FiNgErPrInTs

Fingreprints. Check.

Another part of Phase 2 complete.

This was my first time and adoption better be the only time I get my fingreprints done. :)

101 in 1001

I am going to complete 101 tasks in 1001 days (around 2.75 years) - some fun, some serious, some random. So why 101 in 1001? This allows me to accomplish tasks in a realistic time frame and I can do them over a few seasons. Where did I get this idea from? My old roommate's friend. I came upon it by accident and I couldn't get the idea out of my head. There is a website revolved around this idea with people all over the world doing this. I really wanted to do this, so I came up with my own list. That's right. My 1001 days begins...now. I wanted to share my list with you, because I will be blogging about each of my tasks and taking pictures of course. Let it begin!

1. Learn how to say "I love you" in 5 different languages
2. Identify 100 things that make me happy
3. Complete a coloring book
4. Learn how to sew
5. Crochet a baby blanket and burp cloth (around the edges)
6. Lose 20 pounds
7. Get mole(s) removed
8. Sew something when I've learned how
9. Make 5 crafts
10. Learn how to change a tire
11. Blog 1 painting a day for a month
12. Floss everyday for a month
13. Go on a picnic to Lake Creek Park (where we took our engagement pictures)
14. Go camping
15. Read 5 "classics" (I have picked them out)
16. Go geocaching
17. Go fishing. I have never been fishing.
18. No soda for 1 month
19. Read New Testament
20. Write a letter to myself to read when I'm 35
21. Send "Just Because" cards to 5 people
22. Watch 5 black and white movies (I have picked them out already).
23. [married eyes only]
24. No internet for 7 consecutive days
25. Breakfast in bed (even if I have to make it)
26. Bubble bath with candles
27. Make cupcakes and deliver them
28. Hike Hogback
29. Write in my journal once a week for 3 months
30. Go on 10 bike rides (not including Sunriver)
31. Update my bucket list
32. Go golfing
33. Go visiting teaching every month for a year
34. Read an autobiography of someone I have never heard of (I have picked this out)
35. Buy a dress
36. Eat raw vegetables/fruit for 7 consecutive days
37. No sweets for 1 month
38. Learn how to meditate properly
39. Meditate for 10 minutes a day for 7 consecutive days
40. Go to Black Friday sales
41. Go bowling
42. Visit Bear Creek Park (where I fell in love with Nic and where he proposed)
43. Go to the temple 7 times
44. Do a random act of kindness for different people for 7 consecutive days
45. Say nothing negative about myself for 7 consecutive days
46. Save all of my change during the 1001 days
47. Watch all of the Star Wars movies
48. Play/dance in the rain
49. Make a blanket fort and eat a meal in it
50. Go to a drive-in movie...if I can find one
51. Ask 3 people what their fav book is and read them
52. Write a list of 50 things I love about myself
53. Sing a duet with Nic in church
54. Wear very little make-up for 7 consecutive days: foundation, blush, mascara, perfect lip color (refer to #78)
55. Go shooting
56. Go on a Ferris Wheel
57. [married eyes only]
58. Think of 101 things to do
59. Take 1 picture everyday for a month
60. Go to Build-A-Bear and build a bear
61. Eat sticky rice for breakfast for 7 consecutive days
62. Kiss Nic under mistletoe
63. Win a stuffed animal from a claw machine
64. Learn how to tie a tie
65. Write down what induces anger for me and burn it
66. Try a new flavor of ice cream
67. $.05 slot machine
68. Play in the snow
69. Make fresh wheat bread without using a bread machine
70. Learn to play a song on the guitar
71. Take pictures of each task
72. Learn how to use chopsticks
73. Take pictures in a photo booth/kiosk
74. Complete the 200 sit-up challenge
75. Learn how to drive a stick shift
76. Buy something from an Etsy shop
77. Display a piece of art in my home
78. Find the perfect red lipstick shade
79. Buy a new piece of lingerie
80. Complete the 100 push-up challenge
81. Watch 5 musicals I've never seen (already picked out)
82. Answer "50 questions that will free your mind"
83. Go kayaking on the lake with my mom
84. Buy/use a store bought hair removal system
85. Swim a 500 in 15 minutes or less
86. Go on a walk for 5 consecutive Saturdays
87. Purchase old pieces of jewelry from Goodwill
88. Buy a piece of clothing from Goodwill that I will actually wear
89. Learn how to check and change the oil in my car - write it down - keep it in my car for future use
90. Measure for a bra and buy the appropriate size
91. Find a personally inspirational quote and make it into a piece of art or home decor
92. Leave post-it notes in 7 library books
93. Write 5 prompts in my journal use creative writing prompts
94. Participate in Operation Beautiful
95. Buy 5 children's books about adoption
96. Do a 500 piece puzzle - glue it together - display it in my home
97. Watch a baseball game at Keizer Stadium
98. Go to a midnight premier showing of a movie
99. Buy a case for my glasses
100. Adopt a baby (my personal fav)
101. Celebrate when I've completed 101 in 1001

