Baby Shower Tea

Last Saturday, my Aunt gave me a baby shower. We went to a tea house in Brea and had a wonderful time. It was all girls and even Ashlyn went. My cousins and aunt showered Savannah with lots of cute outfits and swaddlers! Everything was SO CUTE in pinks and greens. Thank you all so much for such a great time. Here are a few photos of the event.

Sarah, Sarah!

Brian jokingly refers to my Republican Presidential candidate pick, then after last February, my Republican Vice President pick as my "boyfriend". As you can understand, after studying the economy for the last year and listening to all of the candidates I was 100% for Mitt Romney. The 'boyfriend' reference is because I am so supportive of him. I often refer to him as the smartest economist in the world, a fix it guy, and I also have him on my top 5 list of people to meet in my lifetime. So, I was very disappointed when Brian woke me up last week to tell me that Mitt Romney was not McCain's VP choice. I started rattling off who else I thought it was. I never guessed Sarah Palin (Brian and I just referred to her as the woman from Alaska) was even a serious candidate, and honestly I didn't know anything about her.

So, not too happy with John McCain's decision, I started reading about who the heck Sarah Palin is to try to understand why he picked her. I hoped it wasn't just political angle to get Hilary voters because she is a woman. After I read multiple sites about her I was truly impressed. I set the DVR to record the entire 3rd day of the Republican National Convention. Not only to see my 'boyfriend' deliver another awesome speech, but to hear Sarah's view directly from her. I was BLOWN away by her confidence, her fight, her position on Drilling, her position on big government and, ironically enough (since all the media said was the opposite), I was impressed with her track record and experience.

So, GO SARAH! What an inspiration you are to PTA and 'Hockey' Mom's, young women, and female college students to remember that we have a voice and can make a difference. Who knows... maybe in 13 years I can be a Vice President Nominee too!

Lot's of Movement!

Our baby girl is really starting to move around. I think that is the strangest part of pregnancy. I just got used to the idea of having a human body in my belly then she starts to move and really blows my mind.

Brian and I have a lot of girls names that we are thinking about. My Dad came up with Briley. He thought it was cute since it is half Brian and half Kelly. Well, the newest little girl on the Rogers' side is Riley, so that's a no. Sorry Dad. We really love the name Savannah Elizabeth Rogers. We also like Bailey and Isabel as first names. I think we are pretty set on Savannah since we are now referring to her as that name.

It's a Girl

Yesterday, Brian and I found out that we are having a baby girl. We are so excited. It was interesting trying to get to our appointment though. Lily, our puppy, is very sick. She has developed allergies and has hives all over her body. We are giving her her medicine, but it isn't working. Well, as we were leaving the house to go to the appointment Lily ran out the front door. She didn't run away, but sat between my legs. When I tried to move her she rolled over on her back. Since she is more than 40 lbs. we couldn't pick her up, so Brian went back inside and got a piece of chicken to get her to go back inside. Once she was through the doorway Brian quickly shut the door. We both looked at each other and realized we didn't have the keys! We checked with our neighbor (who has our spare key) and she wasn't home. I burst into tears. We started calling everyone we knew to give us a ride to the doctor's appointment. Finally, my assistant from work (also a very good friend) quickly drove over picked us up and took us to Kaiser. I was crying the whole time because Kaiser is REALLY strict about the 15 minute late rule. We got there 17 minutes after our appointment. I can't believe they let us in, but the receptionist felt really bad for us, and I think my black eye liner all over my face helped validate my story.

THANKSGIVING!

If you are spending Thanksgiving in Palm Springs this year here is the information for the 5k. I know that Brian and I are signing up. He will run... I will walk. The proceeds go to Martha's Village to feed the homeless.

Here is the website: http://www.mvkthanksgivingrun.org/

Also, Thanksgiving will be extra special this year because the Seahawks will be playing Dallas! Brian has explained what a big deal it is to have a Thanksgiving Day game since the Seahawks have almost never had one in history!

New Baby Picture!

The beginning of the baby Bump!

Here is the most recent ultrasound photo taken yesterday. The baby is almost 15 weeks. In the photo the baby is sucking it's thumb.






