No Julie, You're Not Just Cold

It's been an interesting week this week. Most of it Ayla and I have spent in the hospital; no worries though, Ayla is fine it was just me. Sunday I wasn't feeling to great but I thought nothing of it, I'm a new mom and we're suppose to feel run down right? Apparently not :P All day Ayla was getting upset and not feeding properly on one side so church was a challange.

I got home, fed her, then put her down for a much needed nap (with grandpa's help of course) and I also decided to take a nap. It was wonderful and both of us felt rested after but again she wouldn't feed on the one side and after waking up I realized that something was not right. I tried to express some milk for her and barely anything was coming out. I talked to my mom and told her of my concerns. Ayla was not happy and not getting the amount of food she needed. I was extremely cold (It was 27 degrees out) but I insisted that no, I was not running a fever I was just cold. I was wrong. Things got worse and my mom took me to emergency because we thought I had a possible case of mastitis.

Turns out I was running a fever. A very high one. Normal is 37 and I was at 39 as well as my heart rate was way up so they hooked me up to antibiotics and fluid. It didn't help. So they decided to keep me over night to bring everything down. Luckily they let Ayla stay with me as long as someone helped me look after her, which my mom willingly did. Things didn't improve on Monday and by Tuesday morning I couldn't express anything. I was in so much pain that even the nurse knew that this was more then they thought. So they booked an ultrasound at the Lethbridge hospital to see exactly what was going on. I was so tired of hospitals, being hooked to an IV, and nnot being able to properly care for my child. There was nothing I could do about it but I felt helpless.

I was told that if there was puss in there all they would need to do was stick a needle in and drain it then I would come back to Raymond. Well it was more complex then that. The ultrasound revealed not just one pocket of puss but many of them, indicating that this was not an easy fix. I was told that the surgeons would be meeting with me shortly to discuss whether they felt surgery was needed. Let me repeat that, surgery. I was put in a small room in the trauma unit to wait and after meeting with them they told me that indeed, I did need surgery. Seriously? I have been through so much the past three weeks and now I was going to surgery within the next hour and a half? I could've cried.

They got me in pretty quick and after a very quick goodbye to my mom and Ayla they took me away. An hour and a half later I woke up with a huge bandage on me and different clothes (that kinda shook me up seeing as I couldn't remember a thing :P). But I was finally reunited with Ayla and the staff was nice enough to move me to a room where I could keep Ayla with me. I was no longer in pain and finally I could cuddle my baby. The few moments after surgery where I just held her were so nice. I know it was only a few hours but I missed her so much and being able to finally hold her without causing pain was wonderful.

I stayed for a couple more days and recieved so much help from friends and my parents. I'm finally home and although it's tough and I can't feed or pump on that side for a month I am so grateful that the staff at both hospitals were so quick to find out what was wrong and fix it. My parents were great too, I wouldn't have got through this without their help. Ayla was wonderful though, the whole time we were in the hospital she was an almost perfect child, only cried when she was hungry and made me laugh (mostly with her explosions) when I was feeling down.

I love Ayla so much. Who knew that motherhood would be this rewarding? :)

What Faith Can Do

Eric sent me this song...thanks little brother.

Motherhood

I'm so exausted right now. AND really should go to sleep but I just realized how much of a burden I have right now. It just hit me. Inside me is one of Heavenly Father's children intrusted to Arles and I to raise and teach...how could I ever measure up to such a huge responsibility? Motherhood is a huge deal. Many people don't get it, children come straight from heaven and as such they need to be taught the right way. Not the worldly views. I love how my parents raised me and I hope I'll come close to the parents they were. Life is so special and I'm overjoyed to be a part of this process. It's going to be hard. It's going to be frustrating. I'm going to cry, yell, break down. But that's the thing, this is only a trial run and eventually our children will come to appreciate every momment in their lives.

Excuse the spelling errors. I am pretty tired :P

PS: Read this letter to me from one of my good friends Megan. It made me cry

My New Family :)

I just got back from visiting my new family and I have to say although I was super nervous I felt right at home, my in-laws are all great and made me feel like part of the family. Arles is from the middle of no where aka Bella Coola...so it took us about ten hours on the first day and three or four on the second to get there. But it was so worth it, the mountains and surounding area is so beautiful!

