Just a little somethin...

Hello again. Im really good at life getting away from me, and in turn I forget about the things that I do so enjoy, like blogging. I really have enjoyed sharing my life on here, its my new technological journal, I LOVE it! So while I have some time this morning Ill catch up just a little.
Since weve moved to Rexburg a lot has changed. My job unfortunately has been the big one, but not in a good way. Its gone down hill, theyve cut my hours and am now on the job hunt again. Ugh. Our apartment has been miserable as well, we hear every footstep and theyre blazing music at all hours. Ugh. But luckily weve found another place that even has a garage for all James toys and will be moving there as soon as they move out in a couple months. On the brighter side of things I got a calling as the second Sunday Relief Society teacher and love it. Ive only taught once so far which was this past Sunday and it went so well thanks to the Spirit. James is doing really well in school and is looking forward to the semester being over this week and finals being done. He is also on the job hunt and hopfully will find something soon. And Doc is as cute as ever, we love him more every day. Well, I think thats it for now. Im off to go get ready for work, yay.

"Im alive and well" -KC

Well its been over a month since Ive been anywhere near a computer for personal use, let alone update this blog of mine or my favorite Facebook. Between moving, starting a new job and being very sick, its been pretty rough. I was weighed down by having to pack and move all our stuff by myself while James was away in Missouri helping his family (a trip planned and airplane tickets bought before I was laid off.) Was weighed down by starting a new job that requires more than 40 hours per week, working my butt off and trying to adjust to the busy nature of the job while only getting paid 1/2 of what I should be making doing what I do. And was weighed down with medical conditions both known and unknown, the known being a "raging" bladder/kidney infection that required an IV for 3 days that I had to keep in me which was so uncomfortable and at times painful. I was told by the doctor not to lift a thing, but how was I supposed to abide by that in the middle of moving? Yeah, impossible. And all the while I only had 1 week to get all my medical problems fixed since my insurance was ending from my previous job and would be without any thereafter since my new job doesnt offer any. So as you can see, Ive had a lot weighing me down and have been very overwhelmed. Its 3 am right now and have been up since 1:30, my mind racing and not being able to go back to sleep. I took Doc outside to go to the bathroom, came out to the living room and sat down to read some scriptures. I read D&C 6 and felt like I was being hugged by God Himself. What good, comforting scriptures to read during a time like this. I tried falling back asleep on the couch, but it was a no-go. Then I realized, it probably would help if I got everything I was feeling out on paper...uh, I mean, computer? I also wanted to apologize for distancing myself from everyone over the past month. I dont mean to, its just when I go through a lot like I have, I tend to turn into a hermit crab and deal with everything on my own. Not to mention Ive just been down right tired. I havent really had any time to reach out even if I wanted to. But thats still no excuse, shame on me for trying to get out of it.
Just know I love you all and have been thinking of everyone in my life that has been there me. Thank you.

Just for fun, heres a picture of my lovely IV

I got the job!

Can you believe it? It was just last week, Wednesday the 5th, I lost my job. The day after I emailed in my resume to a job posted on Craigslist for a Book-keeper position. Not even an hour after emailing them, I get an email back requesting an interview. I interview that day, Thursday the 6th, and have a good feeling I have the job but not 100% sure. Today, Monday the 10th, they call offering me the job! Well, not exactly the job I interviewed for. It turns out they were also hiring for a Receptionist position but had just filled it a week before. Well I guess the girl they hired has been pretty shady so they offered me that position being they need that filled first. I was just a tad dissapointed as I was really looking forward to the bookkeeping position and Im starting out less than what Im making now, but who am I to complain? I have a job!! A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and feel like I can breathe again. I went to bed last night with a migraine and woke up this morning with it lingering and feeling sick to my stomach. I know its from stressing out over not having a job and not knowing whats gonna happen to us because of it. Well, now I know everything is going to be okay.

Jobless

Thats right, I am now jobless, as of next Friday that is. Im home right now trying to gather myself and gain some composer so I can go back to work and pretend that Im glad to be there even though I was just laid off. LAID OFF! UGH! I officially hate this economy. As much as I feel horrible right now for myself and my family, I feel even worse for those that have been at my job for 20 years and being laid off. My boss told me about a couple others and it just down right sucks. So, here I go again with the job search. Prayers right now would be much appreciated.

