Day 3 & 4:Life style change

Yesterday and today have been not so great for me, in the food department. Yesterday we started out with bagels and cream cheese. I love this type of food for breakfast, but it does not hold me as long and I start feeling sick from eating bread. We then went out for lunch. We ordered burgers and fries. Super delicious, but the grease always gets to me. Last thing we did while being out on the town, was get a dessert, called Gooeys. You can find them at this link -  https://www.cdaresort.com/assets/materials/dockside_gooey_menu.pdf

I have found that dealing with PCOS, my body does not handle ice cream very well. It is chalked full of sugar, and something about the lactose gets to my body. That, night we had a pork roast, baked in apple butter, juice and sugar combo. We had mash potatoes and green beans. super good, but probably not the best meal. I also had two helpings. This is something I am also trying to work on.

Today ran about the same way in having second helpings. I am defiantly a foodie person. I am also a social eater. I love food. I love tasting it, I love making it, I love eating it, I love eating with friends and family. Many times, I have seconds just so I can experience the taste all over,enjoy all the things I love about food all over again. There are two types of people. The first person eats to live, the second person lives to eat. I am the second person. I live to eat. I want to change that some. Food is good and I am not sure I will fully give that up, but, food should be eaten to help us live and live healthy at that.

I am looking forward to getting back to eating more healthy again. That is the thing about a life style change. It usually is a life long process. I love food and I love life, and That's Just Me:)

DAY 2: Life style change

Today is really day three of my thirty day challenge to figuring out my PCOS and not letting PCOS rule my life. So I am sorry, but you will most likely get two blog post today.

Yesterday was a good day. I stayed busy most of the day. Part of the reason I was so busy, was because a friend of ours drove out from Eugene OR to visit. I was cleaning the house and getting his room ready for him. I manage to get out and take a four mile walk, with my baby Edith. It was super cold and I wasn't sure I would even get in a mile. I pushed forward though and made it the four miles. it felt good to push myself a little harder. It was a sweet victory when I made it back to the car.

For breakfast I had forgotten to make enough parfaits. Instead I made myself some shredded wheat over whole milk and then added fresh cut up strawberries. It was filling, tasty, and kept me full for a few hours.

I had a late lunch, we had the Garden Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing. I just love having a fresh food to eat. My husband served a mission for the Church we attend. Which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His mission was to serve the people of Ecuador. I have never been to Ecuador, but I have had Ecuadorian food. If you haven't tried it, you are missing out. Anyway, this garden salad is very much like one of the salad's they have in Ecuador. It is very simple. but chocked full of flavor and is very healthy.

Our friend made it, just in time for dinner. We ended up going out to eat. I ordered fish and chips. Not the worse meal I could of eaten, but probably not the best option either. Fried foods really don't work that well with people who have PCOS. I feel as I am getting older that, these fried foods, just don't work well in your body anyway. I was surprised that my tummy didn't hurt after eating this. Normally I would want to come home and veg on the couch or go to bed, because I don't feel well. Instead I came home and played a 3.5 hour game. I felt very good and accomplished in this.

This journey so far has been interesting. I look forward to healing my body and learning more about my body. I want to be able to live a good life, without always having to let PCOS rule it. I am very determined and That's Just Me:)

DAY 1: Life Style Change

Life style changing is never an easy task. I honestly believe, that it is a life long process. Over the next thirty days, I will be getting a start on a life style change. Just in case you have not been following along with my blog, I will give you a quick recap. I found out a few years ago that I have PCOS (POLY CYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME). With this comes many issues for me. I deal with anxiety stress on a daily basis. I also struggle with depression some. Having PCOS, means I deal with fertility issues as well. I was able to lose some weight last year and get some help in getting pregnant. I had my baby 3.5 months ago. I have recently been having flair ups with my PCOS. I don't want PCOS to rule my life. This is the reason for the life style change.

My body needs time to heal from the effects of eating certain foods that make PCOS Flair out. Today I started out with a Parfait for breakfast. The food was delicious and I was full. I found that I was hungry again with an a hour or so. I always forget that, eating healthier food and smaller portions, leaves me hungry for a few days or so.  This means I need to be patient with myself, not only for the first few weeks, but as I have said before. This will be a life time process.So I will need to be patient and loving towards my self, always. 

It was such a beautiful November day, that I just could not stay inside all day. My sister, child and I went out for a walk. We fit in a three mile walk. It was a perfect break in the day.I believe that exercise not only helps you have physical awareness, but also mental health awareness as well. I want to include this into my life style, as I know that it will help me become stronger,  and healthier physically and mentally. 

For lunch I made a Garden salad with cilantro lime dressing. It was so fresh and better than I had thought it would be. It gave me the boost I needed for the afternoon. My husband and sister, are being pulled into this life style change. I know it is hard, but I know that this will be good for all of us. A salad is always a good way to go for a meal. It is fresh, healthy and full of good things and usually delicious.

Dinner tonight was one of my favorite meals. made healthy. I love spaghetti, but I always eat too much and I always feel heavy after having pasta and bread. Tonight I made zucchini noodles, I topped it off with spaghetti sauce, kielbasa sausage and a little Parmesan. On the side we had cauliflower bread sticks. It was delicious, it was filling. I actually don't have a noodle maker, so I just cut my veggies thin and bake them at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, to help them not be so watery. Again this didn't keep me full for forever, but I felt like my body did so much better with this meal, than if I had stuffed it full of processed carbs.

