Emma Routh: Warrior Princess

Dearest Readers,

It all started a while back on Facebook. (The beginning of all great stories, right?) When I saw a story about a little girl named Emma Routh.

"Emma Routh is spunky, fun loving 8-year-old girl that is battling Fanconi Anemia – a rare blood disorder that leads to bone marrow failure. Emma has bravely undergone chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant and continues to surpass milestones that defy her physician’s original prognosis.

Emma has a deep rooted love for life and continues to find the good in every situation becoming a role model for so many of her family members much older than herself. Her infectious spirit has given her family the strength to continue their journey and provide them with hope not only for Emma, but for all of the children like her. They feel confident that Emma will grow up to be an unbelievable woman, achieving all of her dreams and making a difference in the world." -From Emma's Facebook page, "Prayers For Emma"

(Picture from Emma's website, http://www.emmasarmy.org/)

As I continued to read about this amazing little girl, I decided that I wanted to DO something!! 
I added Emma's name to the prayer roll at the temple, wrote her a letter, made her a bookmark, and a "Emma You Are" sign to hang up, and mailed it off.

It's not much, but it doesn't have to be! This month I've been encouraging those I know to make cards, draw pictures, or write Emma letters to send. I want her to know she has love here in Utah! 

Emma is a wonderful little girl. I hope and I pray that she can heal, and continue to live her life while touching all of ours. I also pray for the countless children who are battling with diseases, and dealing with matters that are far beyond their years. My heart goes out to them, and their families, and I am truly touched by their stories and their courage. 

If you would like to get to know Emma a little better, visit her website at http://www.emmasarmy.org/

And there you can learn about Emma's disease, and also find out ways that you can help! Emma loves to get letters, cards, and gifts. In fact, she gets them from all over the world! Her family also needs help with medical bills, and suggests that people: Donate BLOOD or PLATELETS. REGISTER to become a BONE MARROW DONER. You could help save someone’s life. Someone like Emma.

Thinking of you warrior princess!

-The Mein's

Hero's & Guardian Angel's

Dearest Readers,

Monday was Memorial Day, which is a holiday of many parts. First off, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, and can include honoring those who have served, or are serving to protect our freedom. Memorial Day also a day of remembering all who have passed on from this life. 

                       

However...Memorial Day is often a great excuse for vacations and family BBQ's, and among this excitement for a day off work, and time spent with loved ones, I feel that sometimes the true meaning of the holiday is lost. Now, I'm completely fine with people going on vacations, and having BBQ's with the family. In fact, I love it! But, I do feel the need to keep the true meaning of the day in my heart, and honor the holiday for at least a small part during the day or weekend.

And so on Monday, while we were heading up to our family BBQ, I took a few moments to reflect on Memorial Day, and this is basically what went through my mind:

I am SO beyond grateful to be an American. I know that we have our flaws, and I get that. No government is perfect, and ours certainly isn't. No country is without it's downsides, and we have quite a few. But nonetheless, I've always had great pride in this country, and the principals on which it stands. I realize America's flaws, and celebrate America's successes. I'm proud to call the USA my home.

I also realize that, as an American, I have rights and freedoms that few others can claim title to. But, Our FREEDOM ISN'T FREE. And some men and women have paid for it with their lives. I am beyond touched that people put their lives on the line for my freedom. 

The men and women in the armed forces are Hero's. They are true hero's. Not a swinging from buildings battling underground monsters kind of hero, but a hero that puts their country first, who serves and protects with their life on the line. The ultimate price to pay for the greater good. And as I thought about that, I also felt like I should give a little shout out to the Police Officers and Firefighters out there, who also work to protect and serve the American people.

I have an overwhelming urge to hug and mother-hen all the soldiers out there. I want to thank them, thank them over and over again for their service. And to those fallen, your memories are not lost, and you are still cherished in the hearts and minds of many American's. I thank you, to those who are serving, getting ready to serve, or have served. Words can't begin to describe how wonderful you are. 

And as I think about those who are no longer with us, I turn my attention to those who I have known who are now among the angels in heaven.

My Grandma Peggy Whetton, who would always encourage me in ways I cannot adequately explain. She was a confidence-builder in my young age, she made me feel talented, and beautiful, and wanted. When I sing, I often think of her. When I smile, I think of how she would tell me my smile could light up a room. 
I have many fond memories of my Grandma PJ. 

