I am getting bad about posting again. Part of it is I have to be on Brent's computer since my password is saved here and I just don't remember it. And Brent is always on this thing. So here I am not able to sleep right now, blogging.
A lot of exciting things going on that I wanted to share.
My parents closed on their new house in Midlothian. It's all very surreal to me. But it's a VERY nice house. Audrey just loves it. It's a picturesque almost farmhouse, but not quite.
The following Sunday after the house closure, my sister Nancy got engaged and is planning a Summer 2013 wedding. I am so excited to stand by her side and be her Matron of Honor. She already has me on duty by asking the church's wedding coordinator what dates are open this summer. Nancy just doesn't want July as it is an icky month. I am hoping for early, because of our bit of good news. Audrey gets to play flower girl, so that will be good. She'll be great for her favorite aunt (sorry other aunts, but Aunt Nancy is Just. Plain. Fun!)!
The next day we go our acceptance letter to SIMStart, where we go to headquarters in Charlotte for further interviews, meetings, and so forth. They are 90% sure that they will send us at this point and we will know by the end of the long weekend in January if SIM will send us to Japan. The next step would be training through SIMGo in March. We are so excited where God is taking us.
Meanwhile I am compiling a list of addresses to have, so when we do go to Japan I have a newsletter list. That's been labor intensive! I am thankful for facebook! I just don't need to forget family and friends not on there!
I always strive to be a thankful person, but this year my heart especially swells with gratitude. God is good. Always.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Back from Disneyland
This time last week, I was in Disneyland. Wish I was still there! We had such a blast.
It wasn't so fun getting there. All that waiting sure wasn't fun. But at least Audrey slept half the flight, which sure was a relief. We were beyond tired when we arrived, still being on Central time, but we needed to eat and I had made plans to meet an online Disney friend in Downtown Disney. So we went to House of Blues to meet Lorianne and her daughter Megan. It was so good to meet them and we had a good time, despite being so tired.
Tuesday we went to Disneyland, where Audrey discovered the carousel right away. I lost count of how many times we rode that one. We went on a bunch of rides, but Audrey didn't like how loud they were for the most part. She didn't cry though. Unless she saw the carousel and wanted to ride it. We ate lunch at Cafe Orleans and had crepes and a pumpkin brulee which was divine. We would come back to Paradise Pier Hotel after lunch for naps. Good thing to do. Dinner we had at Tortilla Jo's and went to Mickey's Halloween Party, which Audrey dressed up as a ballerina for. She was stinkin' cute.
Wednesday we spent at California Adventure, where Audrey met her hero, Ariel. We had lunch at Ariel's Grotto with all of the princesses. It was good, but Audrey was already nappy. I think she would enjoy this if she had been older. $20 for mac and cheese she did not eat was not cool. At least we lived off of the desserts for a while!
Thursday we had the best breakfast with Minnie and Friends at Plaza Inn. Best character meal ever. I loved it. She loved it. She ate. Everyone was happy. The only downer was that it was across the way from the Astro Orbiter ride, which she also loved. So there was screaming at first. Ironically, we got a picture made right about then, and the photographer was so good that it's actually a decent picture of all of us! So yeah, had to buy that one. We needed presents for the grandparent's anyway :)
Friday we went to both parks. We started out at California Adventure, since that was the park with the extra magic hour. We were able to do rides that had too much of a line later in the day. Cars Land was also a lot more pleasant. Then we went to Disneyland, as we had reservations for Blue Bayou. Oh my gosh. Stop. If you go to Disneyland, you NEED to make reservations for Blue Bayou. You NEED to. It fills up and is so so so so so so good! Hunted down Pooh Bear as well and Audrey gave him a big hug. She wanted to buy a Pooh Bear that was like the size of her, but I persuaded her to a small one.
Saturday came too fast. We made a last minute ressie at our hotel's character breakfast where Audrey finally got to meet Mickey! That was a pretty nice breakfast as well and they had quite a few characters. I am glad we did it. She will only be this age once. Then we had to pack up and say good bye.
The low lights: Small World was closed for refurbishment and they ruined Haunted Mansion....I don't mind that they decorated it all Nightmare Before Christmas, but you messed with the whole flippin' ride. Not even the song was the same. I was uber bummed. It's just for this time of year though.
But watching all of Audrey's reactions, all of the the tasty treats, and the great first family vacation memories that will last a life time.....it was worth it. Such a great trip. Can't wait for more!
It wasn't so fun getting there. All that waiting sure wasn't fun. But at least Audrey slept half the flight, which sure was a relief. We were beyond tired when we arrived, still being on Central time, but we needed to eat and I had made plans to meet an online Disney friend in Downtown Disney. So we went to House of Blues to meet Lorianne and her daughter Megan. It was so good to meet them and we had a good time, despite being so tired.
Tuesday we went to Disneyland, where Audrey discovered the carousel right away. I lost count of how many times we rode that one. We went on a bunch of rides, but Audrey didn't like how loud they were for the most part. She didn't cry though. Unless she saw the carousel and wanted to ride it. We ate lunch at Cafe Orleans and had crepes and a pumpkin brulee which was divine. We would come back to Paradise Pier Hotel after lunch for naps. Good thing to do. Dinner we had at Tortilla Jo's and went to Mickey's Halloween Party, which Audrey dressed up as a ballerina for. She was stinkin' cute.
Wednesday we spent at California Adventure, where Audrey met her hero, Ariel. We had lunch at Ariel's Grotto with all of the princesses. It was good, but Audrey was already nappy. I think she would enjoy this if she had been older. $20 for mac and cheese she did not eat was not cool. At least we lived off of the desserts for a while!
Thursday we had the best breakfast with Minnie and Friends at Plaza Inn. Best character meal ever. I loved it. She loved it. She ate. Everyone was happy. The only downer was that it was across the way from the Astro Orbiter ride, which she also loved. So there was screaming at first. Ironically, we got a picture made right about then, and the photographer was so good that it's actually a decent picture of all of us! So yeah, had to buy that one. We needed presents for the grandparent's anyway :)
Friday we went to both parks. We started out at California Adventure, since that was the park with the extra magic hour. We were able to do rides that had too much of a line later in the day. Cars Land was also a lot more pleasant. Then we went to Disneyland, as we had reservations for Blue Bayou. Oh my gosh. Stop. If you go to Disneyland, you NEED to make reservations for Blue Bayou. You NEED to. It fills up and is so so so so so so good! Hunted down Pooh Bear as well and Audrey gave him a big hug. She wanted to buy a Pooh Bear that was like the size of her, but I persuaded her to a small one.
Saturday came too fast. We made a last minute ressie at our hotel's character breakfast where Audrey finally got to meet Mickey! That was a pretty nice breakfast as well and they had quite a few characters. I am glad we did it. She will only be this age once. Then we had to pack up and say good bye.
The low lights: Small World was closed for refurbishment and they ruined Haunted Mansion....I don't mind that they decorated it all Nightmare Before Christmas, but you messed with the whole flippin' ride. Not even the song was the same. I was uber bummed. It's just for this time of year though.
But watching all of Audrey's reactions, all of the the tasty treats, and the great first family vacation memories that will last a life time.....it was worth it. Such a great trip. Can't wait for more!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Christmas Morning
I am like a kid on Christmas morning.
Seriously.
I woke up at 3, and really didn't go back to sleep. I am running on pure adrenaline.
Because...
I AM GOING TO DISNEYLAND TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Won't blog while we're gone, but I am sure I will post pictures as soon as I can! :)
Seriously.
I woke up at 3, and really didn't go back to sleep. I am running on pure adrenaline.
Because...
I AM GOING TO DISNEYLAND TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Won't blog while we're gone, but I am sure I will post pictures as soon as I can! :)
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Dante's Inferno Revisited
I think I experienced my own special circle of Hell this past weekend.
We were at my in-law's house in Houston and I was still getting over the junk I had. I was extremely tired the whole time and helped set up for a wedding shower for DH's cousin that my MIL was hosting at her house. Then right before the first person arrived, Audrey ralphed. She has never thrown up before so she was very upset. Then she did it again. Oh great. She had that dumb tummy bug that was going around.
So here I am the whole time in her room trying to comfort my sick child in a house that is not ours trapped by a huge party going on downstairs. And to top it off, I am starving. And there is only one gluten free option (veggies and hummus), so I had to eat some major junk food. And then, after Audrey finally threw up the last time, she was ready to sleep, but people stayed an hour and a half past the ending time and talked flippin' LOUD so she kept on waking up. I almost went momma bear on their hineys. That just ticked me off.
Needless to say, we hightailed it out of there the next day.
Worst weekend ever.
Hopefully all is behind us now though, since we leave for Disneyland in 6 days!!!!!!!!
We were at my in-law's house in Houston and I was still getting over the junk I had. I was extremely tired the whole time and helped set up for a wedding shower for DH's cousin that my MIL was hosting at her house. Then right before the first person arrived, Audrey ralphed. She has never thrown up before so she was very upset. Then she did it again. Oh great. She had that dumb tummy bug that was going around.
So here I am the whole time in her room trying to comfort my sick child in a house that is not ours trapped by a huge party going on downstairs. And to top it off, I am starving. And there is only one gluten free option (veggies and hummus), so I had to eat some major junk food. And then, after Audrey finally threw up the last time, she was ready to sleep, but people stayed an hour and a half past the ending time and talked flippin' LOUD so she kept on waking up. I almost went momma bear on their hineys. That just ticked me off.
Needless to say, we hightailed it out of there the next day.
Worst weekend ever.
Hopefully all is behind us now though, since we leave for Disneyland in 6 days!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Blackbird Bakery review
I've been meaning to review one of my favorite new finds from the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo. Let me tell you about Blackbird Bakery.
So I come along this booth that I almost pass by, but then I'm like "what the heck? I am here to try new things. And, special bonus, no lines!" Plus they were all so smiley and friendly, it was hard not to chat. The owner, Karen Morgan, is so absolutely adorable. She explained her different flours and what each of them can do for different recipes.
I got the pie crust mix. I get nervous, because I see that you are supposed to add eggs and butter to it. I have to substitute those things, so I was wondering if it would turn out the same. Plus, I didn't know if the fact that I wasn't using the exact kind of flour alternative to knead with, if it wasn't going to turn out. So I got out my trusty Ener-G egg replacement as well as my Earth Balance coconut butter and went for it, not expecting much. I was concerned about the kneading and letting it set. Turns out I need not have worried!
