I think I can, I think I can....

Heart rate monitor

2012-02-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

I want one.

I think it might help me run better

and continuously run

This lovely lady is giving one away and I would love to win it!

Not only does she do little give aways, but she has amazing craft tutorials as well.

Go take a look!

This is SO Awesome!!!

2012-02-08T11:35:00.003-07:00

You must watch!!!

Click here!

My heart goes out

2012-01-31T11:23:00.003-07:00

I found this blog today, from a link on a blog I regularly stalk.

This wonderful lady is so strong

She has had so many challenges in the past 4 months.

As you read her posts

(I only read the more recent ones)

You can tell that she has such a strong testimony in the gospel

And I am so glad that she has the gospel

That way she KNOWS she can see her loved ones again!

As a warning:

You will cry as you read

It has helped me realize today just how blessed I am

Artist?

2012-01-28T13:38:00.001-07:00

I am no artist.

My father-in-law apparently is...

(he has yet to show me his skills!)

BUT If I can't convince him to someday paint a design on a wall

(In my future home of course )

Then I decided I need an overhead projector!

That way I can:

1. Print my design on the plastic paper

2. Shine it on the wall

3. Trace it

4. Paint it

5. Enjoy!!!

On a side note,

I have decided that my house is going to be crazy so I am going to have to gather all my thought and try to make them all work together

Just live in a really BIG house with lots of rooms so I can have each one decorated in a different way!

Let's get personal

2012-01-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Just a friendly reminder...

What is about to be written/read are my thoughts entirely.

I am letting you in on a slice of my brain that I thought was too private,

but felt recently that it might benefit someone else if I shared.

I have no idea who that someone else is.

But, that is what a blog is all about.

Right?

Many moons ago there was a talk given in church.

We will call the speaker Bro. T

(that way his identity is protected, partly cause he doesn't know I am sharing this)

Bro. T some how got to the point of sharing this story and it has stick with me ever since.

His wife has gone back and forth with being completely solid in the church

and other times questioning things.

Sometimes they were the "simple" things that were questioned like,

why read scriptures everyday?

why pray everyday?

why go to church for 3 hours on sunday?

But in order to test it and find the answers to her questions

even if she didn't believe at that time, was just having doubts, or was just faltering

she did it.

Just going through the motions daily, trying to find answers

and slowly she received answers

...

So my brain gets hazy around the end of the story and what he said

BUT

The reason I share this is because I have found on many different occasions this mentality has helped me!

If I continue to try to do my best

Go through the motions of praying and reading my scriptures

I get on track and finally get to the point where it is no longer just going through the motions

It finally clicks and becomes more a part of me!

I must confess that I have used this mentality with lots of things in my last 3 years

(yes that is when I got married!)

Going through the motions of making dinners

Of family home evening (which still suffers)

Date night

Temple attendance

Church callings

some other things I won't mention because I don't know who really reads this...

There are things I know I must get better at in doing at different times of day...

Did you know that for some reason I can't do my personal study of the scriptures in front of my husband?

Weird!

We share the same beliefs, he studies in front of me, and yet I can't!

Same goes for my personal prayer.

I am working on it...slowly...in my own way

So now that you know my secrets of one way my brain works please be nice!

Sometimes it is best for me to just go through the motions rather than do nothing at all.

I maintain a habit that can be improved upon.

I also know what happens when I don't go through the motions and just give up.

And it is not pretty

My only goal in sharing this with all of you is that maybe you won't feel silly just going through the motions.

That hopefully you can see that there is at least one other person who does it too!

Good reads!

2012-01-19T14:27:00.002-07:00

I read these two stories the other day and they spoke to me.

I hope you enjoy!

yum!

2012-01-10T20:18:00.004-07:00

We made this tonight and boy was it yummy!

If you try it add 2 slices of pepperoni and a bit more cheese and you have got it made!

#78

2012-01-08T19:26:00.001-07:00

#78: Try one new recipe a month for a whole year.

We started it today!

Unfortunately I wasn't thinking properly and didn't take pictures

But here is the blog we got the recipe from!

It's pretty delicious and will become part of our crockpot recipes we cycle through!

Let me know if you try it out too!

(or alter it)

Tangled

2012-01-07T14:42:00.001-07:00

I am convinced that this is Ellie's favorite movie because it's the first one she ever saw!

(She saw it in Theaters the day after it opened)

Anyway watch this clip

Ellie Always laughs at this same part....

1:09 minutes into the clip

When the guy yells, "Rider!" and he runs off.

She ALWAYS giggles.

It's super cute and fun!

Oh and she ALWAYS dances at the music for the credits!

Revamp

2012-01-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

My hair needs a revamp

I tried it with a hair cut before Thanksgiving

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be doing what I hoped it would for me.

I think it might be because my hair is in the between stage of short or long

Any helpful hints for me to keep growing my hair out?

Or pictures of short hairdos I should do?

I really want to do a pixie type cut like this or this

There are these other ones two that are longer...

this, this, this, or this

I am just afraid that my facial structure/chubby cheeks wouldn't do well with these.

If anyone objects to my frights of these haircuts please tell me why

and

will you come with me to get my hair did!?

or suggest a person to do it for me!

I made these!

2011-12-27T17:21:00.001-07:00

About 4 hours before we were supposed to leave for the airport I finished these!

Technically though, they aren't complete.

Ellie's dress is done, longer than I thought it would be, but still cute AND done.

Mine.

I would like to add tulle to the bottom too, but that may not happen for some time.

Maybe this coming sunday I will be able to get a better picture of Ellie's dress...with her standing!

Coolest thing ever....and saves $$$

2011-12-27T17:07:00.002-07:00

So I had seen this on Pinterest and thought we would give it a try...

(It also lets us cross off #90 on our list!)

These are green onions that we used in cooking/

ones that we didn't want to toss cause we were going on vacation!

The tall green ones in the back are from 4 days prior to taking the picture and they looked just like the other short/cut stalks!

Now we can save $$ every time we need a green onion for a recipe!

Dear Blog,

2011-12-08T18:50:00.001-07:00

It is way past lock down time, and I am officially in MAJOR lock down mode.

Though it is super hard cause I don't want to be.

I have to keep telling myself it's only until Monday, only until Monday.

I can do this!!!

Especially because the Mr. has until next Thursday!

Photo Card

2011-12-07T00:01:00.001-07:00

Our Christmas card! Don't worry family, many of you will get the real thing!

Polka Dot Christmas Wishes Christmas

Customize your Christmas cards this year at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

16 months

2011-12-06T23:42:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it?

I know I can't!!

It has gone by so fast!

My cute little girl is growing up!

She talks and talks

Runs around the house

Loves to whack things

LOVES kisses!

Reads 3 books at one time!

Understands the word NO and what it means

She is also not hesitant to use it to answer our questions!

This little girl is amazing!!!!

End of the month

2011-11-30T11:35:00.001-07:00

It's caught up with me!

29. I am grateful for Book Club!

I meet with a wonderful group of girls once a month and we discuss the most wonderful books!

30. I am grateful for the fact that we have 3 more weeks till the end of the semester!

Tomorrow I will do some Christmas decorations!!

6 gratefuls

2011-11-28T16:06:00.001-07:00

23. I am grateful that we have friends willing to wake up at the crack of dawn to drive us to the airport

24. I am grateful for family!

We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving this year.