I finished off the day have some Dill flavored sunflower seeds and 2 cookies. I know sugar wasn't the best decision I could have made but I did it, and that is just that. I am not sure I will be able to give up sugar all together, but I know that I can eat way less than I have been having. I believe in agency. and with that comes consequences for the choices you make. It is not always a bad consequence. With that being said, I love life, I love food. I don't want to limit myself on having a treat here and there. I don't want to make life stressful, if I go out to eat occasionally. I want to enjoy life. So if doing this once in a while makes life more happy and stress free, and my consequence is that i dont feel the best for a few hours. I think I will indulge a little. This is the beginning of my journey and I may change my views on this, but for now, That's Just Me:)

If you are up for a change, try these recipes. They are delicious

https://skinnyms.com/berry-chia-yogurt-parfait/

https://jolynneshane.com/healthy-4th-of-july-recipes.html

https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/cheesy-cauliflower-breadsticks/

Last recipe is for the zucchini pasta. I get one zucchini small-medium size per person. I cut it in to thin strips. 

place on baking sheet with a tbsp of olive oil. You can spice it up with whatever you want. I just sprinkle some salt and garlic on mine. Put tray into the oven at 400 degrees and back for 20 minutes

while the zucchini cooks, I just put 1 can of four cheese HUNTS spaghetti sauce in a pot and warm it on the stove. I also cut up Kielbasa into some circles, and then put them in a pot with a tiny bit of olive oil. Once the zucchini is done, I dish that up on a plate.I then add kielbasa and sauce on top of the zucchini. I finish off the plate, with a little Parmesan. Once you have had this meal, I hope it won't be your last. 

Good things come to those who are patient

Good things come to those who are patient, is never something I wanted to be told. "Ya Ya" is what I thought, as people continued to tell me this phrase. In my last post, I talked about the process that my husband and I were going through, to get pregnant. I really had gotten to the point, that I didn't want to try anymore. I was so sick of getting my hopes up and having my hopes smashed each month. Last year around this time, I found out that we were expecting our first child. There were so many times i took the pregnancy test to look down and see a BIG FAT NO. I was so surprised when the pregnancy test read PREGNANT. I had to look at it several times, before I actually believed it. I remember calling my husband and telling him right then and there. I just could not wait to share the happy news with him. At that moment all those time of seeing no second line or the words reading NOT PREGNANT, did not matter anymore. I was finally Pregnant.

I am happy to say that my pregnancy really was not too horrible. I was sick until 22 weeks, but really the rest of the pregnancy was not bad. towards the end, we were just ready to meet our little girl. As the weeks grew closer and my tummy grew rounder, our Dr told us that I was dilated to a 2cm and 70% effaced. This was great news, or so I thought. I progressed some over the next week, but than sat at 3cm and 70% effaced for almost three weeks. When finally I started getting contractions, and they were not going away after the thirty minutes, as they had been doing for the last few weeks. It was go time. I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, on July 26th 2018 at 2:19a.m. She is the best thing that has happened to my husband and I. I am so glad that I didn't give up on trying to get pregnant.

The biggest struggle in getting pregnant, is that I have PCOS, POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROM. I was able to get pregnant, though I suffer from this condition. I have not figured out how to deal with very well. This is something I have to remind my self to be patient with and with my self. Recently I have decided that I do not want PCOS to rule my life. Stress is a cause of PCOS, but PCOS in turn causes stress. A vicious cycle. I deal with anxiety as well. Which is not a fun thing to deal with. I know eating and exercise really do help with not only fertility issues, but it helps your body and mind. I tried this before, but failed miserably. So I am hoping that, with this new dedication, that I will be able to follow my challenge. The paleo diet and low carb diet is really good for someone who suffers with PCOS. I want to blog about the foods I have each day, and how they help me with my PCOS.

I know some days, my post may not be as exciting, but I hope you will bare with me, as I continue to find myself through dealing with PCOS but even more learning to actively make the changes I need daily to not let PCOS rule my life.

Thanks for reading, and loving me, because That's Just Me:)

Preparing me for something BETTER!

Do you ever wonder why we experience good times and hard times in our lives? Do you ever find yourself asking why something is happening to you? So many of us think we are entitled. By this I mean we think life should be full of fresh lemonade. We think we shouldn't have to have hard things happen to us, because it isn't fair or because you are a good person. It is hard to see others go through hard things and its hard to get through your own tough situations, but how would we ever prove to ourselves that we can be something so much more. We are so capable of becoming whoever we want to be. We are capable for so much more than we give ourselves credit for.

My husband and I have gone through so many trying times in the past year. It is amazing ever time, that we were able to push pass those hard times. We have grown so much. Let me tell you though, that there were many times I found myself asking why we had to go through the trial we were going through. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for a year and a bit. ( I know this is nothing compared to what many people go through, but this is real to me and is something we struggle with.) I have been to so many appointments this last year. Finally this last appointment my Dr. put me on a pill that is suppose to help me have a regular period. I am also on another pill that will help me to ovulate correctly. I am finally feeling that there is hope and that we are getting somewhere with this process.

The process along the way, has really helped me to grow. I never realized how much it has prepared me for the person I am today. My little sister came to live with us in February this year. We have loved to have her here. We have also learned so much from having her in our home. William and I have learned together and about each other, and how we both react to certain things. This has helped us to see how we want to do things with our future children.

We recently got a kitten. We love her so much. She is also a brat and very frustrating at times. She likes to bite and play rough. She likes to chew all the cords and blankets. It has been a growing process in training her what is okay and what is not okay. I keep thinking of all these things I am experiencing, and I see how it is preparing me to be kind and patient for our future children. It is helping me practice now to be kind and patient with my husband, sister and kitten now as well.

