a smitten britton

Would ya look at these faces?

2011-02-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

I'm not very technical when it comes to this blogging thing...so sorry the video isn't actually here on the page! Click the link, or go to that web address.

http://vimeo.com/3565906

*We are one trip to the mailbox away from being on the "wait list"....and we are so excited to wait!

(Pictures and post from our trip to USCIS to come soon!)

Oops! Our first adoption mistake....

2011-01-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Charlie is reading up and practicing so next Christmas he'll be ready to entertain his little brother (or sister, but we're thinking brother). Sometimes when I think of having two kids by this time next year I can't catch my breath for a second. :-)

Well, I have tried to be extremely "on top of it" through this whole paperwork process because we know that one little mistake can add on a month or two, to the already long waiting time. BUT...I messed up (and had a small meltdown over it). On December 15th, I sent off our application to USCIS to get an appointment to get our next round of fingerprints and apply for an orphan visa. I checked and double checked that I had all 30 or so papers accounted for and in order, and I did. I didn't think much about it until after Christmas, when we still hadn't heard anything from whoever we sent it to...who knows?! Of course my worrying self kept letting it creep into my thoughts... and then begin to consume them. Finally I prayed and basically promised that I would trust that He has it all under control....something I find myself doing on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. 2 Tim. 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." A SOUND MIND....stop worrying! This is a verse I've probably said in my head literally thousands of times in my life, and the cool thing is usually after I think it, I feel much better! So anyway, on we got home on Saturday at about 9:00pm and I went out to check the mail. I saw a large envelope with some a return address to USCIS....a giddy feeling comes over me! "One step closer" I think as I wave it in front of Jeff and grin. I rip it open and THUD my heart and stomach seem to hit the floor. The one word I notice is the big bold REJECTED. Immediately my eyes are full of tears and Jeff walks back into the room to return to a complete opposite personality he just left. I wrote the check for $1 more than I should have. ONE STINKING DOLLAR!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!? My roller coaster of emotions went on quite a ride for the next few minutes. I've said it once and I'm sure I'll say it again, I'm so glad Jeff is laid back and reasonable in times when I'm not! He simply told me to write a new check and we would overnight it the next day.....and when we looked at it closer it already had signatures and stamps showing it had already been processed, and a note saying it would be put at the top of the list when returned.

Lessons learned:
His timing is perfect.
Be EXACT and precise next time.
Relax, somethings are out of our control!

Current News

2010-12-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

I don't feel particularly "wordy" today so here is a short list of what's been going on here at the Britton household...

-Home Study approved YAY!
-I'M GONNA BE AN AUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!! woohoo!!!
-I'm now 25
-Charlie is painfully and pitifully getting 2 new teeth.
-Only one more Christmas gift to buy....I feel like I've been unusually "on top of it" this year
-I'm coaching a 13 year old volleyball team, now this will try one's patience
-At this very moment I have laundry coming out of my ears.......

Sigh of Relief, After a Bout of Panic

2010-11-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

So, as I wrote in my previous post, our home study was Monday. Jeff and I both had double checked on the time it was scheduled...1:00pm. I had cleaned the house in the previous days, so when I got up that morning and got ready to workout, I left the house, knowing I would have plenty of time to straighten up, make our beds, and pick up the trail of toys Charlie had left behind.

It's now 10:30am, on Monday. I had been home long enough to shower and put Charlie down for a nap. (Hair still wet, bed unmade, breakfast dishes still on the table, toys in the floor)

DING DONG!!!!

I peek around the corner to try and see who it is, without them seeing me. I was expecting it to be a neighbor, mail man, etc. Nope, to my surprise our social worker was standing there...clip board in hand! Can you say panic attack?!?!? I answered the door and she obviously saw a little panic on my face....to make a long story short she had gotten our appointment mixed with another one and left soon after she arrived.

And if you're wondering, the second time around went great! Whew!

PS...Look at this cute little Lion! (I know it's a random picture to go with this post, but I love it)

BIG Weekend Ahead

2010-11-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

After completing our first round of paperwork, we are ready to "be studied." That's right, this Saturday we meet with Holt for the first time and then on Monday our home study will be completed....and in between on Sat. and Sun. we will attend over 12 hours of parenting classes. Let's be honest....I'm nervous. My house is the cleanest it's been in a while, I've been imagining what we'll be asked and how I'll answer, and praying that Charlie will be his charming self when they meet him :-). I've already gotten a good "chunk" of our dossier ready, and when we finish that we will officially be on the waiting list.....just typing that takes my breath away! We are ready to wait!!!

What has been consuming your thoughts?
This is one of the questions my Life Group has been discussing at our meetings. Obviously, this whole adoption process is on my mind. The past week or two I have really been overwhelmed with thoughts of, not just my son that will be born on the other side of the world, but with thoughts about his mama. Who is she? What is her story? Is she young, scared, ashamed, lonely, and has no other option? Is she older, a widow, mother that can't afford one more mouth to feed? I will probably never know as long as I'm on this earth. But I love her! Jeff and I have prayed for her every night since we've made this decision. We are so thankful for her and the precious gift she will give us. More importantly, (I cry as I type this, just like I cried with the group last night) we pray for her salvation. Can you imagine what it would be like to hug her in heaven? I'd love to be able to spend an eternity sharing everything from his first steps to his first t-ball game to his wedding day with her. WOW! It's possible, with my God, it is SO possible!
There is a girl on the other side of the world that needs prayer. Could you pray for her today?

