...and then there were three.

Sneak Peek

2011-11-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

We recently had some family pictures taken...here's a little sneak peek. More to come!

So cute!!

2011-09-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hey ya’all. I am writing this blog piece to share the story of the awesomely awkward adventure that went wrong this weekend. Katie and I went camping thinking it would be a good getaway since I have been unemployed for six weeks and life has been on the stressful side. Unfortunately when I booked our camp site I thought the weather would drop down a bit but I was wrong with my hopeful assumption, it was bloody hot! It was around 106 when we got to Lake Pleasant, AZ (North of PHX) and the temp dropped to a whopping 93 at night just the right formula for an awful night’s sleep. Some unfortunate things happened like a skunk spraying our dog KC after he and I tried to defend our territory for over an hour in the dark, the wind picked up at 1 am and woke up Chasers, KC stunk up the tent so we all were hot boxing skunk-weed, our air mattress had a slow leak and I stuck to it since it had a suede top but since Katie was sporting her silk garments she was all good but my cotton was stuck in its tracks so no matter the movement it was tight and bunched. The good news is the next morning KC learned how to swim, he has always loved water but would never fully submerse himself. I was such a proud father of our first born. haha. I seriously got happy tears when he did a lap around a tree in the lake. He got good in a matter of an hour and decide to not only show off his two doggy style strokes but also was able to pull me on an inner tube! Good times! I also found out on this wonderful day that I was hired as an adolescent trauma therapist; which has been a dream of mine since I was 22 and has been a long time coming!

Chase is rockin' his sleeveless shirt and has his camping treats with him!

The picture of the lake was taken at 530 am from our campsite. I only was up since it was so hot and stunk in our tent. On the website it showed the lake being about 600 ft higher so it was a good little trek to go swimming and fishing. I had envisioned the water being only 25 ft from our camp site. If only we would of arrived 3 years earlier. lol. So Katie was just starting to warm up to camping after 2 years and now I'll probably have to prep her for another 2 years before we go again! JK. She is a trooper and we are going again on October 7th!!! Yeah!

Better late then never, right?

2011-09-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I have been VERY absent from the blogging world. SO much has happened since I last posted. Chase turns 8 months old next week. I love having an 8 month old- he is SO funny! He's got such spunk. He DOES NOT like to play by himself anymore and will let me know (very loud screams) when he sees me watching TV or doing something on the computer and I am not paying attention to him.

He is getting more teeth on the top (it's all white and swollen) so I think he'll get some more teeth soon. He whines all day. Poor little guy. He likes his food cold because it feels good on his teethers and hey, I don't have to warm anything up! Yay!

He now puts consonants in front of his babblings so it sounds like he's saying "gaga" and "dada" (yes, Chad was VERY proud of this one.) He loves being swung around high and then low in his Daddy's arms and squeals with delight. He absolutely loves KC's wet slobbery kisses and adores his dog book. When I read books to him, he lets me know if he likes it or not. When he likes a book, he'll slam his pudgy little hands on the book with delight and if not, he will reach to his bookshelf and give a squeal as if to say, "not this one, THAT one, mom.." So cute. We went to a gently used children's store and I showed him lots of toys but the one he reached for and wanted was a little electronic book! My little boy loves books! My job here is done. :)

Let's see...what else is new with Chasers...he sleeps on his tummy now and loves his dinosaur blankie from his Auntie Marnie. He eats solids 3 times a day and liquid feedings for the rest. He goes to bed at 6--I know, super early but I guess I'll keep counting my blessings because he sleeps through the night and doesn't get up till 7. He rolls all over the floor and reaches for all sorts of toys. He likes to sit sometimes but would rather roll. He LOVES baths, especially his rubber duckie toys (he has FOUR. Sheesh.). He is still pretty small but now fits into 6-9 month clothes and I kinda like it because he gets to wear his outfits for a long time before I have to pack them up. I also packed away his baby vibrator chair and swing.. sniff sniff. Super sad!

Today we went for a walk and he loved it. He gets SUPER quiet and looks around at everything. He really loves to be outside! (Just like his Daddy)

Here are some pictures but I am too lazy to put them in order. Sorry....

Summer Adventures

2011-07-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I only have one more week until I begin "school". I say "school" because the students don't arrive until August 10th, but I have to report for duting on August 3rd. Lots of long, boring meetings to attend to!! I really love the fact that all of my bulletin boards are already up and I don't have to do a lot of work to my classroom. This is the first time that's happened! I have been at 3 previous schools and each year had to set up and take down all of my decorations. Yay for staying in one place! I really do love the start of school...the paper, pencils, back-to-school clothes, all of it (I'm such a nerd!). BUT, I sure will miss my little Chase. We have had a FANTASTIC summer together and here's some recent pictures of our very first family vacation together!

Chase with his beautiful blue eyes!

Chase and his Grandpa Metz
Anyone recognize this? (Full House, baby!)

Chase was "Property of Alcatraz"

Chase loved hearing his Great-Grandpa Green sing to him

And here's one more just cuz it's the cutest thing in the whole world:

Five Things

2011-06-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

THIS little man turned 5 months old today....

I love his mischievous face in this picture.
This was taken a month ago (obviously) but I just love his little smile in it!

He looks so pensive in his picture...he usually looks like his concentrating or worried about something.

Here's FIVE things about this FIVE month old:

1) SLEEP- Chase has been sleeping through the night for a while now which is fabulous! He sleeps in his own crib, too, which makes me nervous (still) and I check on him multiple times in the night. When I was working, he woke up at 630. Now that it's summer, he sleeps in till 830 (just like his mommy!)

2) EATS- Chase still breastfeeds and loves rice cereal. He ate carrots for the first time today and ate the whole thing in one sitting! I guess those are a HIT!

3) LOVES- Chase loves his toys, especially his bouncer/saucer chair that Aunt Megan lets us use! He is getting better at holding his head up to play in it...I usually have to prop him up with towels!

4) TALENTS- Chase recently has become a pro at rolling from front to back. He also "scoots" a little when he's on his tummy.

5) OUTINGS- Chase went swimming for the first time on Memorial Day with Daddy. He was pretty indifferent about the whole thing. Unfortunately, the chlorine made his eczema worse for a few days :(

Well, there you go! Chase is crying for me right now, so I better go. I sure love being Chase's mommy!!

Private?

2011-06-06T10:37:00.001-07:00

Ever since Chase was born, I have been thinking about going private. Any comments or suggests why/why not I should/shouldn't go private? I do have a fear that if I do, NO ONE will email me and watch my blog!! Anyone's comments would be great!!

Um....YES PLEASE!

2011-05-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

A House Anniversary

2011-05-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

That's right--I am celebrating ONE year we have been in our house. Why? Because I don't think I've lived anywhere this long since high school. In college, I moved every year to a new apartment full of new friends and new experiences. Then I moved to AZ and lived in my rented house for 9 months till I got married. (That is such a blessing how I found Jessika and lived in that house so I could meet CHAD!) Then we lived in our first little apartment for a year till our contract was up. Then we lived at my parents' house for 2 months till we bought our first house. Needless to say, I am PUMPED to live in a place for longer than a year. It makes me feel settled. It feels like home. We bought a fixer-upper in a beautiful neighborhood. Here's what we've done so far:

-Put in sinks & faucets
-Put in lights and fans
-Put on electrical outlet covers (for some reason, they were all missing. Weird.)
-Fixed a broken window
-Put up curtains and blinds
-Put in every. single. appliance.
-Grew grass and planted plants
-Painted gate
-Cleaned out garage and attic (the previous tenants decided to leave a bunch of garbage)
-Sold a TON on craig's list
-Painted
-Fixed locks
-Caulked
-Scrubbed. the. house. (bankowned homes are DIRTY)
-Grouted tile
-Fixed sprinklers
-Put chair rail up in Chase's room
-Decorated little bit at a time (install media center, couches, beds, dressers, etc etc!)
-Painted baseboards and refinished front door
-Refinished computer desk
-Put in pavers in the backyard
-Fixed the dryer hookup so the air would go OUTSIDE not in our laundry room :)
-Got a new roof and AC unit
WHEW!!!! (All this done while Chad works two jobs and I was working and had a baby!)

When I get down on myself for all the things we STILL need to do, I just think about all that we have accomplished. We've done so much and I am so thankful to have a husband who loves to take ownership in our home and work on it every spare moment. He is so wonderful!!

Chase Smiles

2011-04-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

He smiles just at the very beginning so if you blink, you might miss it!

A plethera of pictures

2011-04-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

So I am still learning that when I put pictures onto blogger, they like to turn out BACKWARDS! Grr. They always take so long to download anyway so by the time they have FINALLY downloaded, I don't have the time or patience to do it "right" all over again. So here you go--some backward pictures.