 I have a friend who is going through a really rough time right now. She questions a lot why these things are happening to her. She says its unfair. It is unfair and it is hard, and some of these hard things she is experiencing is because of someone else's choices. I know she is strong though and that she will be able to get through these hard time in her life. I know she will become so much better for going through this trial. She has already made some good changes that she was opposed to doing.  

I know I have a loving Heavenly Father.. He knows me, he knows how much I can handle. He wants me to have all that he has, and I know that He allows me to go through hard times, so that I can be strengthened and grow into a bigger and better person, I am truly grateful for all the trials that have helped me grow into the women I am today. I hope that all that read this, will be able to find some peace as you go through your own hardships. I hope that you realize we all have hardships, custom for us... to help us grow.

Day 2: Cook Isn't My Name For Nothing!

Second recipe of my thirty days of cooking. I decided to go with something simple, but maybe a little more high in calorie. It is still a reasonable calorie intake for a dinner meal.

2 servings. Just double recipe if you need more.

Ingredients:
    * 3 Hot dogs ( I used Jumbo Hot Dogs
    * 1/2-1 cup of pre-made mash potatoes
        (milk, butter and water or whatever needed to make mash potatoes up)
    *  2 oz of cheese ( from an 8 oz. block of cheese or already shredded cheese is good.)
    * Have a cup of mild Chunky Salsa.
    * 1/4 Cup of Sour cream ( my husband I love sou cream so we use more. It also depends on how good I am counting calories that)


Directions:
    1. while thawing your hot dogs. Follow directions on the back of the package for the mash                     potatoes.
 
     2. Cut the hot dogs long ways in half. lay the halves next to each other, In a cookie sheet or baking           pan.

     3.Once hot dogs are set next to each other, spoon mash potatoes on to the top of the hot dogs.

     4. Take shredded cheese and put it on top of the potatoes.

     5. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is all melted and potatoes and hot dogs are warm at 350                degrees.

     6. Last put your sour cream on top of the potato hot dog boats and then add salsa.: both opt,

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I made mine a little bit different. I made homemade mash potatoes. (make your homemade mash potatoes the way you like them)  I Line them up in a baking dish and bake them until they are all warm and the cheese is melted.afterwards I  add the sour cream and salsa .

  

This is a delicious meal. and is pretty filling. Today I mostly counted my calories pretty well, but my husband and I are going to Jurassic park the new movie, and we both know we want popcorn. Like I said in my previous post, We are not going to get worked up if we go over our calorie limit, because there are going to be times that it is good and necessary to switch things up. 

If you are looking for a quick, and easy meal this is the one for you. it is very salty, but the sour cream and salsa help keep that at bay.

Day 1:COOK Isn't My Last Name for Nothing!

I love to cook! Do you know what I like ever more than to cook? I love to eat it. The problem is that I love to eat so much that sometimes it becomes a problem. My husband and I have decided to be more healthy. We have started calorie counting, and being better about exercising. I would like to do a thirty day blog. I want to blog about the recipes that I try. Some being healthier, some not so much, and my experience with calorie counting during that time. We both feel that we would prefer to keep all our favorite foods and treats in our diet. Taking away those things make me feel constricted, and not in a good way. Anyone who has ever dieted knows what I mean. If you do something you hate, then its not going to stick.

First recipe: Loaded Potato and Chicken Casserole. Ladies and Gents, this was a keeper. My husband really liked this one, and it was so easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 3 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
• (about 1.5 lbs. or 4 1/2 cups)
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp, cooled and crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 green onions, sliced (green parts only for low-FODMAP/low-fructose)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9" x 9" baking pan or casserole dish.
2. Spread half of the diced potatoes in bottom of pan. Place the diced chicken breasts evenly on top. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Sprinkle with half the bacon crumbles, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and half the green onions.
3. Spread the remaining diced potatoes on top, followed by the remaining bacon, another 1/2 cup cheese, remaining green onions and another 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Pour heavy cream over top of casserole and then dot with the butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Uncover and bake another 30 minutes. In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and bake until melted. Serve.

This one, was Actually pretty easy to count. I just added up the amount of calories per item and then divide it by how many cups of food are there. The bacon complimented the chicken and cheese. The potatoes were soft, and moist. Every bite was a burst of gooey flavor. I did add an extra half cup of  heavy cream.  If you are looking for an easy, pretty quick delicious meal, this is the one for you.

The count down

  Twenty-one more days until I get get to marry my best friend, in the Rexburg Idaho Temple. The wonderful thing is, we are being sealed together as husband and wife. This means that we are promised to have our marriage last not only here in this life, but after we pass on, for forever. That's right folks, I believe that we can have something so beautiful and pure last forever. I believe in happily ever afters.  I also believe that it isn't meant to be perfect or always easy. I believe that there will be ups and there will be downs in our marriage, but I know that there will be good times, happy times, and a life long of learning and growing together, and that those times if you let it, will triumph those hard times.

 I am so blessed to have the knowledge I have obtained through trial and error. I'm blessed to have the faith that I have to keep trusting in my heavenly father and his plan for each of his children. I am blessed to be apart of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am thankful for the priesthood that allows us to be married in the temple for time and all eternity. I love my fiance so much and would not want only our love, experiences and growth to stop in this life, but to continue on to the next.

There is so much to do before we get married, and again as we move across the country to our new home, in Moberly Missouri. I look forward for these times, though it is and has been stressful. The best part is being able to do all of this with my best friend. William signed a contract with a business in Moberly. It is a recycling company. He will be starting April 20th. I can't believe that it's only a month away from tomorrow.

It's a bitter sweet moment to be having to quit my job. I am excited to have a change of paste. I am excited for the adventures to come. At the same time, I am sad to move on from the friends, family and from my job. I have enjoyed for the most part, my job working for the Madison school district. These kids have a special spot in my heart. They have taught me so much, have mad me crazy and frustrated, but have made me laugh, and feel touched by their innocent minds and spirits.

