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Perfect Ending

2009-07-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that the last few weeks have been hard for Scott and I. I won't go into detail, but it was definately a dark couple of weeks. But, the greatest thing about all that is, this week was also such a great week as well! God is so GREAT! :)

This week started off with no grooming work for me, which we desperately needed! But, as God seems to work, last Sunday night I got a call for an appointment. I booked them that Monday. Then from that day on, I got calls almost everyday and was able to book myself full of grooming for everyday this past week, and into the this week! I'm always so amazed at how that happens. The thing for me this time, that I really believed before it happened, was that God would take care of us and that I didn't need to worry about no apopintments. Sure enough, God did take care of us! I know (head knowledge wise) that He will always take care of us. But to fully believe, understand it, and experience it is a whole other thing! It's such an awesome experience to fully trust in the Lord and put all you have in Him. So, as bad as the weeks have been lately, I can honestly say they were great as well! Isn't that just so awesome?!

Well, to carry on this Praise to God, I had a doctors' appointment on Friday morning. I'm 11 weeks right now and this was the apointment to hear the heartbeat. To refresh, I miscarried right around 12 weeks, so this was a VERY important, and nerve-racking, appointment! Anyway, I had my MIL come with me as moral support b/c Scott was at Store Manager Training in Chandler all week and could not get out of it. I needed to have someone there with me to either celebrate, or to cry with. Well, thankfully, we celebrated!!!!! :) It took some time for the Dr. to find the heartbeat, but once she did, it was so loud and clear you couldn't mistake it for anything else! It was such an awesome sound! I've always loved that first time that you hear the heartbeat, but after you have had a miscarriage, it's almost like hearing it for the very first time (no matter how many kids you already have)! Of course, my Dr. says (as soon as she hears the heartbeat) "Good news, you have a baby there. Bad news, it's another girl." Now hold on, we don't know that for sure! See, my FIL says we are having a boy. He has been able to guess every grandchild and has not been wrong yet! We won't know for sure until about 20 weeks. The Dr. was saying that based off how fast the heartbeat was. The theory is, the faster the heartbeat it's a girl, the slower one is a boy. Well, this one was beating in the 150's, so that is why she said that. I didn't say this to her at the time, but after she said that, I remember her saying that T was a boy. Well, T maybe a tomboy, but she is all girl as well. So, needless to say, we will see at 20 weeks whether papa is right or if the Dr. is right. My money (and my hope) is on Papa, but at the same time, I'm not going to be picky! :)

Last but not least, my wonderful hubby ended the weekend (well, almost since it was on Saturday) with replacing our kitchen faucet! For those of you who have been at my house for some extention of a stay know that my kitchen faucet was HORRIBLE!!!! First, you had to pretty much push the handle up to a high flow of water b/c if you didn't it would fall down and shut off. Well, if you pushed it all the way up, then it screamed this high pitched squeal at you the ENTIRE time you ran the water! It was aweful! We bought a new faucet a couple weeks ago, but between lack of time, no plumbers putty/tape, laziness and procrastination, it took him until Saturday to put it in. Well, it's in! It looks lovely, much better than the last one! It works great! And best of all, it doesn't scream at you when you turn on the water! It was a great way to end the weekend! :) The pictures are of the new faucet by the way. Isn't nice?

Well, that's about all I know. I hope that all of you had a great week and saw God moved in your lives one way or another. I hope you all have a great week this next week as well! Love you all! :)

Something New

2009-07-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I am going to start going back to work part time in 4 weeks from now. I have mixed feelings about this, but I think the good outweighs the bad. I will be grooming 2 days a week at my Veterinarian's office. I absolutely LOVE this vet and all the people that work there, so that makes going back to work ALOT easier! I also will be the only groomer, so I'm not having to worry about working (or even managing) in another shop with a ton of other women! :) Don't get me wrong, the vets' office is pretty much all women (there are a few men-2 of which are Doctors), but groomers are a rare and different breed altogether! That being said, I'm now starting to really look forward to getting out of the house and around adults 2 days out of the week.

I had to post these pictures though, b/c before I got the job I went over there a couple times to groom fro them so they could see how I work, how I groom, and how I deal with customers. Needless to say that all went well! LOL Anyway, one of the days that I was there I had to groom a Portuguese Water Dog. (This is the same breed of dog that our president owns now) These dogs are pretty difficult to do. More so b/c they have a specific cut, and b/c most owners of this breed of dog don't let just ANYONE groom their dog! So, when I find out that I had to groom one, I freaked out a little. I have NEVER groomed one of these dogs! So, the night before, I did my research online and thru the book that I had on grooming all the dog breeds. I went in the next day very prepared, nervous, but also a little excited as well! Well, all went well! The dog came in with the pattern already clipped in (she just hadn't been groomed in a few months), so I just had to follow the pattern pretty much. But, I did have to trim up the top of the head and everywhere that I had looked the night before really didn't say much about the head. Other than, trim just a little, don't let there be a distinction between the top of the head and where the ears start, and that the head still needs to be longer than the body! That is some direction, but when you get a dog with a "mop" on it's head, and an owner that grooms and shows her dogs, needless to say I was concerned I would do it wrong! Thankfully, when I brought the dog out to her "mom", she was THRILLED!!! She said I did a GREAT job on the head, and that the poofy hair on her body I trimmed up VERY nicely. She said she was impressed and happy with what I had done! Whew! :) I was so excited to get those comments. I had a great time grooming her and enjoyed the challenge, so I was really glad to get that feedback at the end!

So, I know that this isn't an exciting entry for most, but I just had to share my excitement! :) I start as a groomer at All-Star Animal Hospital on August 3rd, so for those of you in the area, please get the word out to those you know and send some business my way! :) I'm looking forward to getting the chance to groom some breeds that I haven't done ever, and some that I haven't done in awhile (since being at PetsMart). I hope that this will prove to be a productive business adventure on both my part and the vets'. I sure hope that I earn some good money too, as that was the major motive behind wanting to work these days as well! Oh yeah, the pictures at the top are before and after pictures of the dog. The pictures on the left are before and afters of the body (the before is on the top). The pictures on the right are the before and afters of the head (the before is on the top). The pictures are hard to tell, but trust me, there is a definite difference, especially in the head! :)

I am...

2009-05-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been meaning to put this on here for awhile, but I never seem to have enough time to sit down at the computer uninterupted for any amount of time. Today seems to be one of those days, so I'm taking advantage of it! ;o) This next entry is something I got from one of the ladies in my Bible Study. She actually got it from a friend of a friend on their blog. I loved it so much, I just had to share it. It will forever be on my mirror so I can look at it every day, many times a day. Here is goes:

I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My furture is secure. I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power. My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear. I will not be bought, compromised, detoured lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meaner in the maze of mediacrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up unitl I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus, I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.

Sping Cleaning

2009-05-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hello there! It's been awhile since I have written, but there has been much going on in my life since then. Since my latest blog, I'm please to announce that I am doing well. God definately met me in that place of sorrow and I'm truely thankful for that. There were lessons I definatley needed to learn, and as hard of a situation that was to go thru, I'm truely thankful that I did. I will say, though, as my would have been due date gets closer, the sadness creeps in a little more, but I know that thru God I can get through anything!

