Catching Up...

Well a lot has happened since last I blogged. Nick and I lived in Holladay for 4 1/2 months and made some great memories.  We had a wonderful time with our great roommates.  Noel and Melissa were so fun to have around and the memories are priceless.  Christmas was so different and completely fun.  We picked out a tree and sang carols and made yummy cookies :) It was fun!

The rest of the time living there was seeing Zander grow.  He learned to go up stairs (not down), standing, walking, says dog and is just so darn cute! He really is a joy to have around and will always make his mommy and daddy smile.  Melissa was amazing at watching Zander and playing with him all the time. Out of everything the best part of living together was watching Melissa with Zander.  She was so patient and great.

In the middle of February we started looking at homes.  Many homes and many up and downs.  Finally we found the one for us!  We closed on a home around March 16 and moved in on April 16.  We have not taken pictures yet because we have a hard time finding the perfect time.  Plus next week we are getting our first PIANO!  I can't explain how excited I am to have this piano finally in our home.  I really want to be able to play hymns.

A week before the move I started working with Recommended Cleaning Maintenance.  I started cleaning a building in down town and I am so glad to announce that this is the last week I have to clean there.  There are two companies in the same building that I clean for.  The downstairs people are not fun to work for but the upstairs is a call center and although it takes a lot more time to clean I like it up there a whole lot more.  But I am being moved to a place in Bountiful and I hope it cuts commute time

With this cleaning job I have started listening to many books and I also wanted to share them on this.

"The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain.  So good.  The reader was great and the book was fun to listen to.  I recommend!

"Rather Outspoken" read and written by Dan Rather.  Very good!  I learned a lot about media and the hoops that have to be jumped to get things right.  It was frustrating to hear how much bureaucracy influences what, when, how, and where the news is or isn't covered.  But also good to hear another side of what has gone on in the world.  As much as I liked Dan Rather in this book I LOVED his wife!  I really look up to her and I know that she was a good woman who supported a man who wasn't much of a husband or father.  He was gone a lot a lot a lot!  I couldn't do it.  I recommend!

"Unsinkable" read and written by Debbie Reynolds.  So fun!  I was hesitant at first because I like her and didn't want to think less of her.  BUT... it was great!  I really like her and with her reading this book it was fantastic!  I like her even more.  I recommend!

"Frank" about Frank Sinatra by James Kaplan.  Didn't finish buy very enlightening but swears a lot and I couldn't do it.  Don't recommend.

"Heat Wave" by Richard Castle.  Didn't get into it... didn't get past chapter 1... Don't recommend.

"John Quincy Adams" by Harlow Giles Unger.  Boring... Don't recommend.

"Betsy Ross and the Making of America" by Marla R. Miller.  Didn't get into it... Don't recommend.

"James Stewart" by Donald Dewey.  Interesting but slow.  Didn't finish but liked the first part.  Recommend.

"Anne of the Island" by L.M. Montgomery.  LOVE!!!!  The reader is great!  I love the story!  I love it!  Recommend over and over again!

"The Partner" by John Grisham.  Predictable.  Don't recommend.

"Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand.  So great!  The reader was great.  The story is based on Louis Zamperini's experiences and life.  She did a lot of research and it was amazing.  It is very real and doesn't hesitate in descriptions.  I loved the end.  I recommend!!!!

"Seriously... I'm kidding" read and written by Ellen DeGeneres.  Funny and creative.  Very light and easy to listen to.  Recommend.

"Gandhi" by Mohandas K. Gandhi.  Interesting but LONG.... didn't make it far in this book.  Don't recommend

"Audition" by Barbara Walters.  Interesting and good but I didn't care after a while.  I want to listen to her father's autobiography.  He sounds interesting. Recommend maybe...

2013

Nick and I have had an amazing year.  Nick worked at Conservice for 2 1/2 years but left in November for a new job in Salt Lake City. In our Logan ward he was the Clerk and did the best job ever!  He became a dad this year too and has enjoyed every moment.

I quit my job a month before Zander came so I could get ready.  I was serving in the RS Presidency and became President in May.  It was a great learning experience and I really did love the women I served.  Zander and I have become best friends and we enjoy making each other laugh.