We played apple smatter and regular baseball (without official teams).

We even took turns riding the horse!

25. I am grateful for extended family living near my parents so we can visit them too!

26. I am grateful for Mr. Dawson.

He was so helpful with my grandparents.

Answering computer questions, helping hang 3 sets of christmas lights...and so much more!

27. I am grateful for my mom letting me make the Thanksgiving rolls this year with a new recipe and new idea!

We put slips of paper that had what people were thankful for and so it was like a fortune crescent roll!

28. I am grateful for my daughter being like Dopey.

Yes that is right.

Dopey from the Snow White

She can't get enough kisses!

When she wants one she walks to me with her lips puckered ready for a smooch!

Normal she asks for at least 5 within a minute!

It's so adorable!

2 days of posts

2011-11-22T15:32:00.001-07:00

21. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to be a stay at home mom,

I teach violin...but I can make my own hours which is great!

Sometimes I wish I got asked to be a part of the "cool" gigs:

TSO, Subbing in an orchestra/quartet

That way I could practice more music and have more experience.

But I do think that now I am a mom it has hindered that opportunity as others think I may not care for it.

Oh well.

22. I am grateful that the man of my dreams is not only in my dreams but in my everyday life

Mr. Dawson is the bestest friend and confidante I could ever ask for

Now, if only I were good at giving/buying gifts for guys I could SHOW my love even more!

!

2011-11-20T13:32:00.001-07:00

Day 19: I am grateful for medicine and tissues with lotion in them

Day 20: I am grateful for an understanding hubby who thinks that me and the baby staying home from church to rest is a good idea.

EXCITED!

I am excited that we get to go back to my "homeland" and visit my family for thanksgiving

(oh and visit the bro & sis -inlaw too!)

Grateful

2011-11-18T13:41:00.001-07:00

Day 16: Grateful that my Mother-in-law was born this day!

Day 17: Grateful that my dad is a pilot and occasionally has overnights here where we live,

and we can all play and go to dinner!

Day 18: I am grateful to have gotten this cold on a Thursday night where I didn't have anything planned today till later and can just veg and drink up fluids!

Day 15

2011-11-15T15:13:00.001-07:00

Today I am grateful for this

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/15-ways-not-raise-toddler-184200408.html

I am not sure, but I don't think I should have laughed as heartily as I did while reading it

Enjoy!

Day 14

2011-11-14T21:12:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for my family

Not just our little family of 3

But for extended family

I am especially grateful for these past 16 months

when I have been able to write letters to my brother

and become even closer to him!!

Day 12 and 13

2011-11-13T17:17:00.001-07:00

#12: I am thankful for this:

our new car.

#13:

I am thankful for the kiddos I teach at church!

I will miss them in the new year!

#11

2011-11-11T23:23:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for all the many men and women who have served our country

I have many relatives, friends, and acquaintances who have!

I am so grateful that they help to protect our freedom

I am also thankful that my gramma was born on this day!

I am also grateful for the apple company,

who found that many nanos purchased in the time frame I purchased mine

have a battery problem after so many years of use

and are no giving me a free replacement!

A GREAT way to finish off the day!

Day 10

2011-11-10T20:31:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for car dealers who have a sense of humor!

Tonight we went to check out a car...

The dealers told us that we could have any car on the lot if we traded Ellie!

What a deal!

She's a Salvage title

(due to a recent road rash injury involving chasing Mr. Dawson to the mail box)

She's a 2010

And

Low miles

Anyway, we said we would sleep on it.

Come next saturday you will be informed of our final decision!

(picture only)

#9

2011-11-09T22:47:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for a healthy baby girl!

She had her 15 month appointment today

Her stats:

18.5in head circumference

29.25in tall

19.95 Lbs

My tiny munchkin!

Her soft spot is basically closed

(still on the bigger side)

And she's grown and inch in two weeks!

(we measured her on our wall)

7 & 8

2011-11-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Day 7: So thankful for modern technology!

Not just computers, phones, tv's...

But for the medicinal modern technology!

Day 8: I am grateful for Mr. Dawson's dedication and help!

His ability to wake up at 7:30 and leave home in time for his 8:00 class

(when I am half asleep in bed)

For waking up at 4AM to a child screaming and being proactive about calming her down.

Day 3, 4, 5, 6...

2011-11-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Day 3: I am thankful for a studious husband who gets amazing grades and does his best!

Day 4: I am thankful that I was able to carry and give birth to Ellie

Day 5: I am grateful for the opportunity I had to take lessons from Dr. William Magers who passed away on the 5th

Day 6: I am thankful that we have the priesthood in our home, and for our faith that blessings work

Let's Play Catch Up!

2011-11-03T23:32:00.001-06:00

Day 2: I am thankful for Mr. Dawson's desire to go to grad school and that I get to help him with applications!

Day 3: I am thankful for Book Club!

It's so nice to read a book, talk about it with others who read it,

and then talk about girly stuff with these wonderful women!

(Oh and that Mr. Dawson watches the little miss while I am gone!)

Side note:

No car yet

have until the 9th with the rental (with insurance covering it)

Making a rebuttal to the insurance company who low balled us

Finding the perfect price/mileage car

Learning that there are worse things in life and enjoying the fact that things are pretty darn good for us!

1st day of the month that I remember to be more grateful...

2011-11-01T20:29:00.000-06:00

It's kind of sad that because it is November I remember to be more Thankful publicly.

Today I am thankful for my health.

I have so many friends, acquaintances, family...

That don't have the best health currently.

I am grateful that I am healthy

Halloween Pictures

2011-11-01T20:22:00.002-06:00

We only participated in our wards Halloween party.

We figure when little miss can say the words "Trick or Treat" or something close to it

we will go house to house! =)

Here are some pictures of our costumes

Enjoy!

(Cheat sheet....The Mr. & Mrs. were "smarty pants" the kiddo was something that goes "whoo whoo")

For Mr. Dawson

2011-10-27T11:19:00.002-06:00

28 Days until Thanksgiving

35 Days until we send out Grad school applications

50 Days until the end of the semester

59 Days until Christmas

198 Days until GRADUATION!

SO EXCITING!!

Love you!

Creations of the past few weeks, and Half of #90

2011-10-17T20:42:00.000-06:00

First off...

The last week of September I went to Arizona for the day to sew with my mom

With her help I half created this puppy, and then finished it a week later at home!

He was dubbed "Leonard" by Mr. Dawson.

Next is a calzone we created....actually two of them. (His and Her's)

Lastly here is the First half of #90 (make two things off of Pinterest)

This is the link I followed

It took me WAY too long!

I had major problems with my first attempt too

I fixed the skirt in 40 before we had to leave for church.

Needless to say, if it takes you longer than an hour, something is probably wrong!

(please ignore my face in the first pic, I didn't know Mr. Dawson was taking the picture)

IF SEEN PLEASE INFORM!

2011-10-15T19:38:00.003-06:00

Dear friends and anyone who happens upon our blog.

Our car was stolen, on 10/15/11 between the hours of 0000-0930

If anyone sees it please, please let us know!

