Preface: Mystery Diagnosis
A week ago I started getting this terrible pain in my lower right abdomen. It first started every time I ate and would last about an hour after every meal. My Mom looked and me and the initial diagnosis- appendicitis? So, if I don’t start vomiting or get a fever in 48 days- that’s not it. Then it gradually got worse. By Wednesday I laid in bed for a couple hours in pain and just held my hand on it in constant pressure. 48 hours past and my appendicitis is still in tact- next diagnosis- ovarian cyst? Extremely painful, nothing can be done, wait it out! By Friday morning I was in pain and so nauseous I though I was going to vomit. Diagnosis- tubal pregnancy? Are you serious?
I was on the way to the mountains for a lovely family camp out when I stopped at the local Target. I was grumpy, green (from nausea) and sulking from the embarrassment of my task. I sulked in to the isle (where conveniently they sell pregnancy tests right next to condoms) and standing there were two men about my age- oh goody! So I slumped over, stooping to the bottom shelf for the single pack (why would anyone need a mega pack of pregnancy tests?) and pull. As it came out the next 5 tests tumbled off the rack onto the floor- ugg. I wanted to scream and curse. “I don’t feel good. I want to vomit. These men should have to clean them up!! AHH!!” I stooped down, picked them up and stuffed them in the shelf. I then grabbed a huge, pee inducing, Gatorade and headed for the check out.
At the check out the young teenaged teller looked at me like I was in need of a shrink. I am sure I looked pregnant (like I was going to have morning sickness all over her cash register) and I am sure I looked upset enough for her to think it was a ‘college accident.’ She proceeded to watch me with pain stricken worry in her eyes as I took my purchase, walked to the bathroom door, chugged the entire Gatorade and entered for my sudden doom.
I have taken a pregnancy test before, it is never ‘comfortable’. Yet having the relaxation of your own bathroom (one with you know is at least as sanitary as you keep it) and a bathroom in which you do not hit your elbows every 15 seconds is comforting. Having the nervous, anxious patter of your husbands feet pacing back and forth on the other side of the door is comforting- knowing no matter the result, he will still love you. Sitting alone in a stall in Target makes you feel like you have done something wrong, like you have something to hide from the world. It makes you feel alone- even though the room is filled with strangers. The most vulnerable time when you need him or someone and you are alone…
I finished the test. Received my results, negative. There is a part of a woman when, even when she wasn’t expecting or trying for a baby is disappointed when that test reads negative. Just the excitement of maybe gives us hope enough to feel sorry when we are denied. The teller watched me leave the store. I tried not to have any expression on my face- I didn’t think a stranger should be the first one to know.
That night when I saw Ben I cried into his chest and moaned “I had to take a pregnancy test in a Target Bathroom!” He laughed…a lot. “Oh honey,” he comforted me (still between peaks of laugher and a wide smile) “someday you will laugh about this.” Well I am still not quite to that day- but I hope my bad day brings a smile to your face. The only positive Ben and I could both agree upon was at least it wasn’t K-Mart.
Monday, September 21, 2009
BALLPATE INN
On Saturday (September 5, 2009) we went up to the Mountains with Melanie, Grandma Stones, and Mom and Dad to the Baldpate Inn.
We went for lunch; they serve homemade soup and salad- YUM. With homemade pie for dessert; we each had a different slice of pie and we shared. We had apple, blueberry, pecan, chocolate chiffon and peach. They were delicious.
The Baldpate Inn is famous for having the world’s largest key collection with over 20,000 keys.
We got to go see all the unoccupied homemade rooms. It was so cute and quaint to see.
After going to the Inn we went on a quick walk around the lake at the base of the Twin Sisters Mountains.
We went for lunch; they serve homemade soup and salad- YUM. With homemade pie for dessert; we each had a different slice of pie and we shared. We had apple, blueberry, pecan, chocolate chiffon and peach. They were delicious.
The Baldpate Inn is famous for having the world’s largest key collection with over 20,000 keys.
We got to go see all the unoccupied homemade rooms. It was so cute and quaint to see.
After going to the Inn we went on a quick walk around the lake at the base of the Twin Sisters Mountains.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Life Update
I have not blogged in a while, this is for a couple reasons- one being, I really have nothing going on to blog about. Another being, I lost my camera- and even if I did have something WONDERFULLY COOL to tell you all- I wouldn’t have pictures and to me that’s the best part. But I have been mooching pictures off of family to get together a relatively stable blog of the past couple of weeks.
