Life As We Know It

 Lots has happened since my last post. I haven't posted since August but an actual update on our lives here in T-town hasn't happened since last March! Wow, I should really get with it huh?

Where do I even start?

I am still working with my little dude, he's still keeping me on my toes. On top of my little dude I took a job at the high school as a special education para-educator. I absolutely love being at the high school, I just wish school started at noon instead of 7:55! Justin is still working at the Sprint Store. He enjoys it to an extent but would love to catch a big break and get out of retail.

I did my first 5k in June with Miranda and Haylie (my sisters-in-law) we did the Color Run and it was a lot of fun! As much fun as it was, I dont think I'll do that one again. The powdered color got EVERYWHERE and did not come off as easy as they said it would.

I guess here goes the REAL news :)

 If you haven't heard yet, we are expecting a baby due in May! We are super excited and scared silly as this is a whole new adventure we are on. This is not only our first child, but this will be the first grandchild for both sets of our parents. The craziness has begun already and we are quickly approaching the holidays, which I already enjoy but I am over-excited this year. As new parents-to-be we of course have nothing ready and are in the process of remodeling! Over the past month and a half we have totally changed our second bedroom. Once its finished I'll post before/after pictures! We find out whether we are having a boy or a girl on December 12! Which is about a week earlier than normal, all thanks to my cousin Anna for harassing my Doctor (Anna is a nurse so this is not completely crazy). But my family has got their wish of finding out in enough time before Christmas so they can go shopping. As of this week I am 16 weeks, which puts me in my 4th month. Our actual due date is estimated for May 5, 2013. However they have also told me the 7 & 8th of May. Honestly I would like to skip the first week of May completely as a due date but I have no control over that! As for names, we haven't a clue. We have a list we've made when we come across a name we really like but as far as any that are pulling one way or another, nothing. I figure once we know whether its a boy or girl we'll figure it out.

Im super excited about the theme in the nursery! We are going with a unique theme that nobody has even heard of which makes it better for us! We are going with Wookie the Chew by James Hance. They are more than I can even ask for. Justin and I have always joked back and forth about when we have kids and the nursery theme. I grew up on Winnie the Pooh and he on Star Wars. So his argument for a nursery theme has always been Star Wars themed, and I've always said it would be Winnie the Pooh, then my argument changed to I didn't care if Winnie the Pooh was holding a light saber but Pooh was going to be in the room. Then on Pinterest I came across this amazing art that was Star Wars characters as Winnie the Pooh characters, my first reaction....THIS WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!! But in reality it is super super cute! We ordered two of the pictures as of now and have pulled colors out of them to paint the room. The two we chose are:

I obviously chose the first picture and Justin chose the second. But there are LOTS more that I would love to add!

I've been super tired but trying to truck along. I got hit early with some migraines that would have killed for an Excedrin migraine and 2 sudaphed to take to help. After the couple rounds of migraines I got hit with a really awesome cold of some sort. It was the most awful thing to have in the first trimester because I really couldn't take anything to help. My Dr gave me a very low dose of an antibiotic but I finally kicked it after about two and a half weeks. In mid October we had a really big scare where we found out I was having a hemorrhage in my uterus and it was recommended I take it easy for a bit. I am luckily showing no signs of any further problems of the sorts and could not be more relieved. Now that Im in the second trimester the hormones have picked up and the random crying has hit, and I could not be more eager for that to go away. As of yesterday I officially cried at a commercial on TV. None other than an airline commercial for American Airlines where they have military personnel board first and as the young woman is boarding a bunch of older men stand up and salute her. Put me to tears immediately. I am ready to feel baby move, I think I've felt a thump once but that is it. The last sonogram we had baby was in there having a party. Im ready for Dec 12 for the next sonogram and find out what baby is!

Well I think thats all the news we have for now, I hope as the holidays are kicking off everyone is doing well and are preparing for a great holiday season!

The List: Describe 5 weaknesses and 5 strengths you have.

