We had the twenty week ultrasound today.  Our baby is healthy and growing just right.  I'm so glad, I've been really paranoid about that because of weird pains I'm having that I never had with Jamison.  But all is well!

(I compared this ultrasound with Jamison's  and although the quality isn't as good (unfortunately) I think they will definitely look like siblings!  Same nose, same darling chubby cheeks). 

Blogger and I are not getting along recently.  I have no idea why this picture is coming up sideways and I can't seem to fix it.  GRRRR!  Also I had an absolutely adorable video to use to reveal the gender.  Jamison was soooo cute.  But because Blogger is apparently of the devil....I can't show it.  I'm super bummed.  :(

The other day we asked Jamison if he was having a brother or a sister.  He told us a brother.  Since then when we asked it switched between brother and sister.  He was right the first time, though.  He's having a little brother.  :)  Whenever he talks about it, he puts his hands up below his chin in the sweetest gesture and says, "ooooh a brother!"  But of course it doesn't sound EXACTLY like brother because...well...he's 22 months old.  ;)

Oh and no, we don't have a name picked out yet.  We're working on it though!

Sorry it's been so long.  Blogging has been at the bottom of my list recently.  I was going to have Jamison help me explain why I've been such a slacker but he's not always such a good helper....

I guess I'll have to help him.

:)

Sometimes I wonder if it's annoying to people when I give lots of updates about the things happening in life, or if they prefer that to a once every two weeks summary?  I guess it's my blog so it's up to me.  And today I feel like updating anyone who's interested about what has been happening with the Dennis clan. (Interspersed with cute pictures of my son).

Jamison and I came to Utah to begin the search for an apartment.  I toured a few places, googled a bunch online, and in the end...we got offered the basement apartment of a family friend.  The top is being rented to the family's oldest son, along with his wife and baby.  At first I was hesitant about sharing a house with someone else but we have our own entrance, our own...well, everything except a laundry room.  We share that.  And for a basement apartment it has a lot of natural lighting and is very spacious.  The price is good, the family upstairs is nice and their son is only a few months younger than Jamison (play mates!!!)

We've also been working hard to make sure everything will work out with BYU-Idaho.  Tyler had to apply to graduate with his associates but before he could do that he had to get a "custom cluster" approved so that we could use the classes he's already taken towards graduating.  Then, because Tyler has such an awful internet connection, we had to see if he could withdraw from his online religion class without messing with his graduation date, our on-campus housing contract, and our student insurance.  It was a headache.  And for a while the answers were making us both VERY unhappy.  But when you are doing the right thing and finally talk to the people with authority....it all works out.  THANK GOODNESS!!!

Now that we have several things off our check list, we are set to enjoy the rest of our little mini-vacation with family.

Wow, what a week!  So Jamison is now one.  He had a fun birthday, I think.  The celebration wasn't just on his birthday though, the rest of the weekend was a continued birthday celebration.  Thursday we celebrated with his little friend, Amy, whose birthday is three days after Jamison's. 

And Friday night my parents came up to visit. 

Here's the sad part:  Jamison got a fever Thursday night and he has been miserable all weekend.  He has a runny nose and cough too.  Friday he spent the whole afternoon cuddling with me and sleeping.  And today he was only awake on and off for about 4 hours of the day.  My poor baby! 

Today I had my home teacher and the elder's quorum president come and give Jamison a blessing.  Although his fever isn't high enough that I need to take him to the hospital or anything, it does worry me that he's had it for three days.  It especially worries me to see him sleeping so much.  Though I've been told that it's a pretty good thing that he's able to get so much sleep...it will help him get better faster.  Anyway...I'm so grateful that I know I can ask for the Lord's special help in getting my son better.  I love in our church that I can call on just about any man to give a blessing when my husband isn't here to do it.

