Baby Book

I just headed to Babysrus to return the mobile Baddaddy's family gave us (not knowing I already had it.) Here is the Baby Book I found...

I am excited to start filling it out.

Christmas Stockings

My grandma (yup, the same one who did all the ornaments) started several years ago to cross-stitch stockings for all her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, etc. There have been so many that she hasn't been able to keep up so my Mom did all the cross-stitching and Grandma put his name on it and put the stocking together. They just finished James' stocking and gave it to him on Thursday, making him officially a member of the family...

And here is my stocking...

And if we are lucky Mom will be able to finish up our little guy's before next Christmas. At this point she is only three kids behind with two more on the way this year. Good luck Mom!

Christmas Day

It was a Charlie Brown Christmas. Baddaddy told me several weeks ago that he wanted to watch Charlie Brown's Christmas every Christmas. Then at a family get together he and Magirk started reminiscing about watching it every year when they were young. So, I found the movie. Then I found cute ornaments so Baddaddy would have his own ornaments to hang on the tree. And while wandering through Barnes and Noble I happened upon the game and couldn't resist. We played it Christmas morning. What silliness!

To offset the silliness here is the very serious book I gave Baddaddy. I usually can't get him books because he has particular tastes and I don't understand most of what he reads. But he happened to be looking at this book while on my computer and it saved it in my Amazon wishlist.

I found one other ornament for Baddaddy that fit so well I had to get it. The Aum symbol is probably the most well known mantra used for meditation.
Baddaddy put the game Pikmin in my stocking. Although it was in my stocking to open Christmas Eve we had actually been playing it for a week or so. He tricked me into thinking we were playing something else and then had it all loaded for me to play. It is a cute and silly game that I enjoy.

Baddaddy also gave me the first two seasons of Stargate Atlantis. From which we get the famous quote: "We can name it later."

Both of us had a gift for the baby under the tree. We love books and are so looking forward to reading to him.

We have eaten so much sugar that we were craving some good food. So I made Cheesy Carrot and Broccoli Soup. Vegetables never tasted so good! We had this a few weeks ago at Magirk's house and much to my surprise Baddaddy loved it and requested I make it some time. (He is not real big on vegetables.) Thanks Magirk for the recipe.

Christmas Sunday

You know those Sundays when you just don't want to go to Church. But you convince yourself to go and you get there and you have a wonderful time filled with spiritually uplifting experiences. Well, today wasn't one of those.

I didn't get to sleep until about 2:00 but I got up anyway, put on a dress and went. The Young Woman were in charge of the convalescent home this month. Meaning we go there and take the elderly from there rooms down to Relief Society and Sacrament. It was really unorganized and the meeting room was unbearably hot and stuffy. The lesson was so dry that I really don't think it was just there age that had everyone sleeping through it. The Young Woman (including leaders) sang Mary's Lullaby by Charlene Newell for the closing hymn and then headed back to our own Sacrament Meeting to sing it again. The thing is we hadn't really practiced and we weren't very familiar with our parts.

The Christmas program is normally my favorite Sacrament meeting of the entire year, but something just seemed to be missing this year. Throughout the program the microphone kept going out or having static so you couldn't hear any of the spoken parts. And the songs just didn't touch me like they normally do. Not even the primary song. I could have skipped but went because I really wanted to be there. And its not that I regret the experience...I guess it just wasn't what I was looking forward to as the spiritually uplifting reminder of the meaning of Christmas.

After church my mom let me know that my punk little brother bought himself the thing he had told me I could get him for Christmas. Which I already had. Since he will be at my house at midnight tonight and leaves early tomorrow, I only had this afternoon to find a replacement gift. So the last place I wanted to be...out with all the cranky last minute shoppers is where I found myself. I did manage to get him a gift without too much trouble but by then my hip was killing me and I was emotionally drained. And my little brother and a friend who are picking up the other brother from the airport decided to come to my house early and hang out. The problem is when his flight comes in at 11:30, early is 9:30 which is just when I would be getting ready to go to bed. So I feel like I have to stay up and hang out and entertain. And as mentioned before I did not get a good night's sleep last night.

