Project 52 wrap up

Making and executing 52 goals sounded pretty much impossible around this time last year. I am really glad that I made the goals and realized just having them written down helped me stay focused on accomplishing them. So here is what I got done with some thoughts...

  Project 52 Goals

1. Laundry every other Wednesday
I really enjoyed having a set day for laundry. When I got pregnant I got off schedule for a few months but really tried hard to keep it going. I think Aaron liked having it on a set day as well so he always knew when to add things to the hamper.

2. Complete 21 days on the Clean Program 
Done! This was a hard but an incredible experiment. I'm so glad I had a friend to do it with (Thanks Rachel) and friends that have done it to keep me going. You really do feel incredible while doing the program and the 12lb weight loss was nice too. After a very long time of trying to get pregnant I have to wonder if me getting pregnant a couple weeks after finishing the program was more than a coincidence.

3. Start and attend a spanish class taught by my husband- Not done.

4. Volunteer in the community once per quarter of the year (1/4)- Only got one done (we helped dig out the flood victims early this year). Getting pregnant made this a little harder- not an excuse though. I did however try to do more service for those around me.

5. Learn to play one of the nursery songs on the piano each month till all are learned.- I learned three. I still want to learn them all even though I'm not in primary any more.

6. Increase my workout schedule from 3 times per week to 4.-
I actually did this for a long time. I was at the gym 3x per week and then usually took substantial bike ride 1-2 times per week. Then morning sickness happened. I did keep up going to the gym 3x per week until about the time I was 32 week pregnant.

7. Take a bike ride with my husband at least 2x per week.
I'm going to count this one done. We rode at least 2x/week until we decided it was just to much and a little dangerous for me.

8. Learn how to shoot a gun: 
I guess you aren't supposed to do this while prego:( I'll try next year)

9. Go rock climbing
Did it on my birthday! I loved it.

10. Go on 2 hikes (2/2)
Done! My favorite one was with Karen and Rachel.

11. Plan 2 girls night out with Sister-in-Laws (2/2)
These were really fun. We went out for dinner one time and then got pedicures and dinner the other time. I hope to do more of these this coming year.

12. Learn 1 new duet with my husband
Thanks to a request from Dawn Cook to sing at a funeral we learned a new duet and I kid you not, sang it 4 times after that in various wards.

13. Start and finish my CAM finished 6/22
Done! It was easy (time consuming but easy) and now I'm a certified apartment manager.

14. Attend my brother's wedding
This was a big one but we saved our money and were able to go to Miami for my older brothers wedding to the cutest girl. My mom and sis went too so we had a blast!

15. Make a special gift for our 5 year anniversary
It was a picture with a special poem on it. Kind of mushy but Aaron was really sweet about it:-)


16. Complete all visiting teaching every month (12/12)
Thanks to an awesome VT partner we got this done! Even if it just meant a card in the mail.

17. Make and post on blog 52 goals
I actually haven't counted so I'm not sure.

18. Invite 2 new couples in the ward for dinner (2/2)
Done. We had fun inviting some new couples over for dinner. I would like to increase this goal for next year.

19. Vacuum on Saturdays
Nope. At least I got the laundry on a schedule. Maybe this one will happen in 2012

20. Go to the Temple 12 times (12/12)
Done! I almost didn't make it but with some help from my sweet husband I went for my 11th and 12th time on Jan. 29th & 30th. Talk about cutting it close! I do have to say that the last two times were really special experiences and I'm really glad that I did it.

21. Bear my testimony in Sacrament meeting
I'm kind of cheating with this one. I did bear my testimony but it was at the end of a talk. Next year I want it to be during testimony meeting.

22. Give a fast offering every month (12/12)
Done. This is a good habit that I'm glad we got into. Aaron helped me remember this one all year.

23. Run a 5k (this will probably be on a treadmill) This was done in Lakewood 5k not the tread mill. 32 min!
I can't believe I actually did this! In the nick-of-time too since I did it in March and got prego the end of April. Rachel, I couldn't have run the whole thing with out you!

24. Return music to Long Beach Stake
Not done and I'm mad about it. It is such an easy thing to do and I just keep forgetting.

25. Make 5 homemade gifts and give them (5/5)
Done. This was fun and I hope to do it again next year.

26. Get a hair cut
Done twice!

27. Take a diner to 3 people in need (3/3)
This was also a very rewarding goal that I'm glad I got to accomplish. Having it as a goal helped me be more outgoing with volunteering.