Okay, now that my update is done, I had to show you some of the things that I have been doing since that last entry. As most of you know, I'm not a huge cleaner, but every now and then, I get an urge to clean everything so thoroughly! So, that is what I have been doing. I started with the laundry room (which has been a mess since we moved in 3 years ago)! You can now see my dryer completely and you can see the shelve that is above the washer and dryer. It's amazing! ;) I then moved to my linen closet, which was starting to become so bad you could hardly open the door without something falling out. Now that looks so much better, but b/c it looks so nice, I have a hard time wanting to go in there and take stuff out b/c I'm afraid that I will make it all dirty again! LOL Crazy thought process, I know, but I can't help it. Anyway, the last things that I have been doing have taken awhile to accomplish just b/c I really couldn't get them done all in one day so they were spread out over weeks of time. First, the girls got a bunk bed. We bought it red, though (b/c it was a smoking deal), and since red isn't really anywhere in the girls' room, I had to paint it white. That was interesting and I will probably not ever do it again! But, it looks decent enough, and thanks to their Grandma and Grandpa, both of them got new bedspreads and such for their birthdays. To finish off their room, I put a bunch of Tatouge stuff on their walls. My friend used to sell this stuff and so she had a ton at her house that she just gave to me to use. I'm so thankful to her for that b/c without it, the rooms that I did would still not be done and after 3 years of living here, I was itching to have them completed! Anyway, this Tatouge stuff is like a rub on transfer to the wall. It's paint, though, so it doesn't peal off once it's on the wall. It will scratch just like paint and the only way to get rid of it is to paint over it. Everyone that looks at this stuff asks if I hand painted it. I WISH!!!! But, no I did not. So, that gives you an idea of how good this stuff looks. When I finished the girls bedroom, I moved to the nursery/play room. To make a long story a little shorter, I basically made the room look like a white picket fenced garden room. It's not too girly, though, (I don't think) and it basically makes looks like you are outside when you walk into the room. It turned out so much better than I imagined, I just love this room! The last thing I have just completed last week was putting this Tatouge stuff in the girls' bathroom. Their bathroom is themed with salt water fish, so that is what I put on the walls. My favorite part of the room is when you look in the mirror, towards the back wall of the shower. With the shower curtain closed, it looks like the fish are swimming off the shower curtain and onto the wall. It's very cool.

So, that is what I have been up to these past few months. I have more pictures then I posted here on my facebook account. You should check them out b/c I have a progression of the nursery/play room so you can see if from start to finish. It's pretty cool. Until next time. ;o)

Grieving and Healing

2008-12-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

It's funny how my last entry was titled "Saying Goodbye" b/c that seems fitting for this entry as well. Anyway, some of you know, but I feel like I need to write a little about this b/c I need to get my feelings out, so here it goes. Last week, I had a miscarriage. This is EXTREMELY devastating and I don't wish this on anyone! I know some of you have been thru this, and before now, I never knew what to say. Now knowing what you went thru, I'm soooo sorry and I wish that I could have been more of a support for you. I also am sorry for any of the ignorant things that I may have said b/c of not knowing what you were going thru. Not to be mean, but those people that have no idea what this is like don't need to really say anything (except maybe "I'm sorry."). I haven't had a ton of people say this, but I really hate hearing "Don't worry, you can just have another one" or "Well, at least you have 2 kids already". These statements are true, but really not the point at this time! I know that everyone means well, but to me at least, these statements just hurt more. I know that I was only 12 weeks and so the baby wasn't even big enough for me to feel yet, but I already "felt" that baby and loved that baby, and really already was holding and playing and looking at the baby (in my dreams). I'm grieving a loss of a child and having 2 already and having the option of having more doesn't really play into this equation at this time.

I also opted to have a D & C done as well. I've talked to some of you and some have had it, some have done it naturally, and some have done both. At first, I thought about just letting my body pass it naturally b/c I really didn't want to spend the money (nor did I really want to have a surgery), but later on that day that I found out, I decided on just getting the physical part of the healing process done and over with. As I just said above, I heard all sides of this option from my friends and family that have gone thru this. Most were on the side of the D & C, but the stories were enough to worry me a bit. But, I still went thru it. I will say one thing, on a positive note, the drugs they give you to knock you out really are the "good stuff" (as my MIL says)! :) Anyway, according to my doctor, it was a really good decision that I made to have the surgery when I did b/c if I tried to do it on my own, I would have surely ended up in the hospital. So, I guess in the long run, it was the right thing. So far, physically, I'm healing well. I really haven't had bad cramping or any of the other unpleasant things that go along with the recovery. Emotionally, though, well that's another story.

It's ironic b/c this all started to show last Sunday. At church that day, we had a special guest speaker that was talking about loss and the grieving and healing process. Truly, until now, I really couldn't fully understand what he was talking about b/c I have never lost something (besides my animals - which don't get me wrong I'm close with my animals and am very said when I've lost the ones I have) so dear to me. Without going into detail, he and his wife lost there son a year ago and his sermon circled around that the whole time. Anyway, so I get home and I notice that this is happening and now it's all a little too ironic and weird for me. In his sermon, he talked about how he was upset and even though he knew there was a reason, and that God loved him and was there for him, he still had a hard time praying b/c he was upset, sad, confused, etc... While I appreciated the real emotion and can understand (to a point) where he was coming from, I still didn't really know where he was coming from. Well, now I can honestly say that I do. I truly don't know what to say to God. I don't really want to pray b/c I'm upset. I know that God has a reason for why this happened. I know that He loves me and that things will work out. I know these things, but my heart hurts and really doesn't know what to say. I guess that only thing that I know is good is that God still loves me and He is there for me, even when I don't know what to say and even when I'm upset and hurting! God is GREAT and I do LOVE Him! I just have so many questions...

So, as you can see, I'm struggling. But, I don't presume that to end anytime soon. I know that over time, it will get easier, but I'm not rushing it. I will say though, that I had a step in the healing direction today. I had dogs to groom today for the first time since this happened. I have been cooped up in the house for this whole last week (on my accord) so to have people come over and for me to get back into my normal routine for awhile was really nice. I really love to groom, and today I really felt that. I was relaxed and encouraged today by that milestone. I know it sounds silly, but for me, animals are such a big part of my life, and I swear by their healing powers that they have. As little and silly as it may be to some people, though, it was still a great step in the right direction. Along with the grooming this morning, this (me writing this), is also great step in healing for me. I haven't talked to many people outside my little circle. I did, however, talk to a friend the other day that I actually was able to encourage b/c she had been thru the EXACT same thing and didn't have as many answers as I already did from my doctor. That made me feel good that even when I feel awful, I was able to help someone else. That is why I decided to post my feelings about what I'm going thru. I know that I'm not the only one that is, or has, gone thru this. But, I didn't really know how many people I knew that had been thru this until I said something. I hope that thru my grieve and healing that I may be able to at least be there to help someone else, even if just to let them know that they are not alone and what they are feeling isn't wrong. Thanks for listening/reading and thank you for the prayers and thoughts. I love you all.

Goodbye my little one. I love you so much.......