Baddaddy as always was so good to me; holding me while I had a good cry, rubbing my feet and telling me that he would stay up with them while I went to bed. Then he took me to dinner at Outback Steakhouse. I know, I know, it's Sunday, but I had already gone out shopping and making dinner was the last thing I wanted to do. So, we heathens went out and it was great! Nothing like grilled pineapple to make everything all better!!!!

So now, after all of my venting and really good food, I feel better. We are going to play a little Zelda: Ocarina of Time and then open his stocking stuffer. And when I am tired I will go to bed. Regardless of the company.

So, here is me today with 12 weeks to go.

Christmas Ornaments

My tree has no theme. It is a total mishmash of color and ornaments. But each of the ornaments has sentimental value.

My mom gave me this set of lighthouse ornaments. You can put a light from the Christmas lights in the back and it makes the lighthouse glow.

My Grandma gives all of her grandkids an ornament every year. This is a series of balls that she handmade for me.







Grandma makes these little boxes to hold each of the ornaments. She is the craft queen. I have so many handmade things from her: pillows, quilts, Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls. The list goes on and on.





In 2005 my nephews and niece gave me a snowman set. My favorite part is that each one signed the back of one of the ornaments.


I gave this to Baddaddy in his stocking last year. It has little lumps of coal inside.


For our Young Woman's Night of Excellence our YW's leader made everyone a cute star ornament using Macrame.


My favorite ornament is this little bear that I have had since I was five. We made them for a Primary Activity Day when my mom was in the primary. We picked this one to paint because when I was little everyone called me HuggyBear.


I realized that all of the ornaments on the tree are mine. Not a single thing from Baddaddy. I will have to do something about that.

Neighbor's Gift

My next door neighbors just knocked on the door, sang me "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and gave me this cute Christmas gift.

They are great neighbors!

Ripples

A business associates' partner committed suicide on Wednesday and I have been thinking a lot about it. My first thoughts were wondering whether he had a wife or kids. That it is Christmas time. That someone had to find him. And then I started to notice the ripples. First of all those people who are directly affected; his family. The first ripple of people whose lives are forever changed by his actions. The partner who had to tell me the reason he hasn't gotten me the signed document. I began to see how his death affected people who didn't even know him. Me who can't get the document. The bank that requires the document to cut the checks. The subcontractor who needs his check in order to give his guys their Christmas bonus. The guys who won't get their Christmas bonus.

I certainly don't mean in any way to say that any of us are as affected as the people who knew and loved this man. I just couldn't help but notice how many people who didn't even know him were in some tiny way affected by his death. Not emotionally or long term. But somehow affected.

Then two days later to see how that ripple has faded for those people. The document is signed, the bank cuts the checks, the subcontract gives his guys their bonuses. For all of them there was just a second where things didn't go as planned. But then their are the people whose lives will never be the same.

Just a Thursday

I slept the whole night...and in my bed! Quite the accomplishment. I may have mentioned this a time or two, but it is really great to work from home. I walked into my office in my pj's and just started working and I got so much done. The best part...I didn't have to drive anywhere.

After an epson salt bath I went to the Chiropractor. It was so fabulous! He adjusted my hip which is constantly killing me. I highly recommend it to anyone with any kind of pain, seriously; headache, backache, neck ache, hip ache, etc. I have been going to a chiropractor for about 12 years now, since a bad car accident. I continue to go at least once a month and it really helps keep my headaches in check.

Baddaddy stayed home from work today so we went out to lunch and then to Dancing Crane; one of our favorite stores to browse. Baddaddy bought a handcrafted Nepalese cushion for his meditation chair. And I bought a new purse. I seem to always be searching for the perfect purse. I finally found it. The perfect size. Or is it that it is made from Hemp?

