God is for Us

It's not very often that I feel prompted to share things on here, but when I do I jump on it because I want to remember these experiences and, as always, I hope that someone out there needs to read it.

We've been seeing a specialist at the University of Utah that was recommended to me by my OBGYN last winter when we had 4 failed rounds of IUI (intrauterine inseminations).  When he recommended I see a specialist I was completely turned off and didn't feel like it was the right timing. Well, fast forward to July and I was at a standstill and going absolutely crazy.  My husband was gone for work all summer and so the "trying" game had basically been put on hold for 4 months, but I knew he was returning soon and I had been trying to get an answer for what the next step was in our journey.  I had had a consult in June with a different specialist who had recommended certain testing, but I just couldn't feel all the way good about that, either.  I felt like I was at a fork in the road and neither direction looked appealing in the least.  I prayed.  I prayed so hard that I would find the answers I was so earnestly seeking.  I was in my own personal fourth watch and I needed Him to help me more than I've ever needed anything.

Cory came into town for one of our best friend's wedding and I was trying to act fine, but I was super unhappy and I felt like I was sinking into a depression.  Being apart all summer wasn't helping my case, either, but that's a whole other story.  Anyway, we went up to temple square for the wedding and as Cory was shooting pictures of everyone I got a text from a girl I went to high school with.  Totally random!  In it she shared that she'd been feeling like she needed to tell me about her doctor, Dr. Erica Johnstone!  She wrote the sweetest message and I literally couldn't even believe my eyes.  It was one of the two doctors I had been debating between for months!  It was such an answer to prayer, and I knew it, so I put on my big girl panties and called her office right then and there and scheduled an appointment for two weeks later.  It was such a testimony to me that He really hears our prayers.

We had the appointment and long story short, everything was perfect.  She did a pelvic ultrasound and she was like "Ooh, look at the lining of that uterus!" and "Look at all those egg follicles!" while I'm sitting there secretly wishing she'd find a problem just so she could FIX IT! So maddeningly wonderful. Anyway, we devised a plan, because obviously, even though things look fantastic, we still don't have a baby.  So...

Fast forward a few weeks to today.

Because we hadn't done any IUIs using medication (i.e., Femara-  which BTW made me an absolute monster.  I pray I don't have to take it again), our doctor recommended we try a few more rounds.  I was told to use ovulation predictor kits and call when I got a positive.  I had taken a test in the morning yesterday and got a negative so Cory and I were making all sorts of fun plans for the following day, thinking we weren't going to have to go in until Wednesday.  At 11pm last night I took another test (they tell you to test morning and night) and what in the world, it was positive!  I wanted to punch that smiley face in his happy stupid face because that meant I had to go in the next day and I wasn't mentally prepared. Way to spoil our plans, ovulation.

So today it was.  We headed in for the IUI.  I wasn't super nervous because by now I know the ropes, but I also wasn't feeling super hopeful because, well, by now I know the ropes.  As usual, things took a lot longer than expected and my nerves started to get the better of me.  They finally put us in a room and told me to "undress from the waste down" (It's like- seriously! I know the drill by now).  So there we are sitting in the freezing cold room, I'm nakey under the sheet, vulnerable, semi wanting to die, and the nurse finally walks in.  And she was JUST what the doctor ordered.  Like, I'm not even kidding when I say I almost started crying because she was so sweet to me.  She's like "It is freezing in here! Are you cold?" I replied yes.  She left and came back to two heated blankets and wrapped me up in them.  Then she ran the speculum under warm water so it wouldn't be so cold.  Like seriously, I tear up even thinking about how kind she was.  She told me that I just needed to be relaxed and if the procedure took 30 minutes then that was okay.

Once everything was finished she let us ask her as many questions as we wanted while I was laying there.  As we were chatting she said how amazing it is that anyone can get pregnant because there are so many things working against us;  i.e., hormones, thyroid, pituitary glands, sperm count, etc..  The stars have to line up just right even for fertile Myrtle. What a cheery thought! (Said no one ever.) For a second I felt a little bitter that we have all of these things working against us, and then I had this thought:

But God is for us, so it doesn't matter what is against us.

Infertility is painful.  There is no room for pride when you're dropping your drawers for the world. It's physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. It's appointment after appointment that only lead to disappointment after disappointment. It's needles and hormones and cramps and let downs and timed sex and negative pregnancy tests and it can all just make you want to check yourself in to the looney bin!  Truly, it just feels like the odds are stacked against us every month.  But as I lay there on that cold table today, wrapped in heated blankets thanks to that angel nurse, the answer came so clearly.  But really, if God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8: 31-32

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

I only hope I can remember this through the coming weeks.  It doesn't mean life isn't still hard, but God is on our side.  And that helps a lot. 

Flowers from the Savior

The thought keeps coming back to me that I need to share an experience I had this past week for Mother's day. But let me preface it with some background information for a minute... or ten. 