WE DID IT!!

It's me again!

    Well I am sure if you know me or you know someone who knows me, then the cat is out of the bag. Which is fine by me. You see, it is pretty wonderful news, and it would be hard to keep something so big a secret. So for those who haven't heard....drum roll please. I'M ENGAGED! Yay I did it... well actually William did it, but I did say Yes.
     I know some of you have been wondering how did he do it! So I am going to tell you just that. It was on a dark cold tuesday in January. It was the 6th of January to be exact. That night I invited Will to come over for dinner. I made homemade pizza and a green salad. As dinner was coming to an end, Will said, "I am feeling like some Soda Vine tonight." (for those who have not read or heard, Will took me to the Soda Vine on our first date.)( soda vine is a retro sock-hop cafe.) We cleaned up dinner, afterwards he drove us to Soda Vine. We sat down, with our delicious italian drinks and sugar cookie. A Peach Italian soda for Will, and a Watermelon Italian soda for me. We enjoyed one of our favorite guessing games, while sipping on our drinks. The game is to guess what date number it is for each couple we see. Depending on their body language, you can tell if they are in a serious relationship, if its a first date, or if its in between stages- "the getting to know you better, I kind of like you stage." As we sat there playing our game, it occurred to me that it was our fourth month since our first date. I didn't let myself think to much into it... just that wow we have seen each other  everyday straight for almost 4 months. After our drinks.. He asked me if I wanted to talk a walk around Smith park. Another thing we enjoy doing together. It's January, dark, cold and snowy... but we make our way to the gazebo. The whole way down, I keep asking "are you sure you want to do this", " are you okay your shaking" , and other questions like that, totally oblivious to what he really is planning. We get to the gazebo and he asks me if I want to dance. He puts on a Rascal Flats Song ( the first song we had ever danced to.) while we are dancing he looks around which put me on edge. Then he just looks at me and he says " I LOVE YOU, AND ALWAYS WILL, I THINK ITS TIME TO ASK A QUESTION.. (gets on his knees  and asks).. WILL YOU MARRY ME?" Emotion surged to my throat and eyes, and my answer came out soft but sure YES! We were so happy, and it felt so surreal. We headed back to my apartment where we shared the news with family and friends.
    We are so incredible happy, and look forward to being able to share life together for ever. We are crazy busy with planning a wedding, with him finishing up his last semester here at BYU-Idaho, and with me working. The date is set for April 9th of this year.
  That brings me to my next subject. Will is wonderful, he is such a hard worker, and is so passionate about school and about his major. I am a lucky girl to be marrying someone who loves what he is doing.  I decided after all that I was not going to continue school right now. I know I cant seem to stick with the school thing. I knew I was stressing about it.. and the day before school I found out that my petition probably wouldn't go through for financial aide. At first I felt upset and like I had failed, but something that I thought wasn't so good brought about a wonderful blessing to my life. I made and took the next step...got engaged and I plan to take the next step.. that is, to seal the deal in the Rexburg Temple. Will has been so wonderful through all of this. I worried that he wouldn't be very happy I decided to not attend, but no.. he has been so supportive and loving.. and encouraging with everything I decide to do.  He is such a wonderful guy and I am such a lucky girl to have such a great guy.

well folks sorry for the sap, and sorry about the wait... also sorry this isn't much, but I hope it's not too hard of a read and an enjoyable one at that.

The Achsah Show

It's that time again to update my blog. I know guys I am terrible at blogging; I am practically a lost cause.

Whats new on the Achsah show? Well lets see I just reapplied to school here at Brigham Young University of Idaho. I was accepted for Winter/ Spring. I am so excited but so overwhelmed by this big change that is coming my way. I haven't officially decided what major I am going to go into, but I thought that I at least needed to go back and work towards some kind of schooling. This is probably crazy, well at least I've been told so. The plan is to work and go to school full time. I know it is absolutely insane of me to try this, but I feel that I need to stay with my job, and I feel that school is also important. You can't succeed or fail until you try. You also fail when you stop trying. I also have to juggle my calling, church functions, a boyfriend, family, friends, sleep and eating. I am ready though to rise to the challenge! Speaking of boyfriends though, that will take us to the next order of business.

I am not dating Steve anymore. Yeah didn't see that one coming. It's okay though because the lord watches out for all of his children. I know that he has a plan for each of us, and we need to have faith and hope in him and in the plan he has for us, even though we may not understand it. One of my favorite quotes is from this last general conference (Fall October 2014). It's a talk called Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence by Elder Jorg Klebingat Of the Seventy. He gives us six points to fixing our own spiritualness. The last one he lists is, "Accept trails, setbacks, and "Surprises" as part of your mortal experience." This talk has helped me so much, because it's true we are here to be tested, to experience life and different situations. Steve was a great guy, and I thought he was the one for me. The thing is we could have been good for each other, but we would have not been the best for each other. He needed someone to be at his level and I needed someone to be more at my level. I am dating a guy from Springfield Oregon. His name is William Cook. The funny thing is, I wasn't going to date anyone for a while, but I meet Will and he is very charismatic and very charming. Every person I see him interact with always seems like they are in a better mood. He has a way of making you feel better about life, about yourself. You will never feel sorry or that you wasted time talking to him. As we continued to see each other, we both came to the conclusion that we both enjoyed each others company. At first we talked about going slow. His roommates and my sisters both laughed at us. They didn't think that going slow, was going to work. Needless to say they were right! Only a week after talking about going slow, we had a date. we went out to the Parker Idaho Elementary school; we went star gazing and talked about anything and everything. When he dropped me off that night, we both agreed that we had fun and we enjoyed each others company. That night we decided to go steady.
  Man can I tell you that it has been one of the best decisions I have made. Not only is he handsome, but he is also very caring, very aware of me, sweet and kind to both my family and I and many other wonderful things. As noted above he is very likable:). We have been dating for a month and a half now, and we have both said it feels longer than that. I go back to thinking that if things would have continued with Steve, I would have not met Will, and what a shame that would have been. Heavenly Father loves us, he know us, he understands us, and can see the bigger picture.