Zander was born on June 6, 2013 8lb 4oz and 21" long.  He is happy most of the time and very adventurous.  Here are a few of his milestones for the year 2013

Birth/Month 1 - hold up head

Month 3 - rolls onto tummy, first haircut

Month 4 - crawling (pushes with back legs), scoots

Month 5 - first two bottom teeth, says dadadada

Month 6 - says mamamama

Most of these pictures are most recent to not as recent.  I just got the videos working so I hope you enjoy!

 Shopping is so exhausting...

 Zander's Christmas outfit

 Merry Christmas ho ho ho

 Bounce-a-bounce-a-bounce

 Happy Halloween

 I love my Daddy

 I can even say Dadadadad... cuz he's my favorite

 He makes me laugh when he tries to eat me.... So tasty!

 Car ride with Barrett, my best friend!

 Playing on the floor!

 Trying to crawl without using my arms... it is kinda hard, you should try it!

 On a walk with my friend Barrett again, this time I tried to stay awake.

 Daddy likes to fall asleep when we hang out.

 Look!  I can roll over!!!!  I am so smart.  Now don't leave me alone on the bed anymore.

 I like to visit Dad at work and pretend to be an accountant.

 Thanks to Grandpa for giving me a teddy bear that I can nap with.

 So happy with Daddy!

 My blessing outfit Grandma Zollinger made for me.  I look so good!

 Taking a nap in my favorite spot!

 Change that!  This is my favorite spot!

Wait... This is my favorite spot!  With my Dad!

The Birth Story of Zander James De Filippis

Well… I don’t really know where to start.  Where my due date was June 2^nd from the doctor and the 4^th from a website I was using by June 5^th I was a little antsy.  I really wanted to have this wonderful child and experience becoming a mother.   That afternoon Nick and I went to lunch at The Center Street Grill and ordered a spicy BBQ sandwich.  I had heard that spicy food can help start labor and Nick’s Co-worker said they ordered this sandwich and had their baby that night.  We enjoyed it very much and when I got home I took a bath.  After my bath (4:00 pm, Wednesday, June 5) I felt a trickle and thought maybe my water broke.  I called the hospital to ask what to do and the nurse said to take an hour walk.  So I decided to walk to A&W and back to the house.  While walking I felt a little more liquid and called Mel and Shayla to gain some insight into what was going on.  When I got to A&W I got a small Root Beer Freeze.  I love those.  Then walked home and all the way I was timing my contractions.  3 to 4 minutes apart and I thought I was doing pretty good.

                When I finally got home I checked and I was indeed wet.  So I called Nick and told him I thought he could finish work and sometime this night we would be able to go to the hospital.  We were both so excited and ready to welcome Zander into the world.  I called mom too and I am pretty sure I heard her cry on the other end of the phone which started me crying when I got off the phone.  I think it just hit me how my life was about to change and we were going to be taking care of another human being.  9 months and finally we were going to become parents.  It was scary to think about.

                I searched on Netflix to find a show that might make me laugh and distract me from the contractions.  Nick got home right when I started “An Extremely Goofy Movie” and we watched it together.  It was funny but the first part of that movie Max is going off to college and Goofy remembers back on his memories of Max growing up.  I just broke down!  I couldn’t stop crying because we would now be going through all this too.  Watching a child grow up, start school, teach them how to ____, see them graduate, go on missions, get married, it was all just so overwhelming and I didn’t want to miss any of it.

                At 7:00 we went to the hospital.  We were all packed, my birth plan ready to follow, and lots of energy and excitement.   We made one extra stop at Jamba Juice on the way there.  I got Orange-a-peel I think and Nick got Passion Fruit something.  Then we went to the hospital.  We were put in a room and checked to see where I was at.  Frustratingly enough I was still at a 2 and they couldn’t confirm that my water did break.  I had been sick for the past few days and when they took my temperature and I had a bit of a fever.  They started the IV and monitors and put me on some anti-bionics.  The contractions continued and at 8 I was dilated to a 3, at 9 I was at a 4, and around 10 I was at a 5.  I was stuck at a 5 for a few hours.  During this time we enjoyed (in-between contractions) watching Duck Dynasty.  The nurse said that we had a few options to see if it would help us progress.  Pitocin, Doctor could break my water, I could walk around or just wait longer.  We tried walking around and had no success.  Around 2 or 3 my doctor really wanted me to take the pitocin, but I said no and would rather have my water broken.  The doctor wouldn’t let me get in the tub because of my fever and if my water was broken they wouldn’t let me because of infection. 