Peter was in town and was able to come to the appointment with Brian and me.

Disneyland

I have been working on a partnership with Disneyland to put a credit counseling office in the back offices of Disneyland. Today, I had my final meeting with them and was given a back lot tour. My meeting started in the greenish building that is right off the 5 and ball. It was so interesting to walk through and see what happens behind the scenes. I saw the barns were the horses are trained and live, were they grow all of the plants, toured the floats for the parades, saw the maintenance department for the rides and walked right into Disneyland. It was so weird because there are no security officers or gates between toon-town and the back lots. We just walked right in and walk right out by it's a small world. The good news is they excepted my proposal and we will be opening an 'Disney Cast' office in September.

My CEO took a photo of me while at the park since we were both in suites and we looked so out of place. I also sent the photo out to the staff telling them the good news. They asked if I went on any rides and I said I couldn't. I then had to spill the beans and explain that I was pregnant!

School News!

After I found out I was pregnant I went and spoke to my advisor about how to speed up my classes. She was not very helpful and actually suggested I take a couple years off! Being very persistent I contacted each individual Professor and asked if they would make an exception and let me into their class despite my lack of the prerequisites.

Well, I immediately heard from two instructors that let me in. I was waiting on one more. If she didn't let me in I would have to take just one more class in Spring to finish my MBA. For two months I didn't hear anything. I sent my emails again and again. Finally, yesterday I got a response. Although the email was very stern, and express how agitated he gets when students try to get in without the prerequisites done... she is allowing me to take her class due to my "unusual and unique situation as an MBA student". So I officially done with my MBA on December 11th, but walk in May. I have to take 5 classes next semester, but it is just so nice to be done before the baby is comes!

Other REALLY great news!
Matt, my brother, decided to go back to school and finish his AA. He only has one math class left. He is taking it this fall and will graduate on May 20, 2009.

So, here is the breakdown:

May 20, 2009 Matt's Graduation at Fullerton College, AA
May 23, 2009 Brian's Graduation at California State University, Fullerton, BA (10:00 AM)
May 23, 2009 Kelly's Graduation at Chapman University, MBA (5:00 PM)

The loss of a Wonderful Woman

Today, my adopted Grandma passed away. Rosemary was the kindest, most loving Grandmother figure Peter and I had in our lives. She called us her grandchildren, my Mom was her adopted daughter, and Chance (my Mom's dog) was her best friend. She attend all our of family events (Holidays, Graduations). Due to her being ill she was unable to attend my wedding, and she said it broke her heart that she couldn't be there. I have spent many days throughout the last 4 or 5 years sitting by her side in the hospital with doctors telling us it was the end, but Rosemary was always so strong. After this last visit in the hospital they put her on Hospice.

I am so grateful that I was able to know her. I loved her like a Grandmother, and she loved me like a grandchild. I was so blessed to have a relationship like that.

Finally... Orlando Pictures

At the end of May the whole family (Mom, Dad, Matt, Peter, Danny (Pete's boyfriend), Brian and myself all went to Orlando to go to Disney World. Brian was the only one that has never gone. Although I have been there two or three times I don't really remember too much from our trips since I was too little.

We had such a great time, but I didn't go on any rides since we had just found out that I was pregnant. The best part was that Disney sell those huge pickles EVERY WHERE. Brian probably ended up buying me two a day!

We went on a swap tour, spent four days at the Disney World and even drove to Tampa Bay to go swimming.

Here some pictures from the trip:

Pregnancy Update

Brian and I went to the doctor yesterday, and I have kinda been taken OFF of high risk. This is a very good news, but now we don't get an ultrasound every time. I have already had 3 and I am 8 weeks and 7 days. I had two more scheduled next month, but they canceled one of them. They also moved the due date to January 29, 2009.

With Kaiser I am assigned to a mid-wife (endometeriosis specialist) and a physician. It was our first time meeting the physician and she was very nice. As she was reading my chart she was talking out loud and said "ok... I see that you have gained one pound so far." Brian remarked, "ONE POUND... and your already wearing stretchy pants!" After digesting his comment, I thought why is that? My belly does look a lot bigger and my old pants are way to uncomfortable to wear. My cramps have been so bad that I just can't wear anything with a button. So, I am already wearing maternity pants (just a little stretch in the waist). When you see me, please don't be surprised to see me in "stretchy pants"!

