out why.. Mine is http://krstinnb.blogspot.com/.. Notice something missing?? Yes, I misspelled my OWN name so my address is WRONG.. Obviously the other one would have been taken, but I would have added a 2 in it (2 kids) if I had known.. Now I am stuck with my misspelled name.. What a dork!!

Oh yeah!!

2008-10-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

I didn't get that job.. Either way, if they offered it to me, I would have turned them down anyways.. Things are well though.. I still need to find a job.. Lee works at night at the moment, but he interviewed for another job the other day.. If he gets this job, he will be working during the day and be making $5 more an hour.. That would be great.. The only problem is, we will loose our insurance.. Kaleb needs glasses and since we somehow misplaced my contacts during the move to Oregon from North Carolina I need more contacts.. I am SO tired of wearing these glasses.. I haven't worn glasses for more than a day since I was 12 yo..

Kaleb is SUCH a smart boy.. He is doing 4th grade math (in 3rd grade) and joined the Battle of the Books club.. They made in captain.. I am glad he got the brains that I seem to be missing =P.. He turned 8 in August and we finally started going over the missionary discussions with him.. He will do his 3rd discussion on wed.. He knows a lot more about the gospel than I thought he did.. We keep telling him to pray about the Book of Mormon, but he says that he already knows it is true.. I hope he means that and not says it just because he knows that I have a testimony of the gospel.. We don't want him to just jump in and not know or understand the meaning of baptism and the Atonement.. He acts ready though..

Olivia is doing good in school also.. She is doing really well with her reading.. She has always LOVED books though.. She may be like me on reading.. I LOVE to read also.. I help the kids teachers out on Fridays and Olivia's teacher said that Olivia was one of the only kids that behaves and listens.. She said she gets mad at the other kids, because they disrupt kids like Olivia who come to learn.. LOL!! This surprised me.. Olivia has been known to be the chatter box and not listen.. I was impressed..

Lee's sister is driving up from Cali to visit us tonight.. We are excited.. We love Aunt Becca.. =)

So here is a scrablog I made for my mom.. Her and her fiance Larry at the Washington DC Temple..

Job interview..

2008-10-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

So I had my job interview today.. I think I answered all the questions really well.. I don't think I am going to take the job though even if they offer it to me.. I told them about church and they said that either shift that I will work wouldn't be during church hours.. They said it could take me up to 2 years to have sundays off.. I cannot and will not miss church that long.. Hmmm, crappy job at a casino or my eternal salvation.. I think I know my choice.. I know that Lee wants me to get a job, but I just can't give up church.. I asked him what I should do and he told me that it is up to me.. If it is up to me, I will not take it.. I don't know what I should do.. Well I guess I do know what I should do.. GRRRRRRRRR!!

When my family lived in Utah my parents were active in the church.. We moved to North Carolina (when I was 4) and both of my parents started working on the weekends.. They became innactive and everything went downhill from there.. I wish so much that I could have went to primary and been more active during young womens.. I didn't get that and I will not do that to my kids.. I guess that is my answer =).. Hopefully they just won't call me back.. =)

Check out my scrapblogs

2008-09-30T04:09:00.000-07:00

Interview..

2008-09-29T13:43:00.001-07:00

So I got a call today from the casino I live near.. I am being interviewed for the Keno Attendant positioin.. *Sigh* I worked for a casino for almost 5 years and I really didn't want to go back.. I need a job though and my neighbor LOVES being a keno attendant.. So maybe I will like it.. I won't be there forever and that gives me hope..

Now there are things that I am concerned about.. What shift are they going to put me on?? Lee works nights.. Are they going to make me work during church time?? My luck yes.. Those are my main concerns.. I guess I will find out in 2 days..

Three White Dresses...

2008-09-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ok one more.. I loved the poem of the Three White Dresses when I was younger..

Beautiful

2008-09-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

a childs prayer

2008-09-24T03:56:00.000-07:00

My favorite primary song..

Art Work..

2008-09-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am not great, but here are a few things I did..

New home..

2008-09-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

I was born in Utah, but moved to North Carolina when I was almost 5.. Lived there for 21 years.. Last month Lee and I packed the kids up and moved to Oregon.. I LOVE it here so much.. Other than missing my family, it is perfect for me.. We live 45 minutes from the beach.. We live right beside the school so the kids can walk to school.. We have a NICE indoor aquatic center.. There are 4 different pools in there.. The biggest has a diving board, rope swing, water slide (even for adults), lap swimming area, and volleyball area.. Next there is a pool with a lazy river and a huge kids fountain thing to play in.. The third would be the 98 degree pool, it is obviously hotter than the others.. They also have a small pool with smaller fountains and loads of bath water toys for ages 5 and under.. Then there is the hottub for ages 16 and up.. It is AWESOME.. We have a year pass for it, so we can go whenever we want (if it is open of course). The town is so nice and the people seem friendly as well.. We have enjoyed our ward also.. The church has 2 wards, so we were put in the second ward.. Church starts at noon.. We have already made friends that come over for dinner and games often.. We try to get together to have family home evening each week.. Lee got a job for the Oregon Lottery and I am still jobless atm.. I will be looking for a part time job somewhere.. Not sure yet.. We have Kaleb in boyscouts at the church and we are planning on getting Olivia into cheerleading.. She has been begging to be a cheerleader for so long now..

Reflection on Christ..

2008-09-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFUL

http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/2008/03/reflections-sli.html

BEGINNINGS (it says it all)

2008-09-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

Today
You came running
With a small specked egg
Warm in your hand
You can barely understand
I know
As I told you
Of Beginnings-
Of egg and bird;
Told, too,
That years ago
You began
Smaller than sight,
And then
As egg yearns for sky
And seed
Stretches to tree
You became
Like me.
Oh
But there's
So much more.
You and I,
Child,
Have just begun.
Think:
Worlds from now
What might we be-
We
Who are seed