Saying Goodbye

2008-11-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

Last night was an interesting night. S, the girls, and I went to celebrate the final Summit service last night. For those of you who don't know, The Summit was the church S and I went to before we came to the church we are at now. When we left The Summit, we knew it was the right time for us and there were some negative things going on then that we didn't want to be a part of anymore. It was hard to leave some of our friends behind, but we knew what God was wanting us to do. Actually, to be completely honest, we went back to visit one time (after we left) b/c someone came back to visit, and it was awful! I felt so out of place, uncomfortable, and just knew that we had made the right decision. Well, about a month ago, the news came down that The Summit decided to disband honorably. Of course, there was some turmoil with all of this, so they decided it would be good to invite everyone that has ever been to The Summit to come back and celebrate what The Summit meant for them. When I heard about this, part of me was sad to hear that it went down like that, but the other part of me felt like this was going to happen. I know that sounds mean, but I'm just being honest. Anyway, S and I decided that we would go b/c it would be good to see everyone again.

Well, last night was the night. Heath Bottomly came back and lead worship, which was wonderful. It truly felt like the beginning times of The Summit. It started to bring back such great memories of S and I dating, my SIL and BIL going to church with us, and the friendships and "family" that we had made there. Of course, this was a service of sharing, so tons of people got up and shared what The Summit meant to them. At first, people talked about the funny stuff, but then started in some of the great memories that would make you sad b/c they aren't there anymore. :( That was the hard, and surprising, part of the night for me. Like I said earlier, I knew that we were to leave The Summit, and I haven't looked back since, but after hearing Heath play and sing, and some of my friends get up and talk about the things that meant so much to them, I actually cried. I was actually crying tears of sadness. Even S was surprised at my reaction. It was definitely a weird night, but such a great night at the same time.

It's sad to see that The Summit no longer is in existence as a church building, but I must say, The Summit lives in all of us who went there. All of us have some good memories and some great stories to tell. God was moving in The Summit at one point and now it is our job to continue moving where God wants us to go. The Summit will live on in all of our hearts, and I just pray that the good part of The Summit (the part of building relationships and lasting family-like friendships) continues to move forward into other churches. I can tell you that is something I realized I feel is missing at my church now. Don't get me wrong, I love our church, but last night made me realize that even thru the bad, we really had some great friends and relationships at The Summit. Part of me feels that we are not quite there with that at Westgate. I know that some, if not most, of that has to do with me, so that is what I'm praying God works on me with.

Well, I just lost all thought in my head now, so I better get going. I actually need to get ready to go b/c I'm taking Diesel up to Dewey, AZ today with my best friend and her dogs to go herding some sheep! Diesel loves it and I'm so excited! :) So, I best be getting everything ready for that. If some of you reading have ever gone to The Summit and you wish to share your experiences, I would love to hear them. :)

Dr. Appointment

2008-11-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

So, we had our second Dr.'s appointment today. As most of you know, the first few are nothing really, but this one was exciting b/c we got to hear the heartbeat for the first time! :) At first, my doctor had a hard time finding it, but finally she did and we were able to hear it loud and clear! That was just music to my ears b/c I was starting to get a little nervous. She also said (which she has never said before) that she thinks that it may be a boy this time. I know that is all depends on who you talk to b/c some say a fast heartbeat is a boy and some say a slow one is, but S and I don't care! S, especially, is holding on to that thought until we know for sure (which should be sometime in January). Of course, S's dad swears it's going to be a girl (and he has not been wrong yet-with 7 grandchildren so far) so we will all have to wait and see! :) So, that's the update so far. I'm 10 weeks and 4 days, so almost out of the first trimester! :) YEAH!!!! This pregnacy seems to take forever this time! LOL :)

Halloween Pics

2008-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry these are so late getting out. I had a few minutes and wanted to share them FINALLY! As you can see, I didn't get much of the girls riding on Diesel, but the one where he is pulling some kids, that was when we were at Scott's store and gave carts rides to kids for free! Diesel was VERY good and enjoyed himself as much as the girls. :)

Baby News

2008-10-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

So I had my first doctor's appointment today. Nothing much to report with these appointments in the beginning b/c there is not much done. But, I did at least get a estimated due date and how far along I am at this point. My due date is June 15th, 2009 and I'm 7 weeks and 2 days pregnant. June 15th seems so far away!!!! :( Since I'm only 7 weeks, it was just a tad too early to hear the baby's heartbeat (even though it's already beating), so I will go back in 3 weeks. by then I will be 10 weeks and should be able to hear the heartbeat with no problem. The girls were so excited to be able to come to the appointment with Scott and I. Jordan is especially excited! I think the only reason Tatum is excited at this point is b/c she knows, and sees, Jordan react the way she does. Anyway, just wanted to update everyone on the doctors appointment. Even though we didn't hear the heartbeat today, going to the doctors' makes things a little more real to me. Oh yeah, the best part, I weighed less at the doctor's office then I did at the gym or at my mother-in-laws house!!! YEAH!!!!! To be exact, I was 4 pounds lighter than what my MIL's scale says and 2 pounds lighter than the gym. That was the best part of today! :) Well, off to worship practice. I will write sometime this weekend and have pictures from Halloween. Just to give a hint, Diesel is part of the girls costumes this year! ;)

Reflection

2008-10-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

I was looking at my past posts the other day and loving every moment of what I wrote. I loved reading all about Hawaii and the fun horseback rides, along with the hula dancing that S did! It was like bringing me back to when we were there.

At the same time, though, I came across some of the entries that I wrote about the Bible Study I was doing on David, and the one we were doing at church. To me, I heard such passion and such excitement in what I wrote! It was so wonderful! Although, at the same time, I was discouraged. I can honestly say that I'm not in the same place. I wish I was, but I feel like I'm in a hole and can't get out. I've noticed that I'm not as excited to be in God's Word as I was then, and have difficulty keeping with it. I also haven't been journaling at all! Of course, then along with this stuff and not being connected to God as close as I would like to be, made me very questionable about the Bible Study we are doing now at church. Well, after a good talk with one of my friends, and after Bible Study last night, I think I have hit a turning spot in the road.

I think, well I actually know, that I was letting all the little things of this world get to me more than it should. I was trying to do things myself and not just surrender them to Christ. It all came to me last night as we were doing the Bible Study. We are studying Philippians and we are going thru each verse and pulling out observations and getting to the meaning of the text. At first, I was looking at it like homework and a class in school, but last night I realized that I'm just stubborn! I know what most of you are thinking... "You, stubborn? No not you! LOL " Yes, I know, I'm very stubborn. :) Anyway, we were talking about how Paul was confident in Christ and spreading the Good News. He was in jail and chained up, but still held strong to preaching the Word of God. He also talked about the positives to living and dieing and how he would continue to do God's work either way. He of course, would have been very content dieing and being with Christ, but knew that for the moment it was better for him to be alive. He was so confident, so determined, so in love with Christ that he would preach the Word wherever he was. Something about that determination and desire reached out and grabbed me last night. I now am feeling the desire and passion that I had awhile ago. I want to read, I want to journal, and now, I have a much better outlook on our Bible Study.