We had this crazy notion it would be a good idea to go grocery shopping in the middle of a snow storm. It took us forever just to get to the grocery store, forever to get through the check out line and I got very cranky because I needed to eat. Sometimes I think I want to just hole up and never leave the house. I am a real homebody.

Dentist

With just one word I have everyone's sympathy. But in actuality it wasn't too bad. Not what I would call a pleasurable experience, but it was a great opportunity to put into practice the relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques that I have been learning for birthing. It went surprisingly well...if I can relax through glaring lights, annoying Christmas music, the sound and vibrations of the drill and someone's hands in my mouth...I might just pull it off while giving birth.

The rest of the day was busy and productive. I picked up draw checks for work and went into the office for a few hours. Every time I am there I am reminded how much I love working from home. It is not bad being there for short stretches but I am so glad I no longer have to spend all day at the office. My bosses gave me a Christmas bonus which is much appreciated. They apologized because it was smaller than last years; but that is just the way business works. I know the company finances so I know it stretches them to just do any bonus. I think they have forgotten that when they found out I was pregnant they gave me money for baby stuff. So I did actually receive more this year than last. They are so good to me and I really enjoy my job. They were hesitant when I broached working from home, but are willing to do whatever they have to in order to not lose me as my life changes with pregnancy and the arrival of a baby. Sometimes I think of myself as just an employee who could be easily replaced. Then they call me to find out if they can take money because I am the only one who knows the companies finances. And I remember all the things I do that they don't even know I do, let alone how I do in order to keep the company running.

I stopped to fill our water bottles at Water Wellness with the "special" water us water-snobs drink. One more stop to deposit the work checks and it was home to relax while watching a little Charmed. I know there are some members of the family who feel very strongly about the show but I enjoy it.

In the mail today arrived the final Christmas gift for baddaddy. I just need to wrap it and put it under the tree and we are ready for Christmas. Since he is a big participant of this site I will not be putting up pictures just yet...but I think his family in particular will get a kick out of some of his gifts.

The rest of the evening was pretty routine...dinner while watching CSI and one of our favorites, Stargate SG1. Now if only I didn't dread going to bed. It just isn't like it used to be. It feels almost like a chore. Most nights I end up on the couch at about 1:00 and then I get some sleep. Not sure why I don't just start on the couch.

The Baby's Jungle Room

Our baby's jungle room is so cute, thanks to the surprise shower thrown by baddaddy's family.

We have been so blessed to have been given so many things that help with the financial expense of preparing for a baby. And on top of that to be given such cute things that we probably would have been too frugal to purchase ourselves. Doesn't every mom want an adorable baby's room? I know I do...and I have it. Now I just have to wait (and wait, and wait) for the hopefully adorable baby.

I spent most of the day cleaning and organizing the baby's room and my home office. There are so many things I want to accomplish before the baby comes and since I felt pretty good today I just kept going until I wore myself out. Maybe someday everything will be in its place and all the projects will be done and I won't wake up with lists in my head. Of course that is NEVER going to happen...but I love crossing things of lists and even more, I love looking around at what I have accomplished and feeling good about my home.

Welcome to our evil page!

Not that we are evil or anything, just our kitty. Well, he is "half in, half out anyway."

HypnoBirthing Classes

My midwife, Julie Jones, recommended that we go to HypnoBirthing classes. I hadn't heard of it before but I bought the book HypnoBirthing and read about half before going to the classes. I feel that it is a great, positive way to give birth naturally. It is a four week series of classes and I am so excited that J is not only willing to go, but excited about it as well. We went to class November 1, 15, 29 & Dec 6. James was in LV for the second class on Nov 8 so we went back in Dec.

The teacher is Jolene Shields who is a certified hypnotherapist and I really like her. She was showing pictures of her new grandbabies, twins born premature at 26 weeks. What a surprise J and I got when we recognized the parents as Mary and Ryan. My roommate Mary (Clair) from the condos downtown. She lived with Janell and Donya and I until she and Ryan got married. Jolene is Ryan's mom. What a small world.

