Thanksgiving: What I'm Thankful For...

Just thought I'd make a list...some silly ones, I have to admit.

1. Jordan--the most wonderful husband ever!

2. Our unborn offspring :) The little kicker, or "Baby Helga," as Jordan and I sometimes call her, since she's been nameless.

3. The fact that I CAN get pregnant. That is a blessing.

4. My family, Jordan's family, all the family...

5. To live in a FREE country!! Hopefully it will stay that way!

6. Tylenol and Diet Coke for the headaches...

7. The gospel, scriptures, the true church, the Prophet, etc.

8. Cell phones, email, computers, texting, all of the wonderful ways in which to communicate

9. This blog! Journal writing is OUT OF THE QUESTION.

10. That my house isn't in foreclosure...that we can pay all of our bills and that we have jobs!

11. My soft bed, central heating and air, food on the table, etc.

12. That I haven't totally swelled UP...at least not yet, I guess...I can still wear pre-pregnancy SHOES

13. Almond Joy, chocolate in general, those chocolate cherries...yummm...Harry & David :), pumpkin pie, people that cook yummy food for me to eat!

14. http://www.hulu.com/

15. GREAT FRIENDS...you know who you are!

16. That I don't have stretch marks ALL over my body, just on most of it...

17. That Jordan has decided on "Claire" for our little girl--YAY!!!! Middle name still to come...

18. That terrorists aren't coming to blow up my neighborhood

19. That Obama probably won't totally follow the ways of his friend Bill Ayers :)

20. That my husband still thinks I'm HOT, even though I feel and look like a whale, I think!

21. That Christmas music plays on the radio...even during Thanksgiving!! (except for that absolutely STUPID song, "Christmas Shoes." Sorry, hate it. WHY does the dying Mom have to have new shoes? Did she have a shoe fetish in her life? Why waste the money on the shoes if she's going to die? Plus the little kid didn't even have the money for them--he should have just stayed by her side instead! Ok I'll stop talking about this.

22. That I sing in the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir...it's so fun!!

23. That I never had to have braces and my teeth grew in perfectly

24. That my husband is Mr. Fixit around the house, Mr. "Geeksquad" in terms of computers and any electronic equipment--he is VERY useful and saves us LOTS of money!!

25. That Jordan and I will be together forever, awwww :)

Soap Box Sunday

Do I ever manage to do the Soap Box on Sunday? No. :)

This week's Gospel Doctrine lesson discussed the sad ending to the Nephite civilization. Mormon and Moroni and only 33 others are left, and the Lamanites are still hunting them. Mormon even tells us that he cannot write even a hundredth part of the things that occured.

There were SO MANY things to learn from these chapters, but the part that I felt really applies to us in these difficult times is this:

Mormon 8:17, 22

"O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!"

"O that ye had repented before this great destruction had come upon you. But behold, ye are gone, and the Father, yea, the Eternal Father of heaven, knoweth your state; and he doeth with you according to his justice and mercy."

Hugh Nibley said:
“The tragedy of the Book of Mormon is not what became of the Nephites but what the Nephites became.”

And Ezra Taft Benson described it this way:
“Great nations do not fall because of external aggression; they first erode and decay inwardly, so that, like rotten fruit, they fall of themselves. The strength of a country is the sum total of the moral strength of the individuals in that country.”

It is interesting to think about a civilization, people, or culture eroding from within SO MUCH that at one point, 230,000 people are killed in a single day of battle (our biggest war casualties...during the civil war in the 1860's amounted to about 140,000 within a 5-year period). Now, I don't want to make this about gloom and doom. And I'm not saying that our nation is actually headed there in the fast lane or anything. Who am I to predict? But, I can tell you this--I see our nation eroding from within, yes. Eroding in morality, justice, civility, and integrity.

At one point, the Nephites won two consecutive battles against the Lamanites. Unfortunately, by this time, they were beyond feeling, and ended up boasting in their own strength, causing Mormon to observe:

"[We won] . . .Nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea, we were left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the Lord did not abide in us; therefore we had become weak (without theHoly Ghost) like unto our brethren." (Mormon 2:26)

As our society erodes in these last days, as corruption rises and as moral standards fall, it is important as Latter-day Saints to strengthen ourselves from within. We must not become "weak like unto our bretheren," meaning we must always strive to take the higher road, stand in holy places, work at maintaining the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. Of course, we should also be good examples to those around us and allow others to feel of the Spirit through missionary work and the simple tokens of light and truth we can give to them.

