December Update

It has been a busy December and I just haven't put updating the blog first. I had a lets spend money we don't have on a root canal followed by lets get so sick that the dear husband must take time off of work to head home, take you to the Dr. and then wait for you to get a shot because the sickness I had come down with was so bad I needed a steroid shot to bring my heart rate down before I could go home. And all of this mixed in with a ton of church, choir practice, gift buying and house cleaning and cooking since I volunteered to have Christmas Eve dinner before church for 8 people.


So lets talk about the fun stuff now...Christmas Eve was awesome. I cooked and cleaned from 6:30 am till 5 pm when we had dinner, but three soups, Caesar Salad and French Bread made the cold dark, raining day perfect. Church was AMAZING. I love 300 people holding candles and listening to the Christmas story and singing amazing hymns. Maybe I should say it again...CHRISTmas Eve was AMAZING! I do not now the last time Christmas Eve service was so beautiful. Christmas Day was great as well. Church again in the morning then opening presents with my husband and my parents and then making a feast fit for the king we had welcomed to the world that morning. So fun and so amazing.

The last three days have been lazy fun days with the hubby at home, taking down Christmas and helping my mom take down Christmas as well. I did have fun at Target and ACE Hardware buying some new cleaning supplies. I now, I now...cleaning supplies???? They make me happy and I HAVE TO clean after taking down Christmas!

We will have another busy week ahead of us as we prepare to head to see Brandon's family on the 2nd and then snowboarding and well then another celebration....BRANDON'S BIRTHDAY!! I have some things in store for him!!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and beautiful Christmas that was filled with the love of the birth of Christ. May many blessings come from our Lord and Saviour in the New Year.

merry CHRISTmas

Merry Christmas.

May the blessing of the

Lord and Savior be found in

each and every heart this

CHRISTmas eve.

The Boyles Family

The size 4 dress

So since I can no longer fit in the dress my neighbor Amanda was my model. I still LOVE the dress!!

Zip ties, Placemats, and Dogs!

So lets do this in order. First, Christmas decorations are almost done. Here is my beautiful garland that goes from my hearth around my book case and across and down my big back window. I love it and it was all free, thanks MOM! I couldn't get it to stay in place so thanks to the trusty hubby and a few zip ties, it will never move again! Only my hubby would zip tie garland in place.

Second, I ordered a Christmas present for myself from my husband weeks ago and they arrived and they are on my table. I told my husband it was one less present he had to wrap! I am so in love with them. They would look better if they wallpaper was gone, but all in do time!!

Third, my dogs. They are the "practice children" and it is working. My husband takes more responsibility for them everyday and shows me all the time the amazing father that he is going to be! I love them and they are starting to love each other as well...i.e., the napping on each other.

Gratitude

Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He's given

Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say

"I am strong."

Let the poor say

" I am rich."

Because of what the Lord

has done for us.

Give thanks.

Henry Smith, 1952

Great is thy faithfulness - Lamentations 3:23

Size 4

Today I took all of my old formal dresses out of my parents house and brought them to my house because my neighbor wants to look and see if any fit her for her formals this year. I had such great memories going through the dresses, but at the same time I was sad...size 4 sad!

I am not a size 4 anymore, not even close, but man when I was in 10th grade I was. I had the most BEAUTIFUL dress to wear to prom with Lincoln. Yes, I was 15 and he was 17 and we dated for two years, enjoying our relationship and growing in faith and all in all I looked hot when I went to prom with him in a size 4 dress!!!

I have great memorize from that night. We were up for about 36 hours straight. It was awesome. Neither of us had to be home at a certain time, just call our parents. I spent the night at his house with like 15 other friends after the dance and we didn't sleep because we had to head to King City Fair at 3:30 am to drop off trailers that we would be living in for the next 5 days of the fair!!!

I so remember my wears that day; FFA sweats, puffy jacket and Uggs that went oh so nice with the prom hair and make-up that I hadn't taken off or out yet. My hair was all pulled up and it was held with 36 hairpins. I will never forget that night. It was my second prom. I got to go my freshman year as well. God bless those days, the simple times and innocence that we had. 15 friends all at one house after prom, eating junk, drinking soda and being loud and parents just letting us enjoy each other.

Memories that make it okay that I am not a size 4 anymore, because I will soon have a husband at home who loves me even though I am no longer a size 4!!

Love Him

I just found this picture and since I am missing my husband and Ralf is sleeping next to me I just had to post it. I love both of these boys. I refer to my husband as a boy for two reasons; he hates it, but it is the truth..he is 345 days younger then me and because of this he calls me his old lady, I hate that.

So Ralf was sleeping and Brandon laid there and was talking to "Our Son" and was telling him how much he loved him. It was the sweetest thing ever and then Ralf awoke..which means a toddler who had a nap and wants to play with toys! Yes, Ralf is just like having a toddler in the house.

But, thing I love in the is picture:

My husbands smile

The wedding ring on his hand

Those dimples

Ralf's spots

Ralf's little paws

The fact Ralf will let Brandon lay on him

Thanks for sharing in a favorite picture. It isn't well taken, just means a lot to this lonely wife.

Good Days and Sad Days

Well these days are a mix of good and bad and sad. Bran is out of town on business for 6 days; I HATE being home alone and it is so quiet. I am very thankful for the dogs. They keep it loud and busy around here, but they don't fill the other side of the bed like a husband. I keep telling myself that it is better to miss him and it will help our relationship grow.

That is my sad part, but I have good parts of these days as well. It has been a busy week with a great Board meeting for the fair with some really exciting changes possible, I am taking on some new roles at church (can't talk about that for a month or so) and I was able to lunch with my bestest friend Adrienne and the cutest baby in the world C today and then I tended to C for a little while and then A and I shopped!! We bought nothing, which is the exact amount I had to spend, nothing, but it was so fun. I so miss pointless chats with my "sister"!!!

