SNOW

I love, love, love, snow days. I prefer them on the weekend because I actually get to enjoy them. This morning I got a phone call from Mom about 9am, thinking she was calling to see where I was for breakfast. Walked down stairs and saw a blanket of snow outside.

I was going to let him sleep till 11 since he had a few rough days. Kona had a different idea. She woke him up at 10 and from barking and playing in the snow. Once he got up I suggested we go to breakfast. Chris and I LOVE snow days, he lived in Michigan for 5-6 years so I know he can drive in the snow.

We went to breakfast, Macy's and Costco. Once we got home we decided to take our snow loving dog to the park to play. She loved every moment of it and so did we.

After the park we came home and made Hot Buttered Rum drinks. I can't wait to see what it does tomorrow and the rest of the week. I hope everyone had as much fun as we did.

Here are some pictures of our fun day.

No Bake Cookies

Before my aunt moved to Idaho we used to do a Christmas cookie bake every year. Mom had her favorites, Aunt Jenny had her favorites, Aunt Tina had hers and so did Marissa. My favorite were No Bake Cookies. I am going to try and make them this weekend. I don't know what it is about them but I love them.

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons peanut butter
3 cups quick oats

In large saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk, cocoa and salt. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue boiling 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and peanut butter; stirring until peanut butter is melted. Add oats and mix well.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until firm. Store tightly covered.

I don't remember there being peanut butter but something has to keep them together. We will see how they turn out I will let you know. :-)

Why.....

Do I let it bother me?
Do I let the things you do hurt my feelings?
Do I care?

I tell myself it is ok, it doesn't affect me any more but it does.

10 Things About Friday

► At lunch today I went to Washington Sq. for the first time in MONTHS. It is weird going there now since for 2-3 years I worked there everyday saw people I knew at each place as I walked through the mall. It was familiar to me. Now it is just another mall with more store and people who I don’t know at all.

► While at Washington Sq. I went to Forever 21. I forgot how much I LOVE that store. You can get so much stuff for almost nothing and it is good stuff too. I love that the store there is HUGE!!!!

► Also had a Gyro while I was there that I hadn’t in forever. I think I need to go to Washington Sq. more.

► Nothing when I go out drives me crazier than people that can’t park in just one parking spot. Why can’t you back up and re-park? Are you in that much of a hurry that you can’t respect other people that could or will be parking next to you? It almost gives people or kids a right to put a door ding in your car. Is there not enough room in 1 single parking spot for your car?

► Tonight I am going to Marrakesh for dinner with my friend Tricia for her birthday. I have to say this will be my 4th time and I really haven’t been there in 5 years. This is probably one of my most favorite places to eat and I can’t wait.

► After lunch got a call from on of my vendors who returned product without an RMA. Who in this business doesn’t know what an RMA is? RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION…..Don’t think it could be much clearer. Still didn’t understand if her customer didn’t want the product why she needed that. HELLO lady I already charged you for it I need a way to put it back in my system. I spent 45 minutes explaining this to her then she asked me who she need to talk to in her company to get one. HELLO again you work for a company with about 4000 employees….I DON’T KNOW I DON’T WORK THERE!

► Chris bought me/us a Wii for our anniversary that was the 20th. I don’t like video games really, but we have played the Wii a few times and I think it is fun to do with friends and when you just want to hang out. Now we come, home change and challenge each other to a Tennis match or Bowling. Currently I am beating Christopher at bowling…ha ha that NEVER happens to I am the Wii Bowling record holder in our house. We also got well rented Mario Galaxy which fits into the “video” game category. I am hooked. I have to take it back today. Can’t I just buy it?

► Hip Hip Hurray I think my car will be fixed by the 15th of Oct. What you say Taneha will have a car again that is crazy yep I will be rolling in the Jetta again.

► Friends – Friends to me are little angles/gifts from God. Each and everyone are very special and play a different part in your life. Each friend gives you a something different and each friendship is different. Some friends I talk to every day. Some I talk to once a week some I talk to once a month or once a year. But that friend is still a BIG part of my life. I talk to Jennie maybe once a month on the phone if not less because we are both busy people. Does that mean she means less to me than someone that lives here or I that I talk to everyday? As I get old I have come to realize your friends may become fewer but become closer and more special, new and old. I love my girls!

► To that I wish my girls Tricia, Jenny and Tara a WONDERFUL and HAPPY birthday weekend I love you!

September

I don't want to say YAY September is almost over but, "YAY September is almost over."

I love when Fall approaches and all the leaves start changing colors. That is one of the best things about Oregon among many. I don't really have a favorite season. I LOVE Fall, Spring and Summer each for different reasons. I don't mind the rain in winter but I wish we got more snow.

Besides Fall approaching September is such a busy month that I never know where it goes. Besides our Anniversary we know 19 people with a birthday in September 1 being Chris, 1 being Kelle (his mom), 1 being Mom (today), 4 other family birthdays and 4 really good friends birthdays. I love them all so much that it makes September really CRAZY but I wouldn't change it.

I am excited because my weekend will be filled with birthdays with 2 of my best friends. Tomorrow night Tricia's bday and Saturday Tara's birthday. In 2 weeks we will be going on a wine tour for Jenny's birthday which is on Sunday. As much as I complain about how busy we are I love spending the time with my friends.

Jennie flies in tonight too so hopefully I will get to see her this weekend since I haven't seen her since April. :)

Saturday was our 6 year anniversary we didn't do anything on Saturday cause Chris had to work. Sunday though we tried a new sushi restaurant that was pretty good and cheap to add. That night Chris stopped by game crazy and surprised me and bought me a Wii with money he had been saving. I was so excited cause I have been wanting one for so long. Yes it is a for you for me gift but what the heck I LOVE IT! Monday night we had to take Shiver to the vet so since we were in Sherwood we decided to go to our favorite sushi place Fujis for dinner. It was amazing as always.

5 more days left in September and 3 of the best Birthdays! Pictures from Chris' birthday are on my ms page or fb if you want to see them. I am sure I will add more from this week and the wine tour soon.

Happy Birthday Mom, Kelle and my Girls!!!! I love you!

I Found

•Wishbone Salad Spritzers – It has 1 calorie per spray.
•If you are about to be pushed in the pool it is easier to just fall in than to fight it.
•My Jessica Simpson CD – wondering what happened to her I love the old Jessica.
•The new phone that I want – Verizon LG Dare.
•A new favorite recipe.
•Spinach makes your teeth feel weird.
•A new handle for our bathroom toilet.
•I have some of the most amazing family and friends.
•If I stick to it I can actually lose weight
•I miss you more than I thought I did.
•That play PackRat makes me crazy sometimes.
•I am kind of excited for the new 90210.
•I am addicted to Tori and Dean in Hollywood.
•Every time I call Kelle her ring back tone is playing on the radio.
•Looking for a new book to read – suggestions.
•I need a new camera.
•So many new wines that I love.
•Summer comes and goes way too fast!

