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Ugh...Not Feeling So Hot!

I have learned some things about myself over the years. One of those things is that I internalize stress. I can be completely relaxed, normal, and not feeling stressed at all and then suddenly it hits me. The terrible stomach ache. Everything I eat makes me sick. I can barely function, and I get very overwhelmed. Sometimes I can't even pinpoint the source of my stress.

I have been suffering a stress illness for the last couple of months off and on. I know I need to slow down and relax. How do I do that, though. I have three small children, I've been out of town 3 times in the last couple of months, I have a demanding calling, and a household to take care of. It seems no matter how hard I try to put myself first I always get pushed to the side. It's not like I can take a vacation from life or anything. So now what?

Well, here's what I'm going to do. First I'm going to delegate! My family is about to get some assignments, and my assistant in my calling is going to take on more responsibilities (hopefully). Then I'm going to exercise, eat right, and get ready everyday. I spend too much time in my PJ's. But most important, I am going to start taking better care of myself spiritually. I have really skimped out on my scripture study lately. I can really feel it too. It seems like I never have time to focus on my studies. Well, that was the excuse I would use. Now I know that I'm not a happy patient mommy without it, so it's making it's way back on the top of the priority list.

Hopefully, I will be feeling better soon. These stomach aches are getting old. Wish me luck!

Lindsey's Wedding

This last week we all went to Nauvoo, Illinois for my niece's wedding. I can't believe how fast time has gone by. I was 8 when she was born, so she's not much younger than me. It still feels weird that I am old enough to have a niece that is married. The wedding was beautiful and we a had a wonderful time. I'm so happy for them and hope that they have a very happy eternity together.

Here's Lydia with her cousin. Lindsey is the oldest and Lydia is currently the youngest grandchild.

Walt Disney World Trip

I just thought I would share some pictures of Brad and I on our trip to Walt Disney World last month. We had a great time. It was really fun for us to go by ourselves, but we really missed the kids and can't wait to take them with us on the next trip. I'm still trying to decide whether or not to go through the trip day by day on my blog. I am a huge Disney fan. I grew up near Disneyland and I just so excited talking about it, but I know everyone else isn't like that. If I have time I might post more about the trip later, even though I am sure it will probably bore everyone. Let's just say we had a great time, and this definitely won't be the last time we go.

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

(We were supposed to be looking scared. Brad couldn't do it.)

They have photographers around the parks that will take professional pictures of you. This one gave me wings. I thought it was really cute.

Lydia's Dr. Appointment

I took Lydia to her 1 yr appointment this morning. We have been going to the same pediatrician for 5 years and absolutely love the nurse that works with the kids' doctor. Well, today she wasn't there for some reason. Lydia is a really easy going baby and has had little trouble at any of her other Dr. appointments. No big deal right? Actually it was horrible. They had a girl filling in for her that I have never seen there before. She was nice and all, but she was so clueless. She took Lydia from me and put her on the scale and proceeded to remove her clothes and diaper. By the time she was ready to weigh her Lydia was frantic and wouldn't sit still. I ended up having to hold her on the adult scale to get her weight (not fun for me). It took me 10 minutes to calm Lydia down.

Later when the doctor came in she was happy, but started to panic again when the doctor approached her. The poor thing was traumatized. Then the same nurse had to come back in and give her shots. She was so unorganized it took her forever, and I had to hold Lydia down on the table the whole time while she fumbled with the needles. It's a good thing I'm a veteran mom. If Lydia was my first I probably would have been livid. Poor Lydia had such a hard morning.

The good news is that she is healthy and doing really well. She's 21 lb. and 29" long. I love my little girl, and hopefully the other nurse will be back the next time we go to the doctor.

Birthday Cake...YUM!

Here's some pictures of Lydia enjoying her first birthday cake. She seems to like it.

My Baby Then and Now

Taken the day she came home from the hospital.

Here she is at 1 year old. It's amazing how fast the time goes by. She has changed so much over the last year. I think she just keeps getting cuter!