I am still currently working for the Rexburg Madison School District. It is a challenge, but it is so rewarding working with the special needs' kids and the preschool kids. Some days are tougher and rougher. I wrestle a little girl usually once a week if not once a day. She is absolutely adorable, but so mischievous, and she knows it too. The days that she is happy but naughty, she thinks of it as a game. Sometimes it is very frustrating, but other days I can't help but smile and laugh. I taught her to say my name, so on the days where it has been a little more taxing, and she says hello or goodbye using my name, I can't help but smile and let go all the frustration . All of the children are so smart and amazing. They truly are special sons and daughters of God. I feel privileged to know them and work with them. I am happy to be apart of their learning. The preschoolers are fun and I have made friends with all of them. we sing songs, and play I spy a lot. This set of twins always wants to play. They will start out by saying "I spy with my little eye something that starts with the letter E or grass or green etc".. and sometimes its the very thing they spy and other times as I guess different things,they will tell me ,no silly its the sky not the grass. One of the kids gets on and says "hey i'm back I cam back to you, did you miss me?" Another pretends to wrestle/ box with me. They are all so cute, sweet and funny. Oh I sure do love my job, for the most part;)
well folks thats all for now.

LIFE.

        It's that time again! I don't have a whole lot to write about, but hopefully enough to keep your interest. I am officially ( well I have been for almost a month now) an adult. No more teenage years. How is this even possible you may ask? I just was this little girl with blonde pigtails the other day right? Wrong! I know this may be hard to grasp, but I am a big girl now. My nieces and nephews were talking to me one day about how cute my other niece Clara was and how much she has grown up. I told them that I was alive when all my nieces and nephews were born and have seen them grow up. Some of them didn't believe me and others just chuckled, as if they were trying to believe it but felt weird talking about it. I than told them that I was a baby at one time in my life. This was almost too much for their little minds to handle. One of them said no way you could have never been a baby you are to big to be one of those. It made me laugh, but also contemplate this awe moment. That nephew was right, it is kind of crazy to think about me being this little baby and needing someone to feed and change me, to burp me, to help me in everything. So many of us have grown up and have come to this stage at our lives were we are pretty independent. As I kept pondering on this subject, it made me aware that we are in a sense still babies to our Heavenly father some more  spiritually grown up then others, but he wants to be apart of our lives and we need him in ours. Maybe its just me but I think about being grown up now and living away from my parents, I still call often and ask for advice, I still need to hear my mothers voice and know that my parents are okay and are there for me.  I am independent for the most part but we all depend on someone wither it be our siblings, our aunts/ uncles, parents, grandparents, spouse or a friend/leader. We all started out as an intelligent, God took us and made us into something more. we all started out as an egg and grew and continue to grow. anyways enough on this I just though it was kind of cool to be reminded that we came from this place, where we trained for this life, and in this life train for our next life.

I am taking this next part of the post away from the spiritual thought. It has been a crazy last few months, of work,  and school for Steve. It's been kind of hard how busy he is. He finished his finals with all passing grades. He has worked so hard to do well in those classes and it has paid off for him. This next semester is going to be tough as well because this is his one shot to get into the nursing program. I know he can do it, it just means that his time with me wont be as much. He also just spent a week over by Boise ID, up in the mountains. He was volunteering at a cancer camp. It was a good experience for him and he also received a 5,000 dollar scholarship for school. I know he had fun but is glad that it is over. He current is on a trip with his family until this Friday. He has been sending me picture and text messages every day. It has been hard not seeing him all the time, but i know he is having a good time, and I have found that I have to find things to do. i have been practicing my drawing. I have been exercising a lot and trying to eat healthier and I have been reading and trying to find new adventures. Steve went to Vegas with his family. I know not the most exciting place, but they have found a lot of good things and stayed away from the bad that is there. In eight days I get to start making my way home. I am overjoyed to go see my family. That will have to be in another post. Steve and I have been dating 4 1/2  months now. can you believe the time it is crazy how time can fly.
 well readers my computer time is running out, so I will have to end my post here. I will try to post some pics.

:)

Lady's and Gentlemen.  I am here once again to inform you with the  facts, okay maybe the opinions of my life. For your sake I hope that you will be able to read and fine excitement in my blog. First on the list!
Summer has let out for the Madison school District. I was asked by my boss if I would continue to stay on for the duration of summer school. It's a love/ hate relationship. You see I love kids, I love working.. (for the most part anyways), I love to stay busy, but every person needs a break from the normal activities that fill our every day lives. Can I say that I am actually really excited that I am almost half way through summer school and can hardly wait for it to end? I am ready for camping, visiting, swimming, and most of all being able to do whatever and not be constricted to only a few hours before I have to go back to work.

I am still living in the burg. The other day my dear friend Sister Kailey Degraw wrote to me and asked me if I would still be in Rexburg in January. I told her that Unless I die, or Heavenly Father tells me to move I probably will be here a great portion of may years to come. I like Rexburg pretty well, and as most of you know... well if you keep up with my blog or with my facebook, I am dating a young man here. So as I see it if  our relationship continues to flourish I will be here for  many a year.