Baby Making

I think a lot lately, and so a lot of it is coming out on this wonderful blog of mine. Which Im really grateful for cause someday I will be able to look back at it and know I will be even more grateful then. Till then, lets vent.

My ponderings for the day is children, and the bearing of them. Not in the literal sense. More about the timing of children. It seems that no matter what decision we make these days about having children there is always a judgement. We either have too many, have them to close to one another, have them too soon, or in my case, have them too late. Ive been married 3 years and dont have any children. In the eyes of some LDS people James and I are sinners. And Im not just pulling that out of my behind, a teacher at school even said it. One of James class mates was furious one day coming into class and asked her what was wrong. Well in her previous religious class her teacher bashed on married couples who were waiting to have children for any reason. Said they were sinners. She herself had been married for 2 years and wasnt planning on having children for another 3-4. I was just as outraged as her when he told me about that! I understand we are commanded to multiply and replenish the earth, but did God give us a specific time frame on when to? Im pretty there isnt any scripture that says "You must conceive your first child after being married for no longer than 6 months." Its sad that there are people out there who dont consider that there are some personal and serious reasons why people wait to have children. But first and formost, it is in no ones place to make a judement about something that personal to begin with. Whether we have 2, 4 or 8 kids, it is no ones job to decide that except you, your spouse and Heavenly Father. It seems people these days have forgotten that ones own personal revelation trumps whatever any one else's judgements are.

Heres to imperfect people in a perfect church. I know Im one of them, so I will try to be more patient with matters like this. Its gonna be a long road...

Wow...Really?!!

So I am really perplexed right now...I dont understand people sometimes!! Let me explain: I just read a blog where the parents decided to have some fun with their newborn who is only 3 weeks old. 3 weeks old! So the Mom wrapped her little one up in a Moby wrap then put on a oversized life jacket and took her on a wave runner--a wave runner!! 3 weeks old!! I dont know, maybe Im freaking out over nothing, or am I? I just dont see how anyone in their right mind would do something like that...so Im curious as to what your thoughts are...enlighten me please!

True Humility

Here is a very interesting story I just read and felt compelled to share. Makes me think about what truly is important in this life, even though he had contrary religious beliefs than I have. I keep hearing stories about people spending more money than they actually have, just to have that big house, nice car or fun, expensive items. I dont get it. James was really nice to me this past Christmas and bought me a newer car because he knew I loved it. But after a change of plans and moving out here to Idaho for James to be in school, I dont feel right driving it. So we are selling it and I will be driving something older but still dependable. We can afford it to keep the car, thats not a problem. But something about James being in college and me driving a new car just doesnt sit right with me. Dont get me wrong, as soon as James gets out of college Im not gonna hurry and buy myself a new car, thats not what Im saying. Its all a matter of living withing your means. I think what has got me to this point is seeing everyone going into debt or at least on the path just to have their nice, fancy things to show off to the world. Its sad to see really. So heres to this guy, who had the wealth but chose to live a humble a life.

July 27, 2009
Every day on NPR, listeners hear funding credits — or, in other words, very short, simple commercials.

A few weeks ago, a new one made it to air: "Support for NPR comes from the estate of Richard Leroy Walters, whose life was enriched by NPR, and whose bequest seeks to encourage others to discover public radio."

NPR's Robert Siegel wondered who Walters was. So Siegel Googled him.
An article in the online newsletter of a Catholic mission in Phoenix revealed that Walters died two years ago at the age of 76. He left an estate worth about $4 million. Along with the money he left for NPR, Walters also left money for the mission.

But something distinguished Walters from any number of solvent, well-to-do Americans with seven-figure estates: He was homeless.

Walters was a retired engineer from AlliedSignal Corp.; an honors graduate of Purdue with a master's degree; and a Marine. Walters never married, didn't have children and was estranged from his brother. But he wasn't friendless.

Rita Belle, a registered nurse, met Walters at a senior center 13 years ago.
"He always came in with a little backpack on and a cap on," Belle tells Siegel. "And always kind of looked at me, but [was] very reserved. And I'm very outgoing and outspoken. So I said to him, 'Hey, you got a minute can we sit down to visit?' And we'd have coffee there at the senior center."

Belle and Walters became friends. Belle stayed with Walters when he was ill. She became his nurse and ultimately the executor of his estate — as well as one of the beneficiaries — despite fundamental differences between them.