From Jolene's site:
HypnoBirthing® is a program of preparing for childbirth with hypnosis. This program teaches couples various techniques for relaxation and self hypnosis, making the pregnancy and birth experience an enjoyable journey for all. Building confidence, staying in control, shorter labor, less fatigue and rapid postnatal recovery are just a few of the many benefits of this program.

HypnoBirthing® returns to woman the art of birthing in a way that allows her to summon her natural birthing instincts. HypnoBirthing® is based on the belief that severe discomfort does not need to be a natural accompaniment of labor. HypnoBirthing® also creates an active roll for the birthing companion as well as promoting special bonding of mother, baby and companion.

We both have really enjoyed the classes. My biggest problem throughout was my jumpy legs. It always seemed worse as she was ending class with a relaxation/visualization session. J, who is very familiar with meditating really enjoyed the information and the relaxation sessions. Now that we are finished I continue to listen to the affirmations each morning and do daily relaxation and visualization sessions. I look forward to giving birth and hope that I can truly do it naturally, painlessly and quickly.

Here are the affirmations:

Thanksgiving Weekend

The best part of the holiday weekend was that Kimber came to visit! She, Levi and Nathan arrived Wednesday evening. I love hanging out with her! We began every morning just the two of us and Nathan (the boys slept in until all hours of the morning.) We did some clothes shopping at Mervyns and Motherhood and got some things to get us through the rest of our pregnancies.

J and Levi & Jared played video games until all hours of the night . Jared stayed Wednesday night and then went back with Mom & Dad Thursday night. One day J & Levi watched Man vs. Wild with Bear Grylls for several hours. Levi is really low-key to have around. And he is funny!!

Kimber's due date is just 10 days behind mine. We had Levi take pictures of us together. We even happen to have the same hoodie and shade wear (and slippers) so put them on for the pictures.

Just the bellies.

All of us.

Thanksgiving Day

J and I went to two Thanksgiving dinners. We started at his mom's at 1:00 and stayed for about 2 hours. I have gotten to be pretty comfortable being with his family. Wish I brought some turkey home with us.

After a few hours at home we (Mom, Dad, Jared, Kimber, Levi, Nathan, J & I) headed over to Joe's house for dinner. Before dinner Joe's kids put on a little performance for us. They had memorized parts and the rest of us read our parts, telling about the different people involved in the first Thanksgiving. It was cute and fun to do something more than just eat. Dinner was a bit disappointing; mostly in part because I had been reminiscing and thinking of the dinners we used to have growing up. And it just didn't turn out as good. Joe had raved about his Dutch Oven turkey but unfortunately it was a bit burned and Mom's rolls were burned as well. I made frog eye salad, prism salad and frozen salad. I had been excited about making the salads but when it was the night before and morning off I was just tired. From now on I will just pick one salad to make.

Joe's kids are very rambunctious and really wore me out. I knew that J would be leaving right after dinner and Levi and Jared wanted to go with him. I didn't really intend to leave with them but Lucia gave me a hug and said goodbye and I figured I would just go with it. Kimber's friend Sylvia had come and they were visiting so I didn't feel bad leaving them. Over all it was a long and tiring day.

Second Ultrasound

J and I went in for the second ultrasound today. They were concerned about the possibility of a amniotic band so wanted a more in depth ultrasound. It was so fun to be with J as he heard the heartbeat for the first time and saw our little guy moving around! The nurse technician checked everything out and said there wasn't a concern about the band but I may have placenta previa. I swear they are just out to scare me. The doctor came in to confirm everything and he said that it isn't previa and is nothing to worry about. That everything looks great, the baby's organs and measurements are good and he is in fact a boy.

Even though I haven't allowed myself to worry about it, it was a relief to know that everything is really OK. I called Mom to let her know and she started crying. I didn't realize that she had been so worried. She got on a lot of websites and had talked to people and was far more worried about it than I was. Guess thats what happens when you are the mom. I was happy to reassure her that we were fine.

