Primary Program

I don't know if any of you are involved in your ward's primary, but Matt and I teach the 11-year-olds. Well, for the past month we have been practicing for our primary program in sacrament meeting. (Which is next Sunday--thank goodness!) Let me tell you, it is so entertaining to watch 50 kids try and hold still for two straight hours of practice! There are those that crawl around on their hands and knees, trying to sneak under the chairs; several who make faces at each other while hiding behind the kids in front of them; a couple who had a contest to see who could bang their chairs the loudest when sitting down, by sitting on the top of the chair and then slamming it down to lie flat; and I had to ask one kid who was standing behind me to stop spinning in circles while we were singing. But all in all I've been pretty impressed with them. I mean, I can barely sit still for two hours myself! We are asking an awful lot of these kids! Matt and I have been super impressed with our class. We have the biggest class in the primary and they are the best behaved. We even beat out the 11 turning 12-year-olds but I guess that isn't saying much when the Sunbeams are more reverant than they are.

The theme this year is "If the Savior Stood Beside Me". I don't know how many of you have heard this new primary song, but oh man! I tear up every single time our primary kids sing it. I encourage you all to listen closely to the lyrics when its time for your primary program. I think it is one of the most beautiful primary songs ever. And when a group of children's voices start singing it....send in the waterworks! I know I'm not alone in this, my mom has said that song makes her cry too. But seriously, its a gorgeous song so check it out!

Tagged for Quirkiness

I was tagged by Bonnie to list six of my quirks, so here goes:

1. As soon as I get home or if anyone leaves my house, the door immediately has to be locked! I know I'm anal about it, but I can't even function if there is the teeniest possibility of someone walking into my house. I've even locked Matt out a couple times while he's gone to get the mail. Oops! I'm gonna have to learn to deal with my craziness someday when I've got kids traipsing in and out of the house all day.

2. I am physically incapable of sitting with both feet on the floor. I just can't do it! If I am sitting down and I have to look nice (church, work, etc.) I will cross my legs so one is hanging in the air. If I'm at a movie theater, one foot is always crossed under me or I sit cross-legged. If I'm at home, my feet are always up on things or underneath me. I really don't know why. Its just not comfortable!

3. I am very particular about the sounds of fabrics. Like when corduroy rubs against itself, or when someone rubs their hand over a velvety surface it gives me the chills. I can not STAND the sound of many fabrics being touched. Along the same lines, I am also super particular about how things feel. I will not touch certain fabrics and surfaces at all because I can't handle the way they feel.

4. I am super protective of my dogs. Maybe its because I don't have kids, I'm not sure, but if anyone offends my dogs in any way-it takes all my self-control not to lose it. People make comments all the time on how funny they look with their stubby little legs, but the one that gets me most is when people comment on Sobaka's weight. He is a Corgi. They are built like that. He is supposed to be short and stocky. I think its mostly cause Kutse is so petite and un-Corgi-like that when people see them together they assume he is just overweight. Either way, nothing boils my blood faster than hearing someone make fun of one of my babies.

5. I am very very scared of guns! When we would go to the rifle range for girl's camp, I would sit as far away from everyone else as I could get. I've been hunting with my dad probably a dozen times, but I refuse to shoot one or even hold one! Even if he asks me to hold it for a second while he ties his shoe or something - nothin doin. Not too long ago we were at a friend's house who had another friend over who happened to have a handgun permit. This guy left his gun sitting on the couch. Just sitting there! When I noticed it next to me, I almost passed out. Toy guns don't bother me at all but I've never touched a real gun in my life and I never will.

6. I have OCD when it comes to expiration dates. If something has expired, even just the day before, it goes straight in the trash. I have a weird sense for expired foods. Something can taste or look completely normal to everyone else, or to Matt, but I can just tell if it has expired. I'll look at the lid or check the bottom and if I'm right, it goes in the trash. I also clean out my fridge about weekly to check for expired yogurt containers or condiments or anything else. And if a leftover has been in there for more than a few days it is deemed "bad" and i get rid of it.

So do you still want to be my friend or have I completely weirded you out? I want to hear about your quirks too so I am tagging Aubrey, Kim, and Kristine.