I know that as we strive to keep from "eroding from within" ourselves, no matter what happens in these times, and to our society and people, we will be strengthened and uplifted. The prophet, Alma said it perfectly:

"I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things" (Alma 26:12).

BYU-UTAH Rivalry

So...I went to BYU. And I had a great time. Didn't get my tuition reimbursement when I graduated sans the "Mrs." title, but I don't have any hard feelings :) I have to say that during my time there, I went to TWO football games. They were both on first dates. That's it.

People can't seem to understand why I'm not into the "rivalry" hype. And to be honest, I LOVE playing football--like flag football--but I just really don't get much joy in watching it! Basketball and soccer are WAY more interesting to me. In football, they just yell "hike," the QB passes the ball to someone close by, usually, that person gets nailed, and then they break apart again...gaining like one yard. Most of the time I can't even SEE what's going on with all of those huge BODIES in the way!!! Gosh! And soccer players (although very wimpy, howling in pain every time they are even NUDGED by their opponent) are a lot hotter to look upon :)

Another reason I don't watch the games is that my husband is kinda...well, not into them. In fact, I'M the one watching the Olympics by myself! Funny story... So, we were in church a few weeks ago, when the speaker, talking about leadership, decided to use a couple of analogies. He said, "For women, lack of leadership is like sheep without a shepheard." And then he said, "And for men...It's like a football team without a quarterback." I promptly turned to Jordan and said, "Honey, what's it like for you??" He said, "It's like a computer without a CPU." WHAT a nerd he is. hahaha.... But such a CUTE nerd!!! Oh, and I looked it up: A "CPU" is a "Central Processing Unit" or what is commonly known as the brain of your computer. It takes the orders, processes them, and then tells all of the other parts to work.

OK back to the original story. Are you bored yet? I'm just rambling I guess.... So, I wore a RED shirt today on accident. To work. In hindsight, I should've gone home and changed! There were WAY too many Utes fans in the office. I was just a number--AND people thought I was numbered among THEM. Almost NO representation for my alma matter. Oh well!

One of my friends, Larry, got his cubicle decorated by our coworker (and Utes fan), Ginni. She decorated die-hard-BYU-fan-Larry's cubicle in Ute style, haha... Here are the pictures!

Fresh Cranberry Apple Relish

Something I'm especially thankful for this season is FOOD. :) Especially delicious things like our family's traditional Cranberry-Pineapple-Apple Relish. I have looked for similar recipes, and no one seems to combine all three! My family can't even imagine Thanksgiving without it, to be honest--or Christmas! I now make it every year so that wherever I go, I have it! The Cranberry-Orange kind isn't as good...even though this picture has an orange in it...it was the best I could find online! Anyway, here's the recipe!

1 c. frozen or fresh cranberries, washed
1 or 2 apples, cored
1/2 c. crushed pineapple, drained
2/3 to 1 c. sugar
pinch of salt

Grind up cranberries and apples in a food processor. Mix all ingredients together and stir until sugar is dissolved. User the lesser amount of sugar if you want your relish to be more tart. Store in the refrigerator. (Best tasting if you let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before eating) You can also freeze this mixture for use at a later time.

If you make this for Thanksgiving, please let me know if you/everyone/anyone liked it!! (via great comments in this post :)

On Saturday, I had yet another baby shower. I'm seriously so spoiled. My friend, Rachel (the one who went to Mexico with us!) threw me a shower with friends in the neighborhood and at church. They were so awesome! Like 15 people came and it was great!

Rachel's sister, Adrienne, made the CUTEST CAKE for it!! It looks just like the cakes they have at that bakery, "Nothing Bunt Cakes." She also made this wonderful chicken noodle soup, and Rachel made this great creamy...can't really say what it was...potato? Bacon? Something like that, but it was awesome :) hhaha.

