Living Life in Rubato

Countdown to Christmas Day 12

2011-12-23T18:53:00.001Z

Today I had to nanny in the morning. I was expecting to have this whole week off, but I ended up working all week long – but I didn't mind. The kids were so excited for Christmas and we tried to fill our time with Christmas crafts and other fun things that we normally wouldn't do (like watching a movie or going to a biscuit party!). Today as I was leaving the dad handed me a large bunch of beautiful red, green, and white flowers along with a very touching Christmas card signed by all of them and a bit of a bonus.

I started looking after these kids about 4 years ago. I love them as much as I love my own nieces and nephews and I couldn't have better parents to work with. This arrangement kind of (luckily) fell into my lap those years ago and I am so grateful for it.

Countdown to Christmas Day 11

2011-12-22T20:27:00.000Z

The one and only present under the tree came in the post today from America. I am excited to open it - anything from home is so nice!!

In other news I have a cold.... Boo hoo!!!

In other news, if anyone who reads my blog has read Stephen King's book: 11/22/63, please tell me (Amy???) - I have a question... (and yes, I realise how festive a Stephen King book is :)).

If you look closely you can see the remains of the customs slip. I tore it off before looking, I didn't want to spoil the surprise.

Countdown to Christmas Day 10

2011-12-21T19:41:00.001Z

Watching 'Elf' with the twins.

Countdown to Christmas Day(s) 8 and 9

2011-12-20T20:20:00.001Z

I know, I forgot a picture yesterday – well I didn't really forget, there just wasn't anything too memorable that happened yesterday. Rain, Waiting in the Car, Rain, Cold, Still Waiting, etc. Anyway… I will make up for it today with 4, yes 4 pictures!

The twins and I were invited to a cookie decorating party today, thrown by a lovely Sister from church. Because we go to church near the American Base, I am lucky enough to have started to meet and make friends with some amazing women – who happen to be American – who happen to do “American” things like throw cookie decorating parties.

We had such a good time. The twins couldn't stop talking about it and I had a really nice time getting to know the women better. The best thing about it was, that I was invited to the party before she even knew that I was looking after the twins. That might not be a big deal to most, but as someone who has been excluded from lots of family and church things here in England because of my lack of children – it really made me feel good that I was invited to a child based event – EVEN THOUGH I DIDNT HAVE CHILDREN! SHOCKING! It feels so nice to be included as a friend, not excluded because of my infertility.

Anyway…. (I could say a LOT more but, I’ll leave it – seeing that this a public blog). Here are some of the pictures:

There were so many cookies – gingerbread and sugar cookies and lots of fun decorations!

“M” and I decided to be twins and she got the reindeer clips for her hair and I got matching earrings (lucky me!).

Keeping with the “American” feel of the day, We got back to the twins house and I put on FM100 – Here it is playing one of my favourite cheesy Christmas songs – “Hey Sannna” (That is how they said it in Utah).

Here is “M”’s Lego nativity. Pretty creative, I’d say!

Today was such a fun day. It has been really hard this Christmas to be away from family – but making new friends who I have a lot in common with both religiously and culturally (I realize now how much I’ve missed being around fellow Americans) really cheered me up and has been a great highlight of this year’s Christmas.

Countdown to Christmas Day 7

2011-12-18T22:40:00.001Z

My lovely niece singing the song, “You’re Important” from her school nativity. I love the words – simple, but important to remember.

Countdown to Christmas Day 6

2011-12-17T20:18:00.001Z

These pictures were taken about 3:30 this afternoon. I was relaxing watching A Christmas Story (yes, on English TV) and waiting for the forecasted snow, that still hasn't shown up.

Quite relaxing.

Countdown to Christmas Day 5

2011-12-16T22:33:00.001Z

Here are some funny things J said today while I was watching him and his sister….

M and I are looking for a party dress – J heads downstairs…

J: I am leaving, you girls are wasting my TIME!

J: What if we pooped out money, then if we wanted to be rich, we’d just have to go to the toilet.

They had a birthday party today at a soft play centre.

All the Christmas trees there were decorated just in the front – kind of like mine.

These are the only gifts we bought this year (at the end of summer). They are for our nieces and nephews – 7 this Christmas, 10 by next (no not an announcement just 3 due next year). The first year we were here we got the few that were born books – a tradition that has continued ever since. It makes things really easy – knowing what we are going to get them each year.

Countdown to Christmas Day 4

2011-12-15T21:56:00.001Z

Babysitting again today – we finished our clay craft from Tuesday. We made Christmas tree’s in the clay with thumb prints and painted them.

My clay project was a bit more simple. I love the story of the Forgotten Carols and it became a tradition to go and see the show every Christmas, until I moved to England. I really miss seeing it every year but, I have the DVD and the children's book (and the necklace, and the decorations, and the CD). I have gone through phases of loving different carols for different reasons, but this year the carol – Mary Let Me Hold Her Baby – really hit home:

Mary let me hold her baby
Her newborn son
Though I'd never be a mother
I felt like one

Mary let me hold her baby
So she could rest
And ever since that night
I held Him
My life's been blessed

Those like me
who can't have children
Still can be mothers
Something in His eyes
convinced me
I could serve so many others

Mary let me hold her baby
So soft and warm
Mary let me hold her baby
And I was reborn

Something in His eyes
convinced me
I could serve so many others

Mary let me hold her baby
So soft and warm
Mary let me hold her baby
And I was reborn

Each carol has a special ornament and this one is just a simple rag that the baby was wrapped in. So that was my craft – an ornament for my tree of a simple white rag, to remind me of the song and the message of the song.

Countdown to Christmas Day 3

2011-12-14T19:52:00.003Z

Today I did a bit of babysitting and even more sleeping (trying to get rid of a pesky migraine). So the pictures aren't the best - but, its still a post right?

The first picture our our nativity. We bought it it Belgium a few years ago and I had to have it because my Grandma used to have a much bigger one, she’d bring out at Christmas time. I remember spinning it round and round and just watching it at many Christmas parties. When I saw it for sale at the market, I was sold! Unfortunately it was the trip that Chris got his wallet stolen from his pocket so what started out as a fairly reasonably priced souvenir turned into one expensive one. But, I love it and love the memories it stirs up.

This second picture is just the view from every window that faces the church. Luckily my bedroom isn't facing that way – or I’d feel a lot less festive about it.

Christmas Countdown Day 2

2011-12-13T20:32:00.001Z

Words to describe today:

WINDY, freezing, bitter, working, cosy, roaring fire, crafts

Countdown to Christmas

2011-12-12T20:48:00.002Z

Hello Few and Faithful Readers:

Because the money tree in the back garden isn't growing (I lie, we don't have a back garden or a money tree for that matter), I thought I might document my Christmas this year as a kind of gift to my most favourite women – Mom and Grandma. It isn't much but I hope that the countdown in (mostly) pictures will be a little something from me to you.

This year Chris and I decided to get a real tree for Christmas. Chris had never had a real one, and I hadn't since my childhood (yes Amy, I am excluding the tree we had in the apartment). It is just the right size and now that I have to do the hoovering I realize what a pain the pine needles are (I know, mom – you told me so!) The candle topper (or hat as Madie says) in the picture is from a friend and, it has to be my favourite decoration.

This is Madie being Mary and the teddy being baby Jesus. She’s gorgeous isn't she?

Autumn Catch Up

2011-11-01T21:46:00.001Z

I think maybe I just do this blog for my mom and Grandma – and I don't even do that very faithfully. I didn't know how much time had passed since I last updated it….. oooopppppsssss! While September was a very slow month filled of not much at all – October (upon looking at the pictures I have taken) has been quite busy. Chris and I are continually blessed to be able to be a big part of our nieces lives.

Georgia’s Birthday

Georgia turned 5 this year! It is crazy and even crazier to think that if Chris and I hadn't struggled with infertility we’d have a child nearly that old (although, I try not to think that TOO much). She wanted to go to Pizza Hut with her family and me, Chris, Nana. These pictures were taken before dinner….

I love the last 2 pictures… Sisters and then…. Reality (just look at their expressions!).

Halloween Birthday Party

Georgia had a friend who was having a Halloween themed birthday party and when Naomi and I were talking about it I offered to make the girls costumes. I asked the girls what they’d like to be (from a list I made) and they picked – Georgia: Fairy Princess, Madie: Ladybird (In England they are called Ladybirds – I don't understand why, as I think Ladybug makes more sense), Lilly: Ghost. I found some ideas (thanks Pinterest) and slowly put them together. I really enjoyed it (of course I picked all NON-sewing costumes), but realized the stress my mom used to have when I couldn't find any fairy wings for Georgia or shoes to match for any of them (I completely forgot). The day before the party I drove to the costume shop and luckily found some wings. The day of the party (the day I remembered the shoes) I have never felt so happy about finding red shoes in my life! I think they turned out alright.

I have a million times more respect for my mom and all the other moms out there that put so much effort into even FINDING a costume. Hey mom, remember when I was like, 22 and asked you to find and sew me an angel costume?? Did I ever say - THANK YOU?

Thetford Forest

Last time we went to Thetford Forest it was so lovely we decided to take Madie this year and see the changing leaves. We got there (FINALLY) after being lost 2 times and the sat nav taking us to places other than the park (Chris says user error – me – I say NO WAY – but really, yes). We got there and the cafe had nothing on the menu for kids and didn't have the things Chris and I wanted. We made due, but waited for AGES to get the food. Then after that we went outside where it had turned quite cold and cloudy. Madie play for about 10 minutes on the toys and after all three of us getting frustrated with each other Chris and I decided it wasn't worth it and headed for the hour journey back home. But this time, the sat nav took us the back way so it took longer through tons of country roads. That would be okay if it didn't double the time it takes to get home and if we weren't worried about the little girl in the back who we are finding gets car sick. Needless to say we’ll think twice next year if we decide to make the trip out.

Ferry Meadows

After the disaster that was Thetford Forest, Chris and I tried our luck again at a more local place, when everyone was feeling better and this time we got to take Georgia as well. It was a lovely afternoon until the storm clouds started to roll in and forced us to end our day out sooner than we wanted to.

After the park, we went shopping, I got into a crash in the car park (both peoples fault after backing out of spaces into each other). The guy in the other car was saying, “You should be careful! You should look where you’re going!!” Chris was dealing with him so I shut my door and as soon as I did Georgia said, “You should be careful!!” He wanted our details but then Chris pointed out that we would need his as well, because our car was scratched too – and he decided just to leave it. After dinner when we got in the car Madie said, “No more crashes!”

Halloween

This Halloween has felt so much more like Halloween than any other year that I have been here. It has been so interesting to see England gradually pick up on the American traditions of Trick or Treat that, when I moved here, were pretty much non-existent. They still don't go as crazy as us Americans – but they are getting there. Our ward had a Trunk-or-Treat, thanks in part to the many Americans who live on the military base nearby. It was so fun and we took Georgia and Madie. Before we went we carved pumpkins.

She’s Talking to ME!

2011-08-28T23:33:00.003+01:00

The title of this post may be a bit misleading, but hear me out.
A few Sunday’s ago I went back to my home ward for church. It had been several weeks with sickness (Chris), Baby (Lilly), and visiting other wards. I was excited to see that my new friend and new RS President was giving a talk. I had my hands full helping Naomi look after her 3 girls – but as the RS President stood up to speak, the girls gave me a gift (or the spirit did) by making things still enough to hear a message that felt like was prepared just for me.
She read a quote by Sister Chieko Okazaki, that has changed the way I think about my Saviour and the Atonement:

“Well, my dear sisters, the gospel is the good news that can free us from guilt. We know that Jesus experienced the totality of mortal existence in Gethsemane. It’s our faith that he experienced everything- absolutely everything. Sometimes we don’t think through the implications of that belief. We talk in great generalities about the sins of all humankind, about the suffering of the entire human family. But we don’t experience pain in generalities. We experience it individually. That means he knows what it felt like when your mother died of cancer- how it was for your mother, how it still is for you. He knows what if felt like to lose the student body election. He knows that moment when the brakes locked and the car started to skid. He experienced the slave ship sailing from Ghana toward Virginia. He experienced the gas chambers at Dachau. He experienced Napalm in Vietnam. He knows about drug addiction and alcoholism. Let me go further. There is nothing you have experienced as a woman that he does not also know and recognize. On a profound lever, he understands the hunger to hold your baby that sustains you through pregnancy. He understands both the physical pain of giving birth and the immense joy. He knows about PMS and cramps and menopause. He understands about rape and infertility and abortion. His last recorded words to his disciples were, ‘And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt 28:20) He understands your mother-pain when your 5 year old leaves for kindergarten, when a bully picks on your 5th grader, when your daughters calls to say that the new baby has Down Syndrome. He know your mother-rage when a trusted babysitter sexually abuses your 2 year old, when someone gives your 13 year old drugs, when someone seduces your 17 year old. He know the pain you live with when you come home to a quiet apartment where the only children are visitors, when you hear that your former husband and his new wife were sealed in the temple last week, when your 50th wedding anniversary rolls around and your husband has been dead for two years. He knows all that, He’s been there, He’s been lower than all that. He’s not waiting for us to be perfect. Perfect people don’t need a Savior. He came to save his people in their imperfections. He’s the Lord of the living, and the living make mistakes. He’s not embarrassed by us, angry at us or shocked. He wants us in our brokenness, in our unhappiness, in our guilt and our grief.”

I feel like you could put in any trial you may have (or have had) and liken it to you.

That quote spoke to my sprit, and the way I feel during my trials will never be the same. I hope it does the same for you.

Thanks lilysusannah -- you're fabulous!!

Yes, I’m a Mormon.

God Bless America

2011-08-22T21:30:00.001+01:00

22 August 2011

I may live in England, but I am sure my American influence can be felt by those around me – I am SURE it can when I encourage them do things like this. Happy Monday!

The Show Must Go On

2011-08-20T13:12:00.001+01:00

This summer Naomi and I were looking for free activities to take the girls to around our boring little town. I saw in the newspaper that at one of the surrounding towns there were going to be free kids shows put on every Friday morning.

The first one we went to was Old McDonalds Farm, and because of a panic attack that Madie had, I missed most of that show (not that I cared too much). But, while waiting for the show to start, was surprised at the rudeness of the parents – especially the mother who was standing up in the midst of the sitting children – blocking everyone’s view without a care in the world.

The second show was The Circus School (the show Naomi was most excited about). We went in and sat down and as we did so, this woman walked past with the strangest looking shirt I had ever seen. She looked to be about 15 months pregnant (in reality only probably 8). Upon further inspection we saw that it wasn’t a strange top after all – but she was wearing a polo shirt tucked into her maternity jeans. And the blue that we thought was a part of the shirt turned out to be the extra stretching material for the pants. It was hard to focus on much else during the show until we got to the plate spinning part. And the main guy? The teacher at the circus school? Couldn’t spin the plates!!! So his wife (pregnant lady) would spin them for him and then pass them to him. It was all downhill from there – for their last trick they were going to do the Diablo. It is hard to explain, but it is like a little rubber shape (think the shape of a sand timer) and you have to spin that on a string. If you get it right it could be quite impressive – not that I’d know – because they couldn't do the trick at all – try after try after try. Naomi and I got the giggles – and with tears of laughter in my eyes I had to distract myself (not only because it was rude to laugh, but because they were recording the show for their website). After the show was done, Georgia turned to Naomi and said, “This show is boring.” we quickly left – missing the “try it yourself” part of the show.

After that train wreck of a show, we thought nothing could top it.