"He was an atheist and I'm a very profound practicing Catholic, and I'd never met an atheist," Belle says. "And that just blew my mind that somebody could not believe in the Lord."
Belle volunteers at the mission in Phoenix, which like NPR and several other nonprofits got about $400,000 from Walters.

Belle knew him as a very well-informed man who could fix her air conditioning — someone she just assumed had a place to live. Then he told her that he had no home. She heard that he slept on the grounds of the senior center. He told her he ate at the hospital and used a telephone there or at the center.

"And I'm sure that's when he was making his trades and so on," Belle says. "He was involved in investing; we talked investments a lot." Belle says Walters even did his own income taxes.
When Walters retired, he evidently retired from the world of material comforts. He didn't have a car.

"He just gave up all of the material things that we think we have to have," Belle says. "You know, I don't know how we gauge happiness. What's happy for you might not be happy for me. I never heard him complain."

Evidently, among his few possessions was a radio. Hence those announcements listeners hear now and again on NPR stations.

Heres to 3 Years

Married July 27th, 2006

Happy Anniversary to us!

Lesson #27: Peace in Troubled Times

James and I had the opportunity to teach Sunday school for the 12-13 year olds this past Sunday for our friends that normally teach the class. It was a great experience and am grateful for the lesson. It was about George Albert Smith and his amazing faith in the gospel and his Heavenly Father. The stories shared in the lesson about his example of faith are truly remarkable. Heres one that touched me deeply:

One evening George Albert Smith stayed in the home of some members along with several other elders and the mission president, J. Golden Kimball. That night, as they slept, a mob gathered. President Smith relates:

"About midnight we were awakened with a terrible shouting and yelling from the outside. President Kimball [J. Golden] jumped up and started to dress. … The men pounded on the door and used filthy language, ordering the Mormons to come out that they were going to shoot them. President Kimball asked me if I wasn’t going to get up and dress and I told him no, I was going to stay in bed, that I was sure the Lord would take care of us. In just a few seconds the room was filled with shots. Apparently the mob had divided itself into four groups and were shooting into the corners of the house. Splinters were flying over our heads in every direction. There were a few moments of quiet, then another volley of shots was fired and more splinters flew. I felt absolutely no terror. I was very calm as I lay there, experiencing one of the most horrible events of my life, but I was sure that as long as I was preaching the word of God and following his teachings that the Lord would protect me, and he did” (George Albert Smith, “How My Life Was Preserved,” in A Story to Tell, comp. Primary Association General Board and the Deseret Sunday School Union Board [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1945], pp. 155–56)."

I freak out when theres a bee near by! I cant even imagine how I would react to people shooting at me. But he had absolute PEACE in his heart, knowing that the Lord would protect him. What an example he is to us that if we just put our faith in God, only good can come about.

We then played a game of "Concentration", or "Memory" as some of you might know it by. It was centered around Ephesians 6: 10-18, scripture of armor as I call it. If we just 'put on the whole armor of God' we will be protected in all things and have a stronger testimony.

This world increasingly challenges our faith in God and our standards of righteousness. If we would be “able to stand,” as Paul says, we must prepare now by “wearing” the “armor of righteousness.” With it we can move forward knowing that all will be well. Our righteousness will bring us peace even in the midst of troubled times. Let us help each other to stand “on the Lord’s side.”

Just Awesome

It was so exciting to see a past contestant choreograph this AMAZING dance, which was danced so BEAUTIFULLY by these two SUPERB dancers. This seriously made my Wednesday night.

What Lifts My Spirits

I turn to these inspirational works of art and it reminds me how beautiful this world is even with all the misery. Im grateful God gave us music and dance to lift my spirits in time of need.

Thought for the day...

I am a very self reflective person. In doing so, I tend to be quite hard on myself. I sometimes let what people say, do or act determine my self worth. I let a lot get to me, ultimately bringing me down. I think too much. Im emotional. Sensitive. I am a woman. Most of all, I am a child of God. Through all my weaknesses and faults, He still loves me. He is the only person who knows who I REALLY am, even when I dont. He helps me realize that I can make those weaknesses my strengths, and in doing so become a better person. At the end of the day, I forget all the negative, all the hurt and pain, and remember I choose my own happiness. And no one can take that away from me. I may forget at times, but deep down I am a child of God, and He LOVES me.