For those who have not read or heard the story of this mighty knight on his trusty stead, I will brief you, quickly. We meet in March 2014. He is in my YSA ward (young Single Adult ward). The first time I saw him if I may say, I thought he was not very attractive and his mannerism for some reason made me think of Mr. Bean. Weird huh? Well with a few days difference I found myself really liking this guy. I invited him to come watch Avengers with my Friend Jessica and I after Home Evening. The whole night I kept seeing his hand get closer and closer. By the end of the movie his hand was touching mine. We continued to see each other... at the library, at church, at Home Evening and institute. He than asked me to go on a date. Our first official date was to a musical play put on by BYUI students. It was the best date I have ever been on. That next week after our ward talent show, by the way he got me to sing at with him, asked me to be his girlfriend. From there we have had many laughs, many interesting moments, some tough times, lots of good times. He continues to amaze me and he treats me like the princess and future queen I am to be. I look forward to having many more experiences with him. He is an amazing guy, and I just love him to pieces.

As many of you may know I have two sisters expecting another child this year. I also have two sister in-laws expecting their first child this year as well. I have 18 nieces and nephews and I am excited to be having more added to our family. I also have a sister who is doing Chemo and Radiation and ask that you will keep her in your prayers. She just started her first treatment today. She went in for pretesting yesterday. I love her so much and I wish I could be there for all of her treatments, but since I can't I ask that any who read this pray for my sister Codi. Thank you.  Well folks I think that is all for now. have a great day and a grand week.

UPDATE:)

Hello Again. I think it is funny that almost every time I start my blog post or a journal entry it's hello it's been along time. Y'all can see that this is not my strongest point, but I feel accomplish If I get at least 2 posts a year in. What Can I say I get busy living life and enjoying it. It is kind of like those times, when you bring a camera to a reunion or function and you don't hardly take it out. That is because you are enjoying the function in and at the moment. It would be fun to always remember those moments, so I am going to try to be better about blogging and keeping a journal.

Well new updates need to be made. I am still living in the ice burg of Idaho. We all thought Spring was coming but I woke up to lots of snow and it is still snowing. I should have known that it was a possibility in Rexburg. I am trying to be thankful though for the snow, because we could use the moisture.

I still love my job working as an Special Needs Bus Aide for Madison School District. The kids get crazy sometimes, but that is normal. They are just being kids. I am getting more comfortable with them, as they are with me. I am getting to be their friends slowly but surely. We are on Spring break until Tuesday. It has been nice, but I think I am getting ready to be back to a schedule already.

I meet this boy named Steve Downs, Three weeks ago from today. He asked for my number and a date on a couple of Monday's ago. I agreed... since then... we have gone on many outings,  sent many texts, and had a phone call, and then one day he asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes! He is amazing. He is the kind of guy I always wanted to date and possible marry. He is a true gentleman, and he is kind and loving. We can talk about anything and everything. He makes me laugh daily and he brightens my life so much. We talk about the Gospel daily, and I can see how important it is to him. I can see how much he loves Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Also I can see how much he loves his family! He makes me feel like a loved important daughter of God. He worthily holds the priesthood. I could go on and on, but this is just giving you an idea how amazing he is. My dad told my mom to tell me that August would be a good time for a wedding... I just laughed! I will keep you all posted if that is heading our way:)

Well Friends Family, acquaintances.. strangers That is all, This is me signing off.. Have a great Sabbath and a great coming week. Remember Heavenly Father Loves you and so does Jesus Christ Our elder Brother and Savior.

Just living it up In Rexburg

After much looking, applying to jobs, rewriting my resume, I finally landed a job. I am working as a Bus Aide for Rexburg Idaho Madison Public School. I aide for a special needs bus. I get to work several hours a day with lots of different kids. I love kids, so this job is perfect for me. There is this really cute kid that rides in the morning. His name is flash. I think he was kind of nervous of me helping him, but of late we have become buddies. He loves my black leather gloves and wants to hold my hand until we drop him off for school. Today was so good, you can never have a bad day with these kids, even if they aren't always happy. they seem to put a smile on my face one way or another. Flash was in a super good mood today, as I helped him get buckled in his seat, he held my hand, but that isn't all he was all smiles. It just melts my heart. There is this other kid that rides and his name is Joseph. He is a Latino, so his English isn't always good, but it doesn't seem to matter to me. I just listen to him talk and try to answer him the best I can. On Monday I wore my salmon colored shirt and it has a big bow on the front of it. He told me he liked my shirt and it was pretty. He was all smiles too:) I have to share about this one kid that rides the bus, and than we can move on. His name is Timothy, he has four brothers and one sister. out of all the kids, Timothy and his brother Matthew have autism, and they think his younger brother Dwight has autism too, but it is still too early to tell for sure. Anyways Timothy is a handful and sometimes not a very nice, happy camper, but I still talk to him every morning and every afternoon. The other day I asked him how he was his response was " Fine, hey it's you again" ( it was said in a none appraising way) I said yep Get use to it, ill be around for awhile. I asked him if he was excited for school. He said "uh no, now go away." Today as we went home, it was snowing and he was singing jingle bells over and over and over until we dropped him off. I don't know if we are friends yet, but I am determined to make friends with him, especially because he makes me laugh.

Okay enough about my Job. I am no longer dating Mikael. To be honest it was really hard at first. I think I tried to hide it. In the process of that I allowed myself to not feel anything for a week. When I finally opened my heart it hit, and not gradually or soft, but hard and all at once. After a few days of being sad about it, I felt that i still needed to be patient with him, but that I do not need to wait around for him to figure out what he wants. And who knows, he may never want me again. So I was able to grieve, get pass that even if he doesn't want me, I still have worth and I will find someone that does want me.