Surprise 2

He surprised me again! He put me in the car and took me to see Harry Potter. We haven't been to a movie in a long time. And now two in a row...and both a surprise. What a guy!

Surprise 1

James surprised me today when he put me in the car and took me to dinner at Outback. Dinner was so yummy! Afterwards he didn't take us home as I expected but instead headed to the theater where we went to Bourne Ultimatum. He doesn't usually catch me off guard, but he sure did tonight. We had such a great time!

Grandma Died

Grandma F died in her sleep today. Everyone, including Dad seems to be handling it well. It is just such a relief because she hasn't been well for a long time. Dad gave her a blessing a few weeks ago that said she would die peacefully. Her funeral will be Friday. John is flying in and I will pick him up and will stay in Rexburg for the weekend.

Sick in Church

Lisa was speaking in Sacrament and I really wanted to stay for her talk. As I began to feel really yucky I tried to convince myself that I could stay just until her talk was over. Unfortunately, I couldn't even make it through the Sacrament. I didn't want to be sick at the church. Luckily I live very close and I made it home just in time to be very violently ill. It was only the second time that I have actually thrown up. I was disappointed though. I have not been good at staying through all of church and this time I really wanted to, intended to, but couldn't do it.

Break Down

I was so exhausted by the time I left work that I cried all the way home and then laid in bed and sobbed. I don't want to work. I don't want to work. I don't want to work. So, of course J came in to check on me. I know it was emotional and irrational and unfair but I was mad at him because I have to work. I want him to take care of it all so I don't have to. I did talk to him and despite me telling him that he is irresponsible and basically blaming everything on him he has the amazing ability to stay calm, not get defensive and not take it personally. As he explained his methods I can see that he actually does have a system, he is getting rid of so much debt and is quite responsible. It just isn't my way and I always think my way is better. But I can't make him do things my way, especially because his way works for him. I just don't give him credit for it. I know so much of this just comes from the exhaustion. I don't feel like me. He held me while I cried. He calmed me.

Kimber's Visit: Sunday

We skipped church but had a spiritual morning. As we talked we watched bits of several different things...Elder Fausts's talks, CES Firesides. Kimber got ideas for FHE. We talked about the things we should be doing, why we aren't doing them, what we can change. It was so uplifting and motivating. I think we both gained some perspective, a better attitude, a renewed desire to try again. We are good for each other. Non-judgmental. We also don't let the other totally off the hook, but give encouragement, feedback and support.

After she left I laid in bed and read all the cards she has sent me. To actually have in writing some of the things we talk about and feel was amazing. I prayed and cried and thought aloud. I don't want to work and I don't know how to make that happen. J came in and we were able to talk it through. It is really not possible for me to just quit working completely, but there are things I can do to make it easier on myself. I forget that the guys (Donny & Randy) will be flexible and not expect me to stick to a complete schedule. James and I also came up with some scenarios in which I can do most of the work from home. I do feel better about things...I realize there is the part of me that just wants to quit entirely and be taken care of while I take care of the baby, but James and I are not in that situation right now. We will make this work. It will probably be much easier and simpler than I think and as is typical, I am over-thinking it.

Kimber's Visit: Saturday

After lunch at Olive Garden, Kimber and I did some shopping at Kid to Kid. The funny part is that neither of us know what we are having but we both bought lots of cute girl clothes. Even if this one is a boy, hopefully I will have a girl at some point so I don't feel like it is a waste. This is Kimber's last one but she has a good friend that is having a girl that she can give the clothes to if she has a boy. Everyone in their family is hoping for a girl. Me...I guess when we were buying cute girl clothes I was thinking girl, but nether J or I really have a feeling about it one way or the other. Here are a few of the cute things I found.