I would like to ask for some prayer, though. I still feel like I'm on the edge and could go back anytime. The stresses of today's economy weigh heavily on S and I, especially now with the next little one coming along. I pray that even though my head knows that God is in control, I need to just give it up to Him, let Him take care of me and my family, and concentrate on Him and what He wants me to do and has in store for me. My God is an awesome God and He is in control!!!!

sorry

2008-10-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post the website for the Prayer Child Foundation. Here you go: prayerchild.org Thanks again for taking a look! :)

Updates and new news

2008-10-11T19:02:00.001-07:00

Wow! I can't believe that it's been 10 months since I last wrote. Scary, I know! Anyways, I wanted to update on my last blog first. Kapri is doing wonderfully! I'm so happy to see her doing so well! Her cancerous lump that is on her side has grown, but she has gained most of all her weight back and she is just as perky as ever. She gets so excited to go for walks, and tonight, I was playing with both her and Diesel outside since it was so nice, and she was doing laps in the backyard. I swear she did at least a dozen laps before she decided to play tug with Diesel! YEAH! :)

I believe that was all the updates that I had, so now onto the new news! I'm pregnant again! :) I know, some of you are probably wondering when that changed as Scott (especially him) and I have been saying no for sometime. The truth is, I have been going back and forth on the issue ever since T was almost 2 years old. This summer, though, Scott decided that it wouldn't be so bad to try for one more, hoping for that boy. Of course, we know that God has already decided what we will have, and we will be truly blessed with whatever we have, but we are both secretly praying for a boy. Okay, maybe not so secretly, but still. LOL :) Since I got so big the last time with Tatum, I'm still working out at the gym (my doctor says it's okay), and I'm hoping not to gain any (or at least not much at all) in the first three months. I ended up gaining some of my weight back over the summer with vacations and swim lessons keeping me away from the gym consistently, so I really don't need to gain any weight right away. Obviously, as the baby grows, I will gain some I'm sure, I just want to keep as close of an eye on my weight and health as I can!

Since it's been awhile, I guess I will catch you all up on what I'm doing as well. Most of you know that I am selling Gold Canyon Candles. I absolutely love selling the candles and I love having them in my home! LOL :) The business itself is going pretty well. My biggest motivator is that they have these candles that 100% of the sale goes to a foundation (founded by the founders/owners of Gold Canyon) called The Prayer Child Foundation. This foundation helps kids all over the country with something as little as allergies, to as big as surgeries, cancer, etc... As a demonstrator, I not only can help out families/children in need b/c of sickness and struggles by selling some candles, but I decided to take it a step further and donate some of my commissions to that as well! I also love the fact that anybody can help out this organization by buying the Candles for Kids line, donating themselves on the website, or by nominating someone that you know that is in help. I encourage you all to visit the website and help out if you are able. Not to put a sales pitch it here, but if you are interested in a candle, or want to nominate someone, please let me know. This is definitely where my heart is! I also do a little grooming in my garage ever since I quit to stay home with my kids. That is going well as well, but I must say, I'm so excited that the cooler weather is coming b/c the summer months are just pure torture! LOL :) The most recent change, besides being pregnant, is that I took on the church secretary/financial person about 5 months ago. I am able to work out of my home and basically do things at my own time that works for me. That is what works the best for me! This part of my life has been difficult to grasp as it's not as easy as it may seem, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of things. My biggest problem was organizing and setting myself a schedule since I have these 3 "jobs" on top of being a mom and a wife! It's still a work in progress, but I wouldn't change a thing. I like to be busy, and I like to feel like I am helping out in some way and making a difference in peoples lives. No matter how little it may be!

As I close for the night, I would like to ask for prayer, though. Nothing is wrong, but just with having these things going on in my life, and now being pregnant, my biggest struggle is being so tired. So, my prayer request would be that I just be able to get the things done that need to be done and not to over excert myself. I pray, also, that I don't feel guilty if I do sleep and don't get everything done that I was supposed to (in my plan) that day. I am very critical of myself in that way. Also, please pray for me as I continue to work out. I pray that I just listen to my body and not get so critical on myself when it comes to the weight eventually coming on. Thanks for all the prayers, I really do appreciate it.

Well, I think that is it for me tonight. I'm watching a friends child tonight and I think it is time to do some coloring with the girls. Something different since they are getting tired of what they have been doing for awhile. :)

Sad News

2008-01-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't blogged in awhile, and I apologize for that. This entry will be short, but it's very important to me. I will write about other things another day, but right now, I felt I needed to let everyone know about this. Kapri is not doing well. She is definitely slowing down and acting more her like her older self. She still seems happy to go for walks and get treats, and still likes to play a little, but she is more into sleeping in her bed or cuddling with me in my arms! Or course, I love cuddling with her, but it makes me sad as I know she is getting more sick as the days go on. For those of you who don't know, Kapri was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor in the beginning of December. Since she was diagnosed, she has lost a lot of weight (although, I've been able to bring that back up a little and she is now not gaining, but not losing either.) and just started to slow down more and more like I just talked about. Anyway, I took her to the vet today and the vet said that she believes that she has a tumor in her brain or somewhere else in her head. Basically, there is nothing that I can do for her but keep her comfortable until I know she is not anymore. That saddens me greatly!!! :( This is especially hard b/c I will be taking the girls with me up to Michigan to see my mom, step-dad, and brother for week, and I'm afraid that something will happen while I'm away. I'm sure in some ways, if it were, that would be better for me and the girls, but I would really like to be there to say good-bye, and (as silly as this might sound) I would like to be there for Diesel b/c I know that he will morn greatly for her as well!!!!! Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that this was the news that I got and this is how I'm feeling right now. I will write more about the girls and such another time.

Black Friday

2007-11-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

I was just wondering, does anyone know why they call the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday? I've never known and was just curious. Anyway, S and I decided that we were going to take part in that this year. Normally we only take part in the day after Christmas sales, but there were some really good ads this year that we just couldn't ignore! ;) We got up at about 4am this morning and went straight to Walmart to purchase a few items. Let me tell you, I found out that Walmart allows people to come in the store as early as midnight, but they don't allow anyone to purchase the sale items (from the ad) until 5am. One of the ladies watching the sale pallets said that people were there later this year and didn't start showing up to stand in line until a little before 3am. Personally, that is crazy! It was crazy enough getting up as early as I did and having to stand in line for 25 minutes. ;) Anyway, S went to the electronics department (which was apparently a mad house) and I went to the garden center to get an artificial tree for the family that we have adopted this year. S said when they allowed everyone to get what they wanted it was just crazy with people pushing and shoving and picking up multiples of the same items! My area wasn't as crazy, but mainly the people that were there weren't for tree or anything dealing with Christmas decorations. They were all there for either the Jeep 4x4 or the Barbie beetle. Once they said okay in my area, these huge boxes, that were stacked quite high on pallets, were just falling into peoples arms all over the place. I tell you, I'm glad that I wasn't one of the people that wanted one of those things! Over all, we actually were able to get out of Walmart in 30 minutes! That is extremely impressive being as that on a normal day of the year, it take just that long to get through the lines! :)

The next store we decided to go to was Target b/c they opened at 6am. When we got there, though, the line was wrapped around the building and we weren't really sure what we wanted to get there anyway, so we decided to go. We decided to go home and take the car seats out and put the seat down so we could go to Circuit City. We had bought a new TV over the Internet last night and we knew it would be there today, so we thought we would see if there was anything there that we would like to have or needed. ;) We got in there pretty easily, and got the items that we were interested in fairly quickly. Trying to pay for them was an entirely different story. It took us over 1 1/2 hours of standing in line before we were finally able to check out and go home! Frankly, that is just too long, and I don't care if it was a busy shopping day or not. That was ridiculous!!!! You know what I mean?

