My Husband Rocks

George got straight A's!!!!!! Woo hoo!

Oh Happy Christmas Time

I love this time of year and having it be our first year married makes it even more exciting! I have lots of pictures to post from Thanksgiving to now so hopefully I will be able to update some time this week. Anyway, I just wanted to say how thankful I am for this time of year. George and I have been able to participate in a couple service activities and it has helped us feel, more than ever, the love that our Heavenly Father has for His children.

He is helping us to realize our potential and the things we can be doing in our own lives to make us and other people happy. How thankful I am for the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His eternal sacrifice. I will be forever grateful that He is the person who understands me even when no one else does!

Tender Mercies

I am so very thankful that Heavenly Father is watching out for me lately. I have seen Him in my life so much lately that I can't believe I haven't been keeping my eyes open to these things. It's funny how struggles can make you realize His hand in your life.

George and I have been struggling this week with the lack of pregnancy thing. Sunday was particularly hard as people who were pregnant or recent parents were bearing their testimonies about how thankful they were to be parents. It isn't always easy to hear stuff like that when you want so badly to have that in your life.

We had been struggling with that and then yesterday we got a phone call from my brother telling us that he and Vanessa are going to have a baby. We are so excited for them! There is going to finally be a grandbaby. I am so excited to be an aunt. After trying for awhile, it is kind of hard to hear though. I was trying not to be emotional and just let my brother know how excited we are for them and then he asked me how I was. I told him it was hard but that I AM excited for them. He then stuck his foot in his mouth and said something without knowing I would react the way I did. He wasn't trying to offend, I just took it that way and started to cry.

George had just left for work so I thought I was just going to sit at home and bawl my eyes out. But in the middle of my conversation with my brother, someone knocked on my door. It was my neighbor (who also has PCOS). She said she had just seen George leave, she was going shopping, and that she felt like she should knock on my door and see if I wanted to go. I am so thankful for her following that prompting. She got me out of the house and helped me to feel better. I know Heavenly Father sent her at just the right time.

Then later that night I was able to talk to my friend Kam. I am so thankful for her! Our lives have just been so paralleled in our struggles and the paths our lives have taken. I am thankful for her example and her listening ear! I know she was put in my life for a reason and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father put her in my life!

So to finish up! Heavenly Father hears us, He knows us and He knows how to help us! I'm going to be an aunt!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to go shopping and to throw a baby shower! Woo hoo.

Woman Again!

The meds must be working! I am a woman again!

10% Off

Oh I am so excited. Quite often people say how much they do not like Wal-mart but I have to say that I am especially thankful that George works there around Christmas time because not only do we get the 10% discount on regular items but we also get them on our grocery items! That is at least three trips to the grocery store with a ten percent discount! Thank heavens for my husbands job and maybe we will build up a great food storage this Christmas!! Woo hoo.

PCOS

Sorry, this is going to be a long post.

For a couple of months now I have known that something wasn't right with my body. I haven't been ovulating or having normal periods. Also, I had been experiencing a lot of weight gain. I went to see the doctor and he tested me for diabetes and thyroid problems and everything came back normal so I had no idea what was wrong. I was so frustrated with the doctor that I didn't want to go back and I started looking for a new doctor.

Then the rash appeared! What the heck? I felt like I was falling apart. It itched and spread from my stomach to my chest. I decided I should probably see a doctor, even though I had strong objections to ever going to one ever again. I tried to get in to see my new doctor that my sister-in-law had recommended but that doctor was out of the office for a week so I called my regular doctor's office. Miracle of miracles, my doctor was booked so they gave me another doctor in the office.

When I got there and the nurse took my vitals, I started to freak out. I had gained 10 lbs. in six weeks (not normal for me) and I had high blood pressure (also not normal for me). The doctor walked in and asked me about my rash and took a look at it. Then he looked at my face and asked if it was painful, I said no but that I was upset about my vitals. So we started to talk. First, he told me the rash was a virus, nothing I can do about it and not linked to any of this other stuff. I told him that I was upset about my weight gain and blood pressure, that we had recently done tests and nothing had been figured out, and that I wasn't having normal periods. He immediately said that it sounded like PCOS to him. He ordered blood tests and it came out positive. I have been put on drugs that should help regulate everything and get me back to normal. He has been very kind and helpful and I am very appreciative. This doctor took the time to listen to me and what was going on and I don't know that my old doctor would have been that way.