Sick Sucks

Since I know many of you are dying to know, yes I ate the steak on Sunday. I had to cut it up super small, but it was wonderful!

Changing subjects. Do you remember when you were little and being sick used to be fun? Well, as fun as it could be. It was nice to have a break from school where you could watch movies all day and mom would bring you sprite and soup. Well I have decided that being sick is not fun anymore! As nice as it is to have the occasional day off work, lay in your pajamas, and catch up on movies; being sick is boring! I haven't exactly been "well" since surgery because of additional illnesses...yippee. But I have spent a decent amount of time the last couple months at home in bed. Its not fun. I never thought I'd say this, but I'd rather be at work. There is nothing worse than being at home all day and not being able to do anything. If I had any energy I could at least get some laundry done; instead I just feel useless. This is a new feeling for me. I used to enjoy lazy days. Interesting.

The particular reason I am ranting is since Monday I have had a difficult time keeping things down. So of course I have no energy to battle it. Resulting in my doctor telling me if I can't stop throwing up, they will have to give me an IV. The one thing in the world I hate more than ironing. I can't help but think of my poor nephew Joshua when he had to go to Primary Childrens for the same thing. I am doing better today and don't think it will actually come to that, but I've decided I'm going back to work tomorrow. Being sick is just too boring.

My Cute Kids

I see such cute pictures of people's kids and new babies on their blogs lately and decided I need to post some pictures. Until Matt and I create one of our own, these are some cute pictures we've taken lately of our babies.
P.S. For those of you new to my blog, when the writing is in pink its me talking, when it is blue you are hearing from Matt.

Sobaka the explorer

Helping Grandma with the gardening

Kutse doing what she does best...running!

Look mom--I killed it! Aren't you proud?

Finally!

I have been such a terrible blogger lately! I read my sister's, my aunt's, and a couple friends' blogs all the time and I think "I need to get better at that". So here is my new goal: I will write in my blog at least once a week no matter how short it may be. I've also decided to veer slightly away from our original intentions with this blog. I still love sharing our experiences as we learn and grow and have fun together, but sometimes I just want to write about what's going on. Especially since I don't see friends and old roommates as often as I used to.

It has now been two months since my surgery and I am feeling tons better! I can open my mouth about 35mm...as opposed to the 16mm pre-surgery. The average woman's mouth-span is 40mm so only 5 to go! Woo-hoo! I've also got to say, I love physical therapy!!! Every time I go I leave feeling so great! My physical therapist specializes with jaw recovery and he is amazing. He does these exercises with me, massages my jaw and face and does some heat treatments that help me feel tons better. I am finally nearing the point when I can eat most foods again. My goal is steak and Sunday night we are having it for my mom's birthday...so we'll see how it goes. After steak, my next step is carrots and dip. Never knew how much I loved carrots until going on almost 6 months without them.

Matt and I are doing well, for all those who feel like we've been MIA lately. I have the best husband in the world, who has been taking care of lots of extra housework and cooking while I make this long and slow recovery. We've been dealing with tons of crap from the insurance company who has decided they want to pay none of my surgery costs. Excellent. =P Our second appeal hearing is on September 22nd, so wish us luck!

Surgery

Well, I know that it's been a while and it's totally my fault this time. What finally prompted to get an entry written was Stacy's surgery. She had her surgery yesterday and it was a complete success. For those of you that don't know, Stacy's been suffering from TMJ for several years now, but about three months her jaw locked up and it has been locked since. We went to our family doctor who sent us to our dentist who sent us to an oral surgeon. After looking at Stacy's jaw he told us that she has the most sever case of TMJ that he has ever seen in 12 years. He ordered some CAT scans and after taking a look at those he felt that surgery would be the best option. Stacy went into surgery yesterday at about noon and got out about an hour and a half later. They had to reshape the cartilage on the right side and reposition it inbetween her jaw and her skull. The left side was better news. The joint and the cartilage looked good and all there was was some inflamation. About an hour or two after surgery they let her go home. Right after I got her home and into bed she looked up at me and told me that she had changed her mind and that she didn't want to have surgery any more. Poor girl. She was feeling pretty cruddy yesterday, but today she seems to be doing better. Sadly, I couldn't stay with her because I couldn;t take the time off of work. Thankfully, our good friend Breezy said that she'd spend the day with Stacy and take care of her. Thanks again Breezy. You're the best and we love you. And so as not to leave anyone else out, there were several people who offered to look after Stacy, make food, and take care of the dogs. We want you all to know how much we love and appreciate all of the phone calls, text messeges, prayers, and concern for Stacy from both friends and family alike. We love you all so much and we don't know what we'd do without you. We also want to say thank you to Dr. Blaine Austin, the oral surgeonwho preformed the surgery.

