Vacation Recommendations??

Okay people...I need to know where your favorite vacation was. Not where you would like to go, but where you recommend, based on your own good experience, we (including the kids) should go.

Thanks!

Inadequate Mothers

This post came about because of a friend's post. She was having a down day where she thought that nothing she did was good enough.

I say, some days I feel like I'm a pretty good wife, but the mom thing...that's another story! I guess it's better that we feel like we should do more than feeling like we do enough. Why would we want to do better if we thought we were already the best we could be, you know? But, then there is a point where we need to realize that even though we could do better, if we do the best we can, that's good enough!

Welcome Home!

Devin got home tonight from being gone for a few days for a wedding in Utah. As he was unpacking he was telling me about the trip. I'm listening, standing in my pj shorts and t-shirt and he said to me, "All the ladies wanted me at the thing."

"The reception?" I asked.

"Yeah. They all thought I was single, but I was like, 'Ladies, [he put his hand up here as if to stop someone] I know you're good looking and you do modeling, but my wife is hotter.'"

I sure do love my man!

A Year Ago Today...

Henry was born! Wow, I can't believe he is one! He is starting to really show his fun personality. He is such a happy boy and SO cute! It's funny because when Jaxon was born I remember thinking, "If I have another kid how could they ever be as cute?" But, I think he is! We love him so much and are so thankful he came to our family!

When he is tired, hungry, or needs something, he walks around saying, "mama mama mama." I don't know if he's calling me, or just saying it. When I ask him where mommy is, he points to me though.

Backwards from now to his birth...

Almost here!

Here's his birth story. I feel like I have only accomplished a few big things in my life. Having a child without medication was something I thought I could never do, so to have actually accomplished that goal is huge for me. Not only did I accomplish a goal, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. Knowing that I was able to give birth all on my own, without medication, gave me a feeling that I wish all mothers could experience. I have never felt more accomplished and empowered. I believe every woman can do it (without health risks), though I don't recommend doing it if you don't want to and aren't prepared.

I posted this when he was born, but because of the magnitude of the experience, I want to share the story again in case you haven't heard...

Henry’s Birth Story

I woke up a few times Tuesday (August 26) night to contractions and thought they felt a little stronger than the ones I had previously, but just went back to sleep each time. Wednesday (August 27) morning I woke up at 7:00 and I told Devin to go to work and I'd let him know if they continued. Well, at about 10:00 I was still having them and they had been consistently 5 minutes apart. (That's 3 hours of consistent contractions and my doc said if I had 6 in an hour to head to the hospital, but I wasn't ready to go. I didn't want to labor at the hospital and I thought I'd have many more hours to go, so I did some ironing, cleaning, put clothes away, you know, the usual Wednesday morning stuff...) The contractions seemed to be getting a little stronger, but not by much. I texted Devin the times of my contractions and thought he'd call if he thought it was serious, but I didn't hear from him, so I figured I was probably just excited for no reason and it wasn't really a big deal. When he called on his lunchtime, he said he didn't get the texts because his phone was on silent. He really did think it was serious and we decided I would go to my parents' house because it was only 20 minutes from the hospital instead of 40 from our house. He said he'd tell his teacher and come meet me.

So, at about noon, I got our hospital bags, filled the car up with gas, and drove to my parents'. I was afraid my contractions would slow down if I sat in the car and they did. They went to 15 minutes apart. I was a little discouraged after thinking this was it and now they were slowing down! I was tired, but I knew I couldn't rest if I wanted them to keep coming. When Devin got to my parents' we went for a walk. They moved to about 2 minutes apart and were strong enough that I had to stop walking during them.

After the walk, I decided I wanted to get in a cool bath because the walk had made me pretty warm. It was a really humid day. When I got out of the tub it was about 2:00 and the contractions felt pretty serious. I really had to focus on relaxing during them so they could do their job. Because of th increasing intensity, I decided it was now time to go to the hospital. I never associated the sensations I was feeling with pain. Knowing how the two primary uterine muscles work helped me recognize this as a stage of the birthing process rather than a stage of pain.