So the good days and the sad days. I included of picture of my babies. These guys make me smile and laugh 50 times a day!!

A Little Hope in the World

Ever since my saddened post I have felt like our world is just about to crumble. I feel like morals and values and ethics are no longer in our world, our nation or in the people of our nation, but then my mom shared a little hope with me.

The article follows, but in honor of Kelly, a 4-Her that has Down's.....I hope that all of her success makes her feel as great as Anne feels!



Down syndrome student named homecoming queen with Down syndrome 'walking on air'
By LISA BLACK Chicago Tribune
Article Last Updated: 11/11/2008 01:46:55 AM PST



Now that she's royalty, Anne Jennings dances down the hallways, bursts into excited giggles and hugs her BFFs, or "best friends forever," without warning. Of course, she did pretty much all those things before being named homecoming queen at Chicago's Libertyville High School, but somehow, life has become more magical.
As a 17-year-old with Down syndrome, the senior "has been walking on air" since being crowned this month.
"Before, I was just plain me," said Jennings, selected by student vote out of 17 nominated girls. "When I was queen, it changed. It's amazing. Everyone loves me. I love me."
Her mother's videotape of the school assembly when her daughter was crowned says it all. After Jennings learned that she was among the top five members of the court, the video images began shaking. By the time the crown was placed on Jennings' head, the background noise boomed with the sounds of students cheering wildly.
By then, Ellen Jennings said, she had dissolved into tears, explaining why the video images bounce from floor to walls and back to her screaming, happy daughter.
"Amazing. Unbelievable," she said later. "You teach kids to do the right thing and treat people all like individuals, and look what happens."
She credits the warmth shown by classmates to the years that Jennings spent in regular education classrooms, where she was taught through eighth grade. Since entering high school, Jennings has spent more time in separate special-education classes, but she has maintained friendships from early childhood.

Megan Collins, 16, a junior, is among those who voted for Jennings.
"Once she was nominated, she was so happy and excited," Collins said. "I heard her say, 'I don't want people to vote for me out of pity' because of her challenges. I knew she would appreciate it more than the other girls."
Lauren Vogg, 14, a freshman, attended Adler Park Elementary School with Jennings. Today, Lauren and her friends volunteer for a program called Best Buddies that teams them with students with disabilities. She voted for Jennings.
"I think over the years, we have recognized her more as a high school student and not just a person with special needs," Lauren said.
Other Libertyville, Ill., students started a Facebook group, "Annie Jennings for Homecoming Queen," that accumulated more than 300 members — something Ellen Jennings didn't discover until after her daughter was crowned.
"I was just blown away," she said.
One person wrote on Facebook: "Annie has already won in my book! She is beautiful outside AND more importantly INSIDE."
At school, Jennings is still glowing, said security worker Mike Dolan.
Every day at 10:45 a.m., she returns from an off-campus work program, hops off a bus, enters the school and greets Dolan with a fist bump, which she calls "knuckles."
"She has been walking on air," Dolan said.
Jennings shares lunch, gym and keyboarding classes with the "normies," as she refers, with affection, to her mainstream peers. After graduating from Libertyville High next spring, she plans to enter Hawley Transition School in Mundelein, Ill., where she will learn independent-living skills such as how to manage money, use public transportation and keep a job.
She hopes to attend college after that, and marry her boyfriend, who took her to the homecoming dance, she said. She relives that weekend every time she looks at the pictures, with her smiling in a black dress and shawl.
"The paparazzi took a lot of pictures," said Jennings, a Special Olympics athlete and fan of the Jonas Brothers. "We ate out at Lino's. I had to give a speech."
The experience has inspired her classmates in the learning-resources classroom, too. "I thought it was really good for her to get it," said one of her BFFs, Laura Steen, 16, who voted for her.
For years Jennings has struggled with questions about what makes her different from others.
"She would ask, 'Why did God make me have Down syndrome?'" Ellen Jennings said, sitting near her daughter in the family's living room.
Anne, exasperation in her voice, piped up: "And she has no answers to give me."
Her mother paused, then replied.
"Your job is to figure out what your gifts are and what you have to contribute to the world," she said.
In some ways, being named homecoming queen has changed the way Anne thinks about Down syndrome, "that it's not the worst thing in the world that could happen to someone," Ellen Jennings said.
Her daughter agreed, saying that at first, high school was scary and sometimes boring.
"Now I know why," she said. "This was going to happen."

Saddened

I am saddened by the election results today. I worry about my future, my children's future and about our country. I am very worried......

The only Prop. that went the way I wanted it to was Prop 8. Thank goodness that we will have the freedom to teach our children the truth and for them not to be "taught" about marriage by the school system. This is a very personal religious point for me.

Looking at the results that I can find, I will have no money left soon because our taxes will be raised by so much from all the other Props that passed. Props that I don't agree with, that I voted no one, but I still have to pay for them. Fun :-(!

What I must remember is that the Lord will provide and there is a reason for the results.

Thankful

I posted about how lucky we are here in the good old US of A a few days ago and then I had an even bigger yup moment. We lost water at our house. The mainline broke. That's right no water. Dear husband had to take a day off of work, yesterday to get it all fixed and well I hate not having water. So today I thanked the Lord for running water in my house, when ever I want it it is there....I take it for granted. What are you thankful for today?

VOTE

Look at that boy, yes I say boy even though he is my husband. At 18 and just enlisted in the US Army, he was a boy.

He is one that has fought for our freedoms, for our rights, for my ability to write this message. I pray for these people daily.