Yesterday we went to the show that was Mr. Fuzzy and his mind reading teddy bear. He was by far the best show yet, but something unfortunate happened during his show. Let me just explain that the shows take place in the Sunday School room of the local church. It is annexed to the back of the church – yesterday there was a funeral in the church. Mr. Fuzzy was in the middle of his quite funny magic finger bit and the vicar from the church came storming in – asking who was in charge. After searching for the man in charge and have a quick conference – I over heard that the microphone was on the same frequency as the funeral – to make things worse the music was up very loud. Looking like things were settled, the vicar walked out and Mr. Fuzzy immediately turned on the music (Ooo Ahh, just a little bit, ooo ahhh a little bit more). At this Naomi and I lost it – and the giggles started again. Imagining the poor family at the funeral with that music playing in the background. The giggles wouldn’t stop (and if they were bad at the circus this was worse, I even snorted – good thing the music was up so loud!) Then the music died down (no pun intended) – the rest of the show went off without a hitch – until the end when he had the children stand up and sing (shout) “If You’re Happy and you Know It”. Then I started laughing again (avoiding eye contact with Naomi) – and the closing song?? (played loudly) – Celebration!!! Naomi and I quickly got the girls and walked out of the room – laughing. We got to the front of the church (along with the other 75+ people who were at the show) just in time to have the hearse drive away. All the adults hushed the kids, and we stood there in silence paying our respects (and apologizing) to this person who unintentionally had a soundtrack to his funeral.

Next week is: The Frog Prince – Lets see if they can top this last one (I hope they can!).

Summer Post

2011-08-13T15:15:00.001+01:00

Well we’ve been quite busy this summer – surprisingly. After Naomi had Lilly we just started having the girls over every day. It was helpful to Naomi and we love having them all around. It makes our days less boring (VERY less) and gives us a change to spend time with some of our favourite people. Not only has it helped us develop a closer bond as a family, but Naomi and I have become more than just sister-in-laws – we are good friends and that is such a great bonus!

The twins I look after have been on holiday for 3 weeks so I’ve not watched them – but have been able to concentrate on the girls. If you came to our flat you’d be forgiven for thinking we have children, because minus the beds, we’ve tried to make our flat as fun and “homey” for the girls as possible – and it has never felt more like a home.

I plan on writing more once the summer is over , but for now here are ~~some pictures~~ loads of pictures from our summer so far:

Good Behaviour Chart – 5 animals they get a surprise!

Lilly’s Blessing Day Pictures:

More summer pictures:

Experiencing a Miracle

2011-07-12T21:53:00.001+01:00

**Just a warning… this post might be long and sentimental – so if that isn't for you, just don’t read it and come back another day for my wallpapering post. **

If you would have asked me 9 months ago, drowning in the struggle of infertility, if I would be watching my niece be born – I would have just laughed. But, about 7 months ago, in passing, I mentioned to my sister-in-law (Naomi) that I had always wondered what it would be like to see a baby be born and was trying to come to grips that I might not ever experience it for myself – she said that I could be in there when she had her baby. I thought that would be the end of it, but just a few days ago I found myself sitting in the dimly lit delivery room waiting for Lilly to be born.

For the whole month of June I was on tenterhooks whenever the phone rang. I made sure I had my mobile phone with me and charged up at all times and would go to sleep at night thinking…. “Is this the night??” I have to admit as the time of Naomi’s due date drew closer and closer I started to doubt my decision to be in the room. I didn’t know if experiencing this in my situation would make things better or worse. But we planned throughout her pregnancy I would be there as a helper (if needed) but mostly a spectator – and comic relief if needed. Weeks before the birth the reality of what I would be witnessing hit me at full force and I knew I couldn’t miss it – no matter what my situation. I would get the rare experience of seeing the birth but instead of being the one in pain, or the spouse, I could watch, feel, and soak up the experience in a way that most people cant.

Friday night (July 1st) I got a call in the morning saying that Naomi was getting contractions 30 minutes apart and I should plan on it it happening today. Naomi was nearly 5 days overdue and was ready to have the baby. But, the day came and went and I didn’t get any other phone calls, so I figured that like a few other times during the week, that the contractions had died down and I would just need to wait.

At 10:00 that night I got another call – her contractions were getting closer and although I didn’t need to worry right at that moment - she thought it would be soon. I tried to go to sleep, knowing that I would soon be getting the call to pick her and Mark up – but couldn’t sleep (could you!?!?). Around 12:30 AM I got a phone call saying it was time to go to the hospital. The contractions still weren't regular but they were coming more often and Naomi would just feel better knowing how far she was.

I was instructed (by Naomi) that Naomi didn’t want any fussing about so I tried to remain as calm as possible and drive safely to the hospital (about 40 minutes away). We would be having a joke and a laugh and then she’d have a contraction and conversation would stop, she’d casually say “There was another one.” Calm as anything. This wasn’t like the movies – she wasn’t screaming or writing in pain. She was calm and collected. We even stopped at the shop to top up her mobile phone.

We got to the hospital and everyone was surprisingly calm (I am sure me and Mark were the most nervous of everyone). We went into the HOT delivery room and waited and waited. After every contraction Naomi would say, “Wow that was strong,” and then continue on the conversation. Finally the midwife came in and monitored Naomi for a few minutes and said, “You have three choices: I can check you to see where you are, You can labour for a few hours here and then I’ll check you, or because your contractions aren't regular, you can go home for a few hours.” Naomi said she would rather be checked and Mark and I went to the hallway while she was checked - hoping that we wouldn’t have to make the drive home and risk not making it back. By now it was about 3:00. I could tell the contractions were getting worse but still Naomi didn’t complain – just got on with it. We walked back into the room and Naomi said she was a 7 (?!?!?) and we weren't going anywhere – thank goodness she had the midwife check!

From there it was a bit of a whirlwind. Naomi hadn't had any pain relief at all (NONE) and was getting understandably uncomfortable. She didn’t want an epidural but decided she wanted something, so the midwife sauntered in and out of the room preparing an injection for pain relief. At this point it was about 3:25. The midwife gave Naomi the injection and Naomi said (through gritted teeth), “When will it start working?!?!?!?” The midwife casually replied, “10-15 minutes”. Then things got intense. Naomi was in a lot of pain (but, I might add – not screaming or anything – she even apologized in-between contractions to Mark for being so whiney!). She was bent over in pain by the side of the bed and kept saying, “I am finding it really hard not to push.” So the midwife reluctantly walked over and checked, “I can see the head!” she exclaimed – putting a bit more pep in her step she barely had time to get everything in position before Naomi let out two screams and Lilly was here – caught by the midwife and passed up to her mummy. Naomi pushed for 3 minutes and suddenly there were 5 people in the room. Simply amazing.

Because I was on the sidelines I could appreciate that moment. The moment when the veil parted and a spirit entered this world – that room. I could have all the words in the world and never be able to describe that feeling. This tiny baby’s spirit was face to face those that inhabit heaven and now she was here. The feeling of the room instantly changed, the veil was very, very thin and that was a feeling that I never expected to have – but it overwhelmed me and still does whenever I think about it.

Once Naomi and Lilly were safely laying on the bed, the midwife asked Mark to cut the cord and he said no so I got to do it – without hesitation. Then we all just sat there – looking at this perfect, beautiful baby. Naomi was a superstar going through all of that without pain meds. I have never admired anyone as much as I did Naomi in that moment. It gave me an understanding that I would have never had about mothers and the sacrifice they make.

Then Naomi passed her miracle to me. I got to hold Lilly and just couldn’t stop looking at her – in awe of her perfection.

I then passed her back to her mummy and Mark and I made phone calls to family. I had been up for HOURS and HOURS but wasn’t tired at all.

The sun started to rise as we just sat and chatted (Naomi was a bit out of it at this point because those pain meds she asked for had started working). Talking about all the things we now found funny that we couldn’t laugh at during the labour like, Naomi apologizing, my trying to undo her bra (we both couldn’t figure out how to unclasp the nursing bit), and a lot of other things that Naomi probably wouldn’t thank me for writing. Naomi got up to have a shower and I just held that baby.

Not only was I a witness to an amazing miracle – in those quite moments of holding this baby some of the parts of my heart that infertility had broken – they were healed. Everyone told me that I would find healing, somehow somewhere, through this trial of infertility – and I have found it, although not complete healing (I don’t think I will ever mend all the pieces of my broken heart) but some healing. Every time I hold her and soak in her spirit – in a way that I never have before – I feel that healing again. And suddenly the miracle in my infertility isn't my own baby – but the tender mercies and selflessness of a brother and sister-in-law – who let me take part in the most amazing experience in my life. Words could never explain what they have given me by letting me be a part of their experience..

The past week and half have been filled with joy for me and Chris (and I’ll admit, a twinge of sadness at my loss – I am human). We’ve gotten to spend so much time with not only Lilly, (who Chris keeps offering to buy off Naomi and Mark) but with Madie and Georgia. I think I speak for me and Chris when I say that our relationship with our nieces make our infertility not hurt so much. What a blessing.

Here are some pictures from the day and this past week or so (Did I mention that Naomi was home within 12 hours of giving birth?!? ):

A Thought About a Thought

2011-06-27T21:50:00.002+01:00

I’ve always loved reading so much! I remember as a child I loved books and as a teen I think I read every book in every series I could get my hands on (Babysitters Club!!!!). I always thought that when I had children I would want to instil in them that same love. Well… that second part isn't panning out like I had planned but luckily I have other little kids around that I can read with.
When Chris bought the whole set of Roald Dahl books when we first got married I thought he was crazy. Not crazy for buying the books, but crazy for buying THOSE books. I mean, I had read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a child but there were WAY more in the set than just that. As time went by, the books just sat on the shelf. The longer I lived here, the more I heard about how much the English just love Roald Dahl and ALL of his books.
I decided that I would take them to the twins house whenever I was watching them and we’d read because the only other books they had there were: a. in German or b. books I'd read them 1,000’s of times before.
So we started with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the kids LOVED it (they were also reading it in school) and I found I loved it too (especially making all the different voices). We often talked about the factory and did crafts along with what we’d read. We painted our own interpretation of the factory with chocolate paint (water and cocoa powder), drew the characters, and one day even had “Nerds” from the American shop because – they were made by Wonka!
I was surprised at how fast we got through the book and decided the next book we’d read was called, The Twits. It was about 90 pages long, so I figured we’d have that book for a few weeks. Nope – one rainy day we sat down and me and the twins (they are 5 I might add) finished the book in one sitting! It was great!!
I don't know why Americans do read more Roald Dahl, but the books are very fun!
I found this quote in the book that I loved! Let me give you some background. The Twits are a horrible, dirty, ugly, nasty couple. Who hate everything – even children! He has a long hairy beard that gets food stuck in it and he never cleans it and she is the most ugly person you’ll ever see! And they love to play jokes on each other!! Here is the quote about Mrs. Twit (and why she is the way she is!):

“But the funny thing is that Mrs Twit wasn't born ugly. She’d had quite a nice face when she was young. The ugliness had grown upon her year by year as she got older. Why would that happen? I’ll tell you why.

If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until it gets so ugly you can hardly bear to look at it.

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.

Roald Dahl – The Twits

Fathers Day Thoughts

2011-06-19T20:07:00.001+01:00

Fathers Day is always a bittersweet time for me. I am so lucky to have an amazing father, an amazing grandfather, and one amazing grandfather in heaven (who I was lucky enough to get to know). All my life I have been surrounded by these strong men. All of these men taught me the meaning of hard work, loyalty, spirituality, and unconditional love. I am so lucky! So this Fathers Day I have a lot to be thankful for – such blessings, I have come to realize, are not given to everyone – and I realize how extremely rare and precious my association with these great men is. My life would be hugely different if they were not in my life.

But, my heart also hurts on Fathers Day. My mind is racked with guilt and sadness because there is another man in my life – who because of me, cannot be a Father. That is a hard burden to carry. It isn't like I think of it every day, but on occasions like this my deepest regret is that I cant make Chris a Father (or my dad a Grandpa). This title is one that I know, I KNOW, Chris would excel at. I watch him interact with children and I think how lucky I am to have someone that kind and gentle in my life.

Now, just like Mothers Day – I know you don't have to give birth to a child to be a good, positive influence in his/her life. Chris is the perfect example of that. He loves his nieces and nephews like a Father, teaches like a Father, and cares like a Father. Although, he doesn't officially have the title “Father” he lives up to it in so many ways.

So this Fathers Day I want to say to Chris, I’m sorry for not being able to give you children. But, your strength and example in developing father-like qualities drives me to develop my mother-like qualities. And although you might not officially be a Father – you love like one, and that is just as good, or maybe even better than just having the title.

I Moved… Part II

2011-06-03T12:20:00.001+01:00

The Roman numeral looks a lot better than the “2” right? Anyway, here I am again, and surprisingly here YOU are again for more of the tour… so without further ado ….

Kitchen:

The Kitchen is sooooooo much bigger than the other flat. It still has no disposal or dishwasher (except me and Chris) but I enjoy the room. It is quite outdated, but we actually have cupboards in this flat as well – bonus!! Just a question – is is strange to have curtains in a kitchen?? Should I get something for the window besides the roller blind?

Our squatty fridge complete with collection of DIY things on top – hopefully when we re-do the Sitting Room we can get rid of this “feature” – not the fridge obviously – the collection….

The window ledge. Cookbooks (thanks Mom and Abbie), recipe cards, (the cups have gone now), and plants.

The Bathroom:

The Bathroom is a lot bigger as well. They put in the 70’s bathtub – just for us (they hate us). Chris came in the bedroom the other day and said, “Its amazing, after 5 years of marriage I FINALLY have my own shelf in the bathroom!!!”

P.S. Still no shower Boo!!

The Bedroom:

This room needs the most help – by far! But, it is second on our list so it will have to be plain and boring for now. Yes, that is a stuffed rabbit, and yes I brought it from America with me, and yes, occasionally it has a spot on my bed. So what? My life my business – right!?!?

The view from the bedroom window. The pub across the street. People think that because it is a small town that we live in, that it is nice and quiet – its not. That road has constant traffic all day and on the weekends we have all the drunks walking home from the pubs and clubs and it is NOISY. That is one downside to moving – at our other flat we were far away from the street we never heard anything. It’s a bit different now and we are still trying to get used to it.

These are more flats on top and the local take away and fish and chip shop on the bottom. Sometimes the smell can be lovely – but most the time the smell of the food – all the time, until 2:30 AM is quite sickening. Oh well!!

The car park.

The Office:

My desk – quite busy I mist admit. But, there is method in my mess.

Shared bookcase (by shared I mean Chris has a FEW books on here – the rest are mine.). Also, remember when you were little and you saw adds in the magazines for Sea Monkeys and you asked your mom and she always said no?? No, just me?? Anyway, the other month we saw a kit at the shop for a reduced price and so I got them and now am raising my own tank of Sea Monkeys (but really, that is a whole other post). Also yes, that is a teddy bear, but I have it here for a reason. When we first viewed the flat we walked in this empty room and I immediately thought – Nursery! I realize in my mind that devoting a whole room to a baby that might never be would be silly so the logical thing would be an office – and I love the office. But, I keep the teddy bear in the room to remind me that miracles do happen and that, if God sees fit, this room might not always be an office.

The view down. The office is on the same side as the bedroom so the view is pretty much the same.

Chris’ office desk area – empty compared to mine – well they do say opposites attract.

Well there you go – there is my new flat. We really do love it. There is a lot more room and Chris and I have even had to shout, “Where are you?!??!” Which never happened in the old flat. I wish I had a magic wand and could have it all decorated to my taste but I am having to learn that, as an adult it takes time. This is the last move until we move back to America (hopefully) so we want to make it as homey as possible. I am going to be re-doing the Sitting Room within the month (oh yeah, I’ll take pictures).

Have a good weekend!!!

I Moved…

2011-05-31T15:24:00.001+01:00

I moved last month. It was a very quick decision. We had been asking our landlord to move us to a 2 bedroom for years (that is not an exaggeration) now – but because we didn’t have kids, they wouldn’t move us. Luckily one day we got a phone call saying a 2 bedroom was available and so we jumped at the chance – even though that meant we had a weekend to move everything. The best thing was that we moved from one of the apartment buildings to another on the complex so it wasn’t too complicated to move. Even better, was we got some men from church to help us move. It is amazing how many things 2 people can have in 5 years of marriage.