All I've ever wanted in life is to be a mother.  So when Mother's Day rolls around each year and it still hasn't happened I secretly mourn while trying to put on my bravest face.  Mother's Day is a mixed bag for me.  I love celebrating all the Mothers in my life, but I long to be one of the ones being celebrated, to be called "mom". 

My husband and I have been "trying" for a little over two years now.  (Although, I'm not sure he'd say it's been that long of actually trying since that's the exact amount of time we've been married. Ha! Good thing I can track my ovulation like a queen! Sucker.)  I remember when we got married and I had decided that I didn't want to go on any birth control and EVERYONE was telling me how crazy I was! "You should have a year of marriage before you start trying." they'd say.  Or "You're fertile Myrtle!  You're gonna get pregnant right away!" As if that's not exactly what I wanted.  To everyone who said anything- joke's on you!  Not everyone CAN get pregnant right away.  And that's where my story begins. 

It's been a rough couple of years.  Ones that I am so beyond grateful for. I've grown closer Cory, I have learned so much, and I have relied on my Savior more than ever because I know that it's only through him that I can find the strength to make it through one (million) more pregnancy announcements, and six million more periods. (Why can't Mother Nature just quietly knock on the door and tell you your'e not pregnant instead of making you bleed and feel like you have the flu and hate everyone?! That'll be one of my first questions.)  I have found that the longer I get into this infertility battle, the less it stings, but that doesn't make it easy.  All we ever see on social media is how someone else is pregnant, but they don't tell you if it was difficult to conceive or not.  I always think that somehow everyone and their dog gets pregnant the first month of trying.  (And if they do- good for them! I don't begrudge anyone!)  I believe that babies come when they are supposed to and my baby is still up in heaven learning lessons and hasn't been ready to come yet.  I really do believe that.  Yet, when there's no little one to snuggle, the days and months can get pretty daunting.  

Yes, we have been tested.  We pass with flying colors EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.  "A +"! After 4 rounds of IUI (Intrauterine inseminations) and no luck I started feeling more like an F-.  

I am a bawler.  My poor husband has seen my throw tantrums (I'm a toddler) where there is straight weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.  The stress of it, at times, has been too much to bear.  

I remember last Mother's Day, well-meaning friends and family would say "Next year you'll be a mother."  And all I could think was "Yeah I will be. If I have to do another YEAR of this,  I will literally die."  By the way, it's been another year and I'm still alive, go figure.  But as Mother's Day started rolling around this year, I kind of had a pit in my stomach.  So off I went to my Home away from home: Home Depot.  And there I bought the most lovely hanging flower pots FOR MYSELF for Mother's Day.  My husband is out of town for the summer and I immediately called to thank him for buying me my hanging pots I've always dreamed of having.  And I felt better! For a bit.. 

When Sunday came and I woke up alone, I kept telling myself that I was okay.  I decided that I was not going to play victim this year, and I would send texts and messages to family and friends and tell them how much they meant to me.  Then I peeled myself off my bed and hopped in the shower.  

I was still in my robe, thankfully mostly ready, when my friend called to see if I was home.  I quickly told her yes while muttering a disclaimer that I was still in my robe though, and we hung up.  A couple minutes later she showed up at my door with a pink bouquet of hydrangeas, gave me the BIGGEST hug in the world, and told me that I wasn't forgotten.  I could hardly keep my tears in as I thanked her.  It truly meant so much to me.  And even more so because she just lost her baby girl and I felt like I should've been taking flowers to her.. When she left, I Face-Timed my husband BAWLING and showed him the bouquet they brought.  It was such a tender mercy and I could feel the hand of the Lord in my life. 

Well, fast forward a couple of days and a different friend asked if I would be home later.  She had something to drop off!  We finally nailed down a time that she could come and I had just pulled in when she pulled up.  She got out of her car and what did she hand me??  A BRIGHT PINK BOUQUET OF PEONIES! I was so stunned!  I just gave her a hug and thanked and thanked and thanked her.  She told me she'd been buying flowers for our friend who had just lost her baby (thank heaven someone was listening!) and she kept having the prompting to buy some for me.  (Tears fill my eyes even as I write.)  She put off the prompting for awhile thinking that she didn't need to and that I was fine.  (I second guess promptings all the time.  I always think people will be offended if I draw attention to their trials or something.)  But anyway.. She said the prompting kept coming back and she bought the flowers.  I'm not exactly sure if she actually said this, or if it's just what I heard, but I'm pretty sure she said "The prompting just kept coming back that I needed to buy you flowers.  Heavenly Father wanted you to have flowers for Mother's Day."  #tearjerker  I couldn't stop hugging her.  I probably hugged her 5 times just out in my front yard, and if she was here right now, I'd hug her again!  

We are His hands.  Answers don't usually come through the ceiling, they come knocking at the door.