Please remember that part of our freedom comes from the freedom to Vote, so on Tuesday November 4th, go to the polls and cast you vote and then thank the men and woman who fight for our rights every day by their choice.

May God Bless us All.

Here she is!

Introducing Annie. We made it home Monday afternoon at about 3 pm. She is shy and scared, but the tail is already up and wagging and she loves her new home. The jury is still out on Ralf. There have been no fights or anything, but I think they are still learning how to function in the same house together. Ralf has been REALLY great. Annie wanted his bed last night and he had no problem letting her have it, he just slept next to her. We are making progress!!

Such a sweet face!

She really loves her Daddy already!!

Love at first sight

A Must Read

I received this following information in an email from my Aunt. Supposedly David Letterman said or wrote all of this, whomever did, Thank You! We need to be more grateful of what we have! It is a bit long, but WORTH the time to read it!

No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....What a thankless people we are!!! David Letterman, on President Bush. (Surprising)

David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....

'As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.'

'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?' A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week? B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state. F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either. H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings. K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers. M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane! Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the NewYork Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?' -David Letterman

We're Expecting!!

I got you!

No, not a baby, but a new 4 legged baby!!! Yes, we are crazy and adding another dog to our family. This is part of my family plan, husband, then two dogs, then two babies in a year or two!!

Annie is a 9 month old pure bread English Springer Spaniel. I wasn't looking for a dog really yet, just sending out emails hoping we could find a puppy to come home in the spring, but Annie was found and she needs a home and loves male dogs and is so feminine and sweet and darling and well house broke!
That sealed the deal. No potty training! We pick her up on Monday and were able to visit with her last Monday, so love is in the air!

Welcome Home Annie Boyles, we can't wait to have you here!!

FFA

The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

As many of you now, I was an FFA (Future Farmers of America) girl in High School. I loved FFA and my FFA teacher Ken Watje. I owe Mr. Watje so much. He helped to teach and shape me into the person I am today. Other then my parents, he is who I owe the most too. I have to thank him for the intoduction to the Fair which I am now the President of the Board at. I am so blessed in life and I have to thank FFA and Ken for that......so if you would be interested, join Campbells and help FFA!

Campbell Soup Company has pledged up to a quarter of a million dollars to help expand the future of American farming.

When you visit HelpGrowYourSoup.com and click on the red barn from 09/29/08 to 06/21/09, Campbell will donate $1 on your behalf—up to $250,000—to the National FFA Organization, which is dedicated to developing our future leaders through agricultural education.

Click here <http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com> to make a difference today!

A Sad Lonely Night

My husband is working tonight (4 pm to 3 am). He worked 25 hours starting Saturday at 7 pm and finally got home Sunday at 8 pm....crazy! I hate being alone at night. I should be fine with it, but my house seems lonely without him and so quiet and I really hate quiet. I need to work on a wedding shower gift, so maybe I will do that to keep my mind busy...oh and I need to go and get the garbage cans in, forgot that one until just now...oooppppps.....thanks for reading my complaints, I just miss him lots :-(............

Why did you marry him???

One of the few pictures I have of my husband as a child....I hope our children are that beautiful!

On Wednesday of last week I was able to go to the San Benito County Fair and watch my dear friends son show his hog. Yes I know I am a little weird, but I love a good hog show. I miss the days of showing and the competitive nature still lies with me.



I was sitting in the stands with Taylor, the sister of Trent who was showing and she asked me one of those profound, only a five year old could come up with it questions (and yes she was one of my three flower girls) " Why did you marry Bandon?" (Note - In the world of Taylor, Brandon has no r and is Bandon)......I had to think for a minute, how do you answer that to a 5 year old girl? Said answer was " Well Tay, because I love him with all my heart and I wanted to spend my life with him" .....Tay thinks...."but you love me too, right?" Courtney....."Yes, but you are a little young for me so I married Brandon".....Tay...."Okay" End of conversation! Out of the mouth of babes....I love that age.



But, that got me thinking, it has been 2 years since we married, how are things....well may I say perfect! Yes, we all have are issues and our problems and our spats, but really truly, I have married the man of my dreams and I couldn't be happier in the life I have. I think one more dog and well then a baby in a year or two and life will be truly, truly perfect or at least perfect in my eyes.

So Tay, thanks for making me think and Brandon.....Happy Anniversary "Babe"

New Favorite Lasagna!!

My mom made this for Sunday night family dinner.....it was AMAZING!

Classic Two Sauce Lasagna
By Judy Leonard



12 Lasagna Noodles Cooked
1 15 oz. Precious Ricotta Cheese
1 10 oz. Frozen Spinach Thawed & Well drained
2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
2 eggs
1 lb. Bulk Italian Sausage or Ground Beef
1 26 oz. Jar Classic Red Sauce
1 17 oz. Jar Any Alfredo or White Sauce

Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl combine Ricotta, Spinach, 2 Tbls Parmesan and eggs. Mix Well; Cook and Drain Sausage. In 9x13 Baking Dish spread 1 cup Red Sauce. Layer 4 Lasagna Noodles over Sauce. Top with half cheese mixture, 1 cup Red Sauce and Half cooked sausage. Repeat Layers. Top with Remaining 4 noodles. Spread Alfredo Sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover baked at 350 for 45 minutes; uncover and bake for 15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.


SIDE NOTES –

I used Francesco Rinaldi Super Mushroom Sauce and Classico 4 Cheese Alfredo.

Also, I doubled the Mozzarella cheese and didn’t measure the Parmesan.

I used 2 lbs of Sausage, but it’s your discretion.