Again I mention I was super nevous to meet the family, so for the first little bit I really didn't talk. But as I got more comfortable I talked more and more, so much in fact that when my father-in-law Denis asked me to say closing prayer after I said it I replied with "does this mean I don't have to give my testimony?". All I got was a laugh and "well we would love it if you still did" *smile*. So I did. It was great. Actually he gave a great lesson on adversity, I love lessons that make you think and reflect on what they are there for. Had it not been for some experiences that I had the past few months I would not have been prepared for Arles. After the most difficult trials, comes the best blessings :).

Anyways I also got to see my niece. She is so cute! I could hold her all day long. I can't wait to see her in a month and a little bit, it's like holding heaven in your arms I love it :). That little girl is going to be quite spoiled by her aunty Julie and uncle Arles (well uncle Arles will just have to dip into the emergency shoe fund to let his lovely wife spoil her :P) .

There is so much family but I'm grateful that they all have accepted me into the family. I love Arles and I love them too. I can't wait to become a Tippie and be part of all the Tippie name has to offer.

On a ligher note here are all the stupid things I said and did while on the trip. Enjoy!!

"It feels like a piano"

"I haven't seen that move
You haven't?
Oh wait...yes I have, what am I saying??"

*Going to kick Arles while holding a cupcake*
*Feet fly out from under me*
*Thump*
"Ouch"
*Arles turns around*
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah...at least I saved the cupcake"
(from the kitchen) "What did the cat just do?"
*laughter* "It wasn't the cat, Julie just tried to kick me and just fell!"
*Arles lies down next to me and we both block the hallway*

"You're having a moment of boyhood"

I love this man

The Long Awaited Story... :)

I don't even know how to start this post quite honestly. So I guess I'll just say it. I met a man. And he's amazing. I tried to be vague in previous posts but since it's on facebook...I'll just come out and say it. I am engaged. Yes. Care to read that again? :P I Julie O'Brien am getting married. Does that look strange to you? Yeah me too. But I know it's right. We both do and you know what? Yes this will come as a huge shock to almost everybody but we both feel very strong feelings that this is what we're suppose to do. If you know you know right? So I guess you'll want to hear the story...

Well back in April I saw this guy sitting in church and thought "hmm, he seems like a nice guy" so natrally I asked a friend if he was single. Turned out he was but being Julie I didn't talk to him. Then as quickly as he was there, he was gone. So I gave it up for a while, there was no chance he would ever like me in that way I thought.

Well three weeks later guess who showed up in town? Arles Tippie. Again the butterflies started and I was told to ask him out, which I never do. Ever. Now this is the past that may send some people into confussion. I started dating someone else. But then at the YSA conference I found myself liking him more then my boyfriend, which really shouldn't happen. I hung out with him all weekend thinking that nothing could ever happen between us, how could it ever? I was with someone else. But never the less we talked and laughed together.

That next night I had a dream where I was dating Arles WHILE I was in a relationship with the other person. I knew I was with the wrong person, but I didn't feel like explaining that. Turns out my ex felt the same way, he broke it off a couple days after that. I wasn't sad. My ex and I had only dated a week so I felt no obligation to him.

Now here comes the part you might be familiar with :P I went to FHE and there I got soaking wet. Arles was one of those lovely men who was dumping water on me all night. We flirted and laughed. He tells me it was then he knew I liked him and turns out he liked me too. So after that I added him on facebook, we started talking until two in the morning about random stuff. No one can make me laugh like he can. Really.

He then proceeded to ask what fun things there were to do around here. I gave him some ideas then all I get is "how about all of the above?" I was a bit confused so I asked what he meant then he says "how about we start with a walk around Henderson tomorrow?" Oh my gosh he was serious, he had just asked me out.

Well at church we talked a bit and I honestly thought he had forgotten about our walk until he asked me when would be a good time to go on it. So we went. We walked and talked. We laughed tons. Then spontaneously we start listening to a concert playing for the dragon boat races. It starts to rain so we start to dance in it. We danced in the rain :) He came back to my place and we watched a movie. He kissed me.