I wanted to share this not only for myself to look back on, but for my children one day to read and to know who there mother is. I want my children to know that their mother has a testimony of this amazing Gospel, and the peace and happiness it can bring to our lives. It is only through our Savior that we can recieve that eternal happiness. Its not an easy journey, but it is one that is worth while. I am eternally grateful for my testimony, and hope to be able to share it with as many as possible. If there is any gift I could ever give, the greatest of all would be the gospel. That is what I most of all want my children to know.

Angels Among Us

I have been having a hard time at work lately. There have been complaints from certain individuals, (whom I have no idea who) who have been complaining that I do not answer the phones quickly enough and that I am not doing my job adaquetly. Not to mention many fingers being pointed at me lately outside of work. Well I know that I am doing my best, the best that I can when there are up to 4 calls coming in at a time to answer as many as I can. And doing my best at going above and beyond of what is asked of me. Its sad that there are some people in this world that just have to complain about something to fulfill there day, and end up taking it out on someone that doesnt deserve it. Well, there is a sweet young gentlemen with Down Syndrome that works here that helps out with cleaning around the building, and well lets just say he made my day. There were multiple calls coming in at once, and I was making sure they got where they needed to go, and upon finally getting off the phone, he walks by and simply says, "Your doing a good job" with a smile on his face. He has been my little angel for the day.

Ok, I lied...

...so I said I was going to take a break. I get in these moods where I feel compelled to distance myself from the world. I feel its better for me to just maintain my distance in hopes not to implode on everyone around me. But as it turns out, I just cant stay away, theres just too much to write about! Plus, Im over my moodiness. Im done being female, as James would put it.

Ok, so what is it that I have to write about so badly to go against my word of staying away? Her name is Ree Drumond. Ive written about her several times, as far as her recipes go. But what I havent shared is that she is a remarkable writer who radiates joy and happiness. She shares her everyday life in her blog/website which you can find located in the top right hand corner of my blog, titled The Pioneer Woman. Even reading her recipes you cant help but laugh at the way she shares them, theres a story in everything she writes about!

Well the one thing that I have enjoyed the most reading on her website is her story about how her and Marlboro Man (her nickname for her husband) met, fell in love and eventually marry. It has been quite the journey, reading it has really been such a joy. I have been so looking forward to knowing exactly how it ends, cause we all know they obviously got hitched, its the journey on how they got there thats so interesting. Well I finally read the final contribution to her "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" today, and I cant help but feel touched, truly affected but what she wrote. I cant really explain why or how, but it moved me. We all have stuggles in our life, and for me, they just keep on piling up and I have a hard time of sorting through them and figuring out the best way of managing them to not "stink" up my life. And then you come upon certain readings that help lighten the load, put some perspective on your life, and make you realize that your not alone. Make you remember what brought you to where you are and that it is a good thing. I just love those moments. So thank you Ree Drumond, the Pioneer Woman. From the bottom of my heart. I encourage you to go read it here.

Excuse Me

I need another break. Excuse me for a bit. Sorry.

I need a minute...

My poor little pup is sick with puppy diarrhea. I woke up at 3 to let him out, and then woke me up again at 5, but ignored the poor little thing to fulfill my selfish desire to sleep. Well upon waking up at my regular scheduled time, I realize why he needed up again: the reason was on my living room floor. I immediately felt horrible for ignoring him earlier that morning, poor thing was just sick! Well, I, emphasis on the I, clean up the mess before I have to head to work. Then I come home for lunch and as soon as I walk in I smell what I thought was the remains of what I cleaned up that morning, to find out upon letting Doc out of his crate that he had made a mess in it and was completely covered in his new remains. UGH. But before I could feel grossed out I immediately felt sorry for him, poor thing had to go and couldn't wait! It wasnt until giving him a bath and washing it off that the grossness settled in. But still felt bad. So I bathe and dry him, take care of the mess and when James gets home do I get a "thanks for taking care of that"? No. Instead I get a "your going to be late getting back to work" instead. Thanks. Thats just what I needed to hear. I don't now if this is what I get to look forward to when having kids or if this is something I have a right to be upset about, but either way, Im gonna need a minute...

Who'll Stop the Rain...

"Long as I remember the rain been comin down.

Clouds of mystry pourin confusion on the ground.

