Let's Chat.

I really feel the need to post about this today. After a year of trying, my husband and I have sought help in trying to have a baby. We haven't been told that we are infertile, yet, and are in the testing phases of our journey. We ask for prayers that we can find the answers to our questions and support while we go through this difficult experience. There are days when I feel alone. There are days when I feel sad. I feel a myriad of emotions and I am ready to blog my feelings. I tried to keep in inside and it was wasn't working for me. I hope no one is offended by my thoughts. They are all honest.

Right now, I am simply charting my temperature every morning when waking up and anticipating two things. 1) ovulation or 2) a period. Last month I took a 10 day cycle of Provera and then got my first period since June. Oy. That hurt and was long and crampy, but I survived and was able to have my blood work and HSG test. My (amazing!) doctor said that all of my blood work came back normal, so nothing appears to be "wrong" with me, outside of not ovulating. TJ gets to have his test in early December so we'll see how his side of the baby making is working out. I'm sure he's fine though and I am the defective one in the baby-making department.

Let's talk about that HSG test. It wasn't as bad as I had expected to be. I took 800 milligrams of ibuprofen an hour before I left for the hospital and had started taking an antibiotic the day before the test so that I wouldn't cramp and die from infection. My husband and I arrived at the hospital about 15 minutes early so that I could get signed in. The x-ray tech was waiting for me, so I didn't have to wait that long. I was glad. I was also terrified out of my mind. I had been reading that Hysteriosalpingograms hurt like nobodies business. My own mother told me that she passed out after it! (Not to mention that's where she found out that she had 2 uteruses!) I was not feeling all that brave that day, but the x-ray tech was so nice to me that I feel calm. I changed out of my clothes into their gown. Then I waited. The doctor was late, but that was for the best so that I could calm down before she arrived.

When my ob/gyn arrived I felt calm and she told me to lie on a table and she did the test. (I will not post details of that here.) I was able to look at the screen and see my uterus and fallopian tubes and they looked normal. Also, I'm pretty sure that I am the only person in the world that thinks that fallopian tubes are pretty. THEY ARE! They are so swirly! I like them and I'm glad mine are not blocked.

After the test, I was asked to get off the table and then the cramping started. It wasn't really that bad, just a period cramp. Pain wise, I've had worse. Length wise, it didn't go away for about 30 minutes, but once it did, I was good for the rest of the day.

We arrived home after a quick stop for a snack (I was starving!) and then I took a quick nap and then we went out to dinner.

In all, it was a good day and I'm glad that I was able to have that test done and know that my plumbing looks good.

Hey everyone! :) I'm still here, just busy with all this driving and working business. Big things are in store for the Flinns this coming year and we are excited for all the possibilities that lie ahead.

TJ is doing well. He still works for his company answering calls from clients and financial advisors. He is lucky because he gets to work from home. He is the best husband in the world and I love him very much!

Jen is still working as well. It's not a glamorous job, but who thought that Wal-Mart would be. Actually, it has been a great job with some great people. I am blessed to still be teaching in Primary and I know I won't be released for a few more years. 7 to be exact. (Long story. Let's just say that I am very happy where I am in my calling and how much I love the kids I teach!)

Rubi is still our darling kitty. She is growing and being sweet. She loves cuddling with us and sitting on our arms, legs, or backs. Anywhere she can. She also enjoys sitting by the window and looking out at her perch. She is an absolute sweetheart and we love her very much. :)

I did it!

Today, after a year of preparing, I passed my driver's license test. I am free to drive all I want! :D :D :D I am so happy!

Woohoo!

My MacBook Pro is coming soon. I am beyond excited. When it arrives, I will for sure post pictures and other exciting things. :) WOOHOO!

30 Days. Take 2. Day 21

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

My parents are amazing. :D

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song

30 Days. Take 2. Day 20

day 20- someone you love

I know you are shocked to read this, but I love my husband. He is the sweetest, kindest, most wonderful and thoughtful husband in the whole world.