                Well, before she left her home my water broke.  Now I know what to expect/feel.  It is really like a quart of water that just comes out.  Wow!  I had about 3 different gushes and I felt there was a bit of progress.  Around 6 I was progressed to an 8 and the contractions were getting a lot worse.  They were so close and getting stronger.  My doctor came in and said how this was her day off and I would have to work with the doctor on call, Dr. Benedict.  Honestly I think that is why Heavenly Father had me wait till Thursday to have my baby.  I haven’t been too happy with my current doctor. 

                The nurse checked my when I got to an 8 and said, “I don’t think your water has broken yet.”  What?!?!  How is that possible?  We waited for an hour or two debating on pitocin or having the doctor break my water, or just wait.  The pain was almost unbearable and I was scared of both options because I knew it came with a stronger pain.  Finally nothing was progressing and I was getting really tired.  I asked the doctor to break my water.  When he did it another huge gush of water came.   Along with that gush came stronger contractions and a ton of more pain.  Nick had been a huge support through the whole thing.  He kept telling me how good I was doing and how much he loved me.  It was exactly what kept me going.

                I think it was around 10 am Thursday, morning when the pain was so strong that I couldn’t handle it.  My legs and arms were shaking so bad I couldn’t relax my uterus.  It was so scary.  This is when I started praying out loud.  It occurred to me that the only person who could actually take away the pain was Heavenly Father and so I kept saying, “Heavenly Father, please help me” “Give me strength” “don’t leave me” “Show Zander where to go” “Please help me relax.”  I kind of felt silly talking out loud like that but at this point I really didn’t care.  I also realized that I never want to have another child ever again.  I told Nick I changed my mind and I don’t want a baby.  I wasn’t sure if this was all worth it.  Finally after 20 hours of labor, I gave in and said, “GIVE ME THE EPIDURAL!  FAST!!!!!!!”  The doctor came in and had to give me the epidural during contractions because they were so close together.  He did a fabulous job and within 10 to 15 minutes the pain was getting better and I wasn’t screaming any more.  I was screaming quite a bit and felt bad for anyone who could here.  I found out later that my parents were in the room next to us and could hear all my groans and moans and screams and crying.  I can only imagine what they went through as well.

                From 12 to 2 we were instructed to just relax.  Nick and I both got naps in and felt better after.   Then for the next hour and a half I pushed during contractions and finally Zander came into this world looking GREAT.  Honestly he was perfect.  I was prepared for an ugly baby, discolored, and mis-shaped.  But he was great!  We got an hour with him and then I left Zander and Nick with the doctors to run some tests because I had the fever during labor.  I went upstairs and hung out with mom, dad, and Mel.  About an hour and a half later we found out that Zander had to stay in the NICU.  It was so depressing but we were hopeful that he could come home quickly.  We ended up staying until Tuesday morning.  It was awesome coming home and now Zander and I are doing a lot better.  Nick and I are so happy and excited to watch our baby grow up.

                I know that I wanted to go natural and I did all that I could to accomplish that, but I am also very grateful for the health professionals and the epidural that was used to assist in helping me have Zander.  I am sure at some point I will be able to forget the pain and will want another baby… but not too soon.

 Melanie took the above photos.  She did a great job!

The little white cone on top is his IV from when he was in the NICU.  Jenn took these photos.

Pregnancy photos

Well... I don't know what weeks these were and I feel funny posting pregnancy pictures but here are the two I have... and I don't know how to flip them.  The bottom one was a while ago and the top one was taken about 3 weeks ago... I think.

Activities for the new year

Nick and I have a hard time deciding on what to do on our weekends so I had the brilliant idea that we should have a theme for the week.  I thought the Alphabet would be the easiest to keep track of and think of things to do.

The first week of the year was the letter "A" and so I made an amazing apple pie.  It was really good!  We were going to play Apples to Apples but we didn't have enough friends to come play.  We tried watching a movie that started with the letter "A" but it wasn't worth watching past the first 15 minutes.  It was called "Abduction" and it was really bad, so don't watch it.  We ended up watching "Sleepwalk With Me" and really liked it.  It was funny.

Last week was the letter "B" and I made a Banana Cream Pie.  It was really good and we added strawberries and raspberries to the top and I really liked that!  We watched the movie "Battleship" with some friends.  I really liked it.  It was cheesy but good.