Ok so I've decided I was going to do two lists in one because lets face it who wants to only focus on their weaknesses?

So here goes my list of weaknesses...

1. Say NO!
I have a hard time saying "No" If I am asked to help by certain people or involving certain tasks. I have a heart to help everyone and try to do everything even if it is out of my control. I feel that some of the time people take advantage of this with me knowing that I will give up my own free time and needs to help them.

2. Sleep
I LOVE my sleep. I love my sleep so much that I will wake up at the minimum amount of time to get ready knowing that I will most likely be running late just to have 5 more minutes of sleep. This also affects my apprearance, no makeup, pony tail and be on my way. I also have the weakness of if I am tired enough I will fall asleep anywhere including driving

3. Holding back
I tend to hold my feelings in so I do not upset anyone else even if they upset me. There is a line in a TBS song that says "the truth is, you could slit my throat and with my one last gasping breath I'd apologize for bleeding on your shirt" and that is me to the fullest extent. To save the confrontation and the possible arguement I will avoid the topic to keep the peace. This doesn't mean that I forget about the situation but I will be guarded from that point on and continue smiling like everything is ok. Does this fix the situation? No. How is the other person supposed to know they upset me if i dont tell them? I have no idea. So to speak my feelings get swept under the rug.

4. ADD
I have diagnosed myself with Adult ADD. I find myself losing concentration to move on to another task and then will come back to the first task. I will start cleaning the kitchen and remember I need to do something in the office and then remember that I need to throw in laundry which reminds me that I need to finish the kitchen. This started some years ago and was especially difficult when working on school papers and projects. This is why I must have background noise when working on anything and will typically be doing 87 things at once.

5. Assessing myself
I am a bad judge of myself. I tend to be to harsh or not give myself enough credit. For example when I graduated from Washburn University and was lining up I had no idea I was graduating with honors until Diane gave me my chord. Looking back I should have known I was doing so considering my grades but I just was oblivious. If I fall short of a task I tend to beat myself up, and if I am outstanding at something I blow it off and shrug my shoulders.

Ok so here goes the list of strengths...(should be easier, I hope)

1. Open Minded
I am very much a person who does not judge the book by the cover. I do not judge based on a different belief system from my own. I try not to get snippy with the drive thru person because they were snippy with me, I do not know what they are going through to cause this behavior. I try to smile at everyone I pass by and say Hello when I can. I love talking with others about things I have never heard of or an opposing opinion of my own. I love learning new things and look forward to meeting new people.

2. Big Heart
I have a big heart that wants to help everyone. Where this is a weakness it is also a strength. I give some the benefit of the doubt giving them an opportunity that others may not have given them because until I am proven otherwise everyone deserves a fighting chance. I will continue to help you until I find out you have either used me or are backstabbing me and then your chance is over.

3. Hope
I have hope. Hope that one day that everyone will love one another, that one day there will be worldwide peace, that all children will get equal education, that no person has to live in fear, that nobody is left out based on race, religion, name, color, sex, nationality, age, disability, creed or veteran status. I have hope that everyone will do the right thing, treat others the way you want to be treated. I have hope that one day there will be no homelessness, no unemployment, no hungry. Hope, if there is no Hope, what is left?

4. Faithful
If you mean something to me whether you are family, friends, an aquaintenance and sometimes even a complete stranger I will stand up for you until I am blue in the face. Do not talk badly about any of the listed around me without some form of rebuttle coming from me. I get very defensive over those I love even when I want to bop them over the head for something. They may drive me nuts or make me mad but dont you dare talk badly about them. I once took on an arguement in a class between two other classmates because I could help the one girl argue her point where the other girl was being completely rude and close minded towards her for an opinion answer. I could relate to this girl, whom I had never even spoken to based on her answer and me being able to relate to that. From that point on I had that girls back no matter what, and we became friends. 