Two weeks ago we went to my nephew, Andrew’s Baptism. He just turned 8 and was baptized as a member of the church by his dad. Ben and I got to sing a song with his little sister Mylie (she did wonderful) and we were happy to be involved. It was so special to be there and see Andrew growing. My favorite part was at the end when he stood and bore his testimony. It was so powerful to hear the beliefs of this young man standing in front of us- who has just been baptized and received the Holy Ghost. He has such amazing parents. After the baptism we all went to his house and had a pool party!!
The next week was full of stress for Ben because his office was moving locations and he was in charge of the move! He had to organize everything, pack everything, sell stuff, take down stuff, move stuff, put up stuff, ect. And on top of it, he still had to get done his normal work. I went in a couple days to help him pack and move things around. He worked EXTRA overtime but in the end everything got moved to where it was supposed to be. This week they have been sorting out internet and phones in their new office- but it is all less stressful!
I started a pottery class! It is mostly on the wheel but they also want to teach us some hand building techniques. I am really bad- but hey that’s why I am taking a class, right? I have yet to make anything that has not ripped or pulled apart (but I am starting to get used to the pressure and how to hold my hands- so hopefully I will get it soon). It is also really messy (you get splattered clay water everywhere). But it is really fun and I am enjoying learning something new!
Last, we are house-sitting and dog-sitting for some friends who went hiking through Hawaii. Last time we pet-sat we killed the pet (and no it was not a fish) so this was an incredible leap of faith but we have promised not to kill their beloved dog, Annie. She is a 3 year old black lab and has LOTS of energy. She tried to sleep with us the first two nights (crazy enough Ben was okay with is as long as she was on my side of the bed-how is that fare?) but successfully last night was dog-free! We take her on 3 walks a day (forcing me to get my much needed exercise) and she is really nice and well trained. Neither Ben nor I are what you might say “Dog People” but Annie is defiantly warming us to the idea! (This is Annie- the dog)
Two weeks ago we went to my nephew, Andrew’s Baptism. He just turned 8 and was baptized as a member of the church by his dad. Ben and I got to sing a song with his little sister Mylie (she did wonderful) and we were happy to be involved. It was so special to be there and see Andrew growing. My favorite part was at the end when he stood and bore his testimony. It was so powerful to hear the beliefs of this young man standing in front of us- who has just been baptized and received the Holy Ghost. He has such amazing parents. After the baptism we all went to his house and had a pool party!!
The next week was full of stress for Ben because his office was moving locations and he was in charge of the move! He had to organize everything, pack everything, sell stuff, take down stuff, move stuff, put up stuff, ect. And on top of it, he still had to get done his normal work. I went in a couple days to help him pack and move things around. He worked EXTRA overtime but in the end everything got moved to where it was supposed to be. This week they have been sorting out internet and phones in their new office- but it is all less stressful!
I started a pottery class! It is mostly on the wheel but they also want to teach us some hand building techniques. I am really bad- but hey that’s why I am taking a class, right? I have yet to make anything that has not ripped or pulled apart (but I am starting to get used to the pressure and how to hold my hands- so hopefully I will get it soon). It is also really messy (you get splattered clay water everywhere). But it is really fun and I am enjoying learning something new!
Last, we are house-sitting and dog-sitting for some friends who went hiking through Hawaii. Last time we pet-sat we killed the pet (and no it was not a fish) so this was an incredible leap of faith but we have promised not to kill their beloved dog, Annie. She is a 3 year old black lab and has LOTS of energy. She tried to sleep with us the first two nights (crazy enough Ben was okay with is as long as she was on my side of the bed-how is that fare?) but successfully last night was dog-free! We take her on 3 walks a day (forcing me to get my much needed exercise) and she is really nice and well trained. Neither Ben nor I are what you might say “Dog People” but Annie is defiantly warming us to the idea! (This is Annie- the dog)
Monday, August 24, 2009
LOST
Rachel and Nedra (Ben’s mom and sister) are into the TV series LOST! This winter they were watching the 5th season and we watched a couple episodes and were…lost! So we have embarked on the huge task of watching the complete series. We rented the first season and are hooked. Every free moment that we have we are watching another episode to find out what will happen next in the lives of our plane wrecked heroes only to be more confused and addicted to this confusing show.