That brings me to the next line of business! I probably shouldn't put this on here, especially because everytime that I put something on here about my crush, it ends up not working out. I guess that is silly because I don't believe in vudoo and I believe that the Lord has a plan so if it doesn't work out it's because it isn't suppose to work out. I met this guy in my ward. He is super nice, super cute. super amazing:) ha ha I had him over for Sunday dinner and we watched the Newer Winnie the Pooh movie. We talked and laughed and just had a good time. I would really love to get to know him more, and potentially see if anything could go anywhere. I loved how he talked about his mission. I loved how he talked about his family and his nephews. It is hard for me to get out of my shell sometimes, but I felt it went well. I saw him at FHE and we talked and he smiled at me. It was kind of funny as I talked to one of the other aides for the buses, she said it is funny how LDS girls who get hugged or nudge elbows with a guy get weak at the ankles and have tickles running up and down their body. I had to agree that it was funny but true, and oh man I am proud to say I am a LDS girl who gets weak at the ankles when a guy hugs me or nudges me ( mostly in a guy I am interested in) 

Well that is all for now. I will stop blubbering. Hope you all have a great rest of your week.

Gratitude

It's turkey month. I thought this post was perfect. I just want to name a few things I'm thankful for.

 I am thankful for my family. I love them all so much and am so thankful to have such wonderful people in my life that love me and support me.

I am thankful for my father in heaven and for his son Jesus Christ who loves me and took upon my sins so that I might find happiness and be able to one day return to my father in heaven

I am thankful for Joseph smith and his faith and persistence  at restoring the gospel to the earth. I am glad I can be apart of the Latter Day Saints church. 

I am thankful for my wonderful boyfriend Mikael Edelmayer, who has made me so happy. I am thankful for his love and for  the  things he puts up with. I am glad for the chance to know him, even through some of the difficulties we have had were hard, I'm thankful for those too.

I am thankful for his wonderful family who've taken me in and loved me. For their kindness and friendship. i am thankful for their welcoming smiles and words. I am thankful for his mom watching out for me and trying to help me find a job.I love you guys.

I am thankful for my friends and for the support and love I have been getting. I can't believe I'm saying this but I am glad that even through the embarrassing crazy times you love me and can laugh at me and with me. I'm glad you love me and feel close enough to laugh at me and with me, and tease me because if you couldn't then I wouldn't be able to laugh off as much as I have. 

I'm thankful for good fun seasons and holidays. Especially Thanksgiving as we gather the gratitude in our hearts and try to be more Christlike around Christmas and thanksgiving time. I am thankful for the opportunity to see the things in our lives that god has done for us and try to change to follow his sons example.  I hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving and remembers to be grateful for all things.

I think Mr. Sandman put me to sleep.. But I'm back and awake

So much has changed since the last time I blogged. Life just seems to get away from us and keep going, and I forget to keep family, friends and other fellow readers posted. In this post it will to catch you all up with my life.

For the past two months I have lived with my cousin Becca Klingler, in my brothers apartment. My brother is getting married in two weeks from today. They decided that getting an apartment two months before they were to be married would actually save them a lot of money in the long run. My brother Cheston asked if I would live in his apartment until his fiancé Christy could move in. Becca and I had so much fun in those two months. We got so close. Laughed a lot, watched movies together, made meals together, and started dating boys together, which brings me to my next thought.

I am currently dating a fellow named Mikael Edelmayer. We dated a little before, but nothing really worked out until now. I think before we both had some growing up to do and some changing. We have been dating for a month, and a week and a half. It has been fun because my cousin and friend started dating another fellow. His name is Mykal Forsgren. Both our guys are really good friends and so we get to do a lot if things together, which has been a blast.

I stopped dieting for a while, but I tried to still eat healthy. I think that exercising and eating even better are in order. Today I ensued my self and I was. 168.0 lbs. this is my lowest weight yet and I told myself I will not gain it back during the holidays.

My whole family is going to try to make it to Rexburg ID for Thanksgiving and also for my Brothers wedding! It's been three months since I've seen my parents and siblings in WA., and it's been even longer since I've seen my sisters Gillian and her family and Michelene and her family. I just love the holidays! I love family! 

Last night we got our first November Snow of the year. I am not sure if kn happy or annoyed, or both. Snow has good and bad things about it! I guess right now I choose to be happy about it.

Well I think that's all folks! Happy reading! I tried to not be a boring writer! Have a fantabulous weekend

I'm Alive and Well!

Life seems to move faster and faster the older I get. I get busy with living life, and forget to post. Sorry to my readers, who have wondered where I went off too. Yes I am still alive, and living!

I am still living here in Rexburg Idaho. No I am not going to school this fall semester, in fact I am unsure when I will return. I am figuring out a few things in my life right now. I guess I am a firm believer in trying to not go into debt. I went into debt a little bit from my first two semesters at BYU-I. Okay so maybe I haven't always believed in not going into debt, but I can see why we are asked to try to stay out of debt. It makes life tough, and stressful.

I just emailed a lady who has six children, and she will be going to school and her husband will be working a lot. She needed a babysitter. When I thought all was lost and that I would have to move back home, because I had no job, this ad come up and my prayers where answered. Not that going home is a bad thing. In fact I love my family so much and I miss them so much. It's just that it's even harder to find a job in little ole Colville Washington. There really is nobody my age. So no dating opportunities, And well I want to get married... someday. Rexburg is a place for me to be able to try dating people at least, and now I at least have some work available. Anyways, I will be able to stay longer here in Rexburg.