It's that time of year again!!!!

There has been so much going on lately and so many things I want to do. I can't believe summer is almost to an end. It has been a good few months though. It seems like we haven't done much but we got a couple camping trips in and hopefully one more. Would love to have more but with our schedules and everything it is hard to camp as much as we would like to.

As the summer comes to an end there is one thing I do every year that I look forward to. I didn't do it last year and I payed all year for it. So this year I will do plenty for everyone. I haven't decided what weekend I will be doing them but I am for sure looking forward to it.

It is PICKLE TIME!!!!!!

I didn't mean that

Have you ever said something or done something without even thinking about what you were saying or doing?

Last Letter.....

I am not one to drown people with my political views, what or how I feel about the war. We all have our own opinions mine are close to my heart as they are with most of my family members. For those reason I don't like talking about them with other people for fear I may not like what others have to say and I take it more personal than I should.

Most people who know me know I have 2 brothers and a sister. I love all 3 of them so much and they are a huge part of my life and sometimes I don't know what I would do without them. As some people know my older brother Bryan is a Navy Seal. This morning when I got to work I got an email from my sister-in-law, Fina. It is a letter she forwarded to me from a soldier Bryan was in Iraq with in 2006. In stead of forwarding it on I thought I would just post it in a blog. It brought tears to my eyes and made me think of a things I take for granted every day.

No matter what you think of feel please remember that our men and women are still there and need our thoughts and prayers every day!

It is a long email but worth the read.......

I just wanted to share this with my friends and family. August 2nd is the 2 yr. anniversary of this soldiers death. He was with Bryan in Iraq in 2006. he was killed by an enemy sniper. Please don't forget that our men are still there and need your thoughts and support. I know it seems like a lot to read.....it's worth your time.


Always,
Fina


Marc's last letter home Glory is something that some men chase and others find themselves stumbling upon, not expecting it to find them. Either way it is a noble gesture that one finds bestowed upon them. My question is, when does glory fade away and become a wrongful crusade, or an unjustified means which consumes one completely?
I have seen war. I have seen death, the sorrow that encompasses your entire being as a man breathes his last. I can only pray and hope that none of you will ever have to experience some of these things I have seen and felt here.
I have felt fear and have felt adrenaline pump through my veins making me seem invincible. I will be honest and say that some of the things I have seen here are unjustified and uncalled for. However for the most part we are helping this country. It will take more years than most expect, but we will get Iraq to stand on its own feet. Most of what I have seen here I will never really mention or speak of, only due to the nature of those involved. I have seen a man give his food to a hungry child and family. Today I saw a hospital that most of us would refuse to receive treatment from. The filth and smell would allow most of us to not be able to stand to enter, let alone get medicine from. However, you will be relieved to know that coalition forces have started to provide security for and supply medicine and equipment to help aid in the cause. I have seen amazing things happen here; however I have seen the sad part of war, too. I have seen the morals of a man who cares nothing of human life. . . . I have seen hate towards a nation's people who has never committed a wrong, except being born of a third world, ill-educated and ignorant to western civilization. It is not everybody who feels this way, only a select few, but it brings questions to mind. Is it ok for one to consider themselves superior to another race? Surprisingly, we are not a stranger to this sort of attitude. Meaning that in our own country, we discriminate against someone for what nationality they are, their education level, their social status. We distinguish our role models as multi-million-dollar sports heroes or talented actors and actresses who complain about not getting millions of dollars more then they are currently getting paid. Our country is a great country, don't get me wrong on this, otherwise none of us would be living there. My point of this is how can we come over here and help a less than fortunate country without holding contempt or hate towards them, if we can't do it in our country. I try to do my part over here, but the truth is over there, in the United States, I do nothing but take. Ask yourself, when was the last time you donated clothes that you hadn't worn out. When was the last time you paid for a random stranger's cup of coffee, meal or maybe even a tank of gas? When was the last time you helped a person with the groceries into or out of their car? Think to yourself and wonder what it would feel like if when the bill for the meal came and you were told it was already paid for. More random acts of kindness like this would change our country and our reputation as a country. It is not unknown to most of us that the rest of the world looks at us with doubt towards our humanity and morals. I am not here to preach or to say 'look at me,' because I am just as at fault as the next person. I find that being here makes me realize the great country we have and the obligation we have to keep it that way. The 4th has just come and gone and I received many e-mails thanking me for helping keep America great and free. I take no credit for the career path I have chosen; I can only give it to those of you who are reading this, because each one of you has contributed to me and who I am. However, what I do over here is only a small percent of what keeps our country great. I think the truth to our greatness is each other. Purity, morals and kindness, passed down to each generation through example. So to all my family and friends, do me a favor and pass on the kindness, the love, the precious gift of human life to each other so that when your children come into contact with a great conflict like that we are now faced with here in Iraq, that they are people of humanity, of pure motives, of compassion. This is our real part to keep America free! HAPPY 4th! Love Ya, Marc Lee P.S. Half-way through the deployment -- can't wait to see all of your faces.

Goals

What is your goal? Think about your life. Goals are very simple to define. I heard someone say.. "Either you're going somewhere or your not!!" Self help Guru Zig Ziglar says.. "A man or a woman without a goal is like a ship without a rudder. Each will drift and not drive. Each will end up on the beaches of despair, defeat, and despondency." Go for your goals!

Baked Artichoke with Gorgonzola & Herbs Followup

I don't know if anyone else has tried the recipe yet but if you haven't I thought I would give a friendly follow up. :)

Chris and I made the Baked Artichoke a few weeks ago. It was good not what we expected though. It was VERY rich. If you do attempt to make it and haven't you might want to not put as much Gorgonzola and tone it down just a little bit.

It was really good but I did have to scrape out some of the cheese. I do love my good old plain artichokes though. :)

Baked Artichokes with Gorgonzola and Herbs

We are now approaching my favorite time of year. Artichokes are one of my absolute favorites, I could eat one almost every day. Chris found a new recipe that we are going to try tonight. I can't wait.

Salt
4 artichokes
3 lemons, plus 1 lemon
10 ounces mild Gorgonzola cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons cream
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus 1 tablespoon
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Trim the artichokes by cutting off the top 1-inch or so. Cut the stem close to the base of the artichoke so the artichoke can sit up straight, and remove some of the bottom leaves. Using kitchen shears, trim the sharp points off of any remaining outer leaves. Add the artichokes to the boiling water. Halve the lemons and squeeze the juice into the boiling water. Toss in the lemons. Cook the artichokes until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain the artichokes and let cool.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the Gorgonzola, cream, thyme, 2 teaspoons parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl stir together the bread crumbs and remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Remove the center choke of the artichokes using a small spoon. Stuff the cheese mixture into the center of the artichokes. Place the artichokes into a baking dish. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the artichokes. Drizzle the tops of the artichokes with olive oil. Bake until the artichokes are heated through, the cheese is melted, and the bread crumbs are crisp and golden, about 25 minutes. Transfer the artichokes to a serving dish and serve.

