My Valentine

In 2004, Prince Charming swept me off my feet and I fell madly, hopelessly inlove.  He is a man with amazing character and is truly someone that I could respect.  I love his heart and not only who he is but who he wants to become.

This is one of our engagement photos. 

I could stare at this photo forever.  He looks so good in blue.  The color is just the perfect backdrop for his gorgeous eyes.

We had an outside wedding planned and at the last minute, all of the plans had to change and we had to move the wedding indoors.  The arrangements didn’t turn out exactly like I had wanted but to be honest… it really didn’t matter to me.  I was marrying the man of my dreams and we were getting ready to start our lives together. 

Off to the honey moon.

Everyday I fall inlove with this man all over again.  I fall inlove with his character, the way that he touches me, his silliness (yes, even the fart jokes), and his commitment to our marriage.  I will gladly spend my life finding new ways to keep our love alive and growing if that means that I get to hold his hand forever.

 

I just couldn’t seem to keep my lips off him.  :-)  Okay, okay.  Just maybe the photographer was telling us what to do, but I was more than happy to oblige.

The outdoor wedding would have been amazing and beautiful but it was so hot, muggy (it had rained that morning) and the air felt so thick.  I had to move the event inside to make sure that no one (us or one of the guests) passed out due to the heat.   However we were able to get a few photos in the area where the wedding would have been.  They are definitely some of my favorites.

God has blessed our marriage from the beginning.  I have always felt that he was the man that I was supposed to marry.  He was the one that I was waiting for.  We have reached milestones and shared many experiences, both good and bad.  I am so thankful to be sharing this journey with him. 

I love you Corey!  Happy Valentine’s Day.

True Happiness

I know that we are only 4 days into the year but I just have a feeling that 2010 is going to be a GOOD good year.  I am so sorry, that song has been stuck in my head for days.  What 2010 and tonight…. they are interchangeable, right? 

That is one of Lauren’s favorite songs so we play it often.  My little baby girl started preschool in 2009.  It wasn’t bad enough that she already believed that she thought that she was 4 years old so that meant that she ALREADY knew everything, (Her words, not mine) but now she thinks that she is old enough to start planning her wedding.  (I tell her that she has to wait until she is 30).

This little “Know It All” skipped past the stage of life where she felt the “need” to discover herself.  She came out of my womb already knowing.  At the age of 3, she began telling people that she is going to be a “Choirpractor” (chiropractor) when she grows up.  (Hey, I have to make a big deal about the way she says it.  It’s the only word that makes her sound like she is 4.  Most of the time, I feel like I am talking to a 20 year old).  She is already saving for college.  I tell her that she has to save her money because mommy & daddy are broke.  (I have to say that every time we go to the grocery store or we would come home with the store.  These kids LOVE to eat and they have high metabolisms).

I joke, but my daughter’s unwavering faith in God is truly refreshing.  She is so strong willed, but as long as that strong will is in line with her faith then she is destined to make this world a better place, whether we like it or not.  She doesn’t have a problem righting things that are wrong, and telling others to do so as well.  (She could care less if the person is supposed to be her authority figure… they better shape up & step up to the plate). 

While I am a little excited that she is so mature for her age, I also can’t help but want to pick her up and snuggle with her and still sing all the sweet lullabies that she begs me to sing for her.  (Pretty soon she will realize that Mommy sings REALLY out of tune).  Life passes so fast, I just want to push pause and hold onto this moment.  Right here.  Listening to her infectious laughter and squeals as she plays in the snow.

I love her zest for life and how she isn’t afraid to take on a new challenge.  I admire her love to be social.  Ok, for her it’s not so much a love, but a need.  She enjoys being a part of other people’s lives as well as touching there lives and leaving an impression.  She is constantly thinking of others and is daily drawing pictures for multiple people.  Note to family & friends, mailwoman, cable guy, and Don, the electrician:  I am sure that we have at least 20 cards, notes, and pictures for each of you.

It wasn’t that long ago that my OB said that I wasn’t going to have kiddos and then viola!  My little gift from Heaven arrived 11 months later.  She is truly a miracle and has always been one of the greatest blessings that I have ever experienced in my life. 

I am so excited that Corey & I get to share such a blessed experience in parenting this little beauty.

Readers,

Beware.  Lauren turns 5 in ten days so this is probably not the last post dedicated to how much I love Lauren that you will see in the next few weeks.  I may or may not turn into a sappy mess by then. 

Please forgive, misspellings and run-on sentences that may be worse than normal.  It is really late (or early I guess) and I am operating on no sleep. 

