Baby on the way!

Dear first trimester,

I hate your stinking guts. You make me vomit. You're scum between my toes.

Love, Holly.


OK seriously, I am 11 1/2 weeks right now and I am literally counting down the days until I am officially out of this. According to the masses, once the second trimester comes along, everything will be great. I CANNOT WAIT! I think if you can come up with a symptom of pregnancy that isn't enjoyable...I've had it. However, they are slowly fading and I am definitely starting to feel better. Including getting out of the awkward growth stage where everyone is unsure if you're are pregnant or just making one too many trips to in and out lately. Sad to say I think I might fit in both of those categories.

Finding out I was pregnant was really exciting and almost surreal. I immediately started thinking about all of the fun things we would be able to do- pick a name, buy clothes, decorate a room, have a shower, watch the baby move around, and just get ready to be parents- and then I realized I couldn't do any of that for quite some time. The first few months are just spent hoping you will feel better sometime soon and waiting to find out what you are having before you can actually get to all of those fun things.

Names- Discuss these early on! It's going to take a while to make a decision on this one. I actually went through an entire website of baby names (girls and boys) a-z and was shot down on every name that I loved. SAD. SOOOOO, Ive come to terms with the fact that all of our kids will just have numbers; no names.

In all actuality, Jon and I are VERY excited to be parents and all yucky things aside, being pregnant is such a privelege. And we can't wait to find out what we are having!!!

Rock the Budget!!!

WWW.ROCKTHEBUDGET.ORG

Rock the Budget is a campaign by Lauren’s Institute for Education (L.I.F.E.) to help raise funds to continue serving children with developmental disabilities despite recent budget cuts limiting state reimbursement for services.

On Friday the 13th, February, 2009 the “Division” (DES-DDD = Department of Economic Security – Division of Developmental Disabilities) cut vital funding for services for children with special needs in Arizona.

The Division cut provider rates for therapeutic/habilitative services by 10%, music therapy services by 55%, and ALL early intervention for children (0-3 years old) who do not qualify for long term care!

L.I.F.E., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has been impacted greatly by these cuts. These funding cuts will have a total impact to our organization of over $500,000 from March 1st to December 31st of this year.

This irresponsible fiscal decision from DES-DDD will profoundly inhibit our ability to continue providing services to our kids and to their families, not to mention the 180+ employees who have dedicated their lives to these children through their professions.

Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive therapeutic treatment at the lowest cost to our families. Many of our families are already in crisis due to the emotional and economic toll it takes to have a child with developmental disabilities.

To date we have relied solely on the legal responsibility of our state/federal government to fund the development of the children who we are committed to serve and from community support.

To continue offering these life-changing services, we are asking you for a one-time contribution of $5.00.

With your help, combined with the help of your family, your neighbors, your friends, and your co-workers, your $5 donation can help in ways that you may or may not be able to fully appreciate.

As most of you should know, Jon and I both work for L.I.F.E. and it is an AMAZING place! This is a great opportunity for people to come together and make something great happen for these children and their families.

Go visit the website and DO YOUR PART! It doesnt take much. If everyone helps a little, we can make miracles happen!

www.Rockthebudget.org GO NOW! Please!

New bed!

Yay!!! I have been dying to get this new bed for quite some time and now my wishes have come true! I am so excited about it and we definitely still have a lot left to do in our room until it is complete. But hey, you have to start somewhere. Jon and Brian put it together and I LOVE it! Every time I walk into my room I get excited all over again. It's super comfy and tall. Thanks guys!

Temple!

Yes!!! It's FINALLY here! I can't believe that it has already been a year since I was baptized. It has definitely been the BEST year of my life. Now it's time for Jon and I to be sealed. We are so excited and can't wait to be able to share the experience of going to the temple together. On the 21st I will be going through for the first time; on the 28th Jon and I are getting sealed! I'm so grateful for everyone who has supported me through this year and has played a part in my progression. I'm sure without so many great examples and influences around me this year would have been a lot harder. So, THANK YOU!

Give Love to L.I.F.E. !!!!!!

As most of you already know, Jon and I work for a wonderful non-profit organization that provides therapies for children with disabilities (L.I.F.E.). Due to the fact that they are only in the beginning of their second year of business, the center has to come up with a variety of ways to raise money to continue to provide services to these amazing kids. So, L.I.F.E. is having a benefit concert to raise some money. I actually don't know the bands who are playing except for Jon's brother Jamie's band The Corduroys. It is going to be a really good show and all the money goes to L.I.F.E. If you want to check out the bands here are a few links to their music.
The Corduroys
Some Never Sleep
Junk Ditch Road
Contrite

It will be a fun time! So, if you enjoy socializing, feel like supporting a great place for these kids to continue coming to, or just want to listen to some live music, COME PLEASE!

p.s. you can help spread the word to get more people to come by posting this flier on your blogs!!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

Our first Christmas Tree! And yes, it's real! We love the smell of our apartment right now and I'm obsessed with having it lit. One of the first things I do when we get home from anywhere is turn on the tree. I'm sure one day it will be full of fun memories but for now we like it just the way it is! It was a lot of fun picking out ornaments and Jon picked out the star. He insisted we had one that would light up and it turned out looking great! Hooray for Christmas!

It IS the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!

FINALLY, winter is coming soon! I cannot wait for this holiday season. It will be our first Thanksgiving and Christmas as husband and wife. All I can think about is turning our apartment into a miniature north pole. I don't even want to spend money on presents this year...I just want to decorate like crazy! The real fun of the holidays will be juggling our time between families...YIKES!