Visiting Jennie in Tennessee

I got the chance to go to Tennessee for the first time 2 weeks ago and got back last Wednesday. It amazes me how 8 days goes by so fast.

I flew from PDX to Dallas then from Dallas to Nashville. This was pretty painless but I was tired by the time I got to Nashville and HUNGRY. It is $5 for cheese and crackers on an American Airlines flight. I couldn't believe the day I had been counting down for so long was here. I walked around the corner and YAY I was there and we finally got to hang out. First stop Taco Bell!!!!

We had so much hanging out and catching up. Besides all the catching up we went to dinner for her Birthday and Longhorn Steakhouse and went out for a couple drinks at Old Chicago. The rest of the week we went to Target, Wal-Mart a few times, Nashville, PX, Fort Campbell, The HUT, "The New Big Poke", Rainforest Cafe, watched The Hills and best of all White Castle. I had so much fun and can't wait to go back. Here are a few pictures of our time together and the fun we all 5 had.

Going out to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse

Liv on our way to Rainforest Cafe

Zander and I after bath time

Crazy Gabs going down the slide

Gabs and I

Jennie, Liv and I on my last night
I LOVE YOU!!!!!

The Balloon that got stuck!!!

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane

I am off to Tennesse to see Jennie. I can't wait to see her and hang out and spend girl time for 8 7 days. I will be there in a few hours!!!

See you soon babe!

There Are Places I Remember

Since we moved almost a month ago I am getting the new place put together slowly. In the process I have found a few old pictures and picture frames with old pictures in them. It is really weird how one moment in your life can change so many things and relationships. I am not saying this is good or bad. Things change in your life for a reason. God has plans for our life that we may never understand. Which I struggle with time and time again. As I was looking at new and old pictures this lyrics of this song came to mind.

To my all my friends old and new, I LOVE YOU! Each person has some how made a difference in my life and I love you for that.

There Are Places I Remember - Beatles

There are places I remember all my life,

Though some have changed

Some forever, not for better

Some have gone and some remain.

All these places have their moments

Of lovers and friends I still can recall

Some are dead and some are living

In my life I loved them all.

And with all these friends and lovers

There is no one compares with you

And these mem'ries lose their meaning

When I think of love as something new

And I know I'll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them.

In my life I loved you more.

And I know I'll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them.

In my life I loved you more

In my life I loved you more

On Confrontation and Change

What you refuse to confront you cannot change.

American Idol

I LOVE IT!!! From beginning to end I love it. I have watched it almost every year consistently.

I remember the first year American Idol started I didn't start watching it cause I was on a business trip in Vegas (I know surprise, surprise). Once I got home I started watching and I got hooked.

Yes, I have an all time favorite contestant. From the beginning I loved Chris Daughtry. Chris and I both liked him for different reasons. We swore we would never watch again when he got kicked off but do you think I really lived up to that? NOPE! I did love Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood

American Idol is back and I can't decide who my favorite is. Chris didn't watch with me last year but he actually likes some of them this year so he has started watching again. We both really like David Cook. We will just have to wait and see. He also likes Jason Castro and Carly Smithson. I want to cheer for the girl from Oregon, Kristy Lee Cook but she just isn't as good as I thought she was going to be. She did have a good night last night but I don't think she will last very long. We are kind of hoping tonight Ramiele Malubay is voted off. I just don't think she has as strong of a voice as the other singer.

We will just have to wait and see. Who will be here next week?

Fusilli alla Caprese

Chris was watching Food Network again and decided to make one of the dishes he saw for dinner last night. It was so yummy and quick!!! I can't wait to make it again.

1 pound fusilli pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 1 1/2 pints)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

In a medium skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. As the tomatoes cook and soften, smash them with a fork. Continue to cook until the tomatoes make a chunky style sauce, about 4 minutes. Transfer the tomato sauce to the bowl with the pasta. Toss to combine. Add the basil leaves and mozzarella. Stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the pasta is moist. Serve.

It was so good I wish we would have had leftovers for me to bring for lunch. As you can see Chris cooks more than I do. :)

Gray vs. Grey

Today the question came up while writing a technical email.

"How do you spell greyed/grayed? Is it with and a or an e?"

Why doesn't Outlook recognize greyed but does grayed. If it is just grey or gray it recognizes both. After many Google searches we have found our answer.

The reason for this is that one is an American spelling and one is a British spelling. The reason Outlook spell check doesn't recognize greyed. Gray is an American spelling and grey is the British spelling.

Gray is a color and grey is a colour.

There is our answer. :)

White Bean and Kale Soup

Kelle found this recipe in the Oregonian back in December. While I was in Las Vegas she made it and Chris loved it and has been wanting to make it ever since. He made it last night and it was oh so yummy so I thought I would share it.

Chris didn't add chopped tomatoes or ham last night. I think mainly cause we didn't have any but he also doesn't like cooked tomatoes to much. :) I am sure it will still be just as good. He also used white beans we got at WinCo in the bulk food bin. They just need to cook a little bit longer or let them soak an hour or so.

1 large bunch winter red kale
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 2 slices of pancetta or ham, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (optional)
1 cup canned chopped tomatoes, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 small bay leaf
3 cups canned cannellini or great Northern beans (about two 15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained)
1/2 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed

Topping:
1 cup fresh bread crumbs (We actually made our own croutons with french bread and boiled them for like a minute and they are REALLY yummy)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Rinse the kale and shake off excess moisture. Remove the stems from the leaves and discard or compost stems. Stack leaves and cut crosswise into ribbons. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and saute the greens, garlic and pancetta, if using, until kale is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the drained tomatoes, salt, thyme, bay leaf, drained beans and broth and mix gently so as to avoid breaking the beans. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more chicken broth. Spoon into an oiled 10-inch round or oval gratin dish and set aside.

To make topping: In a medium bowl toss the bread crumbs with the olive oil and salt. Spread the topping evenly on baking pan bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

Serve up in a bowl and add croutons to the top when finished.

It is very yummy for a nice dinner and leftovers for lunch. That is what I am having today. :)

It has been a while.....

I didn't realize how long it has been since I actually sat down and wrote a blog. Each time I start to write I stop to think maybe I should really blog about that. Today I thought I would write a few updates since I haven't in a while.

January and February have come and gone like they were weeks instead of months. January seems so long ago already I don't even remember what I did that month. I am just getting over the whirl wind affect of February that came and went.

I have actually been traveling more for work so I have been busy planning my trips and going back and forth from Arizona every other month. I also went to Las Vegas for 4 days in February. Actually found a few restaurants I loved and can't wait to go to again in June when and if I go. I don't mind traveling all that much I figure it builds up my frequent flyer miles that we can hopefully use soon.