My mood was changing and I was getting grouchy...Devin needed some socks to wear and I asked my dad if he could borrow some from him. He was watching Planet Earth with Jaxon and responded with, "Yeah, go check in my drawer." I just gave him a look and said, "Are you serious?" In my mind I was thinking, "Do you see what's going on right now? I'm gonna have a baby soon and you want me to go digging through your drawer to find some socks so you don't have to get up from your oh-so-interesting nature show? How about you get up and go find them!?" He got the message and went to get the socks.

We walked out to the car, but went back in so my dad and Devin could give me a blessing. I was glad my mom suggested it because I had wanted one, but forgot about it as my mood got more serious. The blessing was a sweet moment that brought me peace, but I did tell them to hurry because I knew we needed to get to the hospital asap!

We left at 2:30. Devin and I drove in our car and my mom followed in her's. In the car, the contractions got quite serious. I know the stages of labor and one of the very end stages is wanting to give up and give in. When I had reached this point with Jaxon, I asked for an epidural for pain relief. This time, getting an epidural wasn't even on my mind. I did want to give up, but in a different way. My focus wasn't about "the pain." I didn't see it as pain. My focus was about just wanting to see my new baby. I remember saying, "I just want it to be over. I want to see Henry." I didn't even consider drugs for relief this time. The only thing I could think of for relief was to get that baby outta there! My mind really had dedicated my body to do it on my own, just like I wanted! (I definitely underestimated myself because I didn't think my mind was that strong, but it IS!) Devin told me that we would see Henry soon and encouraged me to keep relaxing.

Subconsciously I recognized the signs of this birthing stage. However, my conscious mind was battling what my subconscious knew to be true. I had learned that this is how a natural birth would feel, but I still didn’t believe it was happening exactly the way I had been taught it would. Even though my mind had doubts that Henry would be arriving soon, my body really did know it. Jaxon’s labor was so long I thought there was no way I was really at this point already. I kept telling Devin to go faster because from the passenger seat it looked like he was going under the speed limit! Definitely a way to anger a woman in labor: make her think you are going under the speed limit while on your way to the hospital!

We got there at 2:50. Devin asked if I wanted him to drop me off while he parked the car and I got mad and told him he couldn't leave me. Then I thought, "Wait, I can't walk from the car!" so I told him to park and go get a wheel chair. He ran and got one. (I knew he ran because I noticed he was out of breath when he got back and I was thankful he hurried.) Devin grabbed the bags and my mom wheeled me up to the 2nd floor. They took us right to Room 7 and this big guy- nurse got out a pee cup for me to pee in—like that was happening! I was moaning and saying things like, "I need to push!" and "He's coming! Now!" There was no time to pee!

So, I climbed up on the bed—no time for an IV, hospital gown change, paperwork, or anything—just like I wanted. I was on all fours, which was a birthing position I saw in a book and was totally turned off to at the time, but in the moment of giving birth, it was the exact position my body was comfortable with. This was where I wanted to be. While I was in this position, my mom helped me remember to breathe deeply: a long slow breath in and a long slow breath out. This style of breathing was paramount to helping me stay calm and making sure I was relaxed. It also helps bring maximum amounts of oxygen to the baby to allow minimal stress for him.

There were two nurses who said they needed to check me to see if I was really ready to push. I told them I was and they didn't need to check me. They insisted. I resisted. I was comfortable and I knew he was coming if they checked me or not. After several minutes, I switched to lay on my back and let them check me. It took one of them about .0001 seconds to "check" and see that I definitely was ready to push. She responded with, "Yeah, she's complete and plus 3" meaning I was fully dilated (at a 10) and the baby's head was 3 inches through my pelvis area—well on his way out! They told me not to push and I had to wait because the doctor wasn't there. Yeah right! I wasn't waiting for anyone! In reality, I didn't really need to be pushing at this point. The contractions were doing the work—no pushing needed from me! I did my best to kind of hide the fact that I was “going with” the contractions rather than fighting them like they demanded.

One nurse, Shari, told me to look at her and I told her I didn't want to. I wanted her to leave me alone. I was doing what my body wanted to do. It was amazing. I wasn't scared or thinking about pain or anyone around me. I was determined and I knew I was going to have this baby right now! It was the most natural feeling (kinda gross to compare, but like a bowel movement, just relax and trust your body and it will do its thing, no help needed).