It was pretty easy to work in to the pan, then I put in my makings for a chicken pot pie and put on the top crust with only minor flaws. Then it went in the oven. The kitchen was smelling wonderful and it was ready fast. Still, I'm nervous. What if it tastes like coconut since I used coconut butter? Did I just ruin it? Then I take a bite. The moment of truth. It was so light, flaky, buttery....perfect. This is the best ever pie crust. And just so you know, I have only been gluten free for a year so I've got a lot to compare it to. Let me tell you, grandma's or your aunt's or whoever makes good pie crust in your family has met their match. Pretty sure they can't hold a candle to Blackbird Bakery's mix. I have never been the hugest crust fan, but I make sure every little crumb of this stuff has been licked clean.
She runs shop out of Austin, so you are shopping local when you shop with her! She doesn't have her shop up online as of yet, but hoping she gets it up before Thanksgiving! I need some crusts for what promise be to be the best pies! So check in with her site to see when that comes up and get your self some. http://www.blackbird-bakery.com/
I also got the Choux mix, but have yet to play with that. But I am very impressed!
So I come along this booth that I almost pass by, but then I'm like "what the heck? I am here to try new things. And, special bonus, no lines!" Plus they were all so smiley and friendly, it was hard not to chat. The owner, Karen Morgan, is so absolutely adorable. She explained her different flours and what each of them can do for different recipes.
I got the pie crust mix. I get nervous, because I see that you are supposed to add eggs and butter to it. I have to substitute those things, so I was wondering if it would turn out the same. Plus, I didn't know if the fact that I wasn't using the exact kind of flour alternative to knead with, if it wasn't going to turn out. So I got out my trusty Ener-G egg replacement as well as my Earth Balance coconut butter and went for it, not expecting much. I was concerned about the kneading and letting it set. Turns out I need not have worried!
It was pretty easy to work in to the pan, then I put in my makings for a chicken pot pie and put on the top crust with only minor flaws. Then it went in the oven. The kitchen was smelling wonderful and it was ready fast. Still, I'm nervous. What if it tastes like coconut since I used coconut butter? Did I just ruin it? Then I take a bite. The moment of truth. It was so light, flaky, buttery....perfect. This is the best ever pie crust. And just so you know, I have only been gluten free for a year so I've got a lot to compare it to. Let me tell you, grandma's or your aunt's or whoever makes good pie crust in your family has met their match. Pretty sure they can't hold a candle to Blackbird Bakery's mix. I have never been the hugest crust fan, but I make sure every little crumb of this stuff has been licked clean.
She runs shop out of Austin, so you are shopping local when you shop with her! She doesn't have her shop up online as of yet, but hoping she gets it up before Thanksgiving! I need some crusts for what promise be to be the best pies! So check in with her site to see when that comes up and get your self some. http://www.blackbird-bakery.com/
I also got the Choux mix, but have yet to play with that. But I am very impressed!
The Vow Review
I netflixed The Vow yesterday. It's based on a true story in which a young married couple gets in a car wreck and the woman looses all memory of her new husband so the husband tries to re-woo her.
I don't know if it's the weather or whatever is in the air, but I've been depressed since watching it. It was a pretty good movie, but not one I want to see again. I wouldn't really recommend it either. That's pretty much all I have to say about that.
I don't know if it's the weather or whatever is in the air, but I've been depressed since watching it. It was a pretty good movie, but not one I want to see again. I wouldn't really recommend it either. That's pretty much all I have to say about that.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Rough Week
I thought mom's had this sickness immunity. Maybe it just seemed that way, because my mom was pretty much super mom. But this week I have been sick with what I believe is a secondary infection from allergies. I've felt pretty bad. Throat kills, can't breathe from my nose, pounding headache from sinus pressure. And to top it off, AF is in town.
My parent's bought a house further away. I don't know how I feel about that. I mean, we may be moving on the other side of the planet, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Them moving out of my childhood home will be kind of rough though. Being sick and on AF while hearing about this though...rough. Knew it had to happen. Needed to happen. There is a comfort in the familiar that people can get stuck in though, and thus never know God's best for them.
That's why we're going for Japan!
We have all of our work in to SIM. It's the waiting game. Trying to be actively praying about this, since that's all I can really do. Also trying to focus my thinking on other things so that I don't worry about it. Who adds a day to his life by worrying, Paul asks. Disneyland trip is in 16 days! Then we'll be helping my parents move, followed by Thanksgiving, and a family wedding in early December and a million other December activities. In the midst of all of that, we should find out about SIMstart and get our tickets to Charlotte if God wants us right now in Japan.
I guess that's a good thing about my parents moving. I am a middle child, so I can tend to be a little clingier to what I know. Them moving to a unfamiliar area just breaks me, melts me, molds me, uses me to His Glory. I was willing before, but it makes me more willing to move to Japan and start a new life there.
My parent's bought a house further away. I don't know how I feel about that. I mean, we may be moving on the other side of the planet, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Them moving out of my childhood home will be kind of rough though. Being sick and on AF while hearing about this though...rough. Knew it had to happen. Needed to happen. There is a comfort in the familiar that people can get stuck in though, and thus never know God's best for them.
That's why we're going for Japan!
We have all of our work in to SIM. It's the waiting game. Trying to be actively praying about this, since that's all I can really do. Also trying to focus my thinking on other things so that I don't worry about it. Who adds a day to his life by worrying, Paul asks. Disneyland trip is in 16 days! Then we'll be helping my parents move, followed by Thanksgiving, and a family wedding in early December and a million other December activities. In the midst of all of that, we should find out about SIMstart and get our tickets to Charlotte if God wants us right now in Japan.
I guess that's a good thing about my parents moving. I am a middle child, so I can tend to be a little clingier to what I know. Them moving to a unfamiliar area just breaks me, melts me, molds me, uses me to His Glory. I was willing before, but it makes me more willing to move to Japan and start a new life there.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Better Batter
I had always heard in the gluten free community, that Better Batter was pretty much the end-all/be-all of mixes. I've tried a lot in this last year of being gluten free, but hadn't had the chance before last week to try these mixes.
Thank goodness for the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo! Although they were sold out by the time I hit them, they offered the expo pricing on their website along with a code for free shipping. Another awesome thing about this company, besides their sweet owner, is that they have finance options for low income families and they are a huge advocate in the autism community.
The first thing I made was chocolate cake. It was my dad's birthday and my mom hadn't baked a cake yet, so I offered to make one. Besides a slight difference in texture, no one could really tell it was gluten free. Color me impressed! Then I decided to break in to the seasoned flour and made fried okra. It rivaled my Granny's (shhhh, don't tell her)! It had a definite kick to it. Very addictive. No one could tell at allllll that they were gluten free. Then I did something I shouldn't have. I took the brownie mix and made grasshopper brownies. My waistline is shot. I have found my go-to brownie mix. Again, no one could tell they were GF. There wasn't even that kinda funky texture. They were just really, really good brownies.
Here's the link to their website: http://betterbatter.org/
Thank goodness for the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo! Although they were sold out by the time I hit them, they offered the expo pricing on their website along with a code for free shipping. Another awesome thing about this company, besides their sweet owner, is that they have finance options for low income families and they are a huge advocate in the autism community.
The first thing I made was chocolate cake. It was my dad's birthday and my mom hadn't baked a cake yet, so I offered to make one. Besides a slight difference in texture, no one could really tell it was gluten free. Color me impressed! Then I decided to break in to the seasoned flour and made fried okra. It rivaled my Granny's (shhhh, don't tell her)! It had a definite kick to it. Very addictive. No one could tell at allllll that they were gluten free. Then I did something I shouldn't have. I took the brownie mix and made grasshopper brownies. My waistline is shot. I have found my go-to brownie mix. Again, no one could tell they were GF. There wasn't even that kinda funky texture. They were just really, really good brownies.
Here's the link to their website: http://betterbatter.org/
Monday, September 24, 2012
Outrageous Baking Company review
At the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo, I had the delight to try the Outrageous Baking Company.
I didn't try them the first time through, because they were located right across from my local joint I usually go to. I felt like a traitor. I went back the next day since I volunteered so I got in for free. I went towards the tail end, so a lot of the samples were eaten up. However there was a little bit of pumpkin bread, which is a favorite of mine especially this time of year, along with some lemon poppyseed bread.
The lemon poppyseed was surprisingly delicious! I didn't think I would like it quite honestly, but it was wonderful. There was a delightful crunch from a sugar glaze on top. Both breads were so moist, which is hard to achieve. You couldn't tell either one of them were gluten free!
The pumpkin bread.....oh my. Best pumpkin bread ever, gluten or non gluten. Period. I bought 2 loaves. Need to buy more. STAT!!!! The spices were just right, and like I mentioned before it is so moist!
I need to make it to Boulder! But at least they deliver :) Check them out: http://www.outrageousbaking.com/
I didn't try them the first time through, because they were located right across from my local joint I usually go to. I felt like a traitor. I went back the next day since I volunteered so I got in for free. I went towards the tail end, so a lot of the samples were eaten up. However there was a little bit of pumpkin bread, which is a favorite of mine especially this time of year, along with some lemon poppyseed bread.
The lemon poppyseed was surprisingly delicious! I didn't think I would like it quite honestly, but it was wonderful. There was a delightful crunch from a sugar glaze on top. Both breads were so moist, which is hard to achieve. You couldn't tell either one of them were gluten free!
The pumpkin bread.....oh my. Best pumpkin bread ever, gluten or non gluten. Period. I bought 2 loaves. Need to buy more. STAT!!!! The spices were just right, and like I mentioned before it is so moist!
I need to make it to Boulder! But at least they deliver :) Check them out: http://www.outrageousbaking.com/
The Artist review
I Netflixed The Artist today. I was curious after all of the awards it won and it seemed different.
It was a really good movie! I can see why it got award after award. It deserved every one of them. It is brilliantly executed and a unique approach on an era in the movies that I had never really known about. Although a bit of a downer as the protagonists career, marriage, and economic standing fail, it does end well and leaves you smiling.
Masterfully done. Go see it! You won't be sorry.
It was a really good movie! I can see why it got award after award. It deserved every one of them. It is brilliantly executed and a unique approach on an era in the movies that I had never really known about. Although a bit of a downer as the protagonists career, marriage, and economic standing fail, it does end well and leaves you smiling.
Masterfully done. Go see it! You won't be sorry.
Introduction to Reviews...