After that, S dropped my off at my MIL's house and we spent the rest of the morning, and into the afternoon, shopping at the mall! It was a good time spent with her as we don't get that many "just us" girl days, and I got some more great shopping deals (for me and others)! ;) My MIL and I had some great conversations and just had fun hanging out, so I really enjoyed the rest of my day. Who can complain about that? ;)

So, overall it was a great day. I wish S and I didn't have to stand in line that long, but that is the way things go sometimes. I'm not sure if I would get up that early again next year, but I probably will still go out and try to get some of the deals that are out there. I'm just soo tired now from waking up early to being on my feet all day that I'm not sure I want to go through that unless it's really worth it! ;)

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

2007-11-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

What are you thankful for this year? I must say that I'm extremely thankful for Christ Mercy and Love for me! I am nothing without Him! I'm also very thankful for the husband and children that He has chosen to bless me with (and all the wonderful family-blood related and extended) that are in my life!

So with that said, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends!

Blessings

2007-10-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write about this past weekend when S and I took the girls and the Jr. High Youth Group to Tolmachoff Farms for this fall holiday. If anyone didn't know, S and I are now the Jr. High leaders and we meet with them every Wednesday night. Anyway, they are such a blessing from God for S and I! They are such a wonderful group that is so excited to learn about Christ and to fellowship with not only their friends, but us as well. They have such exciting ideas and even want to do whatever then can to help the church and others around them. They really humble me b/c of the fire that they have for Christ! I'm always so amazed at the things that they come up with to do to help, but then also some of the answers that they have during Bible study! They are such an intelligent group, that for S and I, it really keeps us on our toes to be really studying the Word so as to not lead them astray. I just really felt the need to tell you all what a great group we have been blessed with and show you the fun we had at the farms. We will be meeting tonight as well, even though it's Halloween-their idea too! They are so excited to come over tonight and spend this time with each other, it makes me excited just to think about it. Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble about them. ;)

HAWAII

2007-10-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I know, finally is what you all are saying! It's been almost a month and I'm just now writing about our trip. Well, I'm sorry it took so long, but with coming home to my mom being here and then just the regular deals that go on throughout a day, I've been so busy I haven't even had time to sit down long enough, and uninterrupted, to write everything I wanted to.

Well, as you know Hawaii is absolutely gorgeous! There is no better place to go and relax! Over there, time has no meaning, and the days seem to go on forever! We were busy doing something everyday, but because of the calming surroundings and atmosphere, we could have taken a nap at any time and during some of the things that we were doing. It's just so amazing there.

We went to Kauai for a week. Well, actually, we were in Kauai for 7 days and in Oahu for 2 days. We flew in and out of Oahu, and it was the day before and after we were to check in and out of our resort in Kauai, so that is why we were there to. To us, Oahu was nothing to write home about. We stayed in Waikiki Beach, and that was a nice beach, but Honolulu in general is VERY downtownish and that was just not what I expected to see. Now, Kauai was everything I pictured Hawaii as. Lush greenery all around you, no big downtown, friendly people, road right by the ocean, beaches everywhere you looked.... the list could go on and on, so I will stop there. We were on the north shore of the island, Princeville, which is the wetter and colder part of the island. It did mist/sprinkle throughout everyday that we were there, but it didn't last more than about a couple minutes every time, so it wasn't bad. Plus, with 85 degrees pretty much the entire time, who could complain. Between the trade winds and the occasional misting that happened it was beautiful and you couldn't ask for anything more! :)

We did so many things while we were there, it would be exhausting to write about, but I did write about the Luau that we went to and the horseback riding trips that we took. Those were the three events that I had pictures to, besides just beach and scenic pictures, so that is why I wrote about those. We traveled the entire island in a couple of hours, but I have to saw, our side that we were on was much better! More green and, well, just more beautiful! :) If you would like to see more pictures or want to know something more specific please email me. I will be glad to tell you more, and send you some more pics as well.

The Luau

2007-10-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

This was an incredible experience! It was everything I thought it would be, but at the same time, nothing I thought it would be. I can't explain why I feel that, it just was! ;) The food was good, although, I must say, I wasn't all that thrilled about the pork. That could be, though, b/c they showed it to us after it had been underground all day and right before they shredded it for us to eat. I don't know though, I just preferred the other meats that they had there. And before any of you ask, no I did not try the Poi. For those of you who don't know, Poi is some custom of theirs to have at meals. It's supposedly really gross and taste sort of like plaster. I'm not sure why anyone would want to eat that and I told myself that I would try it, but these ladies at our table grossed me out before I even got up to the table. Oh well, I don't feel like I missed out on anything, so that is all that matters! ;)

The dancing show that was put on was wonderful! It's just amazing to me how men and women can shake their hips like that! I have to tell you, though, the best dance was the one at the end right before the fire dance. With this dance, the men and women who had be dancing all night went into the audience and picked out 3 women and 4 men. S was one of the men. When everyone got up there, they pulled 3 of the 4 men out to the front of the stage and had them dance with 3 of the professional women. When they were done, they took the 3 women from the audience and had them dance with the 3 of the professional men. Well, that would leave 1 man left from the audience, and wouldn't you know, it was S! He was so embarrassed and confused, but of course, they let him know right away what was going on. They pulled him up to the front of the stage along with the gal that pulled him from the audience. They asked him who he was here with, talked to me for awhile, and then told S that he was going to being doing the Love Hula (which is a SLOW hula dance). Of course, everyone started to laugh. Well, the host told him to just follow what the hula girl was doing and he would be fine. I was trying to take pictures and watch all while laughing! At the end of the dance, the music all of a sudden sped up and all the other hula girls started to circle around S and surround him. So he was trying to hula in the middle while he had about 5 women shaking there hips at him and dancing in a circle! :) It was sooo funny to see S up there. For those of you who know, S doesn't dance, so having to do the hula in slow motion was quite comical. Don't get me wrong, I love S very much, but that is just one thing he doesn't do-and he will admit it every time! Well, needless to say it was funny, but he did quite well considering, and he had a great time which is all that matters anyway. Once that dance was over, then we all went outside to see the fire dancer. That was great as well, but b/c it was dark and just a guy with fire batons, the pictures didn't come out as well.

Horseback riding in Hawaii

2007-10-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Horseback riding in Hawaii was nothing short of BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! That place is already amazing, and then to add my favorite past time, well lets just say you can't get much better than that!

Anyway, we went on two riding trips while we were there. The first one was a 5 hour ride through the mountains and valleys in the middle of Kauai. I was riding a paint American Show Horse (basically like an Arabian) and S was riding Quarter Horse cross. Anyway, on our ride we saw some amazing scenery and even got to try some wild plants that are edible! There was a couple that looked like weeds. One of those had little tiny purple flowers on it, and when you ate those flowers, they tasted like mushrooms. The other one, if you pulled it out of the ground and scratched the root, it smelled like sarsaparilla (root beer). That was pretty cool. Anyway, the best part of this ride was that our guide was a young women (slightly older than me) that was a lot like me in so many ways and she was a Christian. S and I had the best talk with her on the way back. She was soo excited to hear about where we felt God was leading us and what He wanted us to do as a ministry. At the same time, though, she had great things to talk about in her walk and where she felt God was leading her and what she wanted to do. It was great!