These experiences were such a testimony to me that He is in the details of my life.  The flowers still sit on my counter and I cannot even think about tossing them out yet.  I received flowers from the Savior on a day that was loaded with emotion and self-pity.  I felt like He was saying "I know it's long and that you're hurting, but I am here, I know how you feel, and I love you."  And you know what?  It helped.  It was exactly what I didn't know I needed.  

I'm forever grateful for true friends who acted in behalf of the Savior.  

-M

Conference Weekend

I love our leaders!  They don't get any cuter than this, do they??

This is one of my favorite times of the whole year.  I love fall and the crisp air that it brings!  One of my favorite things about October (excluding Halloween and the anticipation of my birthday) is when we get to watch General Conference.  I love our sweet prophet, apostles, and leaders and the wonderful words they give us.  I also love that I can watch it from the comfort of my pajamas while I snuggle the weekend away with the biggest hottie there ever was.  :)  

Sooooooo.... In honor of CONFERENCE WEEKEND this weekend I wanted to post one of my all-time favorite videos.

If you haven't already seen this, are you dying??  I've watched it so many times and I laugh harder and harder every time.  My brother Alex does THE best impression of Elder Oaks and it cracks me up.  "The Reeses Peanut Butter cup challenges us to consume..."  bahahaha!  Amen to that! 

This guy nailed their voices ON THE HEAD!  

People- this is a must watch!  

I hope you all have a relaxing weekend full of food, family, and most of all the spirit.  If you do not have a TV watch Conference online at lds.org.  It'll change your life. There are sessions at 10am and 2pm both Saturday and Sunday and Priesthood session for men on Saturday night at 6pm (I believe). You can also find the Young Women's broadcast online as well if you missed it.  It was truly inspired!  

Love you all! 

M 

Ear ITCHsues

Okay this is going to be a rant.  I'm just slightly feeling fussy today because I spent a BOAT LOAD of money on my ears.  My ears? you ask??? Let me tell you. 

I hate my ears.  About 3 years ago I started to get really itchy ears.  Like SO crazy itchy.  Not just in the ear hole (for lack of a more sophisticated word), but all the way down almost to my throat.  It started in just one ear and about a year later it began in both. THE most tremendous itching you have ever felt in your whole life.  Like when they itch it feels like I have 10 mosquito bites in each ear drum and no matter how much I poke, prob, and dig nothing makes it go away. 

It's awakened me SO many nights these past few years I thought I could die.  They get sores and cracks due to all the itching and dryness, which only makes them more itchy!  Such a vicious cycle.  I'm telling you- it has been SO miserable! 

I've tried everything.  I've researched.  I've prayed.  I've made a gazillion horrible noises with my throat that Cory hates just to try and reach the deep itch inside my ear.  I've tried all my essential oils from Doterra, coconut oil, hydrogen peroxide, deep digging with a q-tip (MAJOR NO-NO!), etc... I've even gone off of gluten and dairy to see if it was a food allergy.  I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING!!!  To no avail. 

So finally, when we were in Ohio, they got so bad that I was determined to see a specialist of sorts when I got home.  And once we got home I kept pushing it off and procrastinating until FINALLY I told Cory that I was D-U-N and I had to go to someone.  He happily agreed either out of sure sweetness or annoyance that I haven't shut up about them ever since he's known me. 

Side note, I can remember when we were dating and he was so concerned with my well-being (still is, I hope. Don't worry!) and one night we were watching a movie and he looked at me so sweetly and said, "How are your ears feeling?"  I died.  I hadn't even brought up how itchy they were, but he knew and cared so much.  Maybe he was just trying to impress me ???  Either way, love him. 

This is us when we were dating.  So young, still spry. Ignorantly blissful. 

That was my "however statement" in this post.  You know how when you write a paper and you're supposed to put like an opposing view for a small portion of it?? Well, that is my positive "however" to this post.  This is a negative post, we are not focusing on the positive here.  Make sense??

Good. 

Moving on.  Soooo......... After years of this affliction I got my wits about me and went into the Ear, Nose, and Throat place in Draper.  First of all, we have a $3000 deductible and so insurance didn't cover a thing for the hearing test and office visit.  So I initially thought we were just going to have to pay the $145 for the office visit and I was fine with that.  I said I'd pay anything just to make it go away, and I stand by that statement.  But then she said that the hearing test was mandatory and cost an extra 60 bucks.  Even then I wasn't that bugged.  I thought- $200 bucka-roozies to cure my insanity?? Done!  And Cory was fine with that too.  

