B-day Party!

My dear sweet hubby is throwing a Birthday Party for me! Yippee!!! I love parties! So yes, I did make the invitations (pictured above) at work last Friday while I was super bored. Joel wouldn't have done something cute like that. It probably would've been typed, but plain white & cut into little strips of paper with barely any information on it. He can be creative...but this is just my realm of things!

If I haven't seen you this week or didn't have time to drop an invite off at your place, PLEASE know that you're still wanted there. Come and have fun celebrating with us!!! I'm so excited...especially for the pinata! So here's the info (if you cannot make it out on the picture above):

Date: Saturday, March 6th

Time: 6:30 pm - whenever

Where: The Village Apt. Clubhouse

(call if you need directions)

It should be fun! We're going to have a pinata and play lots of games that we did at b-day parties when we were little tikes! Ex: bean-bag toss, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, bobbing for apples, etc.

We have invited a fair amount of people and I was planning on there being food and drinks. Yet since the number may be a bit higher than originally anticipated (which we're 100% okay with...so please still come) I probably cannot make treats enough for everyone. So if it isn't too awkward or weird...and you're willing... PLEASE bring a treat to share with everyone! I know, that's so lame..."here, come to my party. But, wait... would you mind bringing treats too?" I hate to do it, but I only have so much time and money. I don't want people to be hungry or thirsty as they're playing these intense games! haha!

So if you could or would, we'd be so grateful and that would be the best b-day gift (at least to me)! If you can bring something (and haven't already told me), please give me a call. Thanks...ya'll are the best!

I look forward to seeing you all there! I'm stoked!!!

Waiting & Wishing

After a long time of talking and debating, Joel and I have decided to share some news with all of you! And no, we are not pregnant, so you can go ahead and breathe now. This is something we’re skeptical about sharing with people, but we’re at the point where we feel that nothing bad can come from sharing this difficult and sometime uncomfortable news with our close friends and family. If anything there will be more people behind us supporting us and praying for us. So here it goes…

Joel and I got married August 8, 2008. Shortly after that I started to feel like I wanted children ASAP and not wait until we’re married for a year before trying. Joel was not thrilled with the idea because he didn’t feel ready, so I gave up on that for a few days. Then a couple weeks later I felt that anxious feeling again, so I brought it up to Joel and after much begging and pouting, Joel agreed to start trying after we’d been married for 9 months (May 2009). I decided I could handle that. But then a week or so later, I changed my mind, due to that same anxious feeling… I could NOT wait that long!

So I brought it up to Joel again. He was now getting frustrated with me and thinking I never wanted to wait a year before we thought about children. That didn’t sit well with me of course and my feelings were hurt, but still… I felt the need to start trying NOW! Joel being the sweet and giving man he is, agreed to start trying after 6 months of being married (February 2009). I decided that 6 months was better than 9 months and definitely better than a year, so I once again agreed to this and thought, “Ok, this is a fair compromise. I can, for sure, deal with that.”

You guessed it… A few weeks later, I again felt like 6 months was still too long to wait. I decided, through much internal struggle, that it was important enough to me that I should bring it up to Joel again. So, that is what I did… same thing happened as my previous attempts… Joel still wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but lowered it down to 3 months. I did NOT relent this time. I wanted to start trying now. So Joel gave in b/c lets face it, I’m way more bull-headed than he is and I wasn’t going to let go of it. Joel decided that if that’s what I wanted and that’s what would make me happy than that’s what we’d do… start trying to get pregnant. By now, it was mid-October 2008 (2-1/2 months after we got married).

From my previous comment stating we’re not pregnant, I’m sure you’ve added up that we have been trying to get pregnant for over 16 months now! It has definitely been the hardest thing we’ve faced as a couple so far. It is extremely difficult to want something so bad and not get it. Especially a thing so precious, divine and something you’re called upon to do “multiply and replenish the earth”! If you know me at all, you know how much I LOVE children and how I’ve only ever wanted to be a mom. But this is our trial right now and something we’re growing stronger from as a couple. And no worries… Joel does want children now and is even glad we started trying when we did.

To help us figure out what the issue is and why we’re unable to conceive, we started going to the doctor a month ago (we could’ve started going sooner, but we kept being hopeful, thinking “this month we’re going to get pregnant”).