Good men through the ages, tryin to find the sun;

And I wonder, still I wonder, who'll stop the rain."

-CCR

Oh the truth to those words...when is it going to end?!! It has been raining here for 2 1/2 weeks straight! I don't understand, I thought we moved to the desert? So much for that, it's turning into the wettest of marshlands here. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: weather.com says we are in the clear starting Monday! 70 degree weather with clear skies and 0% chance of rain!! I can hardly wait!! I can see it now: sandals, shorts, riding my new bike, walks again with Doc, rides on the motorcycle. Ahhh...I can hardly wait. So heres to the sun! We love you sun, please come back out play soon, we really do miss you:)

Finally, some recipes...and more!

Once again, I have no good excuse for disappearing other than I'm lazy and forgetful. I get home from work and all I wanna do is cook, eat, clean and relax. Enough of my excuses, lets get on with some of the recipes I promised!

Island Pitas (a.k.a. Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Pitas...better, huh?)
2 boneless chicken breasts
Lawrys Teriyaki marinade
1/4 C. Mayo
Pineapple slices
Lettuce
Pitas

1. Marinade chicken for desired length of time. Mix mayo with 1 tsp. marinade, or to desired taste. Grill chicken and pineapple slices while basting pineapple with marinade. Cut chicken into strips, then slather on some of the mayo mixture on pitas then stuff with chicken, pineapple and lettuce. Enjoy!!


Next, Pioneer Woman, Ree Drumond's: Mexican Lasagna

Just follow the link and I promise you will love what you find! James and I both loved it, though I will warn you it makes a ton! Those of you with big families will appreciate it, while those of you with smaller families, I would definitely cut it in half. We were eating leftovers for quite some time. It was really okay though, I savored every bite of it:)
(My pictures aren't as pretty as hers, but I enjoy myself capturing photos of my creations!)


As for James and I, we are loving Idaho, James is doing good in school and I am enjoying my job.
James on his first day of school:)
We love our ward and I am loving being back in Relief Society. Having been in Young Women's for the past two years, I have grown to miss the Relief Society, so I am enjoying it while it lasts before we get callings. We especially are enjoying having friends. James has become good friends with my friend Nicole's husband Chad. He is a car guy like James, so they have bonded quite well while I have very much enjoyed Nicoles company! Speaking of cars, James has found himself a new project. He is bringing back to life a 91 Acura Integra. I was more willing to go along with it since he bought the car for a mere $300. He is having fun stripping it apart and making it almost new again. I will have to post pictures as it comes along.

And as for Doc, well he is still my baby and we enjoy him every day! He is so much fun and love to play with him every minute we can. He actually is a year old this month! We dont know the exact day in June he was born, so I am making June 30th is Birthday, that way he is a "full" year old. Im a little OCD like that:)
Well, I think that is it for now. TTFN.Oh yeah, I cut my hair:)

Doc and I take walks along the green belt in Idaho Falls. Its so pretty, we both love it.

How cute is this?! He loves the wind blosing in his face, had to capture it:)

Addendum to "It comes down to dignity"...

I hereby take back the crown I formerly gave to Miss California Carrie Prejean. Anybody who poses nude as a teenager and lies about it on a contract to enter the Miss USA pageant clearly has little to no dignity. So much for that one!

Coming soon...an update to my Mexican Lasagna and a new recipe: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Pitas! Try and say that ten times fast:) Yeah, I should work on a new name...

Mexican-Italian tonight!

I haven't cooked at ALL this week and figured I better get my act together and put my wife cap back on. So, tonight I am making one of Pioneer Woman's finest, or so it looks at least. Mexican Lasagna. I can't WAIT! I'm sure James cant either. Poor guy. If it wasn't for the fact he burns noodles, I'm sure he would help out in the kitchen. But for fear of burning the house to the ground, we both agree the kitchen is my domain. He does help with dishes so for that I am INCREDIBLY grateful. He deserves a pat on the back! So, here's looking forward to some good cookin' tonight!! Or so we hope.

Pandemics and Preparedness

As many of you have probably heard, there is a possible pandemic on our hands with this swine flu among us. It has me on my toes since there are three people here at my work that just returned from Mexico, where the outbreak is most prevelant...EEEK! Needless to say, Ive got my Clorox dissenfecting wipes at my side alongside some hand sanitizer. I might even go get me a surgical mask, but we'll see. Im not taking any chances here people!