5. Generous
I would rather give than receive. I enjoy seeing the joy and excitement on others faces rather than my own. I think of all the things I'd like to buy/make/give to other people. The holdiays are always exciting to me. If I had all the money in the world I would still be broke because I would buy everyone I know presents, all the time. Everytime I go to the store I think about buying a new toy for my little baby cousin or for our friends with babies on the way. Im constantly thinking about buying things for other people, its a fault but at the same time I just think its just a nice gesture. (I think)


Ok so those were kind of painful. Its hard to pick at yourself.

The List: Describe a typical day in your current life.

I cant say this post will be terribly exciting but here goes:

1. Alarm goes off at 9:00 a.m.-hit snooze
2. Alarm goes off at 9:05 a.m.-hit snooze
3. 2nd Alarm goes off at 9:09a.m.-hit snooze
4. 1st Alarm goes off at 9:10 a.m. - hit snooze
5. Repeat above steps until alarm shuts itself off and Justin wakes me up at 10:00 a.m.
6. Eat Breakfast
7. Watch The Price Is Right (10-11)
8. Walk/Eliptical
9. Decide I'm going to get something done today but instead get stuck at the computer and watching reruns of Greys Anatomy
10. Shower
11. Eat Lunch before work
12. Leave for work at 3:15/3:20
13. Arrive at work 3:45/3:50
14. Work 4-8p.m. (table sessions, video games, jumping on the trampoline, swinging, running around to catch Little Dude, puzzles, match games, walking around the block, tickles, hide&seek, cuddles, marble table, reading, writing, and on and on)
15. Leave for home
16. Arrive home 8:30/8:45
17. Eat Dinner
18. Watch DVR'd shows
19. Watch the News (why? Im not sure)
20. While doing tasks 17-19 am on computer typically either on facebook, pinterest, or ancestry.
21. Finally call it a night anywhere from 11:30p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Im a night owl)

Repeat.

Rather sad I know.

Goals:
Get up earlier.
Go to bed earlier.
Get more done.

The List: Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

Again a list where things immediately come to mind. These are vague but here goes.

1. When the bottom of my pant legs get wet when its been raining outside. Especially when I am wearing flip flops.

2. Ignorance. I know people can't help it but the close minded ignorance peeves me beyond being able to explain it.

3.Bad Drivers. The lingering drivers in the left lane, the ones who feel the need to cut off people when there appears to be no reason, the ones who dont stop at cross walks when there is someone standing there, the people who feel the need to pass on the right side, or when there are signs that say to merge one way or another and fail to do so until there is no more room to do so.

4. Ripped Books. I cringe when I see a child rip a book or see someone rip or bend a cover. I know accidents happen but I like my books to be in the best conditions they can be. As much as I love the libraries and absolutely HATE the thought of them being extinct someday I would rather buy my own brand new copy of a book than get a used book.

5. I have to make the bed before I get into it. If it is not made a certain way I can't handle it.

6. Poor Grammar. Improper uses of your, you're, their, there, effect, affect are, our. When the weather guy on 27 news says "take your tornado shelter" when we are in a tornado warning...I mean really where am I taking it? 

7. People who post things on public sites and/or brings up certain topics and then when asked about or confronted about the situation state they do not want to talk about it.

8. People who get pets knowing they can't take care of them. Especially ones who get a pet and have to get rid of it and then get another pet because "this time its different" Pets are forever not until something else comes along. Pets get attached and removing them from familiar situations because of your own selfishness is not acceptable. If you don't believe pets get attached you are a pet peeve of mine.

9. People who know EVERYTHING and you can never have a different opinion of the topic from them.

10. When people assume and make judgements based on those assumptions.

The List: Describe your most embarrassing moment.