In an effort to start blogging more, I will have some reviews over various products I encounter. This will be my own thing. Companies won't find out unless they google and somehow come across my humble blog.
I'm not a reviewer, that I can eloquently describe taste and texture of a food or the symbolism in a movie or book, but my hope is to tell how I honestly feel about it and maybe give you an idea whether or not you would like to try that.
So here it goes....
I'm not a reviewer, that I can eloquently describe taste and texture of a food or the symbolism in a movie or book, but my hope is to tell how I honestly feel about it and maybe give you an idea whether or not you would like to try that.
So here it goes....
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Our Progress
Well, things are coming right along with SIM, praise God!
Yesterday we took several psychological evaluations (which was a psychological evaluation in itself!). It took us about 4 hours to get through them. We sent those in along with all of the info they needed regarding medical stuff even though they won't get out until Monday. I just didn't have DH's lab results back, but I figured I needed to get all of this in since we had it for the past few weeks and I can always scan and email those results. Just couldn't do that with all of it. I tried, but the files were too big. It took a while to compile all of it.
I guess when I finally get the blood work in, they will send out a short theology survey to make sure our beliefs and theirs don't contradict each other. Then it's the waiting game! We should hear mid-November whether or not we are invited to SIMstart in January. That's when we get to meet everyone face-to-face in Charlotte and have quite a few interviews, meet with the psychologist, and find out what else we need to do! By the end of that, we'll know if SIM will send us.
Please continue to pray for us. Pray for patience and peace for us and for wisdom and discernment for our SIM team. We are very excited and know we have been called to Japan, but we know that we can't just hop on a plane and that it is a process. God is doing some pretty amazing things in our lives in the meantime!
Yesterday we took several psychological evaluations (which was a psychological evaluation in itself!). It took us about 4 hours to get through them. We sent those in along with all of the info they needed regarding medical stuff even though they won't get out until Monday. I just didn't have DH's lab results back, but I figured I needed to get all of this in since we had it for the past few weeks and I can always scan and email those results. Just couldn't do that with all of it. I tried, but the files were too big. It took a while to compile all of it.
I guess when I finally get the blood work in, they will send out a short theology survey to make sure our beliefs and theirs don't contradict each other. Then it's the waiting game! We should hear mid-November whether or not we are invited to SIMstart in January. That's when we get to meet everyone face-to-face in Charlotte and have quite a few interviews, meet with the psychologist, and find out what else we need to do! By the end of that, we'll know if SIM will send us.
Please continue to pray for us. Pray for patience and peace for us and for wisdom and discernment for our SIM team. We are very excited and know we have been called to Japan, but we know that we can't just hop on a plane and that it is a process. God is doing some pretty amazing things in our lives in the meantime!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Another week
We are coming right along with SIM. I know at least half of my references have gotten their forms back in to them. We are just waiting for all of our medical records to come in to send in. Then we should know pretty soon if we are approved to go to Charlotte for SIMstart in January. Very exciting to see what the Lord has in store for us!
We had rain all day yesterday. It was needed. Q and I made a countdown chain for Disneyland. Can't believe it's 35 days from now! We went to get gift cards for our trip. She did pretty well on our outing, but she was ready for her nap by the time we left.
It's frustrating going places lately with her. I guess with her being fairly new at the potty trained thing, she feels she has to go about 50 times when we're out. And her words for potty and iPad sound so similar, I don't always know if she is throwing a tantrum to play with the iPad. So I've pretty much taken the iPad out of the picture, majorly limited her media, and take her potty if it sounds like she says it. It really has helped a lot. Her attitude started greatly improving when I limited the media. It had gotten a bit out of control. 2 days a week she has school, then there's Sunday school, so there are 3 mornings when she is occupied anyway.
Her Uncle Derek is in town though, so that should make her pretty excited. She got to see Aunt Sherrie yesterday, and she just loved her! It should be a great week!
We had rain all day yesterday. It was needed. Q and I made a countdown chain for Disneyland. Can't believe it's 35 days from now! We went to get gift cards for our trip. She did pretty well on our outing, but she was ready for her nap by the time we left.
It's frustrating going places lately with her. I guess with her being fairly new at the potty trained thing, she feels she has to go about 50 times when we're out. And her words for potty and iPad sound so similar, I don't always know if she is throwing a tantrum to play with the iPad. So I've pretty much taken the iPad out of the picture, majorly limited her media, and take her potty if it sounds like she says it. It really has helped a lot. Her attitude started greatly improving when I limited the media. It had gotten a bit out of control. 2 days a week she has school, then there's Sunday school, so there are 3 mornings when she is occupied anyway.
Her Uncle Derek is in town though, so that should make her pretty excited. She got to see Aunt Sherrie yesterday, and she just loved her! It should be a great week!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Blessings
It's the little things in life that make you realize how blessed you are.
I got up this morning with my daughter and after she finished her breakfast, she crawled in my lap and just sat there for a while snuggling.
Blessing.
I had been feeling kind of down from kind of a jerky move from a friend, so it was just a nice reminder to know that I am loved, I am valued, even when Satan attacks me where it hurts.
Then hubby got up earlier than normal so I went ahead and went to this Bible Study I wanted to try out. I didn't really feel like driving or being around people, but I find this is when it's most important to get yourself around people. Then I had a wonderful time with some wonderful ladies. It was nice to have the little break and fellowship with friends.
Blessing.
And when I was looking up flights to Disneyland, I found the best deal and asked around if that was a good deal. People said it was and when I went to buy, the tickets had gone down $20 each!
Blessing.
I got up this morning with my daughter and after she finished her breakfast, she crawled in my lap and just sat there for a while snuggling.
Blessing.
I had been feeling kind of down from kind of a jerky move from a friend, so it was just a nice reminder to know that I am loved, I am valued, even when Satan attacks me where it hurts.
Then hubby got up earlier than normal so I went ahead and went to this Bible Study I wanted to try out. I didn't really feel like driving or being around people, but I find this is when it's most important to get yourself around people. Then I had a wonderful time with some wonderful ladies. It was nice to have the little break and fellowship with friends.
Blessing.
And when I was looking up flights to Disneyland, I found the best deal and asked around if that was a good deal. People said it was and when I went to buy, the tickets had gone down $20 each!
Blessing.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Voice Lessons
So after not having voice lessons for about a decade, I am back in the saddle! Today was my first one back in, and while I did have some things to work on, my teacher was impressed that my voice has remained so pure. I remember hating that about my voice. I have very little to no vibrato, but as you age you get more vibrato in your voice. So I guess my voice will be better for longer in theory?
We worked on quite a few vocal warm ups and she got some ideas of what she wants to do in my voice. I had brought my music from when I took lessons so long ago, and she picked one of the last pieces that she had given me to start singing again. It's a Bach piece, so I'm gravy. She was impressed how well I remembered it. Well, I've worked on these pieces as they were the only links I had to music for a while.
So I am quite excited to be starting back up! Great me time :)
We worked on quite a few vocal warm ups and she got some ideas of what she wants to do in my voice. I had brought my music from when I took lessons so long ago, and she picked one of the last pieces that she had given me to start singing again. It's a Bach piece, so I'm gravy. She was impressed how well I remembered it. Well, I've worked on these pieces as they were the only links I had to music for a while.
So I am quite excited to be starting back up! Great me time :)
Monday, September 10, 2012
Busy week!
I got really overwhelmed last week...
It seemed like everything decided to happen then. I got over-committed. I am just glad it's over.
The biggest thing was that Audrey started her first day of Mother's Day Out at Little Hearts School. She has the sweetest teacher, Mrs. Lauren, and is already making friends. I am hoping this will be good for her language development.
I joined a MOPS group as well and am looking forward to getting to know those ladies better. I didn't realize it was a national group until fairly recently. I think it will be great for me, as they are a wonderful support.
I went to the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo on Saturday AND Sunday this year, because I got in free! I was really blessed and was picked to volunteer. So on Saturday afternoon, I had to handle charging people's credit cards to get in. But that morning and Sunday afternoon, I racked in the goodies! I didn't spend more than the tickets cost, so I think I did extra well. I found a couple of new companies and reconnected with the ones I loved. Got a little star struck when I checked-in the CEO of Hail Merry. I really liked the owner of Blackbird Bakery, based in Austin. I am looking forward to trying her wonderful flours. I had heard wonderful things about Juice Plus, and they were there as well, so I signed up for their product. I also tried the best pumpkin bread and lemon poppyseed bread from Outrageous Bakery and had to buy some of that! The samples of Pamela's got delayed in a shipping facility, so they are sending us all packages. What a wonderful company! And Udi's still just makes me happy. I got so full each day from all the goodies. I'm sad they're moving it further away next year, but it will be at a bigger facility.
SIM is still coming along. We are hearing more and more positive things. This time next year we could very well be in Japan! PTL!!
God is good.
It seemed like everything decided to happen then. I got over-committed. I am just glad it's over.
The biggest thing was that Audrey started her first day of Mother's Day Out at Little Hearts School. She has the sweetest teacher, Mrs. Lauren, and is already making friends. I am hoping this will be good for her language development.
I joined a MOPS group as well and am looking forward to getting to know those ladies better. I didn't realize it was a national group until fairly recently. I think it will be great for me, as they are a wonderful support.
I went to the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo on Saturday AND Sunday this year, because I got in free! I was really blessed and was picked to volunteer. So on Saturday afternoon, I had to handle charging people's credit cards to get in. But that morning and Sunday afternoon, I racked in the goodies! I didn't spend more than the tickets cost, so I think I did extra well. I found a couple of new companies and reconnected with the ones I loved. Got a little star struck when I checked-in the CEO of Hail Merry. I really liked the owner of Blackbird Bakery, based in Austin. I am looking forward to trying her wonderful flours. I had heard wonderful things about Juice Plus, and they were there as well, so I signed up for their product. I also tried the best pumpkin bread and lemon poppyseed bread from Outrageous Bakery and had to buy some of that! The samples of Pamela's got delayed in a shipping facility, so they are sending us all packages. What a wonderful company! And Udi's still just makes me happy. I got so full each day from all the goodies. I'm sad they're moving it further away next year, but it will be at a bigger facility.
SIM is still coming along. We are hearing more and more positive things. This time next year we could very well be in Japan! PTL!!
God is good.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Fluff Giveaway!
There is a fantastic giveaway going on right now. After getting in with JBP, I have been trying to become more educated on the greener way of life and cloth diapering and would like to have our next kid soon, so I figure I should start stocking up!
