My Spare Thoughts...

As I finally have a few spare moments to write a little blerb here are my spare thoughts...

We arrived home from Utah on Tuesday August 3rd, and let's just say there hasn't been much recouperating going on!! We have my little brother here from Lethbridge for 2 1/3 weeks, and I've been trying to find fun things for him to do. We've been hiking, swimming, boating and tubing, camping and bike riding. Needless to say, we haven't had a moment's rest around here and... my house is a mess!!

I find it really hard to have energy and motivated when my house is a mess. I honestly have mountains, serious mountains of laundry to do and I HAD a couple hills of dishes needing to be done. We're still trying to get settled from moving, I don't have everything where I'd like it and things in places I don't like but because they aren't in my face I don't fix it! If only I could get a couple days, baby free. (Wouldn't we all!)

But on to my spare thoughts...

I was having a few "A-HA" moments...

For some reason I have this need to be 'perfect'. I get mad at Brant and I literally hate myself for hours, I don't get my chores done and I feel like a horrible wife and mother. I'm unsure where this 'need for perfection' has come from, but it's caused me a lot of anxiety and I just can't believe Heavenly Father wants us to feel this way. I'm working hard on reminding myself, I'm NOT perfect and that's NO ONE is expecting me to be and that I need to have reasonable expectations of myself. I continually pray for help and strength to work through this and have developed a testimony of prayer.

I also have a great testimony of families. I am continually grateful for my wonderful husband and adorable son. Life has not been a picnic for me, and to see how much my Heavenly Father loves me and blesses me and continues to help me through my struggles is such a huge testimony builder. Had someone told me things would turn out the way they have I probably wouldn't have believed them. So I do need to express my love and gratitude to my Heavenly Father.

I'm also grateful for my membership in the Church, without it I know I would be lost. Of all the unexplainable and confusing things the world throws at us, this is the one thing that makes sense. Thankfully I've never struggled with this in my life as the gospel has always made sense to me. I remember going to a hairdresser who was a J.W. and while I never liked the idea of discussing religion with someone who has a pair of scissors to my head, discussing the Church with her, no matter how hard to tried to sway me, always reaffirmed my testimony of the Church. Only 144,000 going to Heaven?? Well, I'm screwed... why bother? Honestly? (If you ask Colin, it should technically say 144,026... but don't get them started on that! LOL) I remember asking her, if Heavenly Father is our Father, don't you think he wants us all to come back to him? I remember her face like it was yesterday, she looked completely bewildered! "Why would he want us all back?" I was totally lost! I remember that Spirit telling (almost yelling!) me "No, he wants us all back!" I could never believe something like that! It breaks my heart to think that some people believe that. Guess I need to be better at my missionary work!!

We recently visited Utah and were fortunate enough to get some alone time to go to the Salt Lake Temple, and as wonderful as going there was... that's not where this experience is taking me. Temple Square recently opened a new exhibit, a model of the Salt Lake Temple (http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/scaled-model-provides-salt-lake-temple-open-house-experience ) and it shows what it looks like on the inside. It was really neat to see, and I thought it would be great for those interested in the Church and curious about our Temples. (Finally show we don't sacrifice babies... lol) I just remember seeing soooo many people who you knew were not members of the Church. Asking questions and finding the exhibit really interesting. I mentioned to my Grandmother that I couldn't believe how many people (who we could tell where not members) were so interested. She said something that has been nagging me since. As a convert to the Church she would understand, but as a person who grew up in the Church I've always been a little shy about sharing the Gospel, thinking if they are interested they'll ask. She said "They're starving." She went on to say they are starving for something more. Of course I had heard that all before, but this time it really stuck. Because, like my Grandmother, whether or not they know, they ARE starving. I pray I may know how to help those starving for the truth, and not shy away from what I know to be true.



Sorry this is soo long, I just feel I need to get my testimony out there as I NEVER do it in Church!

These were my 'A-HA' moments lately, and I hope you all have wonderful A-HA moments!

Meghan

Our Family Vacation 2010

This last weekend was our only weekend away together. Colin works so much and doesn't ask for time off so this was the only vacation we got this summer.

We got to relax ( I guess?!?!), spend time with family and we even got to go to the Salt Lake City Temple with my Grandmother who had never been. It was a bit difficult for her with her crummy knee and all but it was a great experience. We also met up with one of Colin's mission buddies and his wife. It was great to see them and get to know his wife. We hope to go see them again soon!

This picture below is the reason we travelled 3,500km (round trip) to Lehi, Utah, over the course of 6 days.
Claire Alison Booth, born April 3, 2010 and blessed August 3, 2010. This will be my last 1st cousin, and I wanted so badly to be there for the blessing. We luckily got the time off and the funds to head down there. We hadn't been down there for so long! And it was great to see my family again.
The Whole Family spoken of previously...
I purchased a beautiful blessing gown from a friend who makes blessing outfits for babies. (www.tinytreasuresclothing.ca) She did a wonderful job and my aunt just LOVED the dress! The best looking infant that morning (with there being 4!!! baby blessings!) with her accompanying bonnet and booties.