We went to the Phoenix Zoo with my sisters and their kids plus some cousins and their kids. It was very fun but Chase slept through his first visit at the zoo! He is such a good baby.

Chase's room is by far my favorite in the whole house. You can't see everything in detail, but here's a quick snapshot (with an air mattress..haha). The picture makes the room look kinda small and you can't see the framed hospital onsie and hat that Chase wore (super cute!), but that's ok.

Chase loves to put his hand around his bottle! It is the cutest thing! This is one of those lazy Saturday morning pictures when we bring Chase into bed with us and just hang out. It is the BEST. I don't like the little balls of light in this pic, but I LOVE how Chase looks with his Daddy. So cute.

Here is Chase at 2 months (the one month is at the bottom...darn these backward pictures). We decided to have him next to his Aunt Maya's teddy bear! He is very long but not very chubby. A tall, skinny boy?? He might not be ours afterall....haha

How CUTE is this face?!

Chase LOVES being swaddled and won't go to sleep unless he is. He also loves spitting out his binky and making his Mommy come put it back in his mouth during naptime.

He also escapes from his swaddle sometimes...with cute froggy mittens on to keep from scratching his face!

Our first hike together. This little snuggie carrier sure comes in handy!

Here's the one month old picture! (I accidently cut the "1" off when I took the picture). He was super red when he came home. We called him "our little red man".

There are so many pictures that we have taken because we are so in love. I really want to start a scrapbook for him but am really intimidated by the cost and time it takes. Does anyone scrapbook that has ideas for me to start? And also would motivate me to start??

How did I get here?

2011-04-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

How did I go from here:

To here:

To here? I really don't know how it happened. It goes so quickly and I am so blessed beyond belief. What a happy, wonderful life I have. My days are filled with diapers, bottles, rubber duckies, binkies, naps, bedtime stories, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Promised Pictures

2011-03-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures we took about a month ago..he already looks so different! I've decided that 8 weeks is SUCH a cute age. He's 4 weeks in these pictures but at 8 weeks he's opened his eyes more, has chubby cheeks, and smiles at me!

A little update

2011-03-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

So for an anniversary present to each other, we got a new computer! We've been using Chad's laptop and that thing finally died on us. (Sad) But we got an awesome desktop (Glad)! Because it's new and Chad is not here, I don't know how to put pictures on this thing yet (I know, I kinda feel like a senior citizen...help!) but I'll just let you know how things have been going in our neck of the woods and hopefully I'll put some pics up soon.

-Chase will be turning 8 weeks on Friday (I know, CRAZY)
-He recently learned to smile (only at me...sorry Daddy!)
-I think he is around 11 lbs..we'll see next week at his appointment
-He loves lights, mobiles, pacifiers, being held, songs, and his mommy (had to sneak that one in there)
-When he turned 6 weeks our world turned upside down. He no longer took long naps, he woke up more in the night, he hated nursing and only wanted bottles, and it drove me CRAZY!! Luckily this week has been MUCH better. :)
-THIS week he takes at least 1-2 hour naps, wakes up only once in the night, and nurses for every feeding except in the evening because that's his fussiest time. (**knock on wood**)

Things I have learned so far:
-Having a new baby is all about time management. When he's asleep, I try to get as much done as possible and when he's awake, I still try to! Last night I was feeding him, while folding laundry, while cooking dinner. Whew!
-Every day is going to be different. I don't expect a schedule anymore--I just fly by the seat of my pants!
-Soak up every moment. Already I know that these moments won't last forever so most of the time I just hold Chase and kiss him and tell him how much I love him.
-Let him be my guide...I've learned to trust that he'll tell me when he's hungry, sleepy, or wants to be held. It's stressful trying to figuring everything out in the beginning!
-Take some time just for ME. As sad as this sounds, I actually liked running errands last night because it was just me and I got to relax while Daddy put Chase to bed at home!
-I am doing something very special. Heavenly Father is letting me take care of one of his sweet children and I find that an honor, as well as a huge responsibility. I've made mistakes. Everyone does. But I know that tomorrow is brand new day full of wonderful possibilities! I know motherhood has stretched me in ways I never thought possible (and it's only been 2 months!) but I am excited for each new step in the journey.

(Sorry about all the cheesiness...I watched the Bachelor last night and it must be getting to me!)

I will try to put pictures up of our little guy soon! He gets bigger every day!

This one time, I had a baby.

2011-02-27T08:40:00.002-08:00

What a handsome little devil! Enjoy. :)

Love Day

2011-02-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

I simply love Valentine's Day. A whole day dedicated to the sole purpose of expressing love- for your sweetie, your family, your friends. The hopeless romantic inside of me flutters at the very thought. Her heart also flutters for these two:

Happy Love Day, for the two loves of my life.

Momma-Katie

2011-02-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

There's my Proud Momma! I love how Katie is trying so hard
to get baby Chase on a feeding scheldule. You go momma! I still
can't believe we are co-creators; it's such an amazing feeling. I am
still working on wrapping my head around the pure miracle of it all!

A birth story.

2011-01-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well, here it goes...I didn't realize how much TIME it takes to feed a newborn. After he is fed, it's a toss up between eating, sleeping, or showering for me. Which will it be today? Then it's time to feed him again. Whew! It's tiring for sure. Blogging has definitely been on the backburner lately! Chase's birth story really is so special to me (of course) and so I am glad you get to learn about it as well.

The first "due date" I was ever told was January 20th, so for my entire pregnancy when people asked, that's what I'd say: January 20th. During the last month, I was told somewhere between January 22-24. (Which doesn't seem that long, but for those of you who have ever been 9 months pregnant, 4 days is an ETERNITY) On January 20, I went to work as usual and came home to take a nap (boy am I glad I did!). That night was the same as usual- I wasn't feeling any contractions or anything. I thought for sure it'd be another week.

At precisely 10:20pm, I had just sat down with a granola bar to watch The Office with Chad. All of the sudden, I felt like I had peed my pants...and then it just kept coming! My water had broke! I was so so so so so excited! Chad and I started laughing and hugging and kissing (we're weird, I know). He helped me get to the shower and I was so excited that I was shaking. Chad called the doctor and (oh no!) my doctor was OUT OF TOWN. Great. Nine long months of checkups and she disappeared during the main event! The on call doctor said I could wait a few hours (we really wanted to labor at home for as long as possible) or until I see lots of blood. Now, as a pregnant lady, blood=bad for nine months. All of the sudden, I start to see lots of blood and I think it's a bad thing. (Little did I know that it actually wasn't a lot) We decide to go to the hospital. We frantically start throwing stuff in our half-packed bags. Luckily I had made a checklist of everything I needed so we didn't forget anything. Chad helped me into the car and I lovingly said "bye" to our babyless house.

At this point, I wasn't feeling any contractions. When I started walking into the hospital, though, I had a few that made me stop in my tracks. We checked in and the nurse checked me. Much to my disappointment, I was only at a 2!! Chad was able to give the nurses our birth plan and they obeyed all of our wishes. I was given an IV with a heparin lock (they never had to use it) which hurt because it was in my hand. Triage was pretty boring--we were able to take a walk around the quiet hallways at 12:30 and then checked into our L&D room.

From 1-7am was when things progressed rather slowly. Our nurse was good but just matter-of-factual. Everyone who came into our room read our birth plan and made sure to follow it. I simply loved that. Looking back, it's strange that I don't remember a whole lot. During this time I remember using the shower (this was HEAVEN), exercise ball, hypnobabies scripts, breathing techniques (which really helped distract me and helped me feel in control). I remember visualizing a heavy cardboard box; I pushed it away from my body during each contraction. I remember tapping during each contraction as well--I tapped my hand or my foot 8 times. I was learning to let go and let my body do whatever it needed to get through the contractions. The little pieces of heaven were the breaks inbetween contractions. They felt so good and I relaxed when they came. I kept saying "open, forward, relax" to myself as well.

At 7am, the nurses had a shift change. I was so nervous to see our new nurse. Lesley, was her name, and I will never forget her. She was incredible. I can honestly say that I couldn't have done it without her. When she came, I had progressed to a 5. From 7-9 was when things really got going. I used the exercise ball, but was so incredibly exhausted from not sleeping all night, I wasn't feeling great. I remember telling Chad that I couldn't do this, I didn't want to do this. I wanted him to give in and go get the medicine SO BAD. He never did. He just kept saying I could do it and every time he did, I wanted to punch him! Why wasn't he doing what I wanted?? I remember there was some yelling and swearing :)
(Side note: A few weeks before the birth, I told Chad that even when I tired and wanted medicine, I wanted him to be strong and not let me get it. I was counting on him. He pulled through!)