PCOS is polycystic ovary syndrome. Between 4% and 7% of women produce too much testosterone in their ovaries. These women have a pattern of symptoms called polycystic ovary syndrome. It makes us unable to release our eggs which causes the cysts. Thus because the lining in our uterus doesn't release then we have a chance of ovarian cancer. It also causes high insulin resistance which can cause the weight gain. So basically I am infertile because I am too much of a man. hahahaha. Glad there is a medicine for that.

I am convinced that my birth control contributed to it as I did not have issues before I got married, but I will never know. I am just thankful that Heavenly Father told us to get off it when He did. I have decided that Heavenly Father has His hand definitely in my life. If it hadn't been for the rash I probably wouldn't have gone to the doctor and if it hadn't been the day it was, then I might have had to see my old doctor and then we may have never figured it out. Thank goodness Heavenly Father knows what we need! Now I know there was a reason that I stopped birth control and that we felt like we should try to have a baby, because if we hadn't it may have taken even longer to figure this all out. Everything in the Lord's time.

We are Crazy!

What kind of people get up before the sun even rises? Normally that is not me, but occasionally it is (at least when George has to work at 5 a.m.). This morning was one of those days. We were rudely awakened by the alarm clock at 4:15. Gross! Guess it was time to get up. George got up and got ready while I got him some breakfast and his lunch (which he ate at 9 a.m.) and out the door he went. I could have gone back to bed, but I knew my brain was already going and that I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep so I decided to get everything over and done with. I started with my scripture reading and then the chores. I'm not sure my neighbors will have appreciated the vacuum cleaner going at 5 in the morning, but I didn't hear any banging on the walls, so I guess it was okay! Then I did the dishes and contemplated going to work out. After a little internal debate, I decided it was best to get my workout done. Some weight lifting and turbo kick at the local rec! What a great workout. I got to work on time today and felt all pretty and stuff! Wooh! I have almost made it through the day but I am ready to pass out! My own comfort is that I don't have to do anything when I get home except clean out the garden. I've got to pick some more of those darned cucumbers and clean it all up before it freezes my cantaloupe and cucumbers! Then it is time for the biggest loser! Yes, I love that show! I passed up learning how to can just so I can watch it. I'm such a nerd! I feel like sleepy today!

We are Tired

Man, school may kill us but we are happy. :) Not sleeping is taking a toll. Anyone have suggestions on how to fit everything into just 24 hours?

Tony in Memory

Where to begin? As has been mentioned Tony is and was (as I consider him) my brother in all but blood. We met in junior high and a quick friendship grew. Tony was an amazing boy who became an even more amazing man. If I was to list and share with you everything that happened in our lives I don't believe that it would give justice to Tony. Growing up I felt that I had a rough childhood and during that time Tony stood by me as none other had. His love for me seemed to be unfailing and so helped my love to grow for him and to become likewise. With us both being young many choices and paths were laid out before us. All through school, junior high as well as high school, our friendship grew as well as with many others who were influential in creating the men that we became. Sometimes during those years our paths took us through many different experiences, from being stalwart in our church activities to more rebellious activities. No matter how often our paths took us away from each other we always seemed to meet up with each other again. He helped in the making of the man I am today and will be eternally indebted to him for it. Thank you for all your prayers, love, and support.

Back to School

Well that time has come and started! George is officially a college student! It definitely has not been easy getting to this point and I know that is not going to be easy along the way! He is gone for a lot of hours between school and work and then has homework on top of it, but we are looking forward to the journey. We are trying to get used to the new schedule as most mornings George has to be to school by 7am! That means learning to go to bed earlier, which has not been a simple feat for us. Tonight as a reward for his hard work and for some time for him to get prepared for Tony's funeral tomorrow, I have planned an exciting date. I will get my camera charged and take some pictures because I am stoked about tonight's date! Woo hoo.