Sundays are wonderful for naps. My Aunt had friends and family over after the baby blessing for a bit of a brunch. (Only after realizing it was fast Sunday! LOL) We had worked hard to either distract children or prepare food for the brunch and we were so exhausted! Colin passed out on Alison's bed and Brant wanted to nap with his daddy. I, meanwhile, snapped a quick picture.

Our trip home was quite uneventful, which was nice. A friend of ours lent us their portable dvd player and we watched Winnie the Pooh, Finding Nemo, Cars, Toy Story and Toy Story 2 at least 2 times each! Winnie the Pooh being the most popular with about 5 viewings...

We took the back roads to Calgary stopping by a little town we HAD to stop and take pictures at...

Brant, I'm sure, had NO idea what the heck he was posing for, but he was sure cute!!!

We, of course, then had to stop for Peter's in Calgary. Brant enjoyed his shake... Root Beer. (Technically his uncle's... but David was nice enough to share!)

We then had to snap a video of Brant doing this... it was too cute to pass up and I was lucky to record it... he thought the video camera was off!!! Enjoy!

One of the worst nights... UUGGGGG...

I hate to brand it "the worst night ever" as I have never had a colicky kid or whatnot. But we have had our share of cranky baby nights... however last night I believe takes the cake. (So far!)
Our neightbour has an ex, whether or not it's ex-husband or ex-boyfriend I'm not too sure, but that ex has a dog. We were under the impression there were no pets allowed here, but you gotta 'love' rule breakers.
Our neighbour had her mother take her young daughter (just a bit older than Brant) for the evening, just so she could get a break. Fair enough, we all need a break! She had her ex over, and they were having some drinks. They were being completely fair about trying to keep quiet, and respectful that we had a little guy. At around 1030 they invited some friends over for drinks. They too were nice and quiet, didn't play music too loud, but did hang out on the balcony and talked a bit loud. Around 1230 they decided to go out... where I don't know... as i'm usually in bed and asleep by 1030. Shortly after they left the ex's dog started barking. And barking... and barking and barking. Until finally around 115 we decided to call the cops. They weren't home or I would have got them to shut their dog up! The cops said they would send someone around to check things out.
Their dog continued to bark until about 230 when our neighbours got home! Needless to say, after trying hard, Colin and I could NOT sleep! He finally stopped barking once they got home and ahhh... it was nice a quiet. But ... not for long. Brant must have had a nightmare and woke up screaming at about 245-300. We brought him to bed with us and after about half and hour of crying he went back to sleep.
(Side Note) I think it's funny how kids sleep! I mean, I don't know about you, but I tend to stay relatively still at night and usually wake up in the same position I fell asleep in. I think it's hilarious how much kids move in their sleep. How do they stay asleep after moving soo much and then wake up bright and chipper?!!? i have no idea...
Anywho, after having been kicked, bumped, head butted and elbowed from anywhere from my tummy, head and boobs I got Colin to take him back to his room. Well Brant woke up from trying to be moved at 530, and decided that that was enough sleep for him.
So needless to say, we've been up since... oh heck I don't even know if we fell asleep!?!?
It was a horrible night, and to top it all off, all three of us are sick, so sleep would have helped!
BUT - we did make it to church, a little late, but we still made it! Colin had to teach and I had to lead the music in RS. And we got to come home and take a nap! So not all was lost, but it's going to catch up with us I betcha!

Learn something new with every... quilt?

For a while now I`ve been working on improving my quilting skills.
I`ve made (almost) 4 quilts, and seem to learn something new each time I make one.
The first one I made was for Colin`s brother and his wife for their wedding. It was fun because I was just learning how to quilt and had a couple of fun ideas, (and a new sewing machine) but thankfully had someone to help with the color selection as I`m not that well coordinated.
(I can`t seem to find a picture of it right now!)
With this quilt, I learned HOW to quilt. How to cut strips, squares, how to line everything up perfectly and basically everything there is to know about quilting. (well, besides triangles!!) I think this quilt turned out really nice, and was a huge project for a first-timer, but Barry and his wife enjoy it!

Second quilt I made was technically for Colin`s cousin`s wife. She was due with a baby and we were both pretty sure it was a girl. So, being `pretty sure` I started making this pink quilt. Well, low and behold she had a boy! So here I was with this cute pink quilt...



Thankfully a friend of ours had a baby girl. I was going to make her a rag quilt but this couldn`t have been more perfect!
With this quilt I learned that it`s not a great idea...
1. to start a big project like this without being 100% sure the sex of the baby you are making it for
2. never to pin a quilt on carpet... no matter how low the carpet! This quilt had a few spots where things didn`t line up and it puckered a bit, but it was still cute!



Third quilt I made was for Colin and I. I figured I had made 2 for other people and I wanted one for myself. I love this pattern and will most likely make another quilt with it. It was really easy but I spent a lot of time cutting out all the different sizes of pieces.

