Finally an Update on Parenthood

    Alright everybody!! This is my first post in MONTHS! I'm so sorry. I got so side tracked with a new baby, not having internet, etc. But no more excuses. I have a computer at work I can use, so I have internet. And Holden is awesome enough to let me use the comupter! ;)
    So here we go!

   Last time I told you John and I were expecting a baby. And it was so exciting! I got humoungous thru the months

My sister had her baby two weeks late

Baby Merideth Marie



And two weeks later, it was my turn!!!

Holden Cache- December 18, 2011

 



Here's the dish. On Saturday, the 17th, I went to my Grandma's new condo to play games with all my sisters and Mom. It was a fun crazy night! We were laughing like crazy, yelling, talking, playing games like MacKendrick girls do! I wasn't feeling too awesome. My tummy just felt so tight and I was just achy. But my sisters said it was nothing, just Braxton Hicks. I believed them since they have experience! Later, I went to John's friends house where they were playing video games. I knew it was going to be a long night, so I settled down on the couch to fall asleep. The only problem was, I couldn't get comfortable enough to get to sleep. My back ached way too bad and I felt nauseous. So I just layed there until I finally fell asleep!
The next day we went to church. I still wasn't feeling 100% and even slept longer than usual. At church I was asked to give the closing prayer in Gospel Essentials class, and was a little hesitant to accept. Around the middle of the class I started having contractions. REALLY close together. Like, 5 minutes apart. I gave the closing prayer and told John we had to go. We went home and John turned on the football game while I sat there having crazy contractions! They were getting closer, and finally I was at just one minute apart for about a minute long. NOT FUN! I asked my sisters what to do, and they said to wait longer. But I couldn't! I called the doctor to find out her opinion and she said to come in. We threw a bunch of stuff in the car and left.
That car ride took forever!! I just wanted to tell John to drive faster. I'm sure he was nervous too! Once at the hospital the lady was asking us the regular questions and I couldn't sit there too long. She noticed I was uncomfortable and led me to the room to get checked and admitted. I was at a 4!! I got to stay. :) It was 3 PM.
The whole process wasn't terrible. They gave me meds for the pain, but it wasn't helping. Around 7 PM I just couldn't take it anymore. I wouldn't let John touch me, showers didn't help, walking was death, and every contraction induced panic that another one was coming! At that point I was at about a 7, and not progressing. So I gave in and got an epidural. It was SO hard to sit still through contractions, but I had help from the nurse and John's comforting. After the epidural I was so loopy and sleepy from the pain meds! It took maybe half an hour to be ready to push. We pushed a few times while waiting for the doctor to arrive, and in between pushes I was just so tired that I couldn't keep my eyes open! I could listen, and I laughed at what the nurse and John were talking about, but I could-not-for-the-life-of-me keep my eyes open. The doctor took forever to get there, and by the time she was there it only took 2 or 3 more pushes and Holden was born!!!
Holden was so beautiful! They handed him to me and he was sticky and gross, but I didn't care! He was here, and I was so happy and in love!! He was 7 pounds, 11 ounces. 21 and 1/4 inches long. Born at 9:56 PM on December 18, the day before our anniversary. :)
Those first few nights were tough, trying to figure out nursing and getting him to sleep. Some nurses gave good advice, some just didn't make sense! Some said use a paci, some said it's a bad idea! I finally gave in and gave him the paci because he just would not sleep!! It was a nice hospital stay. The nurses were helpful, the medicine was nice, and I loved having visitors.

Holden at home. :)



Christmas was wonderful. We had my parents over to visit, and just had a relaxing day with the 3 of us. :)
Life with Holden has been exciting, new, challenging, and life-changing! He is a complete joy to have in our home!! It definitely takes patience to be a mommy of a 5-almost-6-month-old. He has different ideas of what is supposed to be going on!! He loves kisses, peekaboo, flying, sitting on Mommy's lap, talking to Daddy, clapping, bathtime, and reading. He started sleeping through the night, and he got his first tooth to pop through! We love being parents, and wouldn't change it for the world! We love you Holden!!

Our Family of Three

I went to my friend, Autumn's, house yesterday to see her beautiful new baby! She was adorable! anyway... When I went over, Autumn said how weird it is to say she has a family of three now. So she is my inspiration for the title today! :D Thanks Autumn.