Anyway, I am excited that George has some things to work towards and I can't wait to one day watch him walk across that stage in his cap and gown and cheer him on! Here's to the future Dr. Smith.

George's Friend

Tony was George's best friend, until I came along. They had been friends for a long time and loved each other like brothers. They even called each other brother. They were neither perfect but helped each other as much as they could. During their friendship they went through ups and downs but through it all they remained friends. Tony needed a place to live and George's family opened their home to him for him to stay in. Then George met me. Tony had to find a new place to live, life went on, and they lost touch. In the last six months since we got married, they had seen each other once and talked on the phone about that much as well. The last time George heard from Tony, he was not able to return the phone call. On Sunday we received a phone call from Tony's father. Tony passed away last Thursday. George has been sad and heart broken. The man that was his closest friend was gone. Things pass through your mind during these times like guilt, regret, sorrow, anger, etc. George has gone through many of them and I know will continue to grieve. He is a kind hearted man who loved his "brother". I grieve for him. He knows that Heavenly Father has a plan and that there is a reason this has happened. Tony is in a better place now, hopefully, better able to deal with the addictions and struggles he had and hopefully come to a new realization as to the truthfulness of the gospel. I am thankful for this man who taught my husband many of the amazing qualities he has today. May he rest in peace.

Six Months

Friday, August 21, 2009 marked six months of marriage for George and I. The last six months have flown by and yet I am amazed that it has only been six months. I feel like he is the other half of me that just appeared and is so naturally there and a part of me! I am thankful for the wonderful man I married. I can't wait for the next six months. I know they are going to be busy. Full of work, school, goals, church service, and who knows what else.

It has been hard not seeing him. Between Education week, his work, and babysitting for my
parents (driving back and forth to Eagle Mountain), the last couple of weeks have not had time for the two of us. This will probably
continue to be the circumstances until school is
over and done with, so I am in for the long haul!
I love him so much and am grateful for the
opportunity that I have to be married to
such a wonderful man.

I had just got done working an 80 hour work week at Education Week and I was so pooped. George was working late on Friday night so I had the house all to myself and I thought I would sit down, relax a little and watch a little TV. After just a few minutes, I decided that I would rather be laying in my bed, so I headed upstairs and this is what I found. What a way to come home from such a long week, to the reminder that the man I love loves me just as much as I love him! I will never forget what a precious sight that was to me. What a way to lift a woman's dragging, tired heart! No worries, he was well thanked for such a surprise.

Education Week

I sit here at my cozy little table in the Garden Court. It is quiet right now. Peaceful bliss, until the next break when all chaos breaks out. People registering, questions asked, radio going, phones ringing. Buildings need more hosts! Ah the stress, but the enjoyment of chaos. It is always an adventure. I've already made someone cry this week, but hopefully won't make anyone else cry. George has been attending classes and is enjoying them. I'm glad someone is finally using my ticket benefit and enjoying it. Can't wait for the week to be over though so I can spend some much needed time with my hubby!

Getting Ready for Ed Week

Oh man. Even just the thought of it makes me tired. I love working during Education Week and I love the busyness before it, but man it makes me tired. I could just curl up in a ball right now and go to sleep.

I have never cared about being away from home so much during that week, but I am struggling with the idea of not really seeing my husband at all that week. Normally when we are working opposite schedules we at least get to see each other on lunch breaks and because of schedules we are not sure how much we will see each other next week. I know, pathetic newlyweds, but man I am going to miss that man.

I am going to be out of commission next week, so if you need me, come visit me in the Garden Court at the Wilkinson Student Center! Love you all.

Ode to my husband

There are many faces to the man that I love more than anything in this world. This is an ode to the man I love!

He goes hiking with me and keeps me in shape! What support and love!

He makes me laugh on a daily basis. I am thankful for the joy and laughter we share between the two of us.

He reminds me daily of important gospel truths. He reminds me that the Lord is there and He hears and answers our prayers. He reminds me that we are a forever family and takes me to the temple often.

He is my ray of sunshine amidst the clouds and storms that may appear.

Very rarely do I see him without a smile on his face. He is the face of compassion and pure sweetness.

He shares his treats with me. Even his favorite ones.

