I gave it another try...

So the first time I gave blood it didn't go so well... let's just say it turned out to be an awful experience!... I had to have John come pick me up because I couldn't drive... All I remember is sitting in the chair and hearing the Phlebotomist say... hold on I have to get help, but don't worry.... OF COURSE I worried!! They told me I would get a giant bruise and it was giant; almost half of my arm bruised. But, I decided to give it another try. I can't go my whole life living off that one awful experience when I could be saving lives! So I drank tons of water... and I went in with tons of nerves, but I did it! I was so nerve wrecked I almost passed out! I felt fine... I really did,but the next second they were telling me I lost all the color in my face and I looked like I was about to pass out! So they laid me down made me do these weird feet exercises and cough... I guess that's the fastest way to get oxygen to your brain. So, finally they let me sit up and walk a little bit and then I had to sit down in a chair. Well, when I sat down in the chair I started feeling notious so I had to lay back down and do the exercises again and drink juice and eat pretzels. Let's just say I definitely psyched myself out! I was just so worried it would go horribly wrong again. However, the phlebotomist this time was wonderful she made me feel comfortable and made it an overall wonderful experience! She kept checking  kept checking on me, got a second opinion before she began, just because she knew how nervous I was and she made sure I felt better before I left! At the end, even though I got sick,  I was very proud of myself for concurring my fear and  I will definitely give blood again! I'm so happy I got to make a difference... American Red Cross!

The day before the DAY of LOVE

February 13, 2013 is a day I will never forget! We decided not to do anything big for Valentines this year since we are going to Disneyland next week and John has to work late :(  So what is all this stuff? Right?? That's what I was thinking when John walked in with flowers and chocolate covered strawberries! How ROMANTIC and as if that wasn't enough he went back to the car and brought in this beautiful Recipe for Love home decor for my kitchen! John sure did spoil me! He never ceases to amaze me! I love him so so so so so so so so much! I didn't think it was possible, but I love him even more today then the day we got married! and luckily while he was at school that morning I actually got Cute! Mostly because I had to go to the office for appointments later that day and wanted to look more professional! 

The chocolate covered strawberries were heavenly! I savored each bite! oh, and I took this super cute picture of Izzy! She was sleeping like this on the bed while I was doing my hair! We keep telling her we like her shirt every time we see her because we want her to keep it on! and she looks SUPER CUTE in it! I love my little baby so much!

Lunch Date With Mamma

I met my mom and Alex for lunch after my eye exam today! I had originally called to see if my dad was going to be in town at work because the eye doctor is right by his office, but he said he was working from home. I was a little disappointed  but then he said my mom would be in town. So we made plans to meet up for lunch! We went to firehouse subs! Delicious as ALWAYS... my mom had never been there before. It was fun to catch up and I ALWAYS love seeing my little brother! I can't help but be happy when I'm around him! I also convinced my mom to take a picture with me! What can I say?? pictures are worth a thousand words and I will cherish it the rest of my life!

Izzy's Owie

I felt like such an awful mommy!! I saw Izzy was licking the sides of her tummy after surgery, but I didn't think much of it because I was so worried about her licking the actual incision. Then we are laying in bed one night and John goes oh my gosh! I looked at it and it had gone from being red to her licking it raw and it going flaky from bleeding and scabbing over... So I took her into the vet the next morning and they said not to worry. What happened was they shaved the sides of her under tummy to make sure none of her hair would get in the way and I guess it irritated her. They cleaned it up and applied ointment plus gave me ointment to put on at home 3 times a day! Plus, the girls at the front desk said to go buy a big shirt for her at the store so she wouldn't be able to lick it! I thought what a great idea!....

 So I took Izzy shopping and had her try on like three different shirts and then I found this one! It was perfect! She was so good at the store and such a good sport about keeping the shirt on that I took her to the park to run around and play! She had a great time!!

I took this picture the next morning! She just looks so stinking cute!! She was sitting on the edge of the bath tub! John and I keep telling her we like her shirt every time we see her because we want her to keep it on! So far so good!

It Gr8 to be 8!

What a special day today! I woke up this morning and rolled out of bed in such a cheery mood! I was so anxious for what was going to happen today! I turned on the shower and turned on my music. I heard John grumble.... really music? (it was 9:00 I might add) I simply replied yep, MUSIC! He had told me he needed to get up anyways... he is just slower at getting out of bed hahahaha! I got ready with the intention of being ready in time to go to the visiting teaching brunch, but I didn't get ready fast enough. I had to pack for us to go to St. George tonight! We are going for Bruce's birthday! Anyways, I wasn't ready in time for the brunch so I got Izzy's stuff ready to go, she is having a sleep over at Joni's house, and we said bye to daddy and we hit the road. I love Izzy she is such a snuggle muffin, especially in the car!! She loves her spot right on my shoulder snuggled up nice and warm! She loves her mommy! I know, I know, I shouldn't have had my phone out while I was driving, but I couldn't help, but take Izzy's pictures!

So everyone is getting ready for the baptism. I did JoJo's hair it was super pretty half up with a braid and curled, but I didn't take a picture... I'm so bummed and my dad hollers, does anybody want the last piece of Austin's birthday cake?? Ashy repsonds I do she starts eating it... in her white dress and my mom says, really,? you are in a white dress. Ashley turns around pulls one of Nathan's old bibs out of the drawer and puts it on! I said, ash I have to instagram this moment! So I took her picture, 12 years old and wearing a polka dot/starred bib! LOVE her! And I just love my little brother Alex! He is my angel! I tried to take a picture with him and he just kept pulling silly faces! he was like, don't take my picture sister! 

 I saw Austin in white at the church! He was a vision! I love him so much and I'm so proud of his decision to be baptized! It was such a neat day, Austin was all smiles! When he entered the font and looked up at my dad, as he placed his hands in the right place, the look in his eyes was priceless... he was smiling through his eyes, it was as if he knew what was about to happen would be the best thing in the entire world! It was such a joy to be a part of that moment! Before Austin was confirmed, Grandpa Carter gave the talk and I sang a song. I was very nervous because I've got a very bad stuffy nose, which makes it hard to hit the high notes... but, I practiced this morning and before I sang I said Austin I'm doing this just for you and I told myself as long as he is listening and he likes it that's all the matters. Believe it or not I know I was blessed! I had a mini miracle before standing up to sing, I could breathe through my nose for the first time in two days!!! Yay! I know the lord watches over me and I was so grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony and my talents through song!

We had a wonderful party catered by Lupita she is the bestest cook! She cooks the most amazing and authentic Mexican food! It was delicious and Austin's amazing spiderman cake was scrumptious! It was so funny because earlier that day I overheard my parents bickering about the price of the cake because my dad ordered it at lins without asking the price and my mom claims she NEVER would have done that. My dad simply replied, I know, and that's why I ordered the cake.