Barbecue Chicken Casserole....so yummy

I love to have the bags of "Simply Potatoes" in my fridge thanks to my Aunt Debbie! They are great in you need something for dinner fast! So last night I tried a new casserole...oh and it was yummy and there are no leftovers!!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Time-To-Table: 45 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 package Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns
1 cup (4 ounces) Crystal Farms® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
(I used 2 1/2 cups Medium Cheddar...it made it better :-))
1/2 cup chopped onion (I fried it up a bit so there were no hard onions in the casserole)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 to 3/4 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place Simply Potatoes®, cheese and onion in baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; drizzle with olive oil. Mix well. Spread Simply Potatoes® into thin layer covering the bottom of the pan. 2. Arrange chicken breasts on top of Simply Potatoes®. Pour desired amount of barbecue sauce over each breast. Bake, uncovered, 30 to 35 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and potatoes are crisp and golden brown.


Nutritional Facts:
Calories
470
Fat
20 g
Cholesterol
103 mg
Sodium
1052 mg
Carbohydrate
36 g
Dietary Fiber
2 g
Protein
36 g

Wedding Photographs

If you would like to see a few of my wedding pictures, please feel free to check out my AMAZING photographers site at

http://larrynordwick.com/#

Under Wedding Galleries; Pasadera

Thanks Larry! They are the most amazing things I have ever seem!

My Super Hero

I have so much to post, but this inspired me so much! So I will post all the fair stuff and life stuff soon, but first....MY SUPER HERO!

We have great neighbors! Ric and Bev are amazing people and parents and they have amazing kids, Amanda 16 and Jeffrey 13. Amanda and Jeff came over after dinner last night so that I could buzz Jeff's hair and Amanda needed to talk to my husband.

Amanda goes to an all girl private school in Salinas. She is 16 and a Junior and is sweet as can be. Today is Super Hero day at school and she had decided that Brandon was going to be her Super Hero for the day and she wanted to wear his Army uniform. She wanted to wear all of his fatigues. She looked so cute once we got it all together, I will take pictures at the end of the day today of the two of them, but it touch my heart and Brandon's heart that she feels he is a "Super Hero"!

I have to say that Brandon has always been my hero, what he went through growing up, his time in the service and the life he has made for himself, that is Super Hero in my book. And not only Brandon, but all of those who dedicate their lives to serving our country, THANK YOU! You are all my Super Hero.

Stressed!

Not trying to complain, but why is it that when things are the most hectic and chaotic, the husband must have something happen to him....last night he was complaining that his eye was itching and within 10 minutes it was swollen shut and is still swollen and black and blue!! Off to the eye doctor at noon, but why is it that it must happen just day's before the fair opens and I didn't even get to take glory in giving him the black eye! Oh but the story is that i got really mad at him and beat him....jk!

Childhood

Are you ever reminded of how great your childhood was or maybe still is!! There are days where I feel like I am still living my childhood dream.......i.e. having way to much at the Monterey County Fair!!

My girlfriend sent me a link to a video yesterday.It is a wonderful video highlighting the last year of fun and learning for Spring 4-H. It brought back SO many wonderful memories of my in FFA. It also helped to remind me of why I dedicate so much time to Monterey County Fair; the programs I help to support are what are going to help the youth of our community grow and be prosperous in the future.

I have no idea how to upload the file or the link.....but, it brought tears to my eyes!

Here is my shot at the link!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=50d2398d468cd9e7b27217&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

10 days to the "Ride the Wave" to the Monterey County Fair!

The Dates are Set

Front View of our digs I got a smoking deal on this room!!

Brandon and I finally have made the first reservation for our vacation to Washington in September. We are leaving on a Sunday due to a wedding for one of his cousins and we will return a week later. I wanted to make a reservation for our first two nights and I was thinking Seattle. Brandon was thinking Tacoma and then we found a great deal on a Boutique Best Western in Gig Harbor, and well for the price I got through Costco Travel.....we BOOKED it! We are only going to stay there for 2 nights and then continue on our journey or we may decide to stay there the rest of our stay and make it our home for the week!

I am just so excited to spend an entire week with my husband learning about his 3 years in lived in Washington when he was in the Army!

Ride the Wave..........

That wonderful time of the year is almost here....Monterey County Fair will open it's gates to the thousands of people on August 12th. We had our last Board Meeting before the fair starts and the plans seem to be all in line and I think we are going to have a great run. I have to say that our theme and our line-up as well as out carnival should be top notch this year. Ladies of the Fair office, you all rock! So if you are interested in attending head over to http://www.montereycountyfair.com/ for all the info.

After the board meeting yesterday, I was able to have dinner with A and C and Amanda at Ol' Factory Cafe in Sand City. The place rocked! Brandon and I are heading back tonight. The beer list they have is something my husband is going ponder for many hours before he places his order! But, the truly best part is that I got to spoil little C to no end and well, he loved hanging out with me! A, I so wish you were still in Monterey. And how fun was it to see Amanda too. Thanks ladies for such a fun night, I so needed it.

Remember to check out the Monterey County Fair August 12th-17th!!

Husbands...oh goofy husbands!

Husbands = goofy or at least mine does. I love him more then anything in the world, but oh he is the biggest little kid ever. Yes, that is my husband in the dog kennel! A few nights ago Brandon says " I am getting in the shower" IE, watch Ralf. So okay normal night...Ralf follows Brandon into the bathroom and likes to sleep on the bathmat when one of us is in the shower, so I figured that that is where he headed, no he went to his kennel. He only does this when he is REALLY tired and wants to be left alone, so I hear Brandon talking to someone after he got out of the shower and I found this in our bedroom. Brandon and his "little white rat dog" in the kennel having a "long talk" as I was told. Only my husband!! How sweet that he loves his little doggy so much!







Snuggling in bed together and yes, Bran has on Simpson's pj pants!