Well this next series of posts is going to be a tour of the new flat. I realize that this is going to be quite boring for most, but my mom has asked for pictures several times and her wish is my command (most the time!). So today you get the…. Sitting Room (alright, try to contain your excitement!).

These are the French doors to the outside world (the curtains and carpet where here when we moved in. They are nice, but not my style.). This is one of the things we LOVED when we viewed the flat. Upon studying this picture it also looks like something one might see while dying…. “head to the white light!!”

This is the sitting room. We have soooooooooo much more room now. The washing is drying (I couldn’t take it all down to take a picture, the sun shines so rarely we always take advantage.)

The piano and my American magazines – when I find them over here its like I’ve won the lottery. The blue on the wall was our first try at painting the room – it is horrible in person so this weekend we are going to try take two – with a light brown.

The View Outside – these are all taken from the doors in the Sitting Room:

Those trees are lovely but in the spring the amount of things that flew through the open doors from the tree was quite annoying – I think Autumn might be worse! But the shade is so nice in the warmer weather – so I shouldn’t complain (I will, but I shouldn’t).

The church car park. It is a rare occasion when there are no cars there. It makes for a good seat for weddings and awkward seats for funerals. Funny story: The first week we were here, I had the music BLASTING to give me motivation to do the unpacking and cleaning with the doors and windows open wide. The song Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis came on and I was singing along. I happened to look out the door and noticed that there was a funeral going on. The hearse had just pulled up and there were a lot of people standing outside solemnly. I decided that the music (especially that song) wasn’t appropriate for a funeral and promptly turned it off. I am a bit more careful now.

The view looking right. There is the Zebra crossing right there and that building is the town museum. Open only 2 days a week and never busy! I’ve never been there. The metal gate is a favourite for the nieces and the twins that I babysit. There are always fights over who gets to swing it open – it’s the simple things right?!?

This is the view looking left. That is the alley way to the car park. We are quite secluded here (only 4 have doors this side of the building).

The view looking down. We are on the 2nd floor (if you are American) or the 1st (if you are English). Just one of those things that make my life more complicated than necessary, like on the phone when I tell the delivery person that we are in a second floor flat, only to have Chris shout out FIRST! Also a favourite spot for the kids to hang out of and give their parents regular, tiny heart attacks. (Don’t worry they are safe!!)

The view straight across to the church.

All in all it is a lovely place. We are working on decorating it, but it has given us so much more room. There will be other posts this week for the other rooms (I know, you can hardly wait).

I’ve Been Here…. Where Have YOU Been?

2011-05-23T22:49:00.001+01:00

I finally gave in and updated my blog – don't be surprised, I am not blogging because I don't want too – because I DO, my fingers have been itching to get on here and write ‘til my hearts content. But, lately I’ve been trying to be a bit of an adult and in being an adult, I’ve had to work on “priorities”. These priorities include (but are not limited to…)

* Primary President Issues (until, that is, the Branch dissolved which leads to a lot of other posts).

* Moving – which explains my first month of absence from the blogging world.

* University work! Yes, instead of writing thousands of words via my blog, I have had to prioritise putting the effort into writing thousands of words for University. Not only that but this Arts class has now clashed with my Photography class resulting in a crisis of time management (hence my second month of being absent from my blog).

But rest assured (for me mostly) that once this week is over (my essay is due Friday) I will be back – with a vengeance. I have lots to share – cross country train trips, new friends and church family, new flat, new photos, and some new writing ideas – so don't give up on me – just let me be an adult for a little bit longer and then I’ll be write back to making my blog one of my “urgent priorities”.

Back Monday!!!

More To Life?

2011-03-22T22:37:00.001Z

A month or so ago, I found out that a charity for infertility here in England was going to have an event for those living with involuntary childlessness – without thinking of any of the details I booked and paid for my space.

This last Saturday was the day. Chris and I got got train tickets to London and planned on me going to the seminar and Chris finding something else to do while I was there (read: traveling around London on the Tube).

Before it started Chris and I went to the British Museum so I could have an up close and personal look at the Benin Bronzes – the subject of my latest 1500 word essay for University. I was not disappointed! It was quite amazing to see something like that in person (although I’ve been to the museum several times before, this was the first time I had STUDIED something there).

But the most important thing that happened that day was the More to Life seminar. I am not very open on this blog about my struggles with infertility – not because I am embarrassed or ashamed, but because it is deeply personal and still extremely painful.

The whole seminar was about living your best, happiest life without children *gasp* is that possible!?!?

I must admit I was a bit hesitant and when I walked into the building and was greeted by several very kind women, I sat there on my own shocked by the realization that – I was there, I was at a seminar about living life without children, me, someone who everyone thought would have the most children, the nanny, I was there. I looked around and saw women of all ages and races and had the thought, how lovely each of these women know exactly how I feel.

You see, I have a husband and family and friends who are incredibly supportive of me – but none of them REALLY know how I feel.

They don't know the dread every time I hear a pregnancy announcement, they don't know how it feels to love nieces and nephews but sometimes cant be around them because it is too hard. They don't know how I feel less of a woman because I cant give my husband the title father and my parents the title grandparents. But these women did!!! The speakers knew all of these things, and by them acknowledging them made me feel more human and sane – because sometimes the thoughts that enter my head when it comes to my lack of children, make me feel like I am slightly crazy or excessive in my anger or sadness – but I’m not – I AM NORMAL!!!

Then the breakthrough of the day happened when I was given permission to find GOOD things about not having children, permission to change my thinking, permission to feel sad that I cant have children but also feel happy that I don't have to pay for them and loose sleep for them. THIS WAS AMAZING!!! All these years (and especially the last one) I was walking around thinking of all the things I didn't have because I didn't have children, but after Saturday I am slowly beginning to think of all the things I do have or CAN have because I DONT.

Does this mean my desire for having a child is gone? NO, absolutely not – but it does mean that I can heal, that I can eventually find happiness in my childlessness.

After the seminar I met up with Chris and we went to his old stomping ground in London and went for Chinese. As we were sitting there waiting for our food, I saw a cute little family walk in – and I thought, “awwwww I wish I had kids.” Then as I watched them struggle with the kids and have to take turns taking them to the toilet, my next thought was, “wow, that looks like hard work, I am glad it is just me and Chris.” Guess what? I didn't feel bad about thinking that either – and I think that is progress!

Thanks to More To Life, I have a different outlook on my childlessness and it is refreshing and surprising and hopeful!

Photo Friday

2011-03-18T19:34:00.001Z

I thought maybe I’d start doing an entry on Friday just of random photo’s that I love, but don't really want to write a whole entry about the occasion for the photos – does that make sense? Like, these photo’s today are from my Mother-in-Laws birthday party. It just might bore you to tears if I recounted all the happenings of the night, so I will just share some pictures:

These kids are some of the absolute best things about my life here in England.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-15T10:17:00.003Z

It has been a long winter for me, which is surprising because I spent the coldest months in America – but coming back to England, and the months following have seemed to take forever. I sure miss the sun! Coming from Utah to England – the first year I really struggled with the lack of sunlight during the winter months. It starts to get dark around 3:30 p.m. in the middle of winter, and most times during the day you just see clouds and fog - no sunshine. I thought for sure by the time I’d been here for a while (nearly 5 years!) I would be used to it – but I’m not.
Sunday the sun came out and the the temperature warmed a bit – so I decided to take my new camera and go and look for some signs of spring.

The above picture doesn't show spring is coming, but it makes me smile every time I walk past it.

On of the best things that happen here in England during spring is that daffodils pop up all over the place – really, on the sides of the roads, roundabouts, gardens, parks, EVERYWHERE – it is so beautiful to drive down the road and see them – it is a SURE sign that spring is on its way.

I don't fool myself to think that Spring is completely here – its foggy and freezing today – but it is nice to see some signs of hope.

Pancake Day!!

2011-03-09T20:52:00.002Z

One holiday here in England I can really get behind and celebrate is… Pancake Day! Here in England we always celebrate it on a Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday). The pancakes here in England are like crepes – but I figure why celebrate Pancake Day in England with American Pancakes?? People over he put all kinds of things on their pancakes – sweet or savoury. I went to the store and got some strawberry jam, chocolate spread, marshmallows, peanut butter, and pancake mix (I know, I cheated). Chris got home from school and we made the pancakes together –here are some pictures:

Pancake Day originated a long time ago when people would use up all their sugar and butter to begin Lent the following day. Although I don't do Lent, I thought this year I would try to give something up for the time of Lent, this year -chocolate (yeah…we’ll see how this goes!).

Another Website??

2011-03-03T00:00:00.000Z

Hello! As you may, or my not know, I am an occasional contributor on my friends crafty, churchy (in a great way), creative, and all round lovely blog. I write a little something every Thursday about journaling, scrapbooking, or photography. Have a look at this weeks entry at: http://homemakinghoneys.blogspot.com/

In Conclusion…

2011-03-01T10:59:00.001Z

We finally reached his car and again we went through the whole, almost losing a limb portion of the date. By now there were crowds of people around his car because we got there so early, and they were just talking and laughing and standing in the way of my sanity! He got in. Sat down and didn’t turn on the car.

“Do you want to say it or do you want me to say it?”

Oh my gosh! This wasn’t happening! We said one prayer already! Did we really need two!?!? Where the comics sooooooooo “off color” that we needed this prayer. He wasn’t going to say it again, I knew it, it was my turn. My turn to pray in front of the crowds of people. My turn to pray for something! What? That I could get home SOON? That Ed might loose my number? That I might wake up from this nightmare?

“Ehhh, alright, okay.’

And then I prayed. It was the shortest, fastest, and sadly enough, most insincere prayer I have ever offered. Ever. He looked at me when I was done and patted my leg. He started the car and backed up nearly hitting several people in the process.

We got onto the freeway and I said to him,

“So got any big plans for the weekend?”

Big mistake!

“Well, tomorrow I am going to get arrested. I am going to go to a few schools and take some pictures of some kids for a friend. It is illegal so I’ll have to sneak about it and if I get caught I’ll get arrested.”

What kind of a freaky answer is that??? I don’t think any amount of praying before, after, or during that little escapade was going to help him. Not wanting to know more I sat quietly in the car.

“I’ll have to take my gun.”

Great. I was driving down the freeway at 55 MPH with a man who the very next day was going to go take pictures of children, hidden from anyone, with a gun. Great.

“You know I was engaged two times?”

Did I want to hear this? Was this a confession? When people were telling me about Ed someone had mentioned in passing that he had killed the two people he was engaged to. I thought they were making a joke. I’m going to die tonight.

“Yeah the first one, we just didn’t know each other well enough. The second one wrote me for a while on the internet. We decided to meet up and she kept putting me off. Finally, I knew something was wrong and did some detective work and found out she was 60.”

5 more miles. 5 more miles. Say something.....

“Oh Ed, I’m sorry.”

There. I am nice, I care now let me out. We were now in front of my apartment complex but he didn’t stop. Nope he drove right past to the rail road tracks. About 2 houses away from my apartment. He stopped. Locked the doors, turned off the car and looked at me.

“Have you ever been in love before?”

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Let me out! Let me out! Let me out! Where is my cell phone 911 911 911 911. I answer,

“No, I haven’t, I mean I don’t think so.”

His hopeful eyes suddenly looked defeated.

“Oh, okay. Well I had a good time Jamie. I’ll call you again. Lets go out this weekend.”

NO! I was on the verge of being killed by my date, on the railroad tracks. I would have to say my words carefully.

“Awww Ed. Thanks. I am busy for a while with work and stuff you understand right? Hey, though thanks for the evening.”

By now the doors were unlocked, and the creepiness was out of his eyes, mostly. I just wanted to go home but what happened to dropping a girl off at her place. I know it would be best for a Ed to walk me to my door but at this point I think I felt safer knowing he wasn’t. The least he could have done was reverse his car to my place. I could tell he wasn’t going to. I would have to walk down the hill, in the mud down the sidewalk, to my apartment door. He turned back on the car. I took that as my cue to get out. I got out.

“Thanks again.”

“Hey, Jamie?”

I thought that maybe he was going to walk me to my door. I guess that wouldn’t be so bad. I mean after what just happened, that was cake. At least there would be more witnesses by the apartment if he was going to try anything.

“Jamie, can I borrow your cell phone?”

What?!!? Here I am out of the car ready to shut the door on this night of my life and now he wants to use my minutes?? My cell phone?? My time??

“Sure!”

I handed him the phone. He had to call his sister to go over to her house. He handed me back my phone. I start to put it back in my purse and search for my keys. Just as I got to shut the door, it barely closes and he speeds off like his in a race. I watch as his taillights go down the street and then I head back towards my house.

I get inside and immediately call my friend in New York and then my friend in West Valley and then my mom. I shouldn’t have told the people at work I had a date. The next morning I would have to go back and tell them the story. But I guess that is what I get for, what did I say at first?

…I had decided with my horrible, awful luck with men that maybe - just maybe it was the “type” of man I was dating. So I had decided against all of my better judgment and all of my friends judgment to go out with him.

We Interrupt This Story…

2011-02-28T14:13:00.001Z

Just wanted to let my few (but faithful) readers know of a few changes to the blog:

* MAKEOVER!!

* Archives! I imported my old MSN Spaces blog and now have all the entries I’ve ever blogged – starting in 2005. They are pretty funny (for me) to look back on.

* Labels to find entries faster

* You can now be my follower – just remember to sign up at the side of the page – that way you can know when I update.

* New tabs on the top – all pages coming soon!

Let me know what you think – if I don’t get back to you its because my brain has exploded from trying to sort everything out!

Conclusion of the story tomorrow, and then I have some ideas in the pipeline to start blogging a bit more.

