Living

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – (John 10:10 KJV)


This scripture really hit me. Am I truly living my life and enjoying it? Are you? Life may not be perfect but are we taking the time to truly count our blessings?

I think it is safe to say that this latest shooting in Connecticut has rocked our Nation. It has taken our already broken hearts and beaten them down even more. I don't know about you, but on December 14 I felt like I shouldn't go on with my happy day. It felt so wrong to have fun, joke around and enjoy the day because precious, innocent people were dead. My heart was heavy that day.

Jared and I went ice skating that afternoon. We had so much fun. We are already talking about when we want to go again. Then we shared a delicious dinner. Although I was having fun, the people of Newtown were on my heart.

On the way back to his place, Jared and I got to talking. I told him how strange it felt to go on with our good day when something so horrible had happened. Then it hit me... the parents/friends/family of those that are dead would want us to live. They would want us to go about our day, spread love to others and not take one single moment for granted. This is an assumption, of course, but I am pretty sure at least some of them would agree with me.

Yesterday we had our annual cookie exchange. The house was FULL of our family and friends. The moment I got there I hugged my youngest niece(4) and nephew(2) so tight. The older ones came later ( 14, 13, 12) and I gave them hearty hugs as well. To me the teenagers are still babies too. I'm not a parent so I cannot begin to understand what you might go through when you lose a child. I am, however, an aunt. An Auntie that loves her nieces and nephews as if they were my own. I want to protect them just as their parents do.

I so enjoyed the day full of laughter, friends and family. I think it was good for all of our hearts. We took the day and we lived. We enjoyed the food, the company, the music and a whole lot of cookies. We were living and it was beautiful. I never want to take that for granted.

 

The 50/50 Plan: Update

I have to say, I am kind of on a roll. I knew this weight loss journey wouldn't be easy but I have so much support, it almost seems easy. I have to do the work myself but it is great having others around me that are on a similar path.

This month I started a 6 week health challenge called "Elf For Health". Every 2 weeks we are paired with an "elf". During those two weeks we encourage each other, send recipes and work outs etc. My current elf is Amanda. She's just the sweetest! I love getting emails from her and hearing about her two littles! ( 6 weeks and 2 1/2 yrs). It always amazes me how moms have time to eat healthy and/or work out. I can barely find the time and I have no kids. hehe.

We also have daily challenges. So far we've had these challenges:

Day 1: Go meatleass monday
Day 2: Send a handwritten card or note to someone
Day 3: Try a new workout
Day 4: Get up 15 minutes earlier to meditate/reflect/pray
Day 5: How many different colors can you eat today
Day6/7: Clean out your closet1 Fill a bag and donate it
Day 8: Track your fiber intake. Shoot for 30g
Day 9: Have a salad today and make your own dressing

Today was the day we made our own salad dressing. I was pretty impressed with myself for making one. It was incredibly easy. Here's the recipe for you! I only made a small amount but it can be doubled or tripled even.

Apple Balsamic Dressing:
1 Tbsp Apple Butter
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
3 1/2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
fresh ground/cracked pepper to taste

Add all of the ingredients to a bowl or cup with a lid. Shake it up and serve!

I paired this with a salad that had: Mixed greens, pomegranate arils, shredded carrots, apple, walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles. It. Was. Delicious.

I don't know why I don't eat more salads like this. They are so incredibly tasty, good for your and very easy to make.

I don't know if I am 100 % on track to meet my 50lb goal in 50 weeks but I am getting SO close! I don't care if it takes me 55 weeks, I just want to get there. Running has been great lately. I ran my first 10K race on Thanksgiving day and did better than I had hoped. The Tinkerbell Half Marathon is in about 6 weeks. I feel mostly ready. I just need to get a few more long runs under my belt.

So here's where I am at right now:
Current weight: 158.8 lbs
Total loss: 37.2 lbs
Current size: 10

I cannot even explain how good I feel these days!

Our Easter Celebration

I am not sure where the month of April  went!!! Easter was almost a month ago? How is that even possible?

We gathered at Jimmy and Jessica's house for a massive feast, gigantic Easter Egg Hunt and to Celebrate Jimmy turning... older... and my niece, Alissa turning 14.                                                                                                                                                                                                        

It was a beautiful day full of family and friends. The kiddos went crazy over the 250 eggs we hid for them. making them Easter Baskets and stuffing Easter Eggs for them never gets old.