Memories of Christmas Eve's, and the 4th Of July, memories of sleepovers watching Peter Rabbit, and making my favorite- homemade Mac & Cheese.
Grandma's favorite color was purple. She was an avid bowler and gardener, and the woman could cook ANYTHING and it would taste like heaven. 

My Grandma taught me the importance of being a hard worker. She taught me to laugh through the hard times. She was a little ray of sunshine in this world of ours. And I miss her dearly. She passed away many years ago, after a valiant battle with cancer. 

I also think of my Grandpa Ray, (Raymond Whetton). He and I used to feed the ducks together, a pass-time that I still enjoy to this day. Every time I feed the ducks, I think of Grandpa Ray. I also remember going to his house and playing with these little plastic animals, most notably a giraffe, and lion, which were my favorites. Grandpa Ray was very fond of his only son, my dad Craig. He talked about my dad like he was Superman, (and as far as I'm concerned, he is).

I think also of my Uncle Robby, who was my mom's brother. I really only have one vivid memory of my Uncle Robby, where he was giving me a piggy-back ride. But I know he was a good man, and a good father to his sons. He was taken suddenly in a car accident caused my a drunk-driver. 

And most recently, this past October, my cousin Jesse passed away, following complications derived from a surgery. Jesse and I were best buds growing up together in the 90's. I remember a trip to Lagoon, watching "Godzilla", and playing with his pet turtle. I also remember that Jesse used to tease me like a big brother. I miss his stories and his laughter. 

I'm blessed to have each each of these wonderful people in my life. I love each of them, and I am grateful for what they taught me has shaped me into the woman that I have become. I have had a lot of death in my young life, grandparents, uncles, cousins, friends, and I like to think that all of those people are now my guardian angels. I can feel their presence around me at times. And I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are watching over me.


And wiith that, I say GOD BLESS AMERICA.
And God bless all our Guardian Angels.  

Hope you had a safe memorial day weekend.

Until next time,
 -The Mein's 

Follow The Light

Dearest Readers,

I hope you all enjoyed the picture over-load of the past few posts! I'm so happy to have those memories back. I've got to update my scrapbook now with all the pictures my husband was able to save. Can you believe that since we got married, I haven't put any pictures together? That's not like me at all!
Well, I think I pretty much caught you up from our last weekend, so now on to new things!

On Friday DJ and I "publicly" announced our decision to completely uproot ourselves and take a leap of faith (A GINORMOUS HUMONGOUS LEAP)... and move to Salt Lake and get our degrees. Is my husband leaving his seemingly wonderful job to venture out into the unknown? Yes. Do we know this will work out for us? No. Do we know we will both get jobs, and do well in school, and this will all be hunky- dory in the end? No.

But see, DJ and I have never really been the adventurous types. We have tried new things yes, things we regret and things we don't. But NOTHING like this. NOTHING like leaving behind something so sure and safe to go who knows where, in the search to change our lives.

And we are doing this for several reasons, one of which is because we aren't happy with just trying to "get by". We just aren't. I'm sick of job hunting with no success. I'm sick of not having my degree. I'm sick of feeling like I'm not doing anything. I'm not living, I'm just existing. And DJ is sick of not having his degree too. He doesn't want to look back at the end of his life and see all of his regret. And if he stays in a job that he really doesn't like, just because it's there- that's going to be one giant regret.

So, we want to finish college NOW. We don't want to keep putting it off. And as much as my heart goes out in full support of all the "older" students who went to my classes in college, I just can't be old and going to school. I won't know what's hip and "in" anymore, so what if I come in my grandma sweater, and kids laugh at me? what if I can't hear the professor because my hearing aid is acting up? What if I have to go to the bathroom and miss out on half the lecture?

No. This school thing needs to happen now. Before we start a family, before we can't go because of the kids, or money, or we are moving.. etc...

So, we let the proverbial cat out of the bag, and it feels good to let others know of our plans. They have mostly been met with support, which is nice. And it makes it all the more real to us. We even have started looking up classes, and arranging our schedules to be flexible enough to hopefully co-exist with part-time jobs.