Part 2

2011-02-21T13:49:00.002Z

…We pulled up to the club. It wasn’t really a club at all. It was a small, small building. One of many in a small strip mall. He pulled out his tattered wallet and got out, not cash, but a yellow 2-for-1 coupon. Now don’t get me wrong. I love coupons! I use them myself from time to time but Ed went on to tell me the following story:
“This one time. I went out with this one girl. And she saw that I had coupons and totally freaked out on me and stuff. So I just wanted to let you know that I would be using a coupon before I gave it to the cashier so you didn’t freak out. I mean come on, if you can save a few bucks, save a few bucks, right?”
Keep in mind this isn’t the full story. If I were to write the whole explanation of the coupons, my “short” story would rival a novel like Crime and Punishment. Let me be honest. Ed paid for my ticket, $5.00. Somehow it just didn’t seem right. I mean being frugal is one thing but cheep, this was very close to verging on cheep.
I hadn’t been there before. Once you paid you walked down a long hallway and entered through a black curtain. When you stepped in there was a room packed with tables and chairs. All black too. They had about eight long conference-like tables in the middle and we decided to sit in one of those. We scooted into the middle of a table that seated about 16 people. Let me tell you the biggest flaw of the seating arrangements. The chairs were somehow welded together. So you couldn’t scoot them at all. Basically once you were sitting there was no moving - especially if you had people on either side of you.
The waiter came by and gave us the menu. It was then I realized I hadn’t had anything to eat all day long. I was famished! He proceeded to tell me,
“Get whatever you want.”
I decided on cheese sticks and a Dr. Pepper. He wanted nacho’s and a virgin Margarita. When the waiter came by he took our order. As he was walking away Ed yelled,
“Hey make sure there isn’t any alcohol in that drink at all! None! I don’t like it. It isn’t good.”
Some of the people around us looked up, I just smiled, what else could I do? Then I realized that the other couple that was supposed to meet up with us weren’t there yet. I asked,
“Hey Ed, where are your friends? The show is going to start soon isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I don’t know, they are late. Don’t you hate it when people are late??”
My mind flashed back to me sitting on my couch waiting for a tardy date just an hour earlier. Just as I was going to make an attempt to start a conversation he stood up and was hugging some people that just walked in. They all sat down. The woman who I had pictured in my mind as a super-human monster ready to pounce, was a short, squatty, round woman. Nothing to worry about with her. Her date was a tall, skinny, lurpy man.
“Jamie this is Steve and Pam. Steve worked with me and got me the coupon, and Pam, well I told you already, we used to date.”
“Nice to meet you both. We just got here and ordered.”
As I was sitting trying to get comfortable in the chairs I heard Steve say to Ed,
“Good job, Ed”
Then Steve proceeded to pat Ed on the back. I don’t consider myself a “catch”. But, I’ll take the compliment, no matter how sexist it suddenly seemed.
In the meantime during introductions the waiter had brought the food to us. I got my Dr. Pepper but still hadn’t seen any cheese sticks. Then I looked over. In the short time it had been since we got our food Ed had eaten most of the cheese sticks. They weren’t passed to me at all. They were gone and I was going to faint from lack of nutrients and they were eating all my food!!!! Ed offered me nachos. I didn’t want his yucky nachos! If I wanted nachos I would have ordered them myself! And now, now my food was gone! GONE! Suddenly the whole excuse of the offensive comic sounded quite appealing. Not because he didn’t give me my food, but because he didn’t give me my food. You know what I mean. How rude of him!
Well it was 7:30. What hadn’t the show started yet?? I was hungry, hot and really hating these chairs. My thighs were touching his and he probably was thinking I was doing it on purpose for human contact with my new “favorite man” when I was doing all I could to stop all the human contact in general. I thought the show started at 7:30! I leaned to Ed, engrossed in a computer conversation a.k.a. foreign language to me,
“Ummm Ed, sorry to interrupt I am your date though, some attention would be nice, but I was just wondering when the show started?”
Steve chimed in,
“8:00.”
“Thanks.”
8:00?!!?!? Another half an hour! What was I going to do for a half an hour? Starve? I turned to look at the crowd and suddenly Ed had his arm around me. I guess the computer conversation is over. I turned to him. I wasn’t comfortable with this whole possession, arm around my shoulders thing so I thought, maybe if I scoot to the side he will get the hint. I went to scoot my chair over a little and kind of make it look like I was moving the chair to be able to face him better, stupid stuck together chairs! That wouldn’t work. So I just turned my body. He noticed I had a purple gemstone ring on my right hand.
“Hey could I look at that ring??”
Innocent enough, I thought. So I took off the ring and handed it to him.
“This is a really nice ring Jamie where did you get it? Wow you much have some money to get nice things like this!”
“I actually got it at Target for 10.00. Thanks though.”
I went to look down at my bare hand and suddenly he grabbed my left hand and slipped the ring onto my wedding ring finger!
“Jamie will you marry me?”
I was freaking out! Was he kidding? He looked serious, didn’t he? No, he was smiling. Was he smiling because it was a joke or because of the petrified look I must have had on my face.
“Whoa, no I guess. Just kidding anyway.”
No you guess!?!?!? It was going to be a looooooooong half hour until the show started. I grabbed the ring off my left hand and put it right back on the right hand and clasped my fingers. If he was thinking this was some leeway to holding my hand he was wrong!
“So Jamie what do you like to do in your spare time?”
Now there is a typical first date question.
“Well, I like to play piano, hang out with friends, go to the theatre, you know just stuff. Oh, I also like to write.”
“Tell me something you have written?”
“Oh I don’t share it. It is just mine.”
“Come on I write poetry too. I’ll share with you.”
“Ohhh no thanks. It is just mine. Sorry.”
“Come on”
“No”
“Please”
“No”
By this point he was starting to lean in towards me and hang on me and... beg.
“I think we are close enough we could share.”
“No, thanks.”
“Come on!”
Now he is starting to get a little pushy, not to mention a little too close for my comfort.
“Ed No!”
I didn’t realize I said it loud. I guess I forgot we were in a public place but, both Steve and Pam were jolted out of their conversation to look at us - along with all the couples around us. Pam said,
“Is he bugging you Jamie? He isn’t getting what he wants... he isn’t used to that.”
Now that comment verges on things that are offering up too much information, especially from an ex.
“Well he better get used to it tonight!”
At that point Pam leaned over to Ed and tickled him and said,
“Oooooo Ed! I like her!”
Thinking to myself she better not like me this is the last she is going to see of me. Just then to my relief the lights dimmed. I sat back, slightly pinching Ed’s skin between my chair and my back, maybe he would get the point then. No such luck.
The first two comics went without incident. There were some pretty funny jokes said and I would start to laugh and look to Ed to see if he was laughing too but he had on his “I’m so offended, but wont leave because I paid good money for the tickets” face. I muffled my laughs most of the time, but there were sometimes I couldn’t help it and turned to see him changing from his first face to the “I do not believe you thought that joke was funny” face. Oh well! At this point I could care less about impressing him and just wanted to have some fun. The main comic came on.
“So Utah, hu? Mormons... I read an article in the newspaper about you Utan’s. It said 2% of the population are polygamists. So by raise of hands... where are my polygamists in the audience??”
Waking myself from the dream that the rest of the date would go off without incident, Ed jumped, that’s right, jumped up from his seat and waved his arms and pointed proudly to ME! Realizing what was going on I tried to stop him, pull him down or something. By this point the place was packed with people all at this very minute looking from him to me with amused faces.
“Must be hard handling that many women!”
“No, just expensive!”
The audience laughed, the comic thanked Ed with his eyes for going along with this whole thing and Ed sat down. Placing his arm around me again. The stares lingered from people in the audience. He smiled at me,
“That was funny hu Jamie.”
I gave a half smile with a pure look of fear and turned back to the comic. Please don’t make any more jokes about Mormons, or marriage, or men, or women, or love, or sex or anything. Please end now – for the love... LET ME GO HOME!
The set was going well. The jokes turned to Hollywood and things Ed wouldn’t know about. Then it happened again.
“There are some beautiful women in Utah!”
“Right here!”
Ed yelled pointing at me. Like I said before, I don’t think I am anything special, but even this time although the compliment was just that - a compliment - I was so humiliated that I didn’t want it.
“Beautiful women, like you - you have beautiful black hair, and you, you are a cute little thing, and you, wow!”
“Right here! She’s beautiful, Right here!!!”
Ed continued to yell. Turning to him and trying to silence him, he finally gave up. Why he gave up I’ll never know. But thank heavens! He gave up. Endearing and flattering as it was - he gave up.
The sets were over. Time to go home. Best part of the night. We shuffled out with the rest of the crowd. Many of the guys giving us looks of amusement and many of the women giving me looks of sympathy. The comics were all standing in a line ready to shake our hands and give away some of those yellow coupons. I was in front of Ed. We had said a quick good-bye to his friends inside because they were still paying. I hurried out as quickly as possible and I heard to my terror Ed yelling to me over the crowd,
“I didn’t like it Jamie. I thought that the jokes were very off-color and all those guys just look so depressed.”
I didn’t look back, I couldn’t then I would have to look at the faces of the comics. I walked toward the door. I wanted out. Get me out get me out get me out!!!!!!!!!
To Be Continued (in one more part)…

A Night To Remember…

2011-02-14T21:18:00.002Z

I had decided. I had decided with my horrible, awful luck with men (and I use the term men very loosely) that maybe - just maybe it was the “type” of men I was dating. I had decided against all of my better judgment and all of my friends better judgment to go out with him. Sure he wore white, old, gym shoes with his Sunday pants, sure those worn pants looked like he was waiting and prepared for that flood Utah had been predicting for years and years and years (right). But when I cut my finger, with a small pocket knife at the Christmas party he sure seemed quite normal and caring. You know making sure I wasn’t losing too much blood, finding a un-used napkin to wrap it in and being very attentive to my every need. Besides, was it really for me to judge what was “normal”? He was nice to me. Very nice.
The day he followed me out to the parking lot after church was the first time I had the slightest twinge of a second thought about him. He asked me for my phone number,
“So eh, maybe eh, we might be eh, able to eh, go out and eh, do something, maybe, sometime?”
With his big, toothy, but endearing grin and the way he nervously pushed his blonde hair back, standing there like a nervous little boy - come on! How could I say no??? So I smiled, squinting into the sunlight and said a quick but intrigued,
“Sure!”
My number one dating support was not around when I made these plans for the date. She was across the country in New York. I couldn’t use her to make sure his message on my phone didn’t sound too creepy, or that I dressed conservatively enough for him. This should have been my first warning sign - Dressing conservatively. Usually on a date you are worried about not dressing sexy enough, but with this guy I felt like wearing a long skirt and turtle neck would be a little too much... maybe I needed gloves. I was at this alone! It was okay, embarking on my new independent life meant I was capable enough to get myself ready for a date without another woman’s advice.
He showed up late. I guess I was surprised. I mean a first date and late? I lived at a fairly easy address to find. Whatever. I didn’t invite him in mainly because we didn’t have time, and I guess more honestly because I didn’t want him to be too comfortable.
He had parked across the street. Just far enough to not quite step from curb to floor of car, just close enough that it made it quite difficult to try to work my way in with the curb in the way. Thank goodness I didn’t wear the skirt. He was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. Looking like he ran off from wherever he worked, a place without a dress code, and came to my place. And those gym shoes!! Did he ever take them off??? I on the other hand I was wearing my nice and conservative slacks and button up shirt. As he shut my car door I was just quick enough to move my foot out of the way before it was violently crushed in the tragic accident of door injury. Although I have never heard of this happening, an appendage being take off by a date closing the door too soon, I was afraid that I would be the first. I sat in silence as he went to his side. Nice car. He cant be too bad if he drove a car like this. Definitely not a Jeep but definitely not a Station Wagon, like I had expected.
Let me back up a little. Let me tell you as much about “Ed” as I knew when I agreed to go out with him. He was older than me. He lived in our small town. He came from a polygamist family. And.... nope that is about all I knew.
Back to the story. So we now are both sitting in his car. I expect him to turn the car on, and drive away. Wouldn’t anyone?? I still didn’t know where we were going or who we were going with or if the date was actually sitting in his car for a few hours. He looked over at me and asked quite matter-of-a- fact,
“Are you going to say it or do you want me to say it?”
I laugh. This isn’t how most people start conversations, but okay.
“Say what?”
I asked innocently. I had no idea what he was talking about.
“The prayer. Do you want to say it or do you want me to say it?”
He asked again. A prayer!?!? Okay now lets get something straight although, I have at times been religious, never have I said a prayer before a date. I thought it was just a myth of sorts, a rumor spread by the adults in the church to get us to realize “How very serious dating is.” Never, NEVER had it happened to me on a date before! Probably because God wouldn’t want to be included on the dates I went on. Okay, okay fine. A prayer couldn’t hurt. So I persuaded him to say it. After one abnormally long prayer - especially to start a date, we were off. I still didn’t know where we were going though.
“Ed, I was just wondering what you had planned for the night.”
Expecting a dinner and movie I was surprised to hear him answer,
“We are going to the comedy club. We are meeting another couple there. Two friends, don’t be jealous, but, I used to date the girl who is going to be there. Yeah, we were priii-tee serious. Oh and Jamie, I am quite worried.”
Okay so there is going to be an “ex” there. Was she a big, strong, jealous woman who hated red-heads??
“The things the comics might say might really offend you, if that, in reality is the case, please don’t hesitate to tell me and we will leave.”
Suddenly I was transported. Transported to sitting in a classroom as a two year old. That is how he was speaking to me. Soft and slowly so that I would understand. If Ed knew me at all he would know that very little a comic in Utah might say would offend me. Plus what did I really have to worry about? He said prayer, right??
To Be Continued…
**Written in 2005

Hi, I’m Jamie and I’m and Idea Addict…

2011-02-08T12:30:00.002Z

I am sure it doesn’t come as too much of a surprise to a lot of people who know me that I always have that “really good idea”. When I was single I used to scare my friends whenever I’d turn to them and say, “Hey! I have an idea!!!” That feeling of mild panic has now spread to my husband who gets the “dear (get it, dear??) in the headlight” look whenever I say that same sentence.
In my mind there is always a good idea (according to me). Part of this having a good idea often translates into my ultimate dream of becoming a published author. Sometimes I just have so many book ideas floating around in there I cant see straight! But, have I ever written this good ideas into reality? No.
Luckily I now have a little outlet for some of these ideas. For a while here in England I’ve been the resident journal/scrapbooking expert in my church. I don’t know how this came about and I am FAR from an expert (I think maybe its because I am from Utah and EVERYONE there is required to be VERY crafty – I joke). I asked a friend of mine – who I met through some wonderful and strange happenings – if I might be able to contribute to her blog – she said yes, bless her, and well now I write for her blog about – journals and scrapbooking! It isn't a huge contribution, but it is a way for me to practice my writing. I write on every Thursday – http://homemakinghoneys.blogspot.com/ – come have a look – not just on Thursdays mind you, she has some great ideas as well .
On a side note I am going to start putting up more of my writing on this blog – starting with a little story I wrote about my worst.date.ever! It’s much to write home about but I think it’s a pretty funny story (well it is now – when he was looking at me with creepy/lustful eyes – it wasn’t too much). Stay tuned!!!

Shopping

2011-01-26T12:20:00.002Z

Hello! A long time ago I had a friend say that she would really like to see what English supermarkets look like. I have been meaning for a while to do a blog about it, but yesterday when I was deciding what to write about this week (since nothing interesting happened), I thought that since I was at the shop already I’d take some pictures and it would be an entry. So here we go on a tour of my local shop (beware – lots of pictures, oh and sorry about the occasional finger in the picture – I was trying to be discreet):

When you first walk in – there are shelves of fresh sandwiches.

Here is customer services/tobacco counter.

They shops here have TONS of magazine options, pretty much if you are interested in it, they’ll have it – oh and this is just one section – there is a whole other wall full.

The “pound shop”.

The stairs go up to the Café, where weary shoppers can get a cup of tea or some generally overcooked, overpriced food.

The Pharmacy – did you know they sell codeine and antibiotics over the counter here?

Clothes section – right across from the veggies.

Courgettes (zucchini), Aubergines (eggplants), and TONS of brussel sprouts.

Takeaway food and the Delicatessen.

The butcher and the fishmonger.

Care for some jellied eels, no seriously??

Even the bacon is different!!

The Reduced to Clear section where you can find some real treasures or just real rubbish.

The English love their lamb.

Yummmmm bakery – they bake most of the things in the store – while dieting I just stay away.

“American Style” hotdogs – being American, I don’t think I’ve see hot dogs in America in a tin with brine – but maybe I’m wrong – at any rate, I don’t eat hot dogs from a tin, no matter how many American flags they have on them.

Baked Beans section – the English sure do love their baked beans. Which reminds me, one time in Primary on of the kids, when looking at a picture of the last supper, said, “Did they have baked beans back then?” I said, “No, probably not.” He then replied, “Well good! That must mean there were no farts!”

In America they have a section of ethnic Mexican food, here in England there ethnic section is for the Eastern Europeans, mostly written in Polish.
** I must stop here and tell a short story. About at this point in the store a woman walked up to me and Chris and said, “EXCUSE me, its against the law to take pictures in the store. Would you delete them please?” (typing cannot express the rudeness that she said it). I quickly said, “Ummmm yes…” and put the camera (phone in my pocket). Chris then said, “It isn't against the law! Who says its against the law???” I don’t think she was expecting anyone to argue with her and started to mutter, “it is against the law…” while turning up the isle. I don’t know what her problem was, I didn’t even take a picture of her (although now I wish I had). So we waited until she was out of sight and continued taking pictures… silly woman.
The tour continues:

TONS of alcohol. Now, maybe it is just my sheltered upbringing but here in England, that much at the grocery store seems a bit excessive.

Squash – here in England it isn't a veggie, it is a concentrated fruit drink.

Tea – my camera lens wasn’t wide enough to get in all the options – they love their tea!

The tills, or checkouts.