Well Im sure there are multiple that could be named here. But the one that first comes to mind is when I was in Junior High I was a cheerleader. During pep rally's I was in charge of the sound system for the drill team. The way the sound system worked was if you pushed the tape option twice it turned on the radio. There was no light that indicated that the button had already been pushed or not. So the pep rally was going on Mr. Brown one of our coaches had just finished his big pep talk to get the team and all the school and Im not sure who took the podium after him but as they said "Thank you Mr. Brown" I pushed the tape button on the stereo right as the song "Sheep Go to Heaven" by Cake came on right at the point where the song says "go to hell" so....she said "Thank you Mr. Brown" "go to hell" needless to say I hit the button again as fast as I could and realized the entire school was looking at me. I've provided a link to video for the song in case you've never heard it or want to reminisce.

The List: List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

Oh wow. Its funny how certain topics immediately give you answers but yet you have a hard time putting words to it. Here goes my list.

1. Mom. She's someone who has ALWAYS been there for me. She taught me from the beginning to be me, don't settle. Mom is a woman who wont back down when someone says she can't or shouldn't and passed that on to me. Mom is one of the strongest persons I have ever known. She smiles when she wants to cry, she yells when she cares, and she encourages when you need it most.

2. Justin. Is my best friend. He balances me out the way nobody else could. He has taught me to be calmer, patient, and think about the alternative options. Justin makes me laugh when I need it most, knows when I need support and encourages me to be more outgoing.

3. Nana. In the 16 years I had a pleasure of knowing her she taught me to be strong-willed, independent, and not to back down when times get tough. She was very much our matriarch of the family and showed unconditional love.

4. Diane McMillan. Diane taught me how to let things go. She is one of the most beautiful spirited persons I have the pleasure of knowing. She taught me Health Realization and how I have the power to let things bother me or let them go and realize that its not worth getting worked up over.

5. Jeremy Landis. Jer taught me how to love Jesus. He was my 3rd Youth Minister. He had a way about him that I could relate to. Jer helped me through a difficult time and was very supportive.

6.7.8.. Jayda, Micheala, Braedyn. These three have influenced me in a way that no-one else could. They push me to be a better person. I want to be someone they look up to and can talk to about anything and everything. I want them to know that I care and will support them in everything they do.

9.10.  Evan (John & Veronica) and Ty (Scott & Jessica). These two families are inspirational. Even though not the same family or even the same obstacles they will face. These two sets of parents are the strongest, most heartwarming parents. They are strong, compassionate, and wonderful.

The List: What are 5 passions you have?

Well considering I started this more than a week ago I should try to make this list happen.

I feel like I am a pretty passionate person about a lot of things but when it comes down to listing them I am drawing a blank.

1. Patriotism. I am my Great-Grandmothers, Granddaughter. If you hear the national anthem, you stop, remove your hat, place your hand on your heart and look for the flag. You don't let the flag touch the ground. You show your support to those in uniform by smiling at them. When you find out someone is a veteran you say "Thank You" I dont care if you saw war or didn't. If you served for MY freedom, I thank you.

2. Pictures. Yes photography plays a huge roll in this but I am passionate about the pictures themselves. I have a fear of losing pictures. Especially pictures I can't replace such as pictures of grandparents or yearbooks. I think pictures are some of the most prized possessions you can have. You can't ever get the same picture twice as much as you try, it just doesn't happen.

3. Family. My family means more to me now than it ever has. Things are constantly changing. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not for the better. But they are family. We may not always like each other, and may not always see eye to eye. But they are family. I am an only child, my Parents mean the world to me. All of them have molded me to who I am today.

4. Raising Awareness about things that are dear to me. Down Syndrome, Autism and Child Abuse Prevention are my top three. I have found a passion for sharing these causes with others. I have been a part of Step Up for Down Syndrome the past 2 years and looking at our 3rd year. I have big plans for this year. I have always been interested in learning about Autism and have now jumped full fledged into it by now working with my little dude. And as far as Child Abuse Prevention, I have been passionate about that cause the longest. If you want any further information please visit. Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City Autism Speaks Prevent Child Abuse America

5. History. I have always been a freak when it comes to learning about history. I love visiting historic sites, historic buildings, hearing where people came from such as Ancestry. I think its important to learn history, without history we wouldn't be here. History molds us to who we are, how our families act, where we are going to go. Its everything.