Our second ride was supposed to be a 3 hour ride, but it turned into more of a 4 hour ride. Which, of course, was alright with both S and I! ;) All the horses at this place were all crossed with draft horses, so they were all VERY big and VERY wide! I like the big part, but the wide was definitely something to get used to! ;) This ride, was on an entire ranch property. We rode around inside the property itself and got to see all the is around it and what was in it. One of the things in it, is a personal waterfall, which we did eventually get to! That was so incredibly beautiful as well. You see a lot of waterfalls from a distance in Hawaii, but at least as we could tell, you couldn't really get close enough to swim in any of them. This one you could. We actually tied our horses up and had to walk down to the waterfall. S and I went swimming, of course, while our guide set up lunch for us. Once we got out, we ate lunch and then headed back up to the horses to get back to the stables. On the way down to the waterfall, we just walked down a really tall and steep hill/mountain with man-made steps and a rope to help you so you didn't slip. Well, apparently that is the second way to get there. See, the original way was getting to be too hard for people to take, so they made this way, the problem was, nobody (including the guides) didn't like to go back up that way. So, the come down to the waterfall the new way and go back up to the horses the old way. Well, as we are getting ready to go, our guide gives us these rock climbing packs to put around our waste (which also has one of those heavy duty clips on them). Well, we start to climb the path we took to get there, but then we turn and start to head back towards the waterfall. Come to find out, we have to cross the top of the waterfall that we were just at. Of course, it's rushing water and the rocks underneath are slippery, so they have a heavy duty cable that runs across the water and we attach the heavy duty clips to that cable. As we are crossing, one of my feet slip, so now my right foot is soaking wet. Oh well, it could be worse, right? Well, after that, we walk a up a little higher and we come to a smaller waterfall that actually feeds into the bigger one that we just crossed. Once we are done looking at that waterfall, we look to where we are to go next and realize that we are going to be climbing a rock wall. It's not too big or anything, but they use that pack we are wearing and attach the clip to a cable and then we grab onto the chain that is there and climb up that rock. That was actually pretty cool. After that, we have to cross the other waterfall now, so off we go. Of course, things would not be complete if I didn't stumble again, but this time it was my other foot, so now both feet (and my legs up to the middle of my calf) are soaking wet. After crossing that waterfall we were pretty much to the horses, so nothing else to exciting.

So, as you can see, the horseback riding was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. I can tell you that S would say it was the beach for him. Don't get me wrong, the beaches were wonderful too, but as you all know, animals would almost always top things! Hawaii is such a magical place. It is expensive, yes, but I encourage you all to go when and if you ever get the chance! I don't know if we would have gone if this opportunity had not arised, but I'm sooo glad it did. I'm missed the girls terribly and am happy to be home again with them, but I will say I can't wait to go back again and that next time, take the girls and some family and friends with us! :)

Learning in times of trials

2007-09-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

I felt the need and desire to express what has been going on in my walk lately. Mainly everything I'm going to write about is happening right now or has happened in the past. I'm very excited for the things that God has been teaching me and have been bubbling over with excitement to share to all of you! :)

To take you back for just a second: S and I, for as long as we have been together, want to move to Colorado. We started visiting there every year in hopes of finding a great deal or just in dreaming that we would one day be there. A couple of years ago, while we were trying to sell one house and buy other, we took our trip up there. We were so upset with how the selling of our house was going, that we were ready to move up there right then! One night in our hotel room, we both sat on the bed reading our new Bibles and really seeking Christ and what He wanted us to do. Both of us turned to each other (at the same time almost) and said that we knew God was leading us to be out there and to eventually start a church one day, but that now was not the time. We were upset, but relieved that we were at least on the right track.

Well, needless to say, that time has still not arrived. Much has gone on since then, though, that is so great and awesome it's so hard to contain it! Well, most of you know we left our church that we had been going to for about 5-7 years. We knew that God was telling us to leave and we had specific things placed on both of our hearts that we knew He was wanting us to have in a church. So, instead of looking for a church closer to home or anything like that, we decided to have a church/Bible study in our house based on what we felt God was showing us. That didn't last for long so we started to look for a church around here. As we were looking, I told S that I felt that God was having us go through this time to learn about churches (how they run and stuff like that), but also for us to learn more about Him and what He wanted us to do. I fully believed that then and now! :) Anyway, we kept coming back to this one church that we now call home-Westgate Community Friends Church! They are the most loving bunch of people that we have ever met! Their hearts of on fire for God and they love to do things for others! That is such a passion for us both, that we were naturally attracted to that. So, now that you know a little of the background, I can get on with the most exciting part! ;)

When we started going to Westgate, we said that we didn't want to get involved with anything. We were tired of having to set up and tear down worship sets and everything that came along with a small church. Well, that was definitely not God's plan! Since we have been at the church, we jumped right in with our water to the homeless ministry and the adopt-a-family ministry that we did at The Summit, both S and I are now singing in the Worship team, S has been asked to deliver a sermon in October while our pastor is gone, we have both been plugged into men's and women's bible studies, and now S will be going into leadership training to be an elder and I will be learning some of the ins/outs of a church and the things that go along with that. So many great blessings and learning abilities have come since we were obedient to God, it's just amazing! :)

That obedience lesson is one that I have been dealing with the last few days! It's been emotional (good and bad) but it's been a ride I'm glad to take. See, right before the women's bible study took off, I purchased a devotional book for myself on David (by Beth Moore). My goal is to be with the Lord every afternoon after my kids go down for a nap and I would do this along with that. I started doing that, but of course, as things tend to go with kids, I didn't get to it everyday. Well, our women's bible study started up last Tuesday night and we are doing a video/bible study with Beth Moore. Let me just tell you, she is great! :) Anyway, this study is about our purpose and what is God's purpose for our life! So far we have learned that we were planned and thought our thoroughly by God to be here for our generation! I have learned so much about this in the last two weeks I couldn't even begin to tell it all to you.

One of the things we learned last night was that even our trials are planned and thought out by God and have a great purpose in our lives! Which brings me to what realization I came to yesterday and today and am so excited about! I know, this was alot of writing just to get to the point! ;) A few days ago, my Dr.'s office called me and told me to make an appointment for 6 weeks from now and to be on a strict diet until then b/c my Cholesterol is still higher than they would like to see. Well, needless to say, I was devastated! I've been working out and eating healthier more than I have ever done in my entire life! I didn't understand. Well, that evening when I was driving to the bookstore for cookbooks on this particular diet, the Holy Spirit spoke to me. I then realized this was an answer to a couple of my prayers. I had been praying for help in being more consistant with eating right and not going out as much, and then for finances b/c since we were going out a couple times a week we were struggling. Well, I chuckled b/c there was proof that prayers are answered just not always as we think they should or would be. ;) Anyway, I understood and said that I was going to stick to this diet for the next 6 weeks and get my numbers down. Well, a few days into this diet, I'm struggling. Today I was totally looking forward to journaling and telling God that I was giving up on this diet. Well, I started out with my David study and learned about obedience to God thru the book of 1Samuel. The passage I was reading was about Saul going into battle and Samuel telling him (as a message from God), to wait until he got to him before he made any sacrifices. Well, Saul waited 7 days and during those 7 days he saw a ton of his men being defeated. He couldn't wait anymore for Samuel, so he did the sacrifices without him. Samuel ended up showing up after he started and told him since he didn't listen to God that we was going to loose his kingdom and a new king was going to take his place. Of course, I immediately thought of my situation and thought about that day when I realized this diet and stuff was an answer to a prayer and a task ask of me by God. I felt awful! I knew right then and there that I had to stay on this diet! I had to stop thinking about it like it was a hindrance to the lifestyle that I live now and think of it as a task that God has asked of me to do! This is something that most people will not see my faith in Christ from the works that I do, but it will be something that God see's the obedience in me (and the faith I have in Him) when He asks something of me! The blood test results, even though they were devastating, were planned by God for a purpose. Right now, I believe that purpose is to get me healthier and answer those prayers that were prayed. But, who knows, the purpose could be so much greater than that and I just won't know that until it happens!

