{life as preggers: week 35}

Week 35:

A great joy is coming.

 No one told me that being pregnant was easy, in fact, people warned me how hard it truly is. Exhausting, emotional, challenging, overwhelming and yet, the most spiritual and empowering thing I've experienced in my 21 years of life. 

On the eve of our little one coming, I find myself scared to become a mother. It's all I've ever dreamt about in life, yet- could never picture it until, even now at 36 weeks. It still often feels surreal because you don't know what this tiny human looks like. I am terrified and it's ok. I know that I can thrive as a mother because of the love and support that I have from Pierce, he wants this just as much as I do and together we can do it. 

As I am sure we will learn more than ever in the next month: A great adventure is coming, the greatest adventure is coming.

{Valentine's Day 2012}

Valentine's Day this year was amazing. Pierce said that he didn't want to do gifts because we are saving money for the babe and what not. I knew better, last year, I only got a card and was outdone by my husband with cupcakes and apple cider and flowers and a gift! So I got him some Miami Heat basketball shorts-- I thought I did so well until the day before V-day, I was given this....

Holy Smokes! It's a beautiful camera-- Nikon d3100 to be exact. I am still going to need to read the manual front to back and then back to front to know how to work this thing but I was SO shocked and SO happy! My husband fooled me again people (when will I learn).

Valentine's day, Pierce had school but he left his last class early to come spend the whole day with me...he even cancelled Lacrosse which is a big deal! He walked inside with flowers, what a sweet man- aren't they beautiful?

We went to Lunch at noodle's & co and then went with a gift card to see Chronicle, it was ok- not as good as we heard it was but still enjoyable.

Then we came home and rested for a few hours and caught up on just relaxing (which is really what my husband needs right now) then we got dolled up and headed to Cafe Rio for dinner and another movie, this time the cheesy V-day movie "The Vow" which I of course LOVED and don't think Pierce minded much either. I didn't get any pictures of us because we wanted the day to be with each other and not distracted by too much.

It was a day in paradise! I love my husband and am so grateful for him and that he does all he does for our family! Love you P!

{it's the most wonderful time of the year}

There aren't a lot of things I like more than Christmas, but General Conference is one of them! This word cloud is from 2009's general conference but I love that one for this year would probably have the same words. Can't wait to give you my thoughts of Conference once it comes out in print and I can fully reread and study the words!

Happy Conference!

{choose who you love, love who you choose}

So when my Brother and Sister-in-law had their 1st anniversary she made a great post celebrating and said that they had made it further than about 60% of people who get married young. At first I thought "well, not in Utah" but I am sad to say that I am actually wrong.

Lately, I've been noticing some of my Facebook friends’ names have started changing- back to their maiden names. It's shocked and saddened me that so many girls my age are getting married and then suddenly within the first 2 years of marriage, suddenly get divorced. Getting married in the temple doesn't guarantee the marriage will work out but I think being LDS we have more understanding and are told by our church leaders that you are in it for the long haul. It makes me sad that people are wanting to get married but then forget the love they had, make mistakes and aren't willing to take the steps of repentance and “have different views”. I don't want to offend anyone with this post but just reinforce that marriage is often not taken seriously. I understand that in some cases, people are better not together but it doesn't mean you should take the easy way out the first time around.

It reminded me of a talk that Pres. Monson gave this last conference in the priesthood session, I am just going to share a couple quotes from it but you can read the whole thing here.

“If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions. Perhaps you are afraid of making the wrong choice. To this I say that you need to exercise faith. Find someone with whom you can be compatible. Realize that you will not be able to anticipate every challenge which may arise, but be assured that almost anything can be worked out if you are resourceful and if you are committed to making your marriage work.”

“Brethren, there is a point at which it’s time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness.”

“Choose a companion carefully and prayerfully; and when you are married, be fiercely loyal one to another….“Choose your love; love your choice.” There is great wisdom in those few words. Commitment in marriage is absolutely essential.”