Monday I slipped in the back at FHE. Or so I thought :P. He was put in the hot seat and they asked the normal questions "What do you look for in a girl?" "Sweet or salty?" but then they ask "when was the last date you were on?" He says "Yesterday" Well it didn't end there Stephanie Drew decided to ask "Who??" You know how I so thoughtfully slipped in the back? He saw me. And in front of everyone said "Oh she's sitting right in the back". I pretty much died. They never ask who! Anyways it was fun never the less. He went to play rugby and I played with Jill's neice...big surprise there :P. After FHE we talked and he came over to watch a movie with Kim, Jessie, and I.

The rest of the week we went on a few dates and hung out tons. I really liked this guy. And something happened between us that is hard to explain, ket's just say after much thought and prayer we both recieved an answer as clear as day. I knew. He knew. And now we had to decide what to do with that knowlege. It hadn't been very long. At all. Funny enough when asked previous what our relationship was, Arles said "let's just take it slow" later that night he told me he was falling in love with me. So mucd for slow hey? :P

But somehow it all just felt right, so I took him to meet my parents. My dad and him hit it off right away. It was like he was already part of the family. He took my brothers swimming and helped load the dishes after dinner. My family I think was hooked at that point, my parents knew something was coming. And fast. My dad then invites him for Sunday dinner, something I never expected him to do. I thought to myself "wow, my dad really likes him!". Eveything was falling into place.

The night after I was talking to Arles about how I am scared that this will end and he'll leave me heartbroken. Remember I had fallen quite a bit for this guy. He was exactly what I always wanted in someone and not only did he care deeply for me. He showed it. Well then he told me that he had asked Kim my ring size (at this point I think I muttered a couple "oh my gosh"s I was in shock). He asked me to be sealed to him for eternity. I said yes. The whole next day at church we wanted so bad to share the news but he wanted to talk to my dad to gain his permission first.

At dinner everything went well, we talked more, he got to know my family a bit more. But I could tell we were both on edge. What if my dad said no? Of course we would respect his wishes but we both KNEW.It took Arles until 10:00 to finally spit it out. I think it was so perfect in that my dad stood up, shook his hand, and said "I would love you to marry my daughter". We were on cloud nine and finally we could make things offical. So we did. After we phoned his parents of course :P.

It hasn't been easy and people are continuously telling us what a mistake we are making. But the more I am with Arles the moreI know it will be ok. I love him so much and know that this is real. The fact we have had so many spiritual experiences tells me that this is what we are meant to do. The wedding plans are all falling into place, and we are just happy. The date has been set and whether people think we're crazy or not is irrevelant (there are quite a few people who have expressed their concerns either to our face or behind our backs). We know, and the Lord knows. That is all that matters. Plus I finally have an apointment to take out my endowments! You have no idea how excited I am :). Everything that has happened to me in the past year makes sense now and I can't wait to begin my life.

September 17th I'll marry this man here.

Anways there's the story. Sorry about the length but I love this story. And I wanted to share it with the internet world. Keep your eyes open for more plans and wedding stuff as they come up. We are so exctied to be doing this. Together. :)

Se La Ve

I, Julie O'Brien brought another person to the blogging world. It's pretty sweet :) I love blogging and I especially love gaining insight into other people's thoughts. In a way blogging is like a journal...one where the whole world can see it. I love it but sometimes I hold back just a tiny bit, just to keep the suspense :P.

With that said I would like to say how truly happy I have been this week, I can't believe how things are working out for me, quite honestly it's weird. I'm just waiting for the rug to be pulled out from beneath me like it has been all the times before. It hasn't yet. And somehow I feel like it won't be this time. Weird right? Actually no it's not that weird I'm just silly and ignore signs. I must be prepared and ready or else Heavenly Father would not have thrown new people and experiences into my life. Each has prepared and led me up to where I am currently standing. I really wasn't expecting this, not yet anyway. But like I said I have to believe I'm ready for what is to come next. You know how I said at the begining of the year that I felt like something huge was about to happen? Yeah I am still getting that vibe, however it's begining to make more sense and it's only half way through the year!

The thing is though I am not all that scared for what seems to be coming, of course I am a bit scared, that's a given with any change. But there is no such thing as coincidences and I don't believe in the fate mumbo-jumbo stuff. There is only Heavenly Father and his plan. Sure we stray off the path a few times but we can always get back on track eventually. I've had some interesting experiences this week and they have brought me closer to some of my goals. I know what I want. And although life keeps throwing me upside down and every which way, I'm keeping focused on Heavenly Father and trying to turn to him for guidance, because frankly I can't do it alone. No one can.