Until Later,

Sleepy.  aka Jessica

Farewell 2009, and Good Ridden

I didn’t write very much last year because my life was consumed with situations that I “couldn’t” write about. So I was respecting other’s privacy and I am glad to say goodbye to 2009.

I am thankful for all the wonderful life lessons that I learned along the way, and I am thankful for the strengthened relationship that I have with God. We have been through a bit this year now God & I are pretty tight. :-) Ok, maybe I’m still clinging to his pant legs (or robe), but either way I’ve accepted that fact that I need Him dearly. It is because of Him that I can walk out of 2009 a better daughter, friend, wife, mother, and woman.

2009 was quite a year:

A battle with cancer that truly tested limits, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Relational roller coasters

And then the year ended with the deaths of my step-dad and grandmother (my mom’s mom). My poor mom’s world was turned upside down at Christmas.

However I can still say that 2009 was QUITE a year!

My mom is beginning to cope with all the secrets that are being revealed about her husband’s life. My heart breaks for her, but I know that God will pull her through this crazy time.

My dad kicked cancers butt! He had battled with liver cancer while being on dialysis for kidney disease and this Gladiator of a man fought and won. The cancer had grown so big and resisted all chemo, and then after the doctors tried all that they could, we turned to family prayer: all 12 kiddos, and eight grandkids. Then within days the tumor started dissolving… granted it turned into liquid that had to be drained, LOTS of liquid that had to be drained. The draining process took another 2 months, but all is heading in the right direction. We are not completely out of the woods yet, but I am thanking God that my Dad’s appetite is back, that he is looking stronger, healthier, and happier. I’ll write more during another post, because the story is truly amazing. I have received permission to share this wonderful journey with you and to give God all the glory that He deserves. (The doctors are still baffled… and amazed).

All roller coaster rides have been exited and are no longer in operation.

Thankful Thursdays

During a search for a blog Thankful Thursdays meme to link to, I found this cute picture at the Rose Colored Glasses that seems to say it all.

Seriously!  I don’t think that anyone else could have said it better (Thanks God). 

 

I was unable to find a blog that hosted this meme and offered a place where others could link and also give thanks, but I did find Grace Alone which seems to be the Home of Thankful Thursdays.  If anyone is interested in joining in giving Thanks then, click on the link and grab a button.  You are welcome to link up here and share your Thankful Thursday blog post or if you would like, please feel free to use the comment section below.

 

I always enjoy hearing from another person’s thankful heart.  It brings a smile to my face and sometimes it can change our own hearts, even revealing things that we may take for granted.

All that being said, here’s my list for this Thankful Thursday:

*** My God

I am so thankful for the love that He has shown me throughout my life.  I am thankful for the grace He has given me and for forgiving me for the stupid mistakes that I have made in my life.  I am thankful for the many amazing blessings that He has given me.  (My kids are the best).  And I thank Him and rely on Him daily to help make me a better person so that I may do HIS will. 

*** My Husband

I love the way that he makes me laugh.  I love his silliness.   I am thankful that I am married to this crazy man.

*** My Daughter

I had a hard time choosing just one photo of my little princess.  I love and am thankful for her sweet tender heart.  I pray that she doesn’t have to endure any great hurts that may harden that beautiful heart of hers.  She is so caring and always wants to help take care of others.

And like her daddy, I love her silliness.  She adores making people laugh and has no problem with making them laugh at her expense.  I pray that her little light will always continue to shine just as bright bringing so much happiness to all around her.

*** My Son

Oh MY!  Am I ever so thankful for this little man!  He melts my guarded heart with his tenderness.  While some people go out of their way to hurt and cut people down.  He goes out of his way to build people up and make people feel loved.  I pray that this love of his will continue to teach others to be kind and loving and that the world will not change him, but instead he will change the world.

*** Health

Lately, so many people have been fighting sickness and I am very thankful that he have all been fortunate and have remained healthy. I pray for the others that have been exposed to sickness and I hope they all get better soon.

*** My Boxers

They are the sweetest little yard destroyers that I know.  I do love them and am so thankful that Corey bought them both for our family.  They are a gift that keeps on giving.

*** My Extended Family

We have been blessed with amazing parents, grandparents, siblings and now nieces & nephews.  I am so thankful for all of them.

*** My Camera

I still have so much to learn and am enjoying the journey.  I am thankful for being able to capture so much wonderful memories to share with future generations. 

*** My Online/Offline Friends & Readers

Every individual wants to feel loved and understood and I am thankful for the support and friendship of all.