I love that we have leaders to turn to that understand us and understand what Heavenly Father wants for us. They know probably better than anyone that marriage is not the easiest thing but that it is so worth it.

All of these thoughts lead me to one of my favorite songs, Marry Me by Train. The most powerful words are seen right here on my blog “Marry Me, Today and Everyday” to me, that means that each day you have to re-commit yourself to your spouse and in a sense marry them every day. Pierce and I will be the first people to admit that marriage is not perfect, but it’s great. That we don’t always see eye to eye, but that we love each other more than anything. And that we want this in our lives and we want it together and with each other. I truly have a testimony of marriage and the quality of life it brings to my own life. I have a testimony that we are not supposed to end up in this world alone. We have countless examples of good marriages and I want to be the little old couple that has been married for 50+ years. Marriage isn’t always easy, so you need to “choose your love” so that you remember that you love this other person when it does get hard and then “love your choice”- work on loving that choice every day.

{my loves}

I just have to post about the loves of my life,

first off- Pierce

He is such a hardworking and responsible person but also the most easy-going and fun person to be around. Here are some pictures that I took of one day us just playing in bed with our little ones...

my other 2 loves of my life, Jack Jack and Miss Izzy

I never knew that dogs could make me learn what unconditional love is.... they love me and always want to snuggle even if I just got mad at them 2 seconds earlier. They get so happy to see me and Pierce and love every person we meet on their walks. Dogs makes the best humans and I really lucked out on them.

(What you can't see is Pierce underneath our comforter and the dogs going crazy trying to "dig" him out).

This little girl loves her dad and LOVES licking people!

Here are just some bragging rights on how awesome my family is and how much I love them and am grateful for them!

{1 year and counting}

It’s so crazy to think that we have come upon and passed our 1^st anniversary! It is a weird thing to describe because I remember the day like it was yesterday but I forget what it’s like to sleep by myself or not have Pierce be my husband! We feel so blessed with this past year and everything we’ve accomplished and been through. They say the first year of marriage is tough- I would agree with that. But it’s so worth every fight, I mean, discussion ;) We’ve really come into our own groove of life now and are even closer as friends and spouses.

This year was kind of crazy and we ended up having to celebrate our special day a few days before on Friday. We went to Christopher’s Steak House in Draper. Really good food but really pricy! Luckily, we had a Groupon from Pierce’s Mama Liz. (Thanks!) We went all out to celebrate and got appetizers, drinks and dessert along with our yummy yummy steaks! Then we shuffled on over the Jordan Commons and saw the new X-men movie! It was really great and I would recommend it to anyone! We were stuffed to our britches so we didn’t need any treats for the movie! Friday my back started hurting and I was really uncomfortable during the movie, so Pierce rubbed my back as well when we got home (more on that a little bit later).

Saturday- we slept in and didn’t do a whole lot, something we really enjoy doing! My cousin Melissa got married later in the afternoon and it was really such a blessing to be able to see 2 people be sealed in the same room we were almost 1 year ago! When you get married, you don’t really remember a whole lot of what your sealer is saying but you remember the feeling- so I LOVED that we could listen to the sealer’s words (& remember them) and reminisce on our special day. They later had a reception that night down at Thanksgiving Point, which was beautiful and had such perfect weather! Here are a couple pictures from the day!

Sunday we got up and took Pierce’s parents to the airport! They were off to London for a Church History tour/celebration of the King James’ Bible. We then were getting ready for church but I wasn’t feeling super great and my back was KILLING so I ended up in bed trying to get some sleep. Pierce was so great taking care of me and it really made me grateful that I had him! We then went to my mom’s for dinner and hung out a bit there. It was really great food as always!

About my back hurting- I ended up going to the Dr’s Monday because I couldn’t stand the pain any longer. I had a Kidney Infection and was grateful that this whole past week I’ve had a caring loving Husband who takes care of me “even in sickness”.

