Grateful

This isn't my usual type of post. Really, I view the purpose of this blog as a means to communicate with family and friends across the country, as somewhat of a journal of the happenings in my family, and as a creative outlet for me. It's simply a way to entertain myself and, hopefully, a few of you that follow it.

So, with that said, here's a different peak into my life than what you usually get. I don't know if any one else can relate with this, but yesterday and today I have felt entirely overwhelmed with gratitude for life. It has been a feeling that has been at the forefront my thoughts and I have been touched every time I have stopped and pondered on it.

What a privilege it is to be alive and be able to participate in whatever we choose. Every day we have endless possibilities to what will occupy our time. Each of us have different responsibilities that will influence what we are likely to do, but even with these responsibilities we still get to decide whether we will fulfill them or not. The phrase "you are the captain of your soul" rings truer to me now than it ever has before.

It is easy to feel pigeon hole, as if you are simply fulfilling a routine that has been thrust on you. It could be the monotonous 8-5 schedule, the routine cares of a child, the chronic stresses of finances, or the habitual state of waiting for...something to come. That thing could be completion of education, the ability to purchase a long sought after item, an upcoming vacation or holiday, the arrival of a new family member, or the reaching of a lifelong goal.

Whatever it is that fills your time and consumes your thoughts, I believe there can be aspects of joy in it. Yes, it is true that once you become accustomed to anticipating for life to happen, it is then all the easier to become dissatisfied. Dissatisfied that you have not accomplished as much as another, that you are not where you thought you should be at this point, and therefore you are not as meaningful to the world as you had originally planned on being.

That is when you need to commandeer your life. Sometimes that translates to physical actions, but more often it is a shift in your perception that needs to occur. That internal change allows you to see beauty in the mundane, love those around you deeper, cherish your victories more, find fulfillment in daily challenges, and refrain from passing judgements or comparing with others.

And with all that written, let me just reiterate that life is incredible. I am simply in love with what has and is happening in my life. I lose my perspective of finding bliss at times, but thankfully I can make resolve to be different anytime I want.

Preferences

One thing I have learned during my 25 years of life (doesn't that sound so distinguished? I think being a quarter of a century old sounds awesome!) is that there are many ways to get your nutrition.

Take me for example. Everyday I eat this for lunch.

 

Seriously. Every single day. I discovered it during my last month of pregnancy so I'm probably on day 120 now. I should vary my intake of food, but who can say no to a salad when you add chicken nuggets to it?

And is there a better way to get your fruit than by eating pina colda cupcakes?

 

However, if you ask Kyle he will tell you there are two main food groups.

1) Dr. Pepper

2) Dessert. This particular delicacy is Kyle's brain child. It was born on the eve when Kyle couldn't decide if he wanted cookies or brownies. So the spawn of a layer of gooey brownie batter and dollops of chocolate chip cookie dough appeared in our kitchen.

They are called crownies (or brookies if you prefer.) This experiment was a success depending on who you ask in our household.

But then there is Avery. Yes, sweet dear little Avery who is weighing in at a whooping 10 lbs 13.5 oz which puts her in the 5%. The pediatrician wasn't too impressed and asked me what her diet consists of.

I told her, "Mostly clothes."

"Dresses in particular."

"And of course her hands."

 

"She likes her fingers too."

 

 

 
"Really, she'll chomp away on anyone's extremities. She's not too picky."

  

So, between the three of us I think we meet at least some parts of the food pyramid. Ahem, food staircase.

Getting creative

Alright so being in our mid-twenties and having a little baby was not the most lucrative thing Kyle and I have ever done...or Kyle beginning grad school...or me currently not working...

Anyways, we have to get creative in ways to help stretch our George Washington bills.

Behold our newest toy for Avery!

No, I'm not talking about those links, although they are awesome! They came from Kyle's brother and sister in law who are very savvy with kid knowledge since they have the most adorable twins (thanks Sean and Katie!)

And I'm not focusing on our snazzy vibrating chair which is a recent acquisition from Goodwill (thanks goodness for Lysol wipes)

Nope, our new creation allows Avery to play with the links while in her chair. It is made out of the world's finest materials: Duct Tape and cardboard from the box our crib came in.

Doesn't it look sturdy?

I love the sagging bar that droops lower everyday. I just keep attaching our links higher and higher so they don't hit Avery in the face.

Perhaps Kyle and I will start marketing this amazing creation.

Look at how calm and content your baby would be if you had one for yourself?

What's that you say? You want it personalized? No problem!

With a cute little pattern after your child's name? Done and done!

We can custom make yours to lean to one side just like ours! Sounds like Kyle should drop out of school so we can start mass producing these bad boys! Just remember, the baby is not included in the purchase.

 

Side note: We created this masterpiece during a BYU football game. I don’t know about your guys, but I have a hard time sitting down and watching anything for a few hours without doing anything (surfing the internet, making monstrous toys, looking attractive, etc.) I do much better with TV shows…like the premiere of Modern Family tonight! Do yourselves a favor and check it out!

Nursery

There have been lots of firsts lately, but most of them have been for Kyle and Avery. Here is one of mine.

THE NURSERY!!!

Okay, so I’m not a master photographer. I can’t tell you what kind of camera we have, and I have no idea how to edit a picture. So with that said, if any of these pictures do not make you psyched-out-of-your-mind over how cute this room is, let’s blame the camera and not the interior designer. :) Or the fact that Indiana does not believe in having lights in the ceiling, meaning the only source of light comes from the window or the lamp.

First thing I did was paint this room a lovely shade of pink. Scratch that, a lovely shade of April Blush. I had never painted anything (besides Avery’s toenails) so my dear mother took me under her wing. She told me that taping was for weenies and that it was better to just use a paint brush along the edges (ceiling, closet, window, etc.)

Next, we got a crib! Most parents would consider that an essential item to have before a child is born. Tis not so my friends! However, it does look oh so nice. I am very happy we now own one.

Next step was figuring out where to put each item.

The changing table (one that was used to change many a Pennock’s bum.)

The glider (it's great at putting both Avery and me asleep.)

The dresser complete with friends on top.

Still trying to figure out where to put the picture on the bear's lap. It’s a watercolor that the one-and-only Allyson Jones made of the Oklahoma City Temple and sent to me on my mission.

The most darling laundry basket (garage sales are awesome!)

And…drum roll please….BUTTERFLIES! 

This was the steal of a century! I found these sticker decals at our dollar store, and for a few measly bucks I decorated this room with a border. 

They just flitter flutter around.

 

There's something soothing about watching them. Not that they move...since their not alive...they are just sticker after all...but still I think they are soothing.  

And thanks to this little girl I had a reason to try my hand at decorating.

Can't wait to do one for her brother!!! :)

P.S. Our talks went well on Sunday. Thanks for wondering.

P.P.S. No we aren't expecting, but that would have been really cute right? Yeah, I think so too. Maybe I can get Kyle to think so as well...