So here's the link!
http://www.simplyshan.com/2012/08/flufftastic-summer-celebration-giveaway.html
So here's the link!
http://www.simplyshan.com/2012/08/flufftastic-summer-celebration-giveaway.html
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Moving forward
Well, DH finally got his SIM application in. Yay! I already sent out my thank you notes to my references, even though they haven't received the forms yet. I figured if I didn't do it then, it wouldn't get done.
I had a good talk with my mom yesterday about the whole going to Japan thing. We have yet to hear back from a teaching job. I have seen what DH has put in and I have worked for schools before, so I can tell you that there is no reason whatsoever why he should not have had at least an interview. Except God has bigger, better plans for us. Japan. There is training in September, then there isn't any until January. It would be cutting the butter, they would have to send out our reference forms, the references would have to send them back ASAP, and they would have to approve us quickly to be able to go. But I do believe it can be done. Right now we just get to play the waiting game.
Have I said that I hate the waiting game?
You may have heard, don't pray for patience because your patience will be tried. My mom so wisely said in response that pray for patience anyway, because your patience will be tried no matter what and you can get through it with God's help! My mother is a very wise woman. So I guess I will need prayers for patience in this waiting game :)
In other news...
I got the strangest email from my favorite SIL yesterday. It seemed so distant and cold and was only a few sentences. I tried calling her and she didn't pick up. It was just plain odd. Has this ever happened to any one out there? I finally gave up and sent her back a pretty detailed email, but it has sort of unsettled me. I've been kind of concerned about her anyway, so this just is another tic. Hope everything is okay.
I had a good talk with my mom yesterday about the whole going to Japan thing. We have yet to hear back from a teaching job. I have seen what DH has put in and I have worked for schools before, so I can tell you that there is no reason whatsoever why he should not have had at least an interview. Except God has bigger, better plans for us. Japan. There is training in September, then there isn't any until January. It would be cutting the butter, they would have to send out our reference forms, the references would have to send them back ASAP, and they would have to approve us quickly to be able to go. But I do believe it can be done. Right now we just get to play the waiting game.
Have I said that I hate the waiting game?
You may have heard, don't pray for patience because your patience will be tried. My mom so wisely said in response that pray for patience anyway, because your patience will be tried no matter what and you can get through it with God's help! My mother is a very wise woman. So I guess I will need prayers for patience in this waiting game :)
In other news...
I got the strangest email from my favorite SIL yesterday. It seemed so distant and cold and was only a few sentences. I tried calling her and she didn't pick up. It was just plain odd. Has this ever happened to any one out there? I finally gave up and sent her back a pretty detailed email, but it has sort of unsettled me. I've been kind of concerned about her anyway, so this just is another tic. Hope everything is okay.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Needles can be FUN!
Can I just say.....
I FREAKING LOVE ACUPUNCTURE!!!!!!
I went back today after having an appointment on Monday as well. I my goodness, it mellows me out, makes me think clearly, makes my temper more even, and has even begun to clear my skin! And we are working on my chunk now, so that's awesome!
I undid the good work on Monday after consuming way too much gluten. It was my anniversary. I wanted cake, dang it. Paid for it on Tuesday. I was getting mad at every little thing, everyone was my enemy, nothing was good about like. I should not eat cake. Very bad feelings.
But I am back in the saddle, so things should be groovy. Yay me!
I FREAKING LOVE ACUPUNCTURE!!!!!!
I went back today after having an appointment on Monday as well. I my goodness, it mellows me out, makes me think clearly, makes my temper more even, and has even begun to clear my skin! And we are working on my chunk now, so that's awesome!
I undid the good work on Monday after consuming way too much gluten. It was my anniversary. I wanted cake, dang it. Paid for it on Tuesday. I was getting mad at every little thing, everyone was my enemy, nothing was good about like. I should not eat cake. Very bad feelings.
But I am back in the saddle, so things should be groovy. Yay me!
Monday, August 13, 2012
7th Anniversary
7 years ago today, I married my best friend and love of my life. We've had our ups and downs, but our marriage has remained strong through God's good grace. We've had that 7 years of famine, so now we're ready for a feast!
I was able to send off my part of the SIM application on Saturday. I feel pretty good about it and I think I got some good references. So I guess I should back up in case I forgot to mention it before. A year ago last January, we were rejected from Asian Access to be missionaries to Japan. This has still been on our hearts though and there were a lot of "why" questions. It just wasn't His timing yet. When we decided to explore this option again at the beginning of the summer, we found that Asian Access had sort of been absorbed in to SIM. I don't know how else to describe it. AA still exists, but SIM takes care of the bulk of everything. We both passed the phone interview part, then this last week we heard we passed the pre-application part! The full application is our next step, then I believe we can do SIMGo, where we meet the US staff in person and get evaluated, if approved. The next one is soon, like mid-September soon, but I believe hat if we get right on it and they get right on it, we can make that one. If we don't, the next one is in January. Please be praying for our process! If we get in to the one in September, there is then further training in November. If it's January, it would be March. And we would be pretty good to go once we raise the funds, which we know we have a bit just from our past experience.
Don't know what we'll be doing today to celebrate our anniversary, but it will be sweet. God has been good.
I was able to send off my part of the SIM application on Saturday. I feel pretty good about it and I think I got some good references. So I guess I should back up in case I forgot to mention it before. A year ago last January, we were rejected from Asian Access to be missionaries to Japan. This has still been on our hearts though and there were a lot of "why" questions. It just wasn't His timing yet. When we decided to explore this option again at the beginning of the summer, we found that Asian Access had sort of been absorbed in to SIM. I don't know how else to describe it. AA still exists, but SIM takes care of the bulk of everything. We both passed the phone interview part, then this last week we heard we passed the pre-application part! The full application is our next step, then I believe we can do SIMGo, where we meet the US staff in person and get evaluated, if approved. The next one is soon, like mid-September soon, but I believe hat if we get right on it and they get right on it, we can make that one. If we don't, the next one is in January. Please be praying for our process! If we get in to the one in September, there is then further training in November. If it's January, it would be March. And we would be pretty good to go once we raise the funds, which we know we have a bit just from our past experience.
Don't know what we'll be doing today to celebrate our anniversary, but it will be sweet. God has been good.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Productive Trip
We are finally back after spending about a week in Houston. DH had a guy's weekend with his dad and one of his brothers. His other brother had to bail, because his wife's grandmother died. They had a great time though and hope to do something similar again.
We decided to spend a little longer to see old friends and do some networking. Also brainstormed on jobs. It was a pretty productive time! But I am so glad to be back home. I slept so much better last night in my own comfy bed, took a shower in my own bath with all of my stuff.
DD and I had a fun time with Grammie while the men were away. We got to go to the circus on Saturday and DD absolutely LOVED it! She was dancing and clapping and enjoying all her goodies. Fun was had by all. I really enjoyed going to church and lunch the next day. And of course we went out for cupcakes after. During DD's nap, Grammie and I watched some old films before the men came home. It was just a lovely day.
I am helping out with My Consign on Saturday and have to be there bright and early. Hope everything turns out! Must remember to pack food, since I will be there from just before 7 until 3. I will be tired!
We decided to spend a little longer to see old friends and do some networking. Also brainstormed on jobs. It was a pretty productive time! But I am so glad to be back home. I slept so much better last night in my own comfy bed, took a shower in my own bath with all of my stuff.
DD and I had a fun time with Grammie while the men were away. We got to go to the circus on Saturday and DD absolutely LOVED it! She was dancing and clapping and enjoying all her goodies. Fun was had by all. I really enjoyed going to church and lunch the next day. And of course we went out for cupcakes after. During DD's nap, Grammie and I watched some old films before the men came home. It was just a lovely day.
I am helping out with My Consign on Saturday and have to be there bright and early. Hope everything turns out! Must remember to pack food, since I will be there from just before 7 until 3. I will be tired!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Logistics Manager
Exciting times!
In the middle of all the kidney stone drama '12, my friend Kristina contacted me. Without going in to too much detail, a little online business was going to sell and we were going to buy it, but upon seeing her book keeping skills, saw it as a poor investment. Then she thought, what's keeping us from starting off a branch from her already established baby planning business? So I've invested in it at a considerably lesser amount and will head up the online shop sales/shipping/ordering. Since it's such a small company, I get to make up my own title. I'm thinking Logistics Manager. Sounds like I know what I am doing and am pretty kick a.
When we have it running, I will put up the info. But we'll be selling cloth diapers, Rockin Green, Boba, Allermates, and hope to be adding more to the list. We'll start it off small for now to test the waters. We already have a gig since Kristina was already heading up My Consign on August 4th. Hopefully the product is in by then!!
In the middle of all the kidney stone drama '12, my friend Kristina contacted me. Without going in to too much detail, a little online business was going to sell and we were going to buy it, but upon seeing her book keeping skills, saw it as a poor investment. Then she thought, what's keeping us from starting off a branch from her already established baby planning business? So I've invested in it at a considerably lesser amount and will head up the online shop sales/shipping/ordering. Since it's such a small company, I get to make up my own title. I'm thinking Logistics Manager. Sounds like I know what I am doing and am pretty kick a.
When we have it running, I will put up the info. But we'll be selling cloth diapers, Rockin Green, Boba, Allermates, and hope to be adding more to the list. We'll start it off small for now to test the waters. We already have a gig since Kristina was already heading up My Consign on August 4th. Hopefully the product is in by then!!
Ooops...
It's been over a month and a half since I last blogged.
Blogger fail.
I probably wouldn't have thought about it, but my sweetie mentioned it the other day. I thought, "wow! Someone reads it!"
So this one's for you, honey.
Let's see, where to begin? Oh yes. Why didn't I blog, you may ask. I've had a crazy past month and a half, that's why. Hold on to your seats for this one...