*** Lauren Lynn

The amazing magician that colors my hair.  ok. Seriously, I just had my hair highlighted and colored and she did an absolutely amazing job.  I love it.  I just want to swish my hair around like the girl from the shampoo commercials.  Thanks Lauren.  If anyone in the Tulsa area wants to make an appointment with her because she is that awesome… her business number is 918-587-2566.

*** A Clean House

 Corey bought us a new vacuum.  I am super excited.  For the last few months I have been sweeping our carpet with a broom and borrowing vacuums from  others.  I know that this may be a  silly thing (materialistic) but it’s the convenience and all the free time that I see in my future that makes me excited.   And a clean floor… just the thought of the clean, dust free floor makes me want to roll around on the carpet.  Thank you baby.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

*** Paying it Forward -

Here’s the full story.

I know time is sparse during this time of the year, but if you have a moment to spare I would love to hear why you are giving thanks today.

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Technorati Tags: Thankful Thursdays

Paying It Forward!

My morning today started like most mornings… too early.  I would have loved to stay in bed with my husband and snuggle up and sleep in, but duty calls.  I woke up and began getting Lauren ready for school and taking care of all the other normal motherhood responsibilities.  All the while I was thinking about my husband asleep (or should I say resting… it’s impossible to sleep when the kids & I are on the other side of the bedroom wall eating breakfast and doing dishes) wishing that I was snuggled up next to him.  God I love that man.

Sorry about that.   My mind drifted off again.  I can’t help it.  There aren’t many things that can make me happier than the feeling of his arms holding me when I’m snuggled up close to him.  Like I said, I love that man.

Ok, where was I?  Oh yea, my morning.  (I think that I just may or may not have a mild case of ADD lately.  I seem to be easily distracted.  It makes cleaning the house a LOOONG nightmare). 

So after the kids were ready and we all kissed that handsome man that was resting in my bed farewell, we took Lauren to school.  Then Evan & I were off to enjoy one of our favorite times of the day.  We take a little trip to Starbucks so that I can get a much needed dose of caffeine and he gets a dose of sugar ( a WC mocha and a box of chocolate milk).  We laugh, talk, read books, and tell stories.  It’s our special time of the day.  100% complete, undivided attention therefore building a stronger friendship/relationship.

As always I pulled up to the window to get our goodies so that the fun can begin.  It’s needless to say that there is a smile of anticipation plastered across my face, but I’ll say it anyway… there was a HUGE smile across my face.  Then the sweet barista at the window just says thank you and hands me my order.  I tried to pay again, and she tells me that it’s already been taken care of.  Well I’m slow.  That doesn’t happen to me.  So I tried to explain that she must be mistaken and I tried to give her my card… again.  She laughed at me… again.  And said that it was already taken care of by the gentleman in line in front of me. 

Then I started looking around.  It was at that moment that I realized just how UN-observant that I really am.  I was thinking to myself… there was a car in front of me?  Of course there was… I wonder what kind it was… what color was it… blue… I think.  All I could remember about the car in front of me is that the license plate holder had a phrase on it that said… Try it… you might like it.  Other than that.  I had nothing. 

After a moment I realized I had been playing with Evan… making silly faces and visiting with him.  I have a big car that sits up high and Evan was sitting directly behind me.  So to the person in the car in front of me… it probably looked like I was alone… making funny, goofy, and probably gross (I’m playing with a little boy… they like gross… it makes them giggle… and the giggle is worth it) faces.   I’m sure that the scenario was probably an entertaining one.

However, since I was unable to thank my audience I felt obliged to keep the kind gesture going and I paid for the order of the person behind me.  (I got quite a deal).   

So thank you to the person driving the blue car. 

To everyone else:  Please keep the random acts of kindness going.  It’s the first step in making this world a better place.

Technorati Tags: Pay It Forward,Random acts of kindness,Starbucks

Back In The Day

Nearly a decade ago, I used to live pretty close to this area of Tulsa. I loved it. I would walk my dog on the trails of Riverside everyday. I enjoyed crossing the bridge and listening to the sound of the water below.

My brother-in-law proposed to my sister on this bridge. He lit a wooden sign that said “Marry Me” in flames. Now I can’t pass this bridge without thinking of romance. (Deep breathe… and sigh).

I loved the site of the sun setting and the glow of the Downtown Tulsa skyline in the distance.

I enjoy the peace & quiet of our suburban/country lifestyle, but I still can’t drive past Riverside without missing the area and the convenience (I didn’t have to drive far to find anything that I might need…. I would be embarrassed to tell you how many miles I put on my car just this last year).

Welcome to SCA

SCA? What the heck is SCA?  You mean you DON’T know.  Just Kidding. ( I had an extra shot of espresso today.  Please excuse all “smart-butt” comments).