I have had some blood work done and my ovaries and cervix checked and all seemed to be normal. I did have an appointment this Monday, March 1st to have a 21-day Progesterone test which measures the hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle. Well I got the results yesterday and my count was low so they have decided to put me one Clomid (the first treatment step for fertility). I will try this for a few months and repeat my Progesterone test April 7th to see if the Clomid is working. For more on Clomid, go here. Joel is supposed to get a semen analysis to rule him out as a factor to our fertility issues. Hopefully that takes place next week… poor guy!

We are hopeful and know that there is a child out there waiting to join our family! Whether we get to have our own children or whether we need to adopt to start our family, we look forward to becoming parents and giving that child(ren) all the love we have b/c there is a lot of it.

Looking back on this whole experience, I know that it was the Spirit prompting me to talk to Joel about trying to get pregnant earlier. At the time I even thought I was being greedy and just wanted a baby b/c that’s what I wanted, not necessarily b/c it was the right time for us. But I can say, without a doubt that is not true. Heavenly Father provides guidance, even if it’s through a whispering voice, of what we need to do. I know this struggle is happening at this time in our life and marriage for a reason, even if I’m unsure of what it may be. We look forward to the future and ask if you have any extra prayers to send them our way.

Also, I do not want anyone to ever feel like they cannot share there good news with us when they get pregnant! We're nothing but happy for people when they find that amazing news out. It is definitely difficult to hear, but we want to celebrate with you. We would never wish this struggle on anyone b/c it is not easy or fun to deal with. A special congratulation to all our friends who are expecting! We are immensely happy for each of you!

***P.S. – I hope this wasn’t an over share for any of you, especially as I talked about anatomy and certain tests.

ToDaY iS...mY 23rd BiRtHdAy!

On March 2, 1987 I, Brittany Anne Seria Skousen entered this world. Born in Hartford, Connecticut! But today, I am celebrating my 23rd Birthday!!! I know it is hard to believe I'm 23 years old...that is a scary thought! Time sure does fly by. The truth of the matter is (and I don't want to seem pessimistic) that today is just like any other day. I don't know what it is...well yes I do...but each year my b-day rolls around and I get a bit depressed b/c it usually is just like any day. It is because (and all of you are aware of this b/c I have been informing you that it's my b-day for about a month now) I get soooo excited about it and hyped up for the day, my specialy day...March 2nd!
I don't want you to think that I'm not happy it's my birthday or that nothing of importance has happened, but I needed to vent...and that is the end of my soapbox for the day!
> I AM HAPPY!
> I AM HEALTHY!
> I AM YOUNG!
> I HAVE A GREAT HUSBAND & FAMILY!!!
So, I do have lots of gifts this year in that I have so many wonderful friends and family members who have taken time out of their day to wish me the HAPPIEST birthday one can have!!! And I am so lucky to have so many friends who are doing small things for me and helping with treats for my b-day party on Saturday (yep...I'm 23 and I'm still having a b-day party)! Embrace it!!!
So I don't know what Joel has planned for my special day, I'm sure it's something that will put a smile on my face & make me appreciate and love him all the more! I am so lucky to have Joel as my ha-bub! Already today he made my heart sing, as well as make me realize I'm pouting over nothing & should stop being a baby about my b-day not being perfect (b/c let's face it...it was never going to be perfect b/c I am at work!) So I was complaining (through text) to Joel about how I feel liked I'm getting gipped on my b-day and that it's just like any normal day...nothing special. And he (the voice of reason and love) said... and ladies prepare to say AHHH... "This is the day that the love of my life came into the world! It is a grand day!" My heart melted and I was grinning from ear to ear!
So the day is getting better by the minute and I am EXCITED that today is my birthday! I love celebrations and holiday! I especially love birthdays, whether it's mine or someone else's, which is why I make such a big deal about March 2nd!
I just thought I'd add a few pictures of my previous birthdays up here at BYU-Idaho! I do have a great track record for having GREAT BIRTHDAYS!!! Usually they have fallen on "Mothers Weekend", so my mom, sister- Amanda, and my little brother- Derek have been there to celebrate with me a few times! Goodness... I am blessed! Well...here they are:

This is my 20th Birthday!!! My mom is directly behind me, so you cannot see her. But my mom and my dear friend, Veronica have always made my birthdays memorable and so much fun!

This is my dear friend and old roommate, Becca! She is now in our married ward, so we still get to spend lots of time together! Love you Bec!