Home Sweet Home

2010-10-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

After two weeks of traveling with Jeff for meetings and a trade-show, we are enjoying being at home in our own beds! We had a lot of fun in Arizona and Dallas, but it always feels good to come home (minus the unpacking and laundry). As far as any updates with the adoption.... We got a call accepting us to the Ethiopia program just 5 days after we mailed in our application! Yay! However, I didn't mention in my first post that you must be 25 in order to adopt from this country. I will be 25 in December, so I thought we would basically be waiting until then before we could go any further.....I just didn't have the patience to wait that long to apply :-)
BUT, I found out today that we can begin filling out the pre-homestudy forms! Paperwork may sound boring to you, but to me it is the beginning of a GREAT thing! We can get our packet all ready so when December comes around, we can really get the ball moving!!! As I have started reading all the guidelines and outlines of what will happen and what to expect, I have to be honest that I get a little overwhelmed. (I may or may not have already cried and told Jeff I wasn't sure I was smart enough for this :-) ) But, as soon as those feelings hit me, it never fails that God brings peace into my heart....
"And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?"
...I just love that song!

Application....check

2010-10-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

(*Please excuse the un-made bed)

We told Charlie the news....and he's excited too! What a relief?! :-)

Our application is in the mail!

Here we go!

2010-09-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

From a young age God has given me a love for children...particularly those that are less fortunate than me. I believe this is the main reason I felt lead to get a degree in Special Education. (And I plan on using it someday!) Before Jeff and I were even engaged I shared my desire with him to, God willing, have a family made up of biological and adopted children. When we went to Guatemala in 2009 to visit the Boggs and the Eagle's Nest Orphanage, (see previous post) our lives were changed. If I hadn't been 5 months pregnant with Charlie, I probably would have snuck Walter in my bag! I can't really describe the feeling I have had since that trip except by saying....I've never felt so sure about being called to do something, aside from my salvation. And, from what I can tell :-), Jeff feels the exact same way. Sara Groves has a song that says, "I saw what I saw and I can't forget it.....I know what I know and I can't go back." (Hear it here!) That song has been really speaking to me for the past few months, if He has called us to do this...what are we afraid of?

Did you know that there are 143 MILLION orphans in the world? 5 MILLION of them in a country in Africa that is about the same size as Texas. ETHIOPIA! Friday we will send our application to adopt the next member of the Britton family from this special country that God has laid on our hearts. We couldn't be more excited to begin this journey! We would appreciate your prayers!

Check out these stories!!! Evyn and Lucy and Silas

Round 2

2010-09-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

I mean really...where does the time go? It has almost been a year since my last post, and a good year might I add! I don't know if anyone will read, and actually it's fine if they don't. I just want to keep track of what goes on over here in the Britton household....like a public journal, I guess.

A lot has changed since Thanksgiving of last year.....it really is too much to catch up on and I don't want to overwhelm myself with this first new post. Let's just say I'm still as smitten to be Mrs. Britton as I was when I wrote my first post, and the littlest Britton - pictured above:-) - has me wrapped around his finger too!!!

Thankfulness

2009-11-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

What more could you ask for????

I have SO much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!!!!

Typical day...

2009-10-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

...in my life as "MOM."

Around 5:30 or 6:00 AM my little alarm clock awakens me for our first of several feedings for the day. (I love waking up to Jeff on my right and Charlie on my left...in his bassinet...soon I will put him in his own room, what a sad day this will be! I feel like that is his first step to "growing up") Then if I'm lucky he goes back to sleep until around 8:30! Next is my favorite part of the day....Charlie wakes up and is ALL SMILES!!! I LOVE IT!!! We talk for about thirty minutes and he just smiles and smiles...I've yet to see him wake up in a bad mood. The rest of the day is filled with naps, bottles, swinging, smiles, diaper changes, etc. Then at 9:30 it is his favorite part of the day...bath-time!!! He is so funny how he splashes and flairs his arms all around, he loves it! He eats one more time and then snuggles into bed. I lay down and can't wait to do it all again the next day! Best "job" in the whole world! I am so glad that I am able to stay home with my baby! I have a tremendous amount of respect for moms that work, but I wouldn't trade the time and precious memories I experience everyday for all the money in the world!!!

I recently left him for the first time for about 10 hours, and there is no doubt that I won't be able to do that very often! I can't imagine his first day of Kindergarten!!!! I know I'm already more attached to him than he probably ever will be to me :-)

No Words

2009-09-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

There are truly no words to express how I feel about Charlie and his arrival....I think that is why it has taken me so long to post the "Life Now that Charlie is Here" blog.

Well on August 22nd at 1:19 pm, my life was forever changed. For the better, I might add. After a fairly quick (and not nearly as bad as I had let my imagination lead me to believe,) labor, I heard the sweetest cry. Before I could even wrap my mind around what had just happened I was holding MY SON! Those next moments feel like a dream....and I still have a hard time comprehending that he is really ours to keep!

Charlie does what most babies do...eat, sleep, need a diaper change, cry a little here and there, etc. But he already has the ability to GRIN....not just smile, but give you a full out grin. (Check this out for proof: http://www.youtube.com/user/fswalker417#play/uploads-all/0/iVvGqT3pHek ) This has been not only funny, but a blessing in disguise for me...you see, I am a worrier BIG TIME. I didn't sleep for about 36 hours after he was born because every possible thing that could go wrong ran through my mind so I felt the need to stare at him all night :-) Anyway, these little smiles really take the edge off and it kinda seems like God's way of telling me to "chill-out" he's a happy baby!