Lesley suggested I get on the bed. At this point, that sounded like the worse idea ever. Cramping and contracting in bed DID NOT sound good. But I was so so so tired and I laid down. From that moment on, I was in my own little world. I remember Lesley turned on some tranquility music while Chad kept rubbing my back (I had intense back labor) for hours. I don't remember a lot about this part, just that my body was in complete control. It felt so amazing to lay down and rest during each contraction. Lesley was right about the whole laying down thing. Around 9, I got out of bed and started to panic. I thought "I haven't even reached transition yet. How am I going to keep going?" I just kept thinking it was going to get even harder and I looked into Chad's eyes with panic and fear. I cried a little and threw up a lot. I started to shake uncontrollably and Lesley said she needed to check me. I reached a low point. She checked and the most beautiful words came from her mouth: you're at an 8. Hallelujah!!!!! I started laughing and sighing--I can do this. Only a little bit longer.

I decided to take one last shower. This one didn't relax me quite as much because the contractions were so close together. They became very painful and intense and then this incredibly urge to have a bowel movement hit me so strongly. I started yelling and Lesley said "Katie, it's time to get out of the shower!". She checked again, and I was at a 9. She gave me this small exercise ball shaped like a peanut to put inbetween my legs. It was supposed to open my pelvis so baby's head would come down. I did it, and right as I did, this incredible pain hit me so hard. My pelvis was in so much pain. "Get the ball out!" I yelled. Between the ball, Lesley checking me, and contractions that wouldn't stop, this was the WORST pain I'd ever felt. I started crying. Lesley said I was at a 10. I couldn't wait for the doctor--I said I have to push NOW. All of the sudden, people were being buzzed and the doctor came in just as I was pushing. Unfortunately, I wanted to be upright to push but I was still on my back. Lesley said "I know you wanted be upright but this position will help open your pelvis. He's already here...you're almost done!" I held my legs and the nurses tried to tell me how to push. Everything happens so fast that I wasn't very good at the pushing they wanted me to use. I just pushed how it felt good to me. (Now, whoever said pushing doesn't hurt is a LIAR. It DOES hurt. In fact, it feels like your bottom is on FIRE.) I needed a break and I didn't want to keep going. Lesley stared at me and said strongly "It's going to hurt, Katie. It will. I had both of my babies like this. But, then it'll be over. You're almost done. He's almost here! Let's PUSH!" I just kept looking at her and relied on her strength to help me. Two contractions later, I pushed our little man into the world at 10:11am. The feeling of having this little slimy man placed onto my chest is one that I'll never forget. Ever. Chad and I were thrilled. Elated. There were no words.

He was a little blue, but perfect. After delivering the placenta, I had tore just a tad so I needed some stitches. Chad was busy making videos of our little man and I was busy being a proud mama. Surprisingly, I felt amazing. I felt so good! The hospital obeyed my wishes of holding off with shots and things so Chad and I could bond with our son. It was a beautiful experience, just holding him and falling in love with him. All those months of talking to him and imagining him, and now he was finally here. It was the greatest experience of my life.

Just a few notes about the birth: Chase's umbilical cord had a true knot in it. This only occurs in 1% of births. It can tighten during pregnancy and lead to stillborns, miscarriage, heart defects, and cesaeran sections. Our little miracle baby was in perfect health and delivered vaginally. :)

Although I can't say enough about Lesley, my true hero is Chad. He rubbed my back for literally 5 hours, stayed by my side, coached me through everything, wouldn't let me have anything less than the birth experience I desired. He took care of me and baby. My love for him grows daily but deepened to a level that I will never be able to describe. Chase is so lucky to have him for a Daddy.

So, there you have it! For those of you who said time flies after they are born, you were right. I can't believe it's already been a week. Really? A week? I just love to sit and stare at Chase. When he looks up at me, it's the greatest feeling in the world. This was why I am on this Earth--to be Chase's mom. I feel so complete with him here and I can't wait for the many years to come.

Introducing....

2011-01-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

Baby Chase Michael Metz! Born January 21 at 10:11am. He was 7 lbs 9 oz, 20.5 inches long.

His birth story to follow.....Mommy's a little tired right now. :) But, let's just say, I was VERY happy with the natural birthing experience! Yay!

My dearest baby

2011-01-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

Dear baby (soon to be in my itching-to-hold-you arms),
We made it. It's here! Your birthdate is so close that I close my eyes and can just feel you. I can smell your sweet beautiful baby smell and kiss your little chubby cheeks while rocking you in the chair Daddy bought me for Christmas (yes, baby, your Daddy is that thoughtful). I can see your little tuff of white blonde hair, even. It's faint, but it's there. Dreaming of you at night isn't enough anymore. I can close my eyes anytime and you're there. I can't explain it, but it's true.

Remember when those two little pink lines showed up? I was so happy that I screamed and Daddy thought I had hurt myself! Ever since those two pink lines, my life has changed forever. I will forever empathize with those with morning sickness. I call those the "Dark Times". I won't remind you of how awful they were! I was so thrilled when I could eat again and my clothes begain to tighten around my growing belly. I simply adored hearing your little heart beat for the first time and even shed a few tears. A few black and white pictures of your body made my life complete. You were my baby and couldn't even believe it.

When we discovered we'd be buying footballs and trucks instead of tutus and tiaras, Daddy could not stop smiling. A boy. Our first baby would be a boy and we went out to buy your first pair of shoes. (You probably have more shoes than most girls I know) The time seem to tick away slowly as we prepared your room and made purchases on Craig's List. Be warned: Daddy loves Craig's List. Five baby showers later and you have got the best wardrobe in the whole house!

I've always loved looking at my belly and imagining your little hand up against it. When I could see you move around from the outside was when things really got exciting! Daddy could not believe that you moved around so much and he loved it! In the last couple of months, you have had the hiccups almost daily. I love those hiccups. Those little rhythmic hits were constant reminders that you're still in there, living and breathing. I'll miss feeling those kicks and jabs. But I'll especially miss those hiccups.

We've been together for almost 40 weeks, baby. Forty weeks of tears, laughter, excitement, nervousness, but mostly peace. You've brought me a peace that only comes with a baby. The last couple of weeks have been my most favorite. Have they been long, sleepness, painful nights and even more painful days? Yes. But, I've never felt the love and Spirit of the Lord so strongly in my life as I have these last few weeks. I know a miracle is about to happen and I will forever be grateful for it. We've been together for 4o weeks, but we'll be linked forever. I'll always be your mommy and you'll always be my first baby boy. This knowledge brings tears to my eyes even writing it. My heart is bursting to love you and my arms are aching to hold you.

I'll see you soon, my little one. Love you forever, Mama

Let the Games Begin....

2011-01-03T17:48:00.001-08:00

Here we go, guys. It's time to play the guessing game! Here's some information to help you guess my little guy's birthdate and weight:
-My original "due date" was the 22nd, then the 20th, now the 24th
-The ultrasound revealed that baby boy is already a healthy 6 lbs 4 oz
-I am almost 100% effaced and 0% dilated (sorry if that's too much info! haha..)
-Baby boy has "dropped"

Let me know what you think!! When will he come?!? How much will he weigh?! You be the judge! Love ya!

How I Feel.

2010-12-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

Naturally, I have a secret.

2010-12-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong--I LOVE medicine. I have no personal beef against it. In fact, I have been known to down a few legal drugs in my time so when the "epidural" question presented itself, I knew exactly where I stood. I gave an emphatic "oh yeah!" to everyone who dared asked me if I was going to get one.

Then, out of nowhere, I started feeling differently. A lot differently. I don't know where it came from, but I have decided to have an unmedicated birth. You may be thinking, she's nuts. Or she'll get one once she starts feeling the pain. I know you're thinking this because I have thought this too. I feel unprepared, nervous, scared, and excited at the same time. Mostly nervous, though. I've started to read alot and go to classes, but I feel that nothing can really prepare me for this. Has anyone out there had unmedicated births and want to give me some help?

Unfortunately, I've heard a lot of negativity toward my decision and I'd appreciate only positive comments because I am already feeling a little overwelmed. I only have 7 weeks left! Only 7 more weeks to get ready for the best and hardest part of my life. I luckily have the BEST labor partner ever. Chad is so incredibly positive and I know will be my strength when the going gets tough and I am regretting my decision.

Since my secret is out in the open (well, as open as a blog can get), I feel like I can't change my mind or back out which is good. I've let my secret out and there's no going back. I now just need to surround myself with education and positivity towards the subject. Yay! I am actually really excited for this new adventure. I've already thought about my birthing plan and what I want for my birth experience.