Crisps – These are just some of them but I LOVE the names: Quavers, Skips, Wotsits, Nik-Naks, Discos, Twiglets – sounds like a different language.

The ceiling – if you look up there you would be forgiven for thinking you are in a warehouse.

Kitchen roll and toilet roll (paper towels and toilet paper).

The milk here is shaped differently too (by milk, obviously milk cartons lol). I think it is so it can fit in the tiny fridges a bit better.

Here are some puddings, and by puddings I mean desserts.

On diet – must resist.

Now that I live in England, I often bypass things that as a visitor, might find interesting – like this post box. Down in London people take pictures of these to show family when they get home from their vacation – here I walk past it every day. Are there post boxes (mailboxes) in American grocery stores? I forget.

These are where they shallow trolleys go – trolleys in England aren't a mode of transportation, but a cart. And in England the wheels on said trolleys aren't fixed straight ahead, but turn all the way around. This causes problems for me because they are hard to control, but Chris hates the trolleys in America – he finds them hard to steer. I guess it is just what you’re used to!

Crossings to help us safely return to our car.

In the car park there are various way to recycle pretty much anything you own – clothes, books, glass, etc..
We’ve reached the end our of our tour. Are you still there or did you give up past the first 100 pictures?? If you want to get a close up of the pictures just click on them.

Just Rambling

2011-01-17T22:22:00.002Z

Well, I did say that I would update once a week – I never promised that it would be anything of substance. This week has been full of personal trials – sometimes I think Satan sees that I am struggling with one issue (homesickness) and decides it would be a great time to add in quite a few other issues. I have found myself saying out loud this week, “okay, okay, that’s enough I cant handle anymore!” Things seemed to have calmed down – after a great day at church (surprise surprise).
I am spending a lot of time trying to catch up with my studies. I am taking a University course called: The Arts Past and Present. It is interesting but after writing a 600 word essay about Faraday the famous English scientist I am left wondering what on earth it has to do with the Arts and trying just to make it through this class so I can get on to the better ones!
Chris and I have been following a lifestyle plan my dad set up for us. After a week I lost one itty bitty pound and Chris lost 3!??!?! Where is the justice in that??
Have you looked at my new blog yet? Today I was supposed to take a picture at 7 pm – I was in the car in the minutes leading up to it and had one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the camera. Things got really tricky when I accidentally turned the camera on to video and spend 20 seconds driving and trying to figure out how to change it, all the while trying not to miss my 7:00 deadline! Don’t worry, I made it (and so did all the others on the road). http://uktotheusa.blogspot.com/
Well I guess I should stop rambling and get back to my school work – I will leave you with some pictures – random of course, just like the blog!

Home is never far from my mind (even in the toilets) CHS – Go Pirates!!!

In the church newsletter – notice one of their activities: viewing the world cup while enjoying a cash bar. Nothing like good old fashion religion!

For a friends child, Chris and I took Flat Stanley out to see the country. We made sure he was safe, buckling him in, but then when we turn our heads for one minute he gets himself caught in the CD player!

Every time I drive past this sign I have a bit of a giggle.
Have a good week everyone!!!

New Year, New Entry

2011-01-11T22:18:00.002Z

Well hello! Does it seems like ages since I’ve written? It has been! While I was in America I was told by several people to update my blog so I am going to try to update it every week (fingers crossed!)
Since I have so much to catch up on, you get lists again (thanks Abbie) – Maybe some pictures added in for good measure?
Good Things:

* Hugging my mom and dad and spending time with them.
* Seeing my brother and sisters (even though we didn’t do a family picture!!)
* Seeing friends – its been three years and yet it feels like we never skipped a beat.
* A trip to St. George to visit my amazing Grandpa and Grandma.
* Seeing the mountains and snow!
* Good food (yes, I did gain weight – why do you ask?!?!)
* A great girls night with a stay downtown, the Marriott and TONS of laughing.
* “Friend Christmas Brunch” – its been a long time since I got to attend.
* Blending right back into my old ward – such good people.
* Sophie the cat!
* An extra seat on the way from Texas to London.

Bad Things:

* Coming home??
* Falling in Fashion Bug (my knee still hurts!!)
* Inversion (although on the day I left I consider it a “Tiny Mercy” to not have to see the mountains in the distance)
* The plane ride to Utah (can we say “sardine can”?)

It was such a good trip. I was not at all prepared for how hard it would be to come back to England. Now my mind is REALLY messed up as to where home is – am I homeless?
One way that me and my friends are going to keep in contact is taking a picture at the same time once a week and posting it on our new blog:
http://uktotheusa.blogspot.com/
And here are the pictures -

Sophie the Cat (subject of many pictures)

The snow in the front yard.

Christmas Tree

Snow in the backyard

My beautiful sisters.

More Snow…..

Chris’ picture from Farmington Canyon

Temple Square after the Devotional

The Conference Centre ready for the concert

Bullet Points - At Least its a Post Right??

2010-08-13T21:57:00.004+01:00

Hello Internet. I have been banished to the bedroom while Chris has a bit of a "Lads Night" playing video games, eating questionable fast food, and generally acting like grown up little boys. Because of that I cant upload any pictures at the moment, but I thought I would just update what is going on.

* I AM COMING TO AMERICA!!!! I cant wait. Chris found a great deal on flights and as a birthday present bought them. What's even better is that we will be there from November 24th - January 5th. I have missed my family and friends soooo much and cant wait to spend time with the people who really matter in my life. Living away from home, you really realize who your REAL friends are. I have come to realize that it doesn't matter the amount of phone calls (3 from friends in 4 years - not that I'm counting ;)), the amount of cards, letters, or emails - but it is the intent. I might get 1 email from a friend in a year, but from that email - I know I matter to them. What do they say? It isn't about quantity its about quality. :) At any rate, I am really looking forward to spending time with good friends.

* I got my VISA to stay in the UK. I never have to apply again! What a huge weight off my shoulders with that sorted out. Next we have to think about Chris' to America, but for me, I am an official resident of the UK - which entitles me to all the benefits of a citizen. FINALLY!!

* In keeping with taking advantage of the benefits of being a resident here - I am starting school. I am only taking one class but it is a distance learning type thing and the class is a pretty hard one. I cant wait to get started. Chris is going to take a class as well (not the same as mine, that means I cant cheat - darn it!).

* Have I ever mentioned how proud I am of Chris. He is quite open about his battle with depression and has struggled quite badly since Feb. He is doing so much better and is becoming a real champion for better care for those with mental health issues (especially men, who are often too ashamed to admit it). If you know someone who suffers from a mental illness, or are interested on Chris' progress you can read his blog at: http://www.theflattleys.co.uk/cmh

* We got a new car. We finally got the money together and bought a newer car than we've ever had. It felt like sheer luxury, until today the "check engine" light came on. I am not happy at all. We've not even had it a month. We don't know what to do next, but with the money we put into it - we definitely shouldn't have problems all ready!

* I am back on the weight loss wagon. After my surgery I was thrown off, but finally feel good enough to start again. I want to be in better shape than I ever have been for my birthday. I will update on here - if you have tips or motivation feel free to comment - I need all the motivation I can get - sure hate exercising!!!! Maybe I should do a regular feature - Jamie's progress on trying to not hate exercising! Would you read it??

Well that is about all that is going here for me in England. I have pictures by the dozen to update the blog with (I need that motivation once again).

Well I can still hear shouting from the other room from the boys - but I can also hear the quite whisper of my bed. So its, nighty night for me!

Working Holiday or Holiday Working?

2010-07-19T13:26:00.002+01:00

I know this post is long overdue. There is so much to write about and so many pictures (oh SO many pictures), I fear, you might be bored by the end of the post. Oh well, if you find your mind wandering off or your eyes closing while reading – just close the page – I wont be offended.
On the 28th of June I got a phone call from a family who had gotten my name from an agency I was signed up to do temporary work with. The Mum said they were going on holiday and was wondering if I was free for the week. She wasn't sure what day she was leaving or where they were going. I told her I would call her back. The next day I got a phone call that said they would be going to an island off the coast of Spain and could I come? She offered me more money that I had suggested and I said, (without thinking), YES! She told me we would be leaving the next day (Wed) and that their PA would get in touch with me with all the details.
As I calmed down from the initial excitement I realized that I didn't know how old the child was, what the parents were like, or any other details. I was taking a big chance – and as the time got closer and closer I got more and more nervous.
Wednesday I left here about 7:30 in the morning to get to the airport in London. 3 trains and 1 tube later I arrived in once piece (but was still VERY nervous). I got a call at the airport saying the family was there and where to meet them.
I was put at ease right away when I met them. They were a young, fun couple with the cutest baby ever (20 months old). They told me, as I waited, that the Villa we would be staying at was in Mallorca, Spain and that we’d have a personal chef while we were there. I started to realize that this wouldn't be a “normal” holiday.
We were met at the airport by one of the staff that had a small cooler filled with chilled water, fruit, and fruit bars. We followed her to the Villa. I was struck by the beautiful mountains on the island – I don't know what I expected, but not mountains. It was absolutely stunning – and absolutely HOT.

As we pulled up to the Villa, “D” our chef, and “T” our house manager were waiting outside the front door to greet us. They brought my bags in and showed me up to my room – asking if it was “acceptable” – uhhhhh yeah?!?!?!
Here is the bathrobe and slippers that were in my closet. Here is my bed (MASSIVE) and very comfortable. The room was air conditioned and very big. This was the view from my window. The two palm trees.The first night I came up to bed to read my book and found that the cleaners had stuck bookmarks in all of my books – just an added touch.
I forgot most of the trip that I was actually working. The baby’s bedroom was right next to mine and I had a baby monitor. I was to get up with him in the mornings (around 7), feed him breakfast, play with him, keep him out of the sun from 11 – 4, feed him lunch, put him down for a nap, play with him some more, feed him dinner (I didn't have to prepare the meals – the chef did that), play with him, bathe him, and put him to bed. He was by far one of the most pleasant children I have ever watched and had such a cute personality – even on the day he woke me up at 5:30 – he was a joy. The worst thing that I had to deal with was the weather. His parents were so involved that they were always around to play with him, swim with him, or help with meals.
Here are some of the views:
Looking out of my bedroom to the landing.Looking down from my bedroom to the entry way – notice the basket it was full of all kinds of drinks when we first arrived. Looking down to the entry way. Looking out of the large window to the front of the Villa.
Here are some pictures from the rest of the Villa;
The Master Bedroom – it also had a HUGE walk in closet and huge bathroom. Inside dining table (always with a bowl full of fresh fruit), we didn't use it at all – we always ate outside. The Kitchen where “D” worked her magic. I didn't spend much time in here at all (it was so nice!)The table where we had all of our meals. The sitting room – we didn't spend much time here either. The beds outside on the patio. The couches outside were we’d sit and chat and eat.
One of the best parts of the house was a “Kids Room” where there were toys, TV, arts and crafts, and books. It was such a good thing to have (I don't know what I would have done without it). I later found out that a nanny is included in the price of the Villa – but she didn't live-in so she wouldn't be there in the mornings with the baby.

Every morning when it was just me and the baby, we’d walk up and down the long drive (taking advantage of the lower temperatures). Here are some pictures of the grounds:
The pool (obviously). So much land to walk and play on. The grass was horrible though, really coarse and hard to walk on – didn't seem to bother the baby though.The baby walking up to the gate. Another perspective.
So, most of the time we were at the Villa, and I must admit I did get a little stir crazy. I was really excited we we decided to go to the port for the day. Since “D” was off on the weekends, we went out and had lunch and walked around the port. The parents took the baby with them and I got to walk around for a bit on my own (trying not to die of heat stroke!). It was really nice to get out and to see the sights. Here are some pictures from the port:

One day the mum and I took the baby to the beach. It was a drive straight up a mountain and down the other side to get to a beautiful beach. It was so nice. She played with the baby in the water and I sat on the beach (in the shade). We left before it got too hot or too busy.

On the ride home from the beach, we stopped at a look out point and this is what I saw:
Stunning…. just stunning.
One night the mum and I decided, after dinner, to go shopping in the town. It was so nice to go out, just us girls, and shop, talk, and just experience the town.

After the first few days, the rest of them just flew by. After I put the baby to sleep – The parents and I would have amazing food. The chef was so professional and even the dad said that it was the best food he’s ever had – and that is saying something because he’s traveled the world. I tried things like: steak, caviar, quails eggs, hummus, white chocolate and asparagus soup, prosciutto, and so many others. It was the best (poshist – is that a word?!?!?) food I am sure I will ever taste. We had great conversations at dinner and I really got to like the parents as friends as well as really good employers.
It was finally time to go home. We stopped at the aquarium and I was mostly interested in the jellyfish (I have TONS of pictures of that).

We got to the airport and just relaxed until we got the plane. It was super hot (STILL) and when we got on the plane they had the air on so strong that this is what we were greeted with:
It looked like smoke – a sight like that is bound to make anyone a bit nervous. It turns out the flight was fine, just 2 1/2 hours. At immigration we parted ways (they had another flight to catch and I had to stand in line FOREVER).
I got on the train home and was promptly kicked out of the first class coach (I didn't know it was First Class) and after a week of First Class treatment – real life came crashing back down. Chris was nice and met me at the train station in London and rode back home with me.
It was such a good experience. It could have turned out so bad, but it turned out amazing. I hope that I am able to help them again.
If you’d like to see all the pictures (no, this isn't all of them) click on the link below:
http://cid-4efd483657adb90d.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.res/4efd483657adb90d!1939?ct=photos
or visit my old Space: http://jamieandcompany.spaces.live.com/
*Click on the pictures in the blog to get a closer look!
*No pictures of the baby due to privacy.

NEW PICTURES

2010-07-19T07:24:00.001+01:00

To read the blog entry go to:

http://jamieinjest.blogspot.com/

To look at the pictures just click on the album ------------------------------------------>

What’s Been Going On – In Pictures

2010-06-03T14:24:00.002+01:00

The seasons turned from Spring – to a nice green Summer.

Tyler, my nephew, turned 2 years old. His birthday was on the 23rd, party on the Saturday following, and I remember my goal for that day (being home for just a day) was to wrap his present. He is such a funny kid and is soooo tall. He is as tall as the 3 year olds and it very “solid”. He is such a good kid and is always making us laugh. The other day we ran into him at the supermarket. We said goodbye and as him and his mum walked to the top of the isle and I went to the next one I could hear him shouting, “JAMIE!!!!”

3 weeks after my surgery, Chris had to have dental surgery at a hospital in Cambridge. He was quite a trooper and didn't have any complications. He just stayed in for a few hours and when he got home he had the best nurse money couldn't buy – me.

This is our new pet, Freda (named by Chris). She has made her nest in the rain gutter outside our window. She has caused me a lot of worry (in England it RAINS and I was nervous for her eggs) but I called the local bird welfare agency and have been assured that she will be fine and interestingly enough, was told pigeons are protected by law and if I move her or her nest I could get charges pressed against me. I have rolled up a towel to stop the heavy flow of water to her nest and so now I have to wait (and enjoy). She will incubate for 2 1/2 weeks and then it will be a further month before the babies fly the nest.

* * * * * * *

Yesterday while I was babysitting the twins (who we affectionately call “the Germans” – because they are) Chris decided to come with me and we all went on a walk to the church nearby and also the old cemetery. Even though it isn't too far from our own flat, we have never been to the cemetery. I often take the twins to the church grounds and let them enjoy the trees (meaning branches, conkers, seeds, dirt, etc.) and the wide open space - I enjoy the scenery. The cemetery was so old and run down – the stuff of horror movies. There were broken headstones, vines, big trees, and old graves. The kids, of course were drawn to the big, fallen branches.

Gates to the cemetery.

Some of the many headstones and the lovely flowers at the church. As one of the twins said yesterday, “It is lovely weather.” Here in England – we take advantage of it. It was, a very nice day.

The twins with their branch (we had to “downgrade” before we left). Views of the big trees and old graves with the church standing in the background.