For the past two weeks, I've been sick. Very sick. Like, to the hospital to get blood drawn and 2000 mL of fluids put back in my body sick. I've been dehydrated, had breathing treatments (not my favorite), IVs, and other such pleasantries. I've seen doctor after doctor and all the while, my faithful husband has stood by my side (or hospital bed) the entire time. From ER visits, to the doctor's appointments, he has never left me to face any of this scariness alone and I am so thankful for him. He is the sweetest husband in the whole world and I am so happy that I have him to share in the good AND the bad times. He's truly amazing and I love him.

30 Days. Take 2. Day 19

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

Jen - what girl named Jennifer isn't called Jen?
Jenney Penney - my Uncle started calling me this because he thought it was hilarious when I was like five.
Mac - in college, my friend Krista (Che) started calling me this because I was madly in love with Mark from Blink 182.
Beautiful - my husband is sweet and calls me this often. :)

day 20- someone you love
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song

30 Days. Take 2. Day 18

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

Here's a list of some of the non-personal goals I have. Some goals and dreams are too personal for a blog.

1. To drive myself to work. Finally.
2. To cook every day for at least a month.
3. To finish my skirt project asap.
4. To go back to school. (Walmart has a good program that they offer with a nice tuition discount, but it is online...)
5. To be a good wife, sister, daughter and friend.
6. To be more grammatically correct. (Heh.)
7. To be supportive of those around me, even those that are different than myself.
8. To stop getting so sick!

Yeah, that's good for now. :)

30 Days. Take 2. Day 17

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why


Who would I like to switch lives with for one day? That's hard. I love my life! I think, though, that I'd switch with the Queen of England. Why? WHY NOT! Teas, parties, jewels, "appearances". That's the life.

Also, I'd like to see the Queen of England work at Walmart. Heh. That would be a site to see. ;)


day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you love
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song

30 Days. Take 2. Day 16

Another picture of yourself.

This was taken on Tuesday before the Red Sox game. I got soooo burnt at this game and that was even after I'd loaded up on the SPF 50 sunblock. Oh well.

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you love
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song

30 Days. Take 2. Day 15

Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 10 songs that play.

1. Rob Gardner, "Emma" from Joseph Smith the Prophet
2. Michelle Pfeiffer, "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore from Hairspray
3. Sufjan Stevens, "Put the Lights On the Tree" from Sufjan Stevens: Songs for Christmas
4. Sufjan Stevens, "John Wayne Gracy, Jr." from Illinoise
5. BYU Women's Chorus, "For Good" from Wondrous Love
6. BYU Young Ambassadors, "Join the Circus" from Broadway Rhythm (II)
7. Sufjan Stevens, "Come Though Fount of Every Blessing" from Sufjan Stevens: Songs for Christmas
8. Lisa Stokke & Siobhan McCarthy, "Slipping Through My Fingers" from Mamma Mia! (1999 Cast)
9. Aimee Allen, "Cooties" from Hairspray
10. Cherie Call, "Beautiful" from Remember the Promise, EFY 2006

Wow, I listen to a LOT of soundtracks. And, without question, Sufjan Christmas music is acceptable 24/7/365. Woo.

30 Days. Take 2. Day 14

A picture of you and your family.

I have the greatest family, ever.

30 Days. Take 2. Day 13

A letter to someone.

Dear BYU,

Sorry about your loss.

Here's the thing, and I know this may sound cruel, but you've been very annoying with this whole Jimmer thing. You need to learn how to respect your decent players without worshiping them. You didn't see UConn fans make all kinds of Ray Allen-isms back in the day or see rampant Maya Moore worship now. You need to learn how to respect, and look up to, your stand out players without putting them on ridiculous pedestals. It just makes you look like the NCAA novices you kind of are. And, since I'm a Red Sox fan and I can say this with experience, there's always next year. (Please, just do it right.)
Sincerely,
A BYU fan from UConn territory.

And PS, even though I am a true blue, rise and shout, Cougar fan, not even I thought they'd win past Florida. Sorry guys.

30 Days. Take 2. Day 12

Why you have a Blogger and how you heard about it.

I started this blog is 2005, after a bunch of 100 hour board writers had one. Ahh, I was so obsessed with the board back then. I started it because I realized, rightly so, that the Xanga I had kind stunk and I needed to step up the blog writing. I wish I could find my old Xanga, though, there were some seriously hilarious moments preserved there.