This is a picture from last night! Brandon has been working 12 hour days and hadn't been able to cut his hair for weeks, and Bran likes it cut once a week, thanks US Army, so he asked if I would cut it Saturday night, while as you could tell form my prior post, Bran and Jeffrey, who he is pictured with here, played Video Games, so Sunday night after we got home from Sunday night dinner with my parents, Bran said "PLEASE CUT THIS HAIR." So I went and got Jeffrey because he wanted to watch and then we started the shaving process. I am not a big fan of the shaved head, but when he has to wear a hard hat for 12 hours a day, this is the most comfy hair cut. Well this inspired Jeffrey whose hair was SO long, I wish I would have taken a before and after picture, to shave his head as well. His parents were so excited that he cut it off! I think he wants to be like Bran!! Leave it to my husband, crawl into kennel one night and shave head another, my house will never be normal, but what fun would that be!

Boring Saturday Night!

I don't like Video Games! I have just made that decision. We are watching our neighbors son who is 13 this evening and him and Brandon love to play the PS2 together.......so boring. I am not sure why boys like these things so much. I have read all my trashy mags, like People and all I really want to do is sleep, but not till his parents come home, errrrrrrr!

Clear Skies

For the first time in weeks are skies are clear. The fires in Big Sur and in South Salinas Valley have been keeping it rather nasty around here. But, today the wind picked up and the sun is out. I think I am going to head out of the office and get a little sun. It has been really depressing with only smoke in the skies.

July has started off a little bit on the quite side. Yesterday was a great day. Paid those darn bills in the morning and did a little shopping with Mom in the afternoon. Today was a beauty morning, eye brow waxing, hair cut and color and then a workout before coming into work. BTY, work is so quite with the 4th on a Friday this year, totally enjoying the down time!!! And then tomorrow I am off to WFA meetings at the Alameda County Fair. check them out if you want to visit a great fair; http://www.alamedacountyfair.com/2008fair/home/index.php

Have a great 4th!

Busy Days of June

So I am breaking my rule and am on the computer during the weekend. I have to say I love the computer free weekends, but my husband is working on the gas line for my new dryer and I need to stay out of his way, so I figured I should update my poor sad blog!

June has been so busy. I went to Utah from the 5th -9th to attend Cael's Blessing and vacation with Adrienne a bit. I love Utah. People are really nice there, shopping was great, Temple Square was beautiful, OMG...can I go to Park City by myself and go to the Spa for like a week...amazing! Oh and Cafe Rio.......I am really glad they don't have them around here becauseI might be 500lbs! Cael's blessing was amazing and I am so honored to have been there.

I arrived home on the evening of the 9th and my hubby picked me up at SFO. And then my Vacation was over. I had about 3 days to catch up on all my work and finalize everything for Vacation Bible School at Church. Yes, I again committed to being a Co-Director of VBS. But all was awesome. We (me and my co-director) started setting up on Saturday the 14th and finished the set-up around 3 pm on Sunday. We had amazing attendance of 76 children on the first day, 73 Tues, 71 Wed, 69 Thur and 61 Fri. I would say that is was a success. We had very few problems, just normal old tired kids stuff and I think it went smashing! Thursday was the busiest day for me. VBS in the morning, Board meeting at the fair at 4 pm and then 6 pm Youth Group outing at Carmel Beach....BBQ and Smores. It was awesome. Had a bunch of great 13-18 years old and had a great time. My husband was amazing and built me a great fire and played with the younger children....so awesome.........until 5 am on Friday morning.......I awoke with the stomach flu. No fun, but thanks to the co-director, VBS ended with a bang!

So this last week has been as busy as the week before as I catch up at work, home, life and the fair. I have done more laundry then ever before, I have cleaned 90% of the house cooked meals for my hubby (I felt so bad not feeding him well during the week of VBS) and tried to enjoy down time. I ended my week with 6 hours of cleaning the kitchen yesterday....my house smells so darn clean and wonderful! All I have left to clean is the living room, and them I am sure I will have to start over again!

So busy will continue as the summer progresses with the fair in August and then our Vacation coming together for September.....

I will try to find some pictures to post for all of you soon! Happy Summer Everyone!

Please Pray for Our Men and Woman

Today was a busy and odd day. I had to drop by church to pick some things up. With VBS next week life is crazy! And a text message came through. I turned white as a sheet and then almost cried. My Pastor said, "You Okay?" The message read a little weird, but the email that followed made sense. the first text made it sound like we had lost our friend John who is serving in Afghanistan

Good morning all,
This morning I received a call from 7th Marine, 2nd battalion headquarters during which they informed me that John had, earlier this day, been in a fire fight and received a single hit to his lower chest area. Because he was wearing a flack jacket, the bullet did not penetrate. His chest and abdominal areas are severely bruised and sore. He was treated in the field by coremen and later by a doctor at the base. No other Marines were hurt in the fight. He has had ultrasounds of his torso and will be watched for fluid build up in his lungs and heart. He has been released and will have restrictive duty for two days.

I have talked with him by sat. phone and he is in good spirits and responding as a typical Marine, suggesting it was just another typical day and nothing to worry about.

It is clear that although John cannot give any information about his where-a-bouts, he has left the relative safety of the British base and is at his duty station.

We, I'm sure , you are all praying for his safety and that of the other service men and women and we all should be thankful for those who set their lives aside and put themselves in harms way to keep us safe.

So, if you would please pray for John and all the other men and woman who serve our country so that we may have all of the freedom's we do!

Army Girls!!

Let's start the story back in December. Brandon and I gave our girl's Molly and Maggie a Gift Certificate for a sleepover at the Boyles's House for Christmas. Life always seems so busy that we hadn't had them over, well until last weekend.