The nurses finally realized that we weren't going to be able to wait for the doctor, so they prepared to "catch." With one contraction they said they could see that the bag of waters was still intact with the baby's head under it. With the next contraction I pushed out the head and the water broke. I felt this big pop and was a little worried it was me that had popped! But, it wasn't me; it was the bag of water! I did not tear nor “need” and episiotomy.

Now the nurses could see that the cord was around Henry's neck. Shari told me I needed to stop pushing so they could fix it. Immediately upon hearing that, I was able to come out of this "zone" of letting my body do what it wanted to and refocus the control my body. The thought of possibly harming my baby was powerful enough to bring me back to directing the pushing. That was a pretty cool moment.

They fixed the cord and with the next contraction, at 3:19 pm, the rest of his body came out (Devin said "he just shot out") and it was amazing! I didn't feel any pain. I was overwhelmed with happiness, surprise, relief, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment.

The placenta came with the next contraction and it was named "healthy" by the nurses. The doc showed up after that (I was a little bummed my doctor wasn't on call. He's great, but this doc was good too). She saw the baby was out and she wasn't really needed. I was crying and she asked if I was sad. I told her, "Nope, I just can't believe I did that!" And said it like 10 more times..."I can't believe I did that! I can't believe I did that!"

We tried nursing and he latched on at about 4:00 and ate until 4:30. Pretty good first meal! The nurses said he has a really strong suck. I agreed!

Henry’s birth was the most awesome experience. Devin was in tears too. He said I was “amazing” and he was so proud of me:) That's just the word I would use to describe it, "amazing." It really was. Natural birthing is nothing to be afraid of, but something that I wish every woman could experience. And I wish more women had the desire to experience and would try. It was such a wonderful moment to be able to feel the experience of bringing our baby into the world rather than not being able to feel anything like when I was medicated by the epidural last time. Plus, the recovery has been so much better! This time, my face looked much better because I didn’t break blood vessels in my face from unnecessary pushing. I felt great right after he was born and the vaginal swelling was SO much less! I definitely believe any woman can do it—if she WANTS to and she prepares and educates herself for it (and there are no medical complications). The mind is strong and plays a big role in allowing the body to accomplish the task. Labor is that—labor, but definitely do-able.

Henry was a little blue in the face when he was born because his oxygen supply was prematurely cutoff because the nurses had to cut the cord when they did, rather then waiting until it stopped pulsating. He also broke 2 blood vessels in his right eye and had some facial bruises caused by me “holding him in” as directed by the nurses, rather then letting the contractions push him further down the birth path. Those cleared up within a few days.

I love my little baby Henry and I couldn't be happier with how everything went. His birth was an incredible experience I'll always remember. It's so fun to be a parent and have sweet little children in our home. We are so blessed!

This is the book that taught me what I needed to know to succeed in having a natural childbirth.  It's called Hypnobirthing:  The Mongan Method.  

Music

I need recommendations for running music. Right now my favorite to listen to while I run is David Cook, but I need some new stuff. Any ideas?

Sward Fish

So on Sunday after church Jaxon was singing, "Jesus wants me for a sward fish" instead of "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam." Where he got that? I don't know. He said that's what they sang in nursery. I just think it's too cute!

Sometimes I Wonder...

Why am I so bad at washing my face?

I get soap in my eyes like every single night. It burns and I hate it, but for some reason, it always happens!

Why did the fanny pack go out of style?

The other night I was cleaning out my closet to see what I could give to DI and I came across 2 fanny packs I used when I was a kid. I put them on and didn't even have to adjust the strap. Had no hips back then and still have no hips. It's a pretty functional bag. Maybe they'll be "in" again someday...

Why can't there be more yield signs in the world?

In Kanab there were lots of yield signs. It was fabulous. I understand we need stop signs in high traffic areas, but I live in a subdivision and there are stop signs galore! It drives me crazy! We need more yield signs!

Why do so many people complain about our country?

I'm not very involved in politics, so maybe I don't know what's really going on, but as an average citizen of the United States, I pretty much do what ever the heck I want. As long as I pay my bills, taxes, and follow the laws, what's to complain about? Life is good. No government is perfect. Of all the countries in the world, I think the USA is a pretty good one to live in.

