Welcome Home Mother Goose

When I was little, I had a very special friend. Her name was Mother Goose. She was special because she would tell me stories, sing me songs, and illuminate the dark night. She wasn't only one of my favorite friends, but all of my family loved Mother Goose. Now, she is mine again. My dear, sweet, thoughtful husband found this treasure on Craigslist in Florida. He had her shipped here and gave her to me for my birthday. I couldn't love her more and I can't thank Bryce enough for getting her for me. She is so special. I am SO excited for my little one to be able to have her be a part of his life, just like she was mine.

I found her a place of honor right next to my little man's pack and play. As you can see, she is ready to read some stories to anyone who wants to listen. She has a tape player in the back of her and her head is a lamp. When the tape turns off, the lamp slowly dims and turns off. She put me to sleep many a night with her songs and stories.

Welcome Home Mother Goose. I missed you so.

38 Weeks and As Big As the Ark

A few friends and family members have been asking for an updated picture of me and my pregnant self. I haven't wanted to because I am a giantess. But, I swallowed my pride today and took a pic of me in all my glory.

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How am I feeling? Tired and swollen. I feel like my body has no more room for this little guy, but every day I seem to see more and more of that big baby belly.

Do you have a name picked out? No. But we do have three names that we like and we will decide from there.

Any stretch marks? YES! Holy Moly Yes. I didn't have a single one until about week 35 and they popped up out of nowhere. Every day I swear there are more. My belly itches constantly and it takes all my concentration not to scratch at it. There are more stretch marks on the right side of my belly because that is where the little man hangs out most the time.

Are you being induced? No.

Natural or Epidural? Epidural. My husband absolutely insists. He says that it is more for him than for me because he has to deal with me being in pain and he doesn't really want to do that. I haven't really wanted to do an epidural mostly because of my fear of needles and shots. I hear so many horror stories about 10 foot needles that are as thick as a drinking straw. Give me a break people! I saw a video of the epidural and it isn't that BIG a deal. Honestly, and that is a lot coming from a girl who used to faint at the sight a the littlest needle.

How swollen are your hands and feet? I think that on a scale from 1-10 I would rate myself a 10 most the time and 11+ on bad days. I can't even recognize my own hands, feet, ankles, neck, face etc. Those are just the places that the swelling has really taken a liking to.

How much weight have you gained? Forget it! No way that I am publishing that information.

Any strange cravings? Not really. I just like food and I eat a lot of ice cream but lets be honest. I ate a lot of ice cream before I had this little one cooking inside me. I can't really blame him for that.

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Other Fun Facts:
-I stole this little questionnaire from my friend Char's blog. Thanks Char.
-Every week I see the doctor I am a little disappointed that I am not dilated AT ALL. But I guess my little man needs more time to grow and develop so I'll be patient and let him take his time.
-Even though it stinks to have woken up this morning and snow was on the ground, it is a nice break from being sweaty and super hot all the time.
-My sister did my nails last week and it makes me feel a little pretty. I don't feel pretty very often lately but I can look at my beautiful nails and feel pretty. Thanks Holly!
-I still have a few freak out sessions a week and cry like a baby to Bryce. Labor and delivery is not something that I have been at ease with ever. Hopefully I can calm down when the time actually comes.
-If my baby is born close to his due date we will have three May birthdays in the Jolley family. My birthday is the 18th, the baby's due date is the 23rd, and Bryce's birthday is the 26th.
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Things To Look Forward To:
-Being able to wake up at night not because I can't breath and my hips ache like crazy but because I have some one to take care of and hold.
-Finally being able to use all the fun baby clothes and things that are in the bedroom.
-Seeing how well my cloth diapers work!
-Being able to fit into clothes that aren't made for overweight Bigfoot.
-Running again! I can't bear to see the sun shining and not be able to put on my trusty running shoes for a refreshing run.
-Seeing Bryce as a Dad.
-Seeing what my little guy looks like. Whose nose, ears, hair, lips, forehead, hands, and feet he has.