Well That's Just me! Until next time!!

You all have a good rest of your week now!!

Triple Choc Cho Chocolate or Bouncing Berry Bubblegum?

The real question is- Triple Choc-choc-choc-chocolate chunk or Uncle Bubba's Big Belly Butter Brickle?  The answer was easy Both would do! My Best friend and I use to quote this to each other all the time. Especially when we weren't having the best day. We knew that a little treat and jammy time on the couch was the perfect remedy.

I was thinking about the past, Okay not that far in the past, but no the less in the my past. My best friend Kailey Degraw and I would bring out the ice cream and sit on the couch as we would spoon right out of the tub of ice cream which, later saved us many dishes we didn't have to clean. We would talk for hours about the future, what it would be like, where we would be, who we would marry, and all that jazz. She was planning to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I was hoping to stay and continue with school, and hopefully meet a wonderful young man, who I could marry in the temple.

Of course she is doing exactly what she wanted to do all along. She is serving a Mission in the Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Mission. She has been out for about four months now. Wow I can hardly believe it! She is truly an example to me. I am not doing what I thought I would be doing. I went to school for half a semester more, and decided to take a break. I have no job, I did date a guy for a while on and off, but decided I deserve better than what he was giving. I am not attending school right now. At first I can say I felt like a failure, and sometimes I allow Satan to get the better of me and I allow myself to think lower of myself. My worth didn't go down, but my self image went down. Which is no good, because I am good at many things and have so much to offer, which should be enough

I called my mother the other day asking why people think that they can use and abuse me. I haven't had a lot of luck in the field of dating or with having good friends. Of course Kailey is my best friend and we get a long superb. I could choose to become angry at god for letting me go through hard things in my life especially allowing people to treat me that way, but I look at it as a growing experience. I am going to be stronger for what I go through. God would not put me through these things if he didn't think I couldn't handle it or know that I can grow from it. I am glad that I have a good family who loves me so very much, who look out for me and want me to be happy, and knows I deserve the best. I am also glad to have had the chance to meet good people that treat me good apposed to the ones that haven't been so great. There is opposition in all things, you cannot have sweet if you don't have bitter and you cannot know good with out knowing evil. You need both! I have seen good, nice people and the opposite of that. I am glad Kailey is my friend and I cannot wait till she is back home but for now GOD SPEED SISTER KAILEY DEGRAW

This Is us in A NUTSHELL:)

All Caught up!

Hello Friends and Family and random other readers. What have I been up to since I last blogged?
Well that is certainly a good question. I am currently taking a break from Brigham Young University of  Idaho. To figure out what I am going to do with my life. I am setting up my own little side business. I have another blog for it. It is http://achsahsdomesticbusiness.blogspot.com so check it out, if you are in need of cleaning babysitting, help with putting Sheetrock up or other things pertaining to building. Or if you have other Jobs that you need done. I am super easy going and can work out other prices if the ones I listed are to much or don't work for you.

Anyways I am once again living with my sister Tressie, which she has been so great to let me come stay with her. I am back in the singles ward that she is in again too. Which is fine, because I really do like the people pretty well.

On Wednesday this week I turned 19 years old. wow I can't believe I am that old. When I was younger I never believed it was possible that I would get this old. Then I got a little older and knew it was possible, but I thought it would take forever, but golly I am 19 living away from home. Experiencing my own experiences. Some that are hard, and some not so much, but all which have taught me something. Last night my Friend Joe instigated a Surprised Birthday for me and invited my friend Ashley to help him plan it! ( but we all know that when most guys ask for help planning a party they mean they want you to plan it) My friend Mikael Edelmayer, his cousin also my friend Jared Edelmayer, and my friend Mykal Forsgren planned this party for me. I thought it was great. I get a little nervous when so much attention was on me, but it was sweet for sure. Oh and my Sister Tressie was also invited and was part of the charade:)

A week and a half ago, my mom's side of the family had a big family reunion in Albion Idaho. It was a great time. Lots of  visiting, playing card games, night games, eating food, swimming, and sleeping. It then would all then start all over the next day. There was a few nights the older kids and adults played volleyball in the sandpit which was a total blast. It was kind of fun, because it was at an old campus retreat in Albion. It happen to be historical for our family as well, because My grandmother met her first husband there, which is my oldest uncle's dad. She also met her second husband there too, which brought on the rest of her posterity.

The fourth of July was a little different this year, but just as good. I started my dad out with the Rexburg Idaho fourth of July Parade. It was a bit longer this year than last year. Then I went to my sister, Deidra's house and had Kabobs, with only meet and onion on it. They were fabulous. We also had potatoes, rolls and salad. To finish off our Fourth of July meal we had ice cream cones. We visited, some people started playing card games. Then later that night I went home, but at 10:00pm the city put on some fireworks at the fairgrounds, and since I live pretty close to the fairgrounds I could See the fireworks from the grass in the back of our complex. It was a great day filled with good food, friends and family.

Well I think I am all caught up on what I have been up to the last few months. 

Back at BYUI

I love, love, love my classes. I am so excited that I can be back at BYUI! All my classes seem like they are going to be a lot of fun! Especially Home and Family Management!

I love my roommates too so far! We had fun bonding last night. First we had a mandatory meeting and then we had to meet with the bishop! Afterwards we sang songs together and watched youtube video's.....

.....And when you think life can't get any better you wake up and your roommate is playing feel good music, the sun is coming out, and then you come to class, and many rooms around you are singing hymns or other churchy feel good songs, praying and being taught! I just love BYUI! I love the atmosphere, it is so inviting... Most of the time!

I am so glad I can be apart of this world, and of these experiences! It is the best!