Ok, so I could have elaborated a little more about each of these but lets face it, its taken me over a week and several hours to get this far. If you want to discuss any  of these in further detail, Let me know. :)

The List: What is your dream job, and why?

I would say that I have a couple dream jobs, so to narrow it down to one would be rough. 


Dream Job # 1


Open my own Not-For-Profit Agency that specializes in Autism and Down Syndrome. There is nothing that specifically works with these diagnosis in Topeka. I would love to bring the Down Syndrome Guild to Topeka and open a branch as well as an Autism focused agency. There would be so many families that would benefit from such services. I am ONE of TWO providers in Shawnee County for in home intensive work with a child with Autism. Only approximately 45 kids 3-5 years old get services through the Autism Waiver and there are HUNDREDS on a waiting list hoping to get on the waiver before they age out at 5. This isn't fair to the families or the children who need the services.  I can go on to list facts of how many are affected by Autism and Down Syndrome but the truth is, the families that need services are lacking providers to give them the services needed.


Dream Job #2


I would love to have my own Photography Business. Yes, I am slowly getting started but I would love to do it full time. I love capturing the special moments and sharing them with others. I think my favorite things to take pictures of are children and families. To think about living in a time where pictures weren't even an option is just weird to me. I couldn't imagine not having those treasures. 


I can list a handful of other things that sound fun and I would love to do for a living but these are my main two.

The List: What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

Well there are few things that rank up there as my hardest experience. However the first thing that comes to mind is losing my Great Grandmother. She was the rock of our family. This year marks 10 years since she was here with us. Lena Florine Butterfield was one of the strongest persons I ever knew. She was not only our family's matriarch but she was involved with the community. At 84 years old she was still very much involved until that unfortunate day she had a heart attack. It was the last week of February 2002, she underwent a six bypass surgery which she never really woke up from. They had to open her back up two more times after surgery due to internal bleeding which caused further infection leaving her in a comatose state. For the next 6 weeks we would watch her body shut down and her organs fail while she laid in ICU. Because her living will papers were not complete before the heart attack, the medical staff had to keep trying everything to keep her living even though that was not her wishes. They had her on dialysis, inserted a trach tube to help her breathe, and all sorts of wires. I remember sleeping in the waiting room a couple of nights while we were all up there. She lost her battle on April 1, 2002 after being taken off all of the wires and tubes. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. To this day, I miss her. Our family sure is not the same as what it was when she was with us.

The List: What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

I can say that I am a generally happy person (or so I believe) and so however lots of things make me happy but here is a list of only 5 things.

1. My Friends and Family, they are who have made me who I am today. Good or Bad that doesn't change. Some of them have been around my whole 26 years and some only a few but no matter how long they have helped shape me and opened my eyes to things I otherwise would have overlooked. I dont feel the need to list names because I know that you know who you are.

2. Researching my family history. I am truly addicted to it. I am so facinated by all the new information I find. I had no idea what I was getting into. Before I started I did not know my Great Grandparents names on my Dad's side or where that side of my family came from. I had never seen a picture of my Great Grandparents, nor heard any stories of them.

3. Photography. I love taking pictures of anything and everything. I love documenting important events and the not so important events. Babies, Children, Families, Seniors, Engagements, Weddings, BBQ's, Just Cause, Flowers, Animals, Buildings, Birthdays and everything else in-between.

4. Reading. I love to read however dont make enough time to do so sometimes. I am currently reading Running With Scissors-Augusten Burroughs. I have a whole stack of books waiting to be read and I continue to buy more books in the meantime. I love Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult!