***

Yesterday was Canada Day :) Although this year I did not attend the parade I went home and had a good chat my mom while the boys were swimming. Our deep conversations often end in tears and yesterday was no acception. I love my mom to death and am thankful that she and I can have conversations like we do. I have great respect for my dad as well. He's always been there for me and never have I seen him raise his voice in full fledged anger. He's a hard worker and always looks out for his family. He has been there for me through everything. As I get older the relationship with my parents change, and although I know it will change even more as I get older, they will always be my parents.

Anyways after the boys got home from swimming we all ate dinner and talked for a while. It still makes me smile how much my dad talked to my special friend last night. And how much he liked talking to my family members, we were there for almost six hours! I have to say though, it was neat to see :).I can't wait for more visits like the one we had last night.

I ended my Canada Day with the fireworks at Henderson. I love this country and the freedoms I have. Life is good.

Mothers Day

My grad in 2009

I love my mom. I say this all the time but she's seriously the strongest person I know. She can balance her calling, family and work and hardly sweats the small stuff. I love her and how she's such an example to me. I'm glad that I still live close enough to be able to visit her and the family every week :) We cry together and often Sunday afternoons turn into deep conversation time :P.I can talk to her about anything and I don't feel judged.

I have learned so much from her over the years. She has made me into the person I am today and for that I am grateful. From a early age I knew that she loved the gospel and put as much effort into her callings as possible. Even now I have seen her grow so much in the past year and a half. I hope that someday I can be like her. She's the best. So this mothers day I want to tell her how much I look up to her and how much I truly love her :).

Changes

As promised here are some pictures of new things Kim and I have been working on:



Flowers we put on the table

 



Antiques Kim found

 


Some glass jars we found to put some bathroom stuff in.





Flowers in the kitchen :)

 

Our table





A new coffee table.

  So there you have it, some of our house improvements. It looks so bright in here I love it, but as always we're not quite done yet so keep your eyes open, we have a few other projects on the go :). Also a sidenote, most of these were from the dollar store and second hand places. That coffee table you see above cost us thirty...amazing hey? Anyways today I was actually productive and cleaned the whole place so when Jill moves in tomorrow she'll see that we are actually clean :P (the last time she came over we still had our matresses in the living room, dishes in the sink...anyways it wasn't pretty).

This past week I went out to lunch with my friend Megan. It was so great to see her and be able to talk to her again. We really haven't talked in almost two years :( which was why it was so much fun to talk with her and update each other on our lives. Her baby is the sweetest, and he's almost eight months! Crazy!

Oh another update is Kim colored my hair and it looks great :) then yesterday I got a hair cut as well. It looks pretty fantstic if I do say so myself. I can't believe I let Kim color my hair with a box dye...anyways it turned out so it's all good, and it was only ten dollars! I love it.

 I love change every once in a while, it seems lately though I have been changing up quite a bit. Why the sudden urge to change up my room layout, my haircut, my hair color, my blog layout, my house, my nail polish color (not that nail polish matters), my dresses, my shoes, friends? I honestly don't know, perhaps it's because it's spring??? But I just have a feeling that things are about to change even more, like there's something coming, don't get me wrong right now I welcome change...I just would like to know exactly what is coming so I can prepare for it :P But I suppose we're always being prepared, whether we know it or not.

Take my mom for instance, she didn't know that she was being prepared for her current calling but I believe that she was. My mom always jokes that maybe had she not started attending the temple as often she wouldn't have been called to Stake Relief Society President. She would have anyway, but attending the temple deffinately helped :P. It's because of my mom that I am learning that you can't be invisible forever. Unfortunately. But I'm learning to embrace it...slowly. Anyways I love my parents and how much they have taught me. They're great!

To go with the random-ness of this post here's a video that applies somewhat...

Conference and Other Random Thoughts

"I love to see the temple, I'll go inside someday."