Why do "they" recommend we water down our juice?

Supposedly, when serving juice to kids it's best to mix 1 part water to 1 part juice. I recently heard that's what adults are supposed to do too. Why don't they just add more water so we can drink the juice straight? And...what does this mean for the frozen juice concentrate? So is that supposed to be watered down twice what it says on the package to meet "their" standards? It's so complicated. Oh, what if I make my own juice...do I need to add water? Maybe we'll just stop drinking juice...maybe I should just say, who cares? and just drink the dang juice.

Can DVD's get worn out?

I mean, I know they can get scratched and skip and not work, but can they be viewed so many times they no longer play the movie? If so, thanks to Jaxon, I think this is going to happen to a few Disney/Pixar movies in our home.

Hahaha, wow, sorry for wasting your time!

That's about all for now.

I think I need to get out more.

High School Looks & Husband Brag

The other day I was telling Devin that I think he looks better now than he did in high school. I told him he looks more mature and I think he's very handsome. He laughed in disbelief and responded with, "I don't look as good as I used to. I was really good looking in high school."

I just had to laugh. I'm glad he thought he was so good looking back then, but I still tell him that he's a hottie now! I know he's worried about his hair loss, but I don't mind. Plus, I really like his Abe beard. It defines his strong jaw and I like that. We've been married for almost 5 years, and he still has a 6 pack. I don't think that's very common!

Learn to do Something New!

Most of you know I decided to do a marathon. It's not until January and the formal training doesn't start until the end of September, so I've got some time until then. In that time I decided to train for a triathlon. It's a sprint triathlon so the distances aren't as long as a full one. Our course is:

swimming 400 meters (.25 mile)

biking 16 kilometers (9.9 miles)

running 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)

I didn't really want to do it at first because I'm not a "swimmer." But, then I figured, I'm a "runner" and in pretty good shape, so WHY NOT?

Let me tell you, I am so excited about it! My friend Kiera (also running the marathon) was a "swimmer" in high school so she is showed me the basics. Swimming is challenging! There is so much to it. Sure, if you get from one end of the pool without drowning you could say you swam, but really there are so many little things about it that if you do it all right, it's much easier.

So, I got me some fabulous goggles and now I have to practice. And that's the part I'm really excited about (the practice, not the goggles though those are great too). It's so fun to learn to do something new. As a child, pretty much everything is new. But as an adult, what do I learn new now? Not much. It's refreshing to have a challenge and something I have to work at to improve. It's like my brain has to work in a different way to learn this because it's a physical activity, not like school stuff, like math or history.

I don't know if that even makes sense, but I explained it the best I could. I guess what I'm mostly trying to say is, learn to do something new! And, don't be afraid to do something you've never done before! You might like it!

Homeschooling

I know this can be a sensitive subject, and I'm not super opinionated about it. I think everyone needs to do what is best for their family and if you think homeschooling is the way, that's fine. I have friends who were homeschooled and have friends who currently homeschool their kids. But, I saw this online today. I thought, "Wow, that's harsh."

Props for the creative analogy, but it's harsh. Hahahaha, then I actually had to laugh because directly above this picture, was the title "Myth's of Homeschooling" and I did get my education from a public school, but I'm pretty sure that is supposed to by "Myths of Homeschooling." Yes, actually I'm positive and if I'm wrong, then I'll homeschool my kids.

I think plenty of successful people receive their education from a public school. Also, plenty of successful people are homeschooled.

I loved my public school experiences. I had teachers who cared about me and really made a difference in my life. I know it's not a perfect system, but it's not a bad one either.

Especially being the wife of a teacher, I know Devin really cares if his students succeed. In fact, last Friday, we had to cancel dinner plans because he was at the school until 7:30 working. May I also add that he did/does NOT get paid extra for those hours. Oh, and it's not like his regular salary is anything to brag about either. But he chose to do it because he loves to teach and see children grow, learn, and understand. I know all teachers don't care that much, but it's not fair to say that none of them do.

I don't believe it's a accurate claim to say that a child's only chance at survival in the real world is if they receive their education from home. Like I said, for some people, homeschooling works really well and their kids are smart and grow up to do fabulous things. I just think that pic is a little radical. What do you think?