 My 21st Birthday!!! This is obviously Joel dipping me...which I absolutely love! I do also love Joel's face in this picture! My friend Russell Jensen and I had a joint b-day party at the Pinnacle Security building. Yeah... we're pretty cool...only VIP allowed!

Left to Right: Becca, Amber, me & Olivia. I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!! As you can tell, Becca has rung in quite a few b-days with me. Her b-day is only 2 days before mine (but I'm older & have more wrinkles to show for it). haha!

 My beloved little brother, Derek James Seria!!! This is a tribute to you dear one! How I miss you! See you in 6-1/2 months! P.S. - He is making that face b/c I kept making him take pictures with me & he was sick of it. I think he just thought I was ruining he game with the older ladies!

Well, today is and WILL be great! Sorry no pictures from this birthday yet! I will post some at a later date!

Bet Ya Didn't Know...

A friend of mine did this and requested I do it as well. Here are a bunch of things about me. "I bEt Ya DiDn'T kNoW..."
> I hate pie!
> I have horrible road rage & yell at other drivers...yes I know they cannot hear me.
> I cannot stand people who have BAD "movie etiquette". There is nothing worse!
> I miss dressing up & wearing heels everyday...I don't feel like a woman anymore.
> I've only been to 3 concerts...1) Spice Girls, 2) Backstreet Boys, 3) Mae (Mae is good though)
> I cannot stomach being in dirty places. I cannot touch or eat anything if the environment isn't tidy. (ex- Big Juds...YUCK!)
> I get really boisterous when I play games.
> I get MaD when I lose at things!
> I HATE olives & HOT DOGS!!!
> I can dish it out...but I CANNOT take it! (most of the time)
> I LOVE to organize!...rooms, parties, etc.
> I am a bit controlling & bossy! (please...will you still be my friend?)
> I take up 3/4 of the bed, even though Joel is twice my size
> I want to have TWINS!!!
> I was very shy as a child! (I know...you cannot believe it)
> I do NOT see the need for lingerie
> I dance in dressing rooms...and always will!
> I sing as loud as I can in the car
> I never cook anymore (Joel is the chef)
> One day...I WILL get a boob job!
> I LOVE dancing...I think I could've been black in a previous life
> I eat as much as most men! Honestly...who orders salads anymore...bring on the carbs!
> I love the shows: Vampire Diaries, Greys Anatomy & The Bachelor (Jake BETTER pick Tenley)
> I live in sweats as soon as I get home from work!
> I wash my hair every other day!
> I act like I'm tough, but really my feelings get hurt easily
> I use to be a MEAN GIRL... luckily, I feel like I've changed!
> I cannot control my laughter when people fall & get hurt!
> It takes me a long time to say sorry! (sorry Joel)
> I talk in weird voices!
> I occasionally swear...its bad, I know! I don't know where it comes from...DAD!
> I make up my own songs! (I get it from my Papa)
> I shave my legs once a month...sometimes less!!! :/
> I drove a Plymouth Neon in high school which would stall out in the middle of intersections...and it was an AUTOMATIC!!!
> I dance around my apartment in my garments on a daily basis!
> I have all my kid names picked out & talk to Joel about them like they're in our family already
> I LOVE gossip magazines...I never buy them, I just read them as I go through the store
> I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT stand Miley Cyrus/ Hannah Montana!!! (my pinata for my b-day is a guitar w/ her face on it...boy will it be fun to break that)
> I got stuck in our washing machine when I was 3 YEARS OLD!!! (well my sister, Amanda got me stuck in it)
> I occasionally pick my nose in the comfort of my home! (don't act like you're grossed out...we all do it)
> I HATE cold = Idaho! (wait...that's no secret)
> I want to live in DALLAS, TEXAS FOREVER!!! (that's no secret either)
> Even though I want to live in TEXAS forever...I'm super excited to move to OHIO in 6-7 months!
> I can be quite LAZY at times!
> I'm kind of sad to leave Rexburg! It will be bitter sweet!
> I wish I could sing b/c I'd totally try out for American Idol
> I QUIT basketball to be a cheerleader...mistake!
> I might be slightly OCD...everything has its place
> I am a people pleaser!
> I toyed with Joel A LOT when we first met...luckily he still fell in love w/ me when I wised up!
> I distain working out...but now I'm seeing it's a necessary evil (gotta hit the gym before summer rolls around)
> I tore my ACL playing...ULTIMATE FRISBEE!
> If I am in a rush or concentrating on something...DO NOT talk to me b/c I will get frustrated & probably lash out a bit!
> I'm super self-conscious (even more than most girls)
> I want to be an Interior designer & photographer when I grow up :)
> I tried running away numerous times as a child...well I wanted to run away but was too scared & wanted the parentals to think I was gone. But really...I was hiding under my bed...inside my sleeping bag!
> I use to wear layers & layers of clothes as a child! (3 pairs of underwear, tights, socks, shorts, 2-3 shirts, etc.)
> I CANNOT watch scary movies, shows, or commercials b/c I WILL have nightmares forever!!!
> I use to wrap a PICKLE in a napkin & put it in my little purse when I was 3-4 years old! haha!
> My name is Brittany...and I'm AFRIAD of the DARK!!!