Oh, and to make matters worse, the nurse weighed me.  It's like- why on earth do you have to know how much I weigh when I came in here for itchy ears?? Being the protective person that I am, I covered it so Cory couldn't see, but then, to my dismay, he snooped and watched her enter it. I coulda killed him.  Oh, and did I mention I was fully clothed and in my tall, tall leather boots.  I'm not kidding I was probably wearing close to ten pounds of clothing (at least that's what I'm telling myself).  I was ticked??? Now, does Cory's wiff not only have itchy ears, but a WEIGHT problem.  (I am not fishing.  Do not comment on this part of my post. Thanks bye.)  So that kinda put a wringer in things- like my mood.   

The doctor poked in my ears and up my nose and down my throat and the WHOLE NINE YARDS and finally concluded that I have Eczema in my ears.  Do you want to cry for me??  He said it's chronic, but that the ear drops he was prescribing me had a steroid and some oil in it to help with the crazy itch fest going on in there.  

Everything looked good, he said.  All the while I'm thinking, IT'S NOT GOOD!  FREAKING TELL ME SOMETHING IS WRONG AND THAT I'VE DAMAGED MY HEARING BECAUSE OF ALL THE Q-TIPS AND FINGERS I'VE PUT IN THERE.  TELL ME IT'S INFECTED! Please just tell me my misery hasn't been in vain.  

(Am I the most messed up person ever?) I was actually SO thrilled to hear that everything looked good.  Just give a girl some validation, would ya? Of course, it was a man doctor.  What do men know about validation anyway? :)   

When I asked him about the drops he told me that insurance companies consider it a trial medication (or something) and wouldn't cover it.  I wasn't too bummed because we're not even CLOSE to meeting our deductible anyway.  He's like, "Yeah, they're pretty expensive."  So, naturally, I asked him how much.  "Oh, I think they're about 30-40 dollars."  I'm like- oh phew.  That's not that much. I'll pay anything to get my hands on those drops.   

And let me tell you, I really did. 

We pull up to the pharmacy to retrieve my lifesavers and she's like, okay so your total is $169.blah, blah, blah.  I'm like, "Excuse me??"  I could buy SO many items of clothing with that. She's like, "Yeah, you have to meet your deductible first," and whatever.  I said, "I know!  But my doctor said it was 30-40 dollars!"  And she said, "Yeah, doctor's don't really know."  I'm dying in my car.  I'm looking to Cory like HELP!!!  I've fallen and I can't get up!  Of course, he just shrugged and said to pay it.  What choice did we have??  

Meet the drops that are making it so we will starve.  They may look benign, but they've got a lotta monies tied up in them.

I do have to say, since I put the drops in this afternoon, my ears haven't been as itchy.  

But seriously, I feel like I've been raped by the medical system.  Did I mention the bottle of drops is 20mL which isn't even 1 ounce!!!!!  

I'm enraged.  And they will only last me about a month. So let me do the math. I am paying almost $200 a month so that my ears don't itch because "I have Eczema."  Good gosh.  

"Oh, but I'm giving you 6 refills!" the doctor says.  As if I'm really wanting to spend 1200 FREAKING dollars on ear drops.  

When I said I'd pay anything to have my ears stop itching I wasn't lying.  We gave them an arm AND a leg.  

I rest my case. 

SOS. 

M

Numerology

What number are YOU???

I am a two! 

Have any of you ever heard of numerology??  It is one of our family's favorite things to talk about and for some odd reason it gives perspective into people's personalities.  I know it sounds like a hoax, but the weird thing is is that it usually is spot on!!  

A few years ago my mom and her twin sister Holly started getting into numerology and I felt validated when I found out what number I was- which is a 2. If you know me, you will see that it describes me pretty well.  Every person I know fits their number almost to a T!  

Okay, so I'm no expert on this- and I only know the basics- but from what I understand there are numbers ranging from 1-9.  The way you get your number is by taking your birthday, including the year, and adding up all the numbers.  For instance, if I was born tomorrow, 09/16/2014, I would figure it out like this: 

9 (the month) + 1 + 6 (the day) + 2 + 0 + 1 + 4 (the year) = 23

Now since there are only numbers 1-9 you have to simplify it even further. 

So since it equaled 23, you would now add:

2 + 3 = 5

Five cannot be simplified any further so if I were born tomorrow I would be a five. 

I went online and found a site called numerology.com and here are some of their definitions of the numbers.  Once you've figured out what number you are- read about it!

And remember, that you can either play off of the positive side of your number AND/OR the negative. 

Here we go: 

Number 1

Positive Characteristics: Individualistic and independent, showing leadership and drive. The 1 is masculine, focused, an originator and self-starter; it is also progressive, strong-willed, courageous, self-reliant and rebellious (in a constructive way). 

Negative Characteristics: 1s can be stubborn, selfish, weak and undisciplined, or a pariah. 

My take: Number 1s can be hard if they aren't careful.  I don't know very many of them, but they kind of scare me.  I think of red-personalities when I think of a 1. They do make good leaders, though! 