There you have it. That's my whomping list. Seems like a lot at first, but it is spread out over 1001 days. Ending date: November 20, 2013.

I'm off to a great start. #58. DONE.

1.

PhAsE 1. dOnE.

Now that our New Year's letter has been up for awhile, I hope all of you (out there) have read it. If you haven't, Nic and I are headed down the 'adoption through LDS Family Services' road. I think it's time for an update on where we are in the process... There are 5 Phases to the online application with a variety of other documents that have to be mailed (i.e. infertility documentation, employment verification, birth certificates, marriage license, etc). We have completed and submitted Phase 1: reference letters. We had to choose 4 references that weren't family members and our bishop to write letters of reference for us. We are on to Phase 2, which I would say is the most "beastly" phase. There are a lot of "essay questions" that we have to fill out individually. This phase also asks about the physical characteristics of our parents and siblings among a myriad of other things. That's where we are as far as the application goes, but this hasn't stopped us accomplishing other things as we prepare for our little one. A couple weekends ago, we decided to set up the baby's room. For months now, we have had the crib, changing table/dresser and glider sitting out in our garage. When this furniture was sitting out in the garage, it felt as though having a baby was a dream. Something that was hard to reach. Now that the room is set up (mostly), it feels as though it's an attainable goal. Like a baby being placed in our home is in the future, not the so distant future that we can't see it anymore. It feels good to be progressing forward. Also recently, I have been checking out children's books about adoption. Nic and I always want to be open with our children about their adoption. The more we talk about it with them, even before they can understand, the more natural the adoption conversation is. I have read quite a few people questioning when they should bring up the big topic of adoption with their children. We have discussed it and decided that we always want to be open with our children. Always. So, the children's books. I have read so many cute books that I want to purchase to read to our kids. I don't know if you noticed one of my FB status' about "The Red Thread." I read such a cute book about the ancient Chinese saying about it: there is a red thread connecting us with those we are meant to be with (not the exact wording). I am just loving reading children's books. It gets me excited to read them to my children. I have also read them aloud to Nic - I think he would enjoy it more if I showed him the pictures. haha I also came across an idea that I've "tweaked" a bit. You can buy adoption memory books. $30 - $60. Too expensive in my opinion. So instead, we bought a nice journal from Ross. $5.99. You can't beat that. We want to document the adoption process for the child that is placed in our home for the first time. Write about the process, our feelings, pictures, plane tickets (if we fly to pick up our baby), anything and everything! We want to get a different journal for each child we adopt, that way they can read about our experience of how they came into our family. I just smile thinking about our kids reading about it. Learning more deeply about their parents. There is so much to write about! Yay. This is where we are at the beginning of February 2011.

nEw YeAr LeTtEr

Nic and Allison were planning on sending out a Christmas card and letter to their family, but the holidays always bring the hustle and bustle. Instead, they decided to do a review of this past year. 2010 has been an eventful year for the Phair family. It has brought new adventures and challenges. They look forward to 2011 for what it might bring to their family and their marriage.

Nic is continuing his work as an insurance agent for Klamath Insurance Center. He stays busy with his calling as Elders Quorum President in their ward. Allison is the primary chorister and has been for 2 years. They both are enjoying their callings. Most recently Allison was called to be the ward choir director and succeeded in her first Christmas sacrament meeting program. Nic and Allison also celebrated their 2 year anniversary on December 27. They can’t believe how the time has passed.