So, recent testing and such have brought us to the point we are at right now. We went to an appointment to follow up on the tests to see what was going on, and the doctor suggested we have a pregnancy test. So we had the blood drawn, thinking nothing of it, but secretly crossing our fingers that it was positive. At about 4 I recieved a phone call informing me that my test was positive! I'm PREGNANT! I was really excited, but I had no idea how to respond to the test because I didn't know what was next on the agenda, so I waited quietly for the lady to continue talking. She put me on hold to schedule me for an appointment, and for what seemed like 5 minutes I cried. I was so happy! I was scheduled for an ultrasound the next day, and I was given a perscription to pick up that evening. I wasn't sure how to tell John the news, so I wrote him a card, told him I'ld be home late, and to read the card.
When I got home, John was watering the garden, not reading the card... I asked him if he read the card and he said no. Somehow I wasn't surprised... I told him to read the card. He told me to read it to him, and I didn't want to!!! Finally he figured out that I had news and asked is there something I need to tell him. I nodded my head and he just hugged me so tight! We went inside ad read the card together, signed, Mommy and Baby.
Since that day, we've been doing a lot of planning. We can't choose a name, but I don't think I can decide until after I know the sex of it... Too many options! We purchased a crib and diaper table... Oh and we started cleaning out our junk room to start the nursery.
Everything is so exciting and so new! We never know what to expect, but we're excited to see what happens!
OH! My current due date is December 28, but my doctor's thinking of having baby out before Christmas. We'll see what happens! :) Today I am 13 weeks, ALMOST in my second trimester. Everything is great, I'm feeling rather well... minus the occasional nausea, and John is ecstatic and trying to be as supportive as he can.
That is our story today, "our family of three."

Recent Events

These past couple weeks have helped me see the important things in my life.

Who cares what things I own? As long as I have John, a house, and food to eat, nothing else really matters! I'm blessed with a wonderful family who loves me, and will help me with anything, no matter the cost.

This gospel is the only true gospel, and I'm grateful to have it. To know, without a doubt, that my Heavenly Father loves me, and that I'm His child. I am so happy to know that, no matter what, I'll have someone to talk to in times of need or dispair. I love the temple and how it brings total peace to my soul when I'm there.

I am a truly blessed woman, and I need to remember that. My life here on Earth is meant to test and strengthen me. All that I go through has a reason, and I can and will perservere.

I suppose this is my testimony, and I'm glad to share it.

thanks for reading,

Allison

Sometimes....

Sometimes, do you just wish you could say how you were feeling, but you didn't want to upset anyone? And keeping it in just made you more sad???
That's how I feel right now. I just want selfish things, but why can't I, just sometimes want something for myself?

Anyway, that's my sad story for the day.

But, I did make some pretty good Buffalo Wing Wraps today. Except the breading wasn't crunchy enough.. Sad face... Otherwise, it was a winner. :)
Thanks Rachael Ray. That's what I love! Rachael Ray. Her food is usually pretty good, and I LOVE her dishes and utensils.

I want all of them!!! SEE! http://rachaelray.com/shop (I especially like the casserol dishes and serving dishes..)


Anyway... That's enough of my rambling for today! Thanks for reading.

My love today is...!

Today I love baking just because I feel like it.

It helps me think, and relax.
Today I was really upset because somebody didn't want me to work for them (at a cake place) after I was there for a couple trial days. I tell myself that it was about my work, not my person. I don't want to know I don't work satisfactory to someone's standards, but I guess it's better than they didn't like me...?
Anyway... I'm going somewhere with this!
I got finished talking to this woman who didn't like my work... and decided I really wanted to bake. I bought a couple of things and went home to bake.
After crying for a few minutes (I cry WAY too much...), I started to make a recipe I saw in my magazine. It was a delicious chocolate whoopie pie! MMM! :D Everything turned out great, and afterwords, I didn't feel like crying.

I know I always say something about John, but last night I expressed my concerns about this job, and how I knew I wasn't staying long, and you know what he told me?? He told me he was proud of me. And that I do my best, and to keep trying.
So I love John again today. :)

That is my story today! Hopefully I will be more successful in finding a job that likes me soon!

Today my love is....

My husband. I know that's a given. But today I just couldn't wait for him to come home. I start missing him at random times, on random days. Today was that day. It was about 4 o'clock, after I was done babysitting. I thought to myself, "Ooh! Only two more hours to seeing John."

Those were the slowest two hours ever.

When John finally got home I just hugged him for about ten minutes.