Number 2

Positive Characteristics: Sensitive, tactful, diplomatic and cooperative.  The 2s tend to be peacemakers and are loving, studious and patient.  A 2 may express many musical or feminine qualities and also tends to be sensual and intuitive. 

Negative Characteristics: 2s are often discontent and can be seen as spoiled or lazy.  They can be careless, particularly with the truth, but when criticized for their faults are oversensitive. 

My take: Every single 2 I know is a lover.  In our family we call them the lovers because we are just here to love and be loved.  We enjoy staying home and listening to music or crafting.  I consider the 2s cozy people who love to snuggle.  We HATE contention and are slightly co-dependent if we aren't careful. 

Number 3

Positive Characteristics: 3s are imaginative, expressive communicators and artists.  They are tolerant, joyful, optimistic, inspiring, talented, jovial, youthful, dynamic.. the list goes on and on!

Negative Characteristics: For as inspirational as 3s are, there is a price: they are often vain, extravagant and prone to complaining. Intolerance, hypocrisy, impatience and superficiality are par for the course when it comes to the 3s. 

My take: I've dated a couple 3s and they are dang good communicators.  I love that about them.  I don't like that they love being the center of attention, but hey- somebody has go to do it so it might as well be a 3!  I'll just sit on the sideline, thank you. 

Number 4

Positive Characteristics: 4s are disciplined, strong, stable, pragmatic, down-to-earth, reliable, dependable, hard-working, extracting, precise, methodical, conscientious, frugal, devoted, patriotic and trustworthy!

Negative Characteristics: 4s pay for their stability and pragmatism by tending toward the boring side.  This may express itself with a lack of imagination, emotions, empathy. 4s may not bother to put much care into their appearance, and their social awkwardness can make them seem vulgar, crude, or jealous. 

My take: Joseph Smith and Gordon B. Hinckley were both 4s (Or so I've heard!).  So 4s can be really amazing!  They are considered the teacher, but can also tend to be really boring.  I have a hard time with the 4s because I am not a tough-lover and the ones that I know are.  They are super stable and practical.

Number 5

Positive Characteristics: 5s are energetic, adventurous, daring and freedom-loving.  They also tend to be versatile, flexible, adaptable, curious, social, sensual, quick-thinking, witty, courageous and worldly. 

Negative Characteristics: On the flip side, 5s can be unstable, chaotic, self-indulgent, irresponsible or careless.  They should beware the consequences of drug abuse and unhealthy sexual tendencies. 

My take: Well, I married a 5 and so I feel like I know them pretty well.  When I think of the 5s I think of fun. I think of people who want to travel the world.  Cory just can't WAIT to plan vacations and go and do adventurous things. For instance, he is at the skatepark as I am writing. Case in point.  To me, the 5s are freaking fun and have flaming yellow personalities!  They make me get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors, yet they take care of me when I am sick or sad.  My little sister Cam is a 5 and she is one of the kindest people I know!  The dark side of the 5s is they can be selfish.  So be careful!  

Number 6

Positive Characteristics: 6s are responsible, loving, self-sacrificing, protective, sympathetic and compassionate.  These loyal, maternal figures are domestic, fair, and idealistic healers or teachers. 

Negative Characteristics: A 6 can overdo its inherent protectiveness and become anxious, worrisome, suspicious, paranoid, emotionally unstable, cynical or jealous.  They tend toward the conventional side. 

My take: The 6s are considered the parent.  Both of my parents are 6s and I LOVE that about them.  They are both so nurturing and caring and are always watching out for me.  I do wonder, though, if my mom's six-ness has me into the paranoid schitzo that I am!  She'd say to me when I would go somewhere in high school, "Remember that you're no good to me dead!"  Yes. Slightly paranoid, but always amazing. :) 

Number 7

Positive Characteristics:  7 isn't just a lucky number.  It's also spiritual, intelligent, analytical, focused, introspective, studious, intuitive, knowledgeable, contemplative, serious, persevering, refined, gracious and displays much inner wisdom. 

Negative Characteristics: 7s can be aloof, distant, sarcastic, socially awkward, melancholic, cowardly and, when they're at their worst, back-stabbers. 

My take: I don't really have an opinion on the 7s because I don't know much about them. All I know is that I don't seem to have any problems with the 7s in my life. :) 

Number 8

Positive Characteristics: 8s are authoritative, business-minded leaders.  They value control and tend to be powerful, but are also balanced, materially detached, successful and realistic.  They end up in management positions, are efficient, capable, street-smart and good judges of character. 

Negative Characteristics: The dark side of the 8 can be cruel, insensitive, violent, bullish or greedy.  At their worst, 8s can become intolerant religious zealots. 

My take: The 8s tend to be a harder number in general, but I don't know if that's just due to the cruelty in their dark side or what.  I know they can be super successful! 

Number 9

Positive Characteristics: 9s are helpful, compassionate, aristocratic, sophisticated, charitable, generous, humanitarian, romantic, cooperative, creative, self-sufficient, proud, and self-sacrificing. 