This was pretty fun to do. If you want to, please do one for yourself. I think they are way fun to read!

14 things i L-O-V-E about Y-O-U!

On Valentine's Day Joel and me each made a list of 14 things that we LOVE about each other. It was pretty fun for me to do, but I have a feeling Joel didn't really have as much fun participating. I think he ended up with a pretty good list, although it will expose too much of my quirkiness to those who don't know me as well. So, here is each of our lists we came up with.
14 Things I Love About Brittany (by: Joel)
1. I love your smile :)
2. I love it when you act goofy with me
3. I love it when you dance around
4. I love it when you talk about our future
5. I love it when you talk about our future kids and you tell me the names you have picked out
6. I love the way you apologize
7. I love the way you cuddle with me
8. I love to relax with you
9. I love it when you make me laugh, especially when you pretend to beat me up... but not when you tickle
10. I love to feel your soft skin
11. I love your compassion and that you put others before yourself
12. I love that you motivate me to be better than I am
13. I love your silly voices and made up words
14. I love that you love me!

14 Things I Love About Joel (by: Brittany)
1. I love how you let me take up 3/4 of the bed
2. I love how you will talk in weird voices with me
3. I love how you always tell me to drink more water b/c you're concerned about my health
4. I love how your face looks when you laugh from me tickling you ("asian eyes")
5. I love that you love to cook!
6. I love your willingness to do things around the house, even if you HATE it!
7. I love that you watch my "girly" TV shows & "chick flicks" with me (you're a true man)
8. I love that you get excited about new things you learn & that you want to teach/ share them with me
9. I love that you join me when I dance goofy around the apartment
10. I love that you're patient!!!
11. I love your smile! (It makes my heart melt)
12. I love how attractive you are! (tall, dark & handsome...lethal combo)
13. I love that you tuck me in bed each night before we go to sleep
14. I love the way you kiss!!! It's the ULTIMATE!

Valentine's Weekend

WARNING...LONG POST! It's worth it though!!! :)
This Valentines weekend Joel and I had a lot of fun! We were able to spend time with quite a few friends, which we love to do. I will give just a few highlights from each day. Our weekend went something like this:
Friday, Feb. 12th:
Our good friends Mark and Mallory Hanna had us over for dinner. It was delicious. Then we played NERTZ! I was not a fan from playing once before, but I love the game now! Thanks for changing my mind about it Mal. The Hannas also have an adorable little girl, Claire who I got to hold and get my baby fix. As always I handed Claire off to Joel b/c I love when he holds babies...it's so cute. Well, Claire vomited all on his arm and pants! haha! It wasn't a massive amount but enough to make him stink a bit. He was a trooper about it! We haven't had a chance to hang out with them in a while so it was so much fun to catch up. Thanks Hannas for a fun night!
Saturday, Feb. 13th:
This was our main Valentines celebration! Joel had to take a test that morning, so I bummed around the apartment like I do most every Saturday. Then we went and saw the movie "Valentine's Day". It was a cute movie, but it is one we could've definitely waited to see at the dollar theatre or on Redbox. We then went to our other good friend's house, Preston and Katie Lees. They have two little boys that Joel and I just adore, Everett (almost 5) and Lincoln (almost 2). Joel and I get the privilege of babysitting these cute boys. Preston and I work together for Okland. Anyway, Joel and I have wanted to make this Basil Butter Salmon recipe served with Ratatouille (it's a Tyler Florence recipe). So we went to the Lees house and cooked dinner together, played with the boys and chatted. We always have so much fun when we go to their house. Everett is what I imagine Joel was like as a little boy, due to their interests at that age. We had Martinellis, dessert, the whole sha-bang. Then once the boys went to bed the adults played ImagineIff and Ticket to Ride. I won none of the games, totally bummed about it! Well, below are some pictures of our night with the Lees Family.