Wish me luck and please let me know if you have any fabulous advice for the new mommy-to-be!

Fall in Utah

2010-10-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

Chad and I decided since we won't be in Utah to visit his family for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, we'd fly out for Fall Break. It was gorgeous weather! We stayed in Logan to see my sister and her kids for a couple days then went to SLC to visit friends. We made it to Orem and spent the rest of the time at Chad's family's house. The trip was made complete with the annual Halloween party! Thanks for the good times!

Jill, Me, and Kristie at Su Casa

Chad and baby Aiden

Metz clan all decked out for Halloween!

Chad and I at a REAL Salt Lake soccer game

27 weeks preggo, baby!

Make-A-Wish & Grouting

2010-10-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

September was a good month! My dad came out and helped us with some house projects. It reminded me of when I was a teen doing projects, yard work, and chores with him growing up. Good times and great memories! Back then I remember my shirts fitting. haha.

We spent more time in Home Depot then in our house but in the end we got a lot of needed house projects done.

I also granted two more wishes for Make-A-Wish during the month of September. It feels so good to be on the lighter and happier side of working with kids.

That reminds me being a sunbeam teacher is the best. Katie and I teach six amazing little ones. We will miss them while we are in Utah.

We can't wait to hang with friends and family this week. We are especially looking forward to seeing the Alleman's new home, the Reece Halloween party, baby Aiden, Tucano's with the Whitakers, and Katie's first live session at SLC Temple. If my mom has anything to do with how the trip turns out, I'm sure the trip will be AllFall!!!

Swishes and Flutters and...Kicks? Oh My!

2010-09-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

About 2 weeks ago I was sitting on the couch feeling my stomach rumble like the hungry tummy it usually is. The problem was, I wasn't hungry. I had just ate and this rumbly thing had kinda happened a lot for the past couple of days. This is weird, I thought. It eventually dawned on me that this wasn't the usual butterfly flutters I've felt when our baby has moved around. These were real life KICKS! I put my hand to my stomach and sure enough I felt a slight jab. "Whoa! Chad check this out!" Is what I said. And he did. He put his hand to my tummy and felt the little guy kick around, too. It was a little freaky at first, I'll admit. My sister lovingly put it, "kinda like a vampire is trying to eat its way free"...yeah, something like that. :) But now that I've gotten used to it, I love it. I love when he starts to kick my belly in the middle of the day at Parent Teacher Conferences. I know I won't love it in a couple of months when he's grown, but I love it now. It's just a gentle little reminder like he's saying, "Hey, mom. I'm still in here!" And don't worry, baby. I'm still here, too.

frustration!

2010-09-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but my header pictures always look HUGE and when I push "shrink to fit" it doesn't show the whole picture! What do I need to do to change the size of my pictures?? Help, someone!!

Half Way, Baby!

2010-09-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

20 Weeks Preggo....I feel GREAT but also feel like my tummy is HUGE. January seems so far away but I am certainly enjoying all this energy, appetite, and shopping for a new wardrobe! :)

Dear Baby

2010-08-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

My dear baby boy,

Now that Daddy and I finally know what you are (well, Daddy was fist pumping the air when he found out) we are THRILLED. I love shopping for you already. I already bought you a pair of very cute shoes that you probably can wear when you're three months old. That may seem far away, but I bought them anyway. We are getting the nursery all ready for you as well. Daddy can't wait to paint your new room. We're thinking bright PINK. How does that sound? Haha, just kidding buddy. I love touching my belly and thinking of you. Sometimes I talk to you, too. You probably think I'm nuts. I think I'm nuts, too. Like when I came to a complete stop at a green light and didn't even notice. Sheesh. And man, those early morning charley horses on my calves have GOT TO STOP. I feel like I can't walk anymore. Now I know why pregnant women have a waddle- it's partly big tummy, partly having to pee, and partly cuz your legs hurt so much!

But let me tell you the best part: finally feeling you move around in there. Every time it happens, I stop where I am and just smile at the fact that you're in there kicking away. You make me so happy, baby. Sometimes I cry just thinking about holding you one day. You make my life so special and Daddy and I can't wait to see you. I hope you have his eyes. See you in 20 weeks, my sweet baby boy.

Love, Mama

30 and lovin' it

2010-08-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Man, being 30 is a lot cooler than I thought. I can now look back on my twenties and reminisce on all the great and wonderful things I did and experienced. Every time Katie asks me something now I say, “Well back in my twenties I would…jk

Now that I’m 30 I’m actually learning from my mistakes and I’m becoming a better and wiser man. I wish I would of done that in my twenties! Haha. Being 30 has given me time to reflect on my life and I wanted to express my gratitude for all my many blessings: I am so grateful I have a healthy baby on the way, I can’t wait to be a Daddy! I have a beautiful wife, who works and is deeply rooted in the gospel. I have two good paying jobs, a handsome little pup, a comfortable home, two nice cars, a supportive and loving family, supportive and loving in-laws, the best calling ever, Sunbeam teachers, the freedom to choose (regular or diet), freedom to worship, and lastly I have DVR the greatest invention ever! I can fast forward or skip commercials anytime I want on my cable TV…Whoa! Life is good.

Man, I think that last comment means I really am 30! You know you need to get out more and be more active when you can balance the mac n' cheese bowl on your stomach. It puts a whole new meaning on the phrase "hands free"

My Preggo Belly

2010-08-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

This summer I have been busy being sick with a little thing called MORNING SICKNESS. Oh boy, I am very glad I wasn't working when the nausea hit in early June. Luckily since I've gone into my second trimester, things have been a lot better. And I am finally showing! It's hard to take a picture of my preggo belly with one hand, but here it is! We find out in 2 weeks if it's a boy or girl....any guesses anyone?!

Guest Bath

2010-07-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely we are getting our house done one room at a time...

Guest Room

2010-07-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Megan & Mom, Katie and I were able to get this sweet bedding and curtain fabric. Our guest room is more cozy and inviting right now than our master. haha.

2010-07-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Not bad, after runnin' the Provo River

Our Nephew Aiden James

Right before we left UT to head back to AZ. My aunt Sharon made us cream puffs at 10:30pm. It made my night, cause I was way stressed after learning we had to go 55mph the whole way back carrying the Uhaul. I had a 12 hour shift the next day so I was stoked to eat up one of my favorite treats before the long haul as so good ol' comfort food.

Putt Putt, European style at Zermat in Midway, UT.

It's been HOW long?

2010-06-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Wow. I haven't updated this blog in a while....my St. Patrick's Day theme is proof of that! Anyway...we have been very busy. We moved to our new house which has been, I'll be honest, stressful. I am happy to have tons of space, but we haven't really deep cleaned or unpacked so it's kinda a mess. I was so busy with the end of year and Kindergarten graduation for the past month as well. THEN we went to Utah for a week. NOW we're back in AZ and it's bloody hot. Honestly, Utah, you felt good while we were there. We had TWO babies born, SEVEN birthdays, ONE anniversary and a whole lot of craziness during the month of May. And on top of all that......

I'm pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NEW HOUSE!

2010-04-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our new house (well, new to us and technically it's not officially ours until we sign the papers) for your viewing pleasure!

The front of the house (it's in Gilbert)
The backyard needs some TLC

The entry way with lots of possibilities

The LARGE family room that I plan to "cut in half" (dining/family)

Great kitchen that is open to everything

Guest room #1

Guest room #2

Half of the kitchen...this is our new sink and we need to take out this old oven and also put in a dishwasher!

Our cool wet bar that we don't really know what to do with yet...

Master bedroom with a door to the backyard

Master bath with *sigh* a GARDEN tub and an awesome window

That's all, folks! We will post more when we move, fix stuff up (hopefully with Jim's help), and start to decorate! yay for us! Now we need family/friends to come visit or a baby (hopefully both!)

2010-04-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

Picture perfect times at Sedona! What tranquility, what peace, what pure beauty!

The clan chillaxin' on the mountain top. Katie, me, Maya, and Uncle Wes!

As of late

2010-03-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

We have a very happy puppy.

We went to Bryce Canyon.

We shot arrows.

We celebrated Valentine's Day.

I made Chad pictures for our anniversary.

He got me a pink beach cruiser.

Happy one year to us!

Happy things

2010-03-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

Here are a few things that have made me happy lately:

Moving Day! We now live 4 houses down from the temple.

Mini Cadbury Eggs...they come around once a year, lighten up my life, and enlarge my hips.