Morning Sickness

I have been having a lot of morning sickness. I will try anything to feel better. Any suggestions?

I can't stop crying!

This weekend Brian and I went to Palm Springs, and then rushed back early today to make it for church. We had such a wonderful time swimming in the pool and playing the baby naming game. Last night I watched the Notebook on TV and cried forever- Brian was really concerned. At church today we went around with the Primary kids and sang Father Day songs to all the dads. Watching Brian stand with a bunch of little kids singing (with hand motions and everything) I became really emotional thinking about when our kids will sing to Brian. Then, after reading Lisa Henderson's blog about Father's Day I cried again! This is very common lately- thanks hormones! I just started thinking about how amazing my Dad is, and what a special thing it is to have a unique bond with him. I also started thinking about Brian as a Father, and I cannot wait to see him interact with our baby for the first time!

So, thanks for making me cry Lisa!

If you haven't heard yet...

We're having a BABY!

Brian and I found out in May, and wanted to keep it a secret until at least the end of the first trimester. Well, it's hard for my parents to keep secrets and it was only a matter of time before everyone found out. So, here is the baby's first photo. I am only 6 weeks and 3 days. The baby's due date is January 31, 2009, but they told us to plan for the first week of February.

Brian and I were told that it could take a couple years for us to get pregnant. So after two years of thinking "if it happens it happens" we said both said one day that we wanted a baby. One month later (without doing anything different) we were pregnant! Our mid-wife said it is a miracle baby since women with endometeriosis sometimes never get pregnant.

Brian is sure it is a boy, and I am sure it is a girl.

So, since we found out this amazing news we have been making a lot of changes. We did not buy the 2-bedroom condo, and decided just to build more storage space in our current place. Brian and I are taking heavy school loads this summer and fall so that we have only one or two classes left after the baby is born. Brian is taking the GRE in October so that he can apply earlier for Graduate School. He is applying to Arizona State, University of Arizona, Cal State Fullerton, Loma Linda, Cal State Long Beach, BYU, Texas, Colorado, Ohio, and Cal State Fresno. Each Speech Language Pathology program only take 20 out of 300-500 applicants so we are basically planning on moving to any school Brian's is excepted to next June.

Some people have asked what we will do with Lily (our puggle). Since she is like our first child she is not going anywhere.

We are so excited for all of the changes happening in our lives, and will be blogging about our experiences!

My first time speaking in church!

Today was my very first time giving a talk at church. Brian and I spoke about Gordon B. Hinckley's book Way To Be. I spoke about Be Positive and Be Grateful. Brian spoke about Be Humble and Be Prayerful. Aunt Caroline came to cheer us on, and somehow got roped into substituting for the sunbeams class. She is a pro, and the Primary was so grateful for her willingness to jump in and help us out of a jam.



On a side note... I usually have to take the sunbeams class in with my CTR 4-7 year olds, but it is very difficult because each class has a very difficult child. So, when the classes are combined it is usually chaos. Luke, in the sunbeams class, will not sit still, doesn't follow directions well, and is always trying to take toys out of his backpack. During sharing time I am usually dragging him back to his chair or quieting him down. I have not figured out how to get him to sit still. So, today in Primary during sharing time I looked over at Aunt Caroline and I see Luke glued to his chair. He was quite, attentive and his backpack was not a distraction. I saw him starting to get up but Aunt Caroline gave him some magical look while saying "Luke" and he sat right back down. I don't know how Auntie does it, but we all commented how Luke has NEVER been better at church!

"How Old Does Brian Look?" Results

25- 1 vote

26- 1 vote

27- 1 vote

28- 1 vote

29- 1 vote

30- 3 votes

31- 1 vote

32- 1 vote

33- 1 vote



When this whole "how old do I look?" thing first started Brian was surprised that his primary class thought he was 38 years old. I told Brian he looked 26. The poll on the blog averaged 29.18 and the most frequent answer was 30. Well, Brian just had a birthday a couple weeks ago and his real age is...