I also realized yesterday, as I was journaling about all the blessings and opportunities that being at Westgate has brought us (by God of course), that we really are in a learning process right now! I tend to loose sight of that thought I had a while back b/c of our humanly instincts to want things right away. I sometimes think that we will never make it to Colorado b/c it always seems so far away. Realizing that we are both learning so much and also realizing that I'm more on fire for God than I have ever been, make me think that we are just fine where were are right now. We were planned to be here, we are here for a purpose, and when it is our time to leave (even if it's not to Colorado), when it is God's time we will be there. Now don't get me wrong, both S and I still feel like we will be in Colorado someday (and we still REALLY want to be there), but I have now come to realize that it doesn't matter where we are as long as we are serving Christ and being obedient to HIM!

Sorry for such a lengthy blog, I just couldn't imagine telling it without telling all of it. ;) I also want all of you to know that I don't consider just the things at the church a blessing. I love each and every one of my family and friends! You all are such a big part of my life, and some of you have been such a big part of my walk with Christ! Thank you for all the love and support I get from all of you and know that I love, support, and pray for you always!

Training

2007-09-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

Of course, this is about Diesel, but I'm totally excited and had to share with everyone now that I have proof. Some of you know that I'm involved with a Rottweiler group here in town. It's called Grand Canyon State Rottweiler Club and we are the only AKC acredited club in Az. Anyway, we have meetings/training days about every month. Most of the people in this club show their dogs in something. Mainly obedience, but some do conformation, but they have starting to get into herding and carting! Well, I'm totally excited about the last two events since that is more up my alley. ;) Anyway, we haven't done the herding stuff yet (that will be in December), but I did start him with the carting. I first hooked him up to a cart when he was 8 months old. It was his first time and he did really well, but I didn't get any pictures. When I told some of you that I was doing that with him, most of you looked at me strange and couldn't picture it. Well, this last meeting/training day that we had, I hooked him up again and got the proof too! :) He did VERY well, considering that he hadn't been hooked up for almost a year! I must say that I'm totally hooked and can't wait to start saving my money to buy one! I can just picture it now, walking Diesel in the evenings with the girls riding in the cart and S holding onto Kapri. Well, anyway, I just wanted to all let you know what I was doing with Diesel besides going to obedience classes and have the pictures to prove it. Can't wait to get pictures of the herding stuff! ;)

Diesel Graduates! :)

2007-08-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, Diesel graduated his Advance training class. It is the very last step that he can take when it comes to just regular training. I'm soo proud of him! He is soo good at the things that he does! Actually his test didn't go so well, and I was pretty bummed about that, but it really wasn't his fault! See, his class consisted of just him and another dog. So, b/c there was an intermediate class graduating the same day, my trainer asked us to come into that class to do our test. Well, if you don't know Diesel really well, he LOVES other dogs and thinks they are all there to play with him!!! His test day was no exception! He thought every dog there was there to play and I could not get his mind focused and in working mode. He did some things well, but for the most part, he was just not with it that day. Fortunately, my trainer knows that he is VERY good at what he does an listens VERY well so she didn't take anything to seriously and passed him. I was so disappointed though, so I asked if I could do the test over again another day. I know he is better than what he showed and I know that I'm better at controlling him and getting his attention. I didn't want to end things like that, so I will be going in to do the test again, but he already graduated!

Next thing on the list for us two to do is a herding lesson. That is not until December, but the Rottweiler group that I'm in is putting on a Herding seminar weekend with some training lessons and instinct tests. I already think that he has the instinct in him, so I'm going to put him right into a private lesson. I can't wait!!!

Already???

2007-08-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it's a little behind, but.... better late then never right? I'm sure you are all wondering what I'm talking about. ;) Well, J started Pre-school last Tuesday! I know it's just preschool, and b/c of her age she will be going for 2 years in a row, but this was a big deal for us all! I thought it was going to be no big deal b/c she is only going 2 days a week for 3 hours, but I teared up when I dropped her off the first day! All I could think was that my little girl is growing up so fast (and now I feel old)! ;) Well, she LOVES it and is excited to go everyday! Our next door neighbors kid is going as well, and is in her class, so that made the transition really easy for her since she knew somebody! Everytime she comes home from school and I ask her what she did that day, the first thing she says is that she played outside on the slide. That is her favorite thing! :) I'm soo happy that she enjoys going to school. I did this mainly so that she had her own time away from T and it was something special just for her! I'm glad that so far it seems to be that way! I do have pics, but same issue as before with the Colorado trip. One of these days I will the pics up for the apporiate posts! ;)

Colorado-Finally! ;)

2007-08-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know that for some of you, you have been waiting a long time to hear about our Colorado trip. I've been waiting to write b/c I wanted to be able to put up pics with it, but I will just have to do that another time. To make a long story short, Scott has the device that we use to get the pictures from the camera for work, and I can't find the cord that came with the camera, so... I just don't have any way to get the pictures downloaded at this time. I promise, though, when I get the chance (either by buying a new thing, finding the cord, or just borrowing it from Scott one night) I will get the GREAT pictures that we took up! ;)

So anyway, we went to Colorado in the middle of July (for those of you who didn't know that). We had sooo much fun! See, normally we go in the winter months b/c I want to see if I would be able to handle the snow, but this year we decided to go in the summer time so that I could see God's wonderful creation in a different light (so to speak). It was breathtaking! I was already in love with the place covered in snow, but I tell you, it is just as beautiful (if not more) without the snow! :)

We only went for a week (Monday through Saturday), so we didn't travel as much as we normally do. We started and ended our trip in Montrose. Scott and I always come here when we go up b/c it's where he used to live, but also a good stop and start place when it comes to driving back and forth. This place has become particularily special to both of us b/c of the first year that we stayed there. See, the hotel that we stayed at had a Christian Book Store right next door to it, so we decided to go in a browse around since we didn't have anything else to do the first night that we got there. Our first trip was to look at houses and start to plan to move out there, so we were really surprised at what happened next. We purchased some Bibles and other things (CD's and other books) and took them to our room to rest and relaxe the rest of the evening. While both of us were reading our Bibles and spending time with the Lord, both of us heard what He was saying to us (both the same message and practically at the same time)! Basically, God was reassuring us that sometime we would be in Colorado, but it wasn't when we thought it would be! We were so in AWE at how God worked in us b/c we thought we had it all planned out! Of course, that is how God works now isn't it!? ;) Anyway, since that time, we love to go back to Montrose and visit that bookstore and just enjoy those memories there that we will always have. We didn't do much in Montrose this year b/c it truely was our place to stay when we got to Colorado and before we left. We did see a rodeo the last night, though, and that was a ton of fun!!!! :)