Time to rewind and take a step back into 2010. In March, Allison finished up her college degree in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Human Services at Oregon Institute of Technology and in June, received her diploma. June also marked the one year mark of Nic and Allison trying to conceive. This is where the real story begins.

Nic and Allison’s doctors decided to run tests to see why they were having issues conceiving. Routine male tests were done on Nic and doctors found a low sperm count. Nic and Allison were disappointed and saddened by this news, but life must go on. They wondered: why the low numbers? A tiny varicocele vein was found, but wasn’t big enough to cause the low numbers. They debated whether surgery was a good idea or not, but decided for Nic not to have the surgery.

The Phairs decided to visit a fertility specialist to see what their options were. The specialist stated that intrauterine insemination wasn’t an option because of the low numbers. Nic and Allison truly were devastated about this – it doesn’t mean they still couldn’t have spent the money on it, but decided against it because of their low chances. They walked away knowing that adoption and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) were their only options. Nic and Allison decided to look into IVF.

Research was done and they picked a hospital in Portland: Oregon Reproductive Medicine (ORM). More information about ORM and the process of IVF can be found here. ORM has really great test results for IVF. Although IVF was the most expensive option, Nic and Allison knew it would be worth it in the end. They knew their families would be behind them the whole way. Nic and Allison were set up with a very good doctor at ORM. Paperwork was filled out, appointments were made, trips back and forth to Portland were made, IVF teaching was done, and routine tests were done. Nic and Allison had hope and there was finally a light shining ahead.

Through routine female testing, their doctor found that Allison’s hormone levels and egg quality weren’t where they were supposed to be for her age of 23. The doctor said that her eggs were the quality of a 40 year old. All of their options were exhausted to try and make IVF work. However after more testing, their doctor said that the likelihood of conceiving with IVF was very slim. Their doctor was more then happy to proceed with IVF, but knew this was disappointing news to this couple wanting to start their family.

Despite the bad news, there was good news given to this little family. Allison got a job at Sky Lakes Medical Center as a discharge planner in October. This was great news for Nic and Allison and a definite blessing for their family.

Nic and Allison knew they had a big decision to make. Tears were shed as they knew it was becoming more difficult to start their family. Prayers were offered up; priesthood blessings were given; fasting was done. Nic and Allison received their answer: not to proceed with IVF. They decided to take a breather after many months of this emotionally and physically draining journey. They knew adoption was the next road to travel.

Allison realized she was having a hard time dealing with the news of not being able to bear children of her own; she decided to see a counselor. As hard as it was for Allison to admit, she knew this would benefit her greatly. She was right. She has been very grateful to her counselor for giving her different perspectives on what it means to be a woman and have a family. Allison has learned that she already has a family with Nic – Nic is her family. Despite her expectations of starting a family the “normal way,” she learned that it doesn’t make her any less of a woman.

December brought hope and enlightenment to the Phair family. A case manager from LDS Family Services visited with the Klamath Falls Stake President. Luckily for Nic and Allison, they have a close connection with the Stake President, and were able to meet with this case manager. They were extremely grateful to the Stake President for allowing them the opportunity to sit and discuss adoption with this case manager.

It was an hour and a half meeting, and so the adoption journey began for them. This is now where their story ends. Nic and Allison have started the adoption process and look forward to their journey in 2011. They are also creating an adoption blog. One of their friends is generously creating it and once it is done, you will be the first to know.

As they reflect on 2010, they are grateful for the trials they have been faced with. They would never wish these experiences on any family, but they wouldn’t trade their experiences for anything. Their experiences have brought them closer together as a couple and have strengthened their relationship with their Heavenly Father. There is a greater plan for this family. That’s what faith is all about – moving forward not knowing where this journey might lead you, but knowing that you’ll be a better person because of it. Nic and Allison have received so much strength and support from their families as they have traveled through this past year. They are grateful for the prayers that have been offered on their behalf. They hope you will take this journey with them wherever it may lead them. Nic and Allison pray and hope that 2011 will bring their family a blessing from heaven.

ChRiStMaS & tHeN sOmE

It's about time I finally post the end of 2010 (aka Christmas) and the beginning of 2011 (aka New Years). Christmas was spent with my family - my WHOLE ENTIRE family was in town. 21 people. Crazy. Fun. We started off the festivities with my mom's concert at RRT - such a talented woman, but I knew that.