People ask me "what is one thing you didn't know, expect about having a baby?"

I think the main thing I have realized in the past two weeks, aside from being tremendously blessed, is that I couldn't have asked for a better husband! Jeff has been wonderful from day one, but seeing him with Charlie takes my love for him to a different level. He was there for every "push" sometimes working harder than me, I think :-) I wish I could have captured the look on his face when he saw Charlie for the first time! Priceless! Again, there are no words to describe the love I feel in our house right now, but I am so SMITTEN to be a part of our new little family!

Just a taste...

2009-08-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Charlie Allan Britton

8-22-09

8 lbs 1 oz 21 1/2 inches

FINALLY!!!!

Until further notice....

2009-08-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

I will not blog again until I can include a picture of my son...

39 weeks tomorrow and I cannot think of anything to write. I'm tired and ready to get this show on the road!!!

:-) and for those of you who kept up with the "what size of fruit is he now" weeks/ months, I have one word for you...

WATERMELON!!!!!

Ugh...

2009-08-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Still pregnant...............

(my patience is wearing thin)

Pros and Cons

2009-08-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Week 37 = Full Term

Pros

* We are almost there!!!
* Showers, cute clothes, etc.
* He is fine to come at anytime!!! (Did you hear that Charlie??? ANYTIME)
* I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!!
* I can't wait to watch Jeff. He is going to be a GREAT dad!

Cons
* Feet in ribs...which may be causing internal bruising:-)
* Very little sleep...SO UNCOMFORTABLE

* Possibility of still having 3 weeks left...AH! (patience is a virtue, right?)
* Even my "maternity" (aka fat clothes) are getting snug...ugg!
* Labor is right around the corner. <-- pro & con

It feels like 37 weeks have taken an eternity, but what an answer to prayer that he has made it healthily to this point! I know I sound like a broken record but....I am so excited!!!!

35 down....

2009-07-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

...5 (oh my can I make it?) more weeks to go!

We are SO SO excited!! I find myself just standing in Charlie's room looking in his bed or at his teeny tiny clothes and imagining what he will look and be like. The wait is almost over! One more month! 36 days...if you're counting :-)

HB MOM

2009-07-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

I LOVE YOU!

Honeydew

2009-07-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

This is one squirmy honeydew....

What in the world?!?!

2009-06-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

So I'm 32 weeks same ole same ole......

I got the strangest comment on my last post. Yes...I own a Wii, but me a "gamer"...I don't think so :-)

I found your blog online and noticed that you live in the Denver area and enjoy video games. I would like to personally invite you to a video game competition I am hosting in Denver on Saturday July 18th. The event is called "Retro Game Championship" and it will be loosely based on the movie "The Wizard" with Fred Savage. Basically we will have 10 TV's setup with original NES consoles. 5 TV's will be playing a rare Nintendo cartridge called "Nintendo World Championships" which gives each gamer 6 minutes and 21 seconds to get 50 coins in Super Mario 1, finish 1 lap in Rad Racer, and get a high score in Tetris. The other 5 TV's will be playing an even more rare game (there is only real copy in existence) called "Nintendo Campus Challenge". This game gives you 6 minutes to get 25 coins in Super Mario 3, 100,000 points in PinBot, and a high score in Dr. Mario. The championship should be a great time. It gives you a chance to show off your retro gaming skills, hang out with some local gamers, and play some very rare video games. I hope you can make it. Here are the full details again: When: Saturday July 18th 2-9 PM (you can come during any part of the event) Where: JJGames Store | 7975 E Harvard Ave, Ste G | Denver, CO 80231 Website With Directions: http://www.jjgames.com/page/retro-game-championship-2009 I will be giving away prizes through-out the night and will be sure to save a free t-shirt for you if you RSVP and let me know you are coming. Feel free to bring some guests along with you too. I look forward to seeing you on July 18th.

H.O.T.

2009-06-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

31 weeks and it is HOT!!! Pool or in the air-condition have been the only options this week!

(I'm a little late posting this week...where does the time go?)

Jeff and I are getting SO excited!!! In the past few weeks we have gotten to go to the hospital for the arrival of two "bundles of joy." (Cora and Stella)....And we are so anxious to meet our little Charlie! I've been reading the books...one minute I'm excited....the next terrified!!! Time is going fast and dragging on...if that makes sense????

The BIG 3-0

2009-06-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

That's right folks....we've hit the 30 week mark! (3/4 of the way there!!!)

This is one of our favorite things that Charlie will be wearing in the near future...thanks Aunt Mandy and Uncle Brad!

June 12

2009-06-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

I love you more than words can say!!!
You have been by my side through every "up" and "down"!
Enjoy your day!!!

*We will be out of town on his birthday....so had to post a little early!

7

2009-06-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by.....can't wait!!!

28 weeks later

2009-06-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Oh what a day....I spent over 3...yes 3 hours at the doctor today! Not to worry, everything is fine, just a little pokey in the office today!

I had the pleasure of getting to drink this "potion" that tasted like Crush from three years ago... a good size cup full within the 5 minute time frame. Followed by an hour of waiting to be pricked and have blood drawn.

About 35-40 minutes later I got to hear the "thumpity, thump" of Charlie's healthy heart! (After about five minutes of the doc trying to hear it before my "very active son" (in the words of my doctor) would be still enough to get a good listen!!!)

And I wrapped up the afternoon with a lovely shot...raising my arm may be a challenge in the morning!!! (Thanks to Jeff having positive blood and me negative)

Week 28 is off to a good start!!!! What more could you ask for than a "everything looks great" report??? (That makes every prick and prod worthwhile)

Mini Me, Jeff, or combo??