30 Days. Take 2. Day 11

Another picture of you and your friends.

Don't worry, I have plenty.

Leaving on a jet plane...

...and we know exactly when we'll be back again.


Well, as of 5:00 am Saturday morning, TJ and I will be on a plane to visit his brother and sister-in-law in the great state of Florida for Spring Training. I'm excited.

Look out Red Sox, here we come!

30 Days. Take 2. Day 10

Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad.

Happy: Anything. When I am in a good mood, I will listen to anything from Church music (loving Mindy Gledhill lately) to showtunes to NSync and *gulp* Miley Cyrus.

Sad: 'NSync - "I Need Love". Always. If you hear this song more than once on repeat, I am so not happy.

Bored: Showtunes. My current favorites are Wicked and The Secret Garden (Few things drum up excitement like Mandy Petinkin).

Hyped: NSync. Anything. "Just Got Paid" is a favorite...

Mad: The BYU Women's Chorus version of "Defying Gravity" by Wicked. LOVE it and it always makes me feel better.

30 Days. Take 2. Day 9

Something you are proud of from the last few days:

I am always proud of my husband and family. I love my job. I am constantly amazing by my wonderful friends.

I think that something I am proud of from the last few days was Jeepy Meagan's weight loss and how well she is doing. She is an inspiration to me and has made me want to do better and be healthier. It's a little tricky being on a low oxalate diet and not having access to a Curves but I know that if I try hard enough, maybe she can be just as proud of me as I am of her. She's worked really hard the past year and it shows.

I love you Jeepy Meagan and am so proud of all you've done and continue to do. Great job! <3

30 Days. Take 2. Day 8

Short term goals for this month and why.

Well, my short term goals for the rest of this month are very tedious and difficult. I'm just not sure I'll be able to do them. You see, my husband and I are going to Florida in 3 days and I'm just not sure I'll be able to complete these difficult and arduous goals.

Here are my current short term goals for the month.

• Have house completely clean before we go. (I only have to clean the shower and mop the floors! I did everything else on Tuesday.)
• Make sure our house sitter knows the ins and outs of our house before being left to the wolves (cat). (She's coming over tomorrow to learn everything. So that one is almost done.)
• Fly safely to Florida.
• Drive safely to Ft. Myers.
• Watch as many Red Sox games as possible.
• Sleep and rest a lot.
• Eat yummy, yet healthy, food.
• Exercise a little.
  
• Enjoy our quality time with family.
  

My life is so hard.

If you can't tell I'm being sarcastic, we have no business being friends. ;)

30 Days. Take 2. Day 7

A Picture of someone or something that has has the greatest impact on you.

(c) Liz Lemon Swindle - Prince of Peace

I Know that My Redeemer Lives
By: Samuel Medley

I know that my Redeemer lives!
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living head!

He lives triumphant from the grave;
He lives eternally to save;
He lives exalted, throned above;
He lives to rule his Church in love.

He lives to grant me rich supply;
He lives to guide me with his eye;
He lives to comfort me when faint;
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives to bless me with his love;
He lives to plead for me above;
He lives my hungry soul to feed;
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly friend;
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death;
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my savior, still the same;
What joy this blest assurance gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!

30 Days. Take 2. Day 6

A Favorite Superhero and Why

I don't have a "typical" superhero. I don't look up to Superman or She-Ra. Why would I look up to something imaginary when there are so many amazing REAL people in my life? Everywhere I go, I meet people. All kinds of people. And they always have a story about them. The trick is learning their story and finding out what makes them super and loving them for it.

So, to answer the question... My superhero is you.

For being yourself.
For working hard and loving others.
For being my friend.
For being the kind of person that can find out devastating news and be crying one minute and then lead the Primary children in music the next.
For rolling with the punches.
For loving others.
For being a good example.

Everyone (and I do mean everyone) has some quality that I look up to and admire. So, while you may not have a cape and fly, you are a hero to me. Because you are working hard and doing your best.

Love you!

30 Days. Take 2. Day 5

A picture of somewhere you've been.

Magen's Bay, St. Thomas USVI

My favorite place, outside of the US, to visit. We'll see how that changes when TJ and I go to Italy next year. :D

30 Days. Take 2. Day 4

A habit you wish you didn't have.