Happy Easter!

As I was driving to celebrate Easter with Jared's family, I heard this story on KLOVE. It touched my heart in such a way, I can't even explain. Here's the true story told by a Sunday School teacher. I hope you take something away from it like I did:

" Phillip was in a Sunday school class at his church. He had a hard time fitting in with the other kids because he had Down Syndrome. The teacher wanted him to feel like part of the class so she went home and collected old panty hose eggs. The next Sunday she took the 10 plastic eggs she had collected and told the class she had an activity planned. They were told to find something outside that represented new life and put it in their egg. When they were all back inside, the teacher took the eggs and started opening them one by one. One had a flower and kids awe'd at it. Another had a lady bug and there were a lot of ooh's. Then the teacher opened an egg and it was empty. They kids started saying that someone did it wrong. Phillip tugged on the teacher's shirt and said 'I didn't do it wrong. The tomb was empty.' "

"Last year Phillip died. His family knew that he may not live a long healthy life. During his funeral, the sunday school teacher and a line of 8 year olds made their way up to the front and laid an empty plastic egg on his casket".

Happy Easter my friends. He is Risen!

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day 2012 was mostly uneventful. The best surprise came that afternoon when there was a knock on my door. I was laying awake in bed, assuming it was the postal person so I was going to ignore it. The knocks kept coming so I got up and found my best friend and her 4 darling kiddos standing there with a Valentine's treat. Noah and Jack were still very excited about the parties they had at school and Lucy was her slightly she self. Jess apologized over and over for "waking me up" but I assured her she didn't (I swear! you didn't!!!). Even if they had, it was a perfect thing to wake up to. I just love those LaTours!

How cute is this?!?! She hand stitched that heart! Jess, you are uh-mazing! Jared and I each had one of those YUMMY cookies over coffee that afternoon.

I took the time to make my co-workers some sweet n salty Valentine's. I made "party popcorn". Recipe to follow in another blog. Super duper easy!

I was really wanting to make conversation heart cookies and experiment with piping slightly more inticate designs. I had a couple sweet people in mind while making these.

Goodbye, Hello

Goodbye:
*Frustrations
*Deaths
*Sadness
*Arguments
*Disappointments
*Extra pounds
*Bad runs
Goodbye 2011

Hello:
*Unconditional Love
*Love conquering all
*Hope for a future
*Fitness Goals
*5Ks and Half Marathon
*Quality vs Quantity
*Comprimises
*Fresh Start
*Joy
*Patience
*Making a Difference
Hello 2012!!!

Out with the good, the bad and the ugly that 2011 had to offer. On to the anticipation of a great 2012!! I changed a lot in 2011. Some good, some bad. I became obssessed with getting married and became angry when rings and engagement didn't happen. I was frustrated with lack of time with friends. Jared and I argued more than I'd like to admit. I allowed black clouds of hurt, sadness and fear wash over me. I didn't fully enjoy all that God had placed in front of me.

Things will be different in 2012. I will be thankful for a man that loves me even when I am a monster. And yes babe, I was a monster at times. I will be thankful for the kind of love that only God can ordain in His perfect plan. A kind of love many hope for but never receive. I will look forward to the day I get to marry Jared, not count the days until it happens.

I will be thankful for the times I get to spend with my friends, not how much time. I will lose these extra pounds and I will keep them off. I will complete a half marathon. I may not run the whole thing but I will finish!

I will walk closer with God and dive deeper into His word. I will learn to be more like Jesus. To love like Him and react like Him.

These are not resolutions,they are lifestyle changes. Changes I want to see in myself. I want to be a better example for Christ and live my life to the fullest. I don't want to get caught up in the negative. I want to press on and achieve the positive. Not perfection, as I so often strive to do.

Here's to a better 2012. For all of us.

Christmas 2011

Once again, Christmas has come and gone. I had my "Holiday to do list" and I got almost all of the items checked off. I didn't actually attend a toy drive but I did raise money for a bicycle drive we had at work. So I think that one can be crossed off the list. I didn't get the chance to watch any of the holiday movies with my nieces and nephews but that's ok.

