7.4.01

10 years ago today was the best Forth of July imaginable, but first, fast forward to the week before, on my 20th birthday. I was so excited for what my birthday present from Seavie would be, because I had a sneaking suspicion that he was going to propose soon. So what do I get on my birthday, but a gold watch. I was not a happy camper, and told him how upset I was. So then imagine my suprise a week later... I had to work that day, and my evil boss at Lowe's would not let me go home early, even though I told him I had dinner plans, and we were not busy. So what did I do, but clock out early, and seriously run out the front door when they weren't looking. Like I was really going to stick around, and miss out on my dinner date with my sweetie. So I had just enough time to get home, get cleaned up, and put my cute little brown dress on with my platform brown strappy shoes. Seavie picked me up, and had a dozen long stemmed roses for me. He took me to eat at "The Bristol" at Town Center Plaza, and after dinner, before we had dessert, he came over to my side of the table, got down on one knee, and opened up the ring box, and asked me to be his wife. I was so excited, and immediately said yes, and we kissed and held each other for a few minutes. After dinner, we stopped by his parents house, and they had stepped out, but had written me a sweet letter, welcoming me into the family. We then packed up a blanket and drinks, and headed out to SM Park for the local fireworks display. Which was just amazing. I teased him later on that he should have proposed at the fireworks display which was very romantic- he said he originally was, but was so nervous at the restaurant that he proposed then instead. It was still very sweet.

I was thinking this morning, has it really been 10 years, but yes, it has. We had dated for almost 3 1/2 years, and then after getting engaged- had an 8 1/2 month long engagement. I think 6 months or less would have been great, but it all worked out okay in the end, because we're counting down the months to our 10 year anniversary next spring!!!

Devotion of friends

My dear sweet friend Beth and I became friends our Sophmore year at KSU in our Construction Methods-Interior Design Class. We spent those next 2 years together in every ID class, and many many late nights working on studio projects. You really get to know a person when you spend so much time together. We shared so many fun times together there. We've kept in touch the last 11 years, through we've moved apart, and started our own seperate families, we've remained the best of friends.

Beth made the trip up for my 30th birthday party-drove almost 3 hours, just to spend 3 1/2 hours with me, and then drive 3 hours back late at night, to help me celebrate my birthday. That to me is absolute devotion and dedication to a friend!!!

Beth, our friend Christi, and I all have our birthday's just within a week apart, so every year since college, we've always made it a point to remember each other's b'days and send cards, or a small gift. This past weekend, was Beth's b'day, and so on Friday, I happened to get off work early, and made the drive to help her celebrate. Christi was there with her family, and we hadn't seen each other in 4-5 years, but it was like no time had passed at all. It was great being there together with 2 of my very best friends. It didn't seem possible that it's been almost 12 years since we were the young college girls. It was so fun seeing them interact with their families, and see them as mom's. They are still so very true to the women they've always been.

I cherish our friendships, and we've been through so much together, it has brought us all together. They have always been genuine, down to earth, always true to themselves, never fake around other people. That is what I love in a friend.

So I had a great mini weekend visit with Beth, and got to stay up late chatting about old times, and current times. Then drove back the next morning to see my family. It was a wonderful weekend :)

My new job...

On May 10th, I got an e-mail from the organization that I volunteer for, saying that they were looking to hire someone for a position called "Client Services Assistant". I read through the job description, and hours, and applied for it immediately. I had been waiting so long for this opportunity and God placed it directly in my lap. I had my interview on June 2nd, and then found out I got the job on June 8th, and started on June 17th. I work Friday's 8-4 and Saturdays 7:30-11:30am. So 12 hours a week, which is the perfect balance between work and family.

It's pretty much a continuation of what I was doing there before, as a counselor- doing PT's, and helping out clients. When the Director of Client Svcs isn't there, then I take over as the staff member in charge, overseeing volunteers and client care. Which was actually the case for 3/4 of my first days that I got to be in charge, so that was fun! It comes with a lot of responsibility, one that I appreciate, and still seems a little surreal, that I'm on staff there now. I think it's still sinking in. I even have a staff e-mail, but my computer is not behaving there, and so it's a work in progress getting it all going. I love all my co-workers and friends there, and it has been a great last 3 weeks.

I also love that God has given me all the desires of my heart right before my 30th birthday. This was just one of them, and one that I am so very thankful for, and thrilled that it is in his will for my life.