28. Take a bubble bath
I've been taking a lot of baths the last couple weeks and I'm loving them.

29. Take a Zumba class
It was a relief society activity and Amber taught it. So fun!

30. Write in my journal 52 times (8/52)
I used to write in my journal EVERY night. Why is it so hard now?

31. Send out Christmas news letter
Not done, but I will change this one to sending out a birth announcement in Jan.

32. Go to the Dentist
I'm embarrassed. Not done. I should have done it early in the year cause once I got pregnant I just didn't want to.

33. Paint and decorate spare bedroom
This turned out so cute. It is amazing how much a little paint will do for a room. I will be doing a post with pictures soon.

34. Go to Palm Springs
We did this for our 5 year anniversary in February and had a great time.

35. Go to Disney and stay the whole day: not going to do this anymore, I just wont make it all day.
I didn't do this but instead sent Aaron with our neighbor (who's wife is also very pregnant) Lars to spend the whole day there. They had so much fun. Probably more fun then he would have had with me since I can't do startours without having a panic attack.

36. Say morning prayers
Aaron was also a big help with this one. We got in the habit of reading our scriptures and praying together every morning.

37. Learn all the words to this year's primary song
Done! Then I was released :(

38. Hand out 5 pass-along cards (0/5)
I should have just kept them in my purse. I kept forgetting. Maybe I can run to the store tonight and hand them out to 5 random people?

39. Build up savings
Kind of done. Not by a lot.

40. Be gluten free for entire year
Thank goodness I figured out that I'm gluten intolerant. I have completed 1.5 years of being gluten free!

41. Take vitamins everyday
Can't get around this one when you are pregnant. I do have to admit though that I am sick of taking them.

42. Drink 4 glasses of water every day
I drank at least 4 glasses.

43. Add three months (each) of food storage
Not done. Our budget was to tight for this one this year.

44. Fill water storage
Done. We have one of those big blue water storage things on our back patio and it is filled.

45. Throw one baby shower
Done! I helped through Shawna's baby shower and had so much fun doing it. I'm excited to help with another one early in January.

46. Clean off my chair in my bedroom 1x per week
I really tried.

47. Have a conversation with someone in Spanish
I did this on the phone with the person that cleans the apartments for my company. He only speaks spanish and I usually have Aaron call for me. I had Aaron sitting next to me just in case I needed help.

48. Take 6 dance classes (0/6): Not going to happen
Got pregnant, tired, poor, and didn't want to try to get into a leotard.

49. Read each book club book. (5/12)
I started off the year strong and then lost motivation. Usually b/c it was a pain to get the book.

50. Sing in church (solo)
Done. I can't remember what I sang though.

51. Make a skirt and wear it to church
Half done. I made a skirt but it was to ugly to wear anywhere.

52. Purchase a gun
This will have to be next year too as long as the budget allows. 

2011 was a great year. I feel like I have accomplished a lot. But the biggest goal that was accomplished was getting pregnant and carrying that baby to full term and I am so excited that we were able to do this. I didn't add it to the 52 list because it was a personal goal but it has been the most incredible thing I have experienced.




I hope you all have a great 2012 and I can't wait to see your goals for  next year!

37 weeks. A full term baby!

Yay! We officially have a full term baby boy! Still 3 more weeks till he is due but it is nice to know that he could come any day and be okay.

New for this week:

• Dane has "dropped". I woke up on Monday and looked completely different then the day before. I also waddle more and need to know where the restroom is at all times
• Started the weekly doctors appointments. Everything looks good.
• Purchased a breast pump. One sided and manual. Will I really need this?
• My hospital bag is ready to go.
• Things I still need: a boppy pillow, swing or bouncy chair(?).
• I'm excited and getting ready for my friend Stephanie's baby shower. She is my neighbor, in the same ward, and due 5 days after me with a little baby boy that will be named Roan. Cool ha?
• Car seat is installed.

You can really tell in this picture that he has dropped...

Merry Christmas to me!

This may be my favorite Christmas gift. Thank you Aaron!

Enjoy...

...the "Hoodie-Footie"

I know you want your own!

I kind of want to get one of these for all my girl friends so we can have a Hoodie-Footie party

I know, I know, way sexy ;-)

Seriously though, they are so comfortable. Aaron may regret getting these for me.


With other news, we went on a bike ride today and it was wonderful.

I got several funny looks but it felt so nice to be riding again.


Oh, and I think I might have "dropped". I have a Dr. appointment tomorrow and I'll ask him but my belly looks way different today then yesterday. It's getting close! I'll post a pic tomorrow.