So here we go... June 5th 2010:

December-ish 2010 (6 Months):


And then June 4th 2011:



Pierce-

You are my best friend. You are my companion and love. You are my everything. Without you, life wouldn’t be as meaningful or exciting. You balance me in life and remind me that life is meant to be enjoyed and not just endured! You are my rock and I look up to you and am glad to be beside you in this life and the next. Eternity couldn’t be long enough and I am thankful you’ve chosen me as your wife! I am so excited and grateful for the future that you work hard to have along side me! I love you so much!

Love,

Your wife, best friend and lover!

Karissa

{you know those days}.....

where you just feel....blah or sick or sad. Well spouses make those days 100x better, every time.

Pierce came home from work and just watched some catch up TV and made dinner for us. It wasn't anything big but then again, I like our simple happy life on days like these.

Babe,

Thanks for making my gray days sunnier and my sick days better! I hope that I can do the same for you :) Love ya!

{my boys}

these two are best friends and boy do I love them!

{happy LOVE day}

So as everyone knows, yesterday was Valentine's Day! Last year, Pierce and I can't recall what we did to save our lives lol- so this year we decided we would make the most of being each other's Valentine! We planned a fun dinner and movie after I got off work. So after work, I stopped by the grocery store to get some cough drops and a V-day card....Ok I know I probably get worst wife award for this holiday because I bought 15-20 mins before dinner BUT I was planning on making a card and it didn't work out as well as I had hoped! Plus I really did need the cough drops! So we met at Mt. Fuji on 13th and 86th South...we had a coupon there and we love the one by our house (it's actually Pierce's favorite place) so it was an easy decision. But when we got there, we quickly learned that it is NOT the same place. They don't even have similar menus....we were a little sad. I gave Pierce his card and he said that he didn't get me one....I wasn't mad, just a little sad that he forgot. He said that he thought we weren't doing gifts or anything....I said even if we don't say we are going to do cards, you should always get one. And he acted a little sad and so I said it wasn't a big deal!! So we ate quickly (and I mean like 5 minutes that's how caca it was) and decided we had some time to kill and went to drop off one of the cars at our apartment. Pierce said that he needed to go and get a jacket so I said ok but we needed to hurry to the movie....when we walked in, our apartment was cleaned beautifully and I saw this on the table!

Some flowers, cupcakes, a card and some bubbly! Man o Man did I feel stooped by my hubby-- I shouldn't have ever doubted that he wouldn't do something super special for me! He got cupcakes from The Sweet Tooth Fairy- one of my favs! A card (man did I feel like a brat lol) and sparkling cider with some cute little glasses! The flowers were beautiful but Pierce did credit his brother Chase to helping arrange them!

Here are the flowers close up! Beautiful and flowers ALWAYS make a girl feel loved!

Happy Valentine's Day babe! I love you and am so glad that we will get to be sweethearts/Valentines forever! I've really married my best friend!

{thankful thursday}

I thought that “thankful Thursdays” are a great way to update people with what’s going on with our lives but also have some meaning. The problem is that I always forget to do these posts until after Thursdays…while I am always thankful; I just like the sound of Thankful Thursdays. Anyway, I am here on a Thursday writing something that I am truly thankful for: my fantastic husband!

Pierce is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. He really is a ball of wacky and fun with some weird mixed in but I love every minute of it! I truly am thankful that I laugh everyday because of him and that he is always making others laugh. It is a great quality to have, it makes people feel at ease and want to know him more. I love that he can also lay in bed with me and we can chitchat about our days and our future and when I get sad/frustrated with life, he is always—ALWAYS my rock!

He can calm me down which I appreciate. I also love that he is caring and careful. I think these are the same but also different. I think he is caring for me by surprising me and doing things that he knows I would love- like cleaning if I am sick or putting some gas in my car! I also think he is careful because he never says anything to hurt my feelings and if we get a fight or I get mad/upset he comes to apologize for anything that he did. I really admire that quality—I am pretty stubborn about saying sorry but I am learning from his great example.