Let’s begin with a bit of background.  Way back in the day when I began this blog (last November), I stated in my profile that I was a Christian.  That’s true.  I am.  I believe in God.  I love God.  I so bad want to be the woman that He designed me to be.  However, my free will gets in the way.  Why in the heck did He give us free will?  Ugh!  I can totally hear Him up there belly laughing and answering my question.  He wants to be loved.  He wants us to WANT to spend time with Him.  He WANTS us to desire to do the right thing. 

I get it.  I do.  Who wants to be in a relationship when they feel like they are making that person spend time with them.  Who wants to go on a date with someone to only watch the person spend the entire night playing on their phone throughout the entire date.  (Seriously, be considerate!  Not that I know anyone that does this… I’m a people watcher & I see it happen).  Recently I went out to eat with Lauren and witnessed a guy spend most of a date on his phone.  Which brings me back to the title.

SCA is Struggling Christians Anonymous and I am a member.  Like I said before I am a Christian, but I am also human.  As I watched this scenario unfold the last time I went out to eat, I couldn’t help but think of 1 Corinthians 13:4

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy (jealousy)…

And I couldn’t help but wonder… because it was obvious that this girl was jealous of a cell phone.  Yes, jealous of a cell phone.  All she wanted was some of her boyfriend’s attention (I didn’t see wedding rings).  So as I observed this couple and thought of this verse I wondered how often Corey & I have been here.

We both enjoy our phones.  He loves all the sports apps and I like to read blogs.  I wonder how often he was upset that I was giving my phone undivided attention and he was hurt and I know that I’ve felt that way.  I realized that jealousy comes in all shapes and sizes.  There are many things that can get in the way of people interacting and truly relating to one another and touching each other’s hearts.  Jealousy (or envy) isn’t always about being jealous of your significant other giving their kindness to another person of the opposite sex but just giving positive attention to anything or anyone.  When someone doesn’t feel loved, or they feel ignored, belittled, demeaned, or disrespected it doesn’t take much for them to get upset about their significant’s positive attention going elsewhere.

However, I know from experience that usually those that are in a good relationship rarely feel jealous, because they are secure in their relationship.  They know that they are loved above all else (Except God, hopefully)…  they feel respected, they feel enjoyed, they feel cherished, they feel pursued. 

Wait!  Isn’t that the kind of relati0nship that God wants from us?  For us to WANT Him…  For us to WANT to know Him better…  For us to read want He has to say.  It is!

The funny thing about that is that when I was find myself in a good positive relationship I have to work harder at my relationship with God.  Yes, you read that correctly.  When life is good, I’m out there happy and enjoying myself.  I am thankful and I appreciate all that God does in my life, but I find myself opening the Bible less.  I am distracted by all the bliss surrounding me.

However, when life keeps throwing curveballs I turn to Him to fill me up with love, understanding, support, and to remind me of who I am when I feel belittled.  That isn’t how it is supposed to be. 

Here I was enjoying a nice dinner with my daughter and watching a couple’s lack of interaction and I could feel God completely calling me out on my own lack of interaction in my relationship with Him.  Not to be gross, but I felt as if I was being told that He didn’t want to just be an emotional tampon.  There to soak up the sadness, loneliness, and be supportive.  He wanted to enjoy the good times too.  He wants to take long walks on the beach (a.k.a spend quality time with me reading the Bible and getting to know Him better). 

As I reluctantly looked back at the couple, and watched the guy tapping away on his phone I vowed to set aside some “date time” with God.  I want to let him know how thankful I am that He is so persistent,  that He makes me feel so loved, and I want the opportunity to let him know just how much that I love Him by pursuing Him too.

The Tunnel

There are many things that I love about where we live.  One of my favorite things is the drive home.  As I get closer to my house I have to drive through this tunnel of trees and it melts my heart every time.  It is so inviting, and it completely warms my soul.

I realize that many things in life are relational, and this instance may be one of those moments.  Almost 16 years, I visited Oak Alley Plantation with my dad and youngest sister.

 

The beautiful view towards the river is filled with so much history.  I couldn’t help but think of all the events that these trees witnessed.  It was breathtaking.

It is so quiet and peaceful here.  We enjoyed a night in one of the cottages and at that moment this place became my “getaway”.  This vacation with my dad was the perfect remedy to a broken heart and I learned so many things and made so many wonderful lifelong friends.  The relationship that I was in was a bad one, the guy was rude, he believed money was the measure of a man, and judged people according to their financial successes… needless to say, he was an idiot.  