35 Weeks

35 Weeks! Crazy!


(30 weeks)
Update:

• Feeling good!
• The nursery is ready
• I'm having a lot of braxton hicks contractions
• Weight gain has slowed down.
  
• Starting every week dr. appointments next week
• Pulled out a bag to start packing it for the hospital. Any suggestions with this?
• Christmas decorations are up!
  
• Dane is very active. I think I'm going to miss feeling all his wiggles.
• I waddle.
  
• Birth plan written up

Seems like everyone I talk to tells me about how I am in the worst part of pregnancy and how it will be the worst month of my life. I almost feel guilty that I still feel relatively good and that I am really enjoying being pregnant. Sure I have a lot of the aches and pains and sleepless nights and the ever expanding body but I just think that being pregnant is the coolest experience ever. I am so grateful to be able to carry our little Dane.

We are very excited to meet him!

We got a new camera...

and this is my favorite picture so far...



I couldn't stop laughing. Needless to say, the shutter speed is very fast :-)

30 weeks, maternity pics, and belly pics.

30 weeks! Yikes! (actually I'm now 31 weeks but I did take my 30 week pics last week. I'm just now getting around to this post)

It's hard to believe that our son will be joining us in 9 weeks. I have been really enjoying carrying him and love him so much already. Aaron and I have been busy getting ready for this little guy and hope to have the nursery done in the next couple weeks. All the hard stuff is done and I'm just working on the sewing now. I'll do a nursery post soon.

While on our vacation in Miami we had some family/maternity pictures taken and here are a couple sneak peaks. I haven't seen them all yet and will post more when I get the cd.




I don't really look that big from the front but then I turn to the side and you get this...

(that picture didn't turn out that great. It was a dark rainy day)

(25 weeks for comparison)

Big difference in the last 5 weeks, ha?

Here is my 30 week list:

• We have a name! Well, all most. His name will be Dane Christensen and we just need to finalize the middle name.
• I feel heavy. It's a lot harder to get around.
• No swelling...yet
• I have an "outie"
  
• My baby shower is THIS weekend! I can't believe that I'm about to have a baby shower!
• I've been eating to much ice-cream/frozen yogurt.
  
• Just need to finish the bumper and dust ruffle and two pillows and the sewing for the nursery will be done
• We took our birthing class and it was great! I feel excited and prepared for labor (as prepared as you can be I guess)
• The most common comment I'm getting "When is your due date again? Wow, I don't think you're going to make it" -Lol, nice way to make a girl feel small ;-)
• Nesting has started. Actually started about 3 weeks ago. Isn't that to early? Poor Aaron.
• Every now and then he will get in a position where he is sitting on my sciatica nerve and I can't walk. Ouch!
• Dane is really active and strong. I'm starting to be able to recognize where body parts are.
• He gets hiccups :-)
• I dressed him up as a basketball for Halloween since that is what everyone says he looks like. His Daddy was a basketball player.
• Sleeping at night? Not so much.
• I get a lot of offers to help me with things. I guess that is the up side of looking so big:-)
• Finished my glucose test. It wasn't that bad. I did just fine.
• I can't seem to remember anything! I apologize now if I was supposed to call you back or show up to something and I don't. I have a serious case of pregnancy brain.
• I'm so excited for the Holidays!

We are in the market for a new camera. Any recommendations? We want a pretty good one.

That's it for now. I think I'll start taking my belly pics every two weeks now since we are getting close to D-Day.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Here is a lazy post about our Halloween festivities so far (pictures in a completely random order, sorry)

We won best family costume at our ward Halloween party.

This was our big competition for the costume contest. They won best adult costume and really deserved it. She made all of their costumes! So cute.

Mama Bee and baby Sunflower aka Shawna and Shye.

Anaheim 4th ward peeps

The Walks threw a really fun Halloween party and everyone dressed up! Here are the boys fighting it out at the donut eating contest.

Back to the ward party for a pic of the girls (minus Rachel...we missed you).

One of the YW was dressed as a referee and so we grabbed her for some pics. I'm pretty sure she thought we were crazy.

Now back to the Walk's party, the night ended with a little Rock Band.

Aaron tells me this is the "triple threat" pose...what ever that is.

What did you dress up as for Halloween?

25 Weeks

Well, it looks like my blogging has been reduced to an every 5 week event. It's not because there isn't anything to blog about but more like we are so busy that I just don't have time.

I got a little bit of anxiety when I looked at my pregnancy ticker and it said we have less then 15 weeks left. I have a feeling these last 14 weeks will go by a lot faster than the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

25 Weeks picture

2o weeks picture for comparison.