28!

How Old Does Brian Look?

On Sunday, Brian was playing a scripture trivia game with his primary class (consisting of 9-11 year old boys). It came down to a tie. Trying to make it really interesting, Brian's tie breaking question was "How old do you think I am?" One boy thought really hard and then said, "38!" The other boy said, "That's not fair I wanted to pick 38!" Brian was stunned. "Do I really look 38?"

So after church Brian asked me, "How old do I look?" I gave him my answer, and he said I was bias. So, we decided to take it to the public.

How old does Brian look?

Please look as his current picture and vote on the anonymous poll on the right-hand of the screen. After the closing of the poll, I will post the results and Brian's real age.

Brian's request is that you be completely honest! He is not sensitive, so don't worry about hurting his feelings. We are just collecting statistical data to see if Brian or myself had a more accurate idea of what others think his age is?

Thanks for participating in our study!

Finals!

Right now Brian and I have finals! What a stressful time. Although, there is just something so satisfying about walking out of a final. I guess I have never walked out of a final worrying if I have passed, but more "Thank Goodness I never have to do that again!"

It is really nice to take a break between studying to read every one's blogs! Tomorrow I have my statistics final. I never want to see a z, t, chai table EVER again! The only benefit is that I can navigate around Excel very well now.

Old Photos...

I was organizing "My Photos" on my computer and came across these two awesome photos of my parents. The first was taken on February 6, 1985 by Uncle Larry. It was taken as my parents were walking out the door when my mom was in labor with me!

I can't believe how thin my Mom was- scary thin!

Money "Mom-sims"

I wrote this press release for Mother's Day. If you don't live in Orange County you most likely will not see it, but it will be open to the Associated Press after it is published in the OC Register and then it is free game for other news outlets to use. I write one or two a month, but this one seemed like a good fit for the blog! I know that my Mom and maybe Aunt Caroline have a lot of sayings. Peter and I call them "Mom-sims". So, thanks MOM for, in a way, helping me write this press release...


It never hurts to go back to the basics. When we were young children, our moms provided lots of advice on good money management through simple phrases. These tried and true “Mom-isms” may seem like plain common sense, but in today’s more complex world, they still provide good direction for how to make the most of our money and avoid financial trouble. In honor of Mother’s Day this month, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Orange County suggests we revisit some of Mom’s wise sayings about managing money.

Money doesn’t grow on trees – Mom wanted us to realize that there is a limit to what we can spend – a finite amount of money available to us. Keeping that in mind makes understanding the difference between wants and needs a little clearer and impresses upon us the need to make careful choices.

Pay yourself first – Realizing how easy it is to find things to spend money on, Mom encouraged us to establish a savings habit by making it a priority. Nowadays, we can make it easy and automatic to save through direct deposit into an account each payday.

Save for a rainy day – Today, we may be saving for specific goals - a car, a home, retirement, but Mom knew that the unexpected always happens. With all the uncertainties in today’s world, an emergency fund account makes more sense then ever. Don’t think you can find the money? Track your spending for two weeks and you may be surprised at the “spending leaks” you’ll discover.

Don’t rob Peter to pay Paul – Paying one credit card with cash advances from another should be considered a red flag. Taking on new debt to resolve old debt should be considered carefully to make sure you have a plan to pay off the debt and are not just going in circles.

Don’t take any wooden nickels – Mom warned us that some things just seem too good to be true and that is still the case today. There are plenty of scam artists out there ready to take advantage of us through identity theft and fraudulent schemes. Increase your consumer awareness of strategies to prevent and defend against those crimes.

“This Mother’s Day, give your mom the gift of knowing you took her advice about becoming financially stable. That’s a present she won’t return,” said Kelly Rogers, Director of Education.

Need more than Mom’s advice? You don’t have to solve your financial problems alone. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Orange County is just a call or click away. To reach the certified credit counselor closest to you dial (714) 547-2227, or online go to http://www.cccsoc.org/.