They stayed over on Saturday night and then just went to church with me on Sunday so that Mom could take them home after service. We had a blast and let me tell you, they we angels! Never a fight or an argument or anything!

Off to dinner we went at Chili's. It was so yummy and fun and the girls had great manners. Then home we came so we can have ice cream and watch Cars. I love that movie, but before we had our movie and ice cream time, we had to play dress up. Brandon got in the spirit of it more then me. They wanted to wear his Army uniform. so we had to try on the dress uniform and the BDU's. I think they are Army in training and well they are Army Girls for Halloween this year so they say!


















Molly in the Dress uniform







Maggie at attention!

Salinas Valley Fair

I spent Thursday and Friday of last week with some of my favorite kids at the Salinas Valley Fair. I love the fairs. I love what it teaches the children and the memories that they will have forever because of it. I cherish my memories and am so glad to still be active in the fair industry.

Maggie was able to compete in Pee Wee Chicken showmanship for the first time and received a 2nd place and a big red Rosette ribbon. We are all proud of our Mags!

This is Molly showing Miss Lindsay Lohams!

I love what kids name there animals. Molly did so well in her horse classes, had a weight champion hog and then won beginning showmanship with her hog as well. She also had a chicken and received 2nd place showmanship for that. And she did great with her non livestock entries as well! Oh and thanks to my Mom and Dad got a great price at the Auction and we have pork coming to our freezer soon!

Trent did great with his pig. She was 5th in her class in Market and really improved in showmanship. He also showed a chicken for the first time and was awarded 2nd place. And did great on his rocket entries as well.

I am so proud of these kids and can't wait to be at the fairs with children of my own someday! What a blast it is going to be!!

Um... I guess I forgot to share....

But no one probably cares, but here is my new washing machine. I have decided it is a she, because woman clean more then men and I love it. I think we are going to have to purchase a dryer soon.....it is making WEIRD noises! Ouch to the savings account!

Auntie Courtney!!

Yesterday I had the best day, I got to spoil my darling "nephew" Cael! Cael and his mommy made the trip down from the SF area for a visit with me, his "Grammy" Judy and his mommy's old work! We had the best day with a yummy Subway lunch to boot. I wish that they were still on Monterey so I could help with Cael more, but Adrienne is an amazing mom and I admire her so much! I am so not ready to be doing what she is doing! I can barley handle our little dog!!

This is Cael and I. He needed to be burped and for some reason I had the hand for that all day yesterday! I kissed and loved him to pieces. I even got a few smiles and well cries!

This is "Grammy" Judy meeting Cael for the first time. She is going to make an amazing Grammy one day to my kids. We had such a great time visiting while she kissed and loved him to pieces! This is one reason why my mom is my best friend. It melted my heart when I saw her with him.
I am so glad that they came down for the day. I know that the drive wasn't the best on the way home, but our next trip will be a great adventure for C, A and I....watch out SLC here we come!

Fun Trips!

Saturday May 10th I took two of my favorite girls from church to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We had a blast.

First it was off to Subway to grab a foot long and then hit the beach for a picnic. It was cool, but the sun was out and the kids and I had a great lunch. The lord has blessed me ten fold with these girls in my life!

We ran around the place and had way too much fun and saw the entire place maybe twice! it started to get busy around 2 or so so we used our manners and waited to see everything we had to!

We even made a stop at Bubba Gumps around 3 for some apps and lemonades! I needed a rest!! We ended our day watching the 4 pm feeding in the kelp forest tank and then one last look at the octopus! He was swimming....really swimming. We hadn't ever seen him swim before!

Full Circle

Do you ever have the feeling that you have gone full circle in something in life. I had that revaluation today when I was talking about the fairs and showing animals when I was growing up with a friend. This is a major part of my life!

So when I was a Freshman at Salinas High School, Go Cowboys! I enrolled in the FFA classes with the ambition to show pigs for the greatest Ag Teacher EVER Ken Watje. Well show pigs I did as well as speaking contests and well then working my way through the Board as Reporter and then President of Salinas FFA when I was a Senior in H.S. That was well 10 years ago. But, I am making plans to watch some of what I call 'my kids" show at the Salinas Valley Fair and got to thinking of how I wouldn't be who I am now with our Mr. Watje, Salinas FFA and well my Mom who drove the 4 Watje girls all over the State of California to show our pigs.

Molly, one of my girls from church has her first pig. She bought it from someone I used to show against. He is now a great breeder of show hogs! It is so weird to Google some of these people and go, oh you are married too and you have this great business.....oh okay!

Mr. Watje has retired and I have lost touch. I think I need to write to him. I hope he knows how much of an influence he has had in my life. See, this August Monterey County Fair will open it's gates and I will be proud to say that I, thus 28 year old lady, who is way too young to have accomplished anything other then LOVING to show pigs and lambs and goats and well everything I could get my hands on will be the President of the Monterey County Fair Board who will open the Junior Livestock Auction that I auctioned at for the first time 14 years ago. All of this do to wonderful parents who supported me in everything I did and drove so many miles for me and an Ag Teacher that was like another father to me. I do wish that Watje was around to continue to share his knowledge with other youth, but I guess that is why he has groomed so many others to do so. In a way I wish that he was here to see me come full circle. He is truly the reason I LOVE the Monterey County Fair. But, from what I know he is enjoying life with is family in the other Valley doing what he loves....breeding pigs and enjoying his grandchildren, the heirs of the Watje pig knowledge!

I guess I have come full circle. I hope to truly enjoy the run of the MCF this year and reflect on what I have accomplished in just 14 years.

Wise Words

I received this from dear friend today and I think that everyone needs to be reminded of these wise words!

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.


A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. 'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'
The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Please share this with someone you care about…. I JUST DID.