It honestly took getting away and stepping back to realize that no matter how good I was to him, that he would always be demeaning and disrespectful.  (I thought that would change if he was just shown enough love).  Once I stepped back I could see that he was always going to treat those he loved in that manner and that was just who he was.  It was sad. 

However, I am so thankful for the experience because it has helped me appreciate those people that are loving and that do treat others with love and respect.  Due to that relationship I will never take my good friendships for granted. 

Now today whenever I see this tunnel of trees, I can’t help but think of new beginnings and happiness. 

My sister found other reasons to appreciate the amazing grounds.  She is a huge movie fanatic!  She was more than thrilled to be staying in the location where they filmed Interview With The Vampire.

So I guess it is safe to say that this place had something for everyone. 

Technorati Tags: Oak Alley Plantation,Vampires,Broken Heart,Trees,Happiness,New Beginnings

Praying hands are out again!

For those of you Internet friends that have been reading this blog for awhile then you will know what I'm referring to. For all others, I will apologize about being vague, but either way prayer is prayer and God will know exactly where it is needed.

I have a relative undergoing tests today and I am asking for prayer for HEALTH! So please join me in prayer.

I also wanted to ask for prayer for someone that commented last week. I had to delete a post & her comment requesting prayer was deleted with it. However, I wanted to tell Karenlizzy from LA that my kids & I have been praying for you & your family everyday. We pray that your husband will find the job that he has been looking for and that you will know that it is from God. By the way, I have to tell you that your name made me smile... I have two sisters that share your name; my sister, Lizzy and then my sister-in-law Karyn. Karenlizzy, I do pray that everything begins to fall into place for your family again.

Spoiled Rotten

As far as the title goes, it could possibly be referring to me, Lauren, or Lucy (the puppy). Corey absolutely loves to surprise people and he has swept me off my feet on many occasions by his amazing surprises. I posted about finding Lucy online a month ago, but buying her wasn't an option. Corey tried to tell me that he wasn't a dog person and that he already let me have one and that was enough. (Little did I know that this is what he really had up his sleeve. He's so sneaky). When he told me, I was so excited that I found myself jumping up & down and screamed or rather squealed like a school girl (then I had to remind myself that I just got the kids to sleep so I had to quietly celebrate).

We had an extensive name discussion and even breaking out name books, Corey finally chose Lucy. I like it... Luke (our other boxer) & Lucy.

I was so excited that I wanted to tell everyone at that moment, but I also wanted to wait so that I could share these pictures with you.


Lauren & I decided while we were waiting at the airport for Lucy to arrive that this was definitely better than Christmas. Lauren is a HUGE dog lover... the girl puts me to shame, and I thought that I had a bad case of puppy love. We can barely contain ourselves.


She has arrived. After two flights and a long morning in airports, Lucy was happy to be in Oklahoma.

Waiting for Lucy to get checked in was asking a lot of Lauren but she was amazingly patient.


Lauren sighed a deep breath of relief and gave her a "forehead kiss"before she was even completely out of the crate. We were all giggling and awwing her love for this little one.


But no, she didn't stop at forehead kisses. There were lots of nose kisses, mouth kisses, cheek kisses and puppy kisses (No Lauren didn't lick the puppy, or at least I hope not... I can't make any promises).


Of course I was ecstatic! I was not only happy that Lucy had arrived, but I was also very excited that Corey was able to surprise me & the kids at the airport on a Monday afternoon so that he could also be there when she arrived. I was glad that he was able to share the moment with us.
Evan was so excited to hold her too. He was smiling from ear to ear. I honestly don't know if he remembers Luke being this small.


Once we got outside and the kids were buckled in the car (he had a hard time seperating both me & Lauren from Lucy), Corey was able to hold her. However, because I was so excited I didn't change the ISO and the White Balance on my camera so all I have are these blinding shots of Corey holding Lucy. If anyone has any recommendations of software to fix these photos, I am all ears. I love the smile on Corey's face... this picture is all the proof I need that Corey really is a dog lover. I love his sweet & tender heart and I love how Lucy is able to bring that out. She has a way of making most people melt. She is such a little sweetheart.Like I said the above picture is all the proof that I need, but then I have this picture and no these kisses were not intended for me. They were for Lucy. :-)



And then I have THIS picture. He let her lick him. I NEVER thought that I would ever see this willingly happen. She has no idea what she has done.


At this point I don't know who is melting my heart faster... this tender-hearted man or this sweet little snuggly puppy.

Thank you baby! I am sure that you have an idea just how much we appreciate this wonderful surprise, but just in case you don't.... Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Or as Lauren would say, "That is a million Good Daddy Awards".

My apologies

If you are coming to this site via a link that is not working then I apologize. I had to take down a few posts that were referring to a family health situation. Although we are still requesting prayer.