Bryce likes to watch movies and get BORED of movies and I always want to do something else. There aren't that many two person games that I haven't totally worn out so I pulled out this trusty puzzle the other night. It is over 600 pieces and I figured that we would get it out, start on it, and then finish throughout the next few days. Nope. 10:00 p.m. this puppy got spilled out of its box and by 3:00 a.m. it was completed. I about gave up a few times and went to bed, but I didn't want to be left out and Bryce was not about to leave the puzzle unfinished. So, we both stayed up until the wee small hours of the morning to make sure Noah got all the animals safely on the Ark before the floods came.

Graduation Celebration BBQ

Bryce doesn't really like to be the center of attention. Actually, he hates it. We wanted to have a celebration with some friends of his for his upcoming graduation from Med School. So, we picked a weekend and Bryce called all his buds together and we had a BBQ. Of course, no one knew it was a celebration of Bryce graduating so it really was just a fun night with food and friends. Good enough for me!

Kara, Ashlyn and Troy. Try is actually the person that introduced me to Bryce. I was hanging out with Troy the day that I met Bryce. I guess I owe him a lot for bringing us lovebirds together.

Mike and Bryce enjoying some hearty laughs over dinner.

Ashlyn, Troy, and Jared. I think they look like they had a good time.

I love this picture because Jared obviously is holding in a giant laugh or maybe it was my cupcake he is trying to hold in.

Happy Graduation Cupcakes! This was my first attempt at butter cream frosting and it was DELICIOUS if I don't say so myself. Thanks again allrecipes.com for the killer recipe. The idea for the graduation caps came form the internet so thank you internet for the cute idea.

Sundays With the Jolleys

Bryce's parents live about 5 miles from our little apartment. I actually lived with them for a couple months while Bryce was away. It was such a blessing to be able to have family around to help ward off the loneliness. Since Bryce has been home we have been invited over regularly for Sunday dinner. (And weekday dinners when we are lucky) We always play a few games and when the weather cooperates we try to get outside as much as we can. Fortune has seen to it that the last few Sundays have been sunny and delightful. We are so grateful to be close to Ivan and Lori and will miss them, and their Sunday dinners, terribly when we move to Colorado. I guess we need to get as much time in as we can while we are still here.

A little game of "red-neck golf" never hurt anyone. Except I had to sit and watch after one game because I guess all that throwing and bending is difficult for a 9 month pregnant girlie.

Mad skills. Mad skills.

Bryce said that this is him striking an action pose for me. Which actually isn't action at all, he is just standing with the rope ball and waiting for the camera to go off.

A few weeks ago, Kailey had a week off in between semesters and Bryce really enjoyed spending some time with his sister. Since I lack abundant energy and stamina lately, Bryce was especially happy to have someone to burn off some calories with in the sunshine. I played catch for about 15 minutes before I decided that I needed to be done. Sorry Bryce! Soon I will be full of energy and wanting to play with you. The, of course, you will be in Colorado working your guts off at the hospital and you won't have the energy or time to play. Timing, oh timing.

Kailey was born with a mitt in her hand. Nice form girl!

You have to have a strong arm to make it this distance. I tell you, these two are pros.

Don't worry, I got it!

Kailey got a new seat on her bike and she was trying it out in the yard. Worked like a charm.

Beauty and the Beasts (plural)

Yesterday we went for a drive and this is what I saw out my car window. Beautiful. I made Bryce stop in the middle of the road so that I could get a picture. It is true that a camera can never capture the beauty that the human eye witnesses. This scene, as lovely as it looks in this photograph, was breathtaking to view from my car window. It makes me think of one of my favorite primary songs.

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

1. Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heav’nly Father created for me.

2. He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him rev’rently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

Look at those BEASTS! Scared? Well you should be. This is what I walk around on all day lately. My feet have been swollen ever since the middle of my second trimester. At least I thought they were swollen, but I was wrong. THIS is swollen. The last couple weeks my feet and ankles have blossomed into a new category of swollen. You can tell that I have been wearing flip flops around because, even though I took the shoes off over a half an hour ago, you can still see the indents of the flip flop straps. The left one is a little heftier than the right, but the right one sure gives it a good run for its money. There are things that I will miss once I am not pregnant anymore, but my beastly swollen feet are not one of them.