It is a Green Acura Integra GSR, 4dr

LIcense plate GPY714 or GPY715

(The last number is being debated in Mr. Dawson's head)

Yes we did notify the police

Yes we did notify the insurance company

Yes our parents know about it

Service in Church

2011-10-08T17:53:00.000-06:00

I have been asked to give a talk in church tomorrow.

Don't worry, they asked me on Sunday.

But it still is not coming together.

I've never had such a hard time writing a talk before

It usually comes very easily

This will be very interesting!

Oh! You are welcome to come hear the finished product if you would like,

And hear the Hubby and I perform a musical number!

Tomorrow 1:00 PM

At Haines Chapel

#7: Go to the Balloon Fiesta

2011-10-07T23:02:00.001-06:00

We did!

10/7/11

Little miss alerted us,

5 minutes before our scheduled alarms went off,

that she was up and ready for the day!

Unfortunately because of the weather the balloons didn't launch.

A few did set themselves up for our entertainment, which was awfully nice!

Here are pictures to share the rest:

(Sorry for the picture overload)

You can kind of see the rain on the stroller cover

Little Miss...sorta miserable

Loving being out of the stroller!

The dress I made...

2011-10-07T22:41:00.002-06:00

Here are all the pictures of the homemade dress!

Enjoy!

(Ignore my non photogenic face)

Bleh

2011-10-04T12:46:00.000-06:00

Dear problems of life,

Please solve yourself, or ask Father which step to take.

I am tired of crying and feeling crummy about not knowing what is right to do since they both feel right. Apparently this means it's my decision to make, but we both know that I hate making decisions!

Sincerely,

Excitement!

2011-10-03T22:59:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to write a little post so everyone can see my hard work...

It took two days to get this to be how I kinda want

I will be tweaking it for a while I am sure!

Enjoy!

13 days later

2011-09-25T17:25:00.000-06:00

Hello world!

I feel I should update you but there is not much I can think to write.

Over coming the spending habit...

doing okay except for needing to buy some food for the kid with the card, maybe food for us too =S

The Relief Society Broadcast...

Many of you have probably already heard the ravings about Pres. Uchtdorf's talk,

if you didn't hear it yourself.

I must admit something.

Before Pres. Uchtdorf was called as an apostle,

every talk that was spoken by Pres. Monson spoke directly to me

and occasionally Elder Hollands did.

NOW

Pres. Uchtdorf's talks ALWAYS speak to me and Elder Holland has steadily inclined in speaking to me.

Little Miss:

She is figuring out where her nose, eyes, ears, and hair are.

She's learning to blow kisses

As of 9/14 she has learned how to say grandpa...(pa)

She know where my nose is and where Mr. Dawson's nose is

She is slowly loving the shower again, still prefers baths

She learned to say:

Banana- ba

Baby- baba

bottle- ba...while pointing to the bottle

and she randomly repeated the word "poop" earlier today

(gross, I know)

She knows when she is ready for a nap

and semi knows when she is ready for bed

We have also developed a pattern for our little afternoon walk and she knows exactly how it goes!

To the trash can, back towards home, to the stairs, to the mailbox, back home and to the tomatoes!

She also has figured out that if she just gives up walking and sits down, I will pick her up!

Mr. Dawson

Took the GRE yesterday, saturday, and believes he did OK

(I think he did better!)

Currently cooking rolls with a new recipe for dinner!

Me...

Sewed a dress, I will post pictures later this week.

Taking tests to get certified to teach the Suzuki Method

Playing with Ellie and loving the new things she learns!

Trying to apply the 5 forget-me-not steps to my life

xox

Over Coming Addiction..the abbreviated way

2011-09-12T11:10:00.000-06:00

Step one- Admit to the addiction:

I use my credit card WAY too often

Step two- Recognize I need to change:

The credit card bill does that...

Step three- Make a change:

I promised not to use my credit card for 1 whole month, beginning September 6th.

Step four- Don't succumb to temptation:

I am only allowed to pay off my credit card, and I don't go anywhere I might be tempted to spend!

Step five- Become better about my spending:

My credit limit is only $800, but I am going to try to only have half of it gone at one time maximum.

So...I have confessed to the world.

Now I must continue my recovery process and not be tempted to buy this!

Birthday Month...over!

2011-08-25T10:10:00.000-06:00

Honestly, three birthday's in one month....what were we thinking!?

It gets tiring by the time you get to my birthday, cause school is starting right about the same time!

But it has been loads of fun!

Anyway, I thought you might like to know the little miss' one year stats:

28 inches tall

17.5 lbs

and big head...still...

hahaha

Only problem is the weight.

We have 3 months to up her calories and her weight!

Kids are supposed to drop down on the weight chart, because they start being more active.

But when they drop 3 curves on the chart the doctors get worried.

Lil' miss dropped 2.5 curves, so we are trying to beef her little body up!

I guess that's all the news for now!

The First Birthday

2011-08-22T12:46:00.000-06:00

This is just a brief summary of the day!

We celebrated with two other kiddos...Hudson Dunlap and Alice Jane Esmiol.

I made jumbo cupcakes for each of the birthday kids...

The momma's and baby's

The daddy's and baby's

Ellie...

Not so happy about all of it.

(a certain loud whistle and all of us staring at her and singing might have been the reason for tears)

She very daintily liked the frosting off with her finger

Mr. Dawson trying to make her eat it...

Didn't go so well.

The other kids...well they understood what to do with the cupcake!

Not that you may care...

2011-08-16T10:21:00.001-06:00

Dear readers....whom ever you may be....

Please forgive the lack of posts,

I am working on it.

I promise you will be updated!

Love,

I did it!

2011-07-13T19:13:00.000-06:00

I did this today! And I LOVE it! Should have done it sooner!

4th of July...a bit late

2011-07-13T19:10:00.000-06:00

Because it was advised against to light fireworks, and we learned that Ellie didn't enjoy the loud cracking of fireworks while at a little fireworks stand (see picture number 8)

We decided to just do sparklers.

It was great fun and Ellie seemed to enjoy herself!

These are a few of the pictures I thought were the best.

Swimming

2011-07-13T19:06:00.000-06:00

The pictures basically explain themselves.

Ellie loves to swim...it took a few tries...but now she LOVES it!

She especially loves "jumping" into the pool from the wall

(what she really does is grab onto your hand/thumbs and has you pull her in)

Either way, it's a favorite!

She also enjoys splashing the water with her hand and getting everyone wet!

This particular swimming day she had the joy of being dunked twice by Mr. Dawson.

No pictures...but she didn't particularly like him for a few moments after the dunking!

11 months

2011-07-06T15:39:00.000-06:00

Today my baby turns 11 months!

(technically it's already happened)

Can you believe it?!

I sure can't!

It hardly feels like almost a year has gone by!

I still remember feeling big and miserable and having to waddle to walk!

Seems like yesterday...

unfortunately it wasn't and time has gone by!

Oh how I love my baby girl!

(and her daddy)

Quick Little Something

2011-06-29T23:03:00.000-06:00

There is so much I wish to say,

but unfortunately I don't know how I feel about sharing it publicly...so I must go find my journal...

BUT I can tell you this:

The future scares me.

Like scares me the way an intense movie does

...let's use The Dark Knight as the example...

If I watch this movie right before bed I have to read/watch something happy

If I don't and just turn out the lights, I sleep with my head under the covers

(until I can't breathe, and then I open the covers just a smidgen)

I am terrified of what my little girl will be faced with.