He is really strong in his beliefs and values, besides the gospel, Pierce believes in family, loyalty, staying active and working hard. I think he is a truly passionate person and I often tease him that he only talks to me about Lacrosse when I don’t know really anything about it; but I know that he cares a lot about the team because his high schools teams provided a lot of friendship and support in his life. He loves his family, the family that we have created in our little apartment and our immediate family and extended family. I always say that my family loves Pierce more than me but I sort of/kind of think it’s true! My aunts and cousins are always wanting to hang out with him and never say anything to me haha! My siblings love having a “big brother” and I also know his family loves having him as the “younger brother”. He is very supportive of all that his family members do and is always encouraging me to be the best I can and encouraging me to pursue dance again. I could probably could go on and on about him but I will leave it with this:

Hubby:

Hey Best Friend,

Our life is great! Thanks for the laughs and good times.

YOU are one of the most hard working and talented people I know.

And I'm so proud of you. Your genuine goodness and leadership qualities make me love you more everyday.

Thanks for being such a wonderful husband and my biggest support. You're my sunshine.

So smile bright.

love always

Your Wife- Karissa

{One Big Update!}

So I have a lot to catch up on! I guess I will start with last week! Our good friends Ben and Alex moved up to Sandy/West Jordan area last week from Orem and they were nice enough to invite us to their place once they got things settled. Alex made some great Broccoli Cheddar Soup and rolls for dinner; they then brought out Marie Calendar Key Lime Pie—so great! We then just chatted til about 10 until I made Pierce leave because I was sleepy haha. Their place is super nice and I am a little bit jealous of how new and nice everything is lol. Needless to say we are so happy that they are up here closer to us.

While we were buying them a house warming gift from Target, we spotted a painting of a black and white Shih Tzu and the conversation went a little like this:
Me: “Oh look how cute- it looks like Jack!!”
Pierce: “that is sweet; too bad they didn’t have one like Izzy”
Pierce pulls the picture down and low and behold right behind it…
Both of us: “Look, it looks like Izzy”
Pierce: “we have to get these, it’s meant to be”
So we bought both painting and hung them in our Laundry room/pantry and I love them! They capture both of the dogs’ personalities perfectly too. I guess it was meant to be.
This last weekend/week has been busy, crazy and fun! Where to start…Friday night, Pierce’s LAX team had a team pizza party that we went to and chatted with the girls and decided on T-shirts and Sweatshirts this year. I am excited that I get them too!! Haha, I am really proud of Pierce that he is coaching the team and knows how committed he is to the team. I will admit I didn’t want to go to the party, but it turned out to be really fun. After we got some ice cream and watched Charlie St. Cloud with Zac Efron, it wasn’t as good as I thought it would be but I still heart Zac ha!

Then Saturday, my sister in law Helen and I ran a 5K. We did the Draper Fun Run and got T-shirts (that were a few sizes too big haha). But we did it in pretty good time; it was harder for me than Helen because my knees just suck haha! But Helen was nice enough to stay with me and I think we got a good time! Pierce and his parents followed us around the course cheering us on and I am glad that Jeff and Pierce got some pictures of us in the action! I look pretty gross but I was running after all! After the race, my cute hubby surprised me with a card and some flowers. I am a pretty lucky duck!

Just running- don't mind the kids passing us lol.

Before the race, notice the huge gray shirts sticking out haha. Sorry they got out of order when I loaded them!

Jeff got in on the action of the race!

Running on Jeff and Liz's street.

The flowers from my cute husband! Aren't they so pretty!?


After we crossed the finish line!

After the run, we all went to Jeff and Liz’s house for breakfast and it was delicious! Blueberry pancakes, eggs and sausage! Oh and yummy chocolate milk. Then the girls went and got pedicures and it felt sooo great to get our feet rubbed. Then I came home and took a nice long nap with my hubby and then we went back to Jeff and Liz’s to watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets—our goal was to watch the first 6 movies before we see the 7th but I don’t think it’s going to happen haha. Liz bought us Café Rio which is one of our favorites and Chase and Helen brought delish cupcakes from Sweet Tooth Fairy!