There's A Place Called Home

I got these pics off a real estate site on the internet. Thanks internet. This is the front of the house. When we saw the house there was no snow on the ground, so this is a little depressing. A guess all that snow is what I have to look forward to this coming winter. YEAH!

The front room, and fireplace. Since this pic was taken new carpet has been installed and the walls are painted an off white. You can't see into it, but that door by the fireplace is the master bedroom. Oh, just seeing these pics makes me want to move there right this second.

The dining room and a little glimpse of the kitchen area. The hardwood is really beautiful and the kitchen has vaulted ceilings which you can't see in the picture. The kitchen is off to the right as well as a little laundry room and a door to the garage. The doors to the left go out into the back yard.

This is the Master Bath. Tiled walls and floors with a shower and big tub. I am really happy that there are two sinks.

Yet another view of the master bath. I guess the person who took the pictures thought this was a selling point. THERE SHE IS! ISN'T SHE LOVELY!

Big News!!! Big News from London!

EXTRA EXTRA . . . READ ALL ABOUT US!

A lot has happened in the last few weeks. Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. When you read you begin with ABC. When you sing you begin with Do Re Mi. Kidding. But doesn't it make you want to watch the Sound of Music? Anyway, onto the big news from London (another quote from a movie. Sword in the Stone as a matter of fact. Bryce says it all the time. It has some inside jokes to it between him and some old roommates, but I won't bore you with all of that).

#1- BRYCE PASSED PART II BOARDS! What a relief. The letter came amost a week ago, but we were only able to open it on Sunday because we have been out of town for the last few days. He couldn't get the letter open fast enough and when he came to tell me I knew it was good news because he had a great big smile on his face and his hands were trembling. I suppose he was a bit nervous;) I am so proud of him and I am so relieved to have the stinking test over and done with. One less thing to worry about and it is such an accomplishment for him! Good Job my Handsome Husband! I love you. I knew you could do it. No one is as smart or as clever as you.

#2- We headed to Greeley, CO last weekend to look at homes and check out the area a little bit. It was quite an adventure. We arose early so we could be on the road by 5:30 am. We had a meeting with a realtor that afternoon and wanted to get there in plenty of time to meet her and get as many houses in as we could the first day. We were packed and rolling down the road by 5:20 and we were happy to be a bit head of schedule. We estimated our arrival time in Greeley to be around 3:00 that afternoon. Clear skies and dry roads met us at each turn and it even felt a bit like spring. That is, until we hit Wyoming.

What a terrible state for travel. I love Wyoming, it is my home sweet home, but we ALWAYS run into trouble there. We didn't meet snow and slick roads, just a lot of fog. By the late morning most of the fog had been burned off by the sun and we figured we were home free. Not so. Just past Rock Springs, headed east on I-80, we found ourselves stopped on the interstate behind hundreds of trucks and cars. We were directed off the interstate and had to head back to Rock Springs. A terrible accident had happened just ahead of us in the earlier morning because of the fog and ice. We were told that over 40 cars were involved and 4+ fatalities had been reported. A little later on in the day we heard that 100+ cars were involved and there were 10 or more fatalities. The final count was that 20+ cars were involved and at least one fatality was reported. Still a very serious situation and it took them (who ever they are) 12 hours to clean up the road and get the interstate open again.

Lucky for us, my dear aunt Ann lives in Rock Springs and came and rescued us from a day spent in truck stops and a night in a cheap motel. She fed us, gave us wonderful company and conversation and then put us up for the night in one of her spare rooms. It was wonderful to see her and we got to see my cousin Britney and her family and my cousin Alayna and her beautiful little girl.