I have recently had the opportunity to get closer to my sisters and be more of a part of their life.

The trials they are facing, I never faced at their age.

I don't know if I could have handled it at their age.

What trials will my daughter be facing!?

How much sooner will she face these trials?!

Personally,

I hate Satan and his helpers.

I hate that they know what they can do to tear up the world.

I LOVE that people not of my religion see this.

I LOVE that many of them feel the same way as me.

I just wish that many, many, many others could see the same things.

I wish there was an easier plan of action.

But I will stand strong.

I will be the best example I can be.

I will not let Satan grab hold of me.

I can and will be steadfast.

I hope and pray that many others will continue to show their strength and not falter.

We all cannot personally have our names proclaimed world wide with how we are changing things,

but we can change one child's life,

even if it is not our own,

And we can guide them in a direction that can change the world.

It is my goal to help children realize their capacity and their heritage

That they are children of God

He created them

He designed them

He LOVES them

He is always there for them

What greater knowledge is there in this whole entire planet?

I hope that each of you know this too!

Reconstruction

2011-06-18T22:02:00.000-06:00

I need to reconstruct my hair...a few other things...but the hair is the main one.

Though I am a little hesitant to just go to my hair dresser, or anyone for that matter,

And say, "Make it fit me!"

I need the current color that I added to my hair taken out and go back to normal...

But a cut

A cut is what I need

Something to give my hair a lift, a boost, a new life!

I am nervous

...I really need it though...

Donation of Hair

2011-06-13T09:54:00.003-06:00

Recently found out that Locks of Love doesn't accept hair that has been bleached...

So ubber sad!

Now the question is do I grow my hair even longer so the bleached part can be cut off before the donation section?

Or do I go and get my hair hacked off and start again?!!

Questions questions Questions...

xoxox

Help!

2011-06-10T20:21:00.000-06:00

Father's Day...

First "real one"

Need help finding a gift....

Perhaps send me an email or FB message since Justin can read these!

hahaha if you don't have those...

post it on here!

P.S.

2011-06-01T16:04:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to add that our new blog family photo was not staged...seriously!

Um Hello! (Sarcastically said)

2011-06-01T16:01:00.000-06:00

A thank you shout out to Amy!

hahaha if it had not been for your comment...

I may never have gotten these up!

I totally thought I had...months ago!

Here they are!

These are just a few of my favorites from our family photo shoot...back in April!

The above face is what she did for most of our pictures!

Determination!

This is my favorite smile! She does this all the time now!

Oops! You caught me!

I will definitely upload my batch of pictures (I think I have on my camera) and share with you on a different day!

LAST DAY OF MAY!

2011-05-31T16:16:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it!?

It's gone by way slow for me!

Maybe it has to do with the fact that I am so excited for our trip coming up!

We are going to AZ to visit our new nephew!

Blake Dawson!!!

And of course his mother and sister and dad.

Also there will be Mr. Dawson's parents!

And since we will only be 20ish minutes away, we figure we should see my family too!

To make the trip even more exciting...

Mr. Dawson and I will be leaving Ellie in the hands of his mother and sis-in-law, while we go to

San Diego!

We are celebrating my graduation!!

Needless to say I am a little nervous about leaving Ellie for 48 hours...first time...

But I know she will be in good hands and that everything will be fabulous!

(Especially with how excited Mr. Dawson is about the trip!)

Did I tell you the baby girl cut her two front bottom teeth!

SO exciting/stressful!

Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying the summer!

xoxox

Hard to Handle

2011-05-19T21:15:00.000-06:00

The little girl is teething.

The day has finally come, and we keep thanking Father for postponing it til school was done.

(We did not realize how truly hard a time it is)

Covered in snot, drool, random screams from naps, always wanting to be held, and now bed time is becoming hard.

BUT the two bottom teeth have cut and have stayed for two days now!

GOOD SIGN.

Bad sign:

her bottom canines look ready to pop....

Not sure how many teeth we are going to get, but seems like quite a few...

Hopefully the night hours will continue to be longish to allow some sleep!

On another note,

I have found the library!

hahaha

Honestly the library comes and goes in my life

I go through spurts of just buying books from Deseret and then going to the library.

(These spurts happen to be LONG spurts)

I am proud to say that I am getting closer and closer each time I go to the library to max out the card!

I have also found the amazing-ness of requesting books/movies from other libraries and having them sent to the one I go to!

A few hours ago I went and picked up 11 items that were waiting for me!

SO HAPPY!!!!

Even better thing is that baby girl LOVES books!

So we read a few each day.

I love it when she laughs or giggles as we read

As well as when she hits the pictures

(the hitting I think is her recognizing it's what I am talking about)

So far her favorite book is Hand Hand Fingers Thumb

Unfortunately it is pretty repetitive so I try really hard to only read it 2 times in a row, 3 times a day! =)

That's an update on our summer life so far

Oh yes, Justin is working full time...

(just in case you were wondering where he is at all day ;) )

xoxox

DONE!

2011-05-16T13:06:00.000-06:00

I've done it!

I graduated!!!!

And of course I don't have any pictures on my camera,

So I must wait til my mom or mom-in-law sends me some.

(though i do owe the mom-in-law family pics, so maybe we will do a trade?)

Any way I am FREE!!!!

And I feel great!

Home-made!

2011-04-26T00:11:00.002-06:00

I made this today!

So fun and easy!

So Much To Be Grateful For

2011-04-17T17:58:00.000-06:00

Dear readers,

I wanted to take a moment to thank all of those who came to my recital yesterday!

It was so enjoyable to play for that big of a crowd!

For those of you who weren't able to make it here is a picture of what I looked like! =)

This is also a little something to start getting read for Easter!

I hope you enjoy!

What's your best side?

2011-04-13T17:35:00.000-06:00

Honestly,

When someone takes your picture do you already know which side to turn to,

Or how to correctly position yourself to get the best photos ever?

This Dawson family has recently discovered theirs!

Well, just me and the Mr.

Baby Girl is cute no matter what....unless she won't smile! =)

We've decided Mr.'s best side is his left

Mine is my right

Works well when we are actually positioned correctly!

(me stage right him stage left)

Oh well, someday we will remember and get it right for all our pics!

How did we discover this?

Well Monday we took some pics.

Don't worry

I will disclose them at a later time!

xoxox

Hi There!

2011-04-07T23:16:00.000-06:00

Dear World,

I am alive.

Barely.

But alive.

I am now the mother of an 8 month old.

I passed my preview!

My senior recital is in one week one day!

The child is not sleeping through the night.

So not only is school, teaching/work, and doing homework/practicing killing us,

we have a child who is out to make us more exhausted!

Is it okay that I am having thoughts of giving Nyquil to my child so she sleeps longer than 4 hours at a time?

I watched the 3rd Episode of the second season of Glee today.

I cried.

But it was a good cry.

Some of those songs I needed to hear.

Also, my new motto...

"God doesn't make mistakes."

I am so ready to graduate, though why do they have so many forms with so many different deadlines I have to remember...

rude

One other good thing...

Not ever having to deal with the extreme politics that exist in the UNM music department!

Once I graduate....but by the 16th I should basically be done.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that we are all barely alive over here.

Off to go fill some of those grad forms!

xoxox

Prayers

2011-03-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

I am asking for your help.