MMMMMMMMM PETE'S.......I also live 4 houses down from Pete's now...I love my life. :)

CPS storytime

2010-03-02T22:36:00.000-08:00

It feels good to get feedback from parents even when I am investigating them for child abuse! Mr. Chad Metz, Again, thank you very much for the information you provided with regards to CPS. I can say that I was impressed with the way you handled the investigation. The information you provided K____ and I regarding assistance out there that we were not aware of to help us move forward with our lives will be invaluable. Again, thank you for all that you and your agency has done. Sincerely, Eric _____ What's funny in a twisted way, is that this kid, K____ had some mental health issues and brought a knife to school just in case I came back to remove him from his Grandpa/Dad which I had no intentions of doing. Poor kid ended up getting suspended even though I wrote the school a letter explaining the trauma the child had been going through at home. =( On a side note at court on Monday a Meth addicted grandma who was a guardian to her two grandchildren threatened me and her own family members (to blow our brains out) After court I was walking outside and she got a 9mm handgun out of a trunk and jumped into another car with the windows rolled down. I hurried and ran over to the park cars for protection luckily she did not point or threaten me with the gun, but it was still scary.

Try try again

2010-02-21T17:32:00.001-08:00

At first you don't succeed....I don't know about you, but sometimes I'm plain tired of trying. Sometimes throwing in the towel sounds really good. Sometimes giving up sounds very tempting. And sometimes I just wanna throw those little pee sticks with their one little pink line against the wall.

Kinder Chronicles Part III

2010-02-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

Student: "When are ya gonna get a husband?"
Me: "Uh, I already got one of those!"
Student: "Well, when are ya gonna get a baby?"
Me: "Um, I don't know."

2010-01-23T22:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some belated pics from Christmas (I know, I know, it's been, well, a while since Christmas). I don't even have some cool excuse for being late on the post...I'm just plain lazy. Here are a few pics from Utah...enjoy!

Cutest puppy in the whole wide world!!! (Sorry about all those times I wanted to give you away when you pooped all over the carpet and threw up all over your bed)

I love our little fam...I promise Chad is happy in this pic...

SLC lights in the snow with fam and friends

Park City is wonderful--I loved it there!!

I love love love this man!! Almost a year we've been together!

2010-01-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

The pups are all tuckered out from playing in the snow all day!

Good ol' Mount Timpanogous! We snow shoe or cross country ski here every year!

We shot a quick pic of ourselves during family pictures!

My mom was trying to have KC pull her on her ski's; classic!

Kinder Chronicles Part II

2010-01-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

Principal: Today Micheal Jordan retired back in 1996..or around there..

Student (to teacher): Jordan...oh! JESUS was baptized in the RIVER JORDAN!

Teacher (to student) gives a gentle, encouraging smile and "Thumps Up", not really know what else to do...

2009 Memories

2009-12-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

As 2009 makes it's close and 2010 is creeping closer, I decided to make a TOP TEN list of all the great accomplishments from 2009...(well, I use the word "accomplishments" VERY lightly) okay, here it goes:

10. Survived planning a wedding. never. do it. again.--Jan/Feb/Mar 2009
9. Went to ER for first time. Also will never. do it. again.--September 2009
8. Started to cook...I have a very understanding husband--April 2009
7. Attended infamous Bryce Canyon (and survived)--February 2009
6. Baby KC joins our family!--September 2009
5. Baby Kade (my nephew) born into the world--March 16, 2009
4. Family Reunion (California sunshine + seafood=happiness)--July 2009
3. Christmas in Utah (blog post to come soon with LOTS of pics)--December 25, 2009
2. Birthday weekend to Sedona/Prescott (horseback riding!!)--May 26, 2009

and for #1......

1. Getting sealed to my sweetie--March 21, 2009 :)

All in all, it has been a very eventful year. So much has happened and I am sad to see it go. I have many goals for 2010 and I am so excited to see what is in store for our little family...new jobs? New home? New baby? I don't know for now, but am happy to have Chad by my side. He makes life so exciting and wonderful! 2010, here we come!!

Make A Wish

2009-12-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

This 3yr old boy might not see 2010, so Santa came early and gave him a car and took the whole family to Disneyland! It was an awesome feeling helping grant Kolton's wish!!!

Make-

2009-12-17T00:58:00.002-08:00

Kinder Chronicles

2009-12-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

Teacher: "Kids, what is this picture?" (looking at the picture, completely confused herself)

Student 1: "It's that thing you put your boobs into!"

Student 2: "It's a bra!!"

Oh boy.

2009-12-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

The Metz Family Photo

We just got a gorillapod (mini tripod) so we set it up and took this funny pic of our family of 2+. Katie and I are such Christmas freaks that we set up our tree the Saturday before Thanksgiving! We switch families every year for Christmas so this year we will be in Utah with my family last year when I proposed we were with the Cox family. I slept on a lazy boy that year it was great, until the back and neck started hurting. lol. I just didn't have it in me to leave Katie and her family's place on Christmas eve. The best part about Christmas last year was surprising Katie with an engagement ring. She thought I was going to propose on New Years Eve which was my original plan but I just couldn't wait and her sister Tiffany wouldn't have been around for all that fun! Katie really had no idea it was coming so when she saw the ring she was so overwhelmed she started to cry but I on the other hand was so proud of myself tricking her I started to laugh. Oh man, good times!

"You're Beautiful, Mrs. Metz"

2009-11-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

I think everyone should get at least one compliment per day--including those from Kindergartners who decided that "Mrs. Metz is beautiful". :) On a side note, BLACK Friday is coming very near...after 24 years of life, I've decided to brave the dreaded day and get some Christmas gifts! Wish me and hubbie luck....I just hope the next time you see me isn't on a YouTube video with screaming women trampling over me in hopes of getting a memory foam mattress pad.

Missionary Moment

2009-11-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

Katie and I are ward missionaries and are loving every minute of it! Well, except for when the weekly correlation meetings go long. haha. We love getting the random phone calls from the missionaries asking us to help teach a lesson on a Saturday morning or they need to eat and their next DA appointment canceled on them so they are gonna come over to our place. It's such a blessing to have the spirit of the gospel in our lives. We love teaching and testifying of Christ. I also have the chance to teach temple prep to a few select families in our ward and it's sweet to watch them grow as they prepare to get sealed...
So on Monday I started my 2nd job and I got done early so instead of going to work at CPS, I came home early. Not by coincident I ran into the assistant property manager at our complex as I was walking our puppy KC. I noticed that our property mng was trying to do a drug inspection of our neighbor who was going to baptised on 11/7/09 but that is a different story for another time. I explained to the property manager (Chris) that our friend was going to join our church but obviously is not now due to her substance use. We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I said, and we believe it is God's will (and for our own good) that we obstain from all drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. As we continued to talk about other things Chris said to me, It's funny that you mention that you are Mormon because my 13yr old son and I were talking about religion last night. My son feels that we are not good people since we do not go to church. We are going to my fiances parents church this Sunday but I want my son to be exposed to other faiths. Chris then stated that she had a bad experience with some Mormons a while back being exclusive but does not know much about the Mormon religion. At this point I am trying to hold back the perm-a-grin and boisterous excitement within me. I explained to her that I would love to bring some materials by and that we could discuss things and if she and her family were still interested that we would send over the missionaries! I explained a couple of our beliefs by quoting a few articles of faith. Then I explained that the center of our church and the center of all our beliefs is Jesus Christ. Just think if there were more stories about Christ, I told her different lectures on faith, hope and love. What if another book that spoke clearer about where we came from, what we are doing on the earth now, and where we go after death was out there? Well, there is another book, I said that does not add or take away from the Bible. This book is called the Book of Mormon, this is where we get our nickname the Mormons! The BofM is a compilation of many books written by prophets just like in the Bible just in a different land. Since she still seemed interested after that I told her about how the youth of our church have great morals and that it would be a great social experience for her son to mingle with other kids his age. I explained mutual, wards, stakes, and the reason behind 3 hrs of church. Chris seemed excited but said that she needed to talk with her fiance first before Katie and I could come over. So I made a tentative appointment for tomorrow 11/5/09. I explained to her that once she tells people about our conversation that she might hear some weird stuff about our church so I told her that people are afraid of what they do not know and the people who spread false beliefs about our church do not really know the truth. I bore testimony of the happiness and freedoms that this church has provided to me. Chris then stated that she is glad that I am representing my church in such a positive light because even before she knew I was Mormon she said she could see what a good aura that I had and open friendly accountance (I was grinning ear to ear for an hour after this compliment)...Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!

Better Do It Now

2009-11-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

So my blog has decided to be ESPECIALLY slow today. I have more Halloween pictures to post, but I better just do one now and try again later....I wanted to hurry because I'm already excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas!! (Hence the Christmas music on my blog...)