Negative Characteristics: 9s can end up being egocentric, arrogant, self-pitying, sentimental, discontent, fickle, cold or mentally unstable. 

My take: The 9s are some of my favorite people.  I dated a 9 for a minute and I loved it because the 9s can do anything. They are super capable and are considered the humanitarian.  People always assume that they can do things and so they get asked to help out a lot!  I can't think of anything bad to say about the 9s that I know. Love them! 

I'm not even kid din you, people, do your number and it probably matches up fairly well!  In our family we have my two parents that are 6s, Adam and Heidi are both 3s, while Lincoln and Rosie are both 7s.  Cory is a 5 and I am a 2.  Alex is also a 2 while Tory is a 7.  Benson and Cambria are both 5s (think world travelers!), and Hayley is a 3.  So, as you can see, we have a lot of the same numbers going on!  With both of my parents being 6s, you can seen why we were all coddled our whole lives.  Still are. 

And just because I have a certain opinion on the numbers doesn't mean that I don't love everyone. :)  I realize that it doesn't work for everyone, but love it anyway! Depending on your number you are more compatible with other numbers.  So, if you are married, try figuring out your spouse's number and see if it helps you understand them a little better! 

This is SO interesting to me!  I love learning people's birthdays so that I can figure out their numbers.  It helps me get some insight on them from the get-go! And NO I do not base all of my opinions on numerology (or do I?? :)), but I do find it pretty FREAKIN' interesting!  What do you think?

If you read this post- post what number you are!  I am interested to know. 

K, I love you all no matter your number.  And let me know if you find this as interesting as I do, or if you just think I'm as nuts as I look in this picture.

Mmmmmkay? Thanks bye.  

Typical Sunday/Bawl Baby

Today has literally been a roller coaster (bolded and underlined to add emphasis!!!) and I just need you people to enjoy these laughs as much as I have.  

Right as we got into the car this morning for church (at 9 am ugh!), Cory turns to me and says, "I had a long black hair coming out of my ear.  Don't worry, I got rid of it.  But, why didn't you tell me??"  As if I'm supposed to notice every hair coming out of his body. Honestly, people, this is how my morning started out (not taking into account the morning breath that I have to tackle every morning. Ewe). 

I died.  I'm like Today is gonna be a good day.  Little did I know what was about to come..

So we are sitting in sacrament meeting (second row from the back thankfully) and the sacrament finally gets to us. 

 Cory says this, "I'm thirsty.  I need to find a cup that is pretty full."  As if with a cup that size any more full is going to make a difference.  

I just kind of smiled and hoped nobody was noticing us.  Then- THEN- after searching for a moment, he finally finds the perfect cup that is just slightly fuller than all the rest (because he's thirsty, you know? :)) and he goes to so-delicately pick it up and it slides between his fingers and spills all over him and the ground.  Guess what I do- burst into laughter mid-sacrament- of course at the most inappropriate time. I was laughing so hard I was shaking and tears were coming down my cheeks!  The look on his face was priceless. This is what I am dealing with, folks.  I am laughing even thinking about it.  Oh, and it all happened right after the toddler behind us screamed, louder than all get-out,  "NO, I'M NOT GONNA FALL ASL..!" And then his mom clasped his mouth.  Let's just say that sacrament was MORE than entertaining today.  

That was that.  Then we went to Sunday school and had a wonderful lesson on talents.  Now let me tell you that I was biting back tears the whole time.  I love participating in class, and I did a couple times, but every time I wanted to I could feel the tears burning at the back of my eyes.  I've been an emotional wreck lately (PMS?).  When we got home from church I watched about 3 episodes of Criminal Minds (that's pretty all we do) and then I tidied up to get ready to go to a family function.  As we were getting ready to leave Cory started wrestling me and teasing me and it honestly was way funny and fun.  I told him how emotional I was feeling and then all of the sudden I was having a full-fledged meltdown right as we were supposed to leave.  I think Corny was stunned to say the least!  And then I started laughing because I had no reason to be crying or any idea why I was crying.  I ask myself every month if this is some dirty trick. ??? I'm telling you- it's been some pretty high highs and some utterly low lows today.  Can anyone relate to me?? I'm feeling a little bit cray cray.

The rest of the day has been great.  Thank heaven.  We had a picnic at the park with his side of the family and played frisbee and Spikeball, our favorites.  It was so nice to enjoy such good company and the wonderful weather that September always brings.  I hate when September ends every year because it is BY FAR my favorite month.  It has a certain glow about it that I look forward to every year. 

After we left the picnic we stopped my parents' house for a little bit and had vanilla shakes that my dad made.  One of my favorite things is when he makes us shakes on Sundays!  Such a cutie- that Davey K! 