Life will be different, that's for sure. But I feel good about this move. I feel that it's right, and I'm happy. Of course, DJ and I can never really know what will happen if we stay here, or if we move. If we finish college, or don't. But we do know someone who does. And so, we have made it our personal goal to go to the temple once a week to seek the answer on what to do.
Big changes are happening in the Mein Family.
And we felt like our Heavenly Father should be apart of it. And to tell you the truth, our temple night with Jaden and Rhiannon on Wednesday of last week was really wonderful, and I look forward to making this temple trip a weekly thing, even after we make our decision.

Other than that, our weekend highlights went like this

Friday: We had dinner, and saw the movie "The Croods" at the dollar-theater here in Spanish Fork. It was actually very funny, and it had a REALLY good moral/catch-phrase:  

Follow The Light

The story, without giving to much away, is really about not being afraid to live your life, and to follow the sun, or the light. It's about just having fun, and letting go, and although some people may not have seen it as being as deep and meaningful as I did, I certainly took that line to heart.
And I decided to make "Follow The Light" my life "theme" if you will.
And this is how I see it:
My religion teaches me to Follow Christ, who is "The Light". And we are supposed to live our lives in trying to be like him. We are supposed to learn, and grow, and be happy in life, through our trials.
Follow The Light. Light is faith, Light is God. And if I live my life "Following The Light" I will have accomplished what I came on earth to do.

Is your mind blown? Because mine is!

Anyway, On Saturday, We went to Salt Lake and DJ took his brother-in-law, who happens to be my super cute brother Trevor, out to a REAL Salt Lake soccer game, while I helped to host a bridal shower for my friend Ashley.

Sunday highlight: Picnic/book reading at home in the afternoon, and writing this post! 

And now we are off to bed, and tomorrow, we will have some Monday adventures: On the agenda, a BBQ with my family, including my dear Aunt Cathy and Uncle David!

Stay safe this holiday weekend, and follow the light!

-The Mein's

HONEYMOON

Dearest Readers,

The nightmare started when my memory card containing the pictures of my pre-wedding and honeymoon pictures was destroyed, and I thought I would never have those memories back again. Well, my wonderful husband knew how sad I was over this, so he worked hard to save a few pictures that hadn't been stored on the memory card, but on the camera itself- and he gave them to me right before our one-year anniversary. How wonderful is he?? And now, I have a few pictures of our honeymoon to show you! I was a little camera crazy, yes... so be grateful I didn't get ALL my pictures back, or this post would be a lot longer. Enjoy! 

 






-The Mein's

The Mein's 1 YEAR Anniversary

Dearest Readers,

Sunday was May 19th. And May 19th, just happened to be OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

But since Sunday is a day we save for our church, we celebrated on Saturday the 18th.

After my dinner with Rhiannon and Rachel, DJ picked me up and we left on our second honeymoon. On Friday night we went swimming, and hot-tubing, and then on Saturday we went to the zoo, shared an anniversary cupcake from "So Cupcake" and then got dressed up and went to "The Cheesecake Factory" for dinner, and had the best meal I've ever eaten in my life. No joke! It was amazing. But our waitress wasn't named Penny, so that was the only let-down.

Then on Sunday we spent the day with family and went to church and our lesson in RS was on TEMPLES! So I shared my testimony of how wonderful it is to have been married in the temple, and how excited I am to be able to live with my man for TIME AND ALL ETERNITY.


We had a wonderful weekend, and an even more wonderful first year of marriage. DJ is my whole world. I love him more each day, and I am so very blessed.

 

   

 

 -The Mein's

Dinner With My Best Friends

Dearest Readers,

A lot has happened since the 15th! Let's get filled in, shall we?  Friday, May 17th was my FIRST OFFICIAL DAY AS AN OLD(er) LADY! I met up with my super wonderful, super awesome, and amazing friends Rhiannon and Rachel.

(Little back story: I met Rhiannon when I moved to Sandy in the 9th grade. After a few months, we were best friends. I'm really close with Rhiannon's family too, her younger sister and older sister, as well as her parents, mostly. But also her nieces too.. I'm practically an adopted Bennett, really. And I met Rachel in 9th grade as well, in homeroom. We went to high school together and shared in memories of being locker partners and singers in an choir group that toured in New York City. And Rachel and Rhiannon know each other because they were roommates together at BYU! So we are pretty close.