This week we are on the letter "C".  I have been looking up desserts to make and think I am going to make "Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookies"  They sound yummy.  We are also going bowling the Claytons (who are the couple we do most things with).  They are a lot of fun.  I should be taking pictures to go along with these posts and will try to do it from now on.  I am also posting my recipes on the Z's Home Cookin' blog for those who want to read them.

We'll-have-a-baby-itsa-boy

So today was the big day!  And I guess there really isn't a lot to share except IT'S A BOY!!!  Here are some pictures to prove it.

So here are his two little legs and in between is his.... proof :)

This is of his face and he is sucking his thumb.  He has cute little fingers!!!

I think this is of his profile of his face.

Nick and I are so happy and so excited!  We know he is part of our family because even the ultrasound doctor called him a Turkey (which is one of Nick's nick-names)!

Nick felt the baby!!!!

So I am sorry that I am not really interested in posting pictures of myself as I grow heavy with child but here is a little special story that I wanted to write down before I forgot.

On Sunday Jan 6, 2013 our church started at 9... which means that we get out around 12... which means Sunday afternoon naps are a must.  Well this past Sunday we thought we should have nap time (practicing for when the baby comes ha ha).  I have been feeling movements from the baby for the past week now and I thought maybe this time Nick would be able to feel it too.

After about 5 minutes I felt something and asked if he did too but he didn't.  But the next one he did... we think.  I am surprised that I can't always tell if it is the baby or not.  I also thought that I would have an inkling as to what gender this baby might be.  So far I have dreamed both ways and really have no idea.  I feel like it is an active baby ("S/he's gonna be a soccer player").  Tomorrow we find out as to what the gender is.  I am scared that we are going to have a very private baby who is a bit shy.  Ha ha, s/he got that from Nick :)  Mostly everyone has guessed a boy, so I think that is what I am expecting the doctor to say.  Ahhhh!  I am excited!

We're havin' a baby!

Well, the time has come to tell.  I am sorry if you would have rather have been told in person but we couldn't visit everyone and to be honest it would have been 10 times a million to tell you in person.  It is fun to see people's reactions and such.

To get the big question out of the way first... 12 weeks along and I am due June 2, 2013.  I have been keeping it secret just in case something went wrong in the fist few weeks, but the time has come we feel like we can share!

We haven't been "trying" to get pregnant but because my sisters all seem to get pregnant pretty quickly.  But after a few months of not getting pregnant I was beginning to worry.  I tried doing the thermometer tracking thing but hated that.  Then Mel was telling me about the ovulation tests that can really help.  Jenn, my sister-in-law, gave me a box of them that she had gotten before getting pregnant with Quincy.  So I tried that.  It was the month of September (my birthday month) and I asked Nick if he wouldn't mind taking not so hot of showers (I read online that the hot water can kill the sperm) so we could have a better chance.

Normally with a 30 cycle you ovulate around day 15 and it lasts for about 3 days.  This test said I ovulate on day 17 and for only 1 day.  Kind of a small window.  Then by the first week in October I knew I was pregnant :)  I did the pregnancy test and sure enough it said "PREGNANT".  It was a fun idea and it was great looking at Nick and calling him "Daddy".

I wanted to wait until Christmas to tell people but by the middle of October I realized that wouldn't do and Thanksgiving would have to do.  I lied a lot to my mother and told her my period started.  A few days later I was talking to Mel and she said she had heard that I still wasn't pregnant and gave some comfort.  That night Nick and I went over and told her the truth.  I had to talk to someone about it and felt Mel would be the hardest to lie to and the easiest to talk to.

So for the next two months I haven't been too bad.  I have felt car sick  mostly all day and don't feel like eating the food I fix for dinner.  I am afraid I like eating out more than anything and crave that food.  I haven't gained weight yet but I don't expect that to last.

We got to tell Nick's parents on Nov 21, Wednesday night.  We showed them a movie Nick put together of our first year together.  The very last frame was of us with the pregnancy stick.  They were so surprised! Tony couldn't stop smiling and Betty, thought it was all a joke, but was super excited when she realized we were being for-realzy.  We gave Tony a picture frame of the ultrasound and Betty a "best grandma ever" sweat shirt (we searched many hours for it).