So at this point not only are the castaways LOST on a strange island but we are helplessly and hopelessly LOST in the plot of this series…hopefully we will soon see the light (but from the snickers coming from Nedra and Rachel- I think we have a ways to go
Dave: From Boulder to Boston
Dave Neiman, one of Ben’s roommates from school, passed through Boulder while driving up to Boston for his Master’s program. So we had a picnic in the mountains and spent the day showing him the sites. We defiantly sold him on Boulder and the beauties and adventures that it holds. It was a fun day and great to see Dave as he embarks on his own ‘east coast’ adventure! Good Luck Neiman Family!
(Pictures to Come!)
(Pictures to Come!)
Rock N Soul Café
On Saturday (August 15th) we went to the Rock N’Soul Café to hear one of our friends, Eric Forsyth,play. He was good and had someone on a ukulele play with him, which added an extra element to his music, which we both really liked. There were two other performances one by Cory Mon; he is touring from Salt Lake and has a blue grass sound (he was not our favorite because it didn’t sound complete). And there was David Hopkins from Ireland (touring from LA). We loved his music (he is similar to and has recorded with Damien Rice). It was a fun night and we enjoyed being out and listening to all the music!
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Dushanbe is the capital of Tajikistan a country in central Asia near Afghanistan and Pakistan (it is not even close to India-sorry Rich). Dushanbe and Boulder are sister cities and in 1987 Boulder were presented with the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. It is a beautiful building and “more than 40 artisans in several cities of Tajikistan created the decorative elements of the Teahouse, including its hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, tables, stools, columns, and exterior ceramic panels.” It is now not only a tradition tea house but is also used for banquets and as a restaurant.
Ben and I went there for dinner on Saturday and were able to try authentic food. I had some sort of veggie and chicken shish kabob with cucumber yogurt dressing and Ben had rice noodles with a spicy peanut sauce. It was so much fun and quite an experience- we both loved our meals.
While we were waiting for our food there was a live band playing around the corner that we could hear and so it was like we were being serenaded (by rock and roll). Afterwards we took a night hike up the canyon and were able to see all of the lights of Boulder. The MOON was shining brightly and there were bats to keep all the mosquitoes away (so that was great). It was a fun night!
Ben and I went there for dinner on Saturday and were able to try authentic food. I had some sort of veggie and chicken shish kabob with cucumber yogurt dressing and Ben had rice noodles with a spicy peanut sauce. It was so much fun and quite an experience- we both loved our meals.
While we were waiting for our food there was a live band playing around the corner that we could hear and so it was like we were being serenaded (by rock and roll). Afterwards we took a night hike up the canyon and were able to see all of the lights of Boulder. The MOON was shining brightly and there were bats to keep all the mosquitoes away (so that was great). It was a fun night!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
COPS and Queens
This week our Stake is going on a Pioneer Trek across Wyoming to learn about, remember and respect our ancestors- the Mormon Pioneers. The 14-18 year old youth and some leaders get to go on this Trek. Last night was mutual and (with the trek beginning today- Wednesday) it was only the Beehives (me and two girls). We have a new Beehive coming in on Sunday so we made her a Birthday Candy poster and went over to her house to explain the Young Women’s Program and help her feel welcome.
Then… we decided to go to Dairy Queen! We had to stop by one of the miamaids houses to give her trek cloths and she was tired of being in the house- so we took her too. So the four of us headed off to Dairy Queen! This was fun. The girls have started to realize I am not as old as my saggy boobs and grey hair might suggest- I am young and…hip? We talked about all the boys in the ward- which are cute, nice, and datable (when they are 16-of course). We talked about boys at school (here I was lost). I felt young. They felt grown up. It was a great combo!
On the way home, with a car full of sugar filled giggly girls trying to find their homes in the dark, I GOT PULLED OVER!! Ahh- I am supposed to be an example to these frail young souls and look what I did. What did I do? I turned to them to comfort them (I was sure they would be close to tears) and what do I find? They busted up laughing at me! I had to calm them down before the cop got to my window and try hard not to laugh myself.
The cop asked my name and for my information, then informed me that he pulled me over because one of my headlights was out. IS THAT ALL? This adult humiliation and loss of decency because of a headlight? He then looked through the car and got a weird look on his face- shining his flashlight in the eyes of the giggly young girls in the car. “Who do you have in the car with you?” I told him I was a youth leader and we had just gone to Dairy Queen. “Oh, so I guess I am kind of ruining your night then?” Without thinking I just responded, “Yes officer, You sorta are!”