What this whole situation really comes down to is being prepared. Before we left from Missouri, James' Dad was telling us how the church has hired a special pandemic person for situations like these. You know when the church is taking action in hiring someone for a pandemic, it's not going to be that far away. He told us to start preparing now with a 3 month food storage supply, in case of one. Of course this would be on top of what we already had in food storage, which Im not going to lie was next to nothing. But we do have a Sam's Club membership and since we moved I have been picking up extra things here and there when I go, so I can proudly say I am starting and have enough for maybe 2 months. James' Mom also gave us a whole bunch of cannery from the Bishops storehouse so that indeed helps.

But the thing is, after reading about how our country is very vulnerable when it comes to our dependence on other countries for most things, it has made me realize just how important it is to be prepared. If you read THIS article, it talks about how places like Wal-Mart keep there inventories low to prevent waste, so if we were to cut off air travel there goes our stock for necessities for things such as generic medicines to surgical gloves. When it comes to our new President and our failing government, they will leave you to believe there will always be someone to be there to bail you out in time of need. We all know though this isnt true. We NEED to be prepared for whatever comes our way.
So, even though I have been preached to for years now to begin my food storage, and have a little here and there, I hereby declare April 27th the day I dedicate myself to FULLY preparing my food storage and simply just being PREPARED.

Off to Sam's Club I go.

It comes down to--Dignity

If you haven't heard all the hoopla about the Miss USA pageant, then you are missing out on the most outrageous contraversy ever. Really, Im boiling under my skin right now just thinking about it!

Her crown winning came down to one question, the most political and moral question that could ever be asked: Do you believe in same sex marriage. Not in those exact words, here is is verbatim: "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?" Her answer: "Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and in, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman, no offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and that's how I think that it should be between a man and a woman." She took a high moral ground, and for that I couldn't be more proud of a beauty contestent, knowing it wouldn't be the most popular answer. The sad thing about all of this, was the reaction. She lost the crown because of her morals, and now everyone is saying she should have given a more "pleasing" answer in order to win. Really? I thought the whole Q&A part of the competition was saying what you believe in, not what everyone else believes in. I thought the entire competition was about being who you are, not trying to be someone else. But through it all, Miss California Carrie Prejean stood by her answer and states, "I wouldn't change a thing." I watched an interview with her and Matt Lauer on the Today Show, and was very impressed by how well she is handling the whole situation. She was the first runner up, and knows that if she had given a different answer she very well could have won, but still stands by her response and her beliefs. GOOD FOR HER!

In my book, she deserves the most sparkly-studded crown ever.

Though she could have worn just a little bit more of a modest dress:)

Look who it is!!

Well I have found out that there are actually people who enjoy reading this thing, so I thought I better not let them down and get with the program!

So, James and I are in Idaho, wahoo! We absolutely love it here, so much in fact James is pretty set on staying here the rest of our lives! Im totally down. When you break it down, why not? We've got the mountains for boarding, dunes for four-wheeling, friends and family, and a race-track for James' speed demon needs! What more could you ask for?! I could use some more trees and water, but what are you gonna do about that? I guess we'll just have to visit out east more:)

As a stated in my last post I was going to share some pictures from our vaca in Utah in February, so here we go!

Here we have James newly bought truck stuck in a snow mound. Just the way I wanted to start our vacation:) Dont worry though, we got it out.

Next we have James trying on some ski gear which he later returned. That's right, I brought him over to the dark side, he's a boarder now!

James the first day with his skiis

Me loving the mountain

We loved Snow Bird, deffinitely going back next winter!

Me tearing up the mountain...

Thats James catching some air when he was first on his skiis, tricky stuff!

Us Three Musketeers at California Pizza Kitchen...good times, good food!

I love this picture of James playing the piano with the kids, melts my heart:)

Another melt my heart one:)

Gotta love these kids!!!

Oh you gotta love our classic pictures:) Super Bowl get together at Tinas place, so much fun!

All in all, two thumbs up for goofy helmets and for awesome vacations!

So there you go, good times in Utah. Im bummed I didnt get any pictures with Ben & Joy though. In due time.

Well, I suppose that does it for that. Hope you enjoyed! I know I did:)

Coming soon: Pictures of Doc in all his glory!! (Thats my dog if you dont remember:)

Hello World!