The next day we went Christmas tree hunting and when we were leaving Tony said, "this is the first tree hunt with a grandbaby!" and again was smiling from ear to ear.  Ha ha ha!  That night we put the frame on the dinning room table to see if people would notice.  Melissa and Noel came that night and Melissa notice very quickly and was so excited.

Friday we had our Thanksgiving meal with many relatives.  Betty wore her sweater and it took people quite a while to notice but it was fun when they did.  Joey and Steph came around 9:30 and we timed it 1.24 minutes.  Pretty good Steph!

Saturday we were in Provo with my family and while getting ready I couldn't hold in it any longer and I had to tell Carla!  She would be able to help me get the surprise ready for my parents.  To tell my family we wrapped the ultrasound picture and wrote #19 (that's how many grandkids are on my side) June 2, 2013.  We have Santa come and give out presents and mine was going to be last but I didn't know how to give it to him, so Carla took it and said she would take care of it.

Finally all the presents were given and Santa had the last one.  Brought mom and dad over, he gave a little speech on how wonderful they are and what a wonderful family they had raised together. By that time I was crying and then mom opened the gift look straight at me and started crying and dad was cry and Nick even wiped a tear.  Cynthia came over and gave me a big hug and was crying.  It was a lot of fun and certainly a moment to cherish.  Nick taped the whole thing so maybe I can post the video....

We are so excited to become parents and know it will be such a blessing to us!  I'll update in January when we know the gender!

Engagement photos

I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!!!

This is the record of our engagement.

I will not bother you with the specific details of the morning but it sufficeth me to say that Nick moved from his old apartment and I got the house ready for him to move in. We did meet up with Natali and Holly at the Farmers Market and enjoyed a breakfast burrito ($5) and a freshly squeeze lemonade ($2.50). It was fun listening to the different bands play. Then it was back to packing and cleaning.

I did some errands around town and came back to the house around 2. Nick showed up around 2:30. Our plan was to do an endowment session but we were not ready to go until 3:30 so we changed plans and did initiatory instead. It was fun because we ran into Dave and Mel while we were there and it was quite the surprise!

Nick told me we had dinner reservations at 5 so we needed to hurry. We made it just in time to The Elements restaurant and we were seated outside by a very romantic stream that Nick’s co-worker claims to have fish in.

We ordered the lettuce wraps for an appetizer, and enjoyed a Lime Rickie and a Raspberry Pina Colada to drink. It was all so beautiful. Right when we were finishing the lettuce wraps we were visited by a family of ducks. A mother duck and four of her children sang to us while we ate. It was almost like Mary Poppins and the Penguins but they sounded better! Then our meals came out. Nick got the soup and I got a salad and we shared and ate most of it. By this time I am already getting full.

Next came the main dish. I got a pasta dish that had bell peppers and bacon on it and it was really good. Nick got a chicken dish with mashed potatoes. It wasn’t full of flavor but the chicken was super tender and really good.

We looked at the dessert menu but decided we were too full and would have some ice cream after the fireside that started at 7. Nick had brought in two story books that were glued together and said that we should read them. It was exactly our story and he loved it.

So he pulled it out and started reading. I started laughing on the first page because the characters had our face on them. He had gone on to Facebook and printed off pictures that could go on the faces of characters in the book. He read the first book and I read the second one. The second one was about LOVE and what it means. They were both super cute. On the last page there was a note that read SECRET PAGE with an arrow pointing to the next page. This is what I read:

I think before I met you
That I didn’t understand
How the Lord would lead me to your heart
With his omniscient hand

I might have been impatient
For the one I’d truly love
But I must have had some brownie points
With someone up above…

You’re beautiful, Intelligent,
You’re everything I need…
And I promise that your happiness
Is always guaranteed.

I thank the Lord with all my heart
For sending you to me
May he be with us inside our home
And through eternity

My heart is yours forever,
Though our “things” might rust with age
But I have another thing for you –
Find one more secret page!

I love you Steph. Love Nick

Then I had to search the book for this “hidden page”. It was really hard, I was looking for something hand written and it was taking a while. I said, “I might have to tear this book apart” and Nick said, “ya, you might!” At that point it occurred to me that the books were not supposed to be glued together like he said they were. I started to tear the two books apart and finally when I separated them I found my ring.