2009-05-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

I often find myself wondering what little Charlie is going to look like????
I am in week 27...which marks the first of the 3rd trimester!! Time is flying by and he'll be here before we know it!! AH! Am I ready??!?! :-)

Under 100

2009-05-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

That's right folks...if Charlie comes exactly on his due date (August 26th) we only have 99 days left! 99!!!!!!

He is also apparently about as long as a large cucumber...and still as active as EVER!!! I love feeling him move! ;-)

P.S. We put his crib up tonight! (By we ...I mean Jeff, Brad, Matt, and Aaron...Thanks Guys!!!)

Eggplant...

2009-05-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Our little "Eggplant" is more like a jumping bean! Always on the move...unless of course I would like someone else to feel him move. Maybe he's shy :-).

A Day Late....

2009-05-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!

I am so blessed to have you as my mom and one of my best friends!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun....

2009-05-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

...And we've been having fun!!! Can you believe we've been married for a year already?!?! I can't!!! But, what a wonderful year! I have been so blessed, SO BLESSED! Looking back to this time last year, I think of how excited I was to finally be becoming MRS. BRITTON and if I would have know it was going to be this good...I would have been so much more excited! I knew I would loving getting to spend everyday with Jeff, but had no idea it could be this fun! I LOVE LOVE LOVE being married to my best friend and look forward to the next 75 years or so (maybe even longer).

Happy 1st Anniversary Jeff!
I love you!

24 and only 16 more

2009-05-05T19:52:00.001-07:00

This is Charlie's crib!!! I can't wait for it to come in and get serious about decorating his room! 24 weeks down! He is about 12 inches long and 1.5 lbs! This is so fun!!!

That's really all I have to say for now :-)

Not a piece of fruit...

2009-04-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is not actually Charlie, but it is a picture of another baby at 23 weeks....AMAZING isn't it???

I can't believe he already looks so much like a "real newborn!" I do, however, know that he is extremely active and needs to straighten out his days and nights in the next 17 (give or take a few) weeks :-)

99.99%

2009-04-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

We are 99.99% sure our little papaya's name will be...

Charlie Alan Britton
(spelling may vary for the middle name)

So...what do you think????

Oh, and I'm a little annoyed that the website I've been using has now skipped to a month by month basis! I'll try to keep posting weekly!

Banana!

2009-04-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

This week the size comparison for "most" babies is that of a banana. We were told he weighed 13 oz. last week...so we are a little ahead of schedule, by a few whopping ounces!!!

His name is close to being decided...maybe I'll tell you next week!

To you a blurry blob....

2009-04-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

To me, the most AMAZING thing I've ever seen! As you can see in picture one, we had no trouble identifying what to expect on August 26th!

Yesterday morning was like waiting for Christmas morning as a little kid (X 1,000,000!). I was so anxious I could hardly stand it! When we (Jeff, Mom, Mandy, and I) FINALLY got called back in to the ultrasound room, I was freezing cold and sweating at the same time! (my typical symptoms of nervousness). Within in what seemed like seconds the technician was asking us "So do you want to know the sex...this is a cooperative baby." Of course we said yes....and as soon as she said BOY I started to cry! I was so overwhelmed! All of the sudden everything became real to me. (After we left I hoped it didn't seem like I was disappointed because I honestly couldn't be happier! Even though I did cry through the entire ultrasound...tears of joy OF COURSE!)

I know the pictures seem a little blurry and hard to distinguish, but on the screen everything was so crystal clear! We could see everything from his tiny little fingers (10 to be exact) to his perfectly beating heart! I could have sat there all day and watch him squirm around! ( He is definitely a "mover").

Now I cannot wait to name him, get his room ready, get cute little BOY clothes, and MEET him!

*** God is so good! Just another reason I'm a "smitten britton!"***

1/2 way there!

2009-04-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

Cantaloupe week!! We already 1/2 way there...oh how the time flies!!!

and... in FIVE hours we will know if pink or blue is in the future!

Life- Changing (period)

2009-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

As many people know, I had the opportunity to go to Guatemala last week with Operation Security Blanket. You've seen the hundreds of pictures floating around on blogs and Facebook, but to me, pictures and even words fall short when it comes to how this trip impacted my life.

(We had a couple of "group meetings" on the trip to share how we felt, what we had seen, etc. But I never could find the words...and public speaking, even with people I know has never been my forte....so here is my answer...)

1.)I have seen the slideshows at Missions Conferences, I watch TV, I do fairly well at keeping up with the news...I knew I was blessed. BUT I had NO IDEA how blessed I am! I have not one, but two loving and Godly parents in my life. (Not to mention the slew of other relatives that have helped along the way). I live in a mansion compared to these people! (Yet complain about having to clean the bathroom or sweep the floor) I have never ONCE worked as hard as the people of Solola work in a day...just to survive. I have HOT water anytime I turn on the faucet...CLEAN hot water. I can drive to Walmart (not a smelly, crowded market) get anything and everything I need, drive home (not walk for miles, on steep rocky roads with cars carelessly speeding by...while carrying my purchases on my HEAD!!!!) I am not bent over for hours a day weaving or gardening.

I could go on and on and on about all the luxuries in life that we enjoy...but that's not what "got me." These people are (for the most part) content! They greet you with a smile (while carrying 75lbs of onions on their head walking up a cliff!) They are PROUD of their shacks and market. They don't NEED the internet, or hot water for that matter. They are content....content. Am I ever content? Yes, I know I have more than one person could ever need, but I can always find something to complain about or a "need" that hasn't been met....embarassing.