On Father's Day, DH crumpled up suddenly on the floor in severe pain. I have never seen the man in so much pain. I rushed him to the ER and my wonderful mom came and got DD while we were waiting for results. Turned out he had some kidney stones. Alright, so they give us pain meds to fill and tell him to drink lots of water and send us on our merry way. DH had to take off about a week, because he was on some heavy pain meds and couldn't drive. Probably got the stones from dehydration from the job in the first place. So he's feeling a little better, he goes back to work. He worked for a few days and after a 12 hour day, he called me as I was driving home from the last choir practice of the season. He was in even more pain than before AND he had taken the pain meds. SO I had to turn back around, drop DD off at my parent's, and go get DH to take to the ER at 10pm. The kidney stone had not moved. They finally got him a prescription for Flomax. ALWAYS ask for this stuff if you have a kidney stone. I could kick the doctor who didn't do it 10 days before. So he had to go to a urologist the next morning and joy of joys, he had to have surgery. And that's when we really discovered it: our health insurance was $&!#. Covered nothing. NEVER, NOT EVER, GET ASSURANT HEALTH!!!!!!!!!! You would do better to just pay out of pocket. To top it off, we saw just how much Lone Star Coffee was taking out of his paycheck for shoddy insurance. We're talking over $700 a month. Everyone we've talked to like doctors, accountant, hr people say that is plain insane. Unfortunately, we can't really prove anything illegal went down. The workforce commission person told him what Lone Star Coffee was doing was HIGHLY immoral, but unfortunately not illegal. Then the icing on the cake: Lone Star Coffee contacted him and said since he hadn't worked in a while, that HE owed THEM for insurance. I. Call. Bull. So DH was very civil and wrote them a nice email explaining the situation and firmly telling them thing's needed to change, as there was quite a plethora of other illegal things going on with the company and it was just an abusive work environment anyway. You know what they did? Ignored it. So he wrote another. They ignored it again. So then he told him he quit (he did this after praying and fasting). He got hate texts from his boss attacking his Christianity. The Devil is alive and well. I told him at least he knew enough to call you a Christian. Satan knew him attacking his Christianity would hurt him. I told him to ignore those those texts and save them as evidence if needed.
So we're doing the unemployment thing again. Fun times. This time is different though, because DH has such a driving force and he has gotten out there and is so much more proactive. But please continue to pray for our little family. I fully support DH's decision, but it's not a situation that you choose to be in.
Blogger fail.
I probably wouldn't have thought about it, but my sweetie mentioned it the other day. I thought, "wow! Someone reads it!"
So this one's for you, honey.
Let's see, where to begin? Oh yes. Why didn't I blog, you may ask. I've had a crazy past month and a half, that's why. Hold on to your seats for this one...
On Father's Day, DH crumpled up suddenly on the floor in severe pain. I have never seen the man in so much pain. I rushed him to the ER and my wonderful mom came and got DD while we were waiting for results. Turned out he had some kidney stones. Alright, so they give us pain meds to fill and tell him to drink lots of water and send us on our merry way. DH had to take off about a week, because he was on some heavy pain meds and couldn't drive. Probably got the stones from dehydration from the job in the first place. So he's feeling a little better, he goes back to work. He worked for a few days and after a 12 hour day, he called me as I was driving home from the last choir practice of the season. He was in even more pain than before AND he had taken the pain meds. SO I had to turn back around, drop DD off at my parent's, and go get DH to take to the ER at 10pm. The kidney stone had not moved. They finally got him a prescription for Flomax. ALWAYS ask for this stuff if you have a kidney stone. I could kick the doctor who didn't do it 10 days before. So he had to go to a urologist the next morning and joy of joys, he had to have surgery. And that's when we really discovered it: our health insurance was $&!#. Covered nothing. NEVER, NOT EVER, GET ASSURANT HEALTH!!!!!!!!!! You would do better to just pay out of pocket. To top it off, we saw just how much Lone Star Coffee was taking out of his paycheck for shoddy insurance. We're talking over $700 a month. Everyone we've talked to like doctors, accountant, hr people say that is plain insane. Unfortunately, we can't really prove anything illegal went down. The workforce commission person told him what Lone Star Coffee was doing was HIGHLY immoral, but unfortunately not illegal. Then the icing on the cake: Lone Star Coffee contacted him and said since he hadn't worked in a while, that HE owed THEM for insurance. I. Call. Bull. So DH was very civil and wrote them a nice email explaining the situation and firmly telling them thing's needed to change, as there was quite a plethora of other illegal things going on with the company and it was just an abusive work environment anyway. You know what they did? Ignored it. So he wrote another. They ignored it again. So then he told him he quit (he did this after praying and fasting). He got hate texts from his boss attacking his Christianity. The Devil is alive and well. I told him at least he knew enough to call you a Christian. Satan knew him attacking his Christianity would hurt him. I told him to ignore those those texts and save them as evidence if needed.
So we're doing the unemployment thing again. Fun times. This time is different though, because DH has such a driving force and he has gotten out there and is so much more proactive. But please continue to pray for our little family. I fully support DH's decision, but it's not a situation that you choose to be in.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Another Birthday
Audrey turned 3 on Monday. I can't believe how fast time has gone! It's been so precious. We celebrated by eating a cupcake for breakfast, getting her balloon and crown at Toys R Us with Aunt Nancy, having lunch with Grandaddy, Grandmomma, and Uncle Pete at El Fenix (she LOVES chips and salsa...and the Mexican Polka!), took a great nap, woke up to go to Baskin Robbins for her free scoop, came home and watched some Peppa Pig before Daddy came home so we had family dinner at Chick-fil-a. Pretty great birthday.
The celebration gets to continue this weekend. We're having her party at Heritage Park in Irving on Saturday morning. Should be fun. She will have 3 little friends there, so that will be good. I just finished up her cake. I hope it doesn't fall on me! Yikes, that thing is heavy. My friend Kristina made a Dumbo dress for her since it is a 3-ring circus theme. It turned out so cute. I will post pictures later.
So I think Audrey has OCD. Seriously. I didn't really even think about that, until one of my cafemom friend's posted about how her son likes to take tp off the roll and stuff like that and went on to say that she had him evaluated, but they think all that's wrong is OCD. Audrey likes to do that sort of thing too, so I did some googling and found that she does quite a bit of those behaviors. But I am also pretty sure her Daddy and one of her uncles has OCD as well, so at least she comes by it honestly. It would explain a lot. I still need to take her to an ENT, because of concerns of her speech. She goes in for her 3 year appointment on Monday. Maybe then I will get some answers.
The celebration gets to continue this weekend. We're having her party at Heritage Park in Irving on Saturday morning. Should be fun. She will have 3 little friends there, so that will be good. I just finished up her cake. I hope it doesn't fall on me! Yikes, that thing is heavy. My friend Kristina made a Dumbo dress for her since it is a 3-ring circus theme. It turned out so cute. I will post pictures later.
So I think Audrey has OCD. Seriously. I didn't really even think about that, until one of my cafemom friend's posted about how her son likes to take tp off the roll and stuff like that and went on to say that she had him evaluated, but they think all that's wrong is OCD. Audrey likes to do that sort of thing too, so I did some googling and found that she does quite a bit of those behaviors. But I am also pretty sure her Daddy and one of her uncles has OCD as well, so at least she comes by it honestly. It would explain a lot. I still need to take her to an ENT, because of concerns of her speech. She goes in for her 3 year appointment on Monday. Maybe then I will get some answers.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
"plans" vs. Plans
So I am finally settling in to life in Irving. I have gotten more involved in church, explored our area more, found the best Italian restaurant ever, enrolled Audrey in a Mother's Day Out program for the Fall, booked our vacation to Disneyland in October, and was planning on enrolling Audrey in dance lessons starting this Fall as well.
God smiled at my "plans". Or should I say "smirked"? Because then He threw a curve ball.
Is it funny that I love Him for this? He has been so good to me. He has provided when things have seemed so bleak. I am excited that there is this new adventure set before us.
I believe I wrote about Brent getting a life coach, since he is in an abusive work environment, to help him focus on certain work pursuits. It looks like we will know what direction we will be going this summer, Lord willing!
One option is with Cadence Ministries. We would be on a military base in Japan, Germany, Guam, or Korea ministering to youth in military families. If accepted, we would start training in July. We have also looked in to re-applying to Asian Access to minister to the people of Japan. We would rather that, as he has a heart for the Japanese people. They have changed hands since we last applied pre-tsunami, so it may be an option even though we were turned down before due to lack of employment. So that's the missionary aspect.
Our next option that we are kind of most excited about is with Young Life in Colorado Springs. First of all, I would just LOVE to live there! It's so beautiful and the weather is lovely. And I've heard about Young Life for a while now, since it's a Presbyterian-affiliated ministry. I think the job would be very fulfilling to Brent as well. I don't know when we would know about that one.
The third and final option is teaching anywhere in Texas, since that's where he is certified. There's an application that covers all the regions that he's filling out and he would be interviewing all summer and start in the Fall, if that is His Will.
Ending this blog with a great hymn, Here Am I, words by Daniel L Schutte:
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
God smiled at my "plans". Or should I say "smirked"? Because then He threw a curve ball.
Is it funny that I love Him for this? He has been so good to me. He has provided when things have seemed so bleak. I am excited that there is this new adventure set before us.
I believe I wrote about Brent getting a life coach, since he is in an abusive work environment, to help him focus on certain work pursuits. It looks like we will know what direction we will be going this summer, Lord willing!
One option is with Cadence Ministries. We would be on a military base in Japan, Germany, Guam, or Korea ministering to youth in military families. If accepted, we would start training in July. We have also looked in to re-applying to Asian Access to minister to the people of Japan. We would rather that, as he has a heart for the Japanese people. They have changed hands since we last applied pre-tsunami, so it may be an option even though we were turned down before due to lack of employment. So that's the missionary aspect.
Our next option that we are kind of most excited about is with Young Life in Colorado Springs. First of all, I would just LOVE to live there! It's so beautiful and the weather is lovely. And I've heard about Young Life for a while now, since it's a Presbyterian-affiliated ministry. I think the job would be very fulfilling to Brent as well. I don't know when we would know about that one.
The third and final option is teaching anywhere in Texas, since that's where he is certified. There's an application that covers all the regions that he's filling out and he would be interviewing all summer and start in the Fall, if that is His Will.
Ending this blog with a great hymn, Here Am I, words by Daniel L Schutte:
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Updated end of the year post
I keep on forgetting to write in this blog. For a while, I was just using it to gain more entries to contests and such. Oh well. I will try to be better about writing.
The school year is over for most people. My sister, a super senior at TWU, just finished up and we'll be getting our spa on tomorrow morning. That will be fun. I got to meet her new boyfriend Grant yesterday. He is a really nice guy and seems like a genuine man. He makes her happy, so that's great. And now collectively we are Nanne and Brant :)
Not much going on with us, so that's why I haven't written much. Brent's co-worker up and quit, so he's been working his butt off. He is looking for other work now and we have found some exciting prospects.