Sick on the Side of Road

My normal morning schedule consists of me getting up between 6:00 and 6:30 and moving very slowly. I am still trying to get to work on time and its about a 20 minute drive. So I sip water and I take tiny bites of food, usually Grape Nuts as they seem to work right now, while watching Charmed. Then I very slowly move around showering and getting dressed. Then drive to work and feel every single bounce of the truck. Well, this morning I didn't make it. I had to pull over, open the truck door and throw up. It was really kind of horrible! I did finally get into work at around 10:00. Donny didn't even question me about being late. I am so glad that I told them. And so glad that I have bosses who will work me. I talked with J about me taking the car to work instead of the truck. He is riding Trax right now so the car is available. And it is far more comfortable than the truck. Hopefully the queasiness will not be so bad on the drive to work.

Me the Heathen

I went to Young Woman's and then came home from church. I think it is hard enough to go to church regularly when everything is great...add in the tiredness and the queasiness and the last thing I want to do is put on a dress and sit through church. Especially because no one knows so I have to act like everything is OK, like I feel good, like I don't need to throw up. Since YW's is first I as home by 10:00 and J took me to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Then, although I had only been up for a few hours I took a nap. I read for awhile then we went to Mimi's Cafe for dinner. Sometimes I feel like all I do is eat and sleep. We played Gauntlet for a bit, watched Stargate for a bit and then I was back in bed. I feel like I spent most of the weekend in bed and my back is killing me...probably because of these huge breasts!

Boring

I didn't get much of anything done today. I have so many ideas of organizing and preparing and no energy to do any of it. What a cruel joke that is. J and I went to RC Willey and looked at a refrigerator. It is about half as much as I was expecting it to cost and I am so excited about it! We also looked at Temperpedic beds for J. I would love to have one but I don't think I can justify the cost. I took a 2 hour nap. I used to be someone who could not take naps and now I need one just to survive the day. We watched a bit of Stargate Atlantis and I was in bed by 9:30. On a Saturday night. How sad is that.

Told the Bosses the Big News

I told Donny and Randy today. I have been meaning to, but kept waiting for them to be in one morning when I was having a hard time. I am feeling pretty great today so it was more fun to tell them. They were totally excited for me. We didn't talk about how this will affect my work or what we will do, but we have plenty of time to discuss it. I left work early to go see Bourne Ultimatum with J but we didn't up going. We had a healthy nutritious dinner from Taco Bell and then watched Stargate Atlantis.

Midwife

I spoke with Julie Jones's office and scheduled an appointment with her for Sept 6th. They do the blood work at their office and they schedule the appointments for ultrasounds at the hospital. The birth takes place at Cottonwood Hospital but with the midwife rather than a Dr. I feel like it is a really great compromise which allows me to still deliver with a midwife but in a hospital. I am a little disappointed that I will not be able to meet with her for a month. Because it is my first I am anxious to find out that everything is OK and to begin developing a relationship with the midwife. But I have months in this process and I will only be 13 weeks along.

Insurance

I have been researching our insurance to see what our options are for the birth. We have amazing insurance through J's work that will pay 100% of all visits and 90% of the birth. I should have felt totally blessed but had mixed feelings. I felt that because it is such great insurance that I can't pass it up and would have to have the baby in a hospital rather than with a midwife or at a birthing center. However, to my excitement and relief, I found a list of midwives who are covered by the policy.

J went to Ed's house to help tile so I was alone for the evening. Mara was supposed to come over and hang out but didn't show. I am not sure what is going on with her but I miss her. I don't have enough female friends that I don't really feel the absence of one of my closest. Normally I would have enjoyed a chic flic and some good food (like a good salad J won't eat) but I spent most of the night waiting for her and then it was too late to do anything. I want my night back.

Slept through Church

I meant to go to church...I really did. However, since it begins at 9:00 and I didn't even wake up until 11:00 I figure I must have needed my sleep. Yesterday was a hard day. Sometimes I feel so normal and so just continue on with my life as if I am not pregnant. And then it comes back to bite me. I really needed to do some housework and I did manage to get some cleaning done, but I ended up doing too much without eating enough. I thought as long as I did stuff slowly that I could accomplish something. But I waited too long to eat and then my body felt like it was going to fall apart. There are so many things that I want to do...to organize, clean and prepare and my mind keeps making lists that my body can't keep up with. As always J is so good to hold and comfort me and remind me that the world won't end if the house isn't spotless.