Monday I work until 5 pm and then I was sore from running so I went and got a massage from Massage Envy (my mom buys me a membership there- thanks mom!!) and got a great relaxing massage… I went and got the puppies from my mom’s house and came home to my sweet husband who had the table all set with some great pot stickers and tangerine beef and rice! He even had a cold Diet Coke for me! Then I found out that he even made homemade chocolate ice cream. Then he said that we were going to see a movie that night with his cousins and aunt and uncle!! We went and saw Mega-mind with Will Ferrell and Tina Fey. It was pretty funny and would recommend it to anyone who is reading this!

Tuesday, we ran a bunch of errands and finally got all of our Christmas stuff set up (At least I think we are done lol)….we decided after a Costco run that we just needed to reorganize our pantry…well, we put some bottles on our washer while switching stuff around and a 8lb bottle of Olive Oil fell off and landed right on my foot! You might think that it wouldn’t be a big deal, but it was so heavy that it punctured my foot and I was bleeding! I thought I had broken my foot- so Pierce took me over to the ER and they said it was a small hairline fracture but boy it hurts! So when we got home, Pierce let me rest while he cleaned and made me some pasta for dinner. He also just gave me lots of love which was nice cuz I was in a lot of pain.

My foot is getting better but still pretty swollen so I am taking it easy. Pierce and I stayed home from work on Wednesday as well. We had to drop our cute little puppies off to get surgery and I was hurting and on pain meds, so Pierce took care of me. Liz was great and brought us some dinner which was delicious. I hope one day I can cook as well as her and my mom!

We just rested last night and got caught up on some TV (oh ps SOOOO happy that Brenda is gone in Survivor) and then we went to my sister’s dance concert at Albion Middle School. She did great and we are really proud of you! I don’t have pictures because all the ones I took didn’t turn out with the lighting but that’s ok!

Today, we went to school and picked our doggies up. I felt like they were gone for a week and all 4 of us were so happy to see one another and mommy and daddy got lots of puppy kisses! I was so sad when we dropped them off and it was sad not going to sleep with them but we are so glad it was just for a night! We came home and Liz had come and helped clean up some stuff in our apartment to help with my foot—So a big thank you to her!
My little sissy Izzy!
Jack Jack


Anyway I know this is a long post but at least there is a lot of pictures!

{My Husband}

So because Pierce did a post about me and I think he deserves one a lot more than I do here are 5 of the reasons I love Pierce so much!

1. Hard Working


I've never and I mean NEVER met someone as hard working as Pierce. From coaching Lacrosse to schooling, to building a barn, even helping my mom move for 11 hours, this man does not know the word failure. He strives to be the best he can be and is not afraid of any challenges which I admire a lot. He is one of the most talented and diverse people I know.

2. Funny



I think anyone who has met Pierce can atest to 2 things: 1. He is funny, a little over the line sometimes but funny and 2. He makes everyone he knows comfortable around him. His humor is funnier than funny and I can honestly say that I've never smiled or laugh as hard as I do when I am with him!

3. Smart


Not only is Pierce hard working, he has a natural intelligence that I find very attractive. He always talks about things that he would like to do when he is older and I always tell him that he will be great at anything he chooses. I know that Pierce will go far in life and I am lucky that I get to be beside him on the journey!

ps. I couldn't find a picture to SHOW how smart his is, so I picked one from when he was in Greece because he is smart with Greek History!

4. His Love.


His love for his family is amazing, it was one of the first things that attracted me to him and as we've been engaged and married, his love has extended into my family. He is the light and humor in a hard time for my family and I know that he wouldn't have to do the things he does for my family, but that he does because he honestly loves them like his own family.

5. Tall and Strong.


Here is a picture just to show you that I am much shorter than Pierce....But I love it! I like that he can wrap his arms around me tight and that he is much taller than me. It makes me feel safe and loved and that's something that I think every girl would like her prince charming to be!

Anyway, Pierce I love you and hope you know that!!