I am working on Audrey's 3rd birthday party. I sent out the invitations extremely early. I just wanted to make sure I didn't forget to send them. I did invite quite a few people, knowing that it's summer and a lot of people won't be able to make it. Thought it would be nice. Her grandparents have already RSVP'd of course. I've already got these great party favors. Maybe I will get some for the adults as well.
Disneyland trip is still on, although I'm a bit nervous if we end up moving abroad. Oh well, guess I would rather be out $200 and have a great fulfilling job for Brent, then miserable and be able to go. I do miss traveling though. So for now, I will look forward to October 22nd! Woot!
The school year is over for most people. My sister, a super senior at TWU, just finished up and we'll be getting our spa on tomorrow morning. That will be fun. I got to meet her new boyfriend Grant yesterday. He is a really nice guy and seems like a genuine man. He makes her happy, so that's great. And now collectively we are Nanne and Brant :)
Not much going on with us, so that's why I haven't written much. Brent's co-worker up and quit, so he's been working his butt off. He is looking for other work now and we have found some exciting prospects.
I am working on Audrey's 3rd birthday party. I sent out the invitations extremely early. I just wanted to make sure I didn't forget to send them. I did invite quite a few people, knowing that it's summer and a lot of people won't be able to make it. Thought it would be nice. Her grandparents have already RSVP'd of course. I've already got these great party favors. Maybe I will get some for the adults as well.
Disneyland trip is still on, although I'm a bit nervous if we end up moving abroad. Oh well, guess I would rather be out $200 and have a great fulfilling job for Brent, then miserable and be able to go. I do miss traveling though. So for now, I will look forward to October 22nd! Woot!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
That was fast!
I just came from getting my hair cut off! Glad I was able to check that off my "before I'm 30" bucket list. I just thought it would be a good thing to do.
In other news, I have a potty trained little girl now. And you know how long it took?? A little over 24 hours!! She was a pro. She got really attached to me because of the lavish praise and M&M rewards I would give her. I am so proud of her.
In other news, I have a potty trained little girl now. And you know how long it took?? A little over 24 hours!! She was a pro. She got really attached to me because of the lavish praise and M&M rewards I would give her. I am so proud of her.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
iPad3, Kindle Fire, or paypal cash giveaway
If your like me, you're itching to try the new iPad 3. That thing looks cool. But you know what would be even better? Winning the sucker! Forget the paypal cash, I would gladly take the iPad! I've really missed having my iPod Touch and this can't fit in my back pocket. The 2nd prize is a Kindle Fire. That looks neat as well, but may take the paypal cash to get myself an iPad ;)
Here's where you enter:
http://www.theitmom.com/2012/03/april-ipad-mania-giveaway-two-winners-apple-ipad-3-kindle-fire-or-paypal-cash/
Here's where you enter:
http://www.theitmom.com/2012/03/april-ipad-mania-giveaway-two-winners-apple-ipad-3-kindle-fire-or-paypal-cash/
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Ring Giveaway
I wanted to share another giveaway! My friend Mary told me about this, as she won these rings from another site and said they were beautiful. Entry is pretty low and you can't win if you don't enter! Only takes a little bit of time to enter, and it's free. Keeping fingers crossed!
http://www.shescribes.com/2012/03/beautiful-rings-from-deviene-jewelry-giveaway-ends-32112.html/comment-page-6#comment-181754
http://www.shescribes.com/2012/03/beautiful-rings-from-deviene-jewelry-giveaway-ends-32112.html/comment-page-6#comment-181754
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Dumbo bows
I made a Dumbo bow today. Someone already wants one! He wasn't too tricky to make. I think I have a few other thoughts on perfecting my technique. I've also got a friend who will do a dress for me, so I am getting excited! Although now, Audrey has taken to watching Robin Hood....
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Stomach Ulcers
Lawdie, I hate drama!
Somehow I have been caught in the middle of a power struggle or something like that online. What on earth?
So I have been on cafemom and made some friends in my Disney group, so since we were getting along, they made a facebook group. Mind you, this was at least a year ago. I am a "get on, check, write something if I think of something clever or not say anything, and get right off" sort of gal when it came to the group. I like Disney, but I have things I need to do.
Of course while I am trying to plan a Disneyland trip, this all has to bubble up now while I was getting help from someone. She backed out due to personal reasons. Evidently had a falling out with the owner who is also in the group. Now the owner is supposed to be helping me, but I really haven't heard from her.
...Sigh...
I am still clueless about just what happened. Now all sorts of feelings are hurt, I think the original group is no more, and there are 2 secret groups. Really?!
I just want to plan my trip, yo!
Somehow I have been caught in the middle of a power struggle or something like that online. What on earth?
So I have been on cafemom and made some friends in my Disney group, so since we were getting along, they made a facebook group. Mind you, this was at least a year ago. I am a "get on, check, write something if I think of something clever or not say anything, and get right off" sort of gal when it came to the group. I like Disney, but I have things I need to do.
Of course while I am trying to plan a Disneyland trip, this all has to bubble up now while I was getting help from someone. She backed out due to personal reasons. Evidently had a falling out with the owner who is also in the group. Now the owner is supposed to be helping me, but I really haven't heard from her.
...Sigh...
I am still clueless about just what happened. Now all sorts of feelings are hurt, I think the original group is no more, and there are 2 secret groups. Really?!
I just want to plan my trip, yo!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Exciting times
I got up at 4 something this morning. And I am just UP! I've got a lot of exciting things I am thinking about, so I started thinking to much when I got up to pee.
I can't believe Audrey will be 3 in less than 3 months!! Where did the time go? I have been planning her birthday already. I have no idea where it will be or who to invite, but I do know it will be Dumbo/circus themed. I have a friend who sews and I am thinking that I will get her to make a dress. You just can't find Dumbo clothes!
Another exciting thing is that I was looking through our finances and I believe we can take a little trip to Disneyland! I am so excited about this possibility!
More on that later. Audrey's up now!!
I can't believe Audrey will be 3 in less than 3 months!! Where did the time go? I have been planning her birthday already. I have no idea where it will be or who to invite, but I do know it will be Dumbo/circus themed. I have a friend who sews and I am thinking that I will get her to make a dress. You just can't find Dumbo clothes!
Another exciting thing is that I was looking through our finances and I believe we can take a little trip to Disneyland! I am so excited about this possibility!
More on that later. Audrey's up now!!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Spring is here?
We've had some lovely weather lately. It sure feels like spring is here! I hope it stays this pleasant. Also, it would be great if the board of directors to this place would vote to turn on the A/C, as it gets fairly stuffy in our townhome. Other than that, we love our new home. We are so blessed to have found such a nice place at such a great deal!
Since we never really got any really cold weather, certainly not any hard freezes, allergies are bad this year! So many people are just plain sick. I have a good friend get the flu! I've had a dull headache for weeks now. It actually cleared up on our trip to Houston this past weekend, but Brent's allergies flared. Pollen was bad there, as we had just washed our car while there and it ended up yellow within a few hours.
We had a pretty good visit. Of course, we always eat really well when we're there thanks to my in-laws. We got to stay in a hotel while Audrey stayed with them, since Brent's brother Trey and his girlfriend Katelyn came in to town for the rodeo. It was our first time meeting her and she's a sweet gal. She reminds me of my dear friend Shelly, so that's a good thing.
The only thing that sort of messed up our trip was the fact I am PMSing, so I was being ultra-sensitive. Instead of voicing my hurt though, I kept it inside. But seriously, if my MIL started talking about stupid three brothers bakery again, I was going to have to hurt someone. Okay, this is not because of my gluten sensitivity. I tried this bakery BEFORE I was diagnosed. It's the one BIL and SIL used for their wedding cake. So. Not. Impressed. The ONLY thing it had going for it was that it was moist. That's it. I believe one layer was coconut and one was pineapple? Couldn't really tell. Threw most of mine away, as it was just a waste of calories to me. Not the worst I've ever had, but a FAR cry from the best. Why doesn't she bring up our baker?? She's been on flippin' Food Network since then and people are still talking about those cakes. Then BIL started downing private school. Hello?! What was this? "Step on Anne" weekend?! They are looking to buy their first house, but to buy a house based on a school system is frickin' STUPID!! Especially when they don't know if they can have kids or not due to her health problems.
Well, that quickly escalated into a vent, but just thought I would throw that out there. Yes, I do feel better, as a matter of fact. I do have wonderful in-laws, which is why when they do insensitive things, it hurts.
MIL and I had wonderful talks and she offered some advice to Brent while we were there as well. She had a lot of good ideas for him. I hope he pursues them. Brent sees my daddy as a great source of encouragement to him, while I see his momma as my biggest encourager. I love the woman to pieces! Today is her birthday (that's why we wanted to go to Houston) so I hope her day has been great. Brent has been on the phone with her and I am smelling our curry on the stove. It's done and it smells wonderful!!
Since we never really got any really cold weather, certainly not any hard freezes, allergies are bad this year! So many people are just plain sick. I have a good friend get the flu! I've had a dull headache for weeks now. It actually cleared up on our trip to Houston this past weekend, but Brent's allergies flared. Pollen was bad there, as we had just washed our car while there and it ended up yellow within a few hours.
We had a pretty good visit. Of course, we always eat really well when we're there thanks to my in-laws. We got to stay in a hotel while Audrey stayed with them, since Brent's brother Trey and his girlfriend Katelyn came in to town for the rodeo. It was our first time meeting her and she's a sweet gal. She reminds me of my dear friend Shelly, so that's a good thing.
The only thing that sort of messed up our trip was the fact I am PMSing, so I was being ultra-sensitive. Instead of voicing my hurt though, I kept it inside. But seriously, if my MIL started talking about stupid three brothers bakery again, I was going to have to hurt someone. Okay, this is not because of my gluten sensitivity. I tried this bakery BEFORE I was diagnosed. It's the one BIL and SIL used for their wedding cake. So. Not. Impressed. The ONLY thing it had going for it was that it was moist. That's it. I believe one layer was coconut and one was pineapple? Couldn't really tell. Threw most of mine away, as it was just a waste of calories to me. Not the worst I've ever had, but a FAR cry from the best. Why doesn't she bring up our baker?? She's been on flippin' Food Network since then and people are still talking about those cakes. Then BIL started downing private school. Hello?! What was this? "Step on Anne" weekend?! They are looking to buy their first house, but to buy a house based on a school system is frickin' STUPID!! Especially when they don't know if they can have kids or not due to her health problems.