Can you offer up a little prayer during this month on my behalf?

I need to have my senior recital performance ready by March 31.

I am very nervous about being able to meet this deadline

Any little help is graciously appreciated.

I KNOW that with our Father's help I can accomplish this task.

Thank you for all your love and support!

25 Manner's Every Kid Should Know by Age 9

2011-02-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

Found this in the Parent's magazine!

Ummm total eye opener!

How many kids do I teach that don't have these manners

AND

How many of these manners do I actually use!?

I can say with a clear conscience I have been taught all of them

But I am guilty of not always abiding by some!

Side note:

piggypaint.com

Totally cool!

I think I might invest in a few colors!

And when the baby girl turns 1, we will celebrate by painting her toes!

She loves my nail polish on my toes (even though it's chipped and ugly)!

A few times she pushed real hard on my polish,

as if trying to scoop it off my toes and then stuck her fingers in her mouth to taste it!

HA!

I think she will really like painting her toesies!

I Actually Won a Contest!

2011-02-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

A week back or so, Shabby Apple sent a text out saying the first 50 people to respond back with the name of their favorite dress would get 20% off of it.

I figured I'd give it a shot

thinking there were loads of ladies who were definitely going to be faster than me

Especially because I needed to actually go online to find one that I liked and figure out the name of it!

Well I ended up sending the name "Aloha"

Come to find out today, I WON!

Now 20% off really isn't that much.

I'd be spending $70 still!

That's a lot of money for just one dress!

I don't think I've spent that much on one in, well, forever.

If you really think it is worth it please help me out by telling me!

Here's what it looks like:

I don't think I have the guts to actually purchase it.

Date Night

2011-02-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

I found this:

http://family.go.com/self/pkg-relationships/article-976295-date-night-ideas-t/

And I like it!

Especially the suggestion made on page 5.

Time to take action!

Valentines Day

2011-02-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

I decorated!

Loverly flowers from Mr. Dawson!

I baked this cake!

We went out to dinner on Saturday night.

Spent Monday indoors watching Letters to Juliet and eating cake!

The little one has realized she can pull the bumper down, this is how she greets us every time she wakes up!

Enjoying the lovely weather and listening to birds...

...while chomping on a celery stick!

That's what we've been up to lately, other than school or callings or middle of the night screamings! =)

V-Day

2011-02-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Can you say, "5 days left and totally nothing cutesie up in the house!"

I am a total slacker.

Wait!

I take it back!

I made some blocks a while back with mom-in-law and sis-in-law

I have the 3 blocks that say:

I "heart" U

Sitting on my mantel!

But that's it.

Maybe I should do something about that.

I realized my slackerness when reading a friends wife's blog.

She is going to make this cake on Sunday for Monday.

I am very tempted to follow in her steps....

We shall see.

If I do end up following in her steps I will definitely take pictures of the mess and the final creation!

Oh! And if I get my butt into gear and get decorations up I will definitely let you know!

xoxox

SNOW DAY! Equals Practice?!

2011-02-01T12:47:00.002-07:00

I have decided I must not be a true music major.

I've always know I was different than the other music kids,

but today it is evident!

Today was a snow day.

All classes cancelled!

My music friends on facebook all have statuses regarding how they get extra time to practice today since there are no classes!

Well, I am actually doing:

Laundry

Playing with Baby Girl

Cleaning the house

Fixing dinner with the scraps we have

Possibly painting my nails

Maybe sewing a few things

Organizing the baby's old clothes into groups of saving or hand-me-downs

Watch a movie with the baby

Everything that hasn't been done, but needs to be done!

Hmmmm....maybe for the next 14 weeks I need to change my methods....

For now I will enjoy the snow!

p.s. last night I dreamt that our neighbors who are moving gave us their washer!!

Unfortunately when I woke up and was telling Mr. Dawson,

I realized they didn't look anything like our neighbors!

Bummer!

Have a wonderful 1st of February!

Do You?

2011-01-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Do you need a date night?

Do you need a tax return?

Do you just want to help multiple people out?

Go here and help!

Our Winter Break

2011-01-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Finally I am writing about us...

Unfortunately I don't have as many pictures as I thought I had!

So here are the few that we have

Visiting Grandma and Grandpa Dawson (Shirts Courtesy of Elder Van Drew)

Matching Cousin Carly!

First experience with peas. Can you tell she wanted more!?

This is how She has to sit in her chair to eat, we are working on changing that.

Watching a movie so mom can make dinner...

We spent Christmas and New Years in Arizona, then spent a week in Colorado!

Now school is fortunately, yet unfortunately, underway.

It will be a busy semester for Mr. Dawson

He has begun a blog for school purposes that you are welcome to follow!

I will be preparing for my Senior and FINAL solo recital before I graduate.

When it is more final, I would hope that all of you would come to the recital!!!

It's a New Year! (17 days late!)

2011-01-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

To my devoted stalkers,

Updates will come soon, but I felt this deserved much more attention than anything we have done recently.

Please, next time you fly any airline and you are delayed, sitting in traffic, waiting for anything
PLEASE remember this story.
This year,
amidst all of our money woes
government troubles
petty problems
let us try to be more considerate,
more thankful,
and more happy
in our daily activities with our brothers and sisters!

Pretty Please

2010-12-10T00:07:00.000-07:00

Dear those of you who read this

Please come to my Violin Suzuki Pedagogy recital tomorrow...errr...today.

My recital is Friday, December 10th

5PM

Keller Hall

It's free

Kids are welcome

And it should only be one hour.

(if it goes over it's not by much)

Pretty please come

xoxoxox

It's Official, I'm a Contributor!

2010-11-22T00:24:00.004-07:00

So it seems as if Tresann has changed the blog to be a family blog? Or at least I can post things now! But I don't know how to do any of the fancy stuff that Tresann does yet. To be totally honest with you I had never heard of a blog before I met Tresann. If you haven't figured it out yet, this is Justin Dawson, aka Mr. Dawson.Let me catch you up on my life up until now...

Life has had its ups and downs, I married an amazing woman about 2 years ago, and now we have the cutest baby ever! That about sums it up.

Words of Wisdom...

At church today I was sitting there and I noticed something on my suit coat sleeve. It looked like I got mustard on it. But it wasn't mustard... Note to self do not change the baby's diaper while wearing a suit jacket, or any loose/long sleeved shirt/jacket for that matter. Just thought I should pass on these pearls of wisdom.

Tah-tah for now!

I am Thankful

2010-11-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is on the 25th, so here are 25 things I am grateful for (in no particular order):

1. The gospel

2. Mr. Dawson

3. My little girl

4. My musical talents

5. I can walk, see, talk, run...

6. My health

7. The ability I have to finish my degree

8. A living prophet

9. Teaching positions

10. Mr. Dawson's internship

11. Love

12. A car that works

13. Technology

14. Pain medications (epidural)

15. A comfortable and beautiful apartment

16. Hot showers

17. Heater/AC/Swamp cooler

18. Scriptures

19. The beauty of the earth

20. Buddy-passes to visit family (or vacation) and fly there for free

21. A bed

22. Clothes & Shoes

23. My friends and acquaintances

24. A temple that is 20 minutes away

25. Knowing that I have a loving Heavenly Father who watches over me

Inspiration

2010-11-01T07:58:00.000-06:00

While browsing Yahoo! I found this.