Now I sit here and type as I wait for Corny to edit some pictures.  Then we are going to watch some more TV.  Sue us. 

I also wanted to add that I shot my first PAID wedding video yesterday!  I have been getting into videography so that Cory and I could double-book weddings with him as photographer and me as videographer.  I have to admit it was only the third wedding that I've done, but I think it went really well!  I'm gonna make Cory do most of the editing, as I am not very good with stuff like that, but shooting was fun!  I always love being on temple grounds and feeling the wonderful spirit and happiness that is always there.  If you haven't gone inside you should become worthy so you can.  It truly is amazing. 

Their reception was absolutely lovely.  I was exhausted the whole time, but it was a really good experience, and the family was fantastic!  I love working with fun people!  

As the bride and groom were having their first dance I could feel myself start to get a little more emotional than usual, but I pretty much kept myself composed.  Then her dad came and stole her away and danced with her to "Butterfly Kisses" and I nearly lost it.  I turned to Cory as my eyes welled up with tears and I said, "Uh oh!"  as I blinked really fast to make them go away.  THEN her grandpa came and stole her away from her dad and I for real almost bawled.  Get it together- Em.  My heck!  Cory just laughed at me.  But it made me think of my grandpa Robert and all the love I have for him and how I wished he could've been at my wedding.  My dream, my whole life, was to have him seal my husband and me in the temple, but he passed away 9 months before we got married, and only 2 months before I met Cory.  I kept thinking how it would have been to dance with my grandpa at my own wedding.  I hope that bride realized how blessed she was to have him there.  His name was Pappa (at least that's what he told me) and I absolutely fell in love with him.  The cutest little man ever and made sure I was doing okay all night. 

Okay, now I'm getting teary again.  SOMEONE MAKE IT STOP!   I am telling you the water table is mighty high as of late.  

This last week we also had some time to take some pictures and it was really fun.  We haven't taken a lot of time lately to do that and it felt good to get out.  I love being married to a man of many talents. This is me braving the elements once again. Oh, the things I do for him!

We also painted some more furniture this week.  His sister gave us this piece of furniture and it was just brown, but we gave it a makeover and I LOVE how it turned out!  What do you think??

Also, I'm obsessed with our new rug.  I'd been wanting it since we lived in Ohio and finally convinced Cory to let me get it.  It feels like a Golden Doodle.  Love, love, LOVE. 

Oh, and I also found a job this last week.  I am going to be nannying for a family in SLC and they are wonderful! I honestly thought I would die if I had to do another desk job.  So I think this will work out great!  

Anyway.. That is pretty much the update on us.  Even though it's been a roller coaster Sunday for me as far as emotions go, it has also been very peaceful, and for that I am grateful.  I can't wait for General Conference in a just three weeks! 

I hope you've all had a peaceful, family-filled Sunday.  Sundays are my favorite. 

M

I'm BACK! We're BACK! Life as of Late...

I have been in serious mourning these last few weeks because I haven't really had any free time to blog.  What. The. Heck! So this is a post to update you all on the Devenney life and to let you know that WE ARE BACK IN UTAH! (Amen, hallelujah!)

Packing up our stuff was the worst part of moving back.  I had to say goodbye to my very best friend (whom I've been sleeping with since I was 12)-  Mr. Wuggle Devenney.  To say that Corny was elated would be an understatement.  He's been begging me since we got married to get rid of it and I haven't had the wherewithal to part... until now.  When I mentioned that I thought it might be time for Wuggle to meet the garbage can Corny latched onto the idea, AND THEN GRABBED A KNIFE!  I don't know why he hated him so bad.  A wash every six years is plenty! He really was a pain to wash.  When I flew to Utah in June and Cory was in Ohio alone for a week pining for me, he told me that he felt lonely in bed and was going to keep my Wuggle on my side, but then he threw it off because he didn't want to touch it in that middle of the night because he hated the texture.  Come on, babe, aged fleece is WHERE IT'S AT! :) 

 Poor Wuggle Devenney.  May he rest in peace...  If only I knew that Wuggle was safely tucked away in a landfill in Utah instead of Ohio... 

Moving on... The drive back from Columbus was looooooong.  It was a 27 hour drive and I swear Wyoming was 25 hours of it.  Death.  But, we had a good time!  We stopped in North Platte, Nebraska to sleep after our first long day of driving and I've never loved a bed so much.  And a shower.  And a clean toilet.  I should have taken pictures of all the gas station bathrooms I had to use.  Yikes! 

I fell asleep when we left Ohio and was way sad because I wanted to get a picture of this and when I woke up I told Cory and he had gotten it for me.  What a doll! I miss Ohio and all the green it has to offer. 

  

One of my favorite things to do is to take pictures of Corny when he is sleeping. 

He's such a sport for putting up with me.  I can't think of anyone worse to drive with than myself.  I have issues. 

But I'm also a lotta fun!  Can't you tell??