I had tried to be vague while requesting prayer to respect everyone's privacy but someone's privacy wasn't respected and the last thing that I want to do is to make a difficult situation more difficult.

Revised post:

Just a month ago, I was sitting back after a family gathering thinking to myself that I was one lucky individual. I absolutely love my family!! I even wrote about it on Facebook. (Yes, I am a dork like that. When I am happy I love to shout it from the rooftops or Facebook). I felt so lucky to have recovered from my cancer scare and just felt well... lucky.

Within the last few weeks, my husband was injured and had to have surgery on his knee, and then another family member found out that they had liver cancer.

Needless to say, our world has been rocked. I have been praying and pleading for strength for both my self and my other family members 100s of times throughout the day.

Regarding the liver cancer:
In the beginning I felt strong and confident, and I was able to easily calm others and talk them through the process of what was happening to our relative. However, I can honestly admit that I need more information about "the process and the procedures" myself. Not understanding what is happening to their bodies and not knowing what to expect is creating a fear that I can't seem to fight off. I am amazed by the strength of our relative and am proud at the way they are fighting the cancer.

If anyone out there knows anything about liver cancer I would LOVE some information and advice. I would also love advice regarding diet... what foods are easiest to hold down.

I am so thankful to God for taking care of Corey throughout his surgery and he has been healing really well. He is even going back to work tomorrow, just five days after his surgery. I am thankful that he feels good enough to do that. (Unless we are on vacation, he has a difficult time staying away from his office, and sometimes he has a tough time even during vacation not calling 10 times,. His business is his baby). So I know that even taking off a few days for his surgery was hard for him to do. He enjoys his job.

While I haven't been posting as much because my mind has obviously been on these matters, I have been reading yours and have been pulling from your strength as you walk through and overcome different trials and have thoroughly enjoyed laughing at your posts because I can honestly say that I have NEEDED your humor more than you know.

These situations were the catalyst for the Bloggy Kudos post. I honestly don't think I could be walking through these sitautions without the strength, humor and reminders that God's hand is in this! So again, thank you!

Bloggy Kudos

It wasn't long ago that I started blogging and I fell in love with it. At the time I wasn't taking on any projects and I am a stay-at-home mom with limited adult contact outside of our family. So in a sense I guess you could say that it was an outlet that I desperately needed. I remember the moment when I received my first comment. I thought... she is so funny. Her comment made me laugh out loud. Then I thought, who is she... do I know her.... then I asked Corey, do YOU know her... after a few weeks of her reading my blog & then me reading hers... I can honestly say that she was my first friend made over the internet. A phrase that I thought I wouldn't ever say.

At the same time, there have been days that I can say that I have felt so close to my "internet friends". They are the ones that email & have checked up on our family during tough times and that have chosen to pray for us when we needed it most. I really enjoy watching their kids reach different milestones and being there for them when they need it. We bounce different ideas off each other, give each other support, and learn what works and what doesn't about technology, cooking, parenting, and well life.

Okay before I get too mushy on everyone, I wanted to extend a BLOGGY KUDOS and let everyone that reads this blog know how very thankful I am for all of you for being a part of my life, and to tell those that leave comments how much I appreciate your thoughts. Those comments always let me know that someone is out there & someone cares enough to take a second.

To show how much I appreciate all of you I am going to "Pay it Forward" in a bloggy kind of way. I am going to introduce & share other blogs that I have enjoyed reading.

Just today I came across this blog. I always try to return the favor when someone leaves a comment and visit their blog and return the love. Kel at Girl in the Glasses found my blog and I am SO glad that she did. This girl cracks me up. I am getting a new alarm system installed and the technician had to keep checking in on me to see if I was ok. I love her mischievous & playful sense of humor... after all I can relate!!

Here are a few of her posts to get a taste of her style:

This brought me back to the days of teen innocence...
Would you Rather: 80's Edition #2 Electric Boogaloo

Make sure you go to the bathroom before you read this one, otherwise you just might have an accident.
The Patron Saint of Irritated Husbands...

This little Diddy reminds me so much of Lauren that it is scary...
For the Love of Chickens...

Now for the woman that comments regularly and started that "Feel Good Feeling" with her comments, Heidi from Sacred & Profane has a great blog that isn't the "typical family blog". She has quite a few different memes and hosts contests to keep her readers involved. She posts about her family, cooking, her faith, and her newest venture has been her seriously sacred and seriously profane posts. She allows people to post their vents and/or the things that they appreciate, are thankful for, and hold sacred.