And everyone was very diligent at playing the game! Congrats to Lindsay for winning! They had to make up names for the baby using my name and Jordan's. It was really funny. Lindsay Black is a teacher, and MAN she needs to teach US! She went to town, and got some fluffy socks for her troubles :)

Ok I feel bad, but...I totally got some GREAT gifts but I seriously don't have time to talk about them...just know they were all wonderful, and thank you so much!!! Thank you Rachel and Adrienne for the WONDERFUL shower!! It was so fun!!

Work Baby Shower!

My WONDERFUL friends and coworkers, Monica and Jasmin, threw me a super cute baby shower with all of my coworkers.

It was really fun! Funny games: putting celebrity children with their parents...I regret to say I got second place, haha :) The other game, I didn't even ATTEMPT. They had like 9 jars of baby food with the labels covered...and each had to guess what they were! And it wasn't like it was "peaches" or "sweet potatoes..." NO. It was like "fruit medly," "chicken, potatoes, and wild rice dinner" and hard ones like that! The most anyone got right was 4!

Ok, so I have all these pictures, and will highlight the gifts, but I have to say there were a couple of gifts that I was like....WOAH....that's creative. NOT that I care any less about all of the others! You guys are so great! I'm totally spoiled.

Here is the delicious coconut-pineapple cake Monica ordered from my FAVORITE place, Kneaders. It was SOOOOO good...

Ok, then my friend Ginni got me these super-creative onesies! She made them from the ultrasound photos I gave her!! Isn't that awesome?

And Monica went to Barcelona a couple months ago, and got this for the baby. She has actually been shopping for her ever since I told her I was pregnant, so it was like dipping my hand in Mary Poppins' travel bag at the shower!! I call her "Grandma Monica" because she will be my baby's Grandma #3 :)

Jasmin went to Hawaii a few weeks ago, and got this adorable mumu/sun dress!! I'm so excited for the baby to wear it next summer!

Dianna and her daughter Jessie actually MADE me this awesome pink tie-quilt. It was funny--they said they made it the night before. I said, "yeah, you guys look a little tired today :)" It is sooo cute, huh?

And my coworker, Steve's wife, Kass is soooo creative!! She made me this really cool paint-can-turned decorative thingie to put things in, I guess (ok, so I have NO vocabulary, I know...) and it had a soft fuzzy blanket inside, but can be used for other stuff in the nursery! She is so talented!!

Gosh, there were so many more things...I am just so grateful for such wonderful friends! I actually feel really guilty when I have a shower because I feel so SPOILED!! But I'm really grateful, because after this baby is born we will be SUPER POOR, so every little bit helps!!

Some other great things I got were:

-cloth diapers to use as burp cloths (I told my friend Wendy that although this is a "boring thing to buy," that I really needed some, and she was awesome and "took one for the team," but was able to have fun getting me some cute little socks too and a first aid kit.

-A cute pink blanket and pillow set from Dalia that say "princess" on it..thank you Dalia!

-The CUTEST little outfit set from Heidi Gunderson. I LOVE the hot pink puffy vest!!

-Lori got me these really cute white fuzzy slippers with a pink flower on each one. So cute.

-Heather was really practical (I LOVE that!) and got me a baby carrier and a wipes warmer (that apparently keeps them warm, or course, moist, and doesn't brown them. You're awesome, Heather!

Third Trimester Class - Part 2

Jordan and I went to the second half of our "Third Trimester Class" on Saturday, and since I learned SO many new things, I just need to share :) (sorry if I scare you, Ariel...I'll try not to this time...we didn't watch any "gross" videos, so that was good!)

Things I learned:

-The white stuff all over the baby when she comes out, making her look like an alien, is actually this creamy water-resistant barrier so that the baby's skin is protected from the gross amniotic fluid (which is mostly pee that she...well, pees and then drinks right up!) while she's inside of you.

-It's better to tear than have an episiotomy (where they cut you in advance! OUCH. But I totally already knew this one..thanks Mom :)

-I told the teacher that people should bring their own "stuff" into the hospital, since they charge like $25 for each Tylenol they give you. It was funny bc she kinda agreed, but at the same time, she had to say that that is not allowed, and you'd have to "sneak" them in...

-Breastfeeding. All I can say is "good luck" to myself. Apparently, in the beginning you're supposed to do it about 10 times a DAY! And the milk will come in a "supply and demand" basis...so if you want a lot of milk, you have to breast feed a lot, is what she said. Well, since we didn't watch a "gross video" this time, we did have to endure a lot of "breast" pictures...