Well, that quickly escalated into a vent, but just thought I would throw that out there. Yes, I do feel better, as a matter of fact. I do have wonderful in-laws, which is why when they do insensitive things, it hurts.
MIL and I had wonderful talks and she offered some advice to Brent while we were there as well. She had a lot of good ideas for him. I hope he pursues them. Brent sees my daddy as a great source of encouragement to him, while I see his momma as my biggest encourager. I love the woman to pieces! Today is her birthday (that's why we wanted to go to Houston) so I hope her day has been great. Brent has been on the phone with her and I am smelling our curry on the stove. It's done and it smells wonderful!!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Non-smartphones
I got a new cell phone and I'm not really excited with what I ended up getting. Phone companies are trying to get you to buy a smartphone so that you have to buy a data plan, I am pretty sure. Because the selection of non-smartphones is sad. Just sad.
I went with the Samsung. There was only one. There just were not very many to chose from. Maybe 4 phones in all? Oh well, at least the upgrade was free and I hope this one won't spontaneously turn off on me like my poor last one that got dropped one too many times.
Funny thing though is that this phone doesn't seem as nice as my last phone. Like I said, it's the phone companies making you think you *need* a smartphone. Jerks.
So I was feeling like a freak for being possibly the only person on the planet without one, and one of my friends made me feel much better with her "non-smartphone users unite" comment. I sort of needed that chuckle.
Kind of odd to think that next time I upgrade, a non-smartphone may not even be an option!
I went with the Samsung. There was only one. There just were not very many to chose from. Maybe 4 phones in all? Oh well, at least the upgrade was free and I hope this one won't spontaneously turn off on me like my poor last one that got dropped one too many times.
Funny thing though is that this phone doesn't seem as nice as my last phone. Like I said, it's the phone companies making you think you *need* a smartphone. Jerks.
So I was feeling like a freak for being possibly the only person on the planet without one, and one of my friends made me feel much better with her "non-smartphone users unite" comment. I sort of needed that chuckle.
Kind of odd to think that next time I upgrade, a non-smartphone may not even be an option!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Addicted!
"Hi. My name is Anne and I am addicted to contests."
"Hi Anne."
But seriously, I have to blame one of my Disney mom friends, because she showed me all these links and it's free to enter. Can't win if you don't enter! Anyway, she's won quite a few, so I figure certainly I can win something, right?!
So if you follow me on twitter or see all of my new "likes" on facebook, there's a reason for all of the crazy!
Can you believe February is almost gone?? I can't. I've barely blogged!
We usually go to Houston to visit my in-laws the weekend in between BIL's and MIL's birthdays. We even mentioned this the last time we saw them. But now they are having a guest and we may not get to go. Been kind of upset about that.
I've been playing with different flours for gluten free baking. I need to start giving this stuff away! My brother's going to get half this cake I baked. I am so pleased with how it turned out. Other news with me is I am going to try to get voice lessons. I've felt really shoddy lately, so I just want to feel better vocally. I have a couple of groups wanting me to sing and I'm just not "there" right now. I am honored they would think of me.
We met with this one couple who also lives in Irving from our church yesterday afternoon. What a nice couple! They are expecting their first in July and they are just a fun couple. Can't wait to get to know them more!
So that's been what's up.
"Hi Anne."
But seriously, I have to blame one of my Disney mom friends, because she showed me all these links and it's free to enter. Can't win if you don't enter! Anyway, she's won quite a few, so I figure certainly I can win something, right?!
So if you follow me on twitter or see all of my new "likes" on facebook, there's a reason for all of the crazy!
Can you believe February is almost gone?? I can't. I've barely blogged!
We usually go to Houston to visit my in-laws the weekend in between BIL's and MIL's birthdays. We even mentioned this the last time we saw them. But now they are having a guest and we may not get to go. Been kind of upset about that.
I've been playing with different flours for gluten free baking. I need to start giving this stuff away! My brother's going to get half this cake I baked. I am so pleased with how it turned out. Other news with me is I am going to try to get voice lessons. I've felt really shoddy lately, so I just want to feel better vocally. I have a couple of groups wanting me to sing and I'm just not "there" right now. I am honored they would think of me.
We met with this one couple who also lives in Irving from our church yesterday afternoon. What a nice couple! They are expecting their first in July and they are just a fun couple. Can't wait to get to know them more!
So that's been what's up.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Another giveaway!
This time it's for a I Heart Minnie DVD from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Audrey LOVES this show, so I am really hoping I win it, but you will have to let me know if you win :)
Here's the link to that one:
http://kindredspiritmommy.com/giveaway-mickey-mouse-clubhouse-i-heart-minnie-dvd-digital-copy/comment-page-4/#comment-102668
Here's the link to that one:
http://kindredspiritmommy.com/giveaway-mickey-mouse-clubhouse-i-heart-minnie-dvd-digital-copy/comment-page-4/#comment-102668
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Greenling Giveaway!
One of my friends is doing a Greenling giveaway where you can get a box of groceries delivered. Pretty sweet deal!
http://www.thankfullythrifty.com/2012/02/local-produce-meats-etc-delivered-to-my-door-greenling-review-and-giveaway/comment-page-2/#comment-6132
http://www.thankfullythrifty.com/2012/02/local-produce-meats-etc-delivered-to-my-door-greenling-review-and-giveaway/comment-page-2/#comment-6132
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Stuff People say to Celiacs
Someone posted this in my cafemom celiac and gluten free mom group. I am GF due to health reasons, but this was still spot on. Like I told a fellow GF momma, you've got to laugh or else you want to punch everyone in the face! ;P
http://youtu.be/iPOXLJFlkMc
http://youtu.be/iPOXLJFlkMc
Monday, February 6, 2012
Playing catch up
I've been too busy for this thing lately, but now things are a bit more settled. We've moved, unpacked and decorated, explored our new surroundings, had guests, Brent started his new job, I've been helping with the prep and then one day of the estate sale my parents were holding, and battled already trying to get our mailbox key! That's the last few weeks in a nutshell!
Brent has stated his 3rd week of work. It's been tough and I don't think he knows what to make of it quite yet. He is thankful for the job, of course, but the company seems very disorganized. He has long work days, but the nice thing is that it looks like he will get most Fridays off. At least shorter. He works with one other guy who started 2 weeks before Brent and they have 2 bosses who revolve weeks. One Brent doesn't like as a person, but he's a good boss and the other he likes as a person, but he's a bad boss. The bad boss has already threatened them with firing and was very insulting. That on top of working a 14 hour day driving to Midland and back, Brent seemed ready to quit. But things might be getting better now, since he will mostly be on his own from now on. They don't give them GPS's though, so he's nervous about getting around. I may look up smartphone plans for us to help with that part of the job. He's not going to quit, but he will be in pursuit of a more ideal job. We are thankful though and I really have enjoyed him having 3 day weekends.
My brother Peter was in a car accident. Some FOB lady not wearing a seatbelt, ran a light and was speeding. I am just glad that he only escaped with a sprained chest. And that was from the airbags. His truck is totaled, but at least since it wasn't his fault and it had such little mileage on it, he's going to be able to get an even better truck!
My poor dad though. He is having to deal with this since my brother can't due to his brain injury, plus the sale of the house he lived in since he was 2, the estate sale, the IRS coming after him because of being generous and sickness in the family...he's stressed.
Audrey digs her new surroundings. We have stairs now! I did burn her foot while using our Shark floor steamer. It wasn't bad at first, just red. The next day though it bubbled and it's been looking quite nasty. I believe it's healing though.
Now we'll be able to have some sort of schedule. Looking forward to that! God has been good through it all.
Brent has stated his 3rd week of work. It's been tough and I don't think he knows what to make of it quite yet. He is thankful for the job, of course, but the company seems very disorganized. He has long work days, but the nice thing is that it looks like he will get most Fridays off. At least shorter. He works with one other guy who started 2 weeks before Brent and they have 2 bosses who revolve weeks. One Brent doesn't like as a person, but he's a good boss and the other he likes as a person, but he's a bad boss. The bad boss has already threatened them with firing and was very insulting. That on top of working a 14 hour day driving to Midland and back, Brent seemed ready to quit. But things might be getting better now, since he will mostly be on his own from now on. They don't give them GPS's though, so he's nervous about getting around. I may look up smartphone plans for us to help with that part of the job. He's not going to quit, but he will be in pursuit of a more ideal job. We are thankful though and I really have enjoyed him having 3 day weekends.
My brother Peter was in a car accident. Some FOB lady not wearing a seatbelt, ran a light and was speeding. I am just glad that he only escaped with a sprained chest. And that was from the airbags. His truck is totaled, but at least since it wasn't his fault and it had such little mileage on it, he's going to be able to get an even better truck!
My poor dad though. He is having to deal with this since my brother can't due to his brain injury, plus the sale of the house he lived in since he was 2, the estate sale, the IRS coming after him because of being generous and sickness in the family...he's stressed.
Audrey digs her new surroundings. We have stairs now! I did burn her foot while using our Shark floor steamer. It wasn't bad at first, just red. The next day though it bubbled and it's been looking quite nasty. I believe it's healing though.
Now we'll be able to have some sort of schedule. Looking forward to that! God has been good through it all.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Pictures of our (prayerfully) new place!
Thought I would post pictures from the listing of our townhome here, since I am not ready for facebook world to know. May never put them there, who knows?! But I am just so excited about this place and know this blog gets a whole lot less traffic, so consider yourself privileged as you, yes you, get the first look at our new home, Lord willing!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Found our new home!
Both of us were excited yet nervous about looking at places today. Excited to start this new chapter, nervous about uncharted territory. Other things too, that's just all I could identify.
We found a place! It's wonderful and we both love it. Now the application process. I pray it goes through!
It's a great little corner townhome in a quiet little community. The whole lower level is hardwood and new stainless appliances in the kitchen. The bedrooms are on the 2nd story and brand new carpet has been installed. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Perfect for us, really. TONS of storage. And a little yard. My only complaint was that a stackable washer and dryer comes with it and it looks kinda old and I love our full sized ones, but all utilities are paid. So it doesn't really matter if I have to do a ton more loads.
Anyway, we are excited!
We found a place! It's wonderful and we both love it. Now the application process. I pray it goes through!
It's a great little corner townhome in a quiet little community. The whole lower level is hardwood and new stainless appliances in the kitchen. The bedrooms are on the 2nd story and brand new carpet has been installed. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Perfect for us, really. TONS of storage. And a little yard. My only complaint was that a stackable washer and dryer comes with it and it looks kinda old and I love our full sized ones, but all utilities are paid. So it doesn't really matter if I have to do a ton more loads.
