Major Catch-up

Holy moly. I can't believe it's been so long. In looking back through my pictures, I really don't see much excitement, but I'll do my best to make it super exciting for you. It may be broken up into a few posts as I'm sure y'all get bored reading my random babblings.

So, I think I briefly mentioned this, but I have to mention it again, even though, holy cow, it's been three months!

September 19 (? correct me if I'm wrong. I went to Facebook, because I couldn't remember), this little sweetie was brought into the world. Weighing 6 lbs 15oz. She belongs to my sister-in-law Adrienne, and is just a doll. Her name is Breklin Aidra, and I STILL can't wait to meet her. I love new nieces and nephews. I need at least 10 more!

Baby Brek's darling big brother Jax.

And here she is a few months later. Can't wait to meet this little girl!

Now back to where I last left off. After waking up after my class reunion, I just chilled at my parents house. I love their "new" addition. It's just so big and open. I can't wait to have big open space like that in my own home someday. Ever since I was young and still at home, we always had some type of pet. Most of them were strays, but we accepted them (mostly because they were fine with staying outside, and the cats kept the mice out of the house.) The cat population at my parent's home is always changing. Sometimes the cats will leave for a few months/years, then come back.I swear whatever momma cat we had around was always getting pregnant. That has continued, so I had a fun time watching about 6 kittens outside my parents house playing with each other. Oh, how I want a pet...(and no, I can't have one, so please don't get me one!).

It's always fun spending time with the fam.

I got lucky and was able to drive home with one of my good friend's from high school, Camille Petersen Johnson. She lives here in Logan, and I very rarely get to see her! But I love her to death, and we always have a good time chatting with one another. I was so glad to be able to take the ride home with her. I love her to pieces.

Of course, with it being October and all, we had to get our Halloween lights up. I stayed inside where it was warm, while Greg did his thing. I really dislike putting them up, but I love when they are up and lit.

We held our "Fun Friday" craft night in October. I have THE best Activity Chairperson, and she did EVERYTHING. Not even kidding. She is amazing. We kept it small, but it was still fun for the people who came out.

We had a few sisters forget/not able to make it, so I helped make a few of their crafts. This is one of them, and I really love it, and wish I had gotten one for myself, but it was fun seeing the look on the Sister's face of who it was for. She was so excited and just loved it.

As I mentioned in a few posts back, I have really gotten back into designing. I downloaded a trial version of Adobe Illustrator, taught myself to use it, and have fallen in love with it! I had one of my friends from HS contact me and ask if I'd create a baby shower invitation for her. I did, and I loved it. I had so much fun doing it, I decided I really needed to get my Etsy shop open.

So, at work, I have this co-worker who would occasionally (ALWAYS) steal my post-it notes. I decided to write "Dear Cole, please do not steal my post-its. These are mine. Sincerely, Bre" around the edge of the pad. Not even kidding, an hour later I couldn't find my post-its, so I asked Cole if he had them...Sure enough, they somehow made it over to his desk. Lol. It's kind of a running joke amongst us. I also have Cole and Caleb worried anytime they have to use my station to not mess anything up. (I really don't mind, as long as they don't adjust my chair, because I sometimes can't get into it.) Anyway, I was at work, and went to use my post-its, and saw this message from Cole. It make me laugh a bit. I have the greatest co-workers for sure!

So, I was wearing my One Direction shirt one Saturday, and we went into Smith's to grocery shop. When we got to the checkout, there was a teenage boy bagger who looked at me, clicked his tongue, shook his head, and said, "Psh, One Direction." I totally called him out on it though...Little punk! It was pretty funny still.

Same day we went to Hastings, where they were having Star Wars day. I learned pretty quickly that I have a fear of adults in costumes. I don't know why, it just seriously freaked me out. They had some people dressed up as Star Wars characters. I couldn't get out of there fast enough.

Sonic runs are a favorite thing for the tellers. I've been craving Dr. Pepper like crazy lately, so Steve very willingly went and got drinks for all us girls! 

And now this random post is ending. I need to go get ready for church...I've got 15 minutes. Peace out!

September Ramblings

September has also just flown by. I've been meaning to blog at least once a week so you don't get bombarded with random pictures and my nonsense thoughts, but that obviously hasn't happened. I feel like I really haven't done a whole lot this month. It's just the same things day after day.

I didn't have work on September 1. We slept in, then ate breakfast, went to Greg's room at the middle school to drop some stuff off, went to Hastings, then we had shrimp tacos for dinner (my new fave!), then we went for a little drive from our house to 10th west, to Arctic Circle where we got huckleberry shakes for the second time this year. So delicious! I love days off!