Katie & Preston Lees

Everett pretending to be an animal (a normal occurrence)

haha! So I took this pic of Joel and Everett wanted to see the pic I took so I showed it to him. When I asked him who was in the picture, he said,"Joel's BOOTY!" I could NOT stop laughing!

Lincoln is HILARIOUS!!! He grabbed my boots while I was in the bathroom and just put them on. I was impressed b/c he has some mad skills, I mean look at that kid standing on that table all by himself. Impressive!

Sunday, Feb. 14th:
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! We started off the day going to a stake meeting at church where we had a special speaker. First our Stake President and Pres. Clarke (BYU-I President) spoke to us. Then Elder Quentin L. Cook and his wife spoke. It was amazing! What an honor to listen to Elder Cook first hand while a special message prepared just for us. I took so many notes and we're full of joy and all the new things we want to implement into our life, marriage and future family. I loved it!

After church we went to dinner at our friends, Cory and Becca Bowen (Bec and I were roomies for 2 years). Then we went to the lounge at our apartment complex and had treats and played lots of games.

Becca & Cory Bowen, Evan & Tiffany Nay, Mallory & Kam Wheeler

Joel & me, Cassandre & Andrew Briggs (Andrew, Joel & Kam all served in the same mission)

Well that was our fun-filled Valentines weekend. We didn't really do much for each other. Monday since Joel had school off and I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't go to work, we cleaned the apartment. Oh, something fun...I did the 14 Days of Valentines for Joel. Each day I got him a little gift with a card. It ranged from beef jerky, a game, a movie, back rub coupon, cast iron grill pan. He loved it! Since I did all that, I told him not to get me anything b/c I can enjoy the things I got him!

1.5 years down...

So yesterday, on February 8, 2010 Joel and I had our 1.5 year anniversary!!! It sure went by fast. Do you ever wonder where the time goes? I have been asking myself this question a lot lately. I just am amazed that I've been married to this wonderful man for that long! Now I know our parents, older siblings, etc. are thinking, "1.5 years, that's nothing. We've been married X number of years." But you all know that when you hit that mark you thought goodness, we're getting old...we've been married so long. I commend all of you on the number of years you've been married. Job well done! We are proud of our feat thus far.

Let me just tell you that everyone always told me the first few years of marriage are the hardest. All I can say to that is if this is suppose to be the hardest part of marriage (I think they're referring to getting used to living with one another, etc.)...then BRING IT ON!!! I cannot speak for Joel, but for me living with Joel is not difficult. We haven't had huge blowouts and life with Joel is pretty amazing! We love spending time with one another, always goof off and act silly and when there is a problem we're able to work through it with a fare about of ease (Joel is the voice of reason & I tend to take a while to cool down and say sorry). But really I welcome the future Joel and I will face together and love him more and more each day!

Yesterday to celebrate our 1.5 years as Mr. & Mrs. Skousen, Joel made a nice dinner and we had some good friends, Cory & Becca Bowen over. He made BBQ Ribs, mashed potatoes and homemade bread. It was delightful! Joel used the recipe from the Tyler Ultimate cookbook I got him for Christmas. Cory & Becca brought a yummy salad and made a cookie monster dessert (a Craigo's restaurant classic). While eating I had to watch the Bachelor (b/c I have a not-so-secret crush on Jake, plus he's from Dallas). Cory made fun of me and then he got hooked and didn't want to leave to do homework. Sucker!

Anyways, the point of this post is to say Joel and I made it through our first 1.5 years of marriage!!! We love eachother and are so blessed to be sealed to one another for eternity! We feel so grateful for the situation we're in right now and look forward to what the future brings.


This is one of the first pictures of us as husband and wife!

This is the most recent picture of us. (compliments of Maribeth)

Sidenote: I'm a horrible blogger. I love blogs and look and others blogs all day while I'm at work, but I never work on mine. It is a goal of mine to be better and I will really try to work on it. With all the time I spend admiring others, I should have the most amazing blog.