I love you, John.

You make me happy when I just want to cry. And when I do cry, you understand. If you don't understand, you just hold me until I'm done. I love that.

You always make me laugh.

I love to tickle you, even though you hate it. (secretly you like it...) ;)

Your eyes are beautiful.

I'm motivated by your perserverance and strength. I love our memories together. :D

February.

This month is February. The shortest month of the year.

Yet, it's probably one of my favorites:

• The weather is always nice... except this year, it's freakishly cold.
• The color pink is everywhere.
• Football season ends. :)
• Oh ya and... It's the month of LOVE!

I've never really been able to get into Valentine's Day. I don't know why, but it's not like I HAVE to be romantic on that day. Why do we think that one day a year is meant to show our love for someone special? Why can't it be all year?

Whatever.

This month, in honor of Valentine's Day, I'm gonig to get on here as much as possible, and share what I'm in love with. It could be my husband, the temple, chocolate... Whatever I'm in love with that day. So... here goes! Enjoy the month. :)

As of Late

I'd like to introduce you to our puppies! We've had them now about 4 months, and they are little handfuls! In the top pic is left, Cheery Lynn, and right, Dick. We picked them up when they were 5 weeks old, much TINIER than this. They were a good price and couldn't pass up the offer. I didn't really want two, but to take one and leave it at home alone just couldn't be accepted! So, we bought a brother and sister. No, we won't breed them. That is just wrong. On our way home, I knew John was going to name the boy Dick (he's always wanted a boy weiner dog to name him Dick...) and I just had no idea what to choose for the girl. The street we pulled off of was Cheery Lynn, and that was just TOO cute to pass up. They love sleeping, if you couldn't tell, but they love cuddling more. I love the days when I'm home alone and want to cuddle, they'll always be there! Yesterday-

Yesterday was the stormiest day I have seen in years! There was hail, extreme winds, power outages and LOTS of rain! That just meant I got to stay inside and make dinner. :)

The final product: Stuffed peppers and white steamed rice. YUM! This is what they do... They sleep. I brought this pillow home from my parents not knowing what I would do with it, it's HUGE and very pink. I put it down to do something, and there they were, layin' there, watching me like "what'd I do? This is for me, right?" I couldnt' take it away...





New Projects and Talents... If I can call them that...

I started knitting last week, sort of something to do while I watched conference... Well, it's grown on me, and I will be keeping you updated as I go! I'm currently working on a scarf, just for the practice of making big things. Eventually I want to make little blankets or jackets- you know, baby shower gifts... Also I'll make grown up sized stuff too, just give me some time for those!

These are blurry pictures, but I started making clip boards. It was an idea from my sister, and I got addicted to the idea, so I finally went out and bought paper, modge podge, clipboards... everything! haha. I love the final product, but making them is a pain! These I like to give as gifts for birthdays or maybe even wedding gifts.

John has been growing out his hair... He can't figure out how to style it, so he combs it all wacko and asks me to take pictures... This is the style that I HATE when he does it. Middle parts are for creepers... not my husband.
Other than all that, I've just been going to school and John's been working. We're so exciting that we watch movies a lot! Eventually we'll find a hobby we both like doing together, but for now it's that or playing Wii... (Wii would like to play)

Oh, here are some pics from school! These are some dishes I'm proud of... :D

Poached Pear Napolean. This is a salad with some pears poached in Port wine. The dressing and sauce are made from the poaching liquid.

This was a practical I did. We had to make two salads, and I chose not to go with the traditional ones, and made a Waldorf salad, and a warm potato salad. Both turned out great and tasted amazing!

I think I lied almost 3 months ago...

I told you all I would have more up in May... That didn't happen.

I have plenty to post, I just keep forgetting my camera when I go where there's internet.
BUT
I will update you, without pictures. :)

John was looking on Craigslist for stuff, and randomly fell upon weiner dogs for sale... cheap...
We decided to check it out, and on that same trip, we got two new puppies. eventually I'll get some pictures up, but for now, you'll have to imagine little fuzzy balls that are 5 weeks old...
Now they're almost 12 weeks old, and ready for their second immunizations. The first one, we decided to give ourselves, and it was really scary, and slightly difficult! This second one, I think we may bribe someone with experience into doing it for us! :D Now, they're taking training classes, and I really hope they work! So far, I think Cheery (oh ya, their names are Cheery Lynn and Dick...) is doing the best. She loves getting those treats and she'll figure out any way to get them... even if that means doing what I tell her! hehehahaha! (that was my evil cackle... kackle? i dunno how to spell that...)