For a few months now I have been looking for a new job. It isn't that I don't like what I do I just am struggling at the company I am currently working at. Mid January I found a job that I liked through Adeco doing pretty much exactly what I am doing now for a much larger company. I interviewed with them the first week of February and felt really good about the interview. About a week later I got a call asking me what my salary range was and I was still feeling pretty good. On the 15th I got the news that they offered the job to someone else that had a little smaller salary range than I did. I was very upset cause I felt so good about the job. After crying and being upset cause I didn't get it I realized that it wasn't the job God intended for me and that there was a better plan. That is easier to say now than it was 3 weeks ago. ;-)


At the beginning of February we made an executive decision between Chris and I that we needed to move to save money. We didn't want to because we loved our house and our Landlords but knew we were paying too much in rent. So the search began about the first week to find a new place. We were looking every where. From Hillsboro to Sherwood to SW Portland. If it was in our price range we looked at it. There were a few that we liked in Sherwood but didn't fit in our price range at all. Right before I left for Vegas we found a house in Beaverton that we really liked. The couple renting it seemed very nice and down to earth they were fine with Kona and weren't asking more for a security deposit. We filled out an application and we were excited to start the process. We were just waiting to here back. They never called so back to the search. We knew we had to be out by the 2nd so time was running out and quick. Monday the 25th we looked at a place in Aloha/Beaverton that we actually really liked. On the 27th we got a call that our application was accepted and we could move in starting the 1st. PHEW, just in time or else we would have been packing it all and living in a storage unit. :) Kelle, Joe, Mom, Dana and Kenzie came over and helped us move and we got it all done. Now to the unpacking for Taneha!!! I am still going room by room I think this is worse than packing.

So this is what we have been doing the last 2 months. I think I will start blogging more cause I have a lot of random thoughts lately. Also I have been finding a lot of new recipes that we have liked. Tonight Chris is going to try this new soup his Mom made while I was in Vegas. I can't wait to try it and I will post the recipe tomorrow in case anyone is in the mood for a new soup.

One last thing....Chris, thank you so much for supporting me in the decisions I make and standing by me. I know sometimes it isn't easy putting up with my emotional roller coaster and random freak out break downs. You always know how to make me smile and laugh my way through them even though you have heard the same thing 100 times.

There is so much more going on in my head but since I haven't wrote in a while I will save it for another day.

Contentment

More can be less if your looking for the perfect dish. DONT insist on perfection, just enjoy the good on lifes plate and leave the rest..Slow down... Be happy! BE CONTENT! Over indulging does not satisfy, it only makes you uncomfortable, unhappy and over weight.

SNOW!!!!

I LOVE SNOW days. I just don't understand why it has to be so cold but still no snow. It snows and it isn't cold enough to stick. It is freezing but now precipitation in sight. I just want it to snow and stick. What is so wrong with that?

Zach and Penelope are coming over this weekend for a sleep over so hopefully we will get a little blast of snow we can play in. :)

BRING ON THE SNOW!!!

On Being Patient

You've gotta crawl before you walk... AND ONLY GOD DECIDES HOW LONG YOU CRAWL.....

PS, I Love You

About 2 or 3 years ago I read PS, I Love You by Cecelia Ahern. I was absolutely in love with the book. Couldn't put it down was laughing and crying every time I read it. I was so excited when I saw they had made it into a movie. I am kind of worried though, the book was so good how could the movie be as good. I know deep down it never is. I am still excited.

Yesterday I couldn't decided what I was going to read next and since I just finished another book by Sophie Kinsella, which was good by the way. Today I decided I would read PS, I Love You again just to give my movie memory a refresher.

For my birthday next Sunday Lindsey is taking me to go see PS, I Love You. I can't wait. I will let you know what I think.

Side note I just realized she Cecelia Ahern is one of the creators for Samantha Who. I have actually watched it a few times and think it is pretty funny.

It's like a movie and I am the only one that will ever see it the way I do...

I hated reading when I was in school I hated it when I was out of school. In the past 10 or so years I have come to love it. I love taking a book all 400 pages of it and reading it in an entire weekend. The thing I love most is it is like a movie in my head. I can't stop till I know what is going to happen next. Sometimes I have trouble going to sleep cause I want to keep reading till the book is done. I am almost done with my current read and need another one.

What should I read now?

December 31, 2007.........Goodbye 2007

Here it is December 31 in a few short hours it will be 2008 and then I will be 32. WOW where did the time go. I haven't written much lately things have been crazy and I figure why write it is just the same stuff different day. :)

We have had A LOT of family time in the last 2 months and I have loved EVERY moment of it. Thank you to my family for being so supportive, loving and wonderful this year.

Here is to 2008 and all the changes to come. Till then I leave you with 200 questions about me. But now what I look at it there isn't 200 questions so however many! :)

Happy New Year!

200. My middle name is: Jo
199. I was born in: 1976
198. I am really: a funny person ask LindsEy!
197. My cell phone company is: verizon
196. My eye color is: brown
195. My shoe size is: 7
194. My ring size is: HUGE I think 7 or 8 I have fat fingers
193. My height is: 5'2"
192. I am allergic to: milk
191. I was born on:...1/2/1976 (coming up in case you need to get me anything)
190. I am annoyed by: people who smack when they eat
189. Last book you read: Ha Ha a girly book…..Shopaholic and Sister
188. My bed is: not big enough for Me, Chris, Kona, Jack and Shiver
187: One thing you hate about your body: my stomach
179. My favorite Holiday is: Thanksgiving
177. The last three cd's you bought/burned: Kid Rock & Timbaland
175. Are you living at home: I live in my own house
174. Do you have any siblings: 2 brothers and a sister
170. What did you do today: So far I got up at 6 made my lunch, drove to work, ate my oatmeal and surfed the internet because NOBODY else is working today.

:::I Believe In:::
142. Love at first sight: I married Chris but I wasn’t in love when I met him
141. Good Luck: nope
140. Fate: yes
139. Yourself: sometimes
138. Aliens: no
137. Heaven: yes
136. Hell: yes
135. Ghosts: I don’t know I am on the fence
134. Horoscopes: no but I would LOVE to read what someone thinks will happen in my life. I am still waiting for the big SUM of money it said I was gettin
133. Soulmates: ..yes

:::Which is Better:::
129. Hugs or Kisses: hugs they are so true
127. Phone or Online: both have their moments
124. Hot or cold: hot
123. Summer or winter: both
122. Fall or Spring: both (I love Oregon cause you get a combo of all 4 I love something about each)
121. Chocolate or vanilla: vanilla
120. Night or Day: night
119. Oranges or Apples: oranges
118. Curly or Straight hair: If mine would stay curly but it only does with a bottle of hairspray and a perm which one I won’t do and the other too much time.