Anyway, we had dinner at Olive Garden. So, why does that make me an old lady?
 Answer: When I picture older women getting together, they are always having lunch (or dinner) together and chatting. Now granted, these women in my picture have on pearls, grandma dresses, billowy sun hats, lacy gloves, and they make small chat while they pass around a tea cup and talk like Maggie Smith. And we didn't do that, sadly. But we did sit, and we ate. In a fancy restaurant (Well, fancy to me anyway..) and we talked about life. It was amazing fun, but it made me feel old. I don't know why, maybe it was because we aren't in middle school or high school anymore. We aren't even freshmen at College. Two of us are married now, and one of us is going off to serve a mission for the church. Or maybe it's because I'm married now, with a husband, and maybe it was because we were celebrating our 22nd Birthdays....

Old. Old. Old. might as well pass me the prune juice!

So I arranged the celebratory dinner at Olive Garden with the three of us to celebrate LOTS of events unfolding in our lives (Mostly their lives, actually...) And not necessarily for me to feel old.
Those events are:

Rhiannon just graduated BYU with her Bachelor's degree, and has a "big girl job" up in Sandy. I am so proud of her! She is living in BYU housing still with her husband, Jaden, while he finishes up school.
It was ALSO her 22nd Birthday on Mother's Day.

Rachel is going on a MISSION in June, and we will be missing her 22nd Birthday that's in August. She is so excited to go,and has been busy preparing. When she returns, she will go back to BYU and earn her degree. Did I mention how proud I am of her????

Taylor (That's ME) I'm celebrating my one-year anniversary with DJ!!!!! and my 22nd Birthday is June 22, right before Rachel leaves, so we might not be able to celebrate it then. 

So yes! We exchanged gifts, stories, and laughs, and had a really good dinner! I had  THE BEST pasta, and soup, the only problem is I don't remember what it's called, and the waiter laughed at me a little when I tried to pronounce it. Okay, so I need to brush up on my Italian.








-The Mein's

A Leap Of Faith

Dearest Readers,

Hello, hello, hello!!! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and start of the week, I know I did! To start out, let me say that this part is TOP SECRET: DJ and I have been considering moving to Midvale/Murray/Sandy area, to go to SLCC (Salt Lake Community College) to work on our degrees. We would be leaving in July, or possibly early August.

We have been awarded grants that are projected to cover BOTH OF OUR TUITION'S. Holy Macaroni. And also, we would get financial aid to help cover books, living expenses, etc.. which is the daunting thing. But, you have to do what you have to do! And getting our degrees is something we both want to do. So, we figure that now is the time since we don't have kids or anything to keep us from picking up and moving.

Nothing has been set in stone yet, but both of us are enrolled for next semester. We can still drop out, with no penalties- but it looks like we may be going for it! Before we do set anything in stone, we are prepared to pray, fast, and seek an answer from our Heavenly Father.

I'm so excited about this big change, and also VERY VERY nervous. We are taking a leap of faith here ladies and gentlemen. DJ is leaving a job that is "guaranteed", that has been very good to us, we are leaving Utah county, friends and family, and we are picking up and leaving into the unknown. This is gonna be quite the adventure. 

So, this brings us to our weekend. Saturday morning after some chores, and mowing the lawn, we headed out to Murray, to apartment hunt. We went to "Lost Creek Apartments" which is the apartment building DJ found through his internet searches. First off- I got an "okay" vibe from the apartment building, owner, etc.... The rent is pretty reasonable, everyone seemed pretty friendly, and so on. So, here is my pro/con list:

Lost Creek Apartments

 Pro's: 

 

* Nice sized bedrooms

* Double closet 

* Washer/Dryer hookup or on-site laundry facility

* Dishwasher

* On-site FITNESS CENTER (Oh, yes!)

* Pool- okay, really? They have a pool. It's getting hot. SOLD.

* Every apartment comes with a little deck area that allows you to eat/relax outside, and it even has a little garden area too.

* Reasonable rent 

 

Cons:

 

* DJ having to leave his job...don't know if he, or I will have luck in Salt Lake (Not necessarily about the apartment, but still needed to say it!)