#3- We made it to Colorado the next day and, without hesitation or rest, we set off to look at homes. We saw at least 15 homes that day and I was tired and my feet were swollen terribly by the end. Toward the end of the day, when I was the most tired and a little bit out of it, we saw the most beautiful home in the universe. I loved it from the second we stepped in the door. Oh what a sight. We walked into the door and I smelled fresh paint, which I have to admit I LOVE the smell of fresh paint. Straight ahead was a living room with gloriously high vaulted ceilings above and plush new carpet below. A stone fireplace greeted us and then the kitchen gave us a wink with its hardwood floors and cherry cabinets. The master bedroom stole my heart with its large bathroom and walk in closet. I could already imagine my new little boy being resident to the second bedroom with its own walk in closet and 10 foot ceilings. I couldn't stop praising the lovely house and I'm sure that my realtor got a little too excited because she was sure that she had this sale in the bag. The basement of the house is unfinished and finishing it out a project that Bryce became excited to embark upon. We were sold.

Over that night and the next few days we asked a thousand questions and signed a thousand different papers. Needless to say, it was a little overwhelming, but I learned a lot. We found out that two different offers had been made on the house and my enthusiasm turned to sadness. I was sure that even with a higher offer, we were not going to be able to get the house. This morning @ 9:00 am, the phone rang and out realtor's voice came out from the other end. WE WON THE BID! We go the house! *SIGH*

Now how are we going to pay for it? :0 :)

Home Sweet Home . . . almost

Bryce and I will be spending the next three years in Greeley, Colorado. Bryce "matched" there for the residency program and we are on our way to the mountains in mid June. Both of us are very excited, especially because Bryce was able to get a program so worry free. We actually head there here pretty soon to look at houses and check out the area. It's really happening! I have to keep telling myself that. There is just so much happening at the same time that it is hard to take it all in. But, for better or worse, (hopefully better) COLORADO HERE WE COME!

Baby Center is my New Best Friend

I am a first time mother. I have been pretty calm about the whole process and I really haven't found myself over-worried and anxious about motherhood. But, I am VERY worried and anxious about labor and delivery. I have always had quite a phobia of hospitals and medical procedures. Just ask my family and you'll understand. I get nervous even in the gift shop of a hospital. A little ironic because, who did I choose to marry? A doctor. Since I am only 9 weeks away from being full term, I have been increasingly nervous about labor and delivery. I have bad dreams and I can't seem to find peace with the whole process. I have read the labor and delivery section of "What to Expect When You're Expecting" about ten times and that has seemed to help. But, I found a website that has provided a great amount of information and a little more piece of mind.

www.babycenter.com is my new favorite website. All because of the videos that they have. They have videos about each trimester of pregnancy and videos of nearly any situation that might come up in the delivery room. I, honestly, have never seen a live birth on video before this. It is an amazing and gross process. But, now I understand and I am very grateful for this website that has given me a better feeling for what I might be in for as I enter those hospital doors.

Baby Shower March 5, 2010

Another attempt at photo collage. I'm just learning how to do this. Baby Shower March 5, 2010. FUN FUN FUN!

30 Week Belly Shot and First Baby Purchase

For a little update, I took a picture of me and my belly @ 30 weeks. I feel like the little one is taking over my whole body at this point. I didn't take a picture of my giant, swollen feet but you can be assure that they are down there and that they are huge.

My little one kicks and moves constantly and I enjoy every second. I love just sitting and watching my belly and seeing my baby jump and squirm. My second trimester has been almost heavenly. I haven't really been sick, just tired and I feel great most of the time. Moving on to the third trimester seems to be going very smooth as well. I did have to get checked for gestational diabetes last week and that was yucky, but the results were normal and that is a relief. My feet, as I mentioned, are very swollen by the end of the day, but I have found ways to cope with that and I know I can handle it for 10 more weeks.

Bryce and I get asked all the time what names we are thinking of and, honestly, it changes by the day. We have a few that always stand out to us, but we are still constantly opening the baby name book to find new names for the baby. It has been so fun to think of naming this little guy, whatever we name him I know it will fit him perfectly. We always are open to anyone's suggestions and names they want to share.

Bryce and I are moving here in a few months and haven't wanted to purchase too many baby things because that would mean just more stuff to move. But, we knew that this little one would need a place to sleep for a couple weeks until we move on, so we bought a pack-and-play. We thought it was a good idea because it is easily portable and works just fine for a crib/changing table for the time being.