This week I also had an amazing spiritual experience.  As I've mentioned before, I've been struggling with my goal to become more Christlike.  I find there are a few people that I really struggle to maintain good feelings towards.  It seems like everything they do bugs me.  A few days ago I saw a Facebook status from one of these people that was a thinly-veiled complaint about their life.  It made me annoyed and angry.  I began thinking mean things about the person (listing reasons that other people's lives were worse than this individual's and thus they had no reason to complain...), and then I remembered my goal to be Christlike.  In that moment, the spirit revealed to me how I can get rid of these un-Christlike feelings.  I was prompted to send this person a card, letting them know that I notice them and their struggles and I hope they are able to push through them.  As soon as the thought came to me, I began feeling better.  And when I followed through, the spiritual high was amazing.  Now whenever I get frustrated with someone, I recognize that I need to change that feeling by serving them.  Immediately I feel a flood of love and peace in my heart.  It's beautiful, and an answer to prayers.  I am so grateful that I was in a position to receive that spiritual prompting.  So grateful that Heavenly Father answered my prayer.  And so grateful that I can continue towards my goal!

Oh, and one final thing!  My wonderful husband thought ahead and sent me a gift for Mother's Day.  It showed up on Friday and he encouraged me to open it.  He got me a black pearl necklace with matching earrings.  It is so gorgeous, and I feel so spoiled and loved!  Brownie points to my husband for going beyond what I expected (which was just some flowers ordered online!).

This week has been so long.  Seriously, it feels like the longest week of my life.  And since I made the goal to enjoy my life more?  God has been throwing a lot my way to challenge me.  My week:

Jamison started the week with a cold.  Actually, he got it last week.  But it got really bad over the weekend and we had to skip church.  He was mad every time I suctioned his nose but other than that he was still pretty perky.

Jamison gets a horrible diaper rash.  It's his first ever and makes me feel like the worst mom.  All I could think was...how could I have prevented this?  What did I do wrong?  Did I not change his diaper enough?  Am I not cleaning him well enough?  But every one keeps reassuring me that sometimes it just happens.

Tyler informed me that instead of coming home to visit on January 28th, he won't be coming until the 1st of February.  Kind of a bummer, but a blessing that he will have extra days of work.  We definitely need those.  And anyway, it's only like 4 extra days apart.  No biggie.

I came down with the flu.  Horrible, horrible, horrible for anyone...but especially when you have no one to take care of you or your baby.  Thursday I lay shivering in a blanket and half-heartedly pushing a ball to Jamison.  And I let him watch several episodes of Blue's Clues.  I swore I'd never let my babies watch t.v.  So much for that.  But God does show some mercy because Jamison took a three hour nap that afternoon.

Friday, while still battling the flu, I got my visit from mother nature.  I haven't had a period in 65 days, and it has to show up while I have the flu?!  We'll just leave it at that.

Oh, and because of the flu and my period, my milk supply has diminished super, super bad.  I wasn't producing enough milk to feed my baby and yesterday I had to start supplementing with formula, which I have been trying soooo hard to avoid.

Yay life, right?  Okay, so despite the crazy awful week it's been, there have been tender mercies and it's not all awful.  Like I already mentioned, Jamison took a three hour nap when I was at my worst.  He's also been pretty good about entertaining himself.  After a few weeks of refusing solids, he has started eating apple sauce again.  Even though now I have to supplement, I went almost nine months without needing to.  My doctor told me that for pumping exclusively, that's really good/rare.  My mother in law came over last night and made me dinner, did my dishes, took out my trash, played with my son, and brought us some extra strength Desitin.  Such blessings.  After she left and I saw my clean kitchen, I almost cried.  I feel so frustrated when I have a dirty kitchen.  It was nice to have it clean again.  And Jamison's diaper rash is looking so much better this morning thanks to the Desitin (no, they did not pay me to say that...it's just the truth.)  Jamison had stopped sleeping through night a few weeks ago and it had gotten really bad...he'd wake up 4 or 5 times a night and it would be really hard to get him back to sleep.  But since I've gotten sick he's only woken up once or twice and after being given a little bit of water in a bottle, he'll go back to sleep.  The little things like this make all the difference in the world.  I am so grateful not only that God shows so much love, but that I'm recognizing it.  Because I know that when I show gratitude, God will continue to bless me...and I could use all the blessings I can get!

P.S.  Isn't my baby adorable?  I love him.