Striking angel statue on the headstone of an eleven year old child. The grave was over 100 years old.

One of the many public footpaths through the fields. The twins love to “go have an adventure” and explore these pathways.

The grounds of the church and the HUGE trees. You can tell its been hot, the grass is usually a lush green from all of the rain – not so far this summer.

The church. So beautiful. Sometimes I just sit back and find it hard to believe (even still) that I actually live in England.

The twins in front of the church. It has been such an amazing blessing to work for this family. I have known the kids since they were 18 months old, and have become their regular babysitter. They have taught me so much about adapting to a different culture (their parents are from Germany) but keeping traditions from home. I love to hear them in deep German conversations with each other.

So, I guess life goes on – even when you feel like it might not. All I have to do is look around at all the good things I am surrounded by and life doesn't seem quite so dreary – rain or not.

Still Here

2010-05-30T23:02:00.002+01:00

Hello Internet… I am still here.
Some days (like today) I am not totally emotionally here – but I am “hanging in there”.
I think though, that I should give everyone a bit of an update of how I am doing and what has happened. Part of the reason I haven't it because I am struggling with how much info to give on such a public forum – but I do realize people want to know – and maybe someone can be helped by what I am dealing with.

* April 20th I went in for keyhole surgery to burn out some endometriosis (stage 5 – the worst).
* They made an incision in my belly button (I HATE that fact) and one on the side of my stomach.
* Because they were having problems keeping me breathing and because the Dr. cut a cyst and I started bleeding quite badly (loosing 1.5 litres of blood) they decided to do an open C-Section type cut.
* They stopped the bleeding and decided to remove the left ovary and tube. The managed to disconnect the bowel from the uterus and clear up most of the endo and put in a drain and close me up.
* They also found that there was significant scaring and endo on my right tube – thus making me chances of naturally conceiving at about 0%.
* I was in the hospital for 4 days. They were HARD and very painful days.
* When I got home I couldn't eat anything (really nauseous) and started to get an infection. We called the on call doctor and he came to the house, checked me out, and gave me some antibiotics.
* I continued to progress well. I was very well taken care of from people in the Church (my Visiting Teacher is a Nurse). Chris took very good care of me as well.
* Three weeks into healing I was driving, attending church, cleaning, walking, etc.
I consider myself so very, very blessed (despite the outcome). One night in particular I was really worried about getting a blood clot (I have been wearing anti-embolism stockings for nearly 6 weeks now 24/7). I just prayed that I could relax and rest. I finally drifted off to sleep and the next morning when I woke up – I was so thankful – thankful that I had actually woken up, that I was feeling progressively better, and that nothing worse had happened to me in the surgery.
Now, to say that this whole thing has been easy would be a complete lie. It was easy to push away the implications of the surgery when I was focused on recovery, when some days my goal was just to sit up for 30 minutes. Now, that I am nearly fully recovered physically – I have found that emotionally I have a LONG way to go.
I am sure there will be more posts about infertility in the days and weeks to come.
I must say, thank you – thank you to everyone who has reached out to me via cards, emails, Facebook, etc. This whole thing has been so hard to go through so far away – and the lack of support on this end, from most (but not all), has been more than disappointing. Your prayers, thoughts, and support have helped in ways that you will never know. Thank you….

Mothers Day: Part 2

2010-05-07T21:21:00.002+01:00

Sunday is the second Mothers Day that I get/have to celebrate. England and America celebrate them on different days – if I were a mother I’d be quite pleased and make sure I celebrated BOTH, but since I am not a mother every Mothers Day is very hard for me.
I wrote about this on my babystepstobaby blog, and, after my surgery happened upon it quite by accident. What a blessing it was to find it and read it! I thought I would re-post it (since right now I don't think I could have such a positive attitude).
* * * * *
When I was about 20 and attending Young Adults in my home ward, we were asked to put together the yearly Mothers Day program for Sacrament Meeting. I was asked to do a talk about mothers. Simple enough right? But it wasn't simple. During the weeks before my talk I couldn't shake a conference talk from mind by Sheri Dew called: Are We Not All Mothers? I felt drawn to give that talk because I felt a certain empathy for those women in the ward who were not mothers. Not understanding completely why I was compelled to base my talk on that, I followed my feelings and did base my talk on every woman being a mother and being called to help the children that surround her, whether her own or others. Little did I know at that point in my life, that nearly 10 years later I would be one of those women I had such an affinity for.

And now, how I struggle to remember the message I wanted to give to those women!
Luckily, I am surrounded (not figuratively but emotionally) by supportive women who remind me that I can strive to possess those qualities that mothers have.
As I look back at my adult life I can see how special opportunities have been put in my way to work on those qualities and, I have had the unique opportunity to be as close to being a mother as possible, without giving birth. There was wisdom in Gods plan of having me support a friend through adoption. There was wisdom in having friends who had babies first and me being able to support them and be someone they called on when they needed help. There was absolute wisdom in the answer of many prayers (not just mine) of my greatest opportunity to be a nanny for 5 beautiful children whom I loved as much as I could, and subsequently found an amazing friend through that experience, along with a lot of other inspiring people during that time.

I felt that when I left my nanny job, my next step would be having children of my own. Of course, that was what I thought - newly married with an ideal life ahead of me. Little did I know that my "ideal life" was not to be had.
Years went by and no baby came - somehow in my grieving for that dream I had forgotten that I had the ability to love like a mother. Up until just a few days ago, I forgot about that talk that I had felt so prompted to share. I was as good of an auntie as I could be to my gorgeous nieces and nephews but there was a huge amount of detaching myself from them, because they represented my failings as a woman and mother.

But then God provided me with some tender mercies that have struck my heart.

Spending time with my newest niece, Madie (*2 months old), and having her mom allow me to comfort her - and being able to sooth her, unlike some of the other mothers in the room, conference - and being told that if I was living a righteous life I had no reason to complain about trials,
and an amazing email from a special friend that comforted me in ways nothing else could - and helped me remember how I used to feel about children.

And finally today, my sister in law asked me to go with her to get her baby her vaccinations. She doesn't like to be in there when she gets the shots (usually her husband goes) and she asked me, someone who has no children, and trusted me enough with the baby to be the one to take her.
As I sat there with the small child on my lap, and as she got her shots and cried, but quieted down as soon as I cuddled her and held her in my arms - all those feeling came shooting back to me - I may never have children of my own - but I have the unique opportunity of being a mother to several different children - of that I am grateful and I can never be thankful enough for a moment of inspiration nearly 10 years ago - of the opportunity of giving myself something I really needed now – hope.
*Written 08 April 2009
As this Mothers Day comes and goes I am so proud and grateful for the examples of good mothers in my life. But, maybe you could spend a minute on Sunday, and look around, maybe there is someone who is aching for a child – a kind word or hug – could help more than you’d ever know.

Here I Am…

2010-05-01T15:17:00.002+01:00

Hello Readers. I am still alive (thank goodness). As you may or may not know, I am recovering (slowly) from surgery. As much as I am healing physically, I am also trying to heal emotionally, as the surgery didn't go how we thought it would. I will update more when I feel better (or when I can sit on a chair for long enough to type a post). Please watch the video below – it puts into words how I feel and what I am dealing with.
Be back soon!

P.S. I couldn't be more blessed from the outpouring of support from my friends and family (mostly thousands of miles away). And, just so you know, I have never been offended by anything any of these sweet people have said to me.

Blue Skies?

2010-04-12T22:39:00.002+01:00

Well this weekend we were blessed with gorgeous blue skies and mild temperatures. I have learned that any time the sun shines in England to – GO OUTSIDE and enjoy it because you never know when it will be back. We did just that this weekend. It happened to be sweet Gracie’s 3rd Birthday as well. It is so strange to see these nieces and nephews grow up! Because Gracie’s Mum and Dad aren't together any longer, we don't get to see her as much as we used to – so every time we see her it seems like her and her brother have grown so much!

This Georgia just “chillin” on the swing with me. She loved wearing those glasses, but upon further inspection her mum and I decided they were quite strange – and I thought they were slightly reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s in Willy Wonka!

Anyway….

My Mother-in-Law has done a great job of making the back garden very child friendly. They have so many toys and things to play with in the garden that a child couldn't ask for more – except… they spent hardly any time in there at all! Typical!

Chris entertained Madie. She loves him more than anyone in the extended family. She will go straight to him – all the time.

This is Madie. She HATED walking on the grass and was quite pleased with herself when she made it to the concrete. She is the youngest child in the family – which is strange because for nearly 5 years there has ALWAYS been a baby around.

My Mother-in-Law also provided some entertainment. When she fell instead of Chris (or anyone) running to her aid, we laughed and Chris took a picture.

Just look at that blue sky – not a cloud in sight! It is what the English would call “lush”.

And here is the Birthday girl… How lucky am I? To be surrounded by beautiful nieces and nephews and get to witness them growing up? One of the blessings of still living in England!

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Easter in England

2010-04-05T21:10:00.002+01:00

A lot of the time when I tell people that I live in England (or that I’m from America) they ask me what is the MOST different thing about living here. I have to admit, when I first was planning on moving here I thought that very few things would be different. I had visited before, but never lived here, and the things I did while on holiday didn't seem TOO much different than back home.
BOY WAS I WRONG!
There are so many thing that are similar, but there are even more things that are different.
Back home in Utah, I was very used to the Easter Bunny coming and visiting (on Saturday morning, we’d get our baskets so that on Sunday we could focus on the real meaning of Easter). I was used to peeps, malted milk balls (that double as lipstick) and jelly beans. Boy, was I surprised when on my first Easter in England, to begin with, I searched high and low for a basket – only to find one at the florist, extremely over priced, and just plain wicker – the day before Easter.
I found at the shops there were no Peeps or Jelly Beans or anything like that, but they did have…. CHOCOLATE EGGS. No, not just little chocolate eggs, but hollow chocolate eggs that were as big as my hand – no, Chris’ hand!

I am ashamed to admit, the first Easter we were here we went overboard and, I think, bought at least 4 for each of us (and I wonder where this extra weight came from). Anyway…
Here in England, Easter isn't just a Sunday holiday, it is a four day holiday.
Good Friday: Chris and I went to a multi-church open air service in the town square. It was good, but after 30 minutes and only 2 songs into the service – we left. Most of the shops are either closed or have “Bank Holiday” hours (10-4).
Saturday: Funny enough, this is just a “regular” day. There are no reduced hours – but I can say, with strong conviction – that if you go shopping for Easter eggs on this day, there will only be the very EXPENSIVE ones left.
Easter Sunday: Pretty much the same as it is in the states. The church next door was packed all day long.
Bank Holiday Monday: The stores are, once again, only run on reduced hours. People don't have to work (mostly). Families just spend time together (my extended family did DIY and cleaning out in the back garden). Bank Holidays are notorious for rain and bad weather.
Some of the “traditional” foods at Easter are: Hot Cross Buns, Roast Lamb, and, of course, chocolate.
Hope you all had a lovely Easter and aren't suffering from chocolate overload TOO much, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to TRY to work off some of about 10,000 chocolate calories.

Tender Mercies

2010-03-29T21:04:00.002+01:00

I wont lie… this week has been rough. After living here in England for nearly 4 years you’d think that I would have my homesickness conquered – but I don't… far from it. When things are going “well” it is a lot easier to cope, but when things pile up (like they have this last week) it is almost more than I can handle at times.
Today, after an especially hard day, I decided that I needed to get out of the house. I needed to exercise (instead of emotionally eat). I went out with two objectives – find the signs of spring by doing something that I love (taking pictures) and also taking some deep breaths, “feeling”, and trying to find ways to improve my mood and my outlook on things. I guess that is more than two… anyway…
The second I walked out the door it started to rain (surprise, surprise – note sarcasm), but I had finally found the motivation and keep walking. Breathing in the nice, fresh air and taking a lot of time to just… STOP and take in the view.
I am a very firm believer in God’s “Tender Mercies”. I try my hardest when I am feeling down to find them in every day life. I find that it just re-affirms my belief in God looking out for me even though life is so hard sometimes. Today didn't fail to disappoint (when looking for tender mercies – it never will). I found a lot of signs of spring and even found beauty in the day.

“We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord's tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance” Elder David A. Bednar "The Tender Mercies of the Lord."

Below are some of the pictures I took… maybe, you can find a “Tender Mercy” for yourself in one of them. Enjoy!

“Pretty in Pink”

One of my “Tender Mercies”

Another “Tender Mercy”

What A Shame

2010-03-17T20:36:00.003Z

Here in England we are surrounded by history. Some of the houses, buildings, and streets that I see on a daily basis have been in existence before America was a country. It isn't uncommon to find ancient artefacts from the Saxon era around this area. Just last week they unearthed some artefacts from that era in a playground in Wisbech. It never ceases to amaze me.
Bill Bryson (a very funny writer – GO READ ONE OF HIS BOOKS!) said, in his book Notes From a Small Country, something like, “England has too much history for its own good.” (That isn't the EXACT quote – but the idea of it). I agree. Over here people will think nothing of putting some graffiti on a 400 year old house, kicking over headstones from the black plague, and….

(taken from the bbc.co.uk website)
What a shame. It is just a few minutes down the road from the main town here, and the fire is being treated as suspicious. Although, it is one of the churches in the area I HAVENT visited, Chris and I would always drive by and say, “We should go visit that church” – and now we cant. St. Mary’s Church was built in 1874 – and all that history gone. Not only is it sad for the many people displaced by the fire, but it is sad for everyone living nearby.
Here are some more pictures:
BBC's pictures of the Fire
And if you wanted to know more about this lovely, historic little town I live in:
March, CAMBS
And… If you wanted to read more about the church:
St. Mary's Church
Such a shame.

Great Yarmouth

2010-03-15T13:33:00.002Z

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. This is a new blog entry. Don't be too shocked – take a deep breath, and lets begin.
So much (and yet, nothing) has happened since I last updated, so I will be starting from recently (to avoid becoming too overwhelmed).
This last weekend Chris and I decided to avoid Mothers Day at all costs – and spend a weekend in Great Yarmouth for his birthday (on the same day as Mothers Day).
It turned out to be quite rainy, cold, and a bit boring. It wasn't good weather at all (except about 30 minutes on Saturday).
The B&B left little to be desired and when the TV broke in our first room, we got moved to another smaller room. The toilet and shower were in a space that was no bigger than an American closet. We were supposed to stay for 3 nights but yesterday we could hear out own bed calling us from 90 miles away and we packed up a day early and came home.
It was nice to get away, and I am always keen to see new parts of the country. It was nice to focus on Chris’ birthday and just spend some time together away from “real life”.
But, oh was it nice to be home…
Here are some pictures from the weekend – if you want to see the whole set (including videos) make sure you visit theflattleys.co.uk. Chris does a great job updating the site with all the pictures and videos we take over here.
Anyway, enjoy!

The view of the windfarm from the beach that would could walk to. If you look closely, you can see that some of the turbines are covered with the clouds.

The view looking toward the pier.

Looking towards the North Sea, with a typical English sky.

Looking off the pier. I have always said the clouds in England look different than they do in Utah, and here you can see why – they are very low.

The old pier (I think) and the dirty North Sea waves.

The view of the town from the top of the multi-story car park. The death trap (a.k.a. stairs). We were on the top floor of the B&B and the stairs were soooo steep. I clung onto the rails for dear life every time I walked up or down those stairs (and if you know my luck with stairs – you’ll understand why).