Does this sound like your husband?

First off, I definitely am so thankful for my hubby. He is the sweetest, most sensitive, considerate, loving husband there could be. He is absolutely perfect for me and I love him to pieces.

So, with that said...I talked to my sister in law about this and she agrees with me on the matter...let me know what you think...

Our husbands will ask us where something is located (ie: their shoes, keys) BEFORE actually looking for it themselves. It drives us crazy!

Devin knows this drives me nuts, but this conversation we had the other night. Check out what he admitted to:

Devin, "Sweets, do you know where my Hawaiian shoes are?"

Ruthann, "Did you look for them?"

At this point, Devin started cracking up like he had just heard the funniest joke ever.

Ruthann, "Why are you laughing?"

Devin, "This was my actual thought process, 'I can't find my shoes. I could look for them. Nah, I'll just ask Ruthann where they are.'"

Then I started laughing because that is the exact thing we're (Elisha & I) are talking about! He knew HE could look for them, but BEFORE even TRYING, he asked me. It's one thing if they've looked and can't find them and then ask for our help. That's reasonable. But, after I've been dealing with little kids' problems all day, I think it's reasonable to expect my adult husband to be able to figure it out for himself! Plus, it's not like they ask every once in a while. This happens at least once a day.

It probably sounds like I'm over reacting, but if you are a wife of a husband who does this, I'm sure you can give me an "Amen."

Dearest Husbands,

Quit being lazy and just look for your own dang shoes!

Love,

Your Sweet Wives

If anyone ever tells you lunges won't make your butt sore...

They're lying.

Thankful

My birthday is only half over and it has already been so great! I woke up to a yummy breakfast made by my wonderful husband--crepes with pudding--everything homemade of course. Then after working out at the Y, my phone had 6 messages from friends who remembered me on my special day (plus all the e-mails)! After getting ready I went to lunch and was a little scared that no one would come, but lots of girls did! I was so happy and thankful that I've got so many friends who helped make me feel special on my day.

Oh, I have to mention my awesome girlfriend Kiera got me the movie 17 Again! Hahaha! I LOVE that movie so I almost peed my pants when I opened it because I was so excited! (Not really peed, but I was super happy about it!)

Currently, both my boys are napping and I am just enjoying the quite time. After Devin gets off, my family is taking us out for dinner. Also, My parents are paying for our passports for my birthday and Devin's (his is at the end of August) because next summer we're planning on going to Canada, so that's a fabulous, needed, and exciting gift!

On Saturday I celebrated with my in-law family. They were so awesome and got me some FUDGE (YUM! It's the newly discovered love in my life) and a gift card to my favorite restaurant, Mardenely's, and an iPod for my marathon! Yea! It's pink of course! And, they had a yummy dinner and the cutest little cake with flowers and Dryer's Original Rocky Road ice cream. It's my favorite flavor!

Also, for my birthday Devin said I could buy whatever I needed for the marathon, which I was gonna do any way, but the best part is...he's not going to ask how much stuff cost! Often, when I buy something he asks what the price was and it drives me crazy. Not because he gets upset or anything like that. A lot of times I can't remember what stuff costs. But it's mostly because then I feel guilty for spending the money. So for my present, he won't ask and I won't feel guilty! And later, Devin is making homemade rocky road ice cream!

I think birthdays really are great. It's so fun to have a day to feel appreciated and loved and know that you have people who care. Thanks to everyone! :)

Just a cute sidenote...We haven't given Jaxon any peanut products yet because Devin had a severe peanut allergy when he was a child so the doctor recommended we hold off for our kids until they are 3. Jaxon will be 3 in October so we've been talking to him about when his birthday comes, we're going to Disneyland and he'll get to eat peanut butter. So, last night I was telling him that tomorrow was my birthday and I'll be 23. He was so excited when he asked me, "You are getting peanut butter because you're 23? I get peanut butter when I turn 23. Are you going to Disneyland?" It was cute he made the connection with the 3 part and peanut butter and the connection between birthdays and Disneyland. And, the sweetest part about it was that he was excited for me because he thought I was getting something special for my birthday.

Now, we just have to make sure he understands that we don't get to go to Disneyland for every birthday--I wish though!