* Only an "okay" feeling about the apartment. Not sure if that is due to the whole uprooting thing or not, but I'm a little nervous about it.

* Doesn't come furnished like our last apartment did. That means no couch, love-seat, coffee table, side tables, TV stand, dresser, beds, table, chairs, microwave... So that means $$$$

* Narrow kitchen, little storage, very basic, very old :) I think I might have been spoiled with my first kitchen and pantry!

(Here is a picture of the living room, I couldn't find one of the kitchen/bathroom/or bedroom) 

And there you have it! So we have a LOT to think about. DJ was offered a position on the radio, they may pay a little, but nothing much... But it would further his experience in radio, which is what he wants to do. And there are lots of schools around the area, and even possibly some jobs through SLCC that I could look in to.

It's amazing how quickly life can change, how you can go from one normal to the next, and you never really know for certain, where you might end up. It's thrilling, and it's scary. It's a leap of faith.

Until next time

-The Mein's

How To: Write A Sister Missionary

Dearest Readers,

I'm finally starting to feel better! And not only that, I'm feeling pretty good because I got a letter from my dear friend McKenzie Cooper, who is serving an LDS mission in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. McKenzie is just one of the MANY women in my life who are going forth to teach, and I am ever so proud of them. I also have Sister (Hermana) Canova in Houston, Texas, Sister Lacey Palmer in Santa Clara, California, and soon to be- Sister Rachel Harris in Redlands, California. And those are just the sisters! AMAZING.

Did I mention how proud I am?? Well, I'm going to say it again, because I'm just ecstatic! 


Writing my sister missionaries, and my one brother missionary, my cousin Elder Tanner Jacobsen, has been really fun for me. And I actually get asked a lot about my letters by others who see me writing them. They ask "How did you make your letter so cute??" "What do you say in your letters? I can't get mine to be more than half a page!" "What's appropriate to ask her?"

So, I decided to create this post about how I write my sister missionaries.
But keep in mind that I'm fairly new to this too, so if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

So first off, I open up a text document in Open Office or Word, and type up "Dear Sister _________" on the top, (centered) I used my new, ever so cute font that I downloaded a while back, if you don't know how to upload a font, and want to do so- Google "How To Install A Font" It's so simple, even I can do it! Once you've got that down, I drag in a cute little picture from online, and color it in.

This one I got from http://melonheadsldsillustrating.blogspot.com/2011/05/missionaries.html

This kind of personal artistic touch isn't necessarily needed, but it's fun, and personable, and the sister's really appreciate it! After that, I print it off on lined paper (college ruled, wide rule... take your pick). oh- but tip: load the paper in upside down, so the image will be on the bottom, and "Dear Sister _____" will be on top. Once you've made one, you can save it, or print out several to use for the future.

1. When to write?
I print out a paper or two, then put it in my scripture bag to take to church- with something hard to write on, (Clipboards work great) some coloring pencils, a pen, a pencil, white-out, and my scriptures. Then, I sit and work on my letters during Sacrament meeting. I have a pretty short attention span with just sitting, I have to do something with my hands (i.e. fold laundry while I watch TV, take notes during class, color in sacrament...) and so on. So, this won't work for everyone who hasn't mastered the multitasking needed. In fact, I usually only get one letter done during sacrament, and I save the rest to do when I get home from church, it makes for a nice Sunday activity. You can also do them at night while doing scripture reading, or saying your prayers, or make it an FHE activity. Bottom line? Do it whenever it works for you!

2. How to write?
I get asked this A LOT. Well, first off, I should say- I'm an English geek. One of my favorite classes in college was British/American Lit. Followed by creative writing, etc.. etc.. I'm an aspiring novelist, I write amateur, unpublished, children's books- I even dabbled in poetry.. So writing for me, isn't really a strain. Once I get started its the stopping that I need help with.
Each letter I write is a little different. I change it up, add something new, include a little gift (we will get to that later..)
However, there is a certain formula I like to start with, and maybe it will help you:

* Be an active listener. 
Being an active listener means you hear what someone says, and then respond back in a way that shows that you heard what they said.
Example: I ask who her companion(s) is/are-specifically, by name(s). Then she tells me, and in letters to come, I always say things like "Hey, so how is Sister Greene doing?" This way, I show that I care! And I do care :)

*Brainstorm. If you can't just bust out a letter, sit and think about what to write before you write it. If its your first letter, ask how the MTC is, ask how the food is (I've heard the Provo MTC cafeteria food is delicious) Ask about what classes they are taking, how the language is coming along (if they are learning one, if not, that might be rude to ask) if they have made any friends there, which- I'm sure they have, it's a pretty safe bet to ask. If its not your first letter, respond to things they have said to you.