My 30th Birthday!!!

I celebrated my big 3-0 birthday a little over a week ago, and am just now getting to write about it. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, beautiful sunny sky and warm sun. I started the morning, by getting to sleep in, and then Seavie got me a chocolate long-john donut from QT-my fav. I put on a new fun outfit, and did my hair and make up for the day. Seavie's grandma came over to watch the kiddos, and so I got to go meet Seavie for lunch at Mi Ranchito. Yes, I got sung to, and wore the giant sombrero and was totally mortified. After that, I headed to the L.Store for some beverages for my party the next day- and wasn't carded :) yay! I then headed to a place called "The Nailery" and got a spa pedi/mani for only $58- best deal in town I think, and they did an amazing job. Then headed out to do a little Antique window shopping to speed the time along, and then came home to see the kids by 4pm. I was so stuffed from lunch, that I didn't eat dinner until maybe 10 that night. I got to sing, and lead a song with the band, and it was a great time :) Best 30th Birthday ever!!!

The next day, I had a Girl's Night In birthday bash with some of my dearest friends- Tasha, Beth, Kristin,Teryn, Heidi, Jessica, Christina, Christine, Chelsea Hib, and Melissa. My 2 friends Katy and Katie couldn't make it, as well as a few others. It was a great time. We had my cheesy chicken enchiladas, chips and dip, fruits and my apple dip, lots of brownies, strawberry margaritas, sangria and wine. Lots of good times for all. I felt so blessed to have so many friends care, and make the effort to come help me celebrate :) They showered me with unexpected gifts- which were all great- thank you's out this week! I love the card from Teryn- her side note was, "Happy 30th- and at least you don't drive a mini van :)" She's one of the few that shares my sentiment on that, but it made me laugh.

The day after, I was suprised by my in-laws with a Nascar Ride along at the local Speedway. 3 laps going 165 mph, and it was amazing! I love going fast, and racing cars, and so this was so much fun!!! Some of you would be suprised to learn that I love Nascar, Monster Trucks, Demolition Derbys and driving big old SUV's. Mostly all thanks to the awesome 1984 suburban that I had in HS that would blow any sports car away any day. I have that to thank for my no mini van mindset. Sorry friends :( Then, since my parents were out of town, my in-laws threw me a family party, and we had Nachos for dinner and cake. It was a great Birthday weekend.

I also know I'm getting old, when I can't stay up late 3 days in a row, wake up for work, and be exhausted the next day. It's all starting to catch up to me now...

The whole turning 30 thing still seems so surreal, but a new phase in life that I am so excited about. My dreams are all coming true, from what I thought my life would be at this point- playing the piano, singing again, even starting up photography again. Being more bold in my every day life, and focusing on things that really matter, and trying to forget all the petty stuff.

Being the person I was for so long in my youth, and I think some of that slipped away in my 20's but I'm back to being the person! Here's to the next decade in my 30's and all that is has to bring.

Life is too short

Last Thursday, Seavie's Aunt went to the hospital for kidney stones. Things took a turn for the worse, she had a heart attack, all her organs started to fail, and things were not looking good. Her family thought it was the end. But then a slight glimmer of hope, and her doctor's put her on dialysis, and she started slowly but surely getting better. A week later, she has mostly recovered, alert and bright eyed with the determination that she has always had. We went to see her Wed. night. Her husband of 50 years was there- he hadn't left her side the entire week she was there. He swept her hair back, and brushed her cheek with his hand, and told her he loved her, and you could see she loved him in her eyes too. It brought such tears to my eyes... watching high school sweethearts, who had nearly lost each other, have such a sweet embrace. It made me think, that could be me and Seavie someday. My life would fall apart if I were to lose him. It brought me comfort though knowing if I was sick someday, that Seavie would be by my side taking care of me and loving me through sickness and in health. It made me realize that life is too short to take little things forgranted.

Then last Sunday a massive tornado tore through Joplin,MO. Complete devastation to 1/3 of the town. People without homes, or any material possessions. People losing loved ones. Everything just completed obliterated in the blink of an eye. This was another, life is to short moment.

How would the rest of the world react? How would you or I react to losing everything?