My Birthday Lunch

Tomorrow is my birthday! I am celebrating by going to lunch at Costa Vida on Rittenhouse and Ocotillo. All girls invited! (Bring your kiddos too)

11:30

Please Read

Okay, I'm totally using my blog for my own advertising, but I think it's a good way to get the word out...

I am all certified and set up to watch kids and now I just need to find some clients!

So...if you know anyone in our area who is looking for someone to watch their kids, PLEASE give them my name and number. I would really, really appreciate it!

(I don't wanna post my number here since my blog isn't private, but if you need it, just leave a comment and I'll get back to you.)

THANKS!

I heart Zack Morris

I forgot to post this earlier, but this morning at the gym I had a little encounter with a guy coming between me and Zack. Okay, I don't really love Zack Morris, but I did LOVE watching Saved by the Bell when I was a kid. So...I was excited to see it was on one of the tv's at the Y this morning.

After I was finished with lifting, I claimed the machine smack in front of this tv. When I run, it's too much movement to read a book or magazine and I don't have an iPod (see my wish list below), so unless I have a friend on the machine next to me, running indoors can be boring. Plus, it seems like it takes forever because all I have to do is look at are the numbers in front of me tracking my workout.

Okay, back to the story...So, the captions were on so I started watching and reading so I could tell what was going on. Not like it's my favorite show now, but compared to ESPN, a Spanish channel, Good Morning America, and Good Morning Arizona, this was a great change for the Y! I was almost to 1 mile and loving watching my show when this guy came and asked me and the few people on the machines next to me, "Does anyone mind if I change Saved by the Bell?" No one else said anything, but I nicely said with a smile on my face, "Yeah, I actually like it."

Well, he didn't care. He walked right up to the tv and changed it to some dumb sports show WITHOUT captions so he couldn't even tell what was going on! Then, as he got on the elliptical machine in front of me he looked at me and said, "It was good when we were younger, but..." and he stopped.

Yeah, I was totally annoyed! First of all, I think he was like in his 30's when that show was a hit. I was like 3 so I don't know what he means "when we were younger." Was he a big fan when he was in his 30's? Really, it ran from 1989-1993. Second, it's not like he just walked up there and changed it. I wouldn't have been so annoyed because then he wouldn't have been aware to the fact that I was enjoying watching it. He politely asked and I politely told him and he rudely changed it anyway. Third, his channel did NOT even have captions, so he didn't know what they were saying anyway! (He didn't have earphones so he couldn't have been tuned in to the sound either.)

Okay, deep breath...K, so it wasn't really a big deal, but it's just that there is never anything good on in the morning and I get so tired of staring at those dumb digits on the treadmill so I was really excited to see a show that I like. Plus, I did think he was rude.

I totally made this into a huge dramatized story and I wasn't really that upset, but I just thought he was rude so I wanted to see what people thought about that. Would you have been upset? Not? Said something to him?

And for some reason, I thought of my friend Jami and wondered what she would do...haha...Jami?

Training Schedule Buildup and Wish List

I know I love running, but when I haven't done it for a while it takes a week or so of struggling through it before my body starts to get in shape and used to the workout. I started running last week with just a mile and today was the first day that I felt that feeling of loving running again. It just feels amazing. I felt like I could keep going and going! But I didn't want to push it too much to start out because I know it's important to start slow. It takes about 1 1/2 miles before I am warm, but once I get past that distance, I feel great! I'm sure I'll have second thoughts during the training, especially during the long runs! But, I really do love it!

To anyone who thinks they don't like running...try it and once you get in shape, you'll like it! Of course it's hard at first, but what new exercise isn't? It really is fun!

The marathon training schedule starts with 3 miles and today I only ran 2 so I have to build up a little bit more before the formal workouts start. Formal training starts on September 27. We will be in Disneyland then, (YEA!!!) so I'll have to make a little adjustment.

I got on the Nike website to check out some shoes and my wish list got longer and longer...I don't particularly favor Nike brand, but their website is pretty awesome with a lot of information. So...here's the list:

iPod

iPod arm band

Nike+ iPod Sport Kit

Bean Pod for Nike+ sensor to attach to my shoe

2 pairs running shoes

2 pairs running socks

GU packets

Body Glide