Another Year has come and gone!

My 32 Birthday

Another year older and wiser too! Well.... Hopefully wiser.

This year my birthday landed on a Tuesday. The weekend before my birthday we spent it in Cardston at the Provincial Basketball games. My Uncle Dallen was the coach of the senior boys team. Cardston boys had not won 4A provincial basketball in 30 years. Well... The record was broken and they came away with the win. I was so proud of my Uncle and his team. He is a great coach. He was my assist coach in my Grade 12 year of basketball.The game was neck and neck the whole game and it was so exciting when they won. We had dinner at my Aunt Stacey with Mel, Troy and of course lots of cousins. Cherisse made a couple desserts for my birthday. They both were so yummy as usual.

On my birthday Jason made me breakfast in bed. Awwww.... how did I get so lucky? He makes me feel so special and loved. For dinner Troy and Andrea, Ryan and Sam and Jason and I went out to eat at Earls. So delicious!

Jason's mom sent me multiple gifts in the mail to help spoil me on my birthday. Some of the gifts she sent were gift cards to Winner and Best Buy - which I spent right away. Jason and parents got me the cutest camera bag. I got  a Kelly Moore camera bag/purse and it is absolutely gorgeous. I have wanted one for a long time now but couldn't justify spending that kind of money but with Jason and my parents it was worth it :)
I got many phone calls from friends and family. Thank you everyone for making my day special. No pictures …. how did I let that happen. Better luck next year.

Trials that make us stonger

Its been over a week now and I can finally look at a computer screen and write my thoughts down.

Sunday Feb19th was a day that I will never forget. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and Jason had already gone to Bishopric meetings a few hours earlier. While getting ready for church I was in the shower and suddenly fainted. When I came to my first initial thought was " Well, that was weird, why did I fall and how did I sandwich myself between the one foot gap from the shower seat and wall of the shower.

My adrenaline must have been pumping because I quickly got up and then realized there was something seriously wrong with me. I got myself back to my bed and called Jason. By the time he got home he told me I was not pale or blue but I was a greyish color. He tried to get me to the bathroom as I was bleeding but I was very weak. As I sat on the toilet not really knowing where I was or what was going on Jason kept trying to keep me awake. He left the room to get his phone to dial 911 and when he came back I was on the floor passed out again. He got me back to the bed and by then I could hear the sirens of the ambulance getting closer.

Before I knew it I was in the back of an ambulance being rushed to the hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital I saw many nurses and a few doctors. From then on it was all a waiting game. I waited for an ultrasound but in my heart I knew exactly what was going on.

One week prior to this incident I was about 9 weeks pregnant. I had gone and spent the whole day in the ER because I was having heavy bleeding. I had blood tests, internal/external ultrasound. The specialist on call that day told me that the ultrasound showed a sign of something inside my fallopian tube but it was inconclusive. It could either be one of two things.

1) It could be a cyst and I had already lost the baby with a miscarriage and the cyst which would just go away.

2) I had an ectopic pregnancy or other wise know as a tubal pregnancy which could be very dangerous if the fetus was to erupt in the tube and cause internal bleeding

The doctor on call advised me to have a shot of Methrotrexate - which would help flush the deceased fetus out of the tube as I did not have a viable pregnancy. This shot suppose to be 98% accurate. It was an emotional day. All Jason and I have ever wanted was to have a baby. We had been trying to get pregnant for 2 years and were ready to start our family. Upon leaving the hospital that night I was still in tears but also knew and felt the love of my Heavenly Father. So many people sent flowers, gifts, dinners, notes and thoughtful messages to our family. I then realized how many blessings surrounded Jason and I. For the rest of that week I was feeling better emotionally and physically and then came Sunday morning...

As I was rushed for another ultrasound that Sunday morning I knew in my heart what was happening. I knew that a week ago, when I had the methotrexate shot that there still was a 2% chance of it not working.  The ultrasound started and the x-ray tech gave me the answer through her eyes. At that moment I knew something was seriously wrong. The results were that the fetus was still in the tube and had now erupted causing internal bleeding. The ultrasound didn't last very long as she knew of the severity right away. She didn't waste much time and frantically wheeled me back to the ER.

