It's just random.,;/.,-=...

We miss Idaho... very much so.

Kourtney brought home bad habits from all of her older cousins. (at least she learned how to take a stand... not happy about the hitting but she's not a wimp, gotta hand that to her)

Jordan ate gluten today---had to come home from work sick (he NEVER does that, seriously)

It's raining too much this year.

I don't like when girls are prettier than me. I just don't. lol

Having two families is really pretty great.

Spending all evening with my brother's girlfriend was pretty great. Talking and getting to know her was swell. :)

Chatting with another dear sister-in-law for a while was also pretty swell.

My mom reminding me everyday that someday Jordan and I are going to take her grandchild away from her..... not so swell

Losing our phone in Idaho... funny

Losing all of our pics, videos, numbers, etc. from that phone... not so funny

My darling husband deciding to go to school....well....... YIPPEEEEE

Kourtney... she's just wonderful.

It's nice to step back and look at all of the wonderful things that God has given to me in my life. Even the things that aren't so wonderful are still things to be learned from.... over and over again. :)

You're Perfect

I was walking with Kourtney to the playground today and thinking about how much I love her. It's no secret that she was a major surprise in our lives! As I thought about that, I realized how perfect that surprise was. She glued Jordan and I together. She came right before my back/neck problems. She has taught me more things in 21 months than I can even imagine. She keeps us on our toes. She keeps us laughing. And her smile always brightens our day.

For some, finding out that you're pregnant 3 years before you wanted to be is terrifying. It was for me. I'm so glad that I knew that, really, the only choice I had was to embrace it. Being a mother is difficult to say the least. But, at the end of the day, there is nothing more satisfying, more rewarding, than being able to look at your sleeping child and say, "I love you, I'm thankful for you, I try my best to BE my best for you."

leaving/coming home

Jordan just informed me that we will be leaving/coming home in just about one week! we are soooo excited to go see the hansen clan! I, personally, have never had the privilege of being with allllll of the Hansen's. So, if I seem frazzled at times... that' because I am! But don't worry. I love everyone and I am so looking forward to what promises to be a hectic yet very worth it experience!!! LOVE TO EVERYONE!!!

(THE PARTY NEVER REALLY STARTS 'TIL JORDAN AND STEPH GET THERE ANYHOO!)

:p

Poop

Must children wait until they're in the bath tub to have their bowel movement??? oh forevermore!!! REALLY??!!! I get her out and she starts pooping on the floor!

1. I thought she was finished as I frantically pulled her out of the bath tub

2. I wouldn't have freaked out if she didn't put some of it IN HER MOUTH!!!

3. now i've used all of my energy cleaning up poop... that I have none left for cleaning my house

nice

22

Jordan made it a fantastic day! Not just Jordan, but everyone that SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH at my surprise birthday party!!!! Thanks so much! That's all I can say, it meant so much to me.

On another note... I've made Jordan go on the gluten free diet. It's for the best and he knows it!!! Now, we're all gluten free. Sticking to it is another thing entirely!!!

We have a concrete plan for our future!!! We both know that it is right and that means that it is! I'm not saying what it is. Just know that we have it.

Here's an entry from my personal journal that I felt I should share...

May 5, 2010

Oh, 22 things... in 22 years....

...

You are not in control of your life, (sometimes) you are merely along for the ride.

It is not worth the effort/strain it takes to have bad/hateful feelings towards another.

God has a different plan for you, than you have for yourself.

Smile... it does make things brighter.

Sunshine gives you hope, enjoy it.

Being a mother doesn't come with an award, but it does come with many wonderful blessings.

You are not ALWAYS right.

Not everyone is out to get you.

First judgments are rarely ever correct.

You will make mistakes, it's your responsibility to learn from them!

Children are sometimes you best teachers!

Eat the cookie, it won't make you fat.

On the other hand, mind your health. A little indulgence is fine, but remember what is best for your body.

Read... by yourself, and to your children.

Be goofy... laugh.

Sing, at the top of your lungs.

Dance, with your child, your husband...

"Boogy down" by yourself; throw in some singing, be in your underwear... you've got a one person slumber party!!!

Pray... when you're happy, sad, mad, lost, or just need to talk.

Remember who you are... and why you're here.

-Steph

My Mind

and what's on it. :)

I turn 22 tomorrow.

I don't feel old enough to be a mother, a wife, a 20 something.....

I'm putting Kourtney on the gluten free diet. wish me luck

Jordan is seriously thinking about school. and I'm seriously considering his option.

I feel like we have created a safe zone for each other, and I love that.

In over 20 years I've never met someone that can make me smile, even when I'm mad, as much as Jordan does.

I grow closer to the spirit everyday.

My testimony grows everyday.

For the first time in my life, I'm focusing on what I need to improve about myself... instead of criticizing others and focusing on their faults.

Food storage/ emergency preparation can be fun!

cornmeal pancakes are pretty good (even Kourtney ate them)

I wish my body wasn't so broken... I want another baby. But, my time will come

We have fish! Kourtney loves watching them swim around in their tank!!! so much fun for her!

We are completely broke!

But... our bills are paid... we have food, clothing, we're happy.... I may not get a birthday or a Mother's day gift but somehow I know that Jordan will make it super special for me!

I love flowers! In my family they call me the "flower girl" I'm always wearing flowers, putting them on Kourtney, incorporating them into our life/wardrobe somehow.

I hate my neckbrace... oh wait... that's not news! lol

I get to start easing out of it in a week!!! YIPPEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oh, what else... there's too much.

3 days gluten free (again) what has improved....

well, no depression

my eyesight is already improving

no stomach pain

flu is gone

feeling healthy

not snapping at Jordan

all in all, I feel pretty good.

What makes me feel even better... We went to a family owned health food store yesterday, the whole family is gluten free. (the only place that I can find corn flour!!!!! 20 minutes outside Quincy!)

None of them have been tested positive for the disease but they all know that they have it. This is the hardest thing for me. Not having medical/family proof that I have this. I feel like many people don't believe me. That's okay. I know that my body improves when on this diet, Jordan knows it, and that's what matters. Oh, and this place had the best gluten free cookies ever!!!! yummo!!!! a little pricey, but Jordan didn't mind that I bought some! He loves me.

This life is proving to be quite an adventure. I've learned though, if you step back, take a deep breath, don't think so far into every little thing, and just try to be the best that you, yourself, can be (and stop comparing yourself to others/caring what others think) it makes for a much more relaxed, enjoyable adventure! This, I feel, is something that I've learned through much trial, error, and scripture/church material study!

THE END :)

What happens...

when I eat gluten....

(I'm making this public so that, next time I'm in denial.... someone will slap me)

First day... not too much

first week.... depression starts to hit

second week.... depression is in full gear

halfway through second week.... tummy starts to upset

third week.... stomach in torrential fits... depression effecting everyone around me

fourth week... immune system crashes

when I don't eat gluten...

I don't feel like a zombie.

I don't have to wear my glasses/contacts as often (hardly ever)

I don't get stomach upsets

my body just FEELS healthy

Everyone around me is much happier

Maybe bread isn't worth it.... maybe