I couldn't resist putting some of my newest baby treasures in it. Most of these things I got at my baby shower last weekend and a few of them are things that I have made over the last months. In order to get a place for this little bugger, we had to put some boxes in storage but it was well worth it and now we have a little corner of our office dedicated to this new addition to our family. I was seriously jumping and clapping with excitement as we were putting the pack-and-play together. Once it was all assembled and I had put a few little fun things in it, I couldn't help but sit there and just look at it forever. I often find myself in the room and daydreaming about our new baby.

Last shot of the pack-and-play. Oh what fun. I can hardly wait until I actually have something living and breathing to lay down in this adorable thing.

It's a Baby Shower!

I know a lot of my good friends won't be able to make it because you live so far away, but I wanted to make sure you all knew you were invited. So to all of you in Des Moines and scattered throughout the world, (I am very popular and have friends all over the world;)

YOU ARE INVITED!

You can visit this URL http://www.mypunchbowl.com/parties/788309-baby-shower-for-baby-and-momma-natali-jolley to see the e-vite and RSVP if you want. I love you all! I wish all of you could come.

P.S. the phone number is wrong, but if you really want to call, just call me and I will give you Holly's real number.

My Friend Karin The STAR

You all know that I am a sucker for showtunes and the stage. I have been wanting to see a show at the Mysique dinner theater in Pocatello for a REALLY long time now. I haven't been able to persuade anyone along until last night. It was a discounted show and I finally talked Bryce into going. I have a very wonderful husband for indulging me in so many ways.

The show was great and my friend Karin was one of the performers. I met Karin in Iowa while we were going to med school and she and her husband were in law school. She was always a great friend and I was so happy to see her again. Karin, you did awesome. I want to come see another show some time! EVERYONE should go and enjoy it. I loved it.

Announcing a Jolley Baby BOY!

His little hand resting on his chin as he sleeps. Just like his Mom likes to sleep!

I know these pictures look like a bit of black and white nothings, but that is my little baby boy growing strong in his mothers belly. The due date of May 23rd was confirmed and everything looks just as it should. I am beginning to feel the little monster squirm and swim around in there. It is an odd and beautiful feeling. Sometimes, when I feel him kick, I am a little taken aback. Then other times I am just in awe that something is alive and flourishing within my womb. Holy Moly, I am going to be a MOM! My son is in my belly. My son. I often feel under-qualified and scared. But, I am ready for my this little one to show his face to us all. Everyone is interested to see if he will be a red-head or dark like me. It sure is a mystery, but I would be so happy to see a little orange fuzzed head, blue eyed wonder or a black haired, dark eyed joy. My next poll will be what everyone thinks. I will do that later, I am tired and need to sleep. This little one already takes the breath away from me and I am tired ALL THE STINKING TIME! I guess the majority of you who voted were wrong. Sorry. But, I am not disappointed in the least. A boy will be a grand adventure. No little girl this time round. We'll see, she might be waiting in the wings though.

Who is the Little Stranger?

I am almost 19 weeks along and Bryce and I find out if our little baby is a boy or girl on December 30th! EXCITING!

What do you think? Cast your vote. (see right side of blog)

My Little Sister The STAR

To see this as a full screen: 1: Click on it and it will take you to the album. 2: In the left corner a little button will say "full screen", click it. 3: Click play and enjoy!

A Happier Announcement and A Happy Thanksgiving

Bryce and I are happy, happy, happy to announce that we had a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Plus . . .

Yes, I did eat a lot this Thanksgiving, but not all of that belly is full of turkey. I wasn't the only one chowing down on stuffing, potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie this year. YOU GUESSED IT! There is a little baby Jolley in there that feasted along with us this year. I am sure that he/she enjoyed it just as much as me.

A washed out picture of all of me and my little bump. I am nearly 16 weeks along and happy to be feeling a little better than I have been for the last couple of months. I suffered a lot of yucky nausea and nearly daily trips to the toilet to let go of whatever meal I had just eaten. The sickness hit me right in the full swing of the semester and I have to say that my grades have suffered because of it. But, I am at least passing my classes and this little baby will be all worth it in the end.