-There are all of these "holds" for breastfeeding. The cross your body hold, or whatever it's called, the football hold (that's the main one I remember, just because you don't really think of foodball when you're thinking about breastfeeding, right? Maybe guys would, and that's why girls do the job because they are less distracted by sports)

-The whole breastfeeding thing is scary. Painful. Time-consuming. But apparently, a "joy" all at the same time.

-I'm going to need to pump some milk in the beginning when I have tons, so that I can freeze it, and Jordan can do some middle-of-the-night feedings. (the teacher said this is for my sanity, and husband can pull some weight here) BUT, you're not supposed to introduce the bottle until 2-weeks later (and NOT later than that, or the baby won't take it) since the baby needs to get used to breastfeeding naturally, since it is a bit harder than taking a bottle.

-We toured the hospital. Not necessarily a 5-star resort or anything, but there were flat screens in the rooms, at least! Jordan is hoping for one with a jacuzzi so HE can use it. WHATever.

-Postpartum depression...well, let's just hope I'm good.

-They have "carseat patroll" at the hospital. If a mother wants to go home, and doesn't have a carseat in the car for the baby, she totally can't. That seems NORMAL, but it's funny bc they have people go down and check to make sure, inspect the seat, etc.

-You wear a diaper at the hospital...in the first 24 hours. Yeah. And some really pretty "granny panties" too. It's going to be good times!!

Us...Antiqued!!

Ok, I found this cool thing online! You just upload a photo and the website generates an "antiqued" version! Here's the one we did :)

Shoot...I lost the site... maybe a google search and you can do it too?

I am...

Ok, here's another one...kinda bored at work, go figure :)

I am: versitile
I know: that my Redeemer Lives
I want: to not be pregnant anymore
I have: a bad driving record
I dislike: paying bills
I miss: Sydney
I feel: huge
I hear: office chatter
I smell: hmmm... not sure...something sweet though
I crave: being organized, clean, prepared (I'm currently "nesting"...other days I could maybe crave chocolate or something...)
I cry: in church mostly
I search: meaning, enlightenment, understanding, in gospel terms
I wonder: where our country is headed...
I regret: not playing more piano pieces that were "hard" with like 4 flats or 5 sharps, for example...and practicing more! (don't get TOO excited about this confession, Mom)
I love: my husband, unborn child, family, friends, church...and let's just be crazy: grilled cheese and jam sandwiches :)
I worry: about paying the bills next year and how long it will take Jordan to finish school
I remember: banana clips, keds, and bright blue eyeshadow
I dance: pathetically.
I don't: like pets. Will NEVER have them, mark my words!! Ok, maybe a FISH. But just ONE.
I argue: with my husband WAY less than I used to. A naturally "argumentative" person, I have to keep myself in check ALL THE TIME, esp. about politics and religion.
I write: a blog! And emails. That's it.
I win: the prize for the most car accidents caused by me--that would be 5.
I lose: way too many things. Including my mind.
I wish: we were debt-free, like most everyone, right?
I listen: to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. I also listen to a lot of talk radio.
I can usually be found: on the computer
I am scared: of getting fat in my old age
I need: to have my baby in January (will be a $250 medical bill in Jan, or a $3,000 bill in Dec.)
I forget: people's names and where I know them from
I tag: whoever wants to do this!!

"8 Things" Tag.

My cute friend Tiffany tagged me for this like a month ago. I'm finally getting to it :)

8 TV shows I watch:

1. Prison Break
2. Chuck
3. The Office
4. Bones
5. House
6. The Unit
7. Amazing Race
8. America's Next Top Model (I know...)

8 things that happened yesterday: (as you will see...my life is VERY exciting.)

1. Braxton Hicks...ughhh
2. Choir...clear up in Bountiful! But was fun anyway :)
3. Dress fitting for choir
4. Visiting teaching Charla
5. Work
6. Got some Great Harvest bread...yummm
7. Found out we need to replace all of our tires...arghhh
8. Got new AWESOME windshield wipers!!

8 favorite places to eat:

1. Cafe Rio
2. Paradise Cafe
3. Pei Wei
4. P.F. Changs
5. Spencers Steakhouse (If I had money! :)
6. Kneaders (esp. the french toast breakfast...yummm)
7. Grandma Fern's house!
8. My Mom's house!