Of course, we had to go back to work the next day. Back to the daily grind and being an adult.

I am in charge of creating the monthly Relief Society newsletter, which is fine with me since I really enjoy doing stuff like that. I started out creating the regular boring newsletters, but it wasn't doing it for me, so I decided to open photoshop, pinterest, and create something awesome. It took me all dang day, but it turned out super cute.

September 8th was a wonderful day. I woke up to read that One Direction is releasing another album soon, and they were offering one of their songs for free that day only! Of course I had to get it, and I absolutely loved it, I think it's definitely one of my favorite. Take a listen here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L2AaRJrV0E

Since creating that newsletter, my creative juices have started flowing again. I have been meaning to download a trial version of Adobe Illustrator for a while now, so I finally decided to do it. Holy cow, I had no idea what I was doing. I took a class about 7 years ago, but I remember very little of it. I have been slowly learning and teaching myself how to use it and I've had a lot of fun with it. I'm excited to get back into designing, and hope to be able to open an Etsy shop soon.

(By the way, I'm more than willing to create a few free Christmas cards for anyone interested. I'll design it to your liking, and send you the digital file.)

For our September Relief Society Activity, we had a service auction. We got the idea {here}, and it turned out really great. We had a lot of awesome donations, and had a great time bidding against each other and having a good ol' time. This calling can be quite challenging because we never know what to expect when we plan activities. We never know how many will show up, or if they'll even have fun. My board leader is amazing though, and always comes up with the funnest ideas. Please support your RS leaders in the activities. I know that it can seem like just one more thing to do, but the activities board puts a lot of effort into planning and carrying out these activities. Plus, it's a whole lot more fun when more people show up.

My mom and dad were in town Saturday the 13th, and texted me to go to lunch with them. It's always good to see them, and they surprised me with this Samsung Neo 2 watch. Greg and I had talked about getting something like that after my {latest incident}, but figured we would wait until Christmas or until we upgraded our phones, so this was a fun surprise. I can call people and text, plus it tracks my steps, heart rate, and sleeping. It's pretty sweet. It makes me feel better about being alone, just in case I happen to leave my phone in a place I can't reach. Thanks parents!

Last Sunday the Relief Society Presidency were asked to speak on the Relief Society. We were asked the Thursday before, so we really didn't have much time to prepare, but I think it went okay. I wasn't really nervous, though I was sweating something awful. But no one fell asleep during my talk (that I could see), so that's always great. I haven't spoken in church for over 10 years, so it was a fun experience.

I did get to go on a fun trip this last week, which I will post about real soon. I think this is enough for one post!

Halfway Through August

I kicked off August in the hospital. I had a Right Heart Catheterization that you can read all about {here}. That was an exciting adventure. It was quick, easy, and I got to lay in a hospital for about 5 hours. I survived with just a tiny stab wound.

One of our August highlights happened late at night, as Greg and I were reading before bed I noticed a spider on the wall. Now, let the record show that all I said was, "There is a spider." I did not freak out, or scream. I literally said that and it was done. Greg is the one who shot up and then proceeded to strip the bed in search of Mr. Spider. We had to take the entire mattress off before finding the little guy and giving him a swirly. It was late, I was tired, but it was funny.

Greg got to start school early. He actually started going in towards the last part of July, but I officially had to start dropping him off, and picking him up about two weeks ago. I can't believe it's already school again. What happened to summer?

So, as you know, I love my job, however that doesn't mean that sometimes I get extremely frustrated and just want to quit. The reasons for me being so frustrated probably wouldn't make any sense to anyone, so who knows if I ever get into it. I might over on my Sclero-what? blog, but I don't know. I'm still torn as to how I really feel. Love my co-workers, and the job itself. Just.....frustrated!

Anyway, after one of our morning meetings, I was ranting to Greg about it, and since he very rarely just lets me complain, he sent me this text:

He's the best!!

I've spent a lot of time this summer out on our porch swing. I spend so much dang time indoors, and it's quite difficult for me to do anything outside alone, so the porch has been a great place for me to go and relax. Of course, I still have to have Greg nearby as I can't quite get out of the swing by myself. It's been great though.

This last Thursday we had our Relief Society activity. We did an ice cream social to celebrate the end of summer. We had a decent turnout, which is always nice. It was fun talking with the older sisters. They have some great stories and personalities.

And Greg got to be my big helper this activity. Thanks hun!