*Don't dwell on the good times at home. It's okay to mention an engagement, pregnancy, birth, etc.. But don't make them feel left out, or hurt because they missed it. On the flip side, try not to complain or be  down in your letters.... Uplift, Uplift, Uplift!

* Feel free to ask about their family- I know some people might frown on that, but I think it's a good thing! I know when I'm away from my family it helps to talk about them instead of pretending they don't exist. But I found it's okay to ask about how their parents/siblings are doing, especially if you know the family.

* Ask about the work they are doing. Seriously. Try to refrain from asking "So, how many baptisms have you had?" But instead ask if their is a family or someone they are teaching that seems interested- and so on.

* Share a little about your life, school, work, mention briefly spouses or other friends they know of that are back home.

*Share your own testimony. Share a favorite scripture, or a part of a talk or a quote that you like. I love sharing scripture verses with my missionaries. I remember I was having a hard time and Sister Canova told me to look up a scripture- and I did, and it made me cry it was so wonderful.


3. Give a little gift

Okay, so not everyone can send a care-package, heaven knows I can't- but in my letter, I try to include a picture, a homemade bookmark, a note-card with a scripture or talk written on it all cute and decorated, a page torn out of a Friend/Ensign that you liked, a typed up talk, anything :) Trust me, they appreciate it.


And that is all! You are now ready to send off your missionary letter :)

Best of luck


-Tay

The Weekend

I now know what sort of pain my husband was in. The first few days of my sickness, passed on from him, were practially nothing more than a slight allergy-type feeling, it's what I get this time of year anyway- sneezing, runny nose, itchy-watery eyes, you know the drill. (Unless you don't, and in that case- consider yourself lucky)

But on Friday night I started having problems breathing, and hardly slept at all. I had pain all over, and when I laid down to rest, my head would start pounding and I would feel as if I was going to "be sick"... Also, I dreaded having to swallow for the fear of the pain. This sore throat was unlike anything I had felt in a while.  Trying to drink burned and stung, trying to talk, my voice would crack. Try to move and my head would start pounding. Miserable. Miserable. Miserable. I caught maybe 5 hours of sleep, in and out- and on Saturday woke up feeling "alright" I spent the better part of the morning in bed, trying to rest, then had a hot shower which helped with the breathing.

Then, I couldn't stay in the house-in the bed- any longer. I wanted to be out doing something, anything but just "relaxing" I was craving soup, and we didn't have any in the house. We also were running low on medication, so my husband agreed to let me go on a little outing. We stopped by Walley World to grab some cough drops (Cherry flavored, because I've been craving cherries lately...) Groceries for the week, including some Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup

And of course, some Vick's Vapor Rub.

With medicine, soup, and groceries in tow, we headed on to Cafe Zupa's in American Fork.

The drive was nice, and I enjoyed it. At Zupa's we shared a sandwich and some soup. My FAVORITE kind of soup, mind you- Wisconsin Cauliflower. Oh... It is so good! Above is a recipe I found if you ever want to make it at home. It's cheaper this way, and it's a very easy recipe to follow. It's also a great way to get picky eaters to have their vegetables-- and eat them too.

After our lunch, we headed out to Old Navy, my ultimate favorite place to buy clothes. I had a giftcard with a little under $10 remaining on it, which I used to buy an everyday shirt, it's a "Vintage" light blue v-neck shirt, and then I bought a nice shirt, or blouse as my parents would call it :) It's a peasant top, quarter length sleeves, some small ruffles and little buttons on top. The blouse is very soft, lightweight, and it's a cream color, with little black vintage keys on it. I tried to find a picture online, but nothing came up. So you will just have to take my word for it! Anyway, with the sale and my giftcard, I made out like a bandit with two new tops.