8 things I'm looking forward to:

1. Christmas!
2. Thanksgiving
3. Weeks rolling by, really...because at the end, I'll have my little GIRL!!
4. Quitting my job :)
5. Baby Showers this weekend
6. Twilight movie--of course. I'm such a girl.
7. Obama falling on his face (not literally). Ok maybe not...for the country and all... but it would be funny. Either that or...even better, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid losing their senate seats :)
8. Being done with work today and organizing my house all night, except for a quick break to go to a little boutique in my neighborhood where they're selling CUTE BABY HEADBANDS/BOWS!! (Well, hopefully they're cute)

8 things on my wishlist:

1. A great part-time job that pays well and I can do from home, after the baby comes
2. Pay off my house and car
3. Have a healthy, cute baby girl, and that she's not TOO MUCH of a Daddy's girl!
4. I wish I could buy a whole new wardrobe after the baby's born...ahhh....to actually GO to the mall....ahh....
5. Some MAC makeup for Christmas--I just decided I need to invest in their lip gloss and eyeshadow becuase they actually stay ON... (Thanks Juliann!!) I think I'll has my in-laws just for some of that for Christmas and nothing else
6. That I won't have a double chin anymore in January...ok maybe February... :)
7. That I can lose the pregnancy weight easily as I nurse!
8. Jordan would be a TAD BIT faster at finishing that closet.... (love you Honey :)

8 people to tag:

1. Heather Barnum
2. Heather Morgan
3. Amanda
4. Kika
5. Becca
6. Ann-Marie (will you do it this time? :)
7. Becky LaClaire
8. Dayna

Soap Box Sunday

This Sunday, I had the privelage of teaching Gospel Doctrine again. It is a privelage because, of course, as always, I AM the one who learns the most! And this time, I especially needed it because the Savior was quoting...none other than...Isaiah. Yes. The prophet who's writings we are supposed to know and understand like the back of our HAND! Yes. That is true. Be very afraid if you're an Isaiah-dummy like I am!! (although I did see a book called "Isaiah for Dummies" or something like that by John Bytheway. I think I need that.)

But today, I learned some great things.

The Savior tells us how important it is to "search" not just read the words of Isaiah:

3 Nephi 23:1-3

1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.

2 For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.

Elder McConkie said:

"If our eternal salvation depends upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them – and who shall say that such is not the case! – how shall we fare in that great day when with Nephi we shall stand before the pleasing bar of Him who said: Great are the words of Isaiah? It just may be that my salvation (and yours also!) does in fact depend upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them. For that matter, why should either Nephi or Isaiah know anything that is withheld from us? Does not that God who is no respecter of persons treat all his children alike? Has he not given us his promise and recited to us the terms and conditions of his law pursuant to which he will reveal to us what he has revealed to them?"

And why do we need to understand Isaiah's words? Well, because his prophecies really do pertain MAINLY to US in the Latter-days. Understanding the "signs of the times" comes from Isaiah's words, understanding the "gathering of Israel" comes from Isaiah, and knowing our role as members of the church in these last days, comes from studying Isaiah. (Ok now, I'm realizing I REALLY need to get that "Isaiah for Dummies" book...)

Another concept that Isaiah points out in his poetic way of teaching is that the Savior is the "husband" of the "married wife," or, the "members of the church." In chapter 22, Jesus quotes Isaiah as saying that as the stakes of Zion are expanded, the Lord of Hosts is with the children of the covenant--He is with the faithful members of the church who assist in the expanding of His gospel. A great way to understand the Savior's role as a "husband" to us is this, according to Cynthia L. Hallen, a Book of Mormon scholar:

"The Savior of the whole earth is her husband. The etymology of the English word husband is "one who prepares or builds a house." The Lord is Zion's husband or "house builder" because he makes the earth as a home for all creatures, he creates bodies as temples for spirit children, he builds temples as places of worship, and he prepares heavenly mansions for his children."

To me, this is a wonderful description of who the Savior is to us. He is the creator of the world, the creator of our places of worship, and the creator of the eventual world that we will live in if we so desire and do our part to attain.