2.) We had the chance to help out with a church activity/ worship service....
AMAZING! We complain about whether or not the songs are too old, too "new,"
fast, slow, long, short, loud, soft,....etc, etc, etc!!!! Not them....they sing at the top of their lungs! (No matter the song...on key or off) They truly worship....the song was between them and God. It didn't matter what the pace, pitch, speed, age of the song was... I couldn't understand a single word, but I knew it was from their hearts. The poor kids sitting next to me probably thought I was "LOCO" (crazy)....I blubbered and cried the whole time. I need to learn how to worship like that!

3.) The babies....where do I begin??? The little boy in the picture is Walter...I want him SO BAD!!!! I can't get over it! I fell in love with him...and ALL THE OTHERS last week! We need to pray continiously for these precious children! Adoption in Guatemala is basically at a stand still right now. Larry and Claire and all the workers give the children a great place to live (better than the majority of kids in the area, for sure), but it is still not the "ideal way" to grow up! They need Christian families!

Everything from nap time to eating was a joy to help in! And who knows...maybe someday Jeff and I will get to go back and get a "Walter" of our own!

**I left out SO very much, but I loved every second of the trip and I'll never be the same!

Mango

2009-03-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

Week 19: Mango (sorry I missed last week....it was a sweet potato!)

Will my breath be bad????

2009-03-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Baby is now onion size....couldn't they find something that was a little cuter and smelled better?

By the way I am so excited to go to Guatemala THIS SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!
This is my very first mission (or does sound better to say missions?) trip and I can't wait!!!

Talk(...or type) to you next week!

March 12, 1983

2009-03-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Twenty-six years ago tomorrow, my parents were announced as Mr. and Mrs. John Yates for the first time. Married in the chapel at High Street Baptist Church, where they met.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

I love you both more than I could ever express! I am so thankful to have you as an example in my life. You have truly shown me how to make a marriage work, with a lot of love and fun along the way!

Avocado...

2009-03-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

This week (16) is avocado week! I can't wait to find out what we are having and start decorating...getting cute clothes...seriously figuring out a name, etc. So much fun!

Orange???

2009-03-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

i found a website that shows the relationship of an between an unborn baby and a different piece of fruit (size comparison) each week... interesting huh???

this week little britton is the size of an orange!!! growing like a weed, or a nice piece of fruit :-)

p.s. april 7th we will know if it is a mr. or miss britton...CAN'T WAIT!!!

Music to My Ears!

2009-01-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

(I'll get to this picture in a minute...)

Today was one of the most nerve-wracking days I've had in a while...to say the least. I woke up after a rather sleepless night to find ice and sleet STILL falling! You see, I've been excited for and terrified of today since December 15th, 2008 (around 1:00pm to be exact). Anyway, Jeff comes home today around 12:45 to pick me up and our car gets stuck in the driveway...STRESSFUL!!! I am supposed to be at my appointment at 1:15 and we are NOT moving. We finally get unstuck (Thank you Chad Watson!!!) and this is when my heart rate begins to rise, for the first of many times.

Back to the picture. It is a Fetal Doppler Heart Rate Monitor. (Just a little clue)

I get to the doctor after trekking through snow, sleet, and ice. As I walk in the front door and go up the elevator again my heart rate rises...to the point breathing is not easy. They call my name and I find myself in a FREEZING room...thump thump, thump thump...After the routine height, weight, etc. I see this dreaded piece of equipment. (I had a bad experience about six months ago with this thing and the sight of it nearly sends me into a state of panic) The doctor starts to listen for a heart beat...and begins to laugh. She says, "I think I heard it but you really need to relax." Apparently MY pulse was so fast and loud it was masking what we were really listening for. A couple minutes later it was loud and clear...MUSIC TO MY EARS!!!!

....and to think around August 26, 2009, the Britton family will have one more member!

A Day (or week) as a Substitute Teacher

2009-01-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

For the past two weeks I have been extremely busy as a "substitute teacher." Everyday is definitely an adventure!!! Here are a few things I have seen, heard, been asked in the past days...

(**Keep in mind I have been in classes that range from Special Ed. to 8th grade science....during the "human reproduction unit.**)

1. Watched the first 45 minutes of Ratatouille...SIX times in one day!

2. "Are you even old enough to teach?"

3. "What are ______?" -fill in the blank with any body part that you would be extremely uncomfortable discussing with a 13 year old.

4. "So you just got married?" Yes "So your pretty serious with the guy...???" -of course then the rest of the class burst into laughter!

5. "Are you actually from Britain?" No...it's just my name.

6. Had to remind a student to keep her mouth closed and swallow....so she wouldn't constantly drool on her desk (I am in no way making fun of the student! Sometimes I just look back on a day and I'm amazed with something I did all day and it didn't even faze me.)

7. Peeled an orange for a girl and got yelled at by her aide..."Now she'll be expecting something ELSE from me during lunch!!!!"......my blood began to boil. "THAT IS YOUR JOB!!!!"- I wanted to respond, but instead bit my tongue.

8. Played with play dough.

9. "Are you our sub?" Heard that a million times.

10. Had a birthday party for one of the MR girls! So fun to see the special ed kids with their party hats and noise makers. (They constantly remind me to find joy in the little things)

11. Caught my self talking loudly to a deaf student....it didn't help :-)

12. Trying to remember everything I knew about To Kill a Mockingbird

13. Had my seat saved for me in the lunch room everyday for three days straight....I just couldn't say no, the little girl was so sweet! (Other teachers may have given me funny looks, but I had fun!)