These doggies are a huge handful, but I think in the end they'll be a lot of fun for us and our future kids.
What else is new?? Our house is doing great! We've finally finished our painting. All we had to do was our bathroom and bedroom, but deciding on the color for the room was so difficult. But, it happened! We chose a really happy, vibrant blue. It's pretty relaxing at times, and at other times, it makes me oh so happy. :D Our painting excursions are over for now, until we have a baby. haha.

School starts in less than a month for me, and I'm not ready to be cooking all night! I need to get pumped for it. Any suggestions??? :) School shopping always gets me excited, but I don't need normal school supplies... in fact I don't even need to buy any supplies... :( dang it. Ah well... just give me some pointers!

I'm pretty sure that's all the info I can conjure up for now, so, until the time I finally post some pictures, farewell.

Allie

Well we don't have anything to post just yet, but new pics and info will be updated soon! But welcome to Spring/ Summer!!! The blog needed updating... so here it is! I love the bright colors, and I've always wanted just the picture at the top. Enjoy! We'll be bringing you some new stuff sometime this month!
Happy summer, faithful followers. :D
The Griffins

Home:

Welcome to our humble abode. :D It still has some things we need to do before we can move in, but it's still home.
I'm so grateful for the economy right now! I know it's horrible, but it helped me get into such a wonderful property with a great price. :) I should call my blog "I'm grateful for" because all I ever say is what I'm thankful for! Anyway... Here are some pictures before everything gets fixed up and our stuff is inside.

Front yard


First sight of the front room


Entry way


Kitchen

Family room


And a random picture of John's beard. :D He's in love with his facial hair, so I thought I'd share it with you all...

SickNESS

Ok... So being sick is definitely not a fun thing. The cold or whatever I have is so persistent. It won't go away no matter what I do...



Sleep all day?? nope. Take so many drugs that you think you could ruin your liver?? nope. Ignore it?? nope. Blow your nose til it's raw?? nope.


But it's ok, because I have a wonderful husband who cares and understands, no matter how whiny I am. I swear I'm sick more often lately, and he still loves me. :)


Anyway.. I just feel so inspired when I get on here. I look at people's blogs and try to be poetic like them, but I never feel poetic. I just feel like I ramble. But saying what's on my mind is a good way to let everyone know how life is going... I think... :D


Speaking of life.. John and I got to go see a movie yesterday for the first time in a long while. Money is being saved for our house, so we're not wasting money on things like entertainment... Who needs the theaters when you have so many movies on your shelf that you haven't watched in years?? Well, the movie was Dear John. It was a good story, but I think the ending could've been better. I'm not trying to discourage you from seeing it! It was good. :) There was a preview for a movie called The Last Song. I thought it looked pretty good, and when I came home from work late last night, I had the book sitting on my pillow from John.

I loved the couple... They look super cute together!

This definitely isn't Miley Cirus, but I don't want to imagine her everytime I read, so I picked this cover. :)
I'm so grateful for John, I know I say it all the time, but when he's thoughtful, it almost makes me cry! I've already read a couple chapters in this book, and I love it. Everytime I pick it up, I think of John. LOVE HIM!

Well, I think that's it for now folks. I need a nap. Thanks for your love and support!


Love,


Allison

Week 1 of the Culinary Arts experience

So, as you, my followers know, I started Culinary school last week. I was so scared for it to start! The week before and even a couple days before I was worried I wouldn't like it, or that I wouldn't be good at what I was doing... But I'm doing great! I just wanted to update you with some of the yummy treats I got to make and experience for the first time.

This was my first dish I made. A brie flan with caramelized blueberries, bananas, and raspberries. It was a yummy treat!

Here's a closer shot of the flan.

On Friday, we had the day off for making things for customers, so we had more time to learn about new things. This is the start of a Danish pastry that was simply amazing! Sorry I don't have a finished product of this one. :(

Here's another Danish pastry... Just shaped differently. The filling was a Danish filling consisting of cream cheese vanilla and sugar. (wayyy easy!) The other two fillings were fruit fillings from a can. (that was even easier!)

Here's a shot of our professor/ chef teaching us how to frost a product... Baker's style!