After that was over, we came back home. I think I had soup for dinner? And we watched some Downton Abbey (Holy smokes...) And I fell asleep. On Sunday, I took another amazing hot shower, which seemed to help. I felt "okay" enough to go to church. I did my hair and make-up, so I didn't look so Halloween-y and then wore my new top (wahoo!) With a plain black skirt and my black heels. Everyone complimented my new look, which is always nice to hear, but especially so when you're sick.

I made it through sacrament, but then I started to feel ill again, so we headed home. Out in the parking lot I fell, although I don't really remember what happened, just that DJ ran over to me and helped me into the car, saying he was really worried. Figuring it was dehydration, I got some water, and rested. I even fell asleep in the middle of the day, which is strange unless I'm not feeling well, and woke up with a headache, and realized it was dinner time. But my wonderful husband told me to continue to rest, and brought up the meal I was going to make (Mashed potatoes, peas, and chicken). The mashed potatoes were a little runny.. bless his heart :) But we laughed about it, and after I ate (in bed, lucky me..) I rested again.

Now that it's Monday, I'm feeling alright, not all the way there, but alright. My head feels a lot better, the sore throat is gone, but I still feel groggy. I made the bed and started with some chores already, but I promised I'd take it easy, so I will be taking some breaks in-between the bed-making, vacuuming, window washing, laundry, dishes, straightening, and organizing. I think I will have DJ pick up a lasagna to pop in the oven for dinner tonight, served with some corn (I love the bags where it steams in the microwave), and even some garlic bread or salad on the side as well, pretty easy for me.

Oh- and I almost forgot- back on Friday, when I was feeling "alright" DJ surprised me by buying tickets for "Iron Man 3" Which, is an AMAZING movie-- I give it 5 stars. Truly one of my favorites, it's a movie I wouldn't mind seeing again in theaters, which is pretty rare for me (Only did that once with Harry Potter) To cut costs, we made it the whole time without any refreshments, which gets a little hard when you're thirsty and everyone around you is loudly sipping down their $5 sodas, in-between stuffing down buttery popcorn. (And, the movie theater head honchos make sure that they waft the smell of the popcorn down the halls and into the the theater so you start to feel left out and hungry and eventually cave. We watched many around us go down that path, But not us, no we stood strong.

And that's our weekend story: Sickness, falling in the church parking lot (still hoping that went unseen), shopping, movies, good food, and each other. I'm so blessed to have DJ in my life, he is so caring and sweet, even when I'm sure I was a bit grumpy. We are looking forward to some fun weekends in the days to come, we have weddings, lunch dates, and of course, our anniversary!

Until next time,

The Mein's

How To: Create A "Man Cold Survival Kit"

Dearest Readers,

I finally felt well enough to create the "Man Cold Survival Kit", as promised.
It's easy, quick, inexpensive, and it's a cute way to show someone you're husband you are thinking of them- especially when they aren't feeling well.
I make this kit for my husband, who has been battling with a cold/flu for the past week. I have made similar kits before, and I simply place the items in a brown paper bag, write his name on it, and send it with him to work. But feel free to present it however you like! You can also modify it to simply "Cold Survival Kit" to give to a child to take to school, or to give to a friend.

Anyway, let's get down to business: 
I started off by downloading a cute font "Stars From Our Eyes"
You can always write it by hand, But I was feeling sick today and I felt like my penmanship
was equal to that of a blind chimpanzee.

I then printed and cut a thin strip of paper that read "Man Cold Survival Kit" Which I attached to the front of a blue/white polka-dot card. (Semi-manly, right? I mean, it's blue!)
Then, I typed up the list of things I had included in the kit and attached that to the back of the card.  I made mine from things I already had around, so I didn't get to add everything I would have liked. But fell free to add or take off whatever you like to make it your own.

Usually, I add:

1. A little package of tissues (Mine were from Target, I believe I got a pack of 4 for around a dollar)
2. Cough-drops
3. Juice
4. Airborne
5. Sore Throat Spray
6. Chapstick
7.  Day-time cold medicine
8. A love note
9. Hand Sanatizer
10. Something to make them laugh:

  (This is what I used)


And finally, here are some pictures of the kit:

Enjoy! -The Mein's