Here's Cap'n Hook, Peter Pan, and lil' Tinkerbell!

Extra Halloween Pics

2009-11-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

Fall Festivities

2009-10-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't hear--it's Fall in Arizona. (Finally) Now, when I say "Fall", I mean that it's not 100 degrees anymore, there's a slight wind in the air, and we can finally go outside at nighttime! haha..actually, it's been colder than that and all of this fall fun has made me want to BAKE! I've made pumpkin chocolate bread (YUM) and caramel apple pie (still baking it right now...). I am all sorts of excited for the cute Halloween treats I'll be making this year as well. (side note: Jill, you are totally at fault for all this excitement--you and your Halloween list) Isn't Fall the best?! It's a little late, but I guess better late then never!!

Child Protective Services

2009-09-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know I'm a level III investigator against child abuse for for the state of Arizona Department of Economic Security division of Child Protective Services (CPS) in Pinal County, AZ.

My duties are many and I work with numerous agencies and individuals. I'm contractually obligated til May of 2010 to stay with this mediocre bureaucracy and idle administration. CPS is a reactive system filled with limited resources and poor funding. As a social worker I am held back from truly helping needy and oppressed families due to state finances and policies. I feel at times that my hands are tied in advocating and taking action for children and families. I instead find myself passively investigating abuse reports. I would leave CPS however, CPS/State of Arizona paid for my in-state graduate fees and tuition at ASU and now I am pain stakingly paying the state back with a two year commitment to CPS.

To give you all a scope of CPS's network here is a list of advocates, providers, source reporters and workers with whom I have contact with on a pretty regular basis: Foster parents, group home case managers, residential treatment centers, assistant attorney generals, defense lawyers, guardian ad-lit ems, city of Mesa police, city of Apache Junction police, Pinal county deputies and sheriffs, detectives, victim advocates, news reporters, policy makers, the Mexican consulate, immigration control enforcement ICE, professional interpreters, CPS court liaisons, court appointed special advocates aka CASA's, a panel of foster care review board volunteers, facilitators for team decision making meetings, adoption agencies, parent aides, case aides, CPS secretaries, forensic interviewers, mental health and behavioral health professionals, medical personnel, drug testing labs, judges, bailiffs, juvenile probation officers, teachers, nurses, medical social workers, intake workers, individual in-patient and out-patient therapists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, marriage and family therapists, prisoners and inmates, social workers, substance abuse counselors, AA & NA groups, primary care physicians, pediatricians, psychiatrists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, Native Americans and tribes, anger management specialists, crisis teams, juvenile detention personnel, department of developmental disabilities case managers (DDD), respite and habilitation workers, EMT's, public defenders, family assistance administration workers FAA, welfare specialists, mediators, adult protective services APS, temp agencies, child care and day care workers, preschool workers, head start workers, healthy family specialists, out of state CPS workers, Arizona's early intervention workers, principals, school secretaries, school social workers and school counselors, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, housing authorities, resource specialists, community members, jaded co-workers, a callused boss, angry parents, bitter ex-spouses, dysfunctional families immediate and extended, oh yeah and abused or allegedly abused or neglected kids from birth to adolescence.

This probably gave you a headache just reading the list. Now you know why I am overwhelmed and eat a lot of comfort food just to get through the day, not including getting through my paper trails!..Below is a really good article from the press that is surprisingly optimistic not negative and blaming.

CPS workers excel despite scant support

by Todd Schwarz - Sept. 23, 2009 Special for the Republic

Recent events got me thinking of a conversation I had with a co-worker a while back. He had served on a jury that was deciding whether to take five children away from a mother who neglected them and allowed others to abuse them. It was one of those hard cases with no good option and no good news.
My friend said there was really only one witness who stood out, one person who tried to make the best of a bad situation: the caseworker from Child Protective Services.
We hear about CPS caseworkers every time we hear about abused children. They are ones who get all the blame and no praise. Have you ever thought about what their jobs must be like?
Average CPS caseworkers handle 30 cases at any given time.
They are required to visit every child in their caseload at least once each month. The typical visit calls for separate interviews with the child and the family with which they are placed.
An inspection of the living areas including bedrooms and play areas also is required.
Most cases require an interview with the child's parents in order to assess whether reunification is possible. Every visit requires caseworkers to record their notes and findings.
Then there are the intakes and investigations of new cases. Caseworkers are required by law to make an on-sight investigation within 72 hours of being assigned a Priority 2 case. Unfortunately, layoffs and office consolidations frequently result in cases not being assigned for more than 48 hours. Not enough staff, not enough time - and the added fear of breaking a law.
You would at least expect that they would have a nice office to go to work on their notes, make phone calls and plan their visits. Maybe a place to unwind, de-stress and recharge.
Not in Arizona.
As budgets have been cut, offices have been closed. The number of caseworkers in the average CPS office has almost doubled this year. With the increase in staff at each site, there is a shortage of office supplies and waiting areas for clients. Computers slow down or crash.
At one office, toilet paper runs out by midday.
Can you imagine working in an office that runs out of toilet paper by 2 p.m. every day?
You'd quit.
Well, you would if you didn't (a) have a strong sense of public service to your clients and (b) live in a state with 9.2 percent unemployment.
So, the next time you hear about the death of an innocent child and your state legislator calls for releasing confidential personnel information about the caseworker, or calls for budget cuts to punish Child Protective Services, stop and think. Ask yourself why CPS caseworkers can't stop all of the abuse. Ask yourself why we shouldn't fund an agency that gets it right 99.9 percent of the time.
Call your legislator and ask why CPS caseworkers haven't gotten a raise in three years but instead have had their stipends taken away and aren't allowed to work overtime due to budget cuts. Ask who would do this work for so little appreciation. Then ask your legislator why, if he or she truly believes "children are our future," it is more important to cut taxes yet again rather than adequately fund an agency that works so hard to give kids the future we hold so dear for them.

6 months of bliss!

2009-09-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

I suprised Katie with a red rose arrangment from Catus Flowers last weekend for our 6 month wedding celebration. Then I took her out to eat and to a Rodger Clyne concert at Chase Field for a little anniversary 1,2,pow! Kaite and I sang along and danced, it was a blast. One of our favorite songs and a song that was in our wedding video is "Maybe We Should Fall In Love". We were way stoked when they played it!

Here's a beautiful shot of the sunset with my gorgeous girl in downtown Phoenix!

Our handsome young KC! His eyes aren't blue it was the camera flash

I made some fun desserts for my brother-in-law's 19th B-day. Homemade strawberry pie and below Magnolia's Pudding. Katie, thought they looked really good so she had to take a pic!

Good news I start my new part-time job as a crisis intervention specialist in October. I will work on-call on the weekends and on holidays. It's a two man team that goes out to distress calls made to the crisis line in Pinal county, AZ. Katie will start babysitting a ward members friend in October as well. She can't wait to hang with Harper (1) for a couple hours on the weekdays. Our puppy is potty trained now at only 10 weeks. He is way good on going outside. Yeah! Besides that Katie and I have been volunteering at Make A Wish Foundation. We just did a free cold stone event to raise money for the medically fragile kiddos!

I love this pic of Katie flashing the peace sign! What a cutie!

That's my Katie-girl!!! PEACE!

New Trick

2009-09-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of our crazy little guy KC. (Chad reminded me that we need to spell his name KC because it's short for Katie and Chad..haha) This is his new trick!

High Fives and Long Prayers

2009-09-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

So yesterday while making sweet pork salads (yes, they are BETTER than Cafe Rio/Costa Vida's wanna-be salads), it dawned on me that all day we had ZERO accidents from a certain puppy. I was SO proud of myself. I said, "Honey, we've had no pee today! Yay-high five!" and continued to give a loud high five to my husband. We were so thrilled with ourselves. It's got to be some sort of a record, right? Less than a week and already potty-trained? We were pro's.
As dinner was on the table and Chad had said "I'm hungry. Is it ready?" like 5 times, we were about to say a prayer. Chad had already put food on his fork and was half way to his mouth, when he closed his eyes and asked me to say it. Now, being the brat that I sometimes am, I decided to say an EXTRA long prayer. I thanked God for everything, even Chad's saliva that seemed to be falling from his mouth.
After the extensive prayer, I smirked and said, "golly, I just had to do it!" and then looked down at our carpet. Our little angel had decided to take a leak on our carpet while we closed our eyes and prayed. I gotta hand it to him, he's smart. Too smart. I yelled out, "What the pee?!" and hubby just smirked and said, "That's what you get."
My lesson? No more high fives or long prayers.

Baby Casey!!

2009-08-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our new baby--CASEY! He was born July 11 and came home to us August 29. He is such a sweetheart and we are in love already!!