I don't have as much debt as these guys, I am capable of paying mine off every month.

But, if I acted like I have major amounts of debt how much money could I possibly save?

I already have a food budget and after last month's really big "necessity" buy,

I keep telling myself I won't buy anything else, and I haven't stuck to it.

Here is my goal.

I will stick to my food budget and I will not purchase any more "extra" items for myself the rest of the year.

Starting next year I will have a twenty dollar limit and I can only use cash to buy what it is that I "need".

If I don't spend that $20 I will put that money in the bank, never to use it again!

We'll see what happens!

MishMash

2010-10-25T10:19:00.000-06:00

Hello all of you who read this!

Uh...is there really anyone out there?

Oh well, even if there is not, someday I will print this off and make a book out of these posts!

I would like to tell you that our little cutie, at her 2 month checkup, weighed 11lbs. 11.5oz!!

She was also 23 inches tall! (or long, I guess!)

She and I took her three vaccinations like champs.

Only one of us cried with real tears.

We are both so grateful to a wonderful daddy to hold our hands and help us be strong!

Ellie is smiling all sorts now, and even scrunches her nose when she does a really big smile!

She is discovering her hands.

She stares at them as she opens and closes them,

also they now "hold" her pacifier in her mouth when she is tired!

It's super cute!

During tummy time she lifts her head up and her legs and rocks, almost rolling over!

Oh, and her face turns bright red as she strains to lift up a hand and only be supported by one arm and her tummy!

Everything seems to be going okay on the school front.

Mr. Dawson is doing FANTASTIC in his classes!

I am doing my best to practice everyday.

I can honestly say that during the week days I can manage for sure 1 hour each day.

Sometimes more, depending on how soundly Ellie stays asleep and how clingy she is.

Weekends...well...I could definitely see some improvement!

But we are all making it work!

If you would like to read about my brothers adventures while he is on his mission go here.

Other than that, I need to learn to say no.

Over and out!

Two Months

2010-10-07T09:52:00.001-06:00

Forgot to mention that our little one turned 2 months yesterday!

Holy Cow!

It definitely doesn't feel like 2 months has gone by!

Sweet Tooth

2010-10-07T09:48:00.001-06:00

I have always had a tiny sweet tooth, but cared more for salty things!

Then I got pregnant...

Ever since it seems that all I want is sweets!

When I was pregnant I preferred candy or ice cream during a movie rather than popcorn!

(and that is a heinous crime with my family!)

And now, sweets are still my go to treat...

This is not good for my health!!!

But it does make Mr. Dawson love me more!

hhaaha cause now I offer to make sweet A LOT more often

(he has a REALLY big sweet tooth)

Other news...

If you didn't already know this, I married a nerd!

Of course I knew this from the start,

I honestly don't think that I would have been able to marry someone who wasn't a nerd!

Anyway yesterday he received his grades for this big project that his class was working on.

This project was divided into 4 segments.

He told me the top grades for each segment...

99, 94, 100, 98

and then proceeded to tell me he had received

54, 67, 72, and 80

I congratulated him on the last two and asked what the professor didn't like on the first two.

His response,

"I was only kidding. I did better. 90, 94, 93, 98. But thanks for the support!"

HA! He got the top score twice!

And apparently the best average in the class was a 94.9 and Mr. Dawson received a 93.75!

OH how I love my Mr. Dawson!

I should also tell you that we celebrated by making a dessert called Taffy Apple Pizza.
It's a big sugar cookie with peanut butter and cream cheese frosting
Apples on top with ground cinnamon and carmel!
Mr. Dawson's choice!
(what did I tell you about the sweet tooth!?)

Here is the "maybe" for the day!

Maybe . . You should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.

2010-10-05T07:57:00.000-06:00

Since I have been a slacker in the whole posting business here are 3 "Maybe" statements that I find 100% true.

Maybe . . . When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened for us.

Maybe . . . It is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.

Maybe . . . The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

p.s. wasn't conference amazing!?!

Forget

2010-09-29T13:17:00.001-06:00

Maybe . . The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of your past mistakes, failures, and heartaches.

Isn't this the greatest phrase?

I think it is so true!

Honestly I would have never "met" Mr. Dawson if I didn't forget things.

I say "met" because sure, I would have gotten to know him and vice versa, but there are things in life that can hold you back from truly showing who you are to other people.

Without forgetting and letting go of those things, you can't honestly meet people.

Everyone makes mistakes, it's how you move on that really matters!

I think the biggest thing for me was my first kiss.

Seriously.

I wanted it, wanted to be kissed.

After it happened I cried behind closed doors.

I didn't cry because it wasn't how I expected it, I cried because I knew that I had made a mistake I would regret.

I think it is the coolest thing that Mr. Dawson gets to say I was his first kiss, and I wish I could say the same!

The greatest thing is that I can make my future what I want it to!

Doesn't matter what happened in the past, the future is what matters now!

I have a whole list of these "Maybe" statements.

Over the course of the next few weeks I will share them.

I hope that they make some kind of impact on your life as they have mine!

I Was Paid To Have A Baby!

2010-09-23T14:55:00.000-06:00

Sounds like I am coming out with a secret or something!

In reality, this baby was not a bribe.

Today I received a refund from the Women's Specialists.

Somehow I paid an extra $300 to there office these last 10 months.

So I was paid to have a baby! =)

Other news...

Many of you know that my brother is in the MTC.

I have a friend who just recently got a job teaching Portuguese at the MTC

I told him if he saw my brother to give him a hug....

and today I found out that he ran into my brother and gave him a hug!

OH!!! This makes me EXTREMELY happy!

I almost feel as if I had given him the hug....almost.

The last time I saw my brother was 2 weeks before he left on his mission...and I was BIG!!

These next two years are going to go by so fast and so slow!!

I can't wait for him to personally meet his niece!

By then she will be walking and talking and wow I can totally wait for her to do all those things,

Yet I want my brother back soon!

It will all work out I know!

Here is a little treat for you all!

I was taking a picture of Ellie on Monday because she had some crazy hair!

I did not plan the colors, that was just by chance.

And her pose.

That is all her! She is totally not afraid of having pictures taken of her it seems! =)

I added the "do not duplicate" cause I think it's so cute and if anyone stumbles on this blog I don't want them taking it without permission...

On another note, many of you have probably seen my facebook picture.

Here is another....

Practicing

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! We know we will!!

Bedtime Stories

2010-09-15T11:53:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the movie?

If not, you totally must!

Anyway, in the movie there is this part where Russell Brand's Character says,

"I am legally obliged to tell you that I suffer from Panic Sleep Disorder."

Remember this part?

Then a few scenes later this happens?

Best thing ever...

Our little girl seems to suffer from this disorder as well!

She will be sound asleep and then suddenly out of now where she lets out a cry, and then is back to normal sleeping soundly!

hahaha it's great!

I do have to admit that at first it was pretty startling

Once we started saying, "Oh it's just the panic sleep disorder." it started getting funny!

Just had to share!

P.S. We are blessing our baby girl on the 26th in the Haines Ward.

If you would like to come please feel free.

There will not be a brunch or anything after sacrament meeting since Mr. Dawson and I have callings that require us to be there for the second and third hour.