Bryce and I have anticipated this for such a long time and I was honestly beginning to lose hope that I was ever going to be able to have a baby of my own. But, after years month after month of disappointment, it has finally happened. It has been a roller coaster, to say the least, and I still have a lot of apprehensions and doubts, but I am happy and Bryce is happy.

Thank you so much to our friends and family who kept us in your prayers. We felt all of your support and love throughout this and thank our Father in Heaven that he has allowed us to carry one of his children to this world.

On to THANKSGIVING! Here is the clan settled in our seats before the meal commenced. The Goodwin family was able to come down and we always have such a good time when they come. My little sister Bubberoo shared the week with us too and she was so wonderful to have around. The food was delicious and the company was even better.

The best part of Thanksgiving this year was having Bryce home with me. He was able to fly from Tucson, AZ home so he could spend a few days with me. Even though it was just for a few days, it was the best few days ever.

Jenny and Bryce enjoyed a little chat before dinner as the rest of us slaved away in the kitchen.

DeeAnn, Grandma Norma, Kimmy, and her fiance Mike also sat back and relaxed before the meal was served.

Kailey, Lindsey, and Jenny trying to cool off with the door open. The house really got hot with all that cooking and extra people.

Whit serenaded Lori as she rests from her labors of the day.

I Am Alive

Hey There! I have kind of left the world of blogging for the past few weeks. I just wanted to post a little update as to the ongoings of the Natali and Bryce world.

Here are the updates in no particular order:

*Bryce has finished his externship in Tacoma Washington and is now in Greeley Colorado doing an externship there for the month of October. He had a week break in between, thank goodness, so that he could come and visit his lonely and needy wife in Idaho. I think that he likes Greeley. Well, he says that I would like it. He says that it has the feel and look of a smaller town and is nestled in the mountains and lovely countryside. He is right, I would love it there. It is way more my style than the gazillions of people and traffic and buildings of Tacoma. But, alas, I will not be able to see the place before he leaves for Tuscon Arizona next month. I will just cross my fingers that the residency director takes a liking to my husband and offers him the program someday.

*I am in Idaho right now. I live in a little apartment in Shelley, Idaho. We moved all our stuff from Des Moines to Idaho in May. I started classes in Rexburg at BYU-I in September. I travel from Rexburg to Shelly Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for classes. I don't really like school all that much and the transition back into college student was a little bit of a struggle for me. But, I believe I have found my groove and I am surviving. I am determined to at least pass. Campus is just as I remember it except way more young, young people and it sure has grown. It is a little bit of a twisted time warp to be back there again. I feel like I am a part of it, but a proclaimed outsider. Going back to school after 5 years isn't as easy as it sounds. The worst of it is that Bryce isn't here to cheer me up and keep me grounded. I am doing my best to not cry myself to sleep each night without Bryce around. I am very fortunate to have family close by. My in-laws are just a few minutes away, my sister and her family are in Idaho Falls, my brother and his family are in Ribgy, and my little sister is a fellow student living in Rexburg. Oh, and Bryce's little sister and brother and his family are also in Rexburg. I really am very far from alone, but I long for my husband every minute.

*Idaho forgot that it is time for Fall. It was summer with 85 degree weather, with brilliant sunshine, then the next day it was snowing and temps fell to the 20's. I don't know who I need to send a complaint to up there, but who ever controls the weather should be hearing from me very soon. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year and Idaho has seemed to have skipped it. I do enjoy wearing long sleeves, sweaters, and fluffy socks though.

* I do remember how to use a camera, but haven't taken any pictures lately. I have been pretty overwhelmed with school and so on so forth that I often forget to take pictures. I will soon.

*Farewell all.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Back To School I Go!

"Don't you love . . . the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."
photo taken from: www.flickr.com/photos/merelymel/2824506032/

This time of year is exciting to me. I really love all the back to school stuff in the stores and the fall weather turning the vegetation into colorful works of art. I feel like Tom Hanks in You've Got Mail. "Don't you love . . . the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." *(Of course, I would love to send anyone a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils. If you want one, just put your name and address as a comment and I promise to send you a pencil bouquet. I will, I really will. To be honest, I will only send you a pencil bouquet if I know you well and I know that you would appreciate the gesture. The deciding of those who will be the most appreciative is up to my discretion:)* I do want to buy school supplies and I think a lovely pencil bouquet would look quite nice on my kitchen table. But, this year is a little different for me. I AM ACTUALLY GOING BACK TO SCHOOL MYSELF!