The OBGYN that was on call that Sunday morning was already in another surgery so they had to call in another specialist, Dr. Adolph. As I laid in the ER room for 3 hours after the ultrasound I knew my stomach was filling up with blood I was terrified. I knew I was having surgery and I was fine with that but all I wanted was for someone to open me up and stop the bleeding. Jason was there every step of the way. Troy left church and came to help give me a Priesthood blessing. I felt peace and comfort that things were going to be okay. As I laid in that bed so many thoughts ran through my mind. My Mom/Dad and Melanie were so far away(California), how would they react? Where were all my friends and family and do they know how much I love them? How have I lived my life up to this point? Have I done enough? Have I served enough and have I loved enough? I felt like I was going to be okay but there were times of "what ifs".

Jason had been on the phone and sent text messages to friends and family of the situation. I kept asking Jason if people were praying for me. As I entered the surgery doors I kissed Jason and was wheeled into the room. The only thing I remember the anesthesiologist telling me is that there was a possibility he could chip my front teeth. At that moment I didn't care about bleeding and I just didn't want him to wreck my teeth. Silly I know :)

It wasn't long before I was waking up in the recovery room. The surgery went good but they had to remove one of my fallopian tubes and I had lost a lot of blood. Just under 2 liters. They gave me the option of a blood transfusion but I opted not to have one. I was then wheeled to my room and the only thing I remember was Jason, Ry and Troy standing in the hallway and touching my hand as I went by. I don't remember seeing their faces but I just could see their silhouettes standing there and I remember Ryan saying, Hey Carmy :) At that moment I knew I was going to be okay since I had so much love and support of my family. Jason's mom came down that night and so many other friends and family were there that night and over the next couple days. As soon as my mom heard I was going in for surgery she was on the next plane ride home from her mission in California.  She got to the hospital at around 1am. It was so good to see her. Melanie who was visiting my parents in California traveled home with my dad that very next day. Lisa and Ron were in Calgary and would be down for that next weekend. I truly felt the love of my Father in Heaven with all the love and support of my friends and family. 

 Here is a picture of my sweet husband staying the night at the hospital. Doesn't he look comfy?

Nobody would take a picture of me so I did it myself the next morning. Wow! I look perrrrdy!

Everyday I am feeling a little bit stronger. I try and keep a positive attitude about everything. I have NO doubt in my mind that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me and cares for me. I have felt that through many prayers and by those around me. I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life to get me through times like these. I know we all go through our own individual trials and they come no matter how righteous we are living but I do know that we are made stronger because of our trials and I have already felt that in my own life. I see things more clearly of the eternal plan and I have seen the love of my Saviour through so many different people. As I woke up this morning and had time to think and reflect I am so thankful for every single blessing in my life. My incredible parents who have shown me how to be a true example of Jesus Christ, my brother & sisters who truly are my best friends. My extended family who love and care for me like their own sister or daughter. Jason's family who have always treated me like one of their own and caring for us. My wonderful girls in YW's and friends from far and near who brought food, cards, flowers, phone calls and who knew just what to say. I am grateful for the roof over our head, food on our table and the freedom that we enjoy.  I am grateful for my sweet husband who was there by my side and for his love and concern. Through this process it has made us even closer and there are no words to express how grateful I am to have met him and have him in my life. He brings me so much joy and can not imagine my life with anyone else. I waited a long time to find him and some may think of that as a trial but in the end the Lord knew exactly who I was to marry and that so called trial turned into the greatest blessing.

My mother sent me this quote from Elder Scott which I love and it has really made me reflect on how to live my life.

"Just when all seems to be going right,challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain."

I love my Savior with all my heart and I know he has a plan and purpose for me. I can not imagine my life not knowing that my Savior died for me and that through him anything is possible.
Jason and I are doing great. Once I am feeling strong and healthy again we will keep trying to be parents. I still have one fallopian tube so the doctors have a positive attitude that we will be able to get pregnant again. As things get though in life I hope to always remember where and who I was and now who I have become because of the growth through this trial.

Troy and Andrea's kiddos

One family home evening we spent with Troy and Andrea's family. We went sledding and then went to McDonalds after. It was a fun night to spend with them and their sweet kids. I love each of them so much. 