24th of July

I am so exhausted. I have never felt anything like this. I worked yesterday and after only one day back at work I am not sure how I am going to keep doing it. I think I will have to tell the guys soon so they can cut me a little slack.

The 10th season of Stargate SG-1 came out today so J and I picked it up. Very excited to watch it!

Recuperating From Camp

I am so tired! I am really not sure how I made it through camp. I had tons of eggs left over so I made deviled eggs. Then went to Walmart and picked up a toaster. Somewhere in conversation Tiffany mentioned that they haven't had a working toaster for a couple of years and always have to broil their bread. I took the eggs and the toaster over to Tiffany as a thank you for all her help at camp. We chatted and played games for a few hours. They gave me a bassinet and have a crib and a swing to give me. Tiffany also has some boxes of maternity clothes that I can use.

Survivor Camp

We left this morning for girls' camp. We met at the Stake center where the stake had breakfast for us then headed up to the campsite. I traveled up alone because the truck was so packed which gave me a little time to relax before it all began.

The theme the Stake chose is Survivor.

We managed to get all the tents and camp set up right before it began to rain.

We had an activity before camp to make our flag. It turned out great!

The original group: Lindsi, Tiffany, Teresa, Kirstin
Emily, Maddie, Shantelle, Miranda & Me.

Everyone:
Bishop, Lindsi, Lisa, Shantelle, Teresa, Me, Susan
Tiffany, Kirstin, Emily, Maddie, Miranda

The Stake was in charge of this camp which made things much easier in the planning this year. They shortened it a day, were doing one meal each day and an activity each day. I was able to just use the menus from the two previous years. This was by far the easiest planning year. The first year I wasn't sure what I was doing. The second year was on a ward level so there was more planning. This year was ideal. And it will be my last. There is a little sadness but also a lot of relief. Tiffany was such a blessing as she took care of a lot of the unloading and directing. Not letting me carry anything too heavy. And she covered for me throughout camp as I needed to nap and snack on crackers. Luckily I was not having too bad of nausea, just a bit of queasiness.

In the weeks before camp we made our flag, tie-dyed shirts with the stake, had a stake certification day and planned our skit. I came up with an idea based around the Amelia Bedelia books. The girls really had fun with the skit.

Practicing

Over all the camp was a blast! We had devotionals and "tribal council" every morning, singing time at night and rain every day. We ate lots of food, made some crafts, went hiking (I skipped that part) which was interrupted by the rain.

Maddie & Shantelle

Flag Ceremony

No fires allowed but we still managed to have tin foil dinners.

Playing Speed Scrabble. They love to play games!

The stake had a fun craft for us making magnets with the values.

Our ward was in charge of music so every day Tiffany taught us some songs and we played some fun musical games. We had made up several songbooks in advance to give to all the girls. The funnest part was a rock game in which everyone kneels in a circle and has a rock. As you sing you tap and pass the rock in varying ways. They loved it!

I have had a pinata for the girls each year. We visited each of the camps with a little gift and an invitation to break the pinata with us.


The Bishop stayed the whole week. He is really great; he stays out of the way but is always there to help as well. The rest of the bishopric came up for one night and we ate, played games and sang songs. I really appreciate their support.

And of course Secret Sisters.
This year I got a shoe bag and made a post office. With the little tiki man name tags for each of the slots they could put the items inside instead of having to put it in the tents.

The last morning is always a little sad and there is also relief. We packed up and headed home. I have no idea how I made it through...Tiffany was a huge help. But I think I was also just really blessed to not be tired and nauseous. Tiffany helped me unload everything and clean up. I could have left it but really wanted to just put it all away so it was really done. I managed to take a shower and then collapsed into bed where I slept for several hours. It's done. It was fun. It was my last year for awhile.