14. Harassed by eighth grade boys during "sex ed." I was so proud of myself....I don't think I even blushed once!

...the list goes on....many more in the months to come!!

thisiswaytoolongandcomplicatedtobeanemailaddress@something.com

2009-01-06T15:33:00.001-08:00

So it's been a while since I've blogged...a lot has happened, I just can't seem to condense the highlights into a good blog!

I had SO much fun in Disney World! Thanks Tootie!
Christmas was great, as usual! I am so blessed to have wonderful families to share holidays with!

Anyway...I've started coaching club volleyball again (my fifth year...makes me feel old).
I always ask for the girls emails along with their phone numbers because it's easier for me to write a group email than to call 9 different homes and the 9 more cell phones....
So last night I sit down to get organized and put all the addresses into a "contact group" and I NEVER knew how long and "creative" 15 year old girls get with their emails?!

Here are some examples:

omgitstaylor2338@____.com
chihuahua_luverlol@___.com
diskochik3789@___.com
hfergie_catnip21@___.com
sorrydad93@___.com

**If you ever need help coming up with a quirky screen name, account name, or email let me know. I've got just the girls for you!

The Happiest Place on Earth!!!

2008-12-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

"It's the most wonderful time of the year" and "the happiest place on earth"...what a perfect combination???

I am SO excited!!!

Mickey, here we come!!!

Congratulations!!!

2008-12-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

Last night my best friend in the whole-wide-world got engaged!!! I am so excited! Kristina and I have been through everything together:

*went to Rogersville elementary, middle, and high school ( & scheduled as many classes together as possible)
* played on the same volleyball team for 10 years! (7th grade - college)
*college roommates
*lived about 5 minutes from each other
*took turns spending teh night at each others house as often as possible growing up
*church camps
*sports camps
* Special Ed. tutoring together (funniest memories of my life)
*laughed and laughed and laughed
*cried a little
* etc etc etc

She is the nicest person I know and one of the only people in my life have been able to trust with anything and everything. God blessed me beyond what I can even described when he gave her to me as a best friend! I honestly cannot remember fighting with her once over the past 15 or so years! I can't imagine what my life would have been without Kristina. (Not nearly as fun!)

We always joked that she would marry my brother Chad, just so we could be related, even though he was a little young for her. (And it would be totally weird because it would be like she was marrying her own brother...) Anyway she may not be marrying my Chad, but the Chad she is marrying is such a great guy and they are perfect for each other! I have never seen her so happy!

So...Congratulations guys!!! Two nicer people couldn't have been put together! I am SO excited for you!!!

Cooking Class

2008-12-15T15:22:00.001-08:00

Sunday afternoon I had the BEST time learning new recipes and tricks in a small cooking "class." It was a few hours of delicious food and great friends! Who knew cooking could be so much fun?!

On the menu:
Sticky Beef
Chicken Pot Pie
Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce
Super tacos
Potato Soup

And...now I have a freezer full of dinners!

Any other good cooks that want to teach?? Sign me up!

...YU-HUM!!!!

Griswolds of Springfield

2008-12-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

2000 E. Cambridge Springfield, MO

You should check it out!!!

These people have two yards COMPLETELY covered in lights, Every blow up imaginable, and a radio station you turn to so you can hear music that the lights flash on and off too! A little over board, but fun to see!

(PS.... I looked up Griswold and yes, even though I think it looks funny, it has an O not A)

A New Favorite

2008-12-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is full of traditions. We have our favorite foods, songs, places to go, etc. Well, I got this book for my birthday (Thanks Mandy and Brad!) and it is so fun! I had been wanting it for a while and I'm so excited to bring it out for many years to come!!!

Here's the story in a nutshell...

You see, Santa is far too busy to be every where during the holiday season checking if we are being "naughty or nice." So...he hires hundreds of little elves to help him. Hence the name The Elf on the Shelf, parents (secretly) bring the elf out each year on December 1st and place him on a shelf. He is Santa's eye's and ears until Christmas. He watches if you're good or bad and also takes your Christmas wishes back to Santa. He travels back to the North Pole each night and is found in a new place/shelf each morning! And...on Christmas morning he is gone! Back to the North Pole until next December 1st. Oh, and you can't touch him or he loses his magic! Anyway....the actual story is much cuter and more intriguing than the rendition I just gave, but you get the idea.

How fun?!

So long 22....

2008-12-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

December 4th I will say goodbye to 22 and welcome the new age of 23.
Here are 22 things I have done/ experienced this year...in no particular order:

1. Graduated from Evangel.
2. Planned my wedding/ got married....and attended 8 more weddings!!!
3. Visited the Boschens in Sunny San Diego.
4. Honeymooned in Hawaii
5. Completed my student teaching
6. Coached 7th grade volleyball for Rog
7. Moved into our first home (and attempted to decorate it)
8. Missed my brother's high school graduation... :o( sorry Chad! (we were still in Hawaii)
9. Drove a convertible for the first time
10. Started teaching four year olds at church....quite an experience!
11. Saw John Mayer and Colbie Caillat (sp?) in concert
12. Rode in a Helicopter for the first time
13. Had my first flat tire...make that two flat tires and a muffler that fell off!
14. Got a Wii
15.Made my first Key Lime Pie
16. Learned how to play Rummikub
17. Met Max and Linus
18. Changed my last name :o)
19. Started a blog...
20. Been indescribably HAPPY.
21. Ate at Oceans Zen, 5 Spice, Cravin Pizza, Aris Pizza, Wannagetta Pizza, and a few others for the first time
22. Wondered and excited about what another year will bring!!!