I got married to the best man in the world in August of 2005. Right before we met, I had decided that I needed a break from my academia, and I was faithfully preparing to serve a LDS mission. I filled out all the papers, got my necessary interviews, checked in with my dentist, and I was even getting up very early in the morning everyday to study the scriptures. (I am not a morning person at all!) Everything was in order and I was about to send that packet of papers into SLC and await my calling. THEN, I met a handsome, chiseled, funny, and just generally awesome man named Bryce Jolley. We dated from May through June, got engaged July 3rd, and married August 19, 2005.

Bryce was finishing up his undergraduate education when we were newlyweds. He was also preparing to enter medical school in the Fall of 2006. Needless to say, he was a busy character at the time. Between school work, taking entrance exams, flying to interviews, and working as an electrician for his father, he had little time for much else. I, on the other hand, should have taken that time to go back to school myself. However, even though I had initially taken a break from my academics for the purpose of serving a mission, I wasn't ready to go back quite yet. School has never been super easy for me. I love learning, but I am easily emotional and I get stressed quite readily. College classes and me didn't jive too well my first couple years of school. I needed some time to re-think what I wanted to do with my education. So, while Bryce was actively pursuing his academic aspirations, I went back into the workforce. I worked for Deseret Book for a time.

In July of 2006, we moved to Des Moines Iowa for Bryce to attend Des Moines University. The next three years, he worked his little hiney off to get through school and we are now into his 4th year of med school and looking forward to the next years of his residency. Throughout all of this, I have often felt like I needed to go back to school. I've never felt right about leaving my academic progress just hanging in the breeze. I felt like not finishing school was just one more thing that I had failed at. No one likes to feel like a failure, and I felt like one sometimes. These feelings came only from my silly emotional self.

No one in my life has ever made me feel like I was less of a person because I hadn't finished college. In fact, there were times when I felt like there really was no use in finishing because I had a husband who was going to finish enough school for the both of us. It was my job to just make sure he got through his schooling in one piece. We were going to start a family someday soon, and when that happened I was determined to be a stay at home mom. I wouldn't be using my degree anyway. Who needs a little slip of paper that says I have a degree in something or the other? No one give a degree in child-rearing and family studies. I mean, RIGHT? I thought these thoughts, but never really believed them. I wanted, and felt like I needed, a college degree. How could I teach my children the importance of a college education if I, myself, didn't finish college? What if something were to happen to my husband, what would I do for work. I know I have many talents, but the workforce nearly demands a college education. Most of all, I REALLY wanted to feel like I had finished something I started. I want to be able to frame my diploma on the wall and feel good about myself for the hard work I put in to get it.


So, after YEARS of going back and forth with myself. I decided that it was time. Time to go back to school and finish what I started in 2002 at the ripe old age of 18. Heavenly Father doesn't seem to think that it is time for us to have children exactly when we planned them. This made my decision even easier. If I am not to be a mother right now, then I should finish what I started while I have the time and attention to give schooling my 100%. It took MANY prayers and MANY tears to come to the place I am right now. But, as I type, I am again enrolled as a full-time student at BYU-Idaho. I start in exactly a week, and I am very excited. I am very scared. I am very anxious. I am very grateful. I am very blessed.

I don't know exactly how to proceed. I anticipate feeling a little awkward and out of place at first. But, I fully intend to do my very best. I fully intent to get the best grades of my life and make myself and my family proud. It may be a long next few years, but I will have the framed diploma hanging on my wall someday soon. This is my time to show that I can do it, and I don't intend to feel like a failure this time. In fact, I haven't felt so good about something since the day I knew that Bryce was to be my eternal companion.

To all the rest of you starting school this fall, GOOD LUCK! From Kindergarteners to Graduate Students, this is your year. Make it the best year ever!