And if we feel forsaken, let us remember that though we may feel this way at times, He is always there to succor us in our time of need. His "kindness shall not depart" from us. This video sums up what I think the Lord wants us to know in these times--from the words of Isaiah...one of the most beautiful songs I know, written by Rob Gardner, from his "Joseph Smith, the Prophet" music fireside I once had the opportunity to be a part of. Since then, this has been one of my favorite songs.

We have a Piano!!!!

I took piano for about 9 years. That DOESN'T mean I want a piano-calling at church. I'm not THAT good. I mean, well, let me rephrase...I'm not a good sight-reader. I can play something well if I practice.

SO, now I can PRACTICE more! Jordan and I received an early Christmas Present (for the next 10 Christmases I think, since it was a BIT more than the usual gift) from my parents!! A digital piano. They said to jump on one when we found the best deal, and we DID!!!

It is so perfect. Has a good amount of "bells and whistles" that has kept Jordan occupied ever since we picked it up today. I told him I knew he'd be "useless" around the house after he'd set it up...he agreed with a nice little grin, and has enjoyed himself as he plays with his "new toy." He loves the technical features, like "midi tracks" and the millions of different instrument sounds that you can use, accompaniment, etc. etc. I don't get too caught up in that, and frankly was a little bored at the music store as he and the salesman guy talked "tech," BUT it was SO NICE to sit and play on the piano for once!!! Especially with Christmas coming up--I've got a book of Christmas solos that I already know a few of, and will learn the rest! Jordan wants to learn (he dabbled in it when he was little), so he got the Adult Piano Book I, with the piano. At this exact moment, he's practicing "Lead Kindly Light." He's really picking it up! I didnt' know he could read notes so well! Awesome.

I'm glad we went with the Roland brand...for many reasons (more bang for your buck, for sure), but a main benefit is that the Yamaha equivalent is a little wider, and this one first PERFECTLY next to our fireplace...the ONLY place in the house that we could fit a piano. So, that's good!

So, once I have the baby and start being really poor, I'm going to try my hand at piano lessons and voice lessons! Becca, thank you in advance for all of your piano teacher training you'll be giving me :) I'm excited to teach voice too!

Anyway, that's the story. We are so excited and happy!! Thank you so much Mainha & Painho!!! You guys are the BEST BEST BEST!!!!

The Third Trimester Class

It's that time... Jordan and I went to our first (of 2) "3rd Trimester Class" this morning. VERY informative. And scary. And gross.

Some Things I learned: (just some or this would be very long)

-The baby needs to be upside down and facing toward your back for best results at delivery. If not, they try to turn her bef0rehand, and that can cause BRUISING!

-The baby turns a few times before getting "out"--so if you see your doctor twisting the baby's head after its come out (like if you want to have a mirror there and actually SEE the delivery--not sure I want to, let's be honest) don't FREAK. The body has twisted too. He's not taking your baby's head off.

-Delivery is...well...GUH-ROSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! I was totally grossed out. (but I heard from Becca that Phil almost puked so I'm not THAT bad :)) And the baby comes out totally white, until they bathe her and she gets some oxygen in her lungs...then there's that pink complexion everyone talks about. But first, yeah, she looks like an alien. But that's okay...she'll be MY alien! (And, since Jordan's mom once told me that Jordan was "the ugliest baby" she'd ever seen, (she had the forceps though) I have hope that if she's UGLY, she may be HOT one day...like Jordan :)

-They must get...well...very NOT-vain women to do these baby delivery videos. Some of them were totally naked!! I was like, "you couldn't at least keep your shirt on??" I wonder how much they PAY them to expose themselves to the whole world. Although, my sister-in-law, Ann-Marie, wisely said that, well, you couldn't care LESS at that point, you're so miserable, AND maybe the camera crew was like, "hey, can we film you," and she was so out of it she didn't care haha...

-I feel much better about the epidural. (Especially after seeing the gross video where the ladies do it the NATURAL way). Firstly, they numb the area with a tiny needle before they jab that humungo one into your spine. I was worried about that. Secondly, the nurse said that nobody gets paralized. (pheww) Thirdly, the most you can have as far as side effects are a spinal headache (if the anestesiologist screws up and hits your spinal tissue--2 in ever 400 epidurals), or tenderness for the rest of your life--ok maybe not that long, but for a little while, in the spot the needle goes in. Apparently at IMC, the hospital I'm delivering at, 90% get epidurals, and 5% would've if they could've--they are the ones that were too late, or the "stop and drop" people that are like fully dialated once they get to the hospital!