The most beautiful (no offense to the rest of you) ring ever made. It is perfect! We kissed a little (ha ha) I of course said, “Yes!” and “you bet your boots I will” and “you betcha”. I wanted to say it multiple times just to be certain I was clear in my answer. Then we got ready to go. I guess to set the whole thing up he had to tell the waitress and so all the workers there told me congratulations. It was fun!

Then we went to the multi-stake fireside where Elder Bednar was being broadcasted from the Tabernacle. The words shared were so great and so inspired. Nick and I both really enjoyed it. Then we came home and I made milkshakes while he hooked up the T.V. and surround sound. We watched an episode of Scrubs and said goodnight.

It was really different saying goodbye last night. Not because we were engaged but because he was staying in the nice cool basement and I had to leave to a stuffy upstairs apartment down the road. I am very grateful for the apartment, that it is so close and we can stay in the same ward but I miss my queen sized bed. I now get a single air mattress on the floor. It was also strange because I realized the next time I sleep here I will be married with a boy as a roommate. Weird!

I love Nick with all of my heart. I am grateful for his example to me. I know he cares and we will have an amazing future together. We are getting married on October 21, 2011 in the Logan LDS Temple. Lets start this new adventure!

Scriptures

I know that this is another cliche thing to write about but I can't get over how true it is. Today has been very interesting. I have spent a lot of time listening and asking questions and talking to different family members about controversial topics. Christmas time is a time for joy and love. A time were I can remember why Christ came and why I need him. Yesterday I watched Mr.Kruger's Christmas and was amazed at how Mr.Kruger understood where he received his strength. Today I spent a while in my scriptures, and specifically in Mosiah. There were two chapters especially that was directly connected and talked about the Atonement. In chapter 14 verse 6 it says "All... have gone astray;" Isn't that the truth. All of us sin and all of us need the Atonement. Lately I have come to realize how powerful forgiveness is, and how hard it can be to not judge others. Sometimes I think it is easy to look at a situation and say 'this is what they should have done' or 'I can't believe they did that' but really none of us can know what that person was feeling or thinking when they acted a certain way. If someone has wronged me what needs to happen? Turning to the scriptures it gives me the answer. Verse 5 says "and with his stripes we are healed." What else is there? Vengeance is not the answer. I can't get even or make it right. Only the Savoir can do that. So how can I feel better? I turn to the Savoir, apply the Atonement of Christ. Remember the miracle of his birth and be grateful that I can read it in my scriptures. I am so blessed!

Babies

Today I am grateful for babies. I got to spend some time over at Cherri's house last night and got to play with Paisley. She is 7 months old and just a doll! She is easy to smile and laugh and is fun to play with. In some of the discussion a friend told of a study done on babies. It goes something like this... Babies were put on one side of a room and the mothers on the other side. The floor was glass and if you didn't know it would trick you into thinking that if you took one step you could fall onto a cement floor. The baby was beckoned by the mother to come to her and if she had a happy face then the baby would come if she had a concerned or scared face the baby could read that emotion and would stop. The more I am around and learn about babies the more I understand why Heavenly Father would ask me to be like them. If I could be as sensitive to the Spirit as a baby is to it's mother I could stay out of danger very easily. If I could easily forgive and get up and try again like a baby I could get a lot done and be so much happier! Anything is possible to a baby. They don't doubt but have complete faith. I am grateful I can learn from babies!

Music

I am grateful for music. I was able to spend an evening with my dearest friend Stuart last night and he told me something that was quite amazing. He works with people with disabilities and currently he works with a client who can't talk and is usually not in a good mood, but yesterday Stuart made him so happy. Stuart brought his guitar and played and sang to this client. That is so powerful! The impact music can have on a person is amazing. Do I understand that power? In the family email this past week Mother said how she was so touched with Shayla for singing hymns to her daughters as they go to sleep. Music is so wonderful. There is something about music that even if you don't understand the lyrics you can still love it. It touches the spirit in a way that nothing else can. Music is special and can make the spirit connect with our Heavenly Father and our Savior. I love music and I am so grateful to have it around me!