He took my information back to his car. As he left the window the girls exploded again- “He was TOTALLY flirting with you.” “No he wasn’t he was old.” “He asked your name.” “He had to he is a cop.” “Oh that 40…no 50..maybe 60 year old cop is flirting with you! I bet he likes younger women.” “We should just drive away now and see if he can catch us- but no he has your address.”… and it continued like that (at high squealish decibels).
He came back and gave me a warning. The girls then teased me that he gave me his phone number and he REALLY was flirting. All the way dropping them off I got teased that I got flirted with by a cop. I don’t think I have ever had such an enjoyable time getting pulled over in my life! But I still would rather not repeat the experience!
Then… we decided to go to Dairy Queen! We had to stop by one of the miamaids houses to give her trek cloths and she was tired of being in the house- so we took her too. So the four of us headed off to Dairy Queen! This was fun. The girls have started to realize I am not as old as my saggy boobs and grey hair might suggest- I am young and…hip? We talked about all the boys in the ward- which are cute, nice, and datable (when they are 16-of course). We talked about boys at school (here I was lost). I felt young. They felt grown up. It was a great combo!
On the way home, with a car full of sugar filled giggly girls trying to find their homes in the dark, I GOT PULLED OVER!! Ahh- I am supposed to be an example to these frail young souls and look what I did. What did I do? I turned to them to comfort them (I was sure they would be close to tears) and what do I find? They busted up laughing at me! I had to calm them down before the cop got to my window and try hard not to laugh myself.
The cop asked my name and for my information, then informed me that he pulled me over because one of my headlights was out. IS THAT ALL? This adult humiliation and loss of decency because of a headlight? He then looked through the car and got a weird look on his face- shining his flashlight in the eyes of the giggly young girls in the car. “Who do you have in the car with you?” I told him I was a youth leader and we had just gone to Dairy Queen. “Oh, so I guess I am kind of ruining your night then?” Without thinking I just responded, “Yes officer, You sorta are!”
He took my information back to his car. As he left the window the girls exploded again- “He was TOTALLY flirting with you.” “No he wasn’t he was old.” “He asked your name.” “He had to he is a cop.” “Oh that 40…no 50..maybe 60 year old cop is flirting with you! I bet he likes younger women.” “We should just drive away now and see if he can catch us- but no he has your address.”… and it continued like that (at high squealish decibels).
He came back and gave me a warning. The girls then teased me that he gave me his phone number and he REALLY was flirting. All the way dropping them off I got teased that I got flirted with by a cop. I don’t think I have ever had such an enjoyable time getting pulled over in my life! But I still would rather not repeat the experience!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wyatt's Blessing
On June 28th we had the opportunity to go down to Denver and see Wyatt Wilson Stones get blessed. Wyatt is the newest nephew and he is very cute. We all try to decide who he looks like (I think he looks like Mylie) - but he is uniquely him and we love him!
The blessing was at Mat and Andi’s house with all the family there (Wilson and Stones) and it was so much fun. It was great to see everyone (we haven’t gotten together for a while) and to celebrate this special time. There was also FOOD (banana splits) which makes any family gathering complete. It was a great get together!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Girls Camp 2009
I had the opportunity to go to Girls Camp this year as the Louisville Camp Director. This year our stake did a shortened three day camp only for Beehives (because the other girls will be going on the trek) and the theme was “Daughters of Light.” We had four beehives go and one YCL (Youth Camp Leader) from our ward.
Before camp I was in charge of creating and printing Song/Schedule booklets for each girl that had camp songs, the weeks schedule, certifications and other important information in it. It was hard but with the help of Dad, Ron and (especially) Ben these booklets turned out great. Because camp was shortened I also had to certify the girls in many different things (such as fire, food and first aid) before going to camp. We worked on these things for many weeks so they would be prepared when they arrived at camp.
All of the preparation and stress paid off this week as we headed up to Camp Batel (the new church owned Girls Camp in WY). This camp was wonderful with a kitchen (with running water), tents on platforms, clean facilities and plans for growth. There was an amphitheater where we held our flag ceremonies, skit night, devotionals, and testimony meeting.
The girls got to do many fun activities such as tie dying shirts, canoeing, archery, first aid, water baseball, crafts (made necklaces), an obstacle course, scavenger hunts, service projects, hikes and skits. There were also fun experiences at night around the camp fire roasting smores and starbursts and going on a snipe hunt.
