Our other baby

I just realized that I have not really mentioned our other child. No, it's not a human...it's our sweet little love bird. I am writing this mainly because I am procrastinating studying and I have missed blogging. This is something I'm trying to work at. Obviously I've not made much improvement.

A month after Shem and I were married, he felt like I needed a bird. Haha, HE felt this way. Shem had gotten a bird before we ever were engaged and I had begun believing he loved that bird more than me. We named him Doc and I loved him for the first 12 hours of getting him. He was a green quaker parrot and needed a new home where he'd get lots of love. I'm not sure what was wrong with that bird, but as soon as I left the house and left him alone with Shem, he began hating me. So from then on, I was afraid of Doc and couldn't understand WHY Shem loved him so much. Where am I getting at? Well, this is why Shem wanted to get a bird for me. So I would feel loved. HAha, and it worked.

Shem researched birds and wanted to get me a lovebird. I was getting really excited and demanded to have get one that looked just like Tweety. A yellow one, with peach cheeks. That's the classic lovebird. But we couldn't find any! Finally Shem found a little yellow one with green and blue feathers mixed in. Yep, we bought him. The moment I held him I was in love. He dove down into my shirt and got comfy right away. He's so precious. We named him Jax, although Shem refers to him as "peanut". We love him SO much because he's the best bird we've ever had.

Doc and Jax became good friends until the time we had to move. When we moved, we had to sell Doc because he was a larger bird. I'm telling you, I actually cried when we sold him. Even though he didn't like me, I knew he LOVED Shem and that Shem loved him. I was sad Shem wasn't going to have a little friend anymore. :( Wow, why am I writing about this?? Random.

Anyway, last night we were admiring our little Jax as he was inside Shem's shirt pocket. Isn't this adorable?! He just hangs out in there. He loves small warm places to cuddle down into. I love him! I have always been a dog person, but I sure do love these little creatures. :)

One, already?!!

Obviously, Maycee is one! Hooray!! She is the light of our lives and such a joy to be around. Her little spirit is captivating and she makes friends with everyone she meets. That sounds a little cheesy, but it's absolutely true. She is a special girl and I know she is going to be such a wonderful person as she grows and matures. Happy Birthday, one-year-old! We are excited to watch you walk, talk, and get more sass!

So, for her birthday, I sent out invitations...made a tutu...bought cupcakery items...and set my standards WAY too high for celebrating year one. Although my perfectionist expectations weren't met, we made some fun memories and discovered that Maycee does not really like cake.

First off, for the original day of her party, everyone on Shem's side was sick and could not make it. :( So my side of the family came and we had some delicious subs and cupcakes. Then...the next week, when the Wanlass side was in tip-top shape, Grandma Wanlass threw a party for Maycee. It was nice to celebrate the birthday seperate considering each family does things a little bit differently and things were less chaotic with a smaller crowd. I loved spending time with each side and thank everyone for their support! It was such a joy seeing Maycee react to all the fun around her! It wouldn't have been so fun without her family there to be in on the action. Love you all, Wanlass' and Couch's.

Good and bad news

I anticipated getting photos up, but it's close to impossible right now. Long story, no need to explain. BUT...I am here to say farewell for a while. I was recently admitted into the nursing program that I had been waiting on for nearly 2 years! I was blessed to recieve a spot due to another student dropping out this past week. I recieved the call last Wednesday to start the following Tuesday (yesterday). Jumping through all the hoops of getting registered, I made it to the first class as a legit enrolled nursing student! We had anticipated me starting school in fall, but this timing is just right. What an incredible and humbling experience this has been. I know I am a child of God and He knows me as an individual and He knows our family's needs. Although Shem and I are both full time, we are fortunate to have this opportunity while Maycee is still young. I already regret not taking time to document our lives over the last few months, now we'll be REALLY behind. I will attempt to post Maycee's birthday and then I'm done with posts. Yep, Maycee will be one in less than 3 weeks! We love all of you and wish you a happy spring! Goodbye for now.

Come What May and Love it

I was updating our recent post because it was wacking out on our blog. I just clicked on this "mormon message". I love it.

THANKSGIVING DAILY

A holiday thought

Seriously, this blog is turning into the "Andrea Wanlass" blog. I have family updates coming, but this is something that I am so eager to share with everyone who takes the time to read our blog.

Yesterday I had a very unique opportunity. All day I had been feeling extremely humbled and so close to my Heavenly Father. Life has been hitting our family so hard and it's beginning to be seen as a blessing, even in the midst of a GREAT trial. lots of prayer and softening of my heart has been taking place.

I had a photo shoot at 3:30 and had my mom watch Maycee. I love this little family I took pictures of, they were so sweet. It was so comforting to meet another family who has been experiencing the same things we have. The photoshoot ended early and I began heading home. Instead of taking the freeway, I decided to go up Main St. As I drove past the temple I felt impressed to walk on the grounds for a shot time, maybe take a few pictures. The moment I got out of my car and walked on the grounds, the most overwhelming feeling of peace filled me. I felt the spirit so strongly..so wonderful. I love that feeling on the grounds, it's a recurring feeling each time I visit. I took a few shots of the temple and decided to watch the Luke II video in the Visitor's Center. I was the only one who was in their along with a sister missionary. She was so kind and sweet toward me, we got along so well. As we talked after the video, she began sharing about a wonderful "mormon message" that she had just watched. I asked her about it and she said, "do you want to watch it?" I of course replied, YES! She turned it on and it was the EXACT thing that I had needed to hear. I am so thankful for Heavenly Father's hand in my life and for the ways he has blessed it. This message was a reminder of what I need to have on my mind daily.

During this holiday season, Shem and I both have felt how important it is to focus on the importance of Christmas. We do not have the means to give eachother gifts, so our gift this year is the gift of a love for one another and our Savior. Please watch and keep in mind the importance of Christ's birth and how it relates to this message; what His ultimate purpose was in coming to Earth. Enjoy.