As a society, we place so much value on our standard of living. Having the best house, and the nicest car. Newest and most stylish clothes, or furniture or appliances. Going to the best schools, going on the most lavish vacations. Comparing our lives to lives of others. Then in an instant.... it's all gone. Everything that we hold dear, ripped from our lives, left with nothing. I'm not a very worldy person, or at least try not to be. We have nice things, but there is nothing that I own, that I couldn't live without. If I had to leave today, or lose it all, I would be okay. I'm not attached to all these things, even though they're nice, and provide comfort. I think of Luke 12:34- For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I don't ever want to be so consumed by things of the world, that I lose track of my eternal purpose.

Don't get me wrong, my heart completely breaks for the people of Joplin. They did nothing wrong that brought this natural disaster into their town. I'm just trying to say, it's how you would deal with a loss of that nature, how would you react. I would be completely devastated. I would call out to God, and say why me? But I would put my trust in him to get through the very hard times. This whole thing, makes me want to live life each day, like it could be my last. Cherishing all the moments with my kiddos and husband. Building friendships and relationships that glorify God. Having a servant's heart and helping people in the community. Knowing that God is in control of my life and that his will prevails. Never taking things forgranted...

Grace's last days of school

Grace had a fun filled last week of school, and made lots of good memories. She had awards day, field day, zoo field trip day, movie day, and an all school party day. I know it sounds like she probably didn't learn very much the last week, and maybe she didn't, but that's okay. She did get the most amazing week with all her best friends at school, that it was their last time to be together until 5 years from now, when they go to middle school.

Grace finished up her last day of Second grade on Tuesday. It was a bittersweet day, since her school is now closed permanently due to school budget cuts. She got her teacher a nice little gift, and made her a card. They had a half day, so Braden and I walked up there to get her, one last time. We said goodbye to her K, 1st and 2nd grade teachers, since they'll all be going to different schools next year. I'm so sad that Braden won't have the opportunity to have them as teachers when he goes to K in a year. They are all amazing women, and women of faith. We played at the playground, and when it started to get chilly, and all the crazy storm clouds came in, we got home quick before we got rained on. Before we left to go for ice cream, Grace broke down crying, poor little girl was so upset about her school closing and her friends leaving, she just sobbed. It was so hard to see her little heart break. I assured her, she would get to see all her friends over the summer and for her b'day this fall, and that cheered her up. I suprised them by taking them to Peachwave, which just opened by our house. They were so thrilled! It was a nice way to end a bittersweet day! I can't believe my little girl will be a 3rd grader this fall! and my little man in Pre-K!

Weight Loss Update

So I did my final weigh in for jazzercise yesterday morning. I had officially lost 8 lbs in the last 12 weeks, bringing me up to a grand total of 13 lbs lost since January. For about a month my weight was pretty constant within .5 lb, but then thanks to my zoo field trip day walking what seemed like 5 miles, and carrying a 20 lb.backpack of lunches, I dropped a pound shortly after. I was a little sad, because the jc scale, and my scale at home, read out slightly different. They both showed that I lost only 2% fat in the last 3 months, not 12% like I originally thought. Their scale measures the same exact weight as mine at home, but reads the percentage at a higher rate. I'm just going to assume mine is right :) 2% is better than nothing I guess. I feel a lot better, and can see the difference. Since the beginning of the year, I've gotten in 70 hours of jazzercise, and walked

31 miles!!! The walking every week, with working out definitely helps. And it's nice to get out and get some sun, instead of being inside all the time. I still have about 20-30 lbs to go until I'm back to what I was about 2 yrs ago. Here's hoping I get there maybe by the end of the year, or early next year!!!

Falling of the bandwagon

As you all know, my goal for this year was to be a super mom, and get our food budget under control. Jan-Feb, and part of March? were pretty good, but after that, not so good. I've been using e-mealz, or should I say, printing off the weekly meal charts, but not using them. Most of the recipes sounds pretty good. My biggest issue, is that I.do.not.like.to.do.dishes. and I.don't.have.a.dishwasher. For me to keep my sanity, it would be a very convenient thing to have again. So girls, be glad you at least have one. I would make all the food all week, and then have massive amounts of dishes to do. I claim all my problems would be solved by having a nice dishwasher, and a slightly bigger food budget. The overall amount spent has been pretty much under the budget amount, with the exception of one month. I just need to get my butt in gear and make the recipes, even if I might not love them, but it's cheaper than eating out more often.