I Will Miss the English Autumn

2009-11-17T21:17:00.002Z

One thing I very, VERY quickly learned was that it is AUTUMN not FALL. Half of the English people had no idea what I was talking about, and the other have promptly corrected me. It does sound a bit nicer anyway doesn't it? Anyway, while an English autumn has nothing on Utah’s autumn – it is still unique and lovely in its own special way. The leaves still change colours, and are still just as vibrant colours – but in the area where I live – there aren't many trees… at all. This means I get to travel to get my autumn “fix”.
You can tell that its autumn in England because the cold stops being “pleasant” and becomes a biting cold – all within a day or so, never to become pleasant again for a long, LONG time. You see people walking around with layers and layers of clothes and out come the scarves, gloves, hats, coats, etc. Also, once the time change comes along it gets dark around 4 (even earlier, deeper into the winter) and most afternoons and mornings the town is covered in a fog/mist that just adds to the autumnal feeling.
But here in England, besides the change in wardrobe – few things change. Parents still take their kids to the park, walk to the market, and enjoy being outside – cloudy or not (FREEZING or not) and I love that!
Here are some pictures from my English Autumn. Enjoy!
Thetford Forrest:

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Tilney Church:

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Sandringham:

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What’s Been Going On?!?!

2009-11-02T15:24:00.002Z

That is what you are probably wondering about me right? What’s been going on? Well, I thought, not a lot – until I tired to figure out what to write about and it turns out there is a bit more… so here goes… in list form.
* I got a new calling at church… Primary President – yes, I know this childless woman is now Primary President. Luckily there are only 9 Primary age children in the branch so I am starting off easy… although, after this first month I can said with quiet confidence that it might be easier to teach 50 rather than the 2 – 4 that usually attend. It is taking some getting used to, but I do like it and even if I hated it, it will only be for about 8 months. It is FORCING me to get organized, and it is worth it just for that.
* The time is ticking down for my return to America. We are stuck on our application from lack of money but, the reality is, I will be home in a little over 8 months. Things have been going so well with it and we are just trying to save and earn. I am sure it is going to go fast… and I keep saying to myself, as I go about life, “this is the last time I’ll do this in England…”
* My weight loss is still continuing. After a slow down for a bit, I am back on track and also right on track to reach my final goal. I am only loosing about 1 – 2 lbs. per week, but I am assured that, that is the healthy way to do things. I can wear clothes I haven't worn since I moved to England, barely fit in my jeans (in a good way), and finally fit back into my wedding ring. It is hard work, but I think I am finally starting to get that exercise and eating right is just “life” not a change that I have to make, because I’ve made it now and just have to keep going.
* It was my birthday on Saturday. It was a good day (and my last one in England). I was woken up by Chris with breakfast in bed, my mom (like always) had made sure I had a little something to open, we went out to lunch, and then since Chris took the day off – we just relaxed. Chris treated me very well and it was a good day. I hate to think of the reality that this my last year in my 20’s – and always get disappointed at how little I’ve done in the last year… but, am looking forward to the changes the next year will bring.
* I still am kind of working babysitting twins up the road. They are lovely children and really well behaved. It is good money and a great job, but I am now looking for something a little more steady so that we can up our savings. Wish me luck!!
* I have surgery scheduled on the 26th (Happy Thanksgiving to me!) for infertility exploration. While, I am not very public about my infertility struggle on this blog… it is a huge step towards finding out what is wrong and fills my thoughts constantly. I will write more about everything on my other blog sometime in the near future. (If you want an invite let me know).
* The car is broken again…. so frustrating! We ran out of petrol yesterday in a huge rainstorm on the way to church. Luckily our sister in law, Becca, rescued us. We were super late for church and Chris was soaked, but at least we made it back home, after church… barely.
So that is all…. more than I thought. I will update more regularly and I am also going to post some old stories I wrote that I found the other day. Hope you all have a great week!

Scales and Exercise and Discouragement.. Oh MY!

2009-10-15T22:16:00.002+01:00

Hello My Few Faithful (Lovely) Readers. I have been a little bit slow at posting an update but here goes…
As far as weight loss: Well, I have fallen off the wagon in the past few weeks, not only fallen off but have been run over and trampled on by the horses that pull the wagon. Lets just say between migraines, MASSIVE blisters, cramps, discouragement… I could go on and on – my momentum has suffered. I actually even weighted myself one week and had gained (not a great week). But, I feel like I have finally managed to pick myself off the ground, dust myself off and really just get on with it. I am quickly realizing that this is a “lifestyle”, not something I will be able to stop once I reach a goal weight or “get the hang of it”. That commitment has always been there but now I am finally getting it.
I was watching a show on TV called “My Big Fat Cycle Challenge” where there were 3 women who were going to be trained by the coach that helped win Britain their gold medal in cycling. It was very interesting and the coach said something that shocked me. All my adult life while I’ve been dieting or eating healthy, everything and everyone has told me that: if I eat the right things at the right times I wont be hungry. But, that is where one of my biggest frustrations come in – I can eat all the right things and I am STILL HUNGRY! So, I think, I must be doing something wrong! This coach, this man who has degrees and gold medals told these overweight women who were working on getting healthy, “YOU WILL BE HUNGRY. You are changing you life and you will be hungry it is part of it – get used to it.” Thank goodness for that sentence. It has finally given me “permission” to be hungry and not beat myself up if I am.
So the healthy lifestyle moves on – slower than at first, but at least I am moving forward – that in itself is an accomplishment to me.

There Was This One Time When I Nearly Burned the Apartment Down…

2009-10-05T14:08:00.003+01:00

Alright, so I tend to do pretty stupid stuff a lot of the time. I think I used to do it more often when I was single – but lately I have been making up for it. Take the other night for instance….
I was getting ready to make a really nice dinner of lasagne. I had turned on the burner to boil some water and left it. I went into the other room to watch my riveting “Civil War” documentary (and no, that riveting wasn't sarcastic – it really is). Sometimes when there is water on the bottom of the pan it pops a bit as the burner gets hot. I started to hear some “pops” and thought nothing of it and continued to watch TV.
Several minutes later I was still hearing those “pops” and I thought that it was strange, but then thought to myself, I don't want to miss the show and I’ll check on it at the next commercial. I finally went into the kitchen to see what the problem was…..
As I walked into the kitchen it was filled with smoke. It took me a minute to figure out what was going on. I realized that when I turned on the stove…. wait, let me explain a bit – in England you turn on the power to the appliance through a switch AND the actual appliance once that switch is on. This is great for saving electricity – anyway, I noticed that I must have had BOTH burners on the last time I used the stove and then just turned the power off at the switch, forgetting to actually turn off the power on the stove. So when I turned it on BOTH of them started to heat up, which would be fine… if, I didn't put the mince (hamburger) on the other burner.
The rancid smell of plastic and mince, oh and SMOKE, filled the whole kitchen – the whole apartment for that matter – and I just yelled for Chris. As he came in we just laughed – you’d think after living here for 3+ years I would get how things work.
You’d think that was the end of the story and that I would be very careful about the stove, wouldn't you? Well the same thing happened the other day – and continues to happen – needless to say Chris has to follow me around “just to make sure”.

What I’ll Miss – English Summer

2009-09-28T11:50:00.001+01:00

Although I am still quite far from actually coming home to America, I have noticed a change in my thinking since we got the first paperwork back.

There are a lot of things I am going to miss. Shocking, I know!

I have found myself saying, “This is the last time ____________.”

So, I think I will start writing about them, just so I can remember them and then, when I am really homesick, I can read back and remember what I loved – and there really are a lot of things.

Today though, I will miss the English Summer – something I NEVER thought I’d say. I wont miss the heat or humidity – but I will miss the seaside, the long hours of daylight, and the “holiday mentality”.

I love the seaside, if you’ve read my blog at all the last few years – you’ll know that. I love that it is like a time warp once you hit the seaside. You have the old fashioned beach chairs, .99 ice cream, kids running around – soaking wet in clothes, swimming costumes, undies, and sometimes nothing – and you know what, no one cares! They are at the beach!! On nice days (which are few and far between most summers) the beaches are packed – even if the beach is dirty or rocky – no one cares they just congregate to the beach.

The children here in England only have a summer vacation of 6 weeks and they use all that time enjoying the sun. The sun rises around 4:30 AM and it is still light around 10:30 PM. It leaves LOTS of time for people to get out and enjoy themselves – the English are great at BBQing.

The English love their holidays. They save up for them through the year and often go to hotter places like Greece or Spain. I love that this country takes time to relax an enjoy each others company. I think America should defiantly follow England's lead – I think it makes for a happier people.

I will miss the English Summer.

Sweat it Out

2009-09-21T19:00:00.001+01:00

Alright, so I am around week 5 of my “healthy living” lifestyle and can I just let you know that while I am seeing results (good ones) on the scale, I HATE it.
I am alright with eating better food. I think my key to that is that I give myself a “cheat” day when I can eat what I want (of course not to excess). That is the day I can eat out or get take away. That is the day I can eat cheese and chocolate (not together of course). My cheat day is saving me.
The thing I find the hardest is the exercise. While I will gladly profess my love of all things Richard Simmons – I have yet to find something I really enjoy. I thought maybe since the weather has turned so cool that would spur me on to walking more – nah, still hate it. Exercise videos? Yuck. Exercise ball – nope, but quite entertaining just to play with and occasionally kick at hubby – but that isn't MUCH exercise is it?
So…. what do I do? Any ideas????

Good New on the VISA Front…

2009-09-15T21:31:00.002+01:00

Well Chris and I seem to be having really good luck with the Visa process. We were told that it would be about 6 months all together, but, as we’ve filed paperwork we’ve gotten it back in weeks – not months.
Today I was laying in bed trying to get “just 10 more minutes sleep” and Chris came in and seemed excited about something.
He had a paper in his hand. He handed it to me and it was a letter from the Embassy saying they’d received our most recent paperwork and it was approved!
Now we have to get a medical appointment with the “Embassy approved physician”. That appointment costs £180 and, although, when Chris called today the receptionist said that they could make us an appointment for 48 hours time, this is the part of the process that is going to take the most time and surprisingly it isn't because of the Embassy it is because we don't have all of the funds in place.
After Chris has the medical exam we can make an appointment for his interview at the Embassy. Then we have to pay nearly $400 – but (fingers crossed) we’ll walk away with the assurance that Chris has a Visa.
I am so happy with the progress and feel so blessed that it is happening so smoothly. I said to Chris today that I was a little torn about things. I wanted it to move fast but it is happening so fast we haven't had time to save up. If things keep going the way they have I would bet that we’ll be back to the USA in Spring/Late Spring. What an exciting prospect!

P.S. Dear Universe: Please don't let this blog post jinx me for our dealings with the Embassy in the future. Thanks!

Weight Loss Goals – A Public Record

2009-09-13T00:12:00.003+01:00

When my friend, Kim emailed to give me tips for her weight loss success, she advised me to make some goals – so because she is so wise, I think I will….
Short Term:
To be able to wear my wedding ring again.
To have people NOTICE that I have lost weight.
To go to a “regular” store and pick something out.
To shop at charity stores and find more that HUGE, floral dresses in my size.
To get back to my marriage weight (eventually falling below it).
Long Term:
To be healthy enough to have a healthy baby.
To jog.
To get to a “normal” BMI for my height.
Go on a bike ride with my dad – and keep up.
I have also taken Kim’s advice in rewarding myself and, the next reward planned (and the first) is going to see a show down in London. I decided I would do that when I lost 20 lbs. and as of today… I think I should start looking up ticket prices - because I am nearly there!

Step One… Done! Next….

2009-08-25T16:23:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone!!! It has been a while since I have written. I have had quite a hard week (or two). I am struggling to follow my new “healthy lifestyle” (I refuse to call it a diet). It is sooooo easy to get discouraged!! I also went to a friends going away party on Saturday. She is an American and her husband is English and she went through the same process we are going through. She gets to go home this month and I am jealous!
We did get good news today. Chris and I filed his paperwork for the VISA a few weeks ago. On the website it says that the wait time for that to be approved is over a month. Chris and I were expecting that and were very surprised when, in the post today, we got the letter saying it was received on the 18th of Aug. and was approved on the 25th. What a blessing!
Our next steps are to fill out more paperwork and schedule a medical appointment in London (oh yeah, and to save up all the money needed).
Chris and I are doing everything we can to save up the money. We are selling bits and pieces we don't “need” and trying to think of ways to save. It is going to be a struggle but so worth it!
I try not to think about “when I get home” because I don't want to work myself up about it. I am having some strange feelings about leaving England. I am going to miss it. I keep thinking, “I need to do __________ because it is our last summer living here….” etc. I want to try to see as much as I can before we leave.
I guess at this point we go with the flow. I can say that I cannot wait for the support of friends and family. I do have a few select friends here in England but, cant wait to see everyone. I guess I just have to keep that in my mind when I have bad weeks like this last one.
So does anyone out there have any amazing ideas on how to earn money??? Do tell…

I Love Richard Simmons!

2009-08-18T21:13:00.002+01:00

I hate to fill my blog with weight loss stories and news but, to be honest, I don't have much else to write about (not that I am complaining).
It has been 2 1/2 weeks since I SERIOUSLY started to eat healthier and try to incorporate exercise into my life. I use the word “try” because there is little I like less than exercising.
In my mind I have lots of goals associated with becoming healthier, and not just every 20 lbs. a ticket for myself to a musical, some of which are: loose enough to safely have a child, go on a bike ride with my incredibly fit dad (and now friend, Kim), go jogging – for fun, shop at “regular” stores/thrift stores, etc….
Years ago when I first came to England for a friends wedding I lost 20+ lbs in preparation for it. It was a good time, I felt GREAT and I was very proud of myself.
Since I have moved to England I have gained a lot of weight. I know the thing I SHOULD say is that the motivation to start working on this was the drive to have a baby, but it wasn't… the real motivation was an email that a sweet friend sent me. The day I got that email I started exercising. Today, when I was feeling like I didn't care about it any more – I read that email and it made me want to work.
I don't think I will ever share how much I’ve lost on a public site like this (I cant handle the pressure) but suffice to say I was so pleased with the number on the scale last week – I actually started thinking that this whole, being healthy and fit thing, might be attainable.
But I still struggle with exercise – I hate it. Well, most of it. I love, LOVE my Richard Simmons DVD’s. I know there are a lot of people that cant stand him but he makes me happy to exercise. He says things like, “I am so proud of you!”, “You are doing so well!” and my all time favourite “You shined today!!”. Today as I was exercising I found myself smiling and really enjoying myself. I am pleased that I have found something that I can cope with.
I continue to use Sparkpeople.com and although at first it was quite overwhelming – it has been amazing for me and I find new recipes and motivation every day. It does take time – tracking calories, all the food I eat, and all the exercise I do – but I have found it is worth it.
I still cant see any results – but as long as the scale numbers keep going down… I’ll trust that it’s working!

My Life in a Bullet List

2009-08-10T20:41:00.002+01:00

I know it has been quite a while since I have updated my blog. I guess that all those pictures pushed me over the edge, but to be more honest – nothing much of note has happened as of late – so this post will be reduced to bullet points.

* MOST IMPORTANT – Chris and I have gotten everything in order to apply for his VISA. Mine runs out on the 23rd of July 2010 so I will be home by then. I cant wait. It is making things a bit easier to deal with knowing there is an end in sight! We’ll need prayers, happy thoughts, etc. sent our way for the next little while as the process progresses – hopefully without incident. I will update as things happen. In the meantime if you hear of jobs, cars, household supplies, etc. keep us in mind.
* Issues (to say the least) with the in-laws, I wont type much because I don't want to make anything worse (if it could be). I really envy people who have great relationships with their in-laws. It has also put me on a crash course of FINALLY realizing that no matter how hard I try, and believe me I’ve tried, I cant please everyone.
* I quit my job. I was hired with a promise of 10 hours a week and after 3 weeks of no hours at all, late pay, snide comments, and cleaning duty – not to mention migraines from the stress AND babies crying because I became a “stranger” from my lack of hours – Chris did my dirty work. He went into the centre, asked for my passport, and then handed them my letter – and I haven't heard from them OR looked back since. Now I just need to find something else – hopefully something I am more suited to.
* Chris is still hard at work, doing TONS of extra hours so we can start saving for Utah. What a hard worker!
* I went for my fertility appointment last week and was told that I need to loose weight so last Monday, Chris and I started watching what we’re eating. It hasn't been easy and it involved me cooking a lot more, but hopefully it will work. I am using a great website called http://www.sparkpeople.com/ It is GREAT and soooo helpful – I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to track and loose weight. Now if I can just get the motivation to work out… P.S. If you’d like an invite to my fertility blog – just let me know!
* I have a bit of a writing bug coming on. All my life I’ve wanted to write a book and finally I think I have some really good ideas sloshing around in my head. I just hope I can make sense of them and turn them into something worth while.