Brother Ben, SIL Sharon, Hudson (all of the kids stayed home - he was the lucky one)

Sister Summer, BIL Josh

Brother Sam, SIL Nikki

Sister Dani and my dad

Me and Neeko

Nic's birthday falls around Christmas (December 22). I did the 12 days of Neeko. For 12 days, he had the privilege of listening to me sing "The 12 Days of Neeko" (same tune as "The 12 Days of Christmas) and opening a gift everyday. He got a bunch of different things, including breakfast in bed and a few gift certificates. For his actual b-day, we had dinner at my parents house, then me and all of the sibs went bowling. We had a blast!

The birthday boy and my crazy brother Sam

Look at that form! He should quit his day job. haha

The ladies: me, Nikki, Summer, Dani, Sharon

The men: Sam, Nic, Josh, Ben (my BIL Jefferson missed out)

Sweet pants

Christmas Eve day we saw Tangled. GREAT MOVIE. I highly recommend it. Nic and I then went to our own home and celebrated our own little Christmas.

Love.

There is quite the story behind these boots. I will save it for a different post.

Yay! A boring white dress shirt. He obviously was really excited.

So happy!

Ooo. Love the boots.

Lookin' good.

Nic even surprised me by taking me to Solar Nails to get my nails done. I had been asking for weeks to get them done, but was not expecting it at all. They can be pricey, but non the less. Such a sweet man. We spent the night at my parent's on Christmas Eve and hung out the rest of the day. I didn't take any other pics except for this one:

Good morning!

Santa Claus visited us and brought us everything we asked for. We had a very merry Christmas indeed. :)

In between Christmas and New Years, we celebrated our 2 year anniversary. It was spent at work. haha We to dinner and a movie. I didn't even take a picture. :( I can't believe it's already been 2 years. I love being married to my best friend.

New Years eve.

We are hott and we know it. :)

We went to Bull Mania. Love it every time. Another recommendation. Who wouldn't love bucking horses and bulls?

:)

Me and Summer

My amazing rentals. Love them.

Summer and Josh

3 pretty ladies (well at least 2 haha)

Woo! Terrifying.

3 MoNtH eVaL

I had my 3 month evaluation on January 3. I can't believe it's already been 3 months since I started working at Sky Lakes Medical Center! I was so nervous for this evaluation - I'm not sure why but I was. I sat down with my manager and the first thing she asks me is, "How do you think it's going"? I told her I think it's going well. (Does she agree? Disagree?) She agreed. :) She then showed me this list of responsibilities that pertain specifically to the "Discharge Planner" position - AKA me. We went through each responsibility (i.e. visiting the patient in a timely manner, charting in a timely manner, charting appropriately, etc). There were two columns: pass or follow-up. She had to put a check mark where she thought I was...I passed every item. No check marks for follow-up. :) She told me that she thinks I'm a good fit and glad that they hired me. :) I told her that I love this job and love the atmosphere and people I work with. She asked me if there was anything she could do better. Of course not. I really do like my manager. She's a great woman. The people I work with - social workers, RN, case managers, LPN - are great people. I learn something new everyday, if not multiple things. This job has taught me a lot about myself. It has taught me that I am a confident person and I shouldn't doubt my abilities. I do make a difference in lots of people's lives and I should give myself more credit. No day is ever the same working in the hospital. Some patients are a challenge, but it always turns out in the end. I love working with people. Today I even had a sweet old man kiss my hand and tell me I was a "good lookin' lady." This job truly is a blessing everyday.

ThAt'S a WrAp

I can't believe another year has come and gone. Wow. It's 2011! Craziness in a box. Nic and I have been so busy - Christmas, 2 year anniversary, work, more work, family time, and ringing in the new year. This year has definitely had its ups and downs like any year, but this past year has brought its challenges. Of course, the challenges have helped us grow individually and together. Our marriage is stronger and we are more grounded in each other. I'm grateful for the challenges that have been thrown our way. Some days I just want to give up and throw in the towel, but I'm grateful for family, home teachers and Nic. There are always people around us that are willing to love us and support us. Stay tuned for what the Phair family has been up to...