This week Jamison and I are adjusting to life without Tyler.  We've had him here for about four and a half months, which has been bliss.  Poor Jamison was really clingy the first few days we got back to Rexburg.  Between being in a different place than he'd spent the past three weeks, Daddy being gone, and all his other relatives....Jamison was feeling a little lost. We've been really lucky that Tyler has had a good enough internet connection that we could Skype the other night.  Both Tyler and Jamison loved interacting...even if it was over the computer.

I'm having to do some adjusting too.  I'd gotten used to having company and help with Jamison.  Sometimes, before the day is even half over, Jamison and I are both bored and wondering how we are going to pass the time until bedtime.  I wish we could go for walks, but it's so stinking cold outside!  We made it to the mailbox and back yesterday but that was all we could handle.  Too cold.  So I am looking for creative ways to avoid getting so bored and cranky.  Suggestions?

I'll be getting a new calling this week.  I was worried about what it might be, but the bishop assured me that he took my "situation" into consideration before issuing the call.  It's going to be a good one for me, hopefully.

We are really very blessed, and I work to remind myself of that.  I have a happy, healthy baby.  I have a husband who works hard to provide for us.  We barely scraped by financially this month, but we were blessed to meet our needs.  I am grateful for my supportive family, and all they do for me and my baby and husband.  Life could maybe be better, but it could also be a whole lot worse!

Incredibly Blessed

I have been so humbled and appreciative of all the love and support we have been shown since this little man entered our lives. So many ward and family members have sent cards, brought over food, and given gifts made with love.

(Isn't he so stinkin' cute? I can't get enough of that adorable face.)

I am so grateful for these daily reminders of the love that others have for me and my family. We are truly blessed.

(A cute family, if I do say so myself)

A List of Blessings

It is so easy for me to focus in on the hard things in my life. The challenges and frustrations and stresses...we all have them.

Today I was reading a friend's blog and their positive attitude reminded me that despite the trials in my life...I have a lot of blessings. So I decided to list them.

And since it's November and seems to be the trend to list the things we are grateful for...let's count this as my thankful post. (though I may do another one later...who knows)

I am blessed...

*that Tyler has a job that meets our monetary needs.

*to have a job where it doesn't matter if I have to come in late because I woke up dizzy or sick (and where they don't mind if I need to take a nap in the middle of the day).

*with a mother-in-law who is always there for me, and who feeds and clothes me (I wouldn't have any maternity clothes yet if it wasn't for her!)

*to have a cell phone and access to computers, making it easy to keep in contact with family and friends across the country or across the world.

*that Tyler is currently living only two and a half hours away, making weekend and holiday visits possible.

*with a healthy baby who I feel squirming around all the time.

*with transporation I can rely on.

*to have my very own apartment.

*to be able to get heat in said apartment.

*with a husband who is perfect for me, and treats me with love and respect.

*to have many family members and friends who care about me and keep in contact with me.

*with physical health and strength (my wimpiness is all my own fault...I should exercise more).

*to have been given a good education and the opportunity to finish my bachelor's degree.

*with a dad who took his education seriously and can answer almost all of my medical questions (and thus keep me from spending unnecessary money on doctor's visits).

*with a knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and watches over me.

*to have experiences that strengthen my faith and testimony.

Of course this is such a small list of blessings...there are so many things I have been blessed with. Why is it that I forget so often?!

A Thankful Journal

I don't have any pictures. I don't even have anything super new to say. But I felt like it was time for another blog post, so here goes...

I've been trying to keep up in my journal lately. My mom started a journal for me as soon as she found out she was pregnant. She updated it until I was old enough to help. At first I just drew pictures and she wrote captions. Then I started writing a few words. Then it was up to me to do it all by myself. She always encouraged me to write in my journal and even put it on my list of things to do each day. Somehow I still got really behind, but she'd always help me catch up.

Once I moved away from home, Mom wasn't there to encourage me to write in my journal every day, or even every week. For the first three or so months of college, I didn't write a word. Which makes me really sad because so much happened that I wish I had documented. I did try to go back and fill in blanks but...it's not the same. I realized then that I had to keep it up to date, or I would forget things.