It doesn't really look like I've gotten much bigger since 20 weeks but that can't be right. I feel so much bigger and heavier. It is getting harder to maneuver.

Oh, and for all of you wondering if I am naked in these pictures, I'm not. You can kind of see in the top one I am wearing a black t-shirt and black yoga pants.


At 25 weeks I:

• am starting to feel pretty big
• have pretty text book weight gain. Not under not over.
• have painted the nursery & prepped the chair rails to go up.
• started the stroller selection process. It is a little traumatizing, I'm not going to lie.
• am still craving green grapes but now I can't stop thinking about Costco's chocolate dipped ice-cream bar.
• Experienced my first swollen ankles. This happened when we flew to Miami, luckily they went back down pretty fast.
• Have increased my working out. I figured it is only going to get harder so I might as well do what I can when I can.
• We are pretty close to a name decision.
• am enjoying all of the kicks and wiggles from this active little boy.
• can recognize his sleep cycles. So neat!
• am enjoying singing in the OCMCO! He seems to love listening to the music.
  
• am itchy. Really just around my belly button and bio-oil helps with it.
• will have an outie pretty soon:)
• starting to try to figure out someone to take newborn pics. Any suggestion?

That's it for now.

I also wanted to thank everyone for their registering suggestions. They are great! We will be making our first trip to register this week. Hopefully we are less overwhelmed then when we went to look at strollers. While we are on the topic, any suggestions on strollers?

Next post: Our Miami trip! Be prepared for some pregnant lady bathing suit pictures.

Half way there, Somersaults, baby bump, & advice please.

20 Weeks today!

That means we are half way there to meeting our little boy. We are so excited and busy getting our home ready to welcome him. I have a feeling this last 20 weeks is going to fly. We are coming up on my favorite time of year and with all of the holidays and vacations, January will be here before we know it.

At 20 weeks I am:

• Feeling great!

• I really haven't gained that much weight but my belly is really sticking out!
  
• Can't sleep very well (my hips are killing me!)
• Have started the name selection
• Is motivated again to get to the gym
• Decided (with help from Aaron) the nursery theme will be vintage airplanes
• Has strangers ask how far along I am...I love it
• Know we are having a boy

Here is my 20 week picture. I'm getting big!

Progress so far. I really popped between 15 & 20 weeks!

This little guy is so active! It feels like he is doing somersaults all day long. It is the most incredible feeling.

Now, for some needed advice...

I'm thinking it's time to start a registry. So, what is one thing that you; couldn't live without, one thing that was nice but not necessary, and one thing that was a waste of money? Plus if you have any other tips on making a registry I would love them.

Thanks!

Our little baby boy

Today was the day. It felt like forever waiting to find out if this little peanut is a boy or girl. Aaron and I are just thrilled to announce that...

We have always hoped for a baby boy and shed tears of joy when we saw the proof on the monitor. The ultrasound lady was so wonderful and talked us through the entire thing. We saw ten fingers and ten toes, a perfect spine, a strong heart, working digestive system, a cute little face, and a very convincing "boy area". He was pretty relaxed and just moved around a little bit. I think he was being shy because he is such an active little boy most of the time. Aaron was even able to feel him kick a few days ago!

We got a ton a pictures. I know these can be hard to understand but if you stare long and hard enough you can see our little boy!





Those are some of my favorites. Pretty cute, ha?

We feel so blessed and grateful to our Heavenly Father for this child. Now, we start thinking about names!

And now for a song...

"Little boy, when you speak, I can’t help but kiss your cheeks" Enjoy:)



Next week?... another belly picture!

Being Pregnant is crazy! (and belly pics)

There really isn't anything like it! I've started feeling the baby move and I seriously get the giggles every time.

I'm 16 weeks now and the nausea has gotten A LOT better however, the vomiting hasn't stopped yet. Hopefully soon:) Now, I am just uncontrollably hungry.

Last night was my first night sleeping with a pregnancy pillow and it made a huge difference. I love it! Aaron was not exactly excited when he saw the size of it. Thank goodness we have a king size bed:-) Thanks Erin for the pillow!

I think it is funny how many people already thought I was pregnant before I announced it. I know I was being a little silly waiting so long.

We have our ultrasound in 20 days to find out if it is a girl or boy and I am so excited! We can't wait. Want to take a guess? There is a poll on my side bar.

