One of those

So it occurred to me that the people who actually read my blog are my closest friends and I also realized that I don't get to see you guys- like ever- since I'm down here in good old Tucson. So since I don't want anyone to be stunned when they see me, because I have been asked multiple times to do this, or maybe as proof that I really am pregnant, I'm going to post one of those "I'm X-weeks along and this is what I look like" photos.

I'm truly loving every second of this pregnancy business! Can't ya tell?

25 weeks and feeling blessed.

Oh the Joy

I haven't really given much detail about my pregnancy because frankly, I'm sure NOBODY cares- except Brenner and maybe my family? I probably overestimate my family's interest too but they have to put on a happy face anyway.

Anyway, I won't go into detail here because I have my other forms of documenting this new and exciting stage of life. I will just say that I'm one of those women who LOVE being pregnant! I love feeling her kick and wiggle. I know I'm supposed to be the source of comfort for her (when she's here) but right now I can't help but feel so calm and peaceful when I feel her wiggle. 

I love her so much already I can barely take it! Don't worry, I don't have an unrealistic fantasy that she'll be perfectly obedient, never get sick or hurt, or be a handful. I know I'll have moments where I feel overwhelmed and inadequate but at the same time she is already keeping me going. Those kicks just keep me dedicated to school and keep me singing primary songs (In hopes that she will somehow recognize them and my voice when she is born... I know but I'm going to do it anyway).

And to finish off this post, I'm going to add these two videos that I watch almost everyday from our ultrasound (taken about 5 weeks ago when we found out we're havin a little lady). Please watch carefully in the last one because you can see her little hand waving! Let that be a friendly departure from the both of us.

Truths

HOW TO RAISE A DAUGHTER? 

(Wait, all I know are little boys...)

While all these things are fun to think about with a baby girl...

I have been seriously pondering the lessons and truths that I hope she comes to value. It doesn't help that I'm bombarded with relationship patterns all day at school, but from a couple of my classes, I have pulled some principles that I hope to instill in my daughter.

1. Always choose forgiveness. Yep, always! Don't confuse this by condoning wrongful behavior, but remember that we are to forgive others 77 X7 times. The Savior doesn't exclude anyone from His sacrifice.

2. Just be you. Don't try to deceive others because Heavenly Father, your family, and true friends love you just the way you are. (Plus, it would get exhausting, don't you think?)

3. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path. 

4. Be a friend to everyone. Feeling unwanted is one of the hardest things that people face and we are all quite sensitive to even the slightest degree of social rejection.

5. No matter who hurts you, what disappointments you will face, you will always have a support system here to help you pick up the pieces.

Checked OUT

After a very bitter/sweet trip to Utah this weekend, I can say that I am officially checked out for my spring break and ready to get away and forget about all my worries. (I also must add that I had the privilege of singing the beautiful song that I shared last post at my cousin's funeral. It was amazing to sing my favorite song with some of my favorite people.)
Anyway, San Francisco here we come! We can't wait to spend some time together, away from school, away from studying, and mainly away from our crazy schedules. Consider it a last hoorah if you will, before boards takes over Brenner's life, finals take over mine, and before our lives as a childless couple comes to an end. Speaking of baby (since it's all I ever think about) we find out next Thursday what this little person is! But as for now, so long Arizona and internet life. I'm gonna be having too much fun in San Fran to worry about you now.

 Tasty restaurant in Provo.

Love my family!

With Great Mercies

I know that I have already shared this song a long while back, but I cannot stop playing it this week. An unexpected loss occurred on Sunday in my family and although I sadly was not close to my cousin, (mainly due to distance and age) I can say that families are forever, I will get to know him better someday, and the Lord will gather his children with great mercies. I am never disappointed with my knowledge of this gospel. It brings me more strength, comfort, and motivation than any other force on the earth. Most importantly, it has helped me develop a relationship with my Savior and I know that he will always lift us up when we are feeling down.

Because Studying can Stink

Because studying can stink and I am putting it off at this very moment to quickly blog, I wanted to share some songs that get me through. I'm not a hipster, I don't like only indie music, but I have never loved the typical music on the radio. So without further or due, here are some songs that get me through school!

Violet-Thao

Oslo in the Summertime- Of Montreal

Be Your Man-Ivan and Alyosha 

(just skip past the hat intro)

Lazy Projector- Andrew Bird

Whole Love-Wilco

(One of my very personal favorites. It was on our wedding video. Aw..)

Duties

Did you know that we, as people, make first impressions of others in the first 1/10th of a second that we approach him or her? It's true. These first impressions last, they attempt to describe a person's true character, background, and attitudes. It's so unfortunate that these judgments are made so rapidly without any true information about the person. It's shown that the judgements we make about a person in that first 1/10th of a second are the same judgements we have of a person after 5 minutes being around them. So how do we get out of this habit of trying to hold onto our first impressions of others?

I've found that as I truly get to know someone, not just associate myself with him or her for several minutes, but truly take an interest in his/her life, I end up liking the person. I have made way too many hasty judgements of people in the past and at the very least, 95% of the time, once I get passed my stubborn first impressions, I really do like them!

Getting Personal: I recently have made an association with somebody whom I first thought to be rude, self-centered, and condescending. Guess what I discovered? She has SO many more difficulties in her life right now than I can imagine in my own and she is dealing with them the best she can. I have now found the opposite to be true of her. She is stronger than I fear I would be, selfless, and tries to pull the positive out of the difficulties that face her. 

Moral of this post? I've learned (and am still working on improving) to try my best to disregard first impressions I create about people. After all, who is the true and just judge? It's not our responsibility to fill. Our duty here is to love our brothers and sisters and help them strengthen their weaknesses as they will for us in return.