Let's see. Controversial topics coming soon...
How to properly raise your children.
Breastfeeding in public
Leggings

Just kidding. We'll have to see what type of mood this week brings, I do have some thoughts on motherhood that I'd like to share....

May-ish Thoughts

So, it's the middle of May already. How did that happen? I think I say this every month, but this month has just flown by! I don't even have any real great stories to tell.

Work has been super crazy and busy. I've been helping out with web apps (loans people apply for online), and it keeps me quite busy. I've got about 64 loans on my list right now (some are done, some were denials, but still!) But I have to say, I love it. It keeps me busy, and I'm learning new things. Some weeks/days are definitely harder than others, like when people want their loans done RIGHT NOW, even though you've told them that you need information before you can continue, or nothing about the loan goes right. But then there are good days, like yesterday, where I got the app on Thursday, the guy got me all the information I needed and I was able to close it by noon yesterday. It was awesome! I really do enjoy it, and like being busy. Especially since that is something I can still do with no problems. I don't know how to explain it. It's like I've had to make a few adjustments at work due to my health, and I feel like I'm not doing as much as I should/used to, so to have all these loans, and be able to work on them, and actually do them since there really are no physical limitations for me, it just helps me feel better. I know that probably makes no sense, but oh well. My job is great, my co-workers are the best.

For our May Relief Society Activity, we went to the USU Greenhouse where the sisters were able to pick out plants and soil at a discounted price. They've been doing it for years, even though the guy who runs the greenhouse is no longer in our ward. His daughter is, so it's a fun activity for the sisters. we had a great turnout, and I got to pretend to be a mommy for a few minutes, while pushing my friend's sweet little baby around in her stroller so mommy  could pick out some plants. Psh, I could so do that full-time! ;)

And speaking of mommy. Happy Mother's Day to my sweet mom, and my sweet Grandma. Love you guys!

And speaking of Mother's Day. Are you ready for my thoughts on that day? I'm going to warn you that some of you may get offended. I'm #sorrynotsorry. You getting offended is your choice, which, ironically is part of my thoughts on this day.

So, Mother's Day. I was conducting, as I was the only member of the Relief Society presidency who would be there, so all morning I was thinking of a way to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day without offending those who weren't mothers. It really got me thinking. I have read so many stories about women who just get so incredibly offended on Mother's Day because they don't have children yet, or they have had trouble getting pregnant, or carrying children, or for whatever reason. As I thought about it though, people will choose to be offended whether I said something or not.

So I got up and wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day. As I further sat through church, I watched the two babies that were in Relief Society with their moms. I just sat and stared at them and thought how wonderful it would be to be a mom. Was I jealous? Absolutely! Was I angry? Not one bit.

The sacrament talks were given by a darling Samoan family. As I listened to the mom and dad speak, I couldn't help but think, "How could anyone possibly hate Mother's Day?"

A: We all have mothers!
B: We have all been influenced by mothers.
C: Hating Mother's Day because you aren't a mother, is like hating someone on their birthday because it's not your birthday. (Okay, bad analogy, but I couldn't think of a real good one!)

I think getting offended or hating Mother's Day is a totally selfish act. Am I saying that you can't be a little sad on that day? Not at all. But to come right out and say I hate Mother's Day, or I'm not celebrating Mother's Day is completely selfish.

Now, what do I really know about this topic?

Am I mother? No.
Have I experienced the heartache of trying and not being able to conceive children? No.
Have I experienced miscarriages, or the loss of a child? No.

So what do I know, right?

Well, let me tell you about my situation. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka, LDS, or Mormon), and I live in Utah. I have been married for nearly NINE years, and I have ZERO children. If you know the typical Mormon stereotypes, you'd think I would have been kicked out of Utah seven years ago. For our own reasons we put off having children for a while. There have been so many times during the past nine years that I've been sad, angry, and frustrated that it's never been my turn, and that EVERY OTHER WOMAN I SEE IS PREGNANT. (I do live in Utah.)

So, you could say that it's my own choice that I haven't had children. Yes it was, but at this point in my life, it's not entirely my choice anymore. I have been 'sick' for the past 2 years. There is no possible way that my body could physically bear a child. You think it doesn't kill me to think that this is something that could have been avoided had we had children earlier? And then I think that even if I had children, would I be able to properly care for them? I mean, I can't bend over and pick things off the ground, I can't dress my self, I can barely lift my purse, so what makes me think I'd be able to pick up my crying child? So, therefore, I am not a mother. I have not experienced not being able to conceive, or miscarriage, but I still CAN'T HAVE CHILDREN. I'm not trying to be insensitive to those of you in those situations, I'm just pointing out that even though my situation is different than yours, the longing for a child is the same.

