Rain, Hail, and Thunder Oh, My!

Just a quick update from once again sunny California....

Starting Monday thru Friday we have experienced non-stop Rain! You would have thought the world was going to come to an end! I will admit, it was nice to see, but does get irritating when you have to lug an umbrella with you everywhere. With several of the storms came thunder and even some lightening! We even got hail!!!! In a few Orange County areas, tornadoes touched down...a Cali tornado does NOT compare to a Kansas tornado! The main fear with all the rain, besides the end of the world, were mud slides in the recently burned areas. The news made sure to keep us updated through this week, and thankfully there was nothing to report.

Cute Story #1

One of Jared's classmates (our friend and neighbor) texted me one night (she knew I was home alone) to see if I was doing ok...I told her I was good and how nice it was to see that even California could receive hail! Turns out she was scared of the storm and needed comforting!

Cute Story #2

I was fortunate to sub this week...lucky me. It was the end of the school day, raining hard, lightening, and thunder.....the works. I (of course) had pick up duty, which would require me to stand outside and make sure kids got safely in their cars. So, I called the office and asked if the school had a "rain procedure". I got a chuckle out of the secretary...the answer was no. Then I asked if they had special (rubber tipped) umbrellas for teachers to use on duty...I got an even bigger laugh...the answer was no.

Later that week, the same school....I was again subbing and the end of the day came with heavy rain and crazy wind. This time I was not on pick up duty! I went to check out at the office and what do I find!.....the entire student body standing in the halls with the duty teachers holding flipped up umbrellas! The principal saw me...I asked if this was their new rain procedure....he said yes! They aren't laughing at me now!



Change of subject.....baby talk

I am coming up on 17 weeks and am doing well. I still don't have any cravings and am barely showing. I do think I can feel the baby move! I feel fluttering...crazy! It's killing Jared that you still can't feel 'awesome' by placing your hand on my belly. I will post belly pics as soon as I feel I look less chubby and more pregnant! Our next appointment is Feb. 2nd, so look for more updates then.

Cute Story #3

While subbing this week I told the class I long term subbed for last year, that I was pregnant. I got amazed looks and a few..."you don't look pregnant" comments. My favorite comment was...."you are like normally really skinny, so you don't look pregnant, you look...puffy"! Puffy! What is that! I know she meant it as a compliment, but still! Got to love kids!

Winter Wonderland 2009

Jared and I were able to go back to KC for a long Christmas visit! Unfortunately, Elise had to stay behind :-( She was lovingly cared for by many friends and then spent time in her least favorite place…the kennel. Fortunately, she survived our absence and was extremely happy to see us when we returned!

Our time in KC was split between Jared’s and my family. Christmas Eve was the beginning of our celebrating. We celebrated at my parent’s house with Amy and Paul. We started with breakfast and opened gifts. Much of the morning was then spent playing Jared’s new Mario game on the Wii. Christmas Eve evening, minus Amy and Paul, we went to my grandma’s house where we hung out with more family. Christmas morning we woke up in a winter wonderland! It had snowed all night and continued all day.

12+ inches of snow!

Christmas Eve lunch...Queso!

We braved the cold and rough roads to join Jared’s family for a big Christmas dinner! Jared’s siblings, Jenny and Josh, Jason and Courtney and their son Solomon all made it in town. We spent Christmas evening at Jared’s aunt and uncle’s house with all his extended family. The 26th was when we celebrated Christmas with Jared’s immediate family. We started with gifts….Solomon enjoyed opening his, then moved on to a wonderful dinner, and finally ending in front of the warm fireplace! The remainder of the days were spent relaxing, playing with Solomon, and scrapbooking with the girls!

Jared's cousin John tried to determine the sex of the baby...he predicts a girl!

Lunch with the girls at the Webster House

Brent had to shovel his way to the grill to cook Christmas dinner!

While in town Jared and I were also able to spend time with our friends. I joined my friends for their monthly “girls night” where I announced my baby news! We then joined Jared and his friends on the Plaza. I was also able to have dinner with former co-workers /friends, Karen and Meghan…I miss working with you two! We had a great time! (I'm drinking sprite)



We had a wonderful trip and enjoyed seeing everyone! Thank you to family and friends for such a great visit!

Announcing....

Our first baby items!

Baby Awesome! That's right...Jared and I are expecting our first baby! I am 14 weeks along and am doing well. I am still not showing, but feel it is only a matter of time.

Due Date: July 5th

Sex: We will find out as soon as we can, but we are guessing it's a boy.

Last Ultrasound: Heart beat- 159bpm, very active (a hint that I may be having a miniature Jared)
Baby's Nickname: Baby Awesome (Jared picked this name)

Happy Birthday Jared!

After spending all day in class, Jared started his birthday celebration by getting a tattoo! He got the Czech Lion on his right shoulder. It measures between 3-4 inches. We continued celebrating by having a few people over and going out!

Me getting a shot at tattooing Jared! (not really)

Some of Jared's classmates celebrated with us and made him a cookie cake!

Sister.....is......Pregnant!

My sister, Amy, and her husband, Paul, are expecting their 1st child! The baby is due June 23, 2010. Congrats you two! You will make wonderful parents!

better late than never...Thanksgiving fun

During the week of Thanksgiving we were joined by Jared's parents, Liz and Brent! We started their visit out by going to the Getty Museum. Not only was the art work amazing, but the grounds were too!

We continued our week by going to Disneyland one evening. We rode many rides (some that Liz seemed to regret riding), and attempted to see the fireworks...but they were cancelled due to wind.
"New Orleans"

Indiana Jones Ride

The morning of Thanksgiving was spent working off the food we were about to eat. We ran/walked in the Turkey Trot in Dana Point. It was a beautiful day with 80 degree weather and wonderful sights. After resting up we went out to Thanksgiving dinner. It is nice eating delicious food and not having to clean up afterwards!
Erin, Shonee, and I

Friday started early for me...I was in line at Joann's Fabric store at 5:30. I stocked up on items and fabric to keep me sewing for a couple of months! My best purchase of the day was a 7 foot pre-lit Christmas tree. Since we have been married (6 Christmases), Jared and I have only been able to set up a Christmas tree once! We have either been in the process of moving or have lived in a tiny apartment. This year I felt the need for a change and bought us (cheaply of course) a tree! We then spent the rest of the day at Laguna Beach, relaxing.

We had a great Thanksgiving and a wonderful visit with Brent and Liz! Thank you for visiting!

birthday

It was a while ago, but here they are....birthday pics! I had a wonderful day(s). Jared spoiled me...like always! Thank you to everyone for making this day so special!

Cute story: Jared had this cake made for me, but the cake he walked into store visioning and the cake he left the store with were 2 different things! Can you tell a little old lady "helped" him decide?!

Elsie checking out my new gameboy DS! Yes, this is something I wanted...not something Jared got for himself.

The girls, Angie, AubRee, Ami, and Shonee, took me to dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant.