Craziness of Black Friday

We needed a camera and I heard that black friday had great sales. So Patxi and I planed on getting to the stores at 5:00 in the morning. We first went to Circut City which was pretty crazy. Then after not finding any deals, we went to the Lancaster Mall and found nothing. By this time, Patxi's patience was gone. His enthusiasm for actually doing the craziness once in his life waned after about fifteen minutes. So he was getting pretty grumpy when we got inside Target. I have to say that I was pretty grumpy too because it was crazy in there! I couldn't even look at he cameras because there was so many people. Then I almost killed Patxi because he wasn't were He said he would met me. I was realy to leave after five minutes but ended up taking the next 20 minutes finding him. I was so frustrated! So finally when we went to Best Buy it was 6:30. I somewhat decided on a which camera to buy but we realized that Black Friday was not a day to "shop around," but a time where i need to grab what i want and wait in line. Luckily is wasn't as crazy in Best Buy was as crazy so I was able to talk with someone. Patxi was at a point were he could careless what I choose, just so long as I would pick it soon.



So I decided on a Canon Power-Shot. It's 10 mega pixels with face detection and all the gagets. We got everything we needed with a great deal. So we found the end of the line which was very long. I told Patxi to go sleep in the car while I waited in line for over an hour. In the end, we got a camera and learned a few things.
Like only participate in Black Friday if I know exactly what I want and that's its on sale, and I wouldn't take Patxi again.

Here are some pictures we've taken, playing around with it.



This is Patxi's "I am Iron Man."




Our Christmas tree that I just put up.


I'm sending this one out to my wonderful mother-in-law.

Our apartment on Fisher RD and some GREAT news!

This January we are turly going to be blessed. We are moving to South Salem then to live in an apartment connected to the house of Brad and Shauna Nelson's Grandparents. They have asked us to care for them inturn for free rent, unilities (including internet!), and $400 a month. This is truly a blessing. A few months ago, I figured out that if we stayed on Fisher Rd once I have our son and stay home with him, we will somehow need to find $400 a month, just to cover basic expenses. This was factoring in if Patxi gets a part time job and we get everything we need for the baby before I quit my job. At the time, it would look like we would use our savings until the 6 weeks were up and I would have to go back to work. We both talked about it, and we (especailly me) didn't want to go back to work, but were willing to do whatever the Lord wanted. We knew that He knew what was best ten-times better then we did, so were prayed that somehow I wouldn't have to work and left it in His hands. I knew that some miracle would have to happen, like living somewhere for free. So when Bradley called me one day to tell me about his grandparents, I cried tears of gratitude. We went through a estimated budget with this new opportunity and we would be about $200 positive even if Patxi didn't get a part-time job. Truly, truly a blessing. And the crazy thing is, I think it was a blessing for Bradley's parents as well. I don't know the full story, but I don't think it was only an answer to our prayers. The Lord really works miracles! We are so blessed!

Anyway, now that we are about to move-out of our first apartment in Salem, I thought that it would be a great time to share the pictures of it, especailly since my parents and Joespeh and Ivy are the only ones who have seen it. Enjoy!


Number 24 is the top one, and this is our tree and balcone.


Our wonderfully spacious livingroom, which will change when we move to the Nelson's. The whole apartment is about 566 sq. feet, but hey-it's free!


Bathroom -way bigger than our last apartment and the Nelson's, all well.


Our bedroom. Hum...I'm seeing a pattern -alot of plaid. I must have been worried that Patxi wouldn't like floral when I picked out our stuff pre-marriage and decided that plaid was something we both could live with. I don't know if I'll stick with that.


And lastly our kicthen and dinning room, which is bigger then Eocene Courts but oddly enough smaller than at the Nelson's. We'll have a great dinning room and kicthen with wonderful cupboard space, it's just that the livingroom and bedroom are one and somewhat small. Oh but we will definately deal, it'll just be an aventure fitting everything in. We will need to be so creative, but I'm ready and willing for the challenge. We are so blessed!

Bloody Glucose!

So, it's the time in the pregnancy where a glucose blood test is required to see if I have genstational diabetes. To prep for the test, I was asked not to eat carbs or high sugar. So yesterday I had cheesy eggs, yogurt, and a banana. For lunch, I was racking my brain for what to eat because I would have to wait until I got off work at 4:30 to take the test. Anyway, I end up eating two apples, peanut butter and half a can of green beans. Weird, I know! So I get to the Labratory and it turns out that I was five minutes too late and couldn't do it that day. I eat like that for nothing! Ugh! Then I talk with my assiant manager and we decide that I take and early "lunch" (even though I can't eat during the hour glucose test) at 10 just so I can be there when the Lab is open.

So today, I ate my cheesy eggs and a banana and left work at 10:00. When I get there, I'm asked all the usual questions, address, emergency contact, were I work, and while I force down the flat sprite syrup stuff, one of the nurses tells me about her fincal problems with MaPs Credit Union. It was a little akward, but I tired to tell her everything will be okay, even though I didn't know anything about the situtation. After that I wait an hour, did some homework. So I get back in for them to take my blood and the nurse can't seem to find my vain. She gives it the "ol' college try" without success. Then the other nurse, the one with a problem with MaPs, comes to her aid. She tires on the other arm and barely gets enough. then she looks at my sheets and see that I need one more sample. Ugh! So she, on the same arm, tries a little more senitive area and luckily gets enough blood, but it hurt! I am totally going to bruise. Then I walk into work looking like a herion adict and stuffing my face with my lunch so I can quickly get back to work. What a crazy day!

Pregnancy Pictures!

Yes, I finally got my roll developed (yup that's now gotteo we are). Enjoy!


This is me at 19 weeks.


25 weeks. I was cleaning and remembered that I needed to take one.


28 weeks. I'm still in my Maps Logo-wear, our uniform for work.

I'm 29 weeks now and feeling it. I'm slower, bulkier, and tired. Don't even get me started on sleeping! But all well. I would rather have all the problems in the word if it means I get our little boy! I'm oh, so very grateful and excited for the next 2 and 1/2 months to go by.

Opps!

So I had an interesting morning. Today I only work from 10-3 so I slept in. Well, I slept in a little bit too much. So I was speeding to get to work on time. Also, what makes it worst is that Patxi drove the car last and I forgot to move the rear-view mirror.

Anyway, so I was going 45 in a 30 when the state policemen clocked me. Well, I didn't see him and continued to go down toward the bridge. The way the traffic lights work is that I would have to go about 40 (or more) so i wouldn't hit the red. This is what I continued to do.

Then as I was driving over the bridge, the person in front of me pulled over. I didn't know why so I was about to pass them, when I looked in the mirror to see lights behind me.

So I pull over and he tells me to take the next exit so we could park and talk about my speeding. He was extrememly nice about it. I was totally in the wrong and told the truth. I did get a $94 ticket, but from what I hear, it was major cheap from what I could have gotten. Now I just need to learn patience, stop speeding, and leave 5 minutes earlier from my house.

Cutiest Nephews and Nieces in the World!

Since you all are already so jealous of me, I thought I would just make it worst by showing you who has the cuties the nieces and nephews...me! Enjoy!


This is Annabelle- Tevya and Sara's.


Adleide -also Tev and Sara's


Jonas and Whishper


This is Elliot, Kres and Shelby's youngest.


And Eli, and Peni's dog, Poppy


Elden


Libby Loo- Kres and Shelbey's oldest.


This is Kelcee, the yougest of Springe and Jason.


Rowen, the yougest of Dieter and Bridget's
Yup they are the cutiest things in the world. I wish we lived closer!

Work stories

At work, we have this wonderful system that can pull up a scan image of the member’s valid ID with their account. Well, since the 13th, that system has been down. But for security reasons we are to ask for ID whenever a member receives cash. So one day this elderly man walks up to my window and asks to ask two checks. I of course ask for his ID, and he was a little miffed about it but got it out anyway. Then I look at the checks and see that it is written out to his wife. Though she signed the back, I couldn’t give the cash to him, because he’s not Kathy. So I had two choices. One, I could deposit the checks into their joint account and then withdraw it under his name. Or I could have him sign the back underneath his wife name and cash it like normal. The second seemed like the easiest and quickest thing to do, but when I asked him to sign the check he got really mad. He told me (very loudly) that all I do is hassled him every time he comes in and after he signs the back of the checks he throws the pen at me or really in my direction. I was on the brink of tears but quickly cashed his checks for him. I just wanted him out. It pretty much ruined the rest of my day until I got home to Patxi. All I need was a long hug, and everything was fine. He probably had a bad day and using a pen might her him, or something, right? Never a dull moment at the West Salem branch of MaPS Credit Union!

These are all I have now. Enjoy!

My interesting experience with public bussing

I realized that I haven't posted in a while. My excuse was the fact taht nothing is happeneding, but then I found out that I was wrong. Nothing huge is happening, I'll just sure the small funny things. So on to my interesting story...

So during the weekend of the 10-12, Patxi decided that he needed to go hunting. The sad thing was that I had to work on the 11th, so I couldn’t go with him. He of course took the car which left me dependant on public transportation for Friday night and Saturday. I really hadn’t been on a public bus since I was ten and visiting Salt Lake, so I really didn’t know what to expect. I prepared myself by looking on the internet, making sure I know the routes and stops.

So Friday came and I left work and walked to the bus stop. There were some scary people so I really stayed to myself. Then I couldn’t guess if I needed to pay once I got off the bus or when I could on, so I think I didn’t pay once when I needed to. Then it took me an hour and half what normally was a fifteen minute drive. But I got home in one piece. Then on Saturday morning, even though I worked at 9:30, I had to be at the bus stop outside my house at 8:15. It of course was the one morning that it froze in Salem. Anyway, I got on the bus and we then stopped for fifteen minutes at the Transit Mall, so I, of course, rush to the bathroom. I walk pass one of the people who rode the bus with me and was heading for the sitting area as well. At first I thought that she/he (I really couldn’t tell) was talking to him/her self. Than as she continued to follow me in, I realized that he was arguing, literally arguing with herself. I heard two different voices, one smooth and natural and the other, harsh and lower pitched. It went something like this (she continued to follow me into the bathroom so I got most of the conversation) “what are we doing?” “I told you, you stupid…” (she continued with hoarse mumbling). “There’s no need to be rude.” The answer to this was very loud grumbling for which made me instantly run out of the bathroom. This scene strangely reminded me of that part in Lord of the Rings with Gollum.


She was really crazy! I was followed by a crazy lady! After that I waited outside in the cold for the bus to leave and luckily got to work on-time.

a depressing morning!

So, I've had an interesting morning! I got up a little late and took a shower, even though I should have been up for a half an hour exercising. Then I get soap in my eye and can't put my contacts in. My hair just didn't want to look good so I feel like I look terrible. Then I went in for my monthly checkup and found out that I've gained 8 pounds since last month. So I get a chastisement from my midwife which adds to my already mounting guilt and frustration. Then she asks what I weighed before I got pregnant. And I felt more guilt. I've gained 30 pounds! Ah!! No More Junk Food For ME!!!! Then to make matters worst, since I was late this morning, all I ate was applesauce. So while we were scheduling my next appointment I had to rush the bathroom. I hate throwing up! Then CJ from works calls to ask why I was late too work, which meant that someone didn't tell her I had a doctor's appointment. Luckily they are really good about that, so everything fine. Now I'm at work feeling nauseous and all I want to do is go home and sleep.

All well. Life will go on. I hope I can be more postive so thing will go better.

Meet the Waites

For the weekend before the Hendrickson Reunion (August 11-13), almost everyone in Patxi's family came up. Peni quickly realized that it was an opportunity for family pictures.


This is a picture of all the Grand-daugthers.


These are the Grand-sons (and Dennis) except for Springe's two sons, Cory and Ethan who weren't able to make it.


All the sisters, sisters-in-law, and Peni posed for this picture.


Then Peni wanted each family to pose for pictures. This is Dieter and Bridget's family with Reigh, Leo, and Rowen.


Springe's husband, Jason, and her sons, Cory and Ethan, weren't able to make the trip. So this is a picture of Springe and her girls, Hanna, Emilee, and Kelcee.

Kesmir and Shelby are next in line, but he was at National Guard Drill so I didn't get a picture (and when I say "I," I really mean Petra because I stole these pictures from her).


This is Dmitri and Nikki with Jonas and Whisper. Nikki is pregnant and is about two weeks behind me.


Tevya and Sara had just become a family of four about four months earlier. Here they are with their daughters Adelaide and Annabell.


Here's Liji and Christina.


And this is of course me and Patxi, and I'm about three month pregnant. We end the pictures of siblings and their families.

It was a great weekend, full of noise, choas, and fun.

A fun weekend

So Friday I rediscovered why this is the best branch at MaPS to work. The back ground went something like, two weeks ago I had tried to leave earlier Friday so we could make the 5 hour trip and get to see Tice (Patxi's little brother) play football. I was under the impression that this intern could work for me, but then on Wednesday told that she couldn't. So I was working on Friday as was previously scheduled when Jeremy, my Branch manager, comes up to me and says, "Why don't you take an half-an hour lunch and then leave at 3:00, I'll cover for you." I was estastic! Jeremy is the best and I couldn't say thank you enough. So Patxi and I ended up arriving in the second quater of Tices game and didn't miss a thing. It was great seeing him play, Patxi was so happy.

Next, Saturday was the day that I got to hang with my sisters and mother. It was grea seeing Jill, whom I hadn't seen since May. They were all excited about my prego belly, though it took Jill a little time to get use to it. Her first reaction was to poke it. Everyone else had to rub it. I felt like the Buddha and it's really not that big! It's probably because I'm he first in my family. I can't see them rubing it with number eight :)
Anyway, Saturday Mom, me, Jen, Jill, and her friend Danica went to the tri-cities to visit the temple and buy maternity pants and other things. I had a lot of fun, but my allergies went high-wire. I was sneezing up a storm. then after that we went to Taylor's Wedding which was held at a vinyard in Echo. Well, the bad thing was that it was outside and it was windy and sprinkling. Luckily we had blankets and thiere w a a huge BBQ that we stood by. I was fun to be with my sisters, laughing, joking, and sharing that time. I missed it a lot. It was fun too because Kami Richards, who I haven't see all summer came. It was great to see her.

Sunday was the day the everyone left. We had a great breakfast at Mom's and then Jen, jill, and Danica left for Utah. I went to church with Mom and dad,which was fun to see everyone again. And then we left for Salem.

Traveling has become a whole new experience now that my bladder can barely hold a 1/2cup. Instead of counting the miles for how long we have left, it's now counting to see how long I'm going to have to hold it. I feel bad for Patxi because he's not use to stopping all the time, and I'm not either.

But besdies that and my allergies, the weekend was wonderful.

It's a boy!!!!

Monday I had my ultra sound and we found out that we're having a boy. We're pretty confident about it. Even though that ultrasound isn't the clearest image, we definatly saw parts. So we're so excited. the first thing Patxi said was "Told you!" He's very happy, partly becaus e we're having a boy, but also because he was right.


This is a picture of him sucking on his thumb. His face is faced down agianst the wall of my uterus with his hand agianst it. His sholder is 'floating' above, next to his ear. It's kind of hard to see. We took a long time trying to get a shot of his face but was un successful. :(


This is a shot of him kicking his leg to the left. He is laying on his tummy, so his bum is up, knee down, and foot against the ulterus.

Yesterday, I kind of had a realitiy check. I realized that I know nothing about raising boys. What if it turns out to be a hell-rasier? I found a wonderful answer when I prayed that night. I'm not alone, the Lord knows him better than I do, and if I come to Him, I'll be fine. I felt so much peace after that thought.

The decision has been made!

After an intense conversation last night(which really concerned clarifying miscommunication) we have decided to find out on the the 15th the gender of our baby. It turned out that I thought Patxi cared more for it to be a surprise than he really did. Every time we brought it up, Patxi would say "You can't please everybody." I thought he meant my friends and family who want to know along with myself, but he was really referring to himself. So my wonderful husband told me what he wanted but said that it wasn't life or death for him to know. So at my ultra sound next Monday, we're going to find out. I am beyond excited!

Labor day Weekend

Patxi and I went to Corvallis on Saturday to spend Labor day weekend with Joseph and Ivy. We also got to see Josh and Brianne (also Patxi's cousins). It was a lot of fun. Sunday all six of us had dinner and played games. Me and Patxi are on the right, Joesph and Ivy are in the middle, and Josh and Brianne are on the left.




Josh and Brianne in our challenging game of outburst.


Josh and Brianne bought a new camera which had a cool panoramic view. We had so much fun. Who know that Pictionary could be so intense. Yeah, you try to draw hiccup. That had us puzzled for minutes.

Then on Monday, Joseph, Ivy, Patxi, and I went to Newport to spend the day. It was wonderful, but would have been perfect if I didn't have to go to the bathroom all the time. I swear I have a bloater infection because I had to hold it so much. Ivy brought her camera who I will be stealing pictures from (I'll post them as soon as I can) But we had fun and the weather was more then expected. First had BBQ pork steaks on the beach then we swam in the freezing ocean, changed and did the touristy thing and walk down on the historic Newport bay front. After all that walking and noisy sea lions, we ate at Lizzy's. Patxi's only desire was to play in the tide pools of which we had not seen. Then after dinner we thought to look on a different beach. It turned out that there were tide pools, but about a mile and a half from where we parked. We found pretty shells, star fish, sea cucumbers, fish and a crab. Patxi was so cute poking, prodding, and handling whatever he could get his hands on. He had the cutest gleam in his eyes as he "played." It was wonderful to discover God's creations. I was sad to leave. Well, we got home late and very tired and I had to work the next morning. But it was a great weekend.

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while

I just finished my summer term and with work, I needed every extra moment to get all of my homework done on time (which I did, YEAH!!) Speaking of work, it's going great. I like having somewhere to be everyday and of course I like income. Today and Thursday I open so I have new responsibilities. This morning, I've been having an embarrassing trouble with the night drop, but I hope that everything will get straighten out.

Well, it did. The first half of this post I did before 10:00 Tuesday morning. I'm finishing this post now, Wednesday. It turned out that the teller's combination were written down wrong, so we fixed it. But the rest of the day was scary. It was the day after a holiday, and we were two people down. It was crazy and in my desire to be fast, I made stupid mistakes. Luckily, I was able to corrected, but only after a lot of headache and hassle. And when I said me, I meant me and my Manager Jeremy. I felt terrible for what I had to put him through. So yesterday was a hard and long day. I ended up staying longer so Patxi was surprise and dinner was cold. When I called him to tell him I was coming home, he said that he was eating (meaning he wouldn't wait for me) and I just broke down. He was joking, though I didn't know it, but I just couldn't take letting someone else down. I baled all the way home. It's crazy how crying is a release, but I felt much better after that.

Even though I had my cry out and had a fun time hanging with Patxi, I still felt bad for my stupidity, so I wrote a letter to Jeremy explaining how sorry I was and also listing what I will do better in the future. I set it on his desk this morning and he just got it because he was out for meetings this morning. I haven't had much of a reaction yet, so I hope it went over well.

Today is going wonderfully. I've prayed for the patience with myself and for the determination to go slower. It is ten times slower and we are only down one person. I am taking it real slow and double checking everything. It is a good thing too, becuase I almost gave to much, but I found it. It is really worth going slow. So far, so good.