We surprised my parents by coming home a day early and it was a blast!  When we got home only my little sister Cambria was home with our nephew Lincoln.  It was such a treat!  Once my dad got home he and Lincoln helped us unpack.  I adore this boy.. 

Then we headed off to Bear Lake for our annual Killpies and Knudsies vacation!  It was Cory's first time on this particular vacay and we had a blast!  

Oh, how I missed the mountains!  Driving down Logan canyon to find this almost made me teary.  I love Bear Lake, cold and all. 

The water was beautiful and fairly warm this year- which is one of the perks of going in August.  We had so much fun tubing and water skiing.  And, of course, Corny showed us all up with this little trick he had up his sleeve. 

Oh Cory, you're so talented!  (And there I am, all fat.) 

This little ham got caught eating pretzels and Nutella at midnight.  Love him. 

Do you DIE at this picture!?  D-nied! 

This is what we do every night up there.  We all sit around and talk and play games.  

Davey K is in his prime up at the Bear.  He becomes Mary Poppins and brings us all lunch at the beach.

He really is Guy Friday. 

We played lots of frisbee on our get-a-way and we found out that my mom is an all-star frisbee champion.  We got a game of Ultimate Frisbee going one night at the park- Killpies vs. Knudsies- and it was SO fun!  Corny SHINES at sports.  Imagine me being death tired and him always trying to get me to go play with him. Sigh. I never regret it when I do! 

On our last day there Cory was minding his beeswax in the bathroom and a snake slithered out of the wall!  He hurry and finished and then came out and said, "Dave, can I use you for a second??" So as not to scare the rest of us. Which of course sounded just as fishy in itself!  They didn't catch it right off the bat, but my dad went back in later and it was there again and he killed it.  That was the last straw though.  Good thing we left a couple hours later.  

We were all dying though because our sister-in-law, Tory, is DEATHLY afraid of snakes and when we told her, she wouldn't come down from the stairs.  I got this on video but it won't upload.  Sad. 

This would happen to Cory, though.  I still laugh when I think about it.  Had it been me, I would not have been such a sport.  I would've screamed SO loud! 

Once we returned from our lover's tryst we had to begin our search for a place to live and WE FOUND ONE!  We love our little apartment in Draper and are finally feeling like we are getting settled.  Although, it won't last because we'll have to pick up and move again in April.  Yuck.  But we love it.  I think I've gone a little shop crazy.  It's so fun! (Slash slightly stressful.  I hate moving!)

Once we decided where to live we couldn't move in for over a week (my lucky parents!), so we spent that time furniture shopping at the D.I. and Savers.  We are wanting to start up a new business where we give old furniture a make-over and sell it.  I do have to admit that we found some of the cutest things and re-did them.  I am in love!  Has anyone ever heard of chalk paint?? It's expensive, but it is so fun!  We painted two dressers, a vanity, a massive piece of furniture that I don't know what it's called, a side table, and a coffee table.  WE HAVE BEEN SO BUSY!  

I need to go take pictures of our after products and I will blog about them later and you can all tell me what you think.  Deal?

What else have we been up to... Hmmm.  

Well, Corny sold his Mini and got a new car.  

Out with the old! 

In with the new! (And a bang!)

Man it looks good on him!  There is a story behind this car though.  Let me tell you..

Ever since we got married he has wanted to get a Jeep Grand Cherokee, as did I.  But I, being the logical person that I am (NOT) told him that I didn't think it was smart to buy a car right before we left and then have it sit in Utah all summer while we were in Columbus.  He went along with me, but wasn't that happy about it.  

As the summer started to come to an end, I began finding him looking at Jeeps online again.  For hours!  He'd say, "Oh, look at this one!" or "Look, babe, black on black!  What a steal!" or blah, blah, blah.  Finally, one time I said, "Look.  I don't think it is the best move to get an expensive car.  BUT..." and this is where I went wrong, "If you really want it and it is the ONLY thing that will make you happy, then you can get it."  I thought I would guilt him out of getting it.  

BACKFIRE!

He goes, "Awesome!  We are getting it!"

And so we got it. He won.  I lost. That's a first. :) 

He couldn't wipe the smile off his face if he tried.  His look of pure joy made it all worth the wait.  I was in THE worst mood because I'd been shopping at Costco, and Harmons, and Walmart, and Home Depot all day while he tried to find his dream car.  He kept calling as I'm trying to single-handedly push a Costco cart that was overflowing.  Finally I just said, "I'm gonna snap!  Just get the freaking car!" But seriously, he was so cute.  I could've died! 

And am I thrilled now??  Yes.  I love everything about this car.  I named him Sleek. And we dance in it. 

We are so excited to be back and to reconnect with family and friends!  Nothing can ever beat Utah and the beautiful mountains here.  This is our home, and we are so happy. It's dang good to be back. 

M