:::Here's What I Think About:::
116. Abortion: I don't believe in it
115. Backstabbers: We've all been there
114-Politicians: I am tired of hearing about them

:::Last time I:::
102. Had food?: I ate some chex mix about 30 minutes ago
101. Saw someone I haven't seen in awhile: Dec. 29th
99. Who is the ditsiest person you know: Sorry but LindsEy!!! I love you!!!
98. Who makes you laugh the most?: Leslie cracks me up!!!
82. What I don't understand is: boys….amen Erin I still don’t get them
76. Something I always really miss when I leave home is: my bed
75. The thing that I'm looking forward to the most: 2008 is a new year
74. The thing that I'm not looking forward to is: turning 32
73. Tomorrow: I will sleep in and eat yummy sushi my husband will make for my family.
72. Today: is over
71. Next Summer: I predict will be GREAT
70. Next Weekend: is a new year
67. People call me: Taneha, Neha, Tancha, Tanera (thanks Warren), T, TT, Sikoni
60. The most difficult thing to do is: admit failure
59. I have gotten a speeding ticket: 3 times I think
60. My zodiac sign is: Capricorn
55. The first person I talked to today was: Craig a guy I work with
54. First time you had a crush: I was pry in 5th grade
53. The one person who I can't hide things from: my mom
52. Last time someone said something you were thinking: Saturday night (I don’t remember exactly but I remember it happened)
51. Right now I am talking to: nobody I am filling this out
50. What is your dream job: to be a mommy or if I work where I get paid a Tradeshow Coordinator (for a bigger company)
49. First real job: Village Baptist Nursery :-)
48. I have/will get a job: I have 2 jobs Thomas thinks I need a 3rd I think he hates me ;-)
47. I have these pets: Kona – our chocolate lab, Jack – our orange cat and shiver – our fighting spotted cat
46. I wish: not to work for a year and be ok
45. The worst sound in the world: someone screeching
44. The person that makes me cry the most is: no comment
43. Best sound in the world: running water
39. Person[s] that makes you happy: my family and my good friends
35. Florida or Hawaii: From what I have been in Florida, Hawaii
33. My favorite piece of clothing: ALL my clothes!
31. Last time I cried: Saturday
30. My friends are: irreplaceable and incredible
29. My computer is: slow as CRAP
28. The school I go to is: I don’t
27. Last person I got mad at is: Chris (surprise)
22. The all-time best movie is: I don’t know really……Steal Magnolias
21. The all-time best feeling in the world is: being loved
17. I lose all respect for people who: cheat
16. The last movie I cried at was: The Family Stone
14. TV channels you watch: NBC, ABC, CBS, MTV, E!, Discovery, TLC
13. Favorite web site: right now recipezaar.com
11. The worst pain I was ever in: when I had my laparoscopy
10. My favorite word is: butt munch
9. My room: is clean and big right now
8. My favorite celebrity: Reese Witherspoon or Julie Roberts
7. Your weakness is: children
6. Where do you want to go one day: Japan
4. What I like/first notice about the opposite sex is: smile
2. One thing that makes you feel great is: knowing you’re loved
1. One person that you wish you could see right now: James

My Fear

Ever since I was little I had this fear. Fear of being alone which is a few different combinations. Being home at night without someone or traveling alone.

This week I realized something as I took a last minute trip to Arizona for work. For the last six years my traveling has increased each year. From 1 trip a year to 2-3 trips a year. Now this coming year I will be traveling quite a bit for multiple shows. What I have realized is I no longer hold that fear.

I got over long ago traveling on a plane by myself. It is like getting in the car and driving to work. It is no big deal. The other things though have been a challenge. I don’t like finding my way around a new city and not knowing where I am going. I have a great sense of direction but my anxiety side kicks in when I have to catch a cab to my hotel from the airport that is about 12-15 miles. I get a little nervous each time thinking, “what if?” Chris would tell me I watch too much TV but it really isn’t that. I have never really had to do many things on my own because mainly I don’t like to but I have learned to do it.

I did think last night and this morning coming to a conclusion. If I got nothing else out of this job I have learned to become independent. I really don’t need to worry. I can catch the cab for 20 minute ride, I can go to dinner by myself, I can take a flight from Portland to any where not knowing what I am going to do when I get there and be ok with it.

Now there is one thing I am not ok with and not sure I will do again. I did when I was in LA in June take a train from LA to San Diego to hang out with Bryan and family for the weekend. I don’t care how much I have learned from traveling I will NEVER do that trip again. I have always heard good things about train rides from Portland to Seattle but this was nothing like that. It was a bunch of “thugs” commuting from city to city. It was like a long MAX ride and if you know me you know I HATE the MAX.

I am actually pretty proud of myself. It may seem a little silly to a lot of people but I don’t have that fear. Now maybe if I was traveling to the middle of nowhere and some guy with oh a saw was my cab driver I might not get in. I think this happened a while ago but I am just finally realizing it doesn’t bother me any more. Here’s to 4 trips to AZ this year, 4 trips to Vegas and maybe a trip to New York.

Being home alone at night, well I don’t know if that will ever happen.

My Friend

I have this friend her name is Andie. It is like Mandy but she is more like candie. She is the coolest! She has a pool you can swim in but not for long. You can walk on her but watch out she does bite if you tell her you want to keep her then lie and tell others you want to fire her. I don't know what to say but everyone needs an Andie in there pocket. With her in your pocket it will feel like a rocket.

But for real this time. Andie is one of those friends that it doesn't matter how long you don't talk or how often you talk you will be friends forever. If you give her the same she gives you, you will be friends for life. She is a very special person I met almost 3 years ago when I started at the GAP. She is amazing to talk to and even cry with if you need.

Andie, I love you and you are a rock star. You are an amazing person that goes through a lot and lets it go. You deserve the very best. As they say on the Golden Girls, "Thanks for being my friend. We've traveled down the roads and back again." Love you!

"I'm Being Chased"

We all sometimes have weird dreams but mine lately have seemed more realistic than normal.

Chris is hunting this week with my Dad and brothers. Sometimes I freak out when he leaves because I don’t like being home alone. This time I freaked out but it wasn’t cause I was going to be home alone that isn’t bothering me this time. It is just because he isn’t here period. It isn’t bothering me or freaking me out like someone is going to break in like I normally do. So it was weird when last night I had a dream that someone broke into our house (which wasn’t our actual house though) and I shot them. I tried calling 911 but they kept putting me on hold and wouldn’t listen to me. So instead I ended up running and kept running like someone was chasing me from house to house. I keep thinking, why would 911 put me on hold I told them someone was after me and they aren’t doing anything. I woke up crying…….Not crying because I was scared someone was going to break into my house. Crying because nobody would listen to me and how scared I was.

So I looked up some dream interpretations today at Dream Moods.

This was the closest fit I could find…..