5. My Job. I can honestly say I love my job. Working with my Little Dude is amazing, especially when you see him overcome something or finish a task for the first time. He keeps me on my toes and we are always on the go. Dont get me wrong we do have our down days that are full of struggles but his amazing laugh and punctual personality keeps me going back. You never know whats going to come out of his mouth next and he is absolutely amazing.

The List: List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

Dear 16 year old Me:

1. This is going to be the roughest year of your life. A lot is going to happen and you aren't going to know how to deal with it all. You are stronger than all of the challenges, keep your head up.

2. Quit doubting yourself. You know more than you think. Apply yourself accordingly.

3. Swallow your pride and admit when you need help. Its ok that you struggle with some of your classes, but you still need to pass them.

4. Stay home every now and then. See your family instead of your friends. Soon your family will change and these times will be greatly missed.

5. You are beautiful. Smile more.

6. Read more, write more, listen more.

7. Your Mom is not trying to make your life hell. She loves you more than you know and only wants the best for you. Listen to her every now and then, she does know what she's talking about.

8. Stop caring what others think. Do what you love and don't hesitate.

9. Start thinking about the future. You will go to college and have no idea what you are going to do. Its ok. College is going to be a challenge that you aren't prepared for. Get ready.

10. Slow down and breathe. Enjoy being 16 and realize that you have it good right now.

Sincerely,
Your 26 year old self.

The List: Describe your relationship with your parents

Well where to start.

I am an only child so my relationship with my parents was pretty close growing up and more so now. As a child I think I was probably an easy kid for them and the older I got the more difficult. I knew that I could go to them for just about anything and they were always there to support me.

As for my relationship with my Dad, I would say that we are close. He's not always my first choice of someone to talk to but he's always there and I know he always will be. Growing up I was a tom-boy we have several pictures of me on a tractor or backhoe in the yard with him. In fact I was with him helping fence a cow pasture when I broke my arm when I was 3. I was very much "Daddy's Little Girl" I learned quickly if I wanted something all I had to do was bat my eyes and say "I love you Daddy" and I would get it. My Dad has been through more than I can imagine. He is a Viet Nam Army Veteran. He was drafted and immediately sent to boot camp at the age of 18. He saw things I can never imagine and was almost killed. He was blown off a tank, broke multiple bones in his body and has shrapnel under his skin to this day. He was one of my softball coaches growing up, he'd play catch in the yard with me, attended important events and made sure I was ok. As I grew older, the more I was gone, I realized that I need to make time for my Dad. He and I dont always see eye to eye but he's a great man that I am very thankful is my Dad.

 

My relationship with my Mom. Growing up my Mom was everything. Through my teen years our relationship was rough but we made it. I wasn't a bad kid, I am just exactly a younger version of my Mom which caused lots of fighting. I was never "grounded" All my Mom had to do to put me in my place was growl. Not just any growl but a low deep toned growl that to this day can put me in my place. Typically teens are "ashamed" of their parents, but my Mom worked at my high school and ALL of my friends knew who she was. I did not find this to be a bad thing except when my teachers would talk to her before I got to their class so I could prepare for the talk my Mom was going to give me, such as when I failed a math test. My Mom threatened to make my life miserable and the threat alone was enough for me.  The saying "Hell has no fury as a Mother's scorn"  was in regards to my Mom. My Mom would check out boyfriends and find out what they were about without me knowing. All those times that I just knew my Mom was wrong, turns out she was right. Through those teen years I said I didn't want to grow up to be like her but when someone tells me I am just like her I take it as a compliment because there is no-one else I would rather be like. 

I can never repay my parents for everything they have given me. 

They are the most wonderful people I know.

The List: 3 Legitimate Fears

 Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.