I have read so many of her posts that I truly don't know where to start. Her everyday wit makes me laugh.

Here are a few samples from her Blog:

I couldn't decide which one to pick so I picked her most recent post...
You are Rightly CORRECT

Yes I know that I need to get out more but this story had me rolling on the floor laughing.
CRIKEY! SMOTE AGAIN.

Now this post gives YOU the chance to vent...
Seriously profane

And I can't forget about her weekly Friday Freebie's posts...

I hope that you all enjoy these other blogs.

Again thank you for all your comments.

Jessica

A Beautiful Getaway

DISCLAIMER:
Lately I have been busy working on another project so I pre-post for the week. I know that during the week I will be swamped with work and will be unable to take the time to blog. I do stay caught up on reading your blogs on my phone. I can't always comment on your posts because of my fickle phone service, but I am reading them. So I was glad that I had a few blogs pre-posted for this week before I was whisked away on my birthday getaway.

A BEAUTIFUL GETAWAY

This last week, Corey surprised me with a vacation to celebrate my birthday. It was so amazing and so sweet. He took me on a long and windy drive with views like this...

It was truly breathtaking. I have to admit, I enjoyed the drive to Big Cedar Lodge as much as I did the actual place. We had a great time together.

We arrived at the Lodge at night and it was beautiful! I was breathless when I saw it... both from laughing really hard (Corey & I were having fun joking around) and from the site of it. You have to keep in mind, I had no idea where we were going. I had no idea if he was going to take me to a 5 star resort or a tent. I have to tell you that nightfall is definitely the best time to arrive. I wouldn't have changed a thing. The lights were gorgeous reflecting off the lake. It was... okay I'm running out of adjectives to say that it was amazing. But yea, it was amazing! Here is the view from our room:

I took this picture as soon as we woke up (almost 11:00). I felt like a rockstar, sleeping in that late. It felt GOOD! Since Corey & I were in such a hurry to get out of the house while the kids were okay with us leaving we BOTH forgot our coats. This just gave us an excuse to do a little shopping at Branson Landing.

The fountains were a fun distraction from shopping. While we were here Corey informed me that the designer of these fountains was the same designer for the fountains at Bellagio. AND that they were going to be designing fountains for Jenk's RiverWalk. I hadn't heard that bit of news so I was excited to find that little bitty out. (I know it doesn't take much to get me excited).

Later that night snow began falling and created the most beautiful scenery ever. Like I said earlier... it doesn't take much... just a little bit of precipitation in the form of crystalline water ice and I'm exstatic. It was everything Corey could do to keep me from going out & making snow angels. (I didn't have the kids with me to use as my excuse). He did sit in the car while I walked around taking photographs in the snow. I couldn't help myself. It's hard for me to stay indoors when it's snowing outside.

Ducks synchronized swimming
(Yes I know that they are really eating)

I truly love this weather.

We had an amazing time during out trip and enjoyed having the opportunity to relax, sleep late, and spend some time together.

WooHoo!!!

Today has been an absolutely FABULOUS day on so many levels.

I had the ultimate Tackle It Tuesday and was able to get so many things accomplished today. I purposefully don't have any pictures for you because of sheer embarrassment of the state that my house was in. Yeah, it was THAT bad. I hadn't taken the much needed time to DEEP clean the house in two weeks... you say that is nothing... well then you haven't met my two kids. They have the effect of two twin twisters on our home. I normally have to do this every other day. I don't know how they get food on the backside of the toilet or the baseboards (food doesn't leave the kitchen), but it somehow happens.

More importantly, not too long ago I was told that I had bladder cancer. I was totally floored and this really rocked my world. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around it. I could understand it if they said any other type of cancer, but this one (okay maybe not prostate... LOL). I don't smoke nor have I ever had a UTI (urinary tract infection) and I'm young. (oh hush Corey! I married a man younger than me so he LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to harass me about my age & call me old, ancient, "old gray mare" and no I don't have any grays... yet). My solution to this problem was to drive four hours to Dallas to visit a natural doctor and he is treating me with vitamins & nutrition. (More so the vitamins because I have been terrible about eating what I am supposed to be eating). Then of course I had to have a "backup plan" in case that didn't work. So I had appointments with the medical doctor & urologist and was (am) totally ready to take their advise if the natural medicine didn't work. Well yesterday I had another doctor visit & tests with a local medical doctor. So to make a LONG story short... all the results are GOOD from their perspective. So I have my follow up with the TX doctor in a few weeks and I am hoping that I get good test results then as well.

I honestly can't believe that I have gotten better so quickly! I am totally amazed.