Long Wednesday

I couldn't get tot sleep last night. I was up late and then got up at normal time. So I am tired. I shouldn't complain. I just talked to my dearest friend and she has had little sleep, her little guy has had a tough day or two and is not letting mommy sleep.

But I shopped today. Not for me, but for my "niece" It was fun, but exhausting. We did get to meet Brandon for lunch in Gilroy. Thanks Costco Food court!! Then it was home and a workout and then Brandon called. He was supposed to be getting off, but there was an emergency on a job in Paso Robles so off he went at about 4:30 this afternoon. He told me to go and have dinner with my parents so I wouldn't be all alone. He is so sweet. It was so fun to have dinner with Mom and Dad. I miss that. Brandon and I have dinner every Sunday with Mom and Dad, but it was nice to just be the 3 of us. So I then picked up my kids for choir at church and off we went. I came home to a very happy Ralf and he jumped on my spare bed and decided to piddle on it. At least I am getting my new washing machine tomorrow and can wash all of it. Maybe Ralf is just giving me a reason to do wash, then I will not feel so bad!!!

I arrived home from choir, and no husband was to be found, but a box on the door step. I looked at the return address and well i didn't remember ordering anything from there and then I saw the name. Thanks dear friend, I will think of you every time I burn it. Salt City Candles....a need addiction! Thank you again dear friend, that was the most unnecessary,but on my other rant, I hate being home alone. I think and consider myself to be strong, but one of my big issues is staying home alone when it is dark out. I am such a girl when it comes to that. Thank goodness I have a 12 lb attach dog at my side. He is so big and strong............... sound asleep on my hip...............ya, like he could be much help! So news just came that my husband is on his way home and he should be home around midnight. Poor guy!

Until he gets home, sitting on the couch with a snoring attach dog hoping the long Wednesday will end soon!

Ture Color

Does this match who I am??

Courtney, your true color is Yellow!

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy —

Two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting

Hope everyone had a great evening!

Piles and Piles of

LAUNDRY!! I guess you could say that I am putting it off until the new machine gets here, but I am sick to death of the piles of laundry I have been neglecting including my bedding! The new machine will be here on Thursday morning and I am REALLY excited to see how much I can truly put in the new machine. They say that 24 bath towels will fit??

I am also really excited that I finally can purchase Kirkland Signature brand laundry detergent. I have allergies, weird and crazy allergies and one of them is to perfumes and dyes in laundry detergent, stain fighting additives and fabric softener. I have always had to but Cheer Free and Gentle and other expensive brands until Costco came out with a Kirkland that is Free and Clear! Thanks Tammy for the hint and letting me borrow some to try!

I can't wait until Thursday! I had dreams of doing laundry last night :-) (Yes, I am aware that I am a freak)

The picture is of my very hot husband if I do say so myself hooking up the old machine when it moved to the garage. I think the moved knocked some old dirt out of it and that is why it broke!!!

Spring is here...doesn't it make life great!

Sorry it has taken me so long to update over the past week, but things have been busy. With spring here (It was 90 on Saturday) there is just so much to be done. Work has been busy, but it has been easier to get things done at the house since Ralf will stay outside more. This is how I found him one morning...just hanging outside in the back with his stuffed squirrel! I wish I had his life!!





Then on Thursday of last week I made what was supposed to be an hour and a half drive to see my "nephew" and well four accidents, not me...other bad drivers and over two hours later, I finally made it to see Cael. He is amazing, but more importantly Adrienne is the most amazing mom I have ever seen. Cael is such a great baby because he has a wonderful mommy! We had a great day. Cael got lots of Auntie time, Adrienne got to have a little time do put away grocers and such and well we are teaching the boy to shop young! We first went to Subway and had a really yummy lunch, then we went to Target.....we will turn Cael into a shopper!! then we headed home fore some relaxing and more Auntie time. It was wonderful and the drive home was perfect! Thank goodness. I hope to see the again REALLY soon!












A new favorite, tummy time
















Target made me tired!
Then on Saturday I went to little Miss Tayler's T-Ball game. Tayler was one of my flower girls in the wedding and she is just too darn cute for her own good!!

It was so warm that day...almost too hot for these little ones to play, but needless to say, 4 and 5 year old playing ball is a comedy act! Tay had more fun posing for the camera then playing ball and I had to hide behind a tree to try and take pictures or she would wave instead of playing ball!
The new week is off and running and it looks like it will be a busy work week and the weekend is looking packed, but Spring is here and I am excited to get out of the house and enjoy some fun in the sun!

Another Monday

So Monday is here. I had another wonderful computer free weekend with TONS of husband time. Bran has been working so much that it was just great to work on the house and the yards and have dinner together. My washing machine still hasn't arrived. It is on back order until the 17th. I am in desperate need!! My weeek is looking busy, but that should make it fun and exciting! Hope everyone has a great Monday and a great week to come.......

How Dreams Change...................

I have noticed that after I was married my dreams changed. Not dreams that I have at night, but my let's save money for this or that dreams. It used to save for my beautiful Gucci handbags and delightful Christian Shoes, but as of about 6 months ago, my dreams have changed.

Today, I want a washing machine, which I believe I am going to purchase tomorrow. Sears is having a 15% off the price, plus no payments, no interest for 12 months. I can't afford to purchase this outright, but I can pay it off over three months and it will not even hurt my budget! Plus, no interest!!! So I am really excited. The only reason I am doing this is that my current machine, which is circa 1970 or so never stops washing. When the dial hits off, it keeps on going to the next cycle, wasting water and energy!

So I am happy and enjoying that my dreams have changed!