1. Tornadoes, I have no idea how it became a fear or even when. For as long as I can remember I have been terrified of tornadoes. If I had to guess where it comes from it was passed on to me from my Mom. My Mom is also terrified of tornadoes. When I was little my Mom would send me to the basement to sit on a bench and sit when there was a real threat of needing to be in the basement. (remember from my last post where I refer to the basement being a creepy place) When I find out that there is a chance of tornadoes I start to panic, especially if I am not at home. If I am not at home the panic is more intense than it would be if I were at home. Growing up and even in recent years I would pack bags, yes bag(S), of items I don't want to lose if a tornado hits. Now most of these items are in a storage tub in the basement. These items are mostly pictures, yearbooks, photos from over the years, photos of my grandparents, and other items that can not be replaced. I need to make copies of some of these items so I can actually hang the pictures on my walls or show them to people.

2. Spiders, they are just plain creepy. I don't know when or how but I am terrified of these eight-legged things that I don't see have a purpose in the world. No matter the size, big or small they are terrifying. The one that I am certain one day will kill me is the one that drops down from my visor in the car as I am driving. This has happened to me multiple times and each time it happens I go cross eyed and can only think about the spider, not driving and I panic because I don't want to touch it but if I don't smash it between my hands it will be on my lap or worse my face. If there is one in my house (which I know there are I just refuse to think about it) and I try to kill it and it runs under the couch or bed or behind something, I have to find it and make sure it dies. I can not assume that I got it until I see it curled up.

3. Unknown- I have the fear of the unknown. I can get caught up in all of the "what-ifs" and "if-only's" It doesn't consume me, I am not always thinking about it all but when I do its a downward spiral. Its easy to say "dont worry about it, theres nothing we can do to change it" but I worry that I missed something that I could have changed. What could I have done differently, how could I have helped. This is where I have the best husband in the world and will speak sense to me. 

The List: Random 20

Random 20 facts about myself (Sarah)

1. I love books. Books of all kinds. I dream of having a library room in my house one day. I dont know where the fascination comes from but as long as I can remember I have always loved going to a book store or the library. Seeing a book fair sign still excites me. When I see a child/person tear a page of a book my heart aches. Its silly but true.

2.  The house I grew up in was built approximately in the 1850's. My Great-Great Grandparents purchased the house in the early 1920's and it was already about 70 years old. It has a dirt basement that is creepier than all get out. It has square nails.

3. I am a night owl. I would rather sleep in and stay up late. And most importantly first thing in the morning do not approach me with a chipper cheery attitude and expect anything in return more than a grumble.

4. I am prone to injury. Most of my major injuries that I can remember were freak accidents and probably couldn't happen twice if I wanted them to.  I broke my arm when I was 3 by slipping in cow poop. I was put in a neck brace in 5th grade because a kid wanted my seat on the bus and pulled my arm and something in my neck popped. I woke up the next day and couldn't move my head. In 8th grade I fell ice skating and tried to catch myself and ended up stabbing myself in my rear which resulted in 15 stitches because the 2 inch blade went in at a 6 inch diagonal ripping my muscles.

5. I love traveling. I would travel all the time if I had the time and money. My dream trip would be to go to France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland....the list goes on. I want to see the castles and the places where lots of our families originated from.

6. I am addicted to Ancestry.com. I am also addicted to Who Do You Think You Are. I wish I were a celebrity that had all the money to travel to all the places to get documents and see where my ancestors lived. I have learned so much about my family that I never even imagined, not to mention the photos that I have found in my search.

7. When I was little I lived in a swimsuit with a built in inner-tube in the summertime because if you turned your back on me I was in the pool or lake or whatever body of water we were near.  My mom first dropped me under water when I was 10 months old by blowing in my face.

8. I have 3 tattoos. I love tattoos and want to get more but they have to have meaning to me.

9. I love to journal and by journal I do not mean on here I mean in an actual journal. I love writing in general. I find journaling very therapeutic.

10. Justin and I have been together for 7 years. We got married on our 5 year anniversary exactly. We met online, very randomly but I wouldn't trade anything. Our first face to face meeting with each other went awful.