2009-08-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

A marvelous picture to a beautiful birthday weekend beginning! We went up to Payson, AZ for a heat retreat. Katie bought me a raft and fishing gear for the 29yr old fart. The views and climate were absolutely spectacular!!!

Katie's Poker FACE! She's not bluffing about the popped air mattress in the back though.

Our camping parking spot in the picturesque Ponderosa Pines!

Like a glove!

The Mongolian Rim above pre-occupied tourist below.

I'm trying to tie a good fishing line. We forgot to take the camera out to the lake but it was pretty funny our oars broke and I paddled with my arms all the way up a windy lake. Also, Katie took a little nap in the raft and got a nice rosy sunburn on her legs. It was the only spot she didn't put on sunscreen ;-)

Santa Rosa, Sacramento, San Francisco...where you at!

2009-08-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Green's backyard in Sacramento

Uncle Wes's place in Sac-town. He painted the picture behind us and decorated his whole place from top to bottom. He installed the different tile in his bathroom and shower and put in his own fire place. His floral shop is very unique and decorated even better than his house...

Katie and I chillin' at the fountain! We did a session and then my mom and I sealed her maternal grandparents and my great-grandparents at the Sacramento Temple. Good Times

Bodega Bay 30mins SE of Santa Rosa and 1.5 hours NW of San Francisco and quite chilly for July
Katie is doing her best Chariots of Fire run down this stretch of beach

Redwoods in Armstrong Forrest, CA. Huge ol' suckers aren't they! They are around 300ft tall and 12-14ft in diameter. Katie and I loved the peace and comfort the woods afforded us; we couldn't of asked for better day. Perfect temperature & climate!

We stayed at the temple so long we got locked in so we had to jump over this fence. I shot this quick pic of my mom as she so graceful jumped over it! haha.

The Oakland Temple is one of the most beautiful exterior temples I have ever seen. I love that the twelve apostles are engraved in stone and the scriptures engraved in gold. The view is also spectacular you can see most of Oakland and even into San Francisco.

My mom and dad were sealed for time and all eternity in 1977, in this temple. My mom had not yet been back so it was cool to be with her on her first time back down memory lane.

Boy does she love her Oysters, Crab, Prawns, and Shrimp. Whoa!

Lombard street, SF.

The Japanese Gardens in Golden Gate Park.

The Metz crew!!!

The happy ending to our summer vacation...(Katie + Chad)

Tubbin'

2009-08-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

Katie and I in love at Salmon Creek, right by Bodega Bay (Beach north of SF)

Dad and cousin Autumn taking it all in!!! A lil' bit windy out there, but we were prepared with blankets...

This house is where Alfred Hitchcock filmed "The Byrds" and this is where I filmed a sideways picture with some random sleek and slender chick in it. lol

Maya got caught in a Chad sandwich right before storming the river for some lazy boy action!!!

Our Little Holiday!

2009-07-07T09:22:00.001-07:00

Here are some fun pictures from our Fourth of July weekend in Cali...............

Cool Fireworks!

Sunset on the pier

The beach was packed!

This is me looking out over the pier

Beach cruisers are EVERYWHERE!

Mmm..BJ's rootbeer....

Beautiful sunset on our way there!

Chad and I at the beach

Wicked! Kinda blurry shot...oh well :)

Chad being "cool in the pool"...

Happy (Early) Fourth of July!

2009-07-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am having the GREAT pleasure of seeing WICKED at Gammage Theatre with my hubby! I have seen it in NYC, but Chad has never seen it and I think he'll like it. So, my playlist includes some Wicked in it. Also, it has some of my favorite patriotic songs in honor of our country's Independence Day! After Wicked, we are leaving for Huntington Beach, CA. We will be there until Monday. I'm so excited for the beach, learning to surf, relaxing, and visiting with friends. When we come back, my sister TIFFANY will be here with her kiddos and we will be making CLOCKS. I will post a pic of my finished work later! Then I might go to the cabin with her and cousins for a few days...all in all, it might be a while before I blog again so I want to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July!!!! Love you!

Provident Living Blog

2009-06-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but when I came home from church today after the "Provident Living" talk in RS, I was all "Gung-Ho" about food storage and such!! I googled "Provident Living" and I found this AMAZING provident living blog...I wanted to share it with all of YOU. It is http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/
and I love it already. Since I haven't even started with my three month supply, I didn't know how to make a menu. She provides a great menu with tips to have a binder with menus and inventories in them. She lists so many things that I didn't even think about like toilet paper and femine stuff! :) Anyway, I thought you girls (and guys, I guess...) could check it out and let me know what you think. Have a wonderful day!! Love ya!

All Things Jill

2009-06-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well, this blog goes out to my very good friend JILL WHITNEY who has created a simply delicious blog for all of her recipes. I have recently been making "menus" each week because a) I like to be organized, b) I like making lists, and c) I like cooking. I have chosen one or two of Jill's recipes from her cookbook she gave me as a bridal shower gift, but THIS week, I am doing "All Things Jill". So, here it goes.
MONDAY: Honey Pecan Chicken
TUESDAY: Coconut Shrimp and Chips
*Chocolate Hazelnut Bars
WEDNESDAY: Fajitas
*Snickerdoodle Salad
THURSDAY: German Pancakes
*Cookie Dough Chocolate Bars
FRIDAY: Left overs :)
SATURDAY: Baked French Toast with Berries
SUNDAY: Chicken Pasta Salad

If you would like to check out any of these recipes, go to her website: jillybeansrecipes.blogspot.com

Wish me luck!! Loves, Katie

2009-06-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

Fossil Springs Rocks! 1 million gallons of natural spring water flows through this bad boy per hour. There are small waterfalls, little swimming holes, and beautiful vegetation along the bank of the creek. This picture is a spot where we would jump in and observe the light blue water with its spots of white sand on the bottom. Good stuff. This hike takes about 2 hours to hike down into and it's a good 2.5 hours out. Throughout the hike there is about a 2500-3000 ft elevation change. Unfortunately I didn't have a good day pack and my feet were rubbed raw with blisters from all the rock hoping in my chacos. So the last two days I have been so sore, but it was still worth it! Katie was way worn out and sore too but she is a trooper. She is not a big hiker but loves to do things with me that I enjoy. The trade off is that I have to watch chick flicks with her, which most of the time I don't mind!

NICE VIEW!!!

Summer Time "Joys"

2009-06-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

SO because I am a school teacher, I put off countless projects and annoying on-going errands during the year and say "I"ll do that during the summer". Well, it IS summer and I've put together a lengthy "To Do" list...I've had it for the past 2 weeks and although I've checked some things off (yay!), I keep adding to the dreaded "list" so now it is larger than before...I especially hate the items that are vague like "family history" and "food storage". I know I need to do them, but know that they'll never get checked off like that. I need to be more specific, but that involves another list-making. On top of that, I want to actually have some hobbies this summer so I've added "Buy a sewing machine", "Make jewelry", and "Read Books" to the list. Great, those are things I want to do but NOW they are just sitting on the list STARING at me while I blog...On a positive note, I've given myself a time limit to get things done off of the LIST....if I do so in a timely manner, I will reward myself greatly by buying a new sunday outfit so I don't spend Sunday mornings boring myself AND my husband by saying, "I don't have anything to WEAR..." (to be said in a whinny voice) I usually stand in my closet and stare at my clothes for at least 10 minutes, debating the possible outfits. It's sad and I hope there's at least one other female out there who shares my dilemma!

The Coupon Pool

2009-06-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

I have made several attempts to jump into the "coupon pool"--my sister always brags about HUNDREDS of dollars of food she gets for ONLY $5 (okay, that's an exaggeration, but you get the point)...And so I have clipped coupons, joined PYP, and feel pretty darn good about myself. Well, then I go to the grocery store and realize all of my coupons are all for naught until something goes on sale...but then the store is all out of it. Am I supposed to drive around town to another store to buy 12 cans of tomato sauce because they are 30 cents cheaper than normal?!? I think I have just "dipped my feet" into the Coupon Pool and not quite jumped all the way in...I'm a little nervous because there's no turning back. I don't get the Sunday paper so I'm not benefiting from those coupons either....is it really worth it? So far I think I've used ONE coupon and saved 40 cents. (wahoo...) What am I doing wrong and what should I DO?!? Help! Love, Katie

Frustration!!

2009-06-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dear friends who are devout bloggers,
I just spent over TWO HOURS trying to figure out how to put a picture inside a blog banner/header...anyone know how to do this?!?! TCBOTB suggested paint.net but this is extremely confusing to me...HELP!
Sincerely,
A brand new blogger in need of desperate help

2009-06-08T07:59:00.001-07:00

I'm here waiting at court for a preliminary conference for my crack baby case...