Yesterday and today was General Conference. I loved it. Although I only saw bits and pieces of yesterday morning's session due to the internet cutting out quite a bit, I still got tons out of this weekend. It's amazing to me how the leaders of our church know exactly what needs to be said, it may be uncomfortable to talk about but you can tell they are so passionate about what they are saying. I know that what they say comes from Heavenly Father and everything they say is for my benefit.

 I cried (actually bawled is more like it) this morning durring President Monson's talk about temples, it's something I feel strongly about and something that I wish those who have the opportunity to do temple work would take advantage of. It's one of those things that is so important to me and I hate seeing people being so casual about it. If nothing else works out for me in this life I would be perfectly happy if I had that little piece of paper in my pocket. It's everything to me and I want it so bad. I just laughed at myself through the tears, here's a snippet of what just went through my head; what twenty year old wants to attend the temple this bad? Honestly Julie, pull yourself together...you're twenty!! But when I do have that piece of paper I'll appreiciate it so much more.

My mom and I had an interesting conversation this afternoon. We were talking about how angels are all around us and most times we don't even recognize it. I don't always realize it but there is a connection with one in particular that I do recognize, and she is here tons. Although I don't remember her much I know that she is here more then we realize. This angel is my Grandma Wood. There are times that I feel her very close. My mom always said that I had a special connection with her and I do believe I do, I was her drooly Julie :P. There are times (quite a few times actually) that I wish she were here and that I could talk face to face with her. Sometimes I just want a hug. I think she does give me some and lately I have afraid that I have disapointed her, but she has been close and in her way giving me a hug as if to say that no, I haven't. I don't think I could ever do anything to make her think less of me.

I think I've said this before but I have no memories of her when she was here on the earth, however, I have some blurrs of after she left. I used to talk to her before I went to bed, it's silly but I laid in bed telling her about my day. I don't know for sure but I would like to think that she listened as often as she could. It's not just me she's around though, I think that she loves her family and visits all of us as often as she can. I can't wait for the day when I can ask her :). I'm grateful for the knowlege that I will be able to see her again, I don't know where I would be without this church.

In other news my roommates and I are redecorating again :P (pictures to come later). I love my life :) Anyways I should start packing for my school trip...yay for having to be at the school at seven am!!

Stronger

Every day I become a little bit stronger. Life has still been a yo-yo lately, what else is new right? Well this week I made some hard decisions and I feel that they are for the best. I am grateful for parents who sit with me and comfort me through everything, I honestly don't know how I would last without them. Even when they know perfectly well that I am being stupid they stand by me waiting for me to come to the realization on my own. And when I do they are there with open arms. It's been hard but I just keep holding onto the hope that after the storm will come the sunshine. I know this will be true and in a little while I will be able to look back on this and realize how much stronger I have become. For now though I am going to get through the next couple of weeks and hopefully go back to work :)

Life is very interesting... in the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths.
[Drew Barrymore]

Just Relaxing :)

I am alive! After staying up until five and getting up and six forty five the morning after my last post I had no idea how I was going to function, like really who can function on just under two hours of sleep? Apparently I can, I didn't take a nap all day without the use of energy drinks or coke/pepsi. The next night I'm sad to report I went to bed late as well, but that was my own doing :P.

This week however has been filled with family, sleep, reading, texting, and overall a lazy time. I love it. But with the middle of the week coming quickly I need to get started on homework...lame. But for tonight I'm going to sit back, eat my mini wheats, and watch High School Musical :)

I also found this quote and liked it "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense"

 There isn't much I can add to it, just that each day is a new day and we should treat it as such. Dwelling on yesterday doesn't do much for today, we must always move forward and not be bothered with yesterday or you might end up with empty tomorrows.

Fears and Dreams

Yeaterday I had a chance to reflect on my biggest fear and biggest dream. At first glance it may seem simple, like a one word answer or a simple phrase. But there is so much more to it, fears have a way of either inspiring you to do better or cause you to put it in the back of your head and never think about it. Dreams can also have that effect, if you choose to ignore it thinking it won't ever happen chances are it won't. It can also drive you to do anything in your power to get it.

Well after some thought I found that my biggest fear is failure. Failure to be become who I meant to be, failure to listen to others, faliure to see what's right in front of me, failing to miss opportunities because I am going to fast, falilure to get good grades, failing to make the most of this life...Now I know that we are told to do our best and the Lord will do the rest, but what if I think I am doing my best but really I could've tried harder? This is by far my greatest fear, I want to become all that I can be and sometimes it feels as if I'll never reach my full potential. Yes I'm being overdramatic but failure is honestly the thing that scares me the most.