Also we don't have very many people coming for this so we haven't felt the need to set up substitutes.

Anyway...you are still welcome!

It is getting cooler!

2010-09-11T18:20:00.001-06:00

Fall is upon us!

It is getting cooler!

The leaves are changing

The swamp cooler no longer needs to be turned on

I am SO excited!

Baby love and other minor thoughts

2010-08-31T09:31:00.002-06:00

Ellie is darling.

Okay, I know everyone thinks their kid is the cutest

but seriously let me tell you about what she did yesterday!

She had finished eating lunch and was perched on my shoulder while I ate my lunch.

Suddenly her face, mouth wide open comes swooping into my cheek.

She keeps it there a second and then removes her face and does it again.

(This was all controlled by her...not accidental face plants!)

Then I pulled her away from my shoulder and asked,

"Are you giving momma kisses?"

Her response was the biggest smile!

So I kissed her on the forehead saying, "momma kissed you!"

and she responded with her big ol' smile!

other things on my mind....

have you seen how celebrities are cutting their hair in what is being called the "pixie" cut?

I wish I was that daring and that my hair was naturally straight

That way I could try it out...

But of course I always get attached to my hair once it grows out and regret cutting it short when I do.

oh!

I am slowly fitting back into my pre-prgnancy clothes!

It's an awesome feeling

I just hope that I will be able to fit into my jeans when the weather officially changes!

Just some of the thoughts going through my head lately

Realization

2010-08-29T18:55:00.006-06:00

Just realized that I probably haven't posted a picture of the baby's room...

And with the baby's room comes the letters that I painted by hand.

The crib...from craigslist!

The curtains my mom made...plus the diaper cake from Natalie. Oh and Tortuga

The rocking chairs, pictures and of course the drying rack....for all those spit up messes and blow outs!

Don't be mistaken...I just couldn't get 3 letters in one picture. Her name is spelt E-L-L-I-E.

Enjoy!

Dopey

2010-08-25T14:53:00.002-06:00

In Snow White you know the part where it's bed time and you see all the dwarfs sleeping?

Remember what Dopey does?

That's what my little girl does occasionally!

If you don't remember click here and go to about 3:05 in the movie...

School & Other Scary Things

2010-08-24T13:09:00.002-06:00

First day of school done!

We did well.

Mr. Dawson and I work well as a team, which we've known for at least 1 year and 8 months!

But we pulled of the craziest day of the week with school and handing off the baby.

If we can do Monday we can do the rest of the week!

You would think it would be crazy with just one car between the two of us,

But in reality it's fairly simple....

(Knock on wood....don't wanna jinx us!)

The other horrors...

Well I just received a text message from Mr. Dawson

He's at work right now

And well 3 people just got laid off!

He went and asked his manager if he should be worried that he's next

Manager said: He should be okay for the next couple months. With those 3 salaries not being paid anymore there's more money and he does good work for cheap (being an intern).

Even though this guy is the head hancho and he says he will give Mr. Dawson a heads up if they were to lay him off.....please keep us in your prayers.

Bit of good news!?

The baby slept 6 straight hours last night!

Rolled over again this morning

She's camera shy

Love being a mommie!

I'd rather do this than teach and go to school!

Soon enough that will be here!

Yay!!

Step in the right direction

2010-08-20T15:31:00.003-06:00

Last night little miss slept in her own room!

Yes that is right, at 13 days I separated her from me.

hahaha

Actually it really wasn't that bad.

It actually woke me up a bit more to have to get out of bed to feed her

Then in celebration of being exactly 2 weeks old she got her heal pricked to have standard tests done.

(I think she was seriously back there at 11:29AM!)

Shout out to my Mr. Dawson for being the brave man he is!

I can't stand needles or being pricked

And to see my little girl get pricked....HECK NO!

So Mr. Dawson held little miss and took her back in the lab while mommie stayed in the waiting room.

Of course I could hear her cries...oh so sad!

But I am oh so grateful to Mr. Dawson.

Mr. Dawson said that little miss was very brave.

She didn't start crying until they were squeezing her heal to get the blood out,

the prick didn't bother her!

But you can tell she was a bit traumatized.

She's very cuddly and sleepy compared to normal.

(I don't mind!) =)

The big accomplishment of today, so far...

She got weighed at the labs and weighed a whopping 7lbs 15.5 oz!

Of course she still had on her diaper, but she's almost 8lbs!!

My little girl is growing fast!

13 days

2010-08-19T21:25:00.003-06:00

Accomplishments:

The little one rolled over on her own!

I had her on her tummy for "tummy time" and she got frustrated as always

Frustrated enough to push herself onto her back!

Oh my this little girl is a mover!

And last night....

gave her a sponge bath and then wrapped her in her towel....

Next time I will have the diaper ready to go too.

Towel and mom's clothes will be fine after they are washed.

$$$$$$$$$$

2010-08-17T15:12:00.002-06:00

HOLY HECK!

Babies are expensive.

I knew that buying diapers and things like that would cost

But these hospital bills!!!!!!!!

YIKES!

Thank goodness for insurance!

On a happier note being pregnant is the best way to gain and loose weight.

Seriously

So over a 9 month period you gain 30ish pounds

but it's a slow process and you don't notice it right away, so it doesn't freak you out.

Greatest thing ever is stepping on the scale after delivery!

First day home, already lost 5 pounds!

Within 3 days, 15lbs.

11 days = 25 lbs.

!!!!!!!

Only bummer?

Your hips expand.

So even though you've lost weight,

you may not fit into your pre-pregnancy pants as soon as you'd like

But hey! I am counting my blessings as to how well my recovery is going!

Baby update:

The little one had her 2 week doctor appointment today.

Officially weighs 7lbs 9oz!

healthy and strong

Freaked mom out this morning with the umbilical cord!

It was after the 6am feeding she wanted...

I was changing her diaper, AGAIN,

When I pulled up her onesie I see this black thing sitting on her diaper.

I freak out thinking, "How did a roach get on my baby!!!!"

Then I realize, it's dark and I am delirious, that it is her umbilical cord!

It fell off today!

Shortly she will be able to take full fledged big girl baths!

So excited!

Oh!

Because of her ubber cuteness she has been helping mom out with getting things done at UNM.

You see I FINALLY was able to get in-state tuition granted to me

after I saw a whole bunch of people who just adored her and were amazed she's only 11 days old

Also I was able to get a music counselor too help me out yesterday, and today,

when there were no more available times!

YESSSsssssss!

p.s. Rachel, don't worry about the outfit, Ellie is drowning is lots of her clothes, she will still fit!

5 days

2010-08-11T20:04:00.002-06:00

Today's achievements

On the baby's part that is! =)

Pooped and peed all over mom, changing table, and managed to get a bit on the floor.

Leaked out the diaper on mom and dad's bed.

So far I think we are on a great roll!

hahaha

Love the life of a mom!

minus these raging hormones.

Happy Birthday!

2010-08-09T11:20:00.003-06:00

Our little girl is officially 3 days old!

And now that her daddy is older and wiser too he thought that it would be great fun to dress her with her pants on her head....

"Pants on your head, pants on your head, looking like a fool with your pants on your head."

That was the song being sung as she was brought into my view!

Announcing....

2010-08-09T11:01:00.004-06:00

We are now the proud parents of a little baby girl.