If there's anyone else out there that's suffering from TMJ or think that you may have TMJ, below are some other sites with some pretty good information:

The TMJ Association
EMedicineHealth
Consumer Guide to Dentistry
MedicineNet.com
MayoClinic.com

Tagged

I have been tagged by both Kristine and Bonnie, so I thought it was about time I responded.

Have you ever...
Gone on a blind date? (Yes, only once)
Skipped school? (Yes and got caught)
Watched someone die? (No)
Been to Canada? (No, I had the chance and it fell through. But I was only 45 minutes away…)
Been to Mexico? (No. Why must you keep rubbing it in that I haven’t been out of the country?)
Been to Florida? (Yes! And willing to go back. Road trip anyone?)
Been on a plane? (Yes)
Been lost? (Yes, many times but they always ended in some beautiful car rides.)
Been on the opposite side of the country? (Yes)
Gone to Washington, D.C.? (Yes, one of my fav places in the world!)
Swam in the ocean? (Yes, I love it! I actually prefer the Atlantic though)
Cried yourself to sleep? (Yes)
Played cops and robbers? (Last night, how’d you know?)
Recently colored with crayons? (Yes, hurray for primary callings!)
Sang Karaoke? (Yes, fat chance ever hearing it again.)
Paid for a meal with coins only? (Yes, Breakfast at work - aka soda and candy)
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? (Probably?)
Made prank phone calls? (Yes and got caught. I wasn’t a very sneaky child.)
Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose? (No, but I’ve seen it. Gross!)
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? (Yes)
Danced in the rain? (Of course!)
Written a letter to Santa Claus? (Again, Probably?)
Been kissed under the mistletoe? (Yes)
Watched the sunrise with someone you care about? (Yes, and then we got mooned)
Blown bubbles? (Yes, both gum and soap bubbles)
Gone ice-skating? (Yes - HATE it)
Been skinny dipping outdoors? (No. Too cold)

1. Any nicknames? Stace, StacyLynn, StacyLu
2. Mother's name? Liz
3. Favorite Drink? Peanut Butter Smoo from Maggie Moo’s. Mmmmmmm!
4. Tattoo? Does Henna count?
5. Body Piercing? Pierced ears
6. How much do you love your job? I don’t think I could possibly hate it more.
7. Birthplace? TX
8. Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere with a beach and lots of sunshine.
9. Ever been to Africa? No
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? I prefer them for breakfast.
11. Ever been on TV? I was on the news once - the camera went right by me, so you saw my face for like 2 seconds. Go me!
12. Ever steal any traffic signs? No
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes, but not until this last winter. Stupid snow.
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 door
15. Favorite salad dressing? Balsamic Vinaigrette
16. Favorite pie? Any, as long as it doesn’t have a “pie” crust. I prefer a chocolate or graham cracker crust.
17. Favorite number? 5
18. Favorite movie? So many choices! While you were sleeping.
19. Favorite holiday? Halloween and Valentines (doesn’t that seem contradictory)
20. Favorite dessert? Molten chocolate cake (Chilis)
21. Favorite food? Seafood
22. Favorite day of the week? Fridays (TGIF!)
23. Favorite brand of body wash? As long as it smells nummy, I will use it
24. Favorite toothpaste? Crest
25. Favorite smell? Fresh Chocolate Chip Cookies.
26. What do you do to relax? Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, write, read.
27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? With a couple kids and a few best-selling novels =)

28. Who are you tagging? I don't know...Matt, your turn! ;)