On the flip side my biggest dream right now? This place:

Cardston Alberta Temple

I want to go through a session for myself, then after that first time go for others on the other side. I love how the temple changes people, I can always tell after someone has gone through because there is just something different about them. It's hard to explain but I want that. So bad. Through the years I've picked up bits and pieces but I still have no comprehension of what actually occurs. I remember one time when I went to pick my parents up at the temple as I sat in the van waiting for them to come out I just stared at the temple then as I was scanning it I looked at the top room I had this overwelming feeling of peace and I started to tear up. Actually every time I think about going inside I get emotional. I just want it so bad. There is so much to learn and I can't wait for the day when I am permitted to enter.

I sometimes feel like I shouldn't be wanting it this bad at my age, I mean I'm only twenty! I've had this conversation with my mom many times and it always comes to the same conclusion; good things come to those who wait. But one good thing about wanting it so bad is that I am not willing to let anything get in my way, and believe me when I say even if I have to wait another five years I will still have the same passion and want it just as bad or even more then I do now. I don't know when my dream will come true but I know that in the end all the waiting will be worth it :)

2010 Overview

Can you believe that it's already 2011? Neither can I, it seems that years are begining to fly by. What once felt like ages now feels like a small moment. When your a child all you want to be is a grown up so that you can do things how you want and when you want. But when you do become that adult you always wanted to be you realize that things were so much simpler in the lunch box days (name that song! :P), you had food in the house without having to pay for them and somehow the laundry was always done. I'm not saying that I totally miss those days because that chapter in my life is closed and I have to continue to move forward, I have so much more to learn and yearning for the past doesn't do anything. My life is great and I love it. And alhtough I no longer live at home I still have the love and support of my family, no matter how old I am they are sill my family :)

 Ok enough ramblings about life :P Today in between my napping periods I've been thinking about all the things I acomplished in the past year:

-I bought my first car; then sold it :P then bought another car, all with my dad's help of course.
-I applied for school, with the feeling that I have finally figured out what I want to do.
-I saw my Denver (and now Portland as well) cousins.
-After realizing that I need to venture out on my own I found a place and moved out of my parents house.
-I finished one semester of college without being complete roadkill :P and I maintained a B average.
-I have made new friends and grown apart from others.
-I learned how to cook from scratch on a regular basis.
-Learned to go with the flow because things never work out the way you think they will.


But coming into the new year I have no idea what's in store, like really no idea. I know that my life this semester will be even more school centered and I know that I am guaranteed a summer job at the daycare. Other then that I have no idea, it scares me sometimes but I have learned that going with the flow is the best way to go, life is going to happen and continue to move forward no matter what, so I might as well live in the moment. So I guess we'll all have fun seeing how things play out in the next year :)

Christmas Break

No I have not fallen off the face of the earth, I've been busy working at the daycare and also relaxing at my parents. I have enjoyed doing nothing so much, I'm not sure if I want school to start again :P But just think in four months I will be done for the year!!

Before Christmas break my roomates, Lindsey, and I had a party where we ate way to much and watched movies all night. We even went for a late night slurpee run :P It was a good time. Then a week later we had our own little Christmas where we gave each other our gifts, I love my roommates and am so blessed that we love each other as much as we do :).

So here's the rundown of my Christmas break, pictures will come later :P

First on the weekend before Christmas we headed to Calgary to spend some time with my dad's side of the family. It was nice to spend quality time with my grandparents as we prepared the meal together. I also enjoyed seeing my cousins and their families, it's amazing how old we're all getting :P.

So for Christmas Eve we headed to my aunt and uncle's house for dinner and a program, it was great to be surrounded by family and remember the truemeaning of Christmas. I have to say my favorite quote of the night was from Josher, he was looking very thoughtful and then turned to my Aunt Kathy and said "Mom, do hamsters fart?" I'm pretty sure he's my favorite child ever :P Only a five year old would think of something like that.