Corn on the Cob????

2008-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

This is my contribution to our first Thanksgiving. I'm no Natalie, but I tried :-)!!!

Thankful

2008-11-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

So...this is a little early, but I will be out of town on Thanksgiving.

I am so incredibly thankful for many things in my life and I love Thanksgiving!!! We have this tradition (probably like most families) to go around the table before we eat and tell what we are thankful for...I always get nervous and want to keep it simple and quick so I usually use the typical, "I'm thankful for my family and friends." I am definitely thankful for my family and friends, but such a common answer really doesn't reflect all that I am truly thankful for, so think of this as my detailed "right before the BIG meal" answer.

What am I thankful for???

1. Jeff- I am so thankful that God chose me to be your wife. You love me unconditionally and support me in all I do. You work so hard to provide for me and never complain. You encourage me to stay in the Word and pray for me daily. Thank you for being the best husband a girl could ask for :-)

2. Mom- I am so thankful that God gave me a mother that has also become my best friend! By example you have shown me what it means to be a Godly wife and mother. You have sacrificed many things in your life to make sure I had everything I could need or want. You are the first person I call when I'm excited with good news, or the shoulder I can cry on when things get tough. I love you so much!

3. Dad- I am blessed with a father that has worked countless hours and then some to provide for me. You went with out things you needed/wanted so I could play on certain sports teams, have nice clothes, a car when I turned 16, attend the college I wanted, and gave me the wedding of my dreams. I never remember hearing you complain or letting it interfere with you being my BIGGEST fan! You can make me smile on my worst day and I love you so much!

4. Chad- I am so thankful you are my brother! I wouldn't want to grow up with anyone else. Thank you for bringing so much joy to my life! You can always make me laugh and I love listening to your view on things....you never hold back!

5. Kristina- I am so blessed to have you as my best friend! You have been by my side since elementary school. I am so thankful we chose the same college! Playing volleyball with you for 10 years and being your roommate for four has left me with some of the best memories of my life! You have been the bright spot in my day and one of my greatest supporters for as long as I can remember! Thank you Marge!

6. Rick and Jan- I am so thankful to have you in my life! You have made me feel loved and welcomed from the day I met you! I am so glad I married someone who was raised in a a strong Christian home. I have so much fun during the time we spend together and I look forward to sharing many years and memories with you!

7. Mandy and Brad- It is so fun having a brother and sister-in-law that I don't just consider family, but great friends!!! You are both so fun to be around and I am excited about our future as a family! You are both the type that if Jeff and I ever needed anything, it would probably be done before we even asked! Thank you for loving me!

8. Grandma (Joanna) Yates- I am so blessed to have such a fun Grandma! I love how you are always on-the-go and ready to try new things. If the saying "you're only as old as you think you are" is true, then grandma, I think you're younger than me! I am also very thankful that God has given you a companion to keep you company and have fun with! I love you!

9. Grandma Opal and Grandpa Lloyd- I love spending time with you both! Grandpa, I think you have been the funniest most entertaining person in my life...you are so funny! And if you can't already tell ALL of your grandkids love you so much! Grandma, you are an amazing cook and Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without all your good food! I have always loved coming up to St. Louis to visit you! I love you!

10. Grandma Tootie and Leola- I am so thankful to have gained you as Grandmas this year! You are both so sweet and loving! Tootie, your Monday night dinners are delicious and I am so excited about Disney World! Leola, over the past six months you have sent Jeff and I some of the sweetest cards and I have loved getting to see you at the weddings!!! Thank you!

11. Stanley and Shannon, Steve and Melissa, and Lisa and David (my aunts and uncles)- They say it takes a village to raise a child....you have been my village! Thank you for all the prayers, birthday gifts, cards, phone calls, cheering at my games, and loving me! It means more than you'll ever know!

12. Jami, Mandy, Matt, Luke, Erin, Ben, Courtney, and Kayla (my cousins)- I had so much fun growing up with you!!! Even though I never lived near any of you, we still managed to be very close! You have been my partners in crime, children, students, (while playing), etc. We have SO many good memories and its been fun watching everyone "grow up." Love you all!

13. Jeff's Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Spouses (you know who you are)- Again, I am so thankful to have been married into such a WONDERFUL family! You all have been more than kind to me! From modeling for Jellybeans as a little girl to asking for advice when planning my wedding you have shown me so much love and kindness! Thank you for having us over for dinner, movie/ game nights, etc. You have all treated me like I've always been a part of the family! Thank you!! Oh, and all the little kids are great too!

14. High Street- I couldn't have been raised in a better church. I have had so many loving Sunday School teachers, Counselors, Pastors, and "fellow members." When I walk in the doors on Sunday mornings it feels like home and the smiling faces in the hall are a reflection of God's presence. Thank you if you are one of those faces!

I'm sure as soon as I post this I will remember someone else....
Chances are if you read this....I'm Thankful for you too!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Beasley

2008-11-09T19:31:00.001-08:00

We had such a fun weekend in Minnesota celebrating my cousin Matt's wedding!!! It is MUCH cooler up there! Welcome to the family Lindsay!

Mall of America

2008-11-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

Road Trip

2008-11-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

We finally made it....
Drove to St. Louis last night, woke up at 4:30 AM, climbed into a bed on my grandparents RV, and arrived at Minneapolis, MN around 2:30pm.