“I’m Being Chased”

Chase dreams often stem from feelings of anxiety in your walking life. The way we respond to anxiety and pressure in real life is typically manifested as a chase dream. Running is an instinctive response to physical threats in our environment. Often in these dream scenarios, you are being pursued by some attacker, who wants to hurt or possibly kill you. You are running away, hiding, or trying to outwit your pursuer. Chase dreams may represent your way of coping with fears, stress or various situations in your waking life. Instead of confronting the situation, you are running away and avoiding it. Ask yourself who is the one chasing you and you may gain some understanding and insight on the source of your fears and pressure.The pursuer or attacker who is chasing you in your dream may also represent a part of yourself. Your own feelings of anger, jealousy, fear, and possibly love, can assume the appearance of threatening figure. You may be projecting these feelings onto the unknown chaser. Next time you have a chase dream, turn around and confront your pursuer. Ask them why they are chasing you.One may be consumed by their own anger, jealousy, love, or self-destructive behavior. For example, you may be drinking too much or exhibiting open hostility toward others around you. You may subconsciously be threatened by these actions which have been jeopardizing your relationships and/or career. Your dreams are a way of calling attention to these self-destructive actions.A more direct analysis of chase dreams is the fear of being attacked. Such dreams are more common among women than men, who may feel physically vulnerable in the urban environment. These dreams are inspired by fears of violence and sexual assault in which we are so over-exposed from the media. The violence that the media portrays magnifies our fears and how at risk we all are.

Shooting…..
To dream that you shoot a person with a gun, denotes your aggressive feelings and hidden anger toward that particular person. (I didn’t know the person I was shooting or shot.)

So what does my dream mean or does it mean anything at all?

Little Things

I love little surprises and presents. Wednesday night when I was at work I fell in love with a jacket we just got in. Thursday night I made a deal and got my jacket. :) I am so excited. Thank you to the person that put that smile on my face. She knew I had a rough day and night. Even though I did a few things for her she didn't need to do it but did. Thank you so much! Your friendship means a lot to me, even without the jacket.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

**************
This has always been one of my favorite verses. I have had this verse framed since I graduated high school. Between all the moves I didn't know what box it was in. On Sunday night I was looking in a box of pictures for a project I am working on. In the box I finally found it.

As a side note I found so many other things, emails from Heather, pictures of 6 Raft Rally's, pictures from Meadow Park, pictures from Jenn's house, pictures from our beach trips and a bunch of memories.

Best Friends

Kelle and Joe left for Mexico on Tuesday so Wriggly is staying with us. Wriggly and Kona are almost exactly a year apart so they have grown up together and become best friends. It is so funny when we are home you just mention Wriggly or Meme's name and Kona gets so excited to go see them. I have posted some pictures of them below of them this week and a previous one of them almost a year ago at Meme's house.

Hanging out at Meme's together!
Wriggly and Kona playing bite bite face face when Chris brought Wriggly over on Tuesday.

The girls have been having so much fun together. Here is a little video of them playing over a bone. It might be a little blurry cause I took it with my phone. I think they are both going to be sad when Kelle and Joe get home because they have been having so much fun together.

Wriggly resting after they played really hard for about an hour.

Be at Peace!

Words of Wisdom that I needed to hear this morning!

"Do not worry or become stress-filled when you cannot change your circumstances. (Remember this) When you are undisturbed by asituation, it falls away of its own weight."

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Mamma! I love you!!!

September 20th

78 years ago today Susan Marie Yaple was born who gave birth to my mother Marcia Ann Lehr 57 years go on the 25th. My Grandma was an amazing, beautiful, wonderful person. She had the funniest and craziest of stories. She had a story for everything and had done it all. Thomas and I laugh to this day how she could make a bouncy ball disappear into the TV. I know most people think we are crazy but she did it. To this day we will never know cause we never got to find out how she did it. People can try and take possessions but they can never take the memories we have. I love you Grandma and thought it has been almost 10 years since you left us I still think about all you did for Thomas and I. Happy Birthday and I love you!

5 years ago today I married Christopher Teshera. He is my very best friend.......every experience we share brings us closer together, and reminds me how truly wonderful he is and how very much he means to me. This year had been such a learning experience for us in so many ways. Through all the ups and downs we have never been closer than we are today.

I Love You Christopher! Happy Anniversary!

How do you know when it is cold outside?

I have this way of how I decide if it is cold outside or not. This morning I went to the deli by my work to pick up an energy drink. As I walked outside I could see my breath in the air. Since I was little that has always been my way of deciding whether it was cold out or not. As I walked to my car I decided it is officially Fall weather. This made me a little sad that summer is over but excited to move into the cool months. It is one of my favorite times of year and I am so excited. I love waking up in the morning when it is still dark outside. Some people think I am crazy I love it. I could go on and on about all the things I love about Fall. I am sure I will the closer we get.

It is time now to go watch the end of Big Brother 8. I am not happy about the 2 people that may win but what can I do?

I always say it but do I always really mean it?

I always catch myself saying, "never do anything for someone expecting something in return."

Do I really mean that?

I think a lot of times I say it but in the back of my mind I kind of do. I learned early in my life that I can't expect anything from anyone even people that are the closest to you. I was let down a lot by expecting things and this has in the past made me a VERY cold person. Thank God that it hasn't kept me that cold person. Most of you who know me, know I would do anything for the almost anyone, even someone I don't know if I have the ability. I just have to keep reminding myself what I always tell myself.

"Never do something for someone expecting anything in return. Do it cause you love them and want to."

Every Year

I just no realized the combinations of things I was eating. Every year before Jenn and I went to Raft Rally we had to go and buy 2 snacks Goldfish from Costco and bulk Runts. Both of which I am currently eating. I just found that funny and such an odd combination. We still did it every year for 5 years.

Look what Katie found while running.....

Katie and Patrick went running Monday morning and she sent me this link today of Donna and Kelly's house from 90210. You too can stay there for only $300 a night. Just get a few girls together and you will be in the "Beach House".

It is that time of year again

It is one of my favorite things to do all year. Next weekend I will be making pickles. I am so excited for that smell through out the house. This year I am going to try and make a few other things. Plum Jam, Blackberry Jam and Sour Kraut. I am excited to try new things.

Watch where you are walking----

This is what happens to your leg when you are not watching where you are going, walking through the gate and upset because you can't find 2 little 4 year olds that are suppose to be in the back yard. Oh yes it is the size of a baseball. Nobody ever said I was graceful. I think I got that trait from my Mother. Oh and you should see all the other ones on my body from last weekend. That was just the worst of them.

Too Busy....

Sometimes we think we are too busy to pray. That is a great mistake, Praying is a saving of time.

Where did June & July go?

Chris and I moved into our new house 2 months ago on the 19th and we still aren't settled in. Shouldn't I be organized by now? I had to look back at my calendar to find out where all the weekends and days went. Looks like they were all full with Timothy Lake, weddings, birthdays, trade shows, recitals, baby showers, girls nights, and a tons of fun times. And I wonder where all my time goes........

Here are a few pictures of all the good times over the last few months.

When I was in LA for 2 weeks I decided to go down and stay with Bryan, Fina and the kids for the weekend. I had a GREAT time relaxing and hanging out by the pool in the sun. I can't wait to go back and visit hopefully soon.