Between packing up our house, going on vacation for a week and half, working on the in-laws house, and moving accross the mid-west, its needless to say we've been a little busy and thus absent from the world for a while! But no worries, we are here and well. The move was great, we couldnt have asked for better weather for the drive, and I somehow got by without needing any of the energy drinks we bought for the 21 hour drive! Were now moved in and loving our townhouse. Were 2 minutes away from Walmart and Im 5 minutes away from my new job. I start my job tomorrow as a receptionist for an international company that makes food processing equipment. James is still on the hunt for a job and is still waiting on his school application status, so heres hoping!
I think that will have to be it for now, Im pretty tired and dont know how much longer I will make it this evening without passing out on my lap-top!
I will make sure to update more on our wonderful vaca in Utah and post some much needed pictures. Love to all!

The Truth

Ok ok, Ive been guilt tripped by my husband into telling you all the truth. He scolded me this morning for my previous post about the studio, because it is a lie. Yes, thats right, I LIED! Why you ask? I guess because Im both embarrased and stressed about the whole situation. I wasnt ready to get bombarded with all the questions..."Why?" "What are you going to do now?" "What happened?" Im stressed out enough as it is, this is just one more thing to add to the list. Not to mention my earlier post about how things were going "so well" for us, how could I say such a thing! God is surely punishing me for thinking He was blessing us, He was merely just testing us!! Ok, Im sure your ready to know exactly what the heck I am talking about...we are not buying the studio anymore. Everything has gone to put. As it turns out, we got ahead of ourselves, as the phrase says, "put the cart before the horse." The numbers shown us from the business, the profit/loss statement, was different from what they had first shown us. Pretty much they fudged the numbers to make it look like they made more than they really did. And then on top of that, going to get the SBA loan, since the loan would be under $100,000 it would have to be on a 5 year term which would make our monthly payments $1600. Between that payment and not making as much as we thought, we would barely be making it by, making us have to live in the studio for 5 years if not more. Which would not allow us to have kids in that frame of time. So you see where we stand, its just not possible.

As far as what we do now, were working on some prospects. We will let you know as soon as something comes about. I apologize for my deceiving post yesterday, at the time it just seemed best till we got things figured out. Im grateful though for a husband who reminds me its more important to be honest. Thank you love:)

Studio

As far as anyone is concerned, James and I are still planning on going ahead with the studio. If you have any questions, please contact me personally either by phone or email.

Does the Journey Seem Long?

In church yesterday for our opening hymn we sang hymn no. 127, "Does the Journey Seem Long?" I had never heard of it before, neither James and I had and I dont think the majority of the congregation had either considering no one was really singing it at first. But once we got use to the melody and stopped paying so much attention to not messing up the song, I realized what a beautiful song it is. The words just really captivated me. I love it when hymns do that for me. So, HERE it is if you havent heard it.

Does the journey seem long,

The path rugged and steep?

Are there briars and thorns on the way?

Do sharp stones cut your feet

As you struggle to rise

To the heights thru the heat of the day?
Is your heart faint and sad,

Your soul weary within,

As you toil ‘neath your burden of care?

Does the load heavy seem

You are forced now to lift?

Is there no one your burden to share?
Let your heart be not faint

Now the journey’s begun;

There is One who still beckons to you.

So look upward in joy

And take hold of his hand;

He will lead you to heights that are new—
A land holy and pure,

Where all trouble doth end,

And your life shall be free from all sin,

Where no tears shall be shed,

For no sorrows remain.

Take his hand and with him enter in

Q & A

Lets clear up some unanswered questions with some answers. Im horrible about following up with questions you all ask, sorry!

Now how did I miss not sharing what my puppys name is! How silly of me...His name is Doc "Rivers" Cooper...yup, thats right Tina! It just fit so well when you were out here when you added in Rivers, I decided it needs to be his official middle name:) He is half maltese, half yorkie. An official Yorktese!

