Hallelujah

It is official. I am finished with a little class called research and evaluation otherwise known as my mortal enemy or statistics. Finally. After 10 weeks and two classes, I can breathe. I feel like these four women were pulled off of me after they had dog piled on top of me while fighting over a Little Debbie snack. It was one of the most difficult classes that I have had yet. I don't know how I did it, but I was able to score two A's in the two classes. I really don't know what my teachers were smoking, but I took those two A's and I ran. I know the prayers worked. I won't get all spiritual on anyone here, because I think I lost that chance with the picture above.

I should probably thank Ashley for putting up with my crying and complaining and helping me get through these classes. Also thank you to Amber (Ash's sis) or 'Ber as I call her, for sitting with me and trying to figure out what the heck my teachers wanted me to do.

I wanted to close my post with some smart statistical reference I picked up over the past 10 weeks, but I couldn't think of anything. You see why I ran with those A's? Rather I will close with a "did you know" question.

Did you know that the bikinis that the women are wearing are what us normal-sized people would call blankets?

Perhaps my teachers know this guy?

Grateful for the Gospel

Eric and I have not had the best of luck in the last few months with Cancer and our loved ones. In Sept. my Grandma Beckstrand lost her battle with cancer and it was really hard for me. I was lucky to get 10+ good years with her since she was first diagnosed. Just this past weekend, Eric's side of the family had a tragic passing of family member. Jeff, Emily's husband, ( Emily is Eric's oldest sister) passed away while going through his second round of treatment for the second time. He was diagnosed about 1 1/2 years ago with cancer. It happened so suddenly and it has been very hard for everyone. Jeff loved life and especially his own little family he and his high school sweetheart created together. Jeff loved Emily to the fullest. We all love Jeff and continue to pray for Emily and the kids. We are also praying for Jeff's family. Sometimes life is not fair, but we are grateful for the gospel and the comfort of knowing this life is not the end. Jeff also loved being a Dad to Carter, 5, and Kennedy, 1. He was a great man who wanted the best for his family. Times will be harder than others, but we will get through this. We will all get to see Jeff again and please for all you who read this- pray for Emily and her family. We appreciate the love and support that goes out to them. We love and miss you Jeff! See you soon.

The Baby Shower

Me and Brittany ( I love her!) both pregnant

Me opening my late Grandma Beckstrand's gift

Me and my sister-in-law, Sarah, both showing off our good side.

Now this is Becca and you can just tell why I love her


Me and my Mom opening a special gift from her and my Dad
This is my baby blessing dress that I wore and my parents had it framed for me to always remind me of how special little girls are.

I just have to say that I loved my baby shower and I know Avery will love all her gifts. Thank you to all of those who could come and show their love and support. It was so much fun and we had a great turn out. My aunts were amazing to have all the yummy food there. We had soups, breadsticks, caramel apples, sugar cookies, and veggies and lemon water. It was so good. I have to admit that my face lit up when my two best friends, Becca and Brittany showed up! I cried because I have missed them so much. Becca and I worked together at the Buckle in Provo and have been best buds since. I had not seen her for almost four years, so it was great to see her. Brittany is my Connecticut love. She is also pregnant with her fourth and she is having another girl. Her family is Eric and I's favorite family. We would not known what to do without them out in CT. They now live in Vernal which is still far but its not CT. I have posted some pictures of the shower so you can see how it went. I had two favorite gifts that have a LOT of meaning. My first one is my parents had taken my baby blessing dress that I was blessed in and had it framed so beautifully in the colors of Avery's room. It is amazing. I loved it. I am going to hang it in her room. The next is a handmade baby quilt from my grandma Beckstrand who recently passed away in Sept. She wrote a message for me and said she wanted to leave Avery something to remember her great grandma by. I bawled when I read that letter. Thank you again all of you for you gifts and time to show your love. We love you and can't wait to get Avery here!

Finally, They Are Gone!

Yesterday at my work, we had a team meeting that we as hygienists were in charge of. It went really well. After the meeting, I wanted one of the doctor's I work with to check my teeth. As sad as it is, it has been a while since I have had dental work done. I have had cleanings, but not the work. Needless to say, I have a lot to be done. Well, I told him I wanted my wisdom teeth out and he said ok lets do it now. So we took those monsters out, not even needing to be put under, and they were out in thirty min. I am doing well but have a sore mouth in the back but I will live. I am so happy they are finally out of my mouth! Eric was really shocked when I came home and my face was a little swollen and I could not talk. I was numb since 4:30 pm til 10:00 pm last night. The rest of the work will wait til the baby is born. I can't believe that I made that quick decision, but I am glad I did.

Is This What All Moms-to-be Go Through?

I finally have gotten all my deep cleaning done to get ready for Avery. I don't know why I got in the cleaning mode lately, but I know I won't be able to deep clean like that for a while. It is getting harder for me to bend over and get up and I do tire myself out here and there. My sister-in-law , Jen, said that is called "nesting" and getting ready for the baby. That is understandable. I finally got the baby's crib bedding and I finished painting her name to put on her bedroom wall. It is really getting fun to start putting all these things together. Two more weeks and I hit month number 7!! Crazy how this has flown by. I have been having the leg cramps, tiredness, and my tailbone KILLS me when I put weight on it. That is not fun, and at times it is really painful. Eric is a sweetheart and does all he can do to help me be comfortable. He is great to put up with me at times. I had Eric quickly take some pictures of me and the belly today before church because I have had many requests from friends and family to see the belly bump. So here are some belly pics and also a sample of her bedding and her name I painted. I know that the last three months coming up here will be harder and I hope I get through this. I have to be honest, I have been scared about the whole having a baby and being a parent but I know it will be fun and a new experience for Eric and I. I will keep you updated on things to come. Love ya all!

Research and Evaluation

All of these years I have heard about people complaining about their "stats" class and how annoyingly difficult they were. I never understood why until I started my class last week. A couple of weeks ago I saw that my upcoming class was "Research and Evaluation". No biggie I thought. Chalk up another A for me. The lies! Well it is research and evaluation class, but they had to sugarcoat it and not call it "stats". So while I sit and do my stats homework, Ash is in the bedroom watching a movie. Then again she is watching Becoming Jane and these "stats" aren't looking so bad. That's a lie. I'd rather be watching that than doing this homework.

Pray for me.

Labor Day in AZ

Eric and I had a five day Labor Day weekend, so we went to AZ to visit his family since we won't make it out for any of the Holidays due to the baby that will be coming. We took off Thursday night and because of the storm that hit PHX area, we had to circle the airport for 40 min. and I did not feel good by then. Flying and pregnancy don't mix well. We finally landed and made it home. The next day we just relaxed, went shopping, and hung out with family. Sat. I was told we were going to lunch, but to my surprise my mother and sister-in-laws threw me a surprise baby shower! I was shocked because I was not expecting that. It was so much fun and I got a lot of cute things for Avery. Then we went swimming and relaxed. The next few days we spent with family playing games and shopping and just being together. Thank you Craig and Cheryl for a fun weekend. Eric and I had a great time.