Penelope had her first dance recital in June. It brought me to tears watching her dance her little legs off.

Kasey giving Jamie's belly kisses.

For the 4th of July we went over to Johnny's this year and had a great time BBQ'ing and hanging out. I am sure there will be many more nights at Johnny's this summer.

Tricia and Madi playing game at our house.
Chris and Garrett playing on the trampoline.

In June Meme finally got her goats on June 10th she brought home Belle and Betsy.

Tanner Jenkins was born July 1st.

Reina and I after Tanner's baby shower.
Tyler loves for mommy!
Zach got glasses and looks like a mini Thomas. It is amazing!!

Zachri turned 6 on 7/25. It seems just like yesterday LindsEy was going into have him and here we are 6 years later getting ready for him to go into 1st grade.
Parker playing at Zach's birthday party. This little boy has no fear when it comes to the swimming pool.

As you can see we have had a BUSY 2 months but it has all been worth it. I really like our new house and the new neighbor hood. I miss our old house but I find new reasons each morning that make me smile. Whether it is Jack and Shiver being lazy, Kona wondering when we are going to play or all the wildlife in the pond behind us. On Monday I saw 2 raccoons crawling around in the grass. Last night we came home and heard a noice right by the fence. Kona started barking at it when we looked it was a possum playing possum. I think I will unpack on Sunday it looks like we will be staying a while. :)

Kona wants to go outside and play. Jack being lazy in a GAP bag his favorite place to sleep. Kelsey and put him in her purse the day we brought him home. He has loved bags ever since.

My new friend that has been in the pond every morning for the last week.

Now we are on to August. We have more birthday's, a wedding in Idaho, family days and maybe a camping trip.

POP-tarts......

This morning I went to the Deli Market on the corner by my office to get a Monster like I do on some mornings. Today I decided that I also wanted a breakfast bar. As I walked over to the breakfast bars I noticed from a distance next to them was individually wrapped POP-tart. I have bought them before but thought, “today is a good day for a Chocolate Fudge POP-tart.”

This one package of POP-tarts started a flood of old memories all of them revolving around Chocolate Fudge POP-tarts.

In 9th grade Stefanie Peterson ask Jenn and I if we wanted to work at the church nursery on Sunday mornings and some evenings during the week. Her sister worked there as an Assistant Supervisor and they needed help. One of the directors was Jenn’s neighbor so we had a good in. We started working in the nursery at Village Baptist Church every Sunday morning, evening and week nights here and there.

Sunday mornings though that is where the Chocolate Fudge POP-tarts came in. I don’t know who started it, Stef, Jenn, Heather, Tammi or my self but we started eating Chocolate Fudge POP-tarts almost every Sunday morning.

These mornings brought me so much and so much joy. I am so thankful for those Sunday mornings and Chocolate Fudge POP-tarts.

Spoiled Babies

They aren't spoiled at all. This is what they were doing when Chris came home this afternoon.

So True

"I can live without you. I just don't want to." ~Jennifer Aniston as Sarah Huttinger in Rumor Has It

I love her!!!!!

Saturday morning about 9ish my phone rang and it was Kelle, my mother-in-law. We chatted a bit about what we were both going to do for the day and then hung up. After talking to Chris about his day and watching the weather I decided to call her back. I had decided to go spend the day with her and the boys.

Kelle and I pretty much from the beginning have always had a great relationship but I think each time it gets better and I love her more. I was always scared of what kind of relationship I would have with my mother-in-law and I have to say I got very lucky. I love that my Mom and Kelle get along so well, I love that she is my second mom, I love that instead of her always taking Chris’ side if something is wrong that she talks to both of us and listens just like my Mom does, and I love that we can even combine family holidays. I could go on and on of all the things I love about her.

I know a lot of people that don’t get a long with their mother-in-laws and I have to say I am very thankful for the relationship we have. It is nice that I can tell her anything or do anything with her. I am so glad I decided on Saturday to go spend the day with her and I can’t wait till we get to do it again.

I have to say I had a great Saturday and I wouldn’t have wanted to anything else. I love you Meme!!!!

Contentment

A child on a farm sees a plane fly overhead and dreams of a faraway place. A traveler on a plane sees the farmhouse and dreams of home........ We are all as happy as we are content. :)

L.A.

I have never spent any amount of time in L.A. and now I kind of know why.

Tuesday morning I flew down to L.A. for work. I have a trade show that goes from Wednesday till Friday (tomorrow). I have never really spend a large amount of time in L.A. at least not by myself. The worst part is I am down town L.A. with no car and nothing really around me to do. Tuesday when I got off the plane Craig my boss took me to lunch at probably the oldest restaurant in L.A., Philippe's. OMG he was right it has the best French Dip Sandwich EVER!!! Nothing compares to this place. They still sell coffee for $.10. Who actually does that any more. After we set up our both around 4pm I just went back to my room and spent the rest of the evening in just because I was too tired to actually do anything.

Wednesday night we went to The Standard in down town LA. We went to the roof top lounge. That was pretty cool. I was pretty impressed. Amazing though the amount of out of town people that were there actually made me laugh because being in such a trendy place and there were so many people that honestly looked out of place made the evening so entertaining.

Really it hasn't been that bad so far, I just haven't really been able to see much of L.A. because I have no way to get around without taking a cab or walking, which I don't feel like doing after being on my feet for 5 hours.

Tonight I actually went to West LA but couldn't tell you the name of the restaurant. It was really nice though. It actually reminded me of being in Vegas in one of the indoor restaurants that makes you think you are outside. That is how nice it was outside.

Well tomorrow I only have to work from 10:30am till 2pm then I am catching a train down to San Diego to visit my brother. I am so excited to actually take a break before I have to spend another 6 days focusing day and night on work. I love San Diego, my brother, family and so looking forward to the break. Well I will tell you all about it on Sunday night.

Faith - Words of Wisdom

People all over the world want to know how they can please God.... The scripture says "Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please him." People all over the world can't sleep at night because of anxiety depression and worry.. (Here's my advice) Stop telling God how big your problems are and start telling your problems how big your God is....(Here's my motto)..... I can sleep at night because I know he's awake! God is the greatest!!! No more sleepless nights! :)

Relax! It's only a test!

Today we ran into another road block with the sale of our house. I bust out cry worried and stressed. I started praying in the car came home and found this Words of Wisdom email........

Everything in life is a reward or a test! Keep pushing!The desire for increase and multiplication is a characteristic of God.The entire earth is motivated by reward! God planned it. It is unnatural to pursue decrease. It is normal to pursue increase. Stay focused! Life always provides you a test to qualify you for the rewards. (Remember!)You will experience a double portion of influence and provision as you overcome your present testing! :) God is Love ~Rev Run

We're Off!!!