Anyway, we are excited!
New homes
Today we're supposed to look at places to live! I am so excited about this new chapter. We drove around the area and it seems nice enough. Not as nice as this area, but certainly not as expensive. And it seems convenient to a lot.
I got annoyed the other night, because as I was telling a woman about Brent's new job and where we're moving, she got this disgusted look on her face and said "Irving?! You don't want to move to Irving! Just the sound of it...Irving!" I was so taken aback, that I just didn't say anything. Actually I asked her if she had been there and her response was "no". What I should have said was "I don't care what you think! Here I am so excited that Brent found full time employment with benefits and moving out of this mold-infested house and you rain on my parade?! How dare you!" Obviously was someone who hasn't ever and doesn't know anyone who has gone through a touch financial situation. Argh.
I hope we find a place when we look. I am heavily leaning on this one in particular, but we'll see.
I got annoyed the other night, because as I was telling a woman about Brent's new job and where we're moving, she got this disgusted look on her face and said "Irving?! You don't want to move to Irving! Just the sound of it...Irving!" I was so taken aback, that I just didn't say anything. Actually I asked her if she had been there and her response was "no". What I should have said was "I don't care what you think! Here I am so excited that Brent found full time employment with benefits and moving out of this mold-infested house and you rain on my parade?! How dare you!" Obviously was someone who hasn't ever and doesn't know anyone who has gone through a touch financial situation. Argh.
I hope we find a place when we look. I am heavily leaning on this one in particular, but we'll see.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
This is why I can't have nice things.
A few weeks ago, I was cleaning up like a madwoman for a showing of the house since they called like 20 minutes before they wanted to look at the place. Argh. Anyway, in my rush, my phone was baptized in the toilet. Nice. I was able to get it working again since I took it apart and gave it a sun bath for a while. It works. It's almost time for my upgrade anyway, so not too heartbroken.
But tonight I got really upset with myself. Brent needed his work shirt washed, so I decided I would do a load of cold wash. I go ahead and put in what I was wearing and started it up. I then took a shower and did my nightly ritual of writing in my journal and reading my devotional. Brent takes Audrey back to give her a bath after I had cut my nails and I sit for a second, then I realize....
my iPod touch was in the back pocket of my jeans.
Oh *beep*
I had put it there to keep Audrey's hands off it, because she usually hides it after she plays with it for a while. I can't believe I did it. Then Brent makes me feel like an idiot for doing that too. It's not like I did it on purpose. I use that thing all the time! More than my laptop. If there was an app for my blog, I would probably blog more. Ugh.
I've got it in a Thirsty Bag my dad got. I hope it can be used more than once, since it's my dad's. I hope it brings it back to life. If it doesn't, I will try to look at it as "oh well, it's only an object". But I am already realizing how much I've depended on that thing. Poopie.
My sweet in-laws are who got it for me too, so it makes me feel so ungrateful to not treat it better. I've only had it a year :(
Probably doesn't help that I haven't been sleeping well, due to excitement. Tuesday morning I woke up at 2 and couldn't go back to sleep and Wednesday morning I woke up at 4:30. At least I slept well last night.
At least I can finish the evening with an all-new episode of The Mentalist! :)
But tonight I got really upset with myself. Brent needed his work shirt washed, so I decided I would do a load of cold wash. I go ahead and put in what I was wearing and started it up. I then took a shower and did my nightly ritual of writing in my journal and reading my devotional. Brent takes Audrey back to give her a bath after I had cut my nails and I sit for a second, then I realize....
my iPod touch was in the back pocket of my jeans.
Oh *beep*
I had put it there to keep Audrey's hands off it, because she usually hides it after she plays with it for a while. I can't believe I did it. Then Brent makes me feel like an idiot for doing that too. It's not like I did it on purpose. I use that thing all the time! More than my laptop. If there was an app for my blog, I would probably blog more. Ugh.
I've got it in a Thirsty Bag my dad got. I hope it can be used more than once, since it's my dad's. I hope it brings it back to life. If it doesn't, I will try to look at it as "oh well, it's only an object". But I am already realizing how much I've depended on that thing. Poopie.
My sweet in-laws are who got it for me too, so it makes me feel so ungrateful to not treat it better. I've only had it a year :(
Probably doesn't help that I haven't been sleeping well, due to excitement. Tuesday morning I woke up at 2 and couldn't go back to sleep and Wednesday morning I woke up at 4:30. At least I slept well last night.
At least I can finish the evening with an all-new episode of The Mentalist! :)
Monday, January 9, 2012
How's THIS for God's timing?!
Brent got the job AND the house has a contract on it!!
God never ceases to amaze me. How perfect is this?!
Taking the boy out to a celebratory dinner tonight :)
Meanwhile, I get to look at rental properties. That can be kind of fun :)
God never ceases to amaze me. How perfect is this?!
Taking the boy out to a celebratory dinner tonight :)
Meanwhile, I get to look at rental properties. That can be kind of fun :)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
On Pins and Needles!
Brent has an interview at 4 today, so in about 45 minutes! I am so thankful. I would be so grateful for him to be able to for the first time ever, have a full time job with benefits. I've done the only thing I know to do: pray. And I have asked others to pray too. He asked me not to post anything on facebook, and I wasn't going to. He would be so embarrassed if something didn't work out. I look at it as more people praying for you. But I did write some of my friends I know who do pray. I can't do anything right now, but blog about this. I know I am blubbering, but it's been tough.
Yesterday, I felt like I was on fire with my prayers and God answering them quickly. I joked I should get a lotto ticket. A lot of silly little prayers, but God answered even them. Proof that He listens to every little prayer of your heart.
I don't know when we will find out about this job, but I've got a case of heartburn. I think I am more nervous than he is! God is good though, and Brent will get this job if it is in His plan.
Good timing too, because my folks just got a bid on the house. It's been on the market for almost an entire year. These people are asking for $80k off listing plus to close in 2 1/2 weeks, so that's not gonna happen. It's just nice that there was an offer. The sale of this house is my folks retirement money, so they need as much as they can get. The house has a lot of issues though, so I am hoping it sells before it gets worse. Mold, mice, leaks, an AC unit I don't see lasting another Texas summer...
Lot's of prayer going on here!
Yesterday, I felt like I was on fire with my prayers and God answering them quickly. I joked I should get a lotto ticket. A lot of silly little prayers, but God answered even them. Proof that He listens to every little prayer of your heart.
I don't know when we will find out about this job, but I've got a case of heartburn. I think I am more nervous than he is! God is good though, and Brent will get this job if it is in His plan.
Good timing too, because my folks just got a bid on the house. It's been on the market for almost an entire year. These people are asking for $80k off listing plus to close in 2 1/2 weeks, so that's not gonna happen. It's just nice that there was an offer. The sale of this house is my folks retirement money, so they need as much as they can get. The house has a lot of issues though, so I am hoping it sells before it gets worse. Mold, mice, leaks, an AC unit I don't see lasting another Texas summer...
Lot's of prayer going on here!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year!
It's 2012!
The year certainly flew by. I am glad 2011 is behind us. It was not a very nice year to us. That one day last year pretty much colored the whole year: the day Mamaw died and we got rejected from Asian Access. Worst. Day. Ever. I was puking up a storm as well, because of a stomach bug. Yeah.
The highlight was the marriage of Derek and Sarah. But seriously, other than that.... I'll just say I am glad that year is over.
A new year gives me a new outlook. What will I be thinking this time next year? I am praying for blessings this year. We will be moving at least once this year. I am hoping to keep it to once. Praying this year Brent finally gets a full time job with benefits. This year will involve potty training Audrey and maybe getting her in to ballet lessons come Fall. My over all health should be better this year. I feel better than I have in a while. I turn 30 in April. Hoping that we get a trip in.
We have been so blessed and everything happens in God's timing, not our own. I am hoping that this will be the year!
The year certainly flew by. I am glad 2011 is behind us. It was not a very nice year to us. That one day last year pretty much colored the whole year: the day Mamaw died and we got rejected from Asian Access. Worst. Day. Ever. I was puking up a storm as well, because of a stomach bug. Yeah.
The highlight was the marriage of Derek and Sarah. But seriously, other than that.... I'll just say I am glad that year is over.
A new year gives me a new outlook. What will I be thinking this time next year? I am praying for blessings this year. We will be moving at least once this year. I am hoping to keep it to once. Praying this year Brent finally gets a full time job with benefits. This year will involve potty training Audrey and maybe getting her in to ballet lessons come Fall. My over all health should be better this year. I feel better than I have in a while. I turn 30 in April. Hoping that we get a trip in.
We have been so blessed and everything happens in God's timing, not our own. I am hoping that this will be the year!
Brent's 30th Birthday party
On Friday the 30th, I had a surprise party for Brent in Houston while we were visiting. A bunch of friends showed up that he had no idea would be there. He thought it was just a family thing. I think he had a pretty good party. I can't believe the boy is 30!
Christmas
I haven't written in a while, since it was Christmas and then we were out of town for a while, so I am going to put separate entries for each thing, so here's the first: Christmas.
Our Christmas was nice. It was on Sunday, so we celebrated by going to church. We had a really informal service, but it was a good service. Audrey enjoyed it. Both Brent and Audrey were a little under the weather, but other than that the day was blessed. We had lunch over at my folk's house. Lots of good food. I made a pumpkin pie that was so good. And allergy free too! I usually don't like pumpkin pie, so it was kind of a big deal.
We all got spoiled. Audrey's favorite gift was definitely her kitchen she got from her Grammie and Gramps. Brent's was either his PSP from his parents or the Japanese/English Bible I got him. Mine were gift cards for clothes! I need some! Also my flannel sheets from Brent are absolutely wonderful.
Our Christmas was nice. It was on Sunday, so we celebrated by going to church. We had a really informal service, but it was a good service. Audrey enjoyed it. Both Brent and Audrey were a little under the weather, but other than that the day was blessed. We had lunch over at my folk's house. Lots of good food. I made a pumpkin pie that was so good. And allergy free too! I usually don't like pumpkin pie, so it was kind of a big deal.
We all got spoiled. Audrey's favorite gift was definitely her kitchen she got from her Grammie and Gramps. Brent's was either his PSP from his parents or the Japanese/English Bible I got him. Mine were gift cards for clothes! I need some! Also my flannel sheets from Brent are absolutely wonderful.
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