Christmas Day was spent at my house with my parents and my brothers. I got a lot of presents and guess what? Santa brought me a blender!!! I can't wait to use it. I also got some books, some cute clothes, a rice maker, some jewlery, a few gift certificates, a CHI (can I just say, i LoVe my CHI), and a Sunday coat. I loved every one of them :). After spending the day with my family my Aunt Kathy, Uncle Jason, and the family came over for left overs. I love my family.

Then on Monday we packed up and went to Medicine Hat for a couple days. The majority of the time was spent on the waterslides :) That's one of things that hasn't changed as my brothers and I have gotten older, we still love going on the waterslides together. One evening we watched Tangled in our hotel room, that has to be one of the cutest movies, I'll deffinately be buying that when it comes out.

From Medicine Hat we went back to Calgary on Wednesday for one of my childhood friend's wedding reception. She moved away when I was 12 or 13 and then I found out in September that she was in the same program as I am in so we reconnected. It was weird seeing all these people at the reception that I have not seen in five years, I can't believe how old I am getting, I saw some children there that I knew when they were babies and now they are ten...it's a strange feeling :P

Now I am back at my parents house and loving it, I'll be going back into town this evening for New Years Eve and then back here for tomorrow. It's been busy but I've loved it :).

Happy New Year to everyone!!

Christmas Once Again :)

There is nothing like spending the day with family to lighten your mood, I feel like this week has been horrible (read previous post) but after spending all afternoon with my family I found that I have the motivation to do everything I need to this week. We decorated this tree this evening at my parents and I have to say that is one of my favourite parts of Christmas :) I love our ‘family tree’ basically it’s not the modern organized tree, all the decorations have no specific place they are all put in a different spot each year. Each of them has a memory attached to it and every year as we’re going through the decorations it takes me down memory lane. Even though my mom was sick and the fact Chris was being dumb and not taking pictures with me, it was a good night.


I also attended the First Presidency Christmas Fireside and usual it was fabulous. I love hearing the brethren talk and how every year it seems like they remind me what Christmas is about. And no Christmas is not about the presents, it’s a season of giving and being with family. If all I had was my family I think it would still be a great Christmas.

I can’t wait for the holidays to start and to finally take a break from life. *Sigh* I just have to make it through this week first :P but I can do it!

Grandma Wood :)

Lately I have been thinking about my Grandma Wood, maybe it’s because I’ve been under a lot of stress with school, or because it’s been eighteen years, but I don’t really know. All I know is that I miss her…tons. Don’t get me wrong I love my Grandma Marry; she has been a wonderful Grandma and the only one I remember, she also makes my Papa happy.

My grandma died when I was two so I have no recollection of what she was really like all I have are pictures and stories that my mom and other family members told me. Yet I still feel very close to her, at times when I was young I used to have conversations with her (whether I really did or not I’m not sure but I would like to think so).

I want to know what it would be like to have her around now, to go and visit my Papa and Grandma Wood and sit on the couch while she told me stories from her life, and laughed over things that happened. I want to tell her about my life, what I am doing right now and funny stories from school as well as the daycare I work at. I want to see if I inherited any funny little quirks from her and how much I am like her.

There are things I'll never get to experience, like having her there when I get married (well she will be there, but I just won't be able to see her), having her hold my children, talking to her on the phone about life in general and just visiting her. I'm fairly sure she's around more then we realize but I never get to chat with her.

I know it’s sad to think this but would she be proud of whom I am becoming? I know she’s watching me and cheering me on as I move though my life and I know she loves me and all her family very much . I would just like that reassurance sometimes. But I know that she would never not love me. I hope to have her put her arms around me someday and say well done Julie :)

I am so grateful for the knowledge that I will see her someday and the opportunity we have of being an eternal family. I am grateful for the church and the hope it gives me that even though life can be tough we all have the potential to live with God someday.

Life

Yes I’m still alive, I’ve just been really busy. School has been going great! There are still times when I think ‘what am I doing here?’ but then I get to practicum and realize what the point is :P. I really think that I made the right choice in staying here, this is truly what I want to do for the rest of my life….i just have to make it through the next two years.


Living on my own has gotten easier; I still go home at least once a week but I don’t miss it as often as I used to. Although it is still nice to go home and eat a nice meal and hang out with my family :)I think what makes it easier to live on my own is my roommates, we all get along really well and haven’t fought at all. It’s pretty sweet that we can hang out and talk about anything, even at two in the morning :P.