I love my husband so much. He is my joy and inspiration. He takes my hand and leads me. He is the pillar of strength that I always hoped for in my life. He honors his priesthood and leads our family in the way it should be. I can't wait to see what kind of father he will be. He is full of caring, love, and concern. He loves his friends and family and will do anything for them. Without him, I would be lost. I am thankful that he picked me and will love him forever!

Ten Year Reunion

I thought I should post a few pictures, just to prove that I did go to my ten year class reunion. First, I can't believe I am old enough to have gone to a ten year reunion. Second, oh my gosh why does anyone go to those? It made me feel like the stupid awkward high schooler again and I was stressed over nothing. lol. I definitely got a kick out of my stupid self on Saturday and while I was freaking out about my hair, I know my husband was thinking, what's the big deal? :)

Corrine, Cindy, and I. Proof that we were there.

A day out with the folks

I had the day off of work on Friday seeing as it was the 4th of July holiday, so I decided to find out what my parents were doing, since George sadly was working. I love hanging out with my parents and my little brother and sister. First, we went to Happy Sumo where dad bought us some delicious sushi, yum! Then we went to the bookstore (of course we did, if you know my mom, then you understand), then we went to The Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. I had never been there, but it was gorgeous! They do FHE activities too for those of you who would be interested in that. In August they are doing two giant slip and slides! We so want to go to that one! It was a great adventure. We rented a golf cart and rode around the whole park! Then, Ben, mom and dad, and I went to the Children's Garden area, which was also enjoyable. On the whole, it was a great day off of work!!

Above, Me, Bea, and Ben in front of the giant man made waterfall. Below, the roundabout that my dad thought it was so fun to ride round and round in. Me and the cool hat that I found and wanted to buy, but didn't. I mean, heck, don't I look cute?

First Hike of the Season

Woo hoo! George and I finally got out and hiked yesterday. I took some pictures and promise to post them in the next couple of days! George had never hiked the Y before and so we decided to that yesterday. Needless to say, I am totally out of shape and it killed me! Man alive, it is amazing what a winter of not hiking will do to you. I felt like vomiting, but it was a great hike and we felt good when we were done! Woo hoo for the Y!

Faith

Anyone ever feel like it is hard to have faith that everything is going to work out as it should? I know I do. I have so many days like that, but I have to remind myself over and over again that if I am doing what I should and listening to my Heavenly Father that all will work out. If we are working hard to pay our tithing, pay off our debt, and build up a savings, everything will work out. Heavenly Father will take care of us. If we put George through school like we have been told we need to do, then the Lord will watch over us. If we cut out unnecessary costs and get out of debt as quickly as possible, He will help us. The hard things are still going to come. We are still going to have car troubles, dental bills, house bills, etc. but it will all work out so that we can handle it all. We have our days when it is hard to believe that this will not always be a struggle, but we are working hard to do what we are supposed to. We even have a small food storage. Lol. Lots of boxes of cereal, mac & cheese, and sunflower seeds, but hey we are working on it. Things are going to be okay.

Thank you Nie

I don't know who reads the NieNie Dialogues blog, but I just want to publicly thank her for her thoughts that she shares so often! There are days that she writes things that I really need to hear or she reminds me of little things that I need to remember to be appreciative of, like my husband! Thank you for today's reminder of the eternal relationship and bond that holds us forever together as a couple no matter what happens! In the end, it is all that matters!

I Gave Up on Birth Control

I'm sure you want to know this but I am posting it anyway. :) I have been so unhappy lately with the way I have gained weight since we got married, that after some prayer and consideration, we decided to get rid of the birth control pills. We will just have to use other methods now. I am excited about this! I am hoping that now my hard work when I work out and eat right will actually pay off and maybe I can get some of these inches back off and be back to where my clothes fit comfortably.

It may affect my moods for the next couple of weeks so if I am a rotten pain, at least you know it is all my hormones re-regulating themselves. I am hoping I won't feel as tired anymore and that maybe I will have a little more of my motivation back. We'll see how it goes! :)

Life is Interesting

I have to say that sometimes life just doesn't go as you plan it. You think things are going to happen one way and they happen a completely different way. That's how it was when George and I got married. I had my own time frame in mind but Heavenly Father had His. I guess I should just realize that will probably be how it will be my whole life, but every time it catches me offguard. George is working on trying to find a new job and I know it will all work in Heavenly Father's time and he will find the right thing when the time is right.