Tomorrow is my birthday. Im at the point in my life that it has just become another day. So dont fret about wishing a "happy birthday", I promise I wont be dissapointed if I dont hear one:) Ive mentioned before that I work with a Jehovahs Witness. We tend to butt heads a lot regarding our religious differences, but there have been a couple things that have actually affected me in a good way. If you didnt know, they dont celebrate any holidays or birthdays. Now where I wouldnt rule out completely celebrating these eventful occasions, Ive come to the realization on "how" to celebrate these occasions. We focus so much on the insignificant nature of these commercialized holidays/celebrations, we forget the true meaning of the reason we are celebrating. Birthdays for instace, they are fun to celebrate when you are young, you have a reason to be excited when you turn 5, 10, 16 and 20. But when you get older, your birthday should maybe be less about you, and more about the person who brought you into this world, and maybe your Creator. Of course we should celebrate our accomplishments weve made through our life, each year weve been through, but you can do that everyday and why spend all that money just because your one year older? Christmas is pretty obvious of how we could celebrate that a little better. And Valentines day? Shouldnt we show our love for eachother every day? Shes just made me realize how superficial we all can be. And as much as I dont agree with her beliefs, she at least lives true to what she believes and doesnt waiver. How many of us can honestly say that for ourselves? I know there are days that I cant.

Ok, I think this is the last question needed to be answered. That little boy in the video above is just someone Tina and I found on youtube.com. She was showing me some other funny videos and stumbled upon this one and let me tell you, we were laughing so hard Im suprised our eyeballs didnt pop out of our heads!! Oh my golly gee he is adorably funny.

Well that should cover all my basis. If not let me know.

Love!!

Christmas 2008 & Update

January 12,2009

2008 was an interesting year for us! All in all though, we have been blessed and couldnt ask for more. The greatest gift we recieved this Christmas was the gift of a strengthened testimony, nothing greater. Its amazing the blessings the Lord has in store for you when you make the choices in your life that bring you closer to Him. We are so very greatful for the Gospel and to be a part of this magnificent work!

Well, I guess I should share some specifics as to what has been going on with us. Christmas was fun, we got to spend it with Tina and made some fun memories off roading in James beast of a truck!

We found a cave during our off road adventures, how cool is that!

The next greatest gift I got this year for Christmas was my own little puppy!! He is just the cutest little thing I ever saw. James couldnt wait till Christmas to give him to me, so the Sunday before Christmas he surprised me, and boy was I surprised! I couldnt be happier, he is my little baby:)

See what I mean about baby? We like to snuggle:)

Hes been groomed since Christmas so his hair is shorter and just that much cuter!! Were working on being house trained, so far so good. Hes at the point he knows to go the door when he needs to go, its just the whole waiting part. But were getting there.

So we have a lot going on right now! We finally got our house leased, which is the next best thing to having it sold, so we will take what we can get. The people that are leasing it would buy it but they would like to have some debt payed off before they get themselves into another mortgage. They sold their house and have to be out by the 31st, so we are busting out behinds trying to get everything together to move and buy the photography business! We are working on the SBA loan right now, so far so good. It actually worked out great as far as finding the bank to do it. Were going with Regions bank, which there is one in the town that James is working construction right now, so that is helping a lot to work with them here and be able to work with them locally when we move. It just seems that everything is working out so well for us, its amazing really! We got our settlement yesterday from James car accident, so we are so grateful to be able to have that help out with the business and to have something to fall back on. I will tell you exactly why everything has been working out so nicely for us...the big Guy!! Like I said before, when you are making the choices in your life that bring you closer to Him, He will bless you ten fold, and that is what happened for us.

On the 30th, we are flying out to Utah to visit Ben and family and Tina, and to go snowboarding...I am so stoked! Not only have I not seen these people I love in forever, I havent been on my board and mountain that I love either in forever! I miss it! James is going to try and pick up snow boarding, but if he doesnt in the first couple days, he will go back to his skiis. When he lived in New York growing up he went skiing all the time having lived next to a ski resort. Either way, we will have fun. It is a much needed vacation, we have been through so much our first 2 1/2 years of marriage, we need some time to just be "us." Especially before we start this whole business thing.

Well, I guess thats it for now! I know Im forgetting a whole bunch of stuff, but I suppose this will do for now. I will be updating on the move, business and what-not for sure. Till then, LOVE YOU!!!

Im here!

Dont worry, Im still here...just slackin is all. I get caught up in life and before you know it, I forget all about this wonderful world of blogging! I wont being saying too much right now, just putting it out there that I still exist and all is well. I will however being updating SOON. There is a LOT to update on, so I need to make sure I have the time to do so. Just know I love, Love, LOVE you all!!!!