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!!!!