It is always so much fun to be with people of your same faith living the gospel and enjoying nature. The spirit was so strong and we were all were able to get away from the loud hectic motion of life and enjoy God’s creations. It was such a wonderful experience for us all and we all became such close friends!
Before camp I was in charge of creating and printing Song/Schedule booklets for each girl that had camp songs, the weeks schedule, certifications and other important information in it. It was hard but with the help of Dad, Ron and (especially) Ben these booklets turned out great. Because camp was shortened I also had to certify the girls in many different things (such as fire, food and first aid) before going to camp. We worked on these things for many weeks so they would be prepared when they arrived at camp.
All of the preparation and stress paid off this week as we headed up to Camp Batel (the new church owned Girls Camp in WY). This camp was wonderful with a kitchen (with running water), tents on platforms, clean facilities and plans for growth. There was an amphitheater where we held our flag ceremonies, skit night, devotionals, and testimony meeting.
The girls got to do many fun activities such as tie dying shirts, canoeing, archery, first aid, water baseball, crafts (made necklaces), an obstacle course, scavenger hunts, service projects, hikes and skits. There were also fun experiences at night around the camp fire roasting smores and starbursts and going on a snipe hunt.
It is always so much fun to be with people of your same faith living the gospel and enjoying nature. The spirit was so strong and we were all were able to get away from the loud hectic motion of life and enjoy God’s creations. It was such a wonderful experience for us all and we all became such close friends!
4th of July Weekend
On Friday (July 3rd) we went down to Denver with Dad and ran in Erica’s Ward 4th of July 5k. This was our second 5k and it was defiantly challenging (full of hills) but it was such a great accomplishment. We were both very proud of ourselves and were rewarded with a pancake breakfast- yum!
For the Fourth of July we did the typical all American thing- we BBQ’d! We went to a breakfast BBQ in Lyons (with my parents ward) and then went to a Lunch BBQ/Potluck with our ward in Louisville. It was really fun and we got to play volleyball and enjoy being outside with friends. Then in the evening we went to some friends, Eric and Jamie, and they BBQ’s salmon and chicken for dinner- yum! I made a trifle for dessert (its red white and blue).
We played games and then went to see the fireworks at the Louisville Golf Course. It was so beautiful and the fireworks were shot off right above us.
For the Fourth of July we did the typical all American thing- we BBQ’d! We went to a breakfast BBQ in Lyons (with my parents ward) and then went to a Lunch BBQ/Potluck with our ward in Louisville. It was really fun and we got to play volleyball and enjoy being outside with friends. Then in the evening we went to some friends, Eric and Jamie, and they BBQ’s salmon and chicken for dinner- yum! I made a trifle for dessert (its red white and blue).
We played games and then went to see the fireworks at the Louisville Golf Course. It was so beautiful and the fireworks were shot off right above us.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
MOTAB at Redrocks
On June 29th Ben and I went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert located at Redrocks, CO. Redrocks is an entirely outdoor amphitheater with built in acoustics (made of sandstone rocks). It was both Ben and my first time being at Redrocks and it was so beautiful.
The concert was amazing. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is said to be “America’s Choir’ and that is justly so. They sang some amazing songs from around the world and some great patriotic American songs. We were sitting in the very back and so it wasn’t very loud- but it was still very good. The choreography and professionalism was astounding. This was the last concert of the Choir’s tour and so there was an extra surprise, President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was there!
It was a wonderful night with great uplifting music, beautiful scenery and wonderful company!
The concert was amazing. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is said to be “America’s Choir’ and that is justly so. They sang some amazing songs from around the world and some great patriotic American songs. We were sitting in the very back and so it wasn’t very loud- but it was still very good. The choreography and professionalism was astounding. This was the last concert of the Choir’s tour and so there was an extra surprise, President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was there!
It was a wonderful night with great uplifting music, beautiful scenery and wonderful company!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Father's Day LUAU!!!
For Father’s Day we had a big family LUAU!! We decorated the deck, dressed up in Hawaiian gear, played luau games (parrot scavenger hunt), did the hula and had Hawaiian haystacks for dinner. It was hilarious to watch the Dad’s/Brother’s all doing the hula. It was so much fun!
NEWSON FAMILY REUNION
The past week we have been having a Newson Family Reunion here in Colorado. It has been so fun to have the whole family here (24 people in one house) and to spend time with all the nieces and nephews. Ben and I had to work during the days but each evening we did something fun and got to spend quality time with everyone! It was such a blast and we really got to know everyone better!! We love family!
More pictures to come
More pictures to come
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