Friday was an awesome day for learning... But I also got to eat and take home some AMAZING goodies. Not all of them were sweet either. We had one with mushrooms and bacon and cheese on it... another one was cheese and herbs. Baking and pastries isn't just all sweet stuff, I learned. I'm so excited to keep you guys updated on what's new in my Culinary world!

Love,

Allison

Grateful and in love

This month is a busy one! My big brother gets home this week from his mission and I just can't wait! John FINALLY gets to meet him. They don't have to be best friends, but liking each other would be a good place to start. :D Here's his picture--- In honor of him :)

The next day I start school! I'm starting culinary school at Scottsdale Community College. Go Artichokes! (who would ever want to be known as the artichokes?? beats me...) I bought all my clothes and knives, now all I need is my books. Just two cost an arm and a leg! Jeez!! Anyway... I'm going to start a career making wedding cakes and catering for any event... Mostly weddings and birthdays I think. I can't wait to see where my creativity will take me!

John's staying out of school this semester to explore his options and find what he'd like to major in. That way we won't be wasting money on school he may not need, and instead, we'll be saving up for a downpayment on a house!
Yes.. A house! We're finally looking around for houses and I'm hoping to be in our own home in the next 3 or 4 months. If it's 6 months I'll still be happy. :D

I love my husband very much and I'm so glad the love we share grows everyday He is the light in my life and always makes me smile. For our one year anniversary (yes it's passed... Dec 19 was the day...) he got me a heart necklace. I've been wanting one for ages and now I have the most beautiful one.. More than I could ask for. :)

I can't complain about my life right now because I am so blessed. I have two amazing and loving families that are always willing to help- with words, money, or just love. Thanks families! My jobs may not be what I want to keep forever, but they're fun and I love the people I work with. I'm so glad to have the life I have and I would never trade it for anything.

Grateful and in love,

Allison

Old Photos found!

So these photos are from a very long time ago.. Like... January.

But I wanted to post some newer pictures of John and I.

Here's the story behind the pictures:

We went to Utah for John's best friend's wedding. John was the best man... We HAD to go! :D The weather was amazing! Why can't it be like that in AZ more often??? :) Anyway, the sealing was at the Bountiful Temple. It's a gorgeous temple! It's on the top of a hill, so you can see the whole city below. We loved it. :)

While we were waiting for the bride and groom to exit the temple, a bunch of kids kept staring at me! I couldn't figure it out... So finally, a kid comes up to me and says "Ashley Tisdale... Can I get your autograph??" I was so confused! So the rest the day they were video taping me and doing weird things around me. Awkward! Ever since then, a lot of people have been mentioning how much I look like her. Crazy!!

Thanks for visiting today!

Allison

P.S. Thanks to Autumn for the SEXY bexy outfit! :)

Work!

Well, ok... the new business idea went nowhere... haha. But, John got a new job! He works for Brookstone. He likes it so far. He gets to sell really cool things; remote controlled airplanes, tempurpedic beds, speakers, etc... Cool huh? Nothing new with me, just workin' and earning an extra buck. Just lettin' everyone know how proud I am of my amazing husband! I'll work on gettin back to you at least once a month- if not more.

New Business

So John and I have decided we want to start doing something on the side to earn an extra buck. We decided on candle making! How awesome! So I'll be posting ideas for names, styles of candles... All sorts of things! If you have any... I mean ANY suggestions... leave a message for me! Thanks so much for your love and support!
Wish me luck!

Biggest Loser!

HEY!! I just wanted to let you ALL that I'm doing the biggest loser! My sister, Ashley's friend sent me an email inviting me to do a group "Biggest Loser". I am SO excited! Losing weight isn't my biggest concern, but getting in shape and being healthy is my goal. Sooner than later, I'd like to run a half marathon! How cool would that be!!! Wish me luck!!
That's all for today... Not much is going on at home. Just work, bills, and school. FUN!! I love John, and both our families. I'll update soon!
Allie

Short Update

Hey!!
Nothing too new is happening here! Just thought I would update and let you know everything is just great! We're loving our new home, and working on making it more "home-y". We're getting used to making our own meals, paying our own bills, doing a ton of laundry, working, and going to school. It's a challenge sometimes, but that's how life is. Waking up on time for school is probably the main killer! Today we had class at nine, and we woke up at 8:30! We rushed out the door, breakfast in hand, and made it to school... Barely on time!!!
Just wanted to keep ALL my followers updated... ;) I'll keep in touch as much as possible!