 Lesha had a dance recital that I went to. I only got a picture of her after she had already changed. It was so cute to see her dance around in her cute tutu. Love that sweet girl and love little Nixon. He is always so happy and such a good baby.

Oh YEAH BABY - GOURLIE!!!

January 18th, 2011 - Today I found out that I was going to be a mother!!! I had been feeling a little bit different lately with soreness and crapping in my stomach. Different crapping than the usually monthly crapping. I still had my doubts though. Jason and I have been trying to have a baby for almost 2 years now. We have done many tests and blood work over the past 2 years and everything seemed to be normal. I was referred to a specialist, Dr. Malach. He is a soft spoken kind man but with witty personality at the same time. I had some more blood work done and  had a hysterosalpingogram also know as a dye test. Here is the definition of the procedure...  Dr will inject a special dye, known as a radio graphic contrast dye, which will give the specialist a better view of your uterus and ... the quality of your fallopian tubes; whether they are open or blocked. ... It is thought that the dye may help to resolve a partial blockage.

Well that was done and Dr. Malach said everything looked fine and he did not see anything blocked in my fallopian tube. OK - Great!!! But now what?

Dr. Malach then put me on a fertility drug called clomid. This is suppose to help me ovulate more. 

5weeks later I found out that it worked and that BABY GOURLIE will be arriving in September.

I was at the dollar store and decided to splurge and buy a pregnancy test. I was only a few days late but I was just too curious. I went from the dollar store to my parents rental to show it to some potential renters. I was there a few minutes early so I decided to do the test there. I did the test and then left the room to go turn on the lights in the basement suite. When I came back to the bathroom I was in shock. I kept looking at the stick and wondering if the 2 lines were real. I have done many tests over the past couple years and every time it was negative. This time there were two lines and that meant I was pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!! I still had my doubts so I went to the drugstore and bought 2 more tests. Both of them came up +. That night I had YW's and was in another world. I was PREGNANT and nobody knew but me. I wanted to call Jason right away but I also wanted to keep it from him so I could do something cute to tell him that he was going to be a daddy.
That night while talking in bed I really just wanted to tell him but I kept it in. The following day I had Lucy staying overnight at our house. I had an appointment that morning and then after that Lucy and I went down to Sportchek to buy a baby Flames Jersey. I came home, wrapped it up and then when Jason came home for lunch I gave him the jersey with the + pregnancy test. I think he was in shock but by the end of the short video he seemed excited.

We have waited a long time and it has really strengthened our marriage. We have relied on each other a lot more and have been supportive. He has been great over the past few years. There were days that I was sad that I wasn't pregnant and Jason would bring me home flowers or he just knew when I needed a hug. I feel so blessed to have Jason in my life.


Its hard not to think about all the ``What if`s" between now and when the baby is born. I feel healthy and I am feeling good so far with the pregnancy. Hopefully everything goes smoothly from here on out. Here are a few pictures of me surprising Jason 

 Here is the link of the video I took of how Jason (and Lucy) found out I was pregnant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gC9EWeIujk&feature=youtu.be

To all a good night 2011

This year we spent most of Christmas with Jason's mom and family. We spent a few days before Christmas and then boxing day with Jason's mom. We had such a great time together and it was so nice to relax. Christmas Eve, as tradition for Jason, we went to see a movie then after the movie we went to Jason's Aunt Sara's and Uncle John's for the evening. We had appetizers all evening, did some Skyping with Jason's grandparents, Aunt Cheryl, Uncle Dave & Aunt Charmane and of course we saw Uncle Ralph. We also played the Wii with Robin and Casey. It was a fun night. Here are a couple pictures of the evening.


I hope Jason and I are still in love like his Nana and Papa after so many years of marriage. They are so cute together. This is us on Skype with them.

Not the greatest picture quality from my phone.

That night Jason and I exchanged PJ's before bed. This is a tradition my family has done throughout my life and that Jason and I are going to carry out with our own family.

Yes we have matching PJ's and I love it.

Christmas landed on Sunday this year so after we opened up Santa gifts we headed off to church for Sacrament meeting. I woke up Christmas morning with one of the biggest cold sores I've ever had. Not a fun Christmas for me but I still made the most of it. So if you see white medicine on my lip just remember it is not toothpaste.