With this quilt I learned that I should never go to Fabricland expecting to get all the fabric for one quilt in a day. While I love the pattern of this quilt and some of the patterns of the fabrics, some just don`t go together. Oh... and never let the husband pick out fabrics either.

Oh... and NEVER under any circumstance take an overtired hungry baby to a fabric store...

This fourth quilt isn`t quite done yet. I am making it for my Aunt who just had a baby back in April. I had picked up these fabric patterns a while back and have been looking for the perfect project to use them on.

(Sorry, had to post the picture of the cute boy in it!!)
While I love the pattern of the quilt (easiest one out there!!) and love the fabrics, I wish I had been a little more creative with the piecing. As you notice a predictable pattern happening. I wish I had been a little more spontaneous with the placing of some squares.

Also... no matter how good you think you are... always pin borders... (not shown)

Overall though, this quilt will be cute no matter what. Now I just know better for next time!

I have only learned a few things, but still continue to make the same silly mistakes! So I figured it I took the time to write it all down I wouldn't be so absent minded and I would remember NOT to make these mistakes!

'Un'safe road hazard!

I feel the need to apologize to all the drivers out there who feel that I'm an 'un'safe road hazard.

1. I'm sorry that I honked at you, it was completely my fault you felt the need to pull right out in front of me!

2. I'm sorry I'm not going fast enough, go ahead and speed to the next red light. I'll meet you there!

3. I'm sorry to inconvience you when I have the 'right of way' to turn left onto a service road. I should kneel at your feet with gratitude.

4. I'm sorry I didn't yield to you turning left while I was going straight through an intersection. How careless of me!

5. I'm sorry I'm merging onto the highway right beside you. Please don't worry about making room, I'm sure I'll fit between you and that semi!

6. I'm sorry I'm only going 15 kilometers over the speed limit. Feel free to pass me while waving the finger, I deserve it!

And on a more serious note:

I'm sorry I didn't see you and DID almost drive out in front of you. Feel free to stop, hold up traffic and cuss me out, because I'm sure you've NEVER done anything like that before!!

I must need to take driver's ed all over again...

Drive safe everyone!

Happy Easter, BABY!!!

So, again... we forgot our camera! You would think that by placing it by the door you would remember to take it with you... NOPE!
Anyway, Friday morning Colin, Brant and I went to the Calgary Zoo, and met up with some friends there. It was fun! Brant called every animal he saw a puppy, even after telling him that that large grizzly puppy could take his head off.
After the zoo we drove the 3 1/2 hours to Oyen, Alberta. My Great-Uncle and Aunt bought a home out there and completely renovated it and wanted everyone out for Easter dinner before they sold it.
We felt kind of odd out there on this Easter weekend, what with it being General Conference and all. We missed out completely on all 4 sessions, and Colin mentioned he didn't think he had ever missed a Priesthood session before. But, thanks to modern technology, we will be able to catch up on all we missed over this next week.
It's also was a bit of a dissappointing Easter for Brant. Not that he knew anyways! But I guess the Easter Bunny will have to come back tomorrow! Colin and I kind of dropped the ball on that one! My Grandmother had sent Brant a little dark chocolate Easter Bunny but we totally forgot! I'm thinkin I'll head out to Walmart tomorrow and find him a few goodies and then take pictures of memories sake.
We did have a little bit of exciting news... all 6 pounds 14 ounces of it! My aunt had her baby girl on Saturday. We had a phone call around 3:30 saying her water broke and she was off to the hospital. Then not even 3 hrs later, at 6:15 we had a phone call telling us little Claire Alison was born. We were all so excited and recieved pictures of her right away! (Again, thanks to modern technology!)
This trip was fun and good for us, considering with Colin's job and school I never really get to see him, or have a day where there is nothing on our agenda. But as always, trips are nice to think about, but end up being more stressful than you anticipate! We are happy to be home and sleep in our own beds.
Hope everyone had a happy Easter, and enjoyed Conference.

Has Spring Sprung??

Well, it's been a while since I've written anything here, and while since I've taken any pictures! So sorry, no pictures up this time!

It's nice to be able to walk outside in sweaters again! Much easier too!

Colin has been busy with school and I've been busy with... well whatever I feel like. I've been going to the gym running and hanging out at Mom and Tots. Nothing terribly exciting and it seems to be the same week after week!

Colin and I went for a walk today and will hopefully be bbq after school! It's beautiful out! Just as long as Mother Nature lets it continue this way.

We really have no exciting news to report, hence the long silence.

We will be moving hopefully sometime this summer, because Colin will no longer be taking classes here at the college! "Is he done?" you ask? NO, but he will be taking online courses through the University of Athabasca for the next couple years. He will be able to work full time and get a few things paid off!

We are excited to move out of this little tiny place into something a bit bigger and then hopefully in a couple years buy a house!

Well, that's about all right now! I don't think I'm very good at this blogging thing as I never have any witty, funny remarks to write in here!

Oh well, have a great day everyone and enjoy the nice weather while it's here!