11. I can play 2 instruments. The violin and the tuba.

12. I grew up in my Great Great Grandparents house, next door was my Great Grandparents house; my Great Grandma lived there until she passed when I was 16 and next to her house was my Grandparents house. It is weird to me to that some families go long periods of time without seeing each other. Family was constantly around as I grew up. My cousins were the siblings I never had biologically.

13. I love taking drives. Growing up my parents and I would get in the car and just go drive around in the middle of nowhere. I think this is where my love of road trips comes from. I would much rather take the back road somewhere than take the easiest route just to see what we can see.

14. I love sporting events. I love all things baseball/softball, soccer, hockey, basketball, football, swimming, volleyball... I would rather be at the event than watching it on TV but watching it on TV is second best.

15. I make lists. I put things on lists just so I can cross them off and feel better about something.

16. I am a naturally messy person and I hate it. I tend to clutter and not know what to do with it and it gets moved from space to space to space before I realize what to do with it or that I don't need it.

17. I believe in ghosts. I believe that my parents house is haunted and have experienced things that I believe happened by such. When I was younger there was a music box that belonged to my GG Grandma and it would turn on by itself in the middle of the night. There are noises of someone going up and down the stairs (and no Im not talking light noises, Im talking heavy footsteps. unmistakeable footsteps) While renovating the house not too long ago I heard a man yelling, I thought it was my Dad yelling, I was on a ladder and my head was above the rafters in the room. I quickly came down from the ladder and asked Mom if Dad was ok, Dad was standing around the corner and was just fine and was not yelling. My Dad and Justin can smell certain smells that my Mom and I can't smell such as a woman's perfume. My Mom and I can smell things that Dad and Justin can't smell like cinnamon and foul odors. I believe in ghosts. (ask me about it sometime :) )

18. I want to open my own not for profit agency that specializes in helping families with children with special needs. I know Topeka has TARC but I want to specialize in focusing on Autism and Down Syndrome. In specific I would love to bring the DSG to Topeka and start an Autism focused agency since Topeka does not have anything of the sort. So many families would benefit.

19. I love to take pictures. I know it annoys some people when someone is constantly carrying a camera but I cherish documenting life's events. Pictures are things we can't replace years down the road.

20. My first time snow skiing I took out a fence. I was with my youth group in Winter Park, Co. parts of my group told me I would be fine if I stuck with them but failed to tell me to V my skis to go slower and to zig zag down the hill. As I quickly approached the orange fence at the bottom I tucked and rolled. Most of my youth group witnessed this event.

The List

Ok so a friend posted this on her blog and I loved it so I will do this too. And instead of doing it all at once, I will do one a day.


THE LIST:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

March Is Here

I felt an update was needed. Not a whole lot going on in our world.

I am still loving my job with my little dude. He keeps me on my toes. I've spent the past 3 weeks traveling back and forth from Topeka to KC for a training at KU Med in the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training Center. It was really awesome to observe different ways to work with kids. I was able to learn lots and bring some new ideas back to my little dude but I am so happy to be done driving back and forth.

Last weekend we traveled to KC to eat with Justin's parents and Caleb and Haylie. We always enjoy spending time with them, however not often enough. After dinner we all ventured to Tailgaters for karaoke. Caleb knocked the bar out with singing I believe in a thing called love-The Darkness (as always) and also I will always love you-Whitney Houston which he got a standing ovation for. Justin sang Stacked Actors-Foo Fighters and then of course "The Villains"  sang Bohemian Rhapsody.

This weekend we will head back to KC for Brooke's wedding reception. I dont know about Justin but I am super excited to see the Mitchell Family! Its almost been a year since we've seen them. Not only am I excited to celebrate Brooke and Drew's wedding but I am excited to meet Baby Scott and see Amber 7 (ish) months pregnant! Its always a fun time when we all get together.

I signed up for my first 5K in June. I am excited but nervous. Its the Color Run, they throw paint at you. I think it sounds fun. Haylie and Miranda are also going to try to do it with me, if they can get signed up. The registration is going fast.

I hope everyone is having an awesome year so far.