In other news I felt like yesterday was a very productive day. I got home worked on my English assignment which I am almost finished, I did my video quiz, started on my paper on developmentally appropriate practices, and went to institute. I even went to bed early! That hardly ever happens now a days. But I hope to be almost done the developmental practices paper by tomorrow so that I can watch conference this weekend :D

Ohh and I bought a new more relaible car. It seems to be working which is a good sign :P haha

Well that’s about it for now, hopefully I’ll have time in the near future to update again.

Summer

I realized that it has been one month since I last blogged...ooops :P Summer is almost over! I can't believe that school starts up soon and fall is just around the corner...but anyways I'll tell you what I've been up to lately.

So this month has just consisted of work, work and more work with a few ocasional trips to Lethbridge, don't get me wrong I love my job but sometimes it can be a little bit draining. As you can imagine children have a few minor mood swings. But anyways a week ago we picked my brother up from EFY and I have to say it was sad not being there with him, I went for five years and this year I couldn't go :( I love the experiences that happen there and the friends you make. Hopefully next year I can go as a counselor and then I can keep my lights on till ELEVEN THIRTY, I know it'll be pretty awesome.

I also bought a parking pass for school and am heading to the College this afternoon to pick up my books, which means I am a College student!! I'm pretty excited to start this new chapter and hopefully it will be a good one. I am most likely moving out in the next few weeks as well. I don't know how I can live at home and be able to get all the stuff done for school, I'm sure I could do it but spending 40 mintues in traveling time every day could add up.

Oh and guess what? My family and I are heading to Denver tomorrow!!! I'm pretty stoked to go (not for the drive because that will be long and boring) because I get to see my cousins again, that will be twice this summer :) Charlotte will be home so I get to spend some time with her before she enters married land and doesn't get to see us much, not that she saw us much before but you know :P.

That's been my summer, not really exciting but I did make money and am almost ready for school :). Wish me luck!

Recap of the Weekend

This weekend has been packed with family and fun. It started Friday night when we anxiously waited for my family from Denver to arrive at our house. Josh was the most excited to see them everytime a car passed he would get excited until he realized that it wasn't them, then he would get sad. When it finally was them we told him to get the door, he responded with "ahhh dang it!!" haha, he's a funny kid :P. We sat around and talked for a while which was great, I love seeing them and it makes me realize how much I miss them :( but at least I get to see them twice this summer!


On Saturday we prepared for my Grandpa Wood's 80th birthday party by mainly making the salads and such, Aunt Kathy did quite a bit leading up to it and on Friday night we did most of the set up so that come Saturday it would only be the last minute stuff to do. On Saturday afternoon the rest of the family arrived, except for a couple of people who couldn't make it (insert sad face here). It was a great program and and all around great evening, I'm pretty sure that despite the fuss grandpa made about this being to big of a deal he enjoyed himself AND loved his present.

On Sunday those of us that stayed the night all went to church in Cardston with grandpa, and then went to waterton after lunch. It was a beautiful day and even better we all spent it together :). I'm so glad that we have chances like this to hang out, it doesn't happen very often so when it does it's extra special.

A Great Day :)

Today is a good day, do you want to know why?? Well for starters the sun is shining and the lakes we have around town are basically gone. For the past few weeks it's been raining ALL the time, just last Thursday my boss' house got flooded and she basically has to re-build the entire basement. But we haven't got rain for the past couple days (knock on wood) so it's drying out.

Another reason why today is a great day is that Rehn is starting to be such a sweetheart towards me, not to long ago whenever I so much as looked at her she'd scream her head off....it wasn't fun :P But now she loves me and no longer screams, she actually wants me to play with her all day which makes me feel pretty spectacular. I wish I could post a picture of her just to show you what a cutie she is, but since I work in a daycare I need to get special permission first so I won't post anything yet.

I got a text message a couple hours ago saying that my cousins from the states were almost in Canada!!! This weekend is my grandpa Wood's 80th birthday so the whole family is getting together to do a special party for him. I'm so excited to see everyone together again :).

So all in all it's been a great couple of days, and hopefully I'll have more to post before the weekend is up.