Walk for Life and Mother's Day weekend

I had my walk for life saturday morning, and it went great! The weather was absolutely perfect. I ended up raising $1820.00, and my goal was $1000. I was completely blown away by the generous donation of a friend from bible study. It made me look forward to the day that we can be debt free, and give so much more freely to organizations, church, friends in need, like she did. Also 2 awesome things from the walk. Since I was the very first person to register this year, I got a free Chris Tomlin cd from K-love :) and I was entered in a drawing to win a free Garmin nuvi (garmin donated one for the walk), for getting over $1000 in donations..... and I WON! yay!!! I have always wanted one, and now my wish has come true. The only time I plan to use it is when we go out of state to travel. Since I pretty much grew up where we live, I know my way around without a map. My sister in law walked with me, and was very brave and pushed her 2 boys (probably 70+lbs in a double stroller) for 2 miles, at 9 months pregnant. I offered to push it for her, but she said she was okay. I think it all worked out okay for her though, because she just delivered her sweet baby boy, Holden this morning. He was born 3 weeks early, but was perfectly healthy, and just a beautiful baby.

This was probably one of the best years for Mother's Day yet. In the past, especially when we first got married, it was a touchy issue, mainly for me. That in the last 2 years, we've decided to keep the day of, just for our family of 4, and celebrate with our moms individually the day before. I think it's worked out great. My sister and I took my mom out to lunch Saturday at Mimi's Cafe, and had a good time talking with yummy food. Then we went to the mall afterwards and I had a Forever 21 gift card from Christmas my parents had given me, that I used to buy 3 cute new summer tops. I can't remember the last time I bought something at the mall, but I was in love with this store. The dressing room area, was beautiful to say the least. And the jewelry area, just perfectly designed. We went out to Seavie's parents for dinner and spent a few hours out there, and had a really good time. My mother in law was sweet as can be, and loved her present (which isn't always the case) but I was so glad everything went over well. The next morning, day of, Seavie made me breakfast in bed for the first time ever. I've only been asking him the last several years. We went to church, and then came home, played in the yard, with the dogs. The kids took a 4 hour nap, so it was a nice chance to rest and relax. Then we went to dinner at Granite City, which kids eat free on Sunday 5-close, which we didn't know, but was awesome to have that taken care of. And then Peachwave, my new love, for dessert. Since they just opened, we had a $3 off, plus a 30% off discount they were having for mother's day, so we got $10 of ice cream, for only $4. It was amazing. Totally loved it over orange leaf or green apple.

All in all, it was a great weekend. I feel so blessed to be the mom of an almost 5 and 9 year old. I'm so glad that God gave them to me, to be their mother.

A time of transition

So I just got back from a school tour of Grace's new school... It was completely different than what Grace has been used to at the traditional 1950's school that she's been used to the last 3 years. It was built in 1990, and is SUPER contemporary. Think glass blocks, faux foliage in the planters (which reminds me of Skate Land in the 1980's/early 90's), mauve, blue and white, checker patterns. The biggest change is that it has pods, which the school I went to from 2nd-5th grade had pods, but not like these. These pods are open, meaning, classrooms have no doors, the outside classroom wall is open at the top 2 feet, and all the group of 4 classrooms in each pod, connect to each other at the front of the room. Interesting. The interior designer in me is thinking, wth were the architects thinking when they designed this!?! Even the bathrooms are open- at least the handwashing area is. But aside from my issues with the design, the school flows really well. The classrooms are more modern, and triangular shaped, so you can have more fun layouts than the traditional square classroom. The principal seems nice, but I really prefer her current principal better. He's more laid back, and not as self-confident, over assertive. The PTA people are super perky peppy, way more energetic than I'm used to, so that will be fun.ha.

It's all starting to sink in that Grace only has 7 1/2 days at her school now, until school is over. She still has field day, and a tour of the new school, and a zoo field trip. The school is also doing an all out party for the kids the 2nd to last day of school, which will be like a big farewell party. I love her school now. It's close enough to walk, smaller size-275, compared to 625 next year. what? The teachers are amazing and down to earth. The kids are great. It's our own little community. Grace will be losing her very best friend to the other school, because of boundary lines, so that makes it rough. I think I'm just as sad as she is about changing schools. To me it's just unecessary change. Gotta love school budget cuts. not. So as mom, I have to suck it up, and make the best out of it, and get my happy face on for the change. It is a nice school, and she will have several friends there, so it could be much worse. The only bad thing that could happen would be, being convinced to join the PTA. That would just make me feel like an old mom. But that's just me :) Those are my thoughts for the day.