I wish I didn't give in to the tiredness that I have been struggling with lately.

So, in case you didn't know, I have a broken parathyroid. The doctors can't tell which of the four isn't performing well and so I have a build up of calcium in my blood and urine. (Gross, I know.) That extra calcium is reeking havoc on my body and most of the time I am exhausted, even after I have slept for 8-10 hours. There are other things going on, but they don't really affect my productivity. I really, really, really wish I could just get up and move on with my day, even though I feel like I've been run over by a truck. I'm really grateful that I have a great husband that helps me with chores and keeps me aware of what needs to be done so that I can work it out on my own body's schedule. For lent this year, I've decided to try to give up procrastination. ALL of my chores must be done by noon. Well, right now, it is 11:45 and I haven't even started yet. (Good thing I just have to sweep today!) I hope that I'll get better at this as time goes on and my body starts to cooperate!

30 Days, Take 2. Day 3.

A picture of you and your friends.

Well, I can't pick just one picture of me and my friends, that's like choosing your favorite child. So, here are some of my favorite pictures of some of my favorite people. Love you all!

30 Days, Take 2. Day 2.

The meaning behind your blog name.

My blog name is fairly simple.

BYU because I love BYU and had the best experience of my life growing up in the church in Provo. (I was baptized in 2001 and moved to Provo in 2002 and stayed there (more or less) until 2008 so I did grow up in the church in Provo.)

Skybluepink is a little more interesting. You see, when I was a kid, my parents would take me on "Sunday drives". We would turn the music up and roll down the windows and enjoy our special family time together. Whenever we would see a cool car, my mom would ask me what color I wanted my car to be and I would always respond, "Sky blue pink!" Eventually, it came around that I wanted a sky blue pink Corvette. (I don't anymore. My how age changes you.)

30 Days, Take 2. Day 1.

day 1- a recent picture and 15 interesting facts about yourself



1. This is the last picture that was taken of me on Christmas Day.
2. My new name rhymes.
3. I already have the room themes decided for when we have children. Boys = monkeys. Girls = polka dots.
4. This is the first time that my husband has heard of this room business. I think.
5. My hair is actually kind of wavy, but kind of not. I like that. I can decide if I’m going to have a curly hair day or not.
6. I really hate drinking water. But I do it because I don’t want to die.
7. I want a dog. Either a corgi or a Newfoundland. Hello, opposite sides of the doggie spectrum!
8. I want three children. All three names are picked out, we just have to wait for pregnancy and baby genders to announce them. Have I mentioned actually being pregnant, yet? Cause that part is important. ;)
9. I don’t know the password for our home voicemail. TJ does.
10. Or the code for our safe. I know I have one, I just don’t know what it is. Oops.
11. I like jelly filled donuts. I can’t shouldn’t eat them.
12. I am obsessed with monkeys. Seriously, it’s all I ever talk about. Ask TJ.
13. I sleep weird. Some nights I sleep with all the blankets in the world and others it is just me and my pjs.
14. My husband and I end all arguments by making the “pffts” noise. We try not to take things too seriously around here.
15. I have no porpoise.

day 2- the meaning behind your blog name

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

day 6- favorite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

day 13- a letter to someone

day 14- a picture of you and your family

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- another picture of yourself

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

day 20- someone you love

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

day 23- something you crave for a lot

day 24- your last five facebook status'

day 25- what I would find in your bag

day 26- what do you think about your friends

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?

day 29- in this past month, what have you learned

day 30- your favorite song

What do you expect, we don't have children yet...

Rubi is doing well. She's growing up (and out) and is healthy. And sweet. And cuddly.

However, yesterday was a very traumatic day for her. You see, Rubi had her first bath.

And she's a cat.

Obviously this did not go over well...


This is her after we towel dried her off and she was able to come back on the couch. (Please note my AWESOME purple Snuggie in the foreground and super sweet husband in the background.) Look at that face! I'm very glad that she doesn't get dirty often because giving her a bath was NOT something that I want to do again soon.

Today she seems to have forgiven me, although she is justifiably afraid of the bathroom. We'll see how long that lasts...