2009-06-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Our trip up to the Snowflake, AZ temple was so much fun. We got there on a Friday night and as you can see, it was a full moon. The Snowflake temple is gorgeous inside and out. They have a waterfall running right out of the temple it's great. We went up there at the beginning of May so the temperature was a nice 68 degrees at night and 82 during the day...Before we left I told Katie, do you have your temple dress and what I meant was church clothes or clothes to wear to the temple but she took it as temple clothes so she said of course. So we get there and she says, Chad I forgot my church clothes. I said, you told me you had them and then we laughed because we realized the miscommunication. So we drove 20-25 minutes to Sholow to buy some church clothes at JCPenny but by the time we got back it was 10:30am and the next session wasn't until 2pm. So we did sealings instead! We didn't have time to do a session at 2pm because we had a 3hour drive back and Katie bought us tickets to see Stomp that night! What a sweetheart. I had been wanting to see that show for a long time. It was so much fun. For a couple days afterwords I would be snapping and tapping on anything I came across.

I still got it!!! This is our community pool and our niece Camille is on the top of the stack.

Our beautiful gas guzzling Yukon! It's still worth it!

White Mountain Area in AZ on our way to Snowflake.

It was a bittersweet moment to give up the Audi but we gained the Yukon!

I love this pic of Katie at Easter!

Hydration is happiness!!!

2009-06-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

These pictures didn't load earlier. This pic is devils bridge. Awesome hike!

ip+077.jpg">> The El Ricon resturant. Since we ate outside they gave us these blankets. Awesome!

The weather was rainy off on and for 2 days but we loved it!

Maya's B-day party!

2009-05-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

We are starting with the end of our trip and moving backwards in these pictures.

On Memorial day, the eve of Katie's birthday I took her horseback riding. It ended up being her favorite part of the trip. Her horse Vegas was well tamed since she was a beginner, however whenever Larry (My horse) and I tried to come up to the side of Katie and Vegas, Vegas would catch up to the wrangler and his horse and he would tell me the horses weren't used to that and to fall back in line. The horses were trained just to follow each others butts, which was a little too slow and boring for me but I love making my girl happy. It was so fun to watch her ride with this perm-a-grin on her face. Whenever the wrangler wasn't watching I would turn Larry in circles or have him eat some mesquite to buy some time then I would gallop back up to the line, that way I could still get some entertainment out of the riding experience!

What a cute little couple! Happy 24th Birthday Baby!!!

The city we rode in was called Mayer, it's 15-20 minutes outside of Prescott Valley. It was a perfect day the rain clouds stayed to the east of us and pure 80 degree sunshine came down on us, it was great!

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This is a shot of slide rock in Sedona. Katie and I had a blast jumping off rocks in the 60 degree water and sliding down the natural rock waterslides. We also loved watching all the kids and families interact and play it was very peaceful and fun.

Katie made her first fire... When we got to our campground spot we only had about 45mins of light left so I had Katie set up the air mattress while I started blowing away on this coal and once the tinder was almost ready to burst into flames I had Katie take over; she was able to get the fire roaring in no time. Then I made tin-foil dinners and we roasted starbursts.

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Devils bridge a 3 mile hike that suprisingly Katie went on and didn't even complain. I wasn't allowed to cross the arch/bridge all the way, but I was ok with that. My daredevil days are over. I'm a family man now!

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This shot was taken after Church in the same neighborhood just down the street from the Sedona chapel. Pretty crazy to think you could have such a view right outside your church building.

Silly Katie

Sexy Katie

OUR NEW YUKON!!! ISN'T SHE GORGEOUS, OH THE VIEW TOO OF COURSE. WE SLEEP IN THE BACK OF THAT SUCKER WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO SPARE.

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TALAQUEPAQUE, is the name of this joint. It's a nice square/plaza that has some shops, resturants, and a church. We ate at this amazing mexican place and Katie had the best fish taco ever and I had the best machaca burrito ever! NO LYING, The El Ricon was amazing!!!

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A nice little senic shot for ya.

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Maya's 30th b-day at The Cheesecake Factory. Horray, Maya! Then she left for Greece and we left for Sedona early the next morning!

Life as we know it...

2009-05-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well, Chad and I got called to be WARD MISSIONARIES! It'll be so fun to be in a partnership and serve together! We really love the Falcon Hill ward. We are even giving talks on Sunday about missionary work--holla! We have SO many new pictures from our new camera BUT we seem to have lost the cable to download them to the computer...haha so until then, you'll just have to imagine us having a grand ole' time in AZ! Only three more weeks of school for me and then I get to play with my new nephew Kade all summer. I hope to find our cable soon so we can post some new pictures but until then, life is wonderful and we love it!

MSW Man!

2009-05-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe a year barely went by it feels like I've been married for years and got my degree way back in the day. Crazy. Were missing my sweetheart in this pic, but she couldn't make it she had her own High School graduation to go to. lol...

Go Dad Go

2009-05-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Surfing the carpet last year at my graduation! He's still got it!

Thai food

2009-05-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Metz Kids

2009-05-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

I love my sisters!!! I'm so blessed to have amazing siblings!!!

New Job!

2009-05-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

SO I scored a Kindergarten job for next year at Benjamin Franklin! I'm SOO excited to go back to Kindergarten! Third grade has kinda worn me out! Only 21 more school days left...not that I'm counting or anything...:) This weekend we are going up to Snowflake to go to the temple and "camp" in our new YUKON!! It's SO nice to drive in and it's so roomy--now all we need is some babies to fill it up. Chad teaches Seminary for the last time on Friday and we'll find out if he gets the job on that day, too. We just called callings in our new ward, too...I'll let you know on Sunday when it's "official"!! :) We are LOVING married life and love being together all the time. It's the best! (Minus like 10 pounds that I've seemed to acquire during the last month of marriage!)

Living It Up

2009-04-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Speedway Race Track ain't yer regular go-kart action, it was intense.

We met Joshua Radin at a concert and told him how we played two of his songs at our wedding, he digged it!...I had to show my brother-in-law James that I even though I am fatter than him I am still stronger. haha. We threw down the rubber mallets at a game section in a bowling ally.

Look how giddy my girl is about Easter!!!

Since our last post Katie and I have been busy decorating our home with pictures and accessories mainly 50-60 pictures of just us! lol. I told Katie it was too much so we took down about 5 of them. haha. We went hiking in Saguaro National Park down in Tucson, had a timed Easter egg hunt, said goodbye to our Audi and hello to our new family wagon. There is just one minor detail no kiddo's yet! Katie and I are planning on growing into our Yukon. Yeah! We love it, not the gas but the car rocks! Katie made wonderful homemade wheat bread for the first time, with the help of our kitchen aid and her mom's wonderful recipe. I brought in a loaf to my office and was the hero of the day thanks to her! We are crazy about coupons and shop at up to three grocery stores now just to get the bargains. We are having so much fun being married...man why didn't I do this sooner?... Oh yeah, it's cause Katie was still in high school when I got home from the Mish. haha.

One Fine Day

2009-03-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Since I'm a lazy blogger here are just two pics of the big day. I'm sure Katie and I will get around to posting more in the near future.

As far as temple sealing's go I highly recommend them. It was so so spiritual and I could feel the presence of more than just the packed house of 40 people inside the sealing room. The Mesa Temple President, Ezra Clark sealed us and man what a sealer he was. The words he spoke were so inspired and spiritual. The coolest memory I will have of the sealing was the perm-a-grin on my face while I was bawling and listening to the sacred ceremonial sealing words. How I love my dear Katie. She is my forever and I hers. I seriously can not think of anything more I could want at this time in my life, than a righteous beautiful bride. I love you Katie!!!

Engagement Pics

2009-02-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

Engagement photos!! Wedding plans are coming along nicely...it's fun to plan but also a little stressful! We are mailing our announcements out hopefully this week! yay! Next weekend we are going to Bryce Canyon with Chad's family for a little Winter getaway which will be so fun. It'll be weird to see snow and be cold because it's already Spring in AZ! We found our NEW apartment and we are SOOOO excited about paying only 500 bucks for such a nice, remodeled place...AND we got a free 32 inch freakin' HD flatscreen TV with wall mount. All we need now is a DVD player (hint, hint). Chad moves in March 1st and I'll be joining him after we are married on March 21. Holla! We are just having too much fun being in love and engaged! We'll keep ya posted! Love you all!

Save the Date

2009-01-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

I proposed to Katie on Christmas Eve! Katie had no idea it was coming. hahahaha. We are getting married in the Mesa Temple on March 21st, 2009.