My Coworkers

Today I am grateful for my coworkers. Yesterday I was able to spend the evening with them and it reminded me how blessed I was to have this job. I have been very grateful for each job that I have had but I don't remember looking forward to coming to work so much. These women really care about me and my happiness. They celebrate when things are going well and they help me when things aren't going well. Last night Sera brought her baby and it was interesting to sit back and watch how each of us loved looking at this precious new baby. Our voices changed and we just smiled to try to make him smile. It was cool. On the way home I was riding with Cheri and she almost ran a stop sign and there was a huge dip. It was a little scary but just as it happened Cheri, instead of protecting herself reached over and tried to stabilize me so I wouldn't hit the dashboard. I was really touched by that and how much she really cares. When I got home I started watching some Mormon Messages and one of the stories talked about the pure love of Christ and how it makes us feel. I know when I am with people who care about me I can feel that love from my savior. So thank you Barbershop! You are such a blessing to me in my life!

Roommates

Today I am grateful for roommates. I have the two best roommates ever. I have had good roommates before but this year has been different. Probably because I am different as well. I have been off my mission for a while now and I think it has been super good for me having to deal with companions. My roommates are RMs as well and that just makes it so much better. We all know how to work together and be happy.

Amy is wonderful. I met her last year in IWA. She was one of my leaders and when we started playing together it was always fun. She is way east to get along with and is always easy to talk to. Amy has a sound understanding and is always willing to help me though my dramas and I help her through hers. Yesterday we spent two hours doing a color and cut and it turned out great! I think I am so lucky!

Kari and I are so similar, it is uncanny. Both of us have had such hear-breaking experiences with dating and boys. We have been able to share in the sad times and, as of late, all the good times.

I love my roommates very much and hope that we will be able to always stay close friends. They are a huge blessing in my life and I know that Heavenly Father sent them to me to help me make better decisions and have good friends.

Gratitude Journal

Well I haven't written in ages and I was challenged to keep a gratitude journal and share it with my family. So this is it and you are all welcome to read it and know what I am grateful for.

Today I am grateful for friends and family. I know this is super cliche but I can't get over the feelings of gratitude I have for the people I have in my life. At work, school, church, and home, I am so blessed! At work I have the best people around me that I know care about me. They are interested in how I am doing, what I am doing and who I am dating. They are always around to lift my spirits and make me smile. I love them! I have made some incredible friends in my classes too this year. I made a goal to meet those around me and to try to remember their names and it has really made a difference. When Tony broke up with me I know that the friends I had in my classes made it so much better. I am so grateful for them. At church I have the best leaders ever! The bishop and his councilors are really great leaders. I love going to church. My co-chair to my calling has been great as well and so easy and fun to work with. Home is the best place on earth! I have so many wonderful homes. Mom and Dad are wonderful and we have tried together to make sure we are communicating our love and appreciation to each other. I know I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents that have taught me the power of a marriage. Grandma and Grandpa are both the apple of my eye and I can't stand to think of not visiting them often. I always leave their home feeling like everything will be okay and no matter what happen I will come out on top.

My siblings are the best ever! Cynthia is alway there to listen and be supportive. She cares about me and would rather go without than cause me any hurt feelings or stress. She is always thinking of how she can help me! Carla is so full of serving me and helping me that it is really hard to live up to. She will take me to dinner and give me all her undivided attention. She knows what I need and how to obtain it. I give her full credit on my current major and know she was inspired to encourage me to do that. Joseph is so patient with me. We have so much to talk about and I am so new in all this discussion he is good to explain and help me see another view. Jenn is wonderful! I don't remember life without her and appreciate all that she does for me. She is so good to listen to my dramas and give me sound feedback (which is nice after talking to Joseph). Shayla is so sincere and I know that even if I just get 2 minutes on the phone it meant a lot to her. I do miss her and the sweet Foley family but I know they are happy and this is where they need to be right now. Melanie and I have gotten a lot closer the past year and I can't express all that I feel. She has been so supportive and good to me. She makes me feel important and loved. She helps me make good decisions and will make sure I see another perspective. She is patient too. I am up and down all the time and she just rides it through.

I am grateful for the people in my life! They are Heavenly Father's gift to me! Thank you for being there for me!

What was his name?

Well if I am going to be a writer then I need to practice. I want to start writing stories and I am not sure on how to start. I went to a class the other day on campus and was listening to the guest lecture say that you should practice describing everything around you… So I am going to start writing my experiences and seeing what happens. Maybe I will learn I am no good at writing and give up. I hope that doesn’t happen.