The last month has been a whirlwind. After hearing the word cancer, I have felt like a teeter-totter (due to my analogies, you can definitely tell that I spend me days with kids). I have gone from feeling strong and confident that God was going to take care of this and that after I was cured I would be able to glorify Him for healing me then I jumped to feeling scared and sad and not ready to leave my kids behind. I felt like my purpose has yet to be fulfilled. Of course I don't know what God's will is for my life, however I do have a gut feeling that He has a lot of work left for me to do. After going through just a short bout of this, I understand that the "what ifs" and the mental/emotional portion of this sickness could potentially be more damaging and could feed the sickness in your body. It can be quite a struggle to focus on the positive. This part may sound weird but I had to print off pictures of healthy organs and physically view them & focus on health and constantly turn to God for strength to stay focused on healing... daily (sometimes hourly).

I was excited to see how God was bringing other people that were going through the same thing into my life (and I wasn't directly telling anyone about what was going on). You, the Internet, knew more than anyone. Now that I am able to pass on this information to hopefully help others I am able to open up about it a bit more. (You have no idea just how hard this is for me... I just caught myself grinding my teeth... jk - about the teeth anyway). I do believe that God brings others into our lives to help each other and if we don't communicate about what is happening in our lives then how can we learn from each others experiences.

Now don't get me wrong here. I'm NOT telling anyone to stop the chemo & go to ANY natural doctor. First of all they are all different and second... I had a back up plan. I would NEVER want to be responsible for anyone not receiving the medical care that they needed. However, during chemo and going through cancer... we all have down times. During this "down time" it wouldn't hurt to be on a vitamin regimen. When you go back to your doctor to do your follow-up tests and receive miraculous news, it is SO worth it. (If anyone wants the number to the doctor that I visited, just email me and I will be happy to hand it out).

The last month has encouraged me more than ever to Embrace the Moments with those that I love. I have become a better mother, sister, wife, and friend. This precious time has taught me to stop waiting until tomorrow to change things that need to be addressed today. I do believe that prayer will always lead to the answer.

I also want to say thank you Frank for letting me take some time from our project. There will be a full court press on compiling your book... um right after this post.

You Go Girl!

This video is for all "my girls" out there (just trying to Keep it Real). When I watched this video (must have tissue close by) I was overcome by thankfulness for all the wonderful friends that I have. I have truly been blessed to know some amazing women. So this video goes out to them and all the other strong women out there. Afterall, we couldn't be strong without support from each other



Lots of love!!

My Poor Lil Baby Boy

Little Evan,

It hurts my heart to see you like this. The last two days have not been very easy for you, you've had a high fever, chills, runny nose, and a nasty cough. If I could take it away and suffer for you, I would in a heartbeat. In the picture above, you are wanting to eat, you put in a specific order knowing exactly what you wanted for lunch, but when I made it for you, you couldn't eat. You were full after just a few bites... all that darned drainage. You already have a few passions in life and food is at the top of that list. (You get that from me). So when you looked at the food that still remained on your plate with such a sad face, I totally understood. It was as if you were saying goodbye to your best friend that you wouldn't see for a LONG few HOURS, which is FOREVER in two year old time. That expression on your face said it all, but you asked me to please save your food in case you made room in your belly. Afterall, we couldn't abandon a friend like that; your motto, "No food left behind".

As my son, you have changed my view of parenthood in many ways teaching me new things everyday. Once I was listening to a friend griping about her job; how her boss didn't appreciate her and she worked her tail off without any breaks and no thank you's. I wanted to tell her, "well stop accepting a paycheck and you've just defined a SAHM (stay at home mom)". But realized that wouldn't be productive so I just let her vent and it's a good thing because the very next day, after I changed one of your many diapers (you were barely one year old at the time) you turned back to me before running to grab a toy & dash off and said, "Tay too" (a.k.a Thank you). I sat there for a minute feeling stunned and so appreciated. I had NEVER heard a child ever thank someone for changing a diaper... it's a given as your parents, we are SUPPOSED to change them. Well that was just the beginning, you still make me feel very appreciated and I love taking care of you. I couldn't dream of a better job. I thank God for letting me have the opportunity!!!!!

You have changed my life in so many ways, and have shown me love like I've never experienced before. Your sweet tender soul has taught me so much about God and God's love that I am amazed on a daily basis. I thank God everyday for my two beautiful blessings that He has brought into my life and I pray that I am all that He wants me to be for YOU.

You are the sweetest little boy and you melt my heart each and every day.

I am praying that you get better soon little one. I look forward to seeing you bouncing off the walls again soon.

I love you!

Mom

Evan all wrapped up in his comforter because of the chills waiting for his lunch to cook