Ellie Mae Dawson

She was born August 6, 2010

11:29AM

7lbs 2oz

19 inches long

enjoying that it's all done!

The story?

Well it's kinda long and funny so I will make sure I have lots of pictures too.

At 2AM we called and asked if we could come into the hospital because I was having contractions that would take my breath away and I couldn't walk.

They were VERY time-able too.

Basically everything they said to look for.

Well as always happens, we get to the hospital they put me on the monitors and they go away.

BUMMER

But the nurse is very nice and say's,

"Go for a 2 hour walk come back and we will see if you have changed."

After 30 minutes of walking and talking we decide that we need rest, have a doctors appointment at 9:15, and that we are both super tired.

So we go check out and get home.

ONE HOUR LATER

We have been in bed enjoying our rest when suddenly

WHAM

"Mr. Dawson, my water just broke!!!!"

He jumps out of bed tries to help me get everything cleaned up and ready to go.

We hop back in the car and are back in the very same room we were and hour ago.

To save you the rest of the details that don't really need to be told...

4 hours later I was an 8

The anesthesiologist was FINALLY free and I received the AMAZING epidural

And then just a few more hours later our beautiful girl was laid on my chest.

That made everything all worth every pain!

Total of about 7ish hours.

the proud Daddy!

For the Future

2010-08-05T13:21:00.004-06:00

Thoughts on pregnancy that every woman should know when they are pregnant.

In Tresann Dawson's opinion that is!

1. When you find out your due date, add 1-2 weeks on to it.

This way it will seem like your baby is early or on time, and will not cause you to go insane waiting for the child to come.

2. Walking really is good for you.

Not just to keep you fit, but it can also help induce contractions...whether or not those induce labor is up to your body.

3. The sooner you tell people your pregnant, the longer the pregnancy seems.

Learned this from my Laurels advisor and took her advise, it totally is worth it to wait and tell!

4. If you are up to planning a pregnancy, aim to not be pregnant during summer.

It's already dreadfully hot, and then add the added heat from being pregnant...YIKES!

5. Ask your doctor/midwife loads of questions, even if they seem embarrassing!

Seriously! It will help calm you over anything you are worried about

6. Don't tell people you are at the hospital until you have been REALLY admitted.

It just makes things more depressing if you have to leave, and then people really wonder what is going on with you.

7. Just be patient!

Ha! Easier said than done...I would know! But seriously. Pregnancy teaches you how to be patient!

4 days

2010-08-04T10:58:00.003-06:00

Monday,

What a day.

I was having consistent contractions every 5 minutes.

(Only every other would take my breath away)

So we did what they told us to do.

Call and see what we should do.

We called and they told us we could come in to Triage to be checked and see if we could be admitted.

Downfall #1

We let too many people know we were headed to Triage.

But can you blame us?

We were so excited that this could be it!

After 45 minutes of waiting, after I got dressed in the gown, they hooked me up to the monitors.

Stayed on them tell the nurse in charge, happened to be our midwife, came.

She checked me.

Said I wasn't a four yet but that she wanted us to go walking for 2 hours, in the hospital, and then come back and get checked again.

If I was a 4 when we got back we would be admitted.

Downfall #2

Still super excited and giddy

trying to figure out schedules with parents

Walked for 2 hours, and ate a salad.

Came back to find that a new nurse was on duty.

New nurse = different scale in measuring (b/c hand size is different)

According to new nurse, only 3.5.

Told us to either keep walking or go home and come back later.

We thought we would keep walking.

After 30 minutes I changed my mind and we checked out to go home.

By the time 10PM rolled around, crawled into bed and slept the whole night.

Woke up depressed because the contractions had gone away.

Now we are 2 days later with 4 days til the due date.

The contractions tend to subside during the night (except last night)

but when they come during the day they are pretty powerful.

Not 100% taking my breath away, but 80%.

We are still hoping that my body can get this little girl out soon.

We will see.

But next time we go in, not many will know until we are for sure admitted to the hospital to stay.

Sorry in advance.

Just can't take the pressure of everyone texting and calling every half hour to see what the update is.

Don't worry,

You will know when the baby is here!

I promise!

Bring it on!

2010-07-31T12:58:00.002-06:00

Friday doctors appointment stats:

dialation=3

effaced=80% (still)

Membranes were scraped, and doctor seemed excited thinking that it would help me progress lots faster....

Saturday's stats so far:

Occasionally contracting, nothing too regular unfortunately.

BRING ON THE PAIN!!!!

So close

2010-07-26T13:41:00.002-06:00

Today I had two students' mothers tell me that they don't plan to see me next week.

The expect a text that says, "I'm in labor, see you in a month!" this week.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!

How I would LOVE for that to happen.

We shall see.

On another note, I have a friend who was induced last night to have her baby girl.

Haven't had word on the whole ordeal, but I am sure it must have gone well and she is loving being a mom!

Uh.

That's it!

Okay, not really.

I have a confession.

I was hoping that during this lunch break between teaching that my water would break and I'd have to call off the rest of the afternoon teaching!

Am I horrible that I don't want to teach anymore,

but would rather start this new mommie thing?

Don't answer that.

xoxo

News!

2010-07-23T18:02:00.002-06:00

On Wednesday my brother reported to the MTC.

Thursday we had a doctors appointment.

The midwife was skeptical of checking my cervix,

because the week prior I was only a possible 1.

Well, as of Thursday I am a 2 and 80% effaced!

This is super exciting!

The midwife thinks I might hold the chance of actually delivering early!

We will see, I am trying not to get my hopes up.

Yesterday evening, Mr. Dawson and I were chatting on our way to....

well I don't remember where we were going but we were in the car.

Anyway he was saying how it is funny that we send texts and tell people about the dialation and effacement, cause it's a pretty private affair!

And you know what, it's true!

Except for the fact that I think most people don't really think about what it is involving other than the fact that the baby is that much closer to making it here! =)

The movie Letters to Juliet,

have you seen it?

No?

YOU MUST SEE IT!

Maybe I am just way hormonal, I dunno, but I loved the chick flick!

I thought it was really well done and when it is cheap enough for me to buy on DVD I will be the proud owner of the movie!

That's all for now folks!

Another Insight!

2010-07-17T15:22:00.001-06:00

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy, for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another."

~Anatole France

Insights While Cleaning

2010-07-17T12:53:00.003-06:00

As I was organizing I came across some quotes that I had written down from one of the first firesides I attended here in NM.

I honestly can't remember the Brother's name who spoke to us,

All I remember is that I was in the choir that sang and that his last name starts with a K.

I hope that these can have some meaning to you,

just as I have found in the second time around in reading them.

"You have the capacity to learn, if you are humble enough to realize you don't know it all."

"We all have a certain amount of time, it is up to us to decide what we do with it."

"When was the last time you were intellectually fatigued?"

"Don't get clan-ish, because you cannot be a light unto the world if you're surrounded by those who have lights."

"Just your presence says something, because people know what you stand for and they want to be like you, but they can't if you're not there."

A quote that I found from a funeral service program:

Supposing today were your last day on earth.

The last mile of your journey you've trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you worth

How much can you take home to God?

Don't count as possessions your silver and gold.

For tomorrow you leave those behind.

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you've given mankind.

~Anonymous