Aside from flying, riding in an RV may very well be the best way to travel! My grandparents just got a new one with all the bells and whistles!!!

1. We traveled about 9 hours COMFORTABLY with 11, yes 11, of my family members.
2. We had a cozy bed to sleep in the majority of the way there.
3. There was a microwave and refrigerator on board, and tons of snacks.
4. Bunk beds with personal flip-down DVD players.
5. A table to eat at and couch to lounge on.
6. A 27inch flat screen playing movies throughout the trip.
7. Bathroom
8. Enough room to walk around and stretch.

Tomorrow we are going to the Mall of America and my cousin Matt gets married on Saturday....pictures to follow!

I voted....

2008-11-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

Today I voted in a presidential election for the second time....that's all :-)

I'm a little nervous about the outcome?!?!

THANK YOU!

2008-11-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you Rick and Jan for such a fun weekend!!!!
A list (in no particular order) of things I did...

1. Trick or Treating with the Burch kids a.k.a. Alice in Wonderland, The Queen of Hearts, The Mad Hatter, and The "I'm late" Bunny....so cute!
2. Roast, mashed potatoes, corn, orange salad, and delicious salad with spooky blueberry cheesecake for dessert...YU-HUM!
3.Relaxing
4. Really good pancakes and fried apples for breakfast.
5. Shopping
6. Good BBQ lunch
7. Helicopter rides....Ollie was in heaven at the airport :-)
8. Great church service
9. PFChangs
10. Watching Jeff FLIPOUT about the Longhorns game....so funny (not funny that they lost though)
11. Spending time with great family and friends!
12. Laughing
13. Planning and then unplanning a New Years Party.
14. Eating candy
15. Sleeping in
16. Watching the Cowboys lose AGAIN :-(
17. Playing with the Burch kids
18. FUN FUN FUN!!!!!

blast from Halloween past

2008-10-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Halloween 1991....

Rainbow Brite was my favorite costume EVER!!!! My Aunt Melissa (Amanda J's mom) made it for my oldest cousin Jami and we have all worn it over the years, all the way down to Izzy!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!! :-)

October 30th

2008-10-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

happy birthday jeff!!!

i am so lucky to be able to call you my husband! you are my best friend and i can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!!!

get your kleenex ready

2008-10-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

i really can't think of words to go along with this video...but i can't make it through without crying.

how lucky am i?

2008-10-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

today...out of the blue... jeff sent me these flowers, just to let me know he was proud of me for finishing school! i could go on for days on why, how much i love him, but i'll save that for another day...i told you i was a smitten britton!

:-)

handyman

2008-10-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

a couple months ago i went to st. louis to visit my grandparents. (we had had several busy weeks in a row so jeff decided to stay home.) while i was gone jeff bought us a new flat screen tv to hang in our bedroom, something we had been wanting since we got married. he wanted it to be a surprise so he never mentioned it and when i got home that sunday night it was already in it's place :-)

fast-forward to last monday....i was having my 7th grade volleyball team over for dinner as a end-of-the-year party/ get together to reward them for working hard, etc. i was cleaning the house from top to bottom, like most people do before company comes over, when i had made it to our bedroom. well, you see, we have two pocket doors in our room, one to the bathroom and one to our closest (the tv hangs in between them). the door that goes to our closest it is rarely closed, simply because it is more convient to get in and out of that way. so....i go to shut the pocket door, with the intention of making the the room look BETTER, when i notice seven lovely holes have been drilled right through our closet door. remember that nice tv??? i guess when mr. britton drilled the holes to hang it up, he forgot to check what all he was drilling through....lets just say, the closet door may stay open for awhile! :-)

bittersweet

2008-10-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day of Student Teaching... exciting because now I'm a "real" teacher, but sad because I have spent the last six weeks with 14 very unique students that I have become extremely attached to! I taught K-8 grade kids from all, and I do mean all, walks of life. Three of which were ESL (one from Vietnam, one from Ukraine, one from the Marshall Islands), one with a mother in prison, several from one-parent homes, many live in poverty, and these are all on the side of a Learning or Physical disability!

I cried for about two hours when I got home my first day. These kids have lived through more struggles and hardships than I could ever imagine... and they are in elementary or middle school!!!

I could go on and on with funny stories, examples of how they taught me to be more grateful for what I have, etc... but maybe I'll save that for a day I can't think of anything to write.

BUT next time you pass by Hickory Hills, maybe on your way to church, or if you just happened to think of it...could you say a little prayer for Mrs. Sly's Special Ed class??? I know 14 students that could use a little help :-)

smitten

2008-10-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

smitten- (according to Merriam Webster) to be captivated or taken by someone or something.

WARNING: the blogs you read on this page may not be the most eloquent or profound insights you have ever read.

I read the blogs daily and have often thought it would be fun to have my own, but have been entirely too busy and wondered who would actually want to read them???? Maybe no one, but I'll give it a try!

I actually think this first one will be the hardest...

Well, in the past six months I have-

Graduated from college
Gotten married :-)
Moved into my first home...Martha Stewart Wanna-be!
Been hired to teach and resigned within a month (see #4 for reasoning)
Been shocked to find that I was pregnant
Been terribly disappointed to have lost our baby
Completed 12 WONDERFUL weeks of student teaching!
Become an "official" licensed Special Ed. Teacher
Become a Sister-in-Law to one of the kindest people I know
Gained a WONDERFUL family (by getting married)
Gotten to be a Bridesmaid in the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen!
And many many more.

I am truly "smitten" with the life God has so graciously given me!