The majority of our trip was in Glenwood Springs. (Scott lived there too at one point.) Let me tell you, if I had all the money in the world, I would live there! I absolutely love Glenwood and all the areas around it (Carbondale, Aspen, etc...)! Of course, I don't have all the money in the world, so that will probably never happen. That is okay, though, b/c this way it can always be a place to go and visit and have a TON of fun!!!! The first day we got in, we drove a different way then we normally take. I don't remember what the road was called, but it took us in the back way (that's all I know). ;) Anyway, that drive was beautiful. Looking at the mountain sides as we are going through them was like looking at a convase that God has especially painted for us! It was truely a gift to be able to see all of that and know that God had made all of it! This drive was a little shorter than we had thought it would be, so as soon as we got into Glenwood we decided to hike up Hanging Lake. For those of you who have NEVER been, I highly suggest it! Hanging Lake, is literally, a hanging lake on the top of a mountain. We hiked up an EXTREMELY HARD 1 mile trail (I'm telling you it felt like 30 miles), but it was totally worth it in the end. There was this lake (just hanging there) off the side of a mountain with two waterfalls cascading into it. It was soo beautiful! Then, Scott tells me there is more, so we hike up just a little more and we see where it all starts. There was a hole in the side of the mountain and one, very powerful, waterfall was splashing down. Which, consequently, lead to the two other waterfalls into the lake that we had just seen. It was amazing! We definitely took pictures of that, and I will get them up as soon as possible, but I will say they will not do it justice. You will all have to go see it for yourselves one day! ;)

The next day we drove into Aspen and spent the day there. We just walked around all the shops and just took in the beauty. I tell you, it is VERY beautiful there! I know why the celebrities want to have their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th houses there! ;) We happened to walk by a reality place and looked at their fliers on the windows. The cheapest thing there was a studio apartment for sale that just had a little kitchenette and it was going for.... $868,000!!!!! Can you believe that! ;)

Well, the third and last full day there, before heading back to Montrose, we went for a 3 hour horseback ride up Sunlight Mountain (which is Glenwood's ski resort). What a site. We had a private ride (that was TOTALLY worth the extra money) so we were able to spend more time and get better horses (that were more compatible with our riding capabilities). I got to ride a Morgan (which was a first time for me and a lot of fun b/c he knew how to gait and did it almost the whole time), and Scott rode a Belgian (which is a squatty draft horse). Anyway, again what a site! We went all the way to the top and got to look down over Aspen valley and see all the mountains and beauty that surrounded us! I do have pictures of this as well, but they didn't do ANY justice at all to what we saw! Again, something I highly recommend, even to those who really don't ride! ;) On our way down the mountain, back to the ranch, we had sort of a run-in with one of the bulls from the free-range cattle that there. He was on the trail in front of us and was calling to a female. Well, we started to follow him for awhile (only b/c he was on the actually trail) so he finally got over to the side and started heading toward a cow that was standing near some water. We thought all was fine and kept going down, but then realized that the bull didn't stop making his weird sounds and they were getting louder. We looked back and noticed that now he was following us. All that went through all of our minds (our guide included) was that we were going to have to run down the mountain and try to get away from him! Secretly, part of me was thinking that would be a ton of fun (but also scary at the same time)! ;) Anyway, after awhile, the bull realized that we were heading away from him and was no threat to him and his women, so he stopped and turned back towards her. The rest of the ride was peaceful and ended way too fast if you ask me! :) After the ride, we relaxed the rest of the day until that evening. We found out, when driving through Carbondale on the way to Glenwood, that there was a rodeo that night, so we decided to go. It POURED (and I mean BUCKETS) of rain a few hours before the show, but they said that they ride rain or shine. So, we paid and waited in our car until it was about time for it to start. Oh yeah, I have to note too, that this was a special event b/c all the proceeds were going to the Race for the Cure (it was going on that weekend in Aspen) so the rodeo was called "Tough enough to wear pink" so all the cowboys and cowgirls had pink shirts on! Okay, now that that is said, we got out of our car just before it was supposed to start (and by this time it was just sprinkling) and walked over to the arena. The bleachers that were there were not covered, so we knew that we would be standing for the whole thing (but honestly we didn't know how long we would stay). So we get to the arena and our jaws just dropped! The whole arena was one HUGE mud puddle of water! There was one dry spot (well, not a puddle at least)in the middle, which was obviously a little higher than the rest, but that was it! Sure enough, the rodeo started and went until 9:30-10pm. It was the best rodeo I have ever seen! They had bull riding, barrel racing, mutton busters (which are the little kids riding on the sheep), some sort of tag with calfs (adults and children played that one), and steer roping. I'm telling you, it was great to see the cowboys and cowgirls (and kids) get all muddy in their pink shirts! :) It was all for a great cause, right!? ;)

Well, that is our trip. I would say that was in a nutshell, but it was much longer than that. Sorry for all of those that read this, but it was truly a great trip! I could say so much more, but time and the thought of all of you reading this, I will stop. Pictures will come soon (I hope)! ;)

Singing in the rain!

2007-07-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

Well, it's about time!!! It finally rained here at the house today. See, it's monsoon time and the usual occurance is that the east valley and up north get all the rain! I'm sooo sick of that b/c it's so stinkin hot and humid that it's just plain miserable! Well, this morning was no different, and actually worse, so I figured that we had a pretty good chance today. I'm glad I was right! It rained so much that our backyard was a puddle for awhile. It was quite nice! I was wondering how Diesel would do with all the thunder b/c we haven't had a thunderstorm since he came here. Well, he did really well, which didn't really suprise me. Kapri, though, was totally scared and shaking every time the thunder crashed. I felt so sorry for her! ;)

Speaking of weather, we just got back from Colorado and let me tell you, that was GREAT weather! It may be more humid there then here, but I swear the air is thinner and b/c the temperature itself is cooler, it felt much better! I absolutely love it there! I really want to write about it and tell you about it, but I want to put pictures up as well. So, I'm going to go for the night but hopefully tomorrow I will get pictures and a blog about the trip up here so you all will know how great it was! I can honestly say, Colorado is the most beautiful place, God put His best into that state! :)

Starting of something new

2007-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I've never done something like this before, but since my two sister-in-law's were doing it, I thought I would give it a try. I'm not really good at giving people a call, or even an email, to keep them updated as to how I'm doing, so hopefully I'll be good at this!

As you can see by my picture, I love Rottweilers! That picture is of my rotti, Diesel. In that picture he was about 8 months old, but he is a year old now. He's much more filled out than that and weighs around 120 pounds! I love him sooo much! He is great with my kids and is great with other people and animals. For those of you who don't know me, you will soon find out that I'm very opionated and knowledgable about dog breeds and the issues that go along with that! I don't believe that any dog is mean by nature. I full-heartedly believe it has EVERYTHING to do with the owners and some to do with the breeding! Every dog has a main purpose/job that they were bred to do, it's the owners that take those instincts to perform their job to an evil outcome! I love powerful breeds and will do whatever I can to defend them! Besides, I own two (my rotti-Diesel and my pitbull/boxer mix-Kapri)! :)

Well, that is going to be all for now. I have a lot of cleaning to do before my youngest wakes up from her nap! ;)