-Of the 5% that don't get epidurals, a few of them have "porcelain babies" because they feel like they need to go to the bathroom right when they get to the hospital, haha... the teacher told all of the husbands in the class "DON'T LET HER GO TO THE BATHROOM." Isn't that hilarious?? I can't imagine having my baby in a toilet...

-I really need to milk Jordan for more "pregnancy massages." This is my time. This is my opportunity. I can get massages out of him if I really complain about the aches and pains of pregnancy. I need to remember to ask him more... the teacher showed the guys how to do the best massages in class. That was my favorite part :)

Anyway...informative, gross, and cool all at the same time. Can't wait til next week where we learn about breast feeding...ughhhhh.....I hear that's PAINFUL!!!!!

Bummer.

Well, all I can say is that I hope I remain POOR ENOUGH over the next 4 years so that my wealth isn't spread around.

Election Day

Here are some funny Obama-centered cartoons in honor of Election Day: (just in case Obama wins and freedom of speech will all start to go down the tubes via the Fairness Doctrine and I won't be able to make fun of him anymore.) I know, I'm a "such a pundit" (Nathan :))

And, my personal favorite:

Soap Box Sunday

Ok, another late one...but I've been deathly ILL!! Well, have had probably the worst cold I've ever had over the past few days, so I didn't even make it to church. However, my father in law asked me to research a little about eternal marriage for a convert he home teaches. From that I discovered something pretty insightful!

When we talk about the "New and Everlasting Covenant" I know that that the first thing that pops into my head is Eternal Marriage. According to Joseph Fielding Smith, however, it's much more than that:

"Each ordinance of the Gospel is a covenant which is new and everlasting. It is new and everlasting because it is divine truth and never grows old....This was said of baptism, and the Lord calls it "a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning." (Sec. 22:1) It is so with all the covenants and obligations in the Gospel which pertain to salvation and exaltation of man....President Brigham Young has said, that "All Latter-day Saints enter the new and everlasting covenant when they enter the Church...." (Discourses of Brigham Young. pp. 247-248.)

And he continues:

"There are some members of the Church who seem to think that the new and everlasting convenant is the covenant of celestial marriage, or marriage for eternity, but this is not so. Marriage for eternity is an everlasting covenant, because it was from the beginning. It will be, if properly performed according to the law of the Lord, eternal.

In the opening verses of Section 132, the Lord draws a distinction between a new and everlasting covenant and the new and everlasting covenant. While the definifition is given in the negative form, it is plainly discernible that the new and everlasting covenant is the fulness of the Gospel.

In the words of the Lord, [Sec. 132:7, quoted]. (CHMR, 1948, 2:157-58.) marriage, when performed by the authority of God, is here announced to be "a" new and "an" everlasting covenant. In like manner, baptism is "a" new and "an" everlasting covenant (D&C 22:1) as are all other "covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations" intended to be of "efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection" (v.7). The composite or sum of these individual covenants is "the" new and everlasting covenant." (Revelations of the Restoration, p. 1059)

I think this is very interesting because it shows that though Eternal Marriage is something we should all aspire to, look forward to, and, if we already have this blessing, it is something that we should cherish and continue to work at. However, this explanation about the difference between "a new and everlasting covenant" and "the new and everlasting covenant" really shows me that the Lord is equally concerned with EVERY ordinance we partake in while living here on the Earth. Though marriage, the endowment, could be considered the "final step" it is not to be considered the most important step, as baptism, the receiving the Holy Ghost, for example, are just as important. They also pave the way to our endowment.

I also really like that "the new and everlasting covenant" is attributed correctly to the "fulness of the Gospel" and the "sum total" of the individual covenants we make with the Lord. It really shows us that the Lord values all of the covenants we make with Him, and that we are indeed, partakers of the FULNESS of the Gospel...something that others in the history of the world have not had the privelage to partake of.

I feel truly blessed to have made all of the covenants necessary with the Lord, and hope that I can keep myself worthy to partake of the eternal blessings that will come from this.