Yesterday I had a very awkward moment. Working at the Barbershop on campus I get to meet so many people. Some people I get really nervous when I see them walking through the door. I know I should know their names… I should know what kind of haircut they want; they have been coming to me for months now and due to the fact I see them maybe once a month I can’t remember the important details and I am too embarrassed to ask. So I sit them in my chair and say “remind me how you like your hair cut” and usually they are good to tell me. But when they remember my name I can’t bring myself to ask them for theirs.

Well, this was even worse. I was at work and had just started heating up my soup in the microwave for lunch. My stomach was so hungry and I couldn’t wait any longer. Then a friend came in and just wanted to say hello. The first time I met him was when he came in for a haircut months ago. We even went out on a date. My whole body became stiff and my mind went through all my files of people I know. File after file, it was like when you are searching for your favorite shirt and you start tearing through your room but you know you just saw it the day before. You go crazy until you find it, and when you do, you are so relieved and don’t even care about the mess.

We chatted for a bit until the digger rang and my soup was done. I invited him to have lunch with me (the only polite thing to do) and he accepted. At this point the only name that would come to me was David and I knew that wasn’t it and I was too scared to try it out and see if he would respond. Mid-way through lunch one of my best friends joined us and so I introduced her to him. I said, “oh, this is my friend Laura…” But I knew I had only done half an introduction, but what could I do… I didn’t know the name of the guy I was sharing my lunch with. Really… it was so embarrassing! Then Laura said “Stephanie… and what is your friends’ name?” All I could do was smile and look at her and hope she could understand through my pleading eyes to just drop it! “Why did you have to ask that? Can’t you tell I don’t know his name? Otherwise I would have said it!!”

Then I got an idea. I started going through my phone. I knew that he was in my phone with the last name of Gauna (that is where he is from) and I would keep searching until I found it. It took a few minutes (ha ha at least it seemed that long) to get to the M’s when I found his name. It was like the heavens opened and revelation was being poured down. Angels started singing Halleluiah and I could feel my whole mind and body relax. It was so refreshing, like I haven’t been able to breath and all the sudden I could enjoy air again.

Now the trick was being able to say his name in a nonchalant way. So I brilliantly asked, “What are you studying Marcus? I don’t remember you telling me.” Ha ha, I am so good! He told me and Laura caught his name and said, “Steph that is what I asked you before. You forgot to tell me his name.” I just smiled and acted like I didn’t now what she was talking about. I later called her and told her the whole story. It was pretty funny!

Arm Hair

So I just went and saw a movie and I noticed that she had arm hair. I loved it because it proved to me that it is okay that I don't shave it off. It seems to be a common practice among girls now-a-days. I will not give in to the ways of the world!

what I am connected too!

I have been studying in the institute for the past two hours and the last little while I just noticed everything that I have around me. So I have my textbook that I am reading (because I do all my reading for all my classes... I am a really good student), I am texting friends with my phone, I have my computer running with Facebook running too (although I did turn off my chat because I would get too distracted), I am also plugged into an on-line radio station listening to music from the sixties. Anyway, I thought it was funny all the things that I am connected to. I wonder how people survived with out all of these things. Just kidding I know I could do it if I had to... but I don't have to, so I will continue using. Oh PS... The Facebook fast was successful and I don't use it as much. Well, till next time!

My Facebook Fast

Well, I decided that I Facebook too much and I was becoming addicted. So i have decided to replace my Facebook with blogging. ha ha. I have been watching people all day and trying to remember everything I could blog about but unfortunately nothing really has happened. I have had a really good day though... Do you know what? This is just like my journal. Is that what a blog is supposed to be?

Melanie and I were talking yesterday and she sent me a link to a how to stop laughing when not appropriate. Honestly I haven't felt like laughing in a long time and so I asked her the opposite. How do you start laughing when you don't feel like it. I have been think about it a lot and I have decided you have to take enjoyment from the small things. Like when a chair you sit on makes a funny noise, or if you make a comment that doesn't makes sense to anyone else but you. Like today, I was in a group of snobbish girls who hated everything that was said by other people in the group. Tow of these girls felt like they were the only ones participating in the group and after a while just handed the assignment to me and said "you finish it". It was very funny. And then other people in the group would give ideas and she would hate it. Funny! I was laughing through most of it. I don't think the others found that much enjoyment from it but I did, and it made such the difference.

Well there are my thoughts for the day... enjoy!