Of course, that is easier said than done. My journal tends to have about two weeks worth of every day writing, then it starts to go every week or two with just one entry...and before you know it, I haven't written for months. Does anyone else have this problem???

It really is worth it for me to write in my journal regularly. I love going back over old journal entries, remembering things I'd forgotten about, laughing over things I thought, maybe shaking my head when I get to weeks worth of entries about some silly boy...

In a sense, I think my blog was my journal for a while. But there's one thing my journal has that my blog doesn't...a thankful list.

At the end of each journal entry I write a few things that I am thankful for that day. It's a good way for me to remember all the blessings and tender mercies in my life. Some days it's hard to think of more than one or two things I'm grateful for without being repetitive (9 times out of 10 Tyler is on that list), and other days I have a dozen or so things I could list. It's a good exercise for me though. Because, honestly, even on the most frustrating, horrible, depressing, overwhelming days...God is watching out for me and sending little blessings. And I'd be very ungrateful if I didn't recognize those and show gratitude.

When It's Right...

If you're like me...sometimes you wonder:

Will this really work out?

Oh gosh, this will never happen.

My life is so hard.

(and my personal favorite...) WHY ME?!

But I am happy to announce that since we prayerfully made the decision to move to South Carolina, I was able to come to some very wonderful conclusions about those comments/questions I often ponder.

*Will this really work out? Yes. 9 times out of 10 it won't be the way you expected...but it will work out. Especially if you are doing your best to make it work.

*Oh gosh, this will never happen. Don't be so pessimistic! If it's right, it will happen. And you should know whether or not it's right before you start into it. If you're not sure? Hello! There are a million ways to figure out whether or not you are making a grand mistake or a smart choice. List pros and cons, ask advice, pray!

*My life is so hard. Yeah, maybe so. But it could be so much worse. It helps to play the game I taught one of my clients. When you are stuck in a situation you don't like, or have to do something you don't enjoy/want to do, you just list all the ways (silly or not) that it could be worse. Example? I sure hate packing. But at least I'm not 6 months pregnant while I'm doing it. And at least I don't have to leave most of my stuff because it won't fit in a covered wagon.

*Why me? Well...why not? I have to keep reminding myself that God will never ever give us something we can't handle...and when we think we can't handle it? Try harder...oh, and ask for His help. :)

The past few weeks have been busy, stressful, crazy, happy, and full of miracles I never expected to experience. When it's right, it's right, and nothing can stop it from happening when you are doing your very best!

Counting My Never-Ending Blessings

This weekend was...I don't really know how to describe it. But it gave me an opportunity to recognize the blessings in my life, and to be grateful for what I have. Ready?

1-A knowledge that this life is not the end and that my family can be together forever. The older sister of one of my dear friends died Saturday morning. It was sudden and tragic and I was so sad for their family. But I was also happy to know that they have faith and know they will be reunited with her one day.


2-People who are willing to serve...and an opportunity to serve. My friend's sister was attending BYU-Idaho. She was driving down to Utah to visit her family for the weekend when her tire blew and her car rolled just outside of Pocatello. Her parents and younger brother drove up immediately and saw her before she died. They couldn't fit all her stuff in their car, so Tyler and I volunteered our truck. This resulted in a last minute trip to Utah. I had to find someone to take over the crisis line I had for work that weekend and someone to deal with all my church stuff. Everyone was very helpful. And Tyler and I were grateful that we had the opportunity to serve my friend's family. Especially because in situations like this...there is so little we can do.

3-Safety. We drove our truck to and from Utah within 36 hours. Enough said.

4-Friends. Our truck had some brake problems when we had just about reached our destination, but luckily we know a guy. :) A friend of mine who used to be in my parents ward who knows about mechanics and has his own awesome little garage behind his house. He helped us replace the brakes and some other part, and taught Tyler how to do it, and only charged us for the parts. Which...saved us a lot of money.

5-Family. My parents let us stay the night. Not that most parents wouldn't do the same. But they were loving and helpful, and Mom volunteered to help me buy a plant or some flowers for my friend's family. They fed us and watched out for us. And served us in a million little ways not just this weekend...but all the time. Family is the best. We also saw Meagan and Zach and they fed us too.