A Sweet Gift from God

Adrienne and Adam Wooten are pleased to let me announce that Michael Todd Wooten made his appearance into the world this morning at 8:09 am. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 19 inches long! He is a perfect Gift from God. I will let the new family share any other details they so choose when they have time to post, but Mom and baby are doing great and Dad is amazing already!


The New Family




I love to look at my Mom.









Falling for my Grandma.

Wonderful weekends!

We had another wonderful computer fee weekend at our house! It was magical. No computer and time to reflect on our risen Lord, Jesus Christ! I hope that everyone if doing well and enjoying Spring Weather I hope!!

Computer free weekend!

After hating the tax man of Friday, I decided I needed to detox and have a computer free weekend. This meant that it stayed in it's case all weekend and I never turned it on. I got so much done around the house and had some really great husband time. I think I am going to start needing weekends to be computer free. I feel so much better today. the only rule is if I need to print directions, I will turn it on, Map Quest and then turn off. No more computers on the weekends!

So Saturday was cleaning day! Surprising how excited I was to clean house, but it always feels so good! Sunday was Church and then I took my Sarah shopping for her Easter dress.....well and the entire day was a celebration of Ralf's first birthday!! He had scrambled eggs for breakfast and cottage cheese for dinner. He wore a cute shirt to dinner at my parents house that said "I'm the birthday pup!" on it and my parents gave him a spike collar! He is so darn cute!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and a wonderful Holy Week ahead. I have so much church this week to get ready for Easter on Sunday........what a blessing it is to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ!

I hate very few things in life

but I HATE taxes. Personal Taxes, Property Taxes, Business Taxes and the Tax Collector as well as the Assessors as well as all the nasty horrible people that you have to deal with when you call the tax collector.....especially in the County of Madera! Except on really nice lady who I thanks profusely and then said a prayer for her when I got off the phone!

Hope everyone has a great weekend..............I really need a relaxing one!

Wednesdays...today was a little weird.......

So I posted last week about the emergency dental work that my husband had to have done, well round one completed and it didn't work, but my prayers were answered and the dentist did wonders with the insurance company. Friday's root canal that didn't work was of no charge yes, re-read that again no charge so the $215 I paid was reallocated to today's horrible and painful procedure that my husband endured and I only had to pay another $89.90 and he is home, in pain and unable to take pain killer....they do bad things to my husbands head!

Well, just wanted to you give a recap pf my day.

8:00 am up late since we don't have to be at the dentist until9:30

9:30 am arrive at dentist. Pay my $89.90. Truly a pray has been answered. We don't have the extra cash for this at the moment.

9:40 Leave and go to buy Ralf his sticks. This saves us major money on house hold items being eaten.

10- 11 am. wait at home for the call from the dentist. Update Mom and Aunt Debbie and A on Brandon being at the dentist.

11 am pick up husband....he doesn't look great.take him home and head to Costco for drugs and mouth wash.

12 pm. Arrive home and drug husband and get him in the routine of 15 min of ice, 15 off. He isn't keen on this!

1 pm. Pick-up Sarah and head to McD's for the 40, yes read that again 40 chicken McNuggets that the husband has requested. This tells me he is sick....he only likes McD's when he is really sick, but how oh how does he eat after having his gum cut open, bone removed, root canal from the top of the tooth and then being put back together.....all 40 gone in 10 minutes!
head to Curves. I need to de-stress after this activity of dental work on the husband!

2:30. arrive home after dropping Sarah off and check on husband; A tad cranky, better to leave him alone; time to go and have my eyebrows waxed. (I have had the appointment for 4 weeks so I wasn't about to cancel and my face needed the love).

3:15. arrive home to clean kitchen and bedroom and then jump in shower.

4:30.head over to pick up Sarah once again to head to my mom's to grab the Sloppy Joe's that we are serving at church for dinner for Lenten service. Mom had been cooking all day and it took two of us to carry the pot to the car. Take call from business partner who forgot I am off Wed and Thur do to husband being in pain!

5 - 8:30 Dinner, church and choir (husband told me to go; I think he was happy being alone with the dog; in peace)

8:35 Arrive home and get online. Needed to read my People.com and de-stress again. husband requests a box of mac and cheese for dinner. he cooks it and then i stirred it all together for him. he eats the entire box. I then suggest ice cream. yummy idea he thought! dished out treat and let sit on counter for 20 minutes to soften. Eats 1/2 gallon I think!

10:12 sitting here typing this blog in amazement of what my husband has gone though today and what he has eaten. At least he has eaten something!

I am truly proud of him and so blessed to call him mine. His strength and courage today has amazed me.

So, thanks for reading about my weird and crazy day! Just a really weird Wednesday!

Lets see what Thursday brings me in way of feeding the husband.........................

Quiet Saturday morning.....

Saturday mornings are a cherished thing in my life! I watch Gilmore Girls, drink coffee and enjoy doing nothing for a few hours. My husband is usually hangs out int he garage doing those boy things that he does and i enjoy peace!

This morning I was having a great time with the 2nd season of Gilmore Girls, yummy coffee and then the door bell. Remember I am in my pj's doing my normal thing....not in door answering apparel, but I checked the door thinking it might be my neighbor, Jeffrey to play with our little puppy, a favorite past time for both of them, but no it was two people in their Sunday best. Well, I can't really open the door because Ralf will go running out side and well remember my PJ's!! So I politely said no thank you, I can't open my door due to my dog and I was trying to hide behind the door because I was in my PJ's and they just would stop talking to me. They were Jehovah Witnesses trying to spread there message. I understand that is what they do, but if someone says no thank you, please have respect and leave my door step. It is Saturday morning and you are interrupting my GG/Coffee/PJ time. Respect for others and what they say is all I ask for!

So if you are thinking of coming by my house on a Saturday morning.....please call first or come in your PJ's so we match!

Happy Saturday everyone!