Present from my Mom/Dad to Jason and I

Since my mom and dad are on a mission in California this year we did not get to see them. Christmas felt strange without them but they are off doing the Lords work. We skyped with them Christmas morning and watched me open their gift to us. It was a gift to both Jason and I - actually lets be honest..... the camera was for ME! We love you Mom and Dad and we will see you in a few months. Next Christmas we will create more family memories. Love you both and thank you for being a great example of sacrifice. We know you wanted to be home for Christmas but the people you are serving in California already appreciate  your love and support.

Good Morning Babe

I was not very happy with that huge cold sore on my lip. At this point I was in a lot of pain and discomfort - hence the no SMILE on my face.

After church we came home and had Morning Wifesaver for breakfast. This is another tradition that Jason and his mom have every Christmas morning.

Now breakfast is finished and it is now present time. Everyone was blessed with a lot this year. So many fun things. Here are a few pictures of some of the gift we received.

Tire covers

Leather Jacket - I LOVE IT

Jason got a lot of new clothes this year

VCR/DVD recorder  - Merry Christmas

The scarf in my hair was made by Jason when he was a young boy. 
I didn't know my husband was so metro :)

This was Jason's gift from me. I wrapped his small Garmin Golf Watch in 7 different boxes. I think on the 4th shoe box it was evident that I had bought a lot of shoes lately. 

Can you take a guess?

Almost there! You R HOT

Finally!!!

Best Picture of Christmas 2011

He had no idea what he was getting. AWESOME

Jason's mom gave me popcorn popper and supplies. YUMMY!

Jason got an air compressor from his mom. He has been wanting one for a long time.

 

Jason loves his M&M's

Jason's mom and I worked long and hard on this shower curtain. We had a lot of fun making it and I learned a lot. Isn't it so CUTE? I love it hung up in the bathroom.

Back in Lethbridge this is what Christmas looked like in our home. Lace and fabric Christmas ornament balls found their way to our tree this year. I am in LOVE with LACE these days. For the tree skirt this year I just used burlap.

 We came home Boxing Day. I had a showing appointment that afternoon and Jason had to work the next day. We spent an evening in Cardston and that was about it. It was weird not to have my parents home and spend time with my side of the family. One night we had Lucy sleep over. We sure love that girl. This is our home Christmas 2011.

Jason sure loves Lucy and she is warming up to Jason too. How cute is this? Jason even sacrificed and watched cartoons for a bit.

Miss Lucy

Lucy is so adorable. Enjoy the video but please disregard the garbage. We had just unwrapped all our Christmas presents and threw the garbage in a corner.

This is the picture that we had on our Christmas Card. Thank you Shannon Pratt for being a great friend and photographer to take our picture. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

Chilln in the DOME!!! Thank you LISA and RON

So this year Lisa/Ron had Jason and my name for Christmas gifts. For the last couple of years as a family we have talked about Christmas gifts being either items or gifts of time. This year Jason and I got both. Lisa and Ron gave us Detroit Red Wing T-shirts and tickets to the Flames/Detroit hockey game. Jason and I were so pumped. Lisa wrapped the gift really cute and had balloons fly out of the gift box as we opened the present. The tickets were attached to the helium balloons. If I knew what was going on I would have taken a picture of the cuteness.

Now to explain the whole DETROIT t-shirts.... ever since Ron has entered this family he has tried to pull each of us over to the evil side. Evil = Detroit hahaha. It was the perfect gift for Jason and I as we love a good hockey game and especially when there is some rivalry with siblings. Before the game we met Lisa and Ron for dinner and golf simulation. Neither Jason or I have done that before and it was a blast. To make Ron happy Jason and I wore our Red Wing shirts while golfing but on the way to the dome we slipped into the winning attire, the FLAMING C. 

Lisa was a natural

How cute are these two?

I think I got a hole in one on that shot ;)

Golfing was so much fun
 

THANK YOU Lisa and Ron for such a fun night. We love you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The game was awesome. Going into the third it was 3-0 for the flames. The Wings made a good effort by scoring 2 goals in the third to make it a close game. The flames held on with the win. 3-2!!!! Way to go FLAMES.

                                                                  GO FLAMES GO!!!