6-Technology. It never ceases to amaze me. Our phones, which allowed us to keep in contact with my family, his family, all my friends...I was able to plan the trip, keep everyone updated on our progress, and communicate with my friends about putting together a special something for my friend's family...all while traveling. Plus Tyler was able to do his homework just as easily from my parents home as from our apartment. He can even remotely access a school computer from a different state. Seriously...wow.

7-Nature. It snowed on the way down. And rained on the way back. And sometimes the sun was shining. But despite my dislike of snow in May, I appreciated how green it has made the mountains and valleys we saw along the way.


8-My little apartment. Even though going down to Utah and seeing the family is always nice. And even though we were glad to help out a friend...it's always nice to get home. I think I am done traveling for a while. Though maybe not as long as I might think...after all, this next weekend is Memorial weekend...

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

To some of the BEST mothers in the whole world.

I had a really great quote from church today that I was going to put in this post...but I can't remember it now. Which is too bad because I remember it was awesome.

It is my firm belief that no post about mothers would be complete without a list of some of the awesome things they do. So here is a list of the things I appreciate that BOTH my moms do. Cuz now that I'm married...I'm blessed with an extra mom in my life.

~They pray for me and my husband all the time.

~They call or text just to say "hi, I was thinking of you."

~They are always available when I need someone to talk to.

~They send cards and packages for holidays and other occasions.

~They are always ready when I need advice.

~They share awesome recipes.

~They are strong in the gospel and set an amazing example for me, my siblings, and everyone they come in contact with.

This list doesn't cover even an eight of the wonderful things that my moms do. They are the best.

Just a Reminder

When I look at pictures like these....



































I am reminded how lucky and loved I am.

The Blessing of Awesome Friends

I haven't blogged for a bit because our lives have been pretty boring. Tyler and I took turns being sick over the past week and a half...but we are finally both feeling well again. HURRAY!!!

We had a very awesome act of kindness while we were sick, so I thought I'd share. A dear friend of ours, who lives on the other side of the country, heard that we were sick. She called the local grocery store (who happens to deliver groceries to students without cars) and ordered us some of the necessities for a sick couple...

Also a few treats for us to enjoy once we were well again...

Believe it or not, those pictures don't even include all the things she got for us. We have been blessed with amazing friends!

I Love Family.

Confession:


Sometimes when I think of my family...

And how it has doubled in size this year...

My heart swells. I am so blessed.

Counting My Blessings...A Lesson in Gratitude

In the tumult and confusion that makes up life...I just have to stop sometimes and remind myself how blessed I am.

I have the most fantastic husband in the world. Argue it if you like, but I won't budge in my belief that my husband is the best (or maybe just the best for me...). He is willing to do anything and everything to make sure I am happy and safe. He constantly does little things to show me how much he cares, and I appreciate him more than I can properly express in words.

On top of my handsome, wonderful, supportive husband, I have also been blessed with an amazing family. And now that family has almost doubled in size with my marriage. I have been showered with love from all sides, and it has been wonderful. How could anyone ever doubt they mattered when they have a family like mine?

I've also been blessed with amazing friends. It's so nice to have people call out of the blue sometimes, just to say hi and catch up. And the wonderful thing about all the new technology in the world is that even as friends move away, we can still keep in touch. We can call and blog and facebook and email and video chat...there is no end to the communication sources we have.

Although I sometimes complain about Rexburg, it is a good little community. I feel nice and sheltered here, and sometimes that's a really good feeling. There are a lot of great people, and it's nice to live in an apartment complex full of people who are going through similar things I am going through. As soon as I get to know the people in the area better, I think I will feel far from alone.

And no list of blessings would be complete without saying how blessed I am to have faith in my life. It has been a guiding star in my life to have a belief in something and someone beyond this existence. Knowing that I can pray to a loving Father in Heaven, who wants nothing but the best for me, brings such peace when it feels like the world is falling down on my head.

I have plenty of other things to be grateful for, I just felt like tonight I needed to list a few to help me remember that I have nothing to complain about! My life isn't that bad...thank you to everyone who is a part of helping me remember that. :)