We're getting things together

I am so excited because our house is coming together! We finally got wedding pictures put in the house. The guest bedroom looks like a guest bedroom and not like a garbage pit (of course don't open the closet, lol). The temple picture is up in the stairwell and soon the mirrors and a few more wedding pictures will be up. As soon as all of that is done, all we have to do is plan a party! Woo hoo! I can't wait for that! I love parties and I think everyone needs a good housewarming party!

Pictures Finally

Here are just a few of the pictures we took on our trip to California for George's birthday! We got pictures with Mickey Mouse, ate at the Rainforest Cafe, went on the tower of terror, went to the beach and covered George in sand, went to Hollywood Blvd, and visited the Las Vegas temple. It was an amazing trip!

Life is Busy

Oh man, sometimes, I wonder how in the world George and I are going to make it through the week, but somehow we always manage to. We have done really well at keeping ourselves busy this week. On Sunday we had a planning session for our week. I never thought I would ever do something like that, but it has been really helpful. Of course, things don't always stay the way you plan them but it has given us a basic outline for our week.

One of the things that I am so grateful we have planned into our schedule is our scripture study, personal and together. That has been so helpful. We are on a three day streak. lol. But it has felt so good and I think keeps us going. Also, we planned in time to go to the temple and have goals now to do that every other week. It was so great to be there last night. I just love the peaceful feeling there. It is so important to me that we have those spiritual things in our lives. Without them, we fall and become weaker. I know Heavenly Father helps me with daily life if I rely on Him. Sometimes, I just forget!

Because of the busyness of our lives this week, we are pumped for tonight and tomorrow night. It is our TV night tonight. lol. Our favorite shows "Smallville" and then I can't even remember the name of the show that comes on after, but we watch both on Thursday nights. So we are going to go on a walk up the canyon and make dinner and watch our shows. We will probably call it an early night too.

I have no clue what we will do tomorrow night, but I know we will spend time enjoying one another's company. I look forward to the time that I get to spend with my husband as sometimes it is not as frequent as I would like. How grateful I am for him, for his love and support and for his constant gentle leading. He helps me become a better person and I thank Heavenly Father for that each and every day!

Didn't do much

So I was going to try to put pictures up on the blog this weekend and did I do it? No, of course not. I was a lazy fool who ate way too much junk food and made myself sick. Grrr. Why do I do things like that to myself? Sometimes, I just don't think.

Ready for the Weekend

I just thought I would post how excited I am for the weekend, for no good reason! I am hoping to do a little work in my garden and make all the yucky weeds go away. Hopefully with all of the moisture the ground will be soft enough. I think I will try to get some pictures of Disneyland posted this weekend as well.

If you haven't checked out the other blog yet, please do! It is awesome, I think at least. :) Here is the address http://ourbodiesaretemples.blogspot.com/

Starting New Blog

I've decided to make a motivational weight loss/nutrition/fitness blog. That's right. I want to give my own advice, find my own articles and maybe motivate some people myself. I hope to make this an integral part of my life that hopefully in turn will motivate others and get myself to where I want to be. I would love suggestions of articles, yummy nutritious recipes, fitness suggestions, etc. I will post menu ideas and fitness suggestions for the day! Please let others know as well. I would like to have a good group of followers!! I will post the new blog address here in the next day or two!

Easter

It was such a wonderful day! We woke up and the Easter bunny had brought us some treats. George and I had the opportunity to reflect on everything our Savior had done for us and the reason that we are together! We know that we have all we have because of Him! I am so thankful for my Savior and the person he has made me!

George's Birthday

Well, here is just one of our many pictures that I will upload later. George and I had so much fun in California! His birthday was a blast! What a way to spend your birthday, at Disneyland, with a hot wife and fireworks!!! He says he had a great time. I'm excited to post more pictures of the trip but I will have to do that when I have time to download the pictures.

A few wedding pictures

Here are just a few of my favorite wedding pictures. There are more on facebook if you want to see more.