So that is my life in a nutshell. Nothing to exciting, but changes in the works. Have a great week everyone!!!

I’m Baaaacccckkk…..

2009-08-02T15:56:00.002+01:00

Well last time I saw this blog I was on day 23 of Tiny Moments, it is now a new month and I missed out on the last few pictures. Sorry….
Things here have been a little off here at the house. Chris and I both got ill for about a week and a half and thought we had the Swine Flu. I don't think we actually did because we never got full blown temps. We had a fertility appointment that took away my attention from the blog – but I’m back now!
Chris and I did get a chance to go to the seaside with Georgia on Friday. We wanted to make a whole day of it and started at the Sea Life Centre which is like a ghetto version of Sea World.

Georgia wasn't too impressed by the whole thing, and to tell the truth – we weren't either. I did touch a star fish for the first time – strange.
We decided to head out to the beach. It was a lovely day but we were bombarded by wasps. We finally got a bucket and spade and a mat and headed to the water. The beach at Huntstation is a lot more “pebbly” than some of the others we’ve been too but we tried to make the best of it. We spent some time in the sea, which was freezing, and Georgia only relaxed and started to enjoy the water once Chris was in the water with her. The tide started to come in quite quick so we decided it was time to have some lunch.

We had a nice lunch of fish and chips and then we went to the arcades. This is one of Chris’ favourite things to do – to play on the 2p machines. He took it upon himself so share the fun with Georgia – which she loved! She especially loved when she won something, but didn't seem to understand why we were putting the 2p’s in the machine instead of putting them in our wallets.

Georgia decided to take a ride on Brum “to America” she told us.

By this point I think Georgia was a little tired, and so were we. We decided to head home.

We thought she was tired and would fall asleep on the way home but she didn't and kept us entertained saying things out of the blue like, “ *GASP* Look at that?!?!?!?!?” Chris says look at what? “That, the… SKY!” or my personal favourite, “Jamie, I love you….. Jamie I love your bum!”
We love spending time with her!
Last night to end a very, very hard day I got to see this out of the window:

It was beautiful and maybe with the great day with Georgia and the lovely sunset it is a sign that this week will be better than the last few. Fingers Crossed.

Tiny Moments Day 23

2009-07-23T21:56:00.002+01:00

Just another weird and wonderful thing in England. A truck with flashing lights warning of “Grass Cutting”.

Tiny Moments Day 22

2009-07-22T20:25:00.002+01:00

Last night I couldn't handle it anymore and asked Chris to cut my hair for me. I told him not to worry because it was curly no one could tell if it was a little crooked. Here is the finished product – I think he did a great job.
To see what it looked like before click HERE.

Tiny Moments Day 21

2009-07-21T19:58:00.002+01:00

Chris and I have great imaginations when we are bored.
I never promised the pictures would be good or entertaining, just promised a picture.
It really has made me realize how dull my life can be sometimes….taking pictures of orange juice – I need a hobby.

Cheating on Tiny Moments Days 18,19, & 20 – Making up for it with Pictures of Ridiculously Adorable Children

2009-07-20T23:00:00.002+01:00

I have a perfectly reasonable explanation for not doing the pictures during the weekend – I didn't do anything, nope not one thing, and especially nothing worth taking a picture of – but I have some today to make up for it – forgiven??
I am lucky enough to have several lovely nieces and nephews. I am especially lucky to be very close to my gorgeous niece Georgia and hopefully (as she gets older) Madi. It seems like Georgia has always had a special bond with me and Chris. We love her and she is the one we spend the most time with.
Today Georgia’s parents asked me to come and babysit them, and I was more than happy to.
Georgia is at an age where she is getting such a personality. Not one of a toddler but one of a child – one that can carry on a conversation and talk back.
We started off the evening trying to take some pictures of the girls.

Then I thought I’d be brave and try to get one of them together, that was a trick without Madi rolling over or Georgia trying to roll her back – but here is some of what we got…

I like this one because Georgia is looking at Madi. Georgia with a slight look of mischief and Madi a slight look of fear….
This is try four of five for the “kiss” picture. By this time I don't think Madi was sure what was going on but, she still has that look of fear about her…
This was at the beginning of the evening – both of them look quite trusting but not sure of what I was going to do – at least Georgia is smiling.I think this one really shows how different those girls are – their eyes, their hair, their completion – but both so lovely!
Georgia is getting the art of being an older sister down! She is loving, bossy, teasing, and gentle all within a few moments. For example:
Today while I was making dinner for Georgia, Madi was crying. Georgia was very worried about her and was getting quite flustered that she wouldn't stop crying and that I was “taking soooooo long!”
Then, later, I was rocking Madi to sleep and told Georgia it might be a good idea to sing her a lullaby. Georgia put on her most angelic, highest voice and started singing, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star… surprisingly Madi started to nod off… about 2/3 of the way into the song Georgia got quieter and quieter and then all of the sudden out of nowhere she shouted (at the top of her lungs), right in Madi’s ear – the ending of the song, while stroking Madi’s face. Needless to say that lullaby did the opposite – and when when Georgia saw Madi’s eyes wide open staring at her – she laughed – because, I am sure she felt, her job there was done.
I know that once Chris and I move back to America we will miss out on a close relationship with all of the kids. I have always felt that I need to take advantage of the time I do have with them. I am so glad that their parents allow me to have these Tiny Moments with them and couldn't have thought of a better subject for my Tiny Moments of the day.

Tiny Moments Day 17

2009-07-17T21:10:00.002+01:00

Chris: Jamie, lets go get the car fixed.
Jamie: I don't know if I want to drive in a storm.
Chris: But we need the car fixed.
Jamie: Well alright, if we leave now we might miss the storm.
Needless to say we didn't miss the storm. That picture was the view from the front window in between the wiper blade going full blast. While driving through the worst downpour I’ve ever seen, driving through the most lightening I’ve seen, driving a car that - because of 2 bad tyres - was steering itself, and white knuckling it the WHOLE way – we got there in one piece. NEVER to repeat again – no matter how much Chris enjoys the ride!
The aftermath – and can I just say, that lady waiting for the bus in the distance was just asking for trouble.

The American Cemetery in Cambridge

2009-07-16T21:14:00.002+01:00

This recent 4th of July I really wanted to celebrate. The first year I was here Chris made me a great cake (pictured here), the next year we didn't do anything (which I hated) and this year I was determined to find something to do. There isn't much to do outside of London as far as celebrating (unless you live on a base or have other American friends).
Then I remembered that I had seen a sign a few months back, on the way to the American Base, that said American Cemetery and I decided to do some research.
This is what I found.
So Chris and I decided to risk it with the temperamental car and go to Newmarket for the Coeliac Food Fair (read: free samples) and on the way home go to the cemetery and then a purely American restaurant – Chili's.
Here are the pictures from Newmarket:
The fair was really good, except all of us that had Coeliac’s had to wear a yellow dot. When I was too embarrassed to butt in and get some free samples, Chris wore the dot.

The fair was on the racecourse which is really well taken care of, and actually quite posh – it makes me want to buy a huge hat and (said in an English accent) “Go to the races, my dear.”

This is just a random car parked in the car park.

Just the town sign.

Once we were done there we decided to head to the cemetery. The stupid sat nav lady was telling us the LONG way around everywhere and actually trying the kindness of our marriage more than most things and people – anyway, we FINALLY got to the cemetery.
While we were there a HUGE group of American and British Bikers (read: leather, beards, earrings and MASSIVE motorcycles) had a bit of a ceremony and I braved all the bugs and listened. They had a moment of silence and also the Star Spangled Banner playing (the trip was worth it for that).
After, we had a look around, now I know that what follows are lots of pictures so I am putting them in albums to look at (click on the album or visit my old website) – but if you have the time, have a look - the grounds were truly sacred and the chapel was amazing.
Flag Pictures:

Visitors Centre:

The Chapel:

The Headstones:

The Scenery:

The Wall:

Other Various Pictures:

View Full Album

As you can see Chris and I were very “picture happy” but we both were trying to capture the beauty of the place in the pictures, which I think, is impossible.
We finally left to go and get some food and listened to that stupid sat nav woman again and got an unintentional tour of Cambridge (would have been lovely had I not been hot, moody, tired, hungry, etc..). Finally after dealing with the Saturday day city traffic, stupid sat nav woman, AND running a red light (on accident – if you saw some of the light systems over here, you would too trust me!) We finally got to Chili's and IT WAS CLOSED (even though on the website it didn't say anything – don't even get me started!!!). Let the breakdown begin – parking in parking garage, going into the “mall” for food, too expensive, no air conditioning, too hot, PAID for parking even though we were straight in and out, loosing control of emotions, shouting at Chris, driving into several pub car parks and driving right out, and FINALLY driving to Ely to eat at a yucky Little Chef… blah!
All in all the day was very nice. It was good to see more of the country and even better to remember America. I have always had such an appreciation of my country – I love Veterans Day and all the other patriotic holidays – but I never REALLY knew how much living in such an amazing land meant to me until I didn't live there anymore. It isn't perfect by any means, but I cant help but cry when I hear “I’m Proud to be an American” – because I really, really am.

Tiny Moments Day 16

2009-07-16T20:12:00.002+01:00

Standing in the bathtub, this is the view from that window. I realized I’ve never put a picture up of it in all the time that we’ve lived here – so there it is.

Tiny Moments Day 15

2009-07-15T20:35:00.002+01:00

Not only can we get “quality” entertainment here in England – at the same time we can be taken back to the 90’s.

Tiny Moments Day 14

2009-07-14T20:22:00.002+01:00

Homemade Chocolate Sauce for chocolate milk. Haven't tasted it yet, but if it tastes like it looks – I am sure it will be lovely!

Tiny Moments Day 13

2009-07-13T21:03:00.002+01:00

Where has this phone number been all my life…. although if I do need to call the “Sane Line” I’ll have to be careful to call during office hours only – because apparently that is the only time when my sanity is available – that explains a lot.

Tiny Moments 12

2009-07-12T20:06:00.002+01:00

When Chris and I drove through Kansas, I swore I wouldn't live there (too flat) – turns out I live in the English equivalent. This is the “scenery” that we have all the way to church, 40 minutes worth of flat land as far as the eye can see.

Tiny Moments Days 10 & 11

2009-07-11T21:36:00.002+01:00

Hard at work or hardly working!?!?
I’ve never seen daisies like this before, with the purple centres and white leaves…. really lovely.

Tiny Moments Day 9

2009-07-09T20:39:00.002+01:00

In May I got a job at a nursery – since May I think I could count on 2 hands how many times I’ve actually worked there. I can can on one finger the times I’ve actually stayed my full hours.
One thing I cant count is how many times I’ve wanted to quit.
But the girls who work there are nice and its a job so I shouldn't complain – or if I want complain I should just do it in my head.

Tiny Moments Day 8

2009-07-08T19:56:00.002+01:00

Seriously, couldn't they have come up with a better product name than, “Pocket Grill”? Chris tried it and it didn't even come close to fitting in his pocket!

Tiny Moments Day 7

2009-07-07T20:52:00.003+01:00

This is the “high street” in the town where we live. I drive up the street more than I care to say. And since you asked, yes, I did take this picture while I was driving, and yes, that man continued right in front of my car – forcing me to slam on my brakes and think to myself, “Wow, how would I have explained that accident?!?!”

Tiny Moments Day 6

2009-07-06T21:02:00.002+01:00

On the way to Wisbech this morning.

Tiny Moments Day 5

2009-07-05T20:19:00.002+01:00

Time for a haircut, I think. I cant believe how long it has gotten. More exciting Tiny Moments to come….

Tiny Moments Day 4

2009-07-04T22:17:00.002+01:00

Happy Fourth of July! I think this has been one of the most patriotic 4th’s since I’ve been here in England. We spent a lot of time today at the American Cemetery in Cambridge. I plan on writing another post about it soon, with lots of pictures… but for now, have a great fourth!!

Tiny Moments Day 3

2009-07-03T16:23:00.002+01:00

FINALLY…. after a long week of heat we got some cooler temperatures and RAIN.

Tiny Moments Day 2 and a bit about the Heat…

2009-07-02T17:55:00.002+01:00

This is my “fertility” plant. You know, the one they give out every Mothers day at church? When I got mine it had 2 flowers one was nearly dead and the other was defective (which I found quite ironic). I thought I would just leave it do die, but then, when it was on the cusp of death (how is that for drama) – I couldn’t let it die and brought it back to life! Now, I am happy to report it is growing like a weed (sometimes it looks like one too). I think it appreciates the heat and sunshine – oh and being saved by yours truly!
Here is a picture of it when we weren't giving it enough water:

We thought for sure it was dead, but then I gave it some water and it perked right up – it did the same thing when we went up North for 3 days and forgot to water it – we REALLY thought it was dead when we got home, but we watered it (A LOT) and low and behold our plant that just wont die came back to life… again. It is really nice to have a plant that actually TELLS you when it needs more water, by throwing a bit of a tantrum and playing dead.
Here it is right after I re-planted it and decided I didn't want it to die…

In other news…
IT IS HOT HERE!!!

I know 84* might not seem like a lot to those of you in SLC, but anyone who has experienced humidity – knows it is HOT (especially with no air conditioning). I am thankful for the sunshine and the strange, but ever present breeze in the kitchen, but I have had my fill of the heat wave and am waiting and praying for cooler temperatures.

Tiny Moments Day 1

2009-07-01T20:00:00.002+01:00

This morning I saw that the crescent rolls I bought at the American Base needed to be used. I had seen this recipe on Karissa's Site: And So She Blogs and wanted to try it. It worked out really well and they were very tasty! I probably made the frosting too thin but at any rate they were delish!

Tiny Moments

2009-06-30T20:58:00.002+01:00

Last year I embarked on a month long project called “Tiny Moments”. It went a lot better than I thought (read: I actually posted EVERY day). I put some pictures on my site last week and that was kind of a prelude to my July Tiny Moments. I will be posting a picture on the site every day for the month of July. Some may find it boring, some may like it – but no matter how you feel about it, it is a great way for me to document my life.
Check back daily for photo updates or you can follow me on Twitter and that will let you know when I update this blog as well.
Ohhhh I am looking forward to it!

How Do YOU Live?

2009-06-29T20:31:00.002+01:00

Let me give you a little bit of background.
I don't think it comes as a surprise to most that I am a Latter-Day Saint (Mormon). I have been for my whole live, but haven't always been an “active” part of it and that might come as a surprise to some.
When I was in my early 20’s I decided to “explore my religious options”. I look into several churches/beliefs and finally decided upon the local Evangelical Free Church (EVFree). I started attending meetings, having members over to have religious discussions, and everything else that comes with it. I tend to dive into new things head first and along with reading as much as I could, picking up the NIV bible, and researching the internet, I also immersed myself in Contemporary Christian Music.
I eventually decided that what I believed was the LDS church (another long story) but never, once regretted my experience with the lovely, warm, Christian people of the EVFree Church. I am also thankful for what I learned about myself and my beliefs while I was attending the EVFree Church. Among some of the great things I took away with me from that experience was a deep love for Contemporary Christian Music.
I have so many songs that I love and listen to on a regular basis, but there is one song that has stuck with me, AWAYS cheers me up, and always makes me count my blessings. I thought it was a great thing to share with you this Monday. Take the time to listen to it, if you can, and think to yourself – How do you live?