Man what a week! We started packing last week to move last weekend. Thank you to Mom, Kelle, Dana, Kenzie, Austen, Stacy, Thomas, LindsEy, the Kids and Gavin (our new 4 yr. old friend), for all your help last weekend with the move. I do not like moving and I hope we don't do it again for a while. Was for sure a bitter sweet move but we really like out new place and can't wait to have people over.

Kona wasn't so sure about the move and still is a little anxiety struck by the event. Shiver didn't do good the first few night but has learned to love all the ducks and birds in the pond behind our house. Jack well he is used to moving and did just fine. He likes helping me get ready in the morning.

I haven't quite got done unpacking everything or found a place for it but I will soon.

In the mean time we are out of here. Tomorrow morning we will be leaving for our annual Memorial Day camping trip to Timothy Lake. We can't wait to go and relax it will be a well deserved trip this year. When I get back I will share all the pictures, laughs, fishing stories and fun times we will had. Till then have a GREAT long weekend I know I will.

How to achieve happiness

Every day I get emails which are Words of Wisdom for the day. I have posted a few before when they stick out or I like them a lot, so I may start posting more of them. I love today's!!!!

Do you desire to be happy? (Remember this) The proof of desire is pursuit. You must go to happy places.. Pursue happy people..Create happy days... If you really desire happiness in your life, you must be willing to reach for it! Never blame anyone or anything for your unhappiness. Life rewards reachers. I have always said, "Happiness is never placed within your life, happiness is simply placed within your reach!". Now go out there and have a happy day! :) :) God is Love ~Rev Run

TO: Anonymous

First and foremost I want anyone reading this to know this is my blog, my thoughts and my feelings.

I do not know who left the "Anonymous" comment on my blog but I think you really misunderstood what my friend said. Since you have decided to remain anonymous I don't know who you are so I couldn't email you directly if I do know you. Please do not be offended by any of this I am just trying to clarify for you what you misunderstood. You are obviously a Mommy and are very blessed that you are. YOU DO NOT AND WILL NEVER understand the feeling of not being a Mommy month after month when you have wanted to be for so long. All she was saying (from experience) was there are a few Mother's out in the WORLD (NOT YOU) that take their children for granted and being a Mother. All she was saying is I will for sure appreciate my child, adopted or how ever it is some day that Chris and I have a child because it is so wanted. Without knowing what someone is going through please think about what you say or write before you do. Everyone has their own pains and struggles and this is mine.

Mother's Day/Holidays..........

Each year Mother’s Day/Holiday is different. Sometimes I have wanted to just cry, some I have completely forgotten, some I think how great it would be to give my family the news as a present for that holiday that we are having a baby, and some years I occupy myself with so much I forget to cry. This year was a mixture of all.

I say it was a combination of all for a few reasons. We have really been so busy that Mother’s Day just kind of snuck up on us so we didn’t plan anything big for either one of our Mom’s. I didn’t really feel like just crying all day like some years but there were a few things that brought tears to my eyes throughout the day.

Sometimes I don’t think I give Chris enough credit to understand sometimess what I am going through. We went to my Mom’s yesterday for pretty much all day since Joe and Kelle were out of town. In the early afternoon I was in Mom’s office and heard Kona walking in the kitchen and Mom yelling for me. I jumped up quickly knowing Kona isn’t really allowed in the house. As I turned the corner here came Kona with a card around her neck. It was the cutest Doggie Mother’s Day card that brought tears to my eyes. I may not be a “mom” in the truest sense but I am Kona's Mommy.

When we spend time at Mom and Jack’s we always like to enjoy a nice bottle of wine or 2. For some reason they decided they wanted shots yesterday. I am not a shot person to save my life. I am done with those days. Well, they brought out this nice bottle of Tequila that Mom bought in Mexico. She said, “This is for a VERY special occasion and we won’t open it till that day. Either after Taneha has a baby or her first actual Mother’s Day.”

Oh Mom you always know just the right things to say to make me cry yet so happy at the same time. I am so truly thankful for you! You have been the most amazing Mother a daughter could ask for. Like your card said, “you make everything look so easy and always know just what to say.” I can’t wait for the day we get to share Mother’s Day and get to have that shot and yes I will have it.

A friend of mine sent me a really sweet email that she was thinking and praying for me. I sometimes think I am forgotten about on days like Mother’s Day. Kristin, thank you for the email. She also sent me a link as well to a blog of a friend of hers. I can’t even begin to describe the blog you will just have to read it for yourself. I don’t know her at all but want to say thank you. Thank you for putting my hurts and tears into words so others will understand. Thank you for not forgetting the feeling and thank you for reminding me that I am not alone.

I did have a peace this weekend that our life was falling back into place. A peace that finally finally I may soon breathe stress free which may be the answer to so many unanswered problems. I know that one of these Mother’s Days, Father’s Days, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Birthday, whatever it may be I will get to give my family and his family the “present” I have been wanting to give. I know God has not given up on us and has his own plan as hard as it maybe for me to accept.

Jenni's Mother's Day Blog

Persevere

Being tough is not about how hard you can hit. Its all about how hard you can get hit and still keep going... (Always remember!) Sometimes the world is rough... so get tough!

Today's Words of Wisdom

In Psalms 118:24, David writes, "This is the day that the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!" Everyday we must remember positive affirmations. The mind is like the body; if we feed it wrong things, we become sick. Your thoughts are prayers. Thinking right is praying right. (Remember!) 7 days without prayer makes 1 weak!

A Few Things.....

I haven't posted in a while so I thought I would post a little something. Just in case someone actually reads this. :)

There is so much going on in my life right now. Can't really explain it in a blog nor is it really appropriate. One thing I have been reminded of it that I am not in charge of my life.

In the past few weeks I have had a lot of time to think. There are a few new things I have come across that I love, some I want to try, old things I rediscovered I love and physical things I can't live without.

So the new thing I have discovered that I love. I travel probably 2-3 times a year for work. I stay at many different hotels each time I go. Last June I went to Orlando and stayed at Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld. I am a freak about lotions and they had some of the best lotion, shampoo and shower gels. After being there for a week I ended up bringing as many home as I could. After about a year I finally looked up the company that made the lotion and YES I found them, Lather. I can now order them online. The best part is I have to go down to LA in June for 2 weeks. After visiting the Lather website I have discovered they have a store in Pasadena. Maybe just maybe I will get to go shopping there one of the days I am down there.

I found something old that I love also. When I was younger and would go over to my Dad's house my step Mom used to make rice for breakfast. Now this may sound gross but oh it was so good. Just mix in a little milk, raisins and cinnamon and you are set to go. I have been eating this a lot lately. Another good breakfast I have been eating is scrambled eggs in the microwave. Everyone at work thinks I am weird but it is so good. They come out so nice and fluffy. The key is add a little water or milk cook for about a minute then scramble them a little. Put them back in for another 30-45 second and I usually add cheese. OH this is so good in the morning.

Not feeling so well so I am going to go home and get in bed. I have a big week and weekend ahead so I want to be all rested for this weekend.