Okay, on to belly pics. I've debated whether or not to post any. I know it can cause some judgements to be made but this is the first time that I have actually had something that looks like a baby belly and I'm just happy to have one:) (I didn't really have one with my first pregnancy). So be kind:-). With that said, here they are: 5, 10, & 15 weeks. For those wondering I've gained 5lbs so far. Not that much considering my back feels like I've gained 40.

Expecting!

Yes, it is true! We are going to have a baby! Here are some details...

I am currently 15 weeks along, about 3 1/2 months.

The baby is due January 18th, 2012

No, we don't know if it is a girl or boy...yet. We will find out asap.

I have been having morning/all day sickness since about 6 weeks. It makes me happy:-) A sign that things are going well for baby.

Aaron is really excited.

We saw the baby at 7wks and will have the big ultrasound Aug 23rd.

Heard the heartbeat at 10wks and at 15wks. It was about 160 bpm.

My belly is growing!


We are so excited to have this little baby join our family. I'm not sure if the worrying will go away at some point in this pregnancy. Probably not:-) We are hoping and praying that this baby goes to full term and we can welcome this blessing into our lives. We are just taking it one day at a time.

We will keep you updated!

Project 52 Update

I can't believe that it is already half way through the year! Time is flying. After a long break from blogging I thought I would do a Project 52 update. The two things that I finished weren't an easy one day thing. I was able to complete a 21 day cleanse and then an 11 week course to become a certified apartment manager. Below are my reviews of both.

My good Friend Shawna introduced me to the Clean Program. It is a 21 day detox cleanse. I started off by reading the book. I was just going to get the list of things that I could and couldn't eat and get started but I'm really glad that I read the entire book first. This is not a simple program and reading the book really got me motivated and confident to give it a try. The basic principle of the program is that you are taking out every possible allergen (wheat, dairy,peppers,etc.) , processed food, all sugar except natural fruit and agave nectar, and chemicals from your diet. It also includes having two liquid meals (breakfast and dinner) and one solid meal for lunch. This allows your body to have a fasting period during the night with easily digestible food.
It wasn't easy and it involved a lot of cooking at home but I am so glad that I did it. The first week was the hardest but I started feeling results in the second week. I had more energy, needed less sleep, stopped craving sugary and fast foods, and felt happy. I have to say that it really helped having my friend Rachel doing it with me. Every time one of started to feel like cheating we would talk each other out of it. To find out more about the program go here. Oh, and I should say that I was never hungry on this cleanse (something I was afraid of). I loved the smoothies for breakfast and continued that after I was done with the cleanse and didn't mind having soup for dinner. After the 21 days you start adding things slowly into your diet. I would really recommend this program. It isn't really meant to be a weight loss program so don't do it if that is all you are looking for but I should mention that everyone that I know that has done it has dropped about 12 lbs without thinking about it. You might gain one or two lbs after you stop but the rest should stay off.

(Picture of my graduating class)

Now, on to my Certified Apartment manager course. It is offered by The Apartment Association of Orange County and is an 11 week course. After the course is completed you get a certificate and are registered in CA as an Certified Apartment Manager. There were all sorts of people and experience levels in my class. There was a girl that has never manager a property and wanted to get the certificate to help her get a job up to people that have managed for 30 years. It is a great once a week class and it pretty much teaches you everything you need to know. I was grateful for the opportunity to take it.

So, those were two big goals to cross off! It feels good. I hope you are doing well on your goals for this year!

Want to win a free photo session...

...with an up and coming photographer? Go here and here and enter the contest!

Easter Sunday

And here I thought I was wearing a unique outfit. Rachel showed up in the almost identical outfit on Sunday. What made it worse was that our friend Shawna (not pictured due to maternity leave from pictures) was also wearing the the same exact colors and all three of us are in the Primary Presidency. It was a day of "Awww, did you girls plan that? Why didn't I get the memo"

Easter was wonderful as we spent the day with family and also celebrating all the April birthdays (Aaron, his mom, and me).

I hope you had a great Easter!

April so far has been exciting

Birthday surprise from Aaron:

Battle of the Dance!

It confirmed my desire to take a bollywood class. I'm serious. I already found the studio.
Anyone want to come with me?

These two guys were incredible.

Aaron didn't appreciate the fact that this guy kept smelling me. "You smell like cotton Candy"

Aaron and Me with some dancers.

Aaron put together a Rock climbing party for me.

Aaron wasn't really sure about the whole thing.

We ended up in the ER. It wasn't me (I know, surprising), my good friend Karen broke her arm.

And last but not least some pictures from our April book club.

Some were ladies and some where Zombies.