Okay, so now for the point of this. Again, I sat there thinking, "How could anyone get offended or upset on Mother's Day?" Yes, it can be a very difficult time and day, but if you choose to get offended about something like that, then you need to step back and take another look at your life. You are a woman. You are a mother. Maybe not now, but someday. Maybe not to your own children, but to nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, etc. The sister who spoke gave a great example of her older sister who hasn't had the opportunity to have children of her own, but who still has cared for her siblings, and her siblings children like they were her own. I just think if I never have kids of my own, I'm still gonna be way cooler than my niece's and nephew's moms. I'll be the one that spoils them rotten, takes them to the park, on picnics, gives them their first fake ID....kidding. But let's face it. Kids think their aunts are way cooler than their own moms. So I've got that advantage.

I am not perfect. My close friends know that I often complain or get sad that I have no children. My husband knows how frustrated I am. But at the end of the day, I just take a step back and think, "The Lord has a plan for me. He has a plan for my children. Everything will work out." Somedays are harder than others, but surprisingly Mother's Day wasn't one of them. Whatever your situation, just remember, the Lord has a plan f or you. He knows your pains, struggles, and innermost thoughts and feelings. You aren't being punished, it's just not the right time. No it's not easy, but if you continue to be offended about things, then you're going to be miserable for the rest of your life. If you can't find joy now, what makes you think that you'll have joy when the children do come? My understsanding is that everything gets 100 times harder.

But what do I know? I'm just a childless 27 year old Mormon who has been married forEVER, with an awesome life!

The Rest of February

February is almost over. Crazy! It's been an interesting month, but good all the same.

We had our enrichment/Relief Society activity on the 13th, and we played the "Not-so-Newlywed" game. We wanted to something on love, but be able to reach out to everyone, so we thought this would be fun. We invited the sisters to bring a loved one (spouse, friend, etc.) and we had a decent turnout. We got the questions from The Dating Divas, and then invited each of the Priesthood leaders and their wives to be on the panel. We even got our Stake President and his wife (they're in our ward). Then we had the 1st counselor in the bishopric, High Priest group leader, Elder's Quorum President, and the Young Men's president and each of their wives. There were some great laughs, and we ended the night with brownies and ice cream. It was loads of fun.

The next day was Valentine's day. We worked, then headed off to Star Valley so we could spend some time with Greg's sister Adrienne (who lives in Virginia) and her almost 2 year old (his birthday is today. Happy Birthday Jax!) It was a good day, and a good trip. There is a ton of snow, and was pretty cold. But it was fun to see family. We haven't seen Adrienne and Jax in about a year, and then Shaina and Jesse came up. We don't get to see them as much either since they moved to Bountiful area. Plus it was nice just to hang out.

My Valentine from Greg...I think he stole it from some kid at school.

Road trip food (Arby's), the fun bumpy bridge outside of Grace, raining almost the entire trip.

Road trip selfie!

Greg & Jax...I think Jax wore Greg out.

Greg's birthday was the 15th, and we just enjoyed a fun, relaxing day in Star Valley. He is 32 this year. I got him a few shirts, and some chocolates. Love him.

On Monday the 17th I got a text from Kennan letting me know that his last home basketball game was on Friday, and that if I wanted, they could come pick me up. Since I haven't seen Kennan play EVER, I thought it would be fun to go. It was fun, and Kennan did awesome. I can't wait to watch him again next year. Hopefully I can make it to more games.

Papa & Liam, Uncle Donald, they block off a section just for the Thompson family.

I can't believe he is already a junior! It is so crazy.

It's so crazy seeing all these kids. There was a section on the opposite with the little elementary kids, and I kept looking over there expecting to see Kennan. I can't believe it.

It was a fun game, and they came out on top. Good luck at regionals this week!

I stayed the night and was woken up early in the morning by a snow plow! It was not even snowing the day before, I was not expecting it. It was coming down pretty good when I finally got out of bed. I spent the morning with the family. Mom and Kandyce helped me make some pizza pockets, and then we watched Ender's Game (SO good! I really liked it.) It was a lot of fun, and good to spend time at home.

Dad doing the dishes, Liam being a stinker, and mom making the chicken pillows.

There are like a million cats, and all that snow came down that morning.

Liam being a bit dramatic.