Christmas started on Friday December 23rd for my family. I can't remember the last time we celebrated a holiday on the actual day. Sometimes I prefer having it on a different day. Stores are still open, we don't have to rush off to someone else's house and no one has to leave early/come late because of work. The siblings, Jared and I decided to surprise my parents this year with a gift. The adults had "agreed" to not draw names and exchange gifts but we schemed behind their backs. My parents are not prideful people and they would be honest if you asked how things were this past year. Money has been tight and it has been a struggle for them but they have held their heads high, worked hard and have accepted help when it has been offered. They'd be the first to help someone else out. We ordered a food package from Omaha Steaks for them. They were sooooo excited! It felt good to give back to them. They've always done so much for all of us kids!

The youngin's had a great time tearing into gifts. Peyton decided to tear off the wrapping paper one square at a time. It was cute and maybe just a tiny bit annoying. Tyler still wasn't 100% sure what to do but he had fun. Alissa and Justen are old pros at it so they tore into their gifts like champs.

 

The adults, alissa and Justen did a chinese gift exchange. We all bought 5/$1 gifts, wrapped them and put them under the tree.

We drew numbers then began choose and/or stealing gifts from each other. We laughed so hard and had a great time switching the gifts around between everyone.

Christmas Eve morning Jared and I spent some time at brian and Katie's house. We had breakfast and visited with a couple friends. I finished up some cinnamon rolls then we headed to jared's best friend's house to hang out. I had to leave for work but Jared was able to stay and hang out. His other friend, Brandon, was in town so the three of them had a guys night.

Christmas Day I slept for a whole 2 hours then went to carlsbad to celebrate with Jared's family. We had a great time hanging out and talking. Jared's cousin, Kortney, flew in from New York. It was great to see her. All of the kids played and played, opened gifts then played a little more. It was nice getting caught up with everyone. We also found out Jared's cousin, Kasey, just got the lead in Wizard of Oz. She was sporting darker hair for her role as dorothy. I almost didn't recognize her. We always draw names with Jared's family. Jared drew Nana's name and he got her some DVD sets of a few of her favorite TV shows like Castle and NCIS. When she opened the "Castle" DVDs, she squealed like a little girl. She was SO excited! It was cute.



Nana, Kasey, Kortney

 The I was off to work. The day shift crew made dinner for everyone and it was goooood! My partner, Ali, and I brought some stuff in Saturday night for them to make on Sunday. Early Christmas morning I put fresh cinnamon rolls in the oven and baked them for those working day shift. My partner had laryngitis so I answered the phones and the radios. Poor thing, she sounded aweful. She was a trooper though and made it through the night.

It was a great holiday weekend! I am blessed to have 2 incredible families and a work family. I feel like I really soaked in the Christmas feeling this year. I tried to tone it down on the gifts (I failed) but I had so much joy buying and wrapping every single gift. I know Christmas is not about gifts but I do think part of the holiday is the giving spirit. Whether it is gifts, your time, opening your home, donating, being courteous to people etc; it all follows the Lord's command of "Love one another". After all, it is love that caused God to bless Joseph and Mary with a tiny baby that would eventually give the ultimate gift so we would have eternal life.

Merry Christmas, friends. Here's to a wonderful 2012!!

**And stay tuned tomorrow! There will be a special guest post from my best friend!***

Annual King Family Christmas Cookie Day!

Every year the ladies of my family put together a cookie day around Christmastime. Usually we spend the day baking with some of our dearest friends and family members. The only problem was that we'd be so busy baking we'd barely have time to talk and hang out with everyone. We also kick the guys out during the baking and let them come back for taste testing later in the day.

This year we changed things. We turned the baking day into a cookie exchange and let the guys stay. I think I liked it better this way. Everyone brought cookies that were already baked, we had a ton of snack and everyone had a chance to visit. The kids played until they were exhausted then played a little more. Just about everyone that brought little ones said they slept in until about 8am the next day!

We had sugar cookies for the kids to decorate. Most of them weren't too interested.

Peyton wouldv'e stayed there all day if we had let her. She was ready to decorate cookies the moment I walked in the door that day. Most of the kids decorated 3 or 4 cookies then went back to played. Not Peyton though. She must have decorated a dozen cookies.

TJ had fun decorating too. Uncle Jared helped him out. He pretty much just decorated one cookie. He put frosting on it then a mound of spinkles. Then he would eat most of the sprinkles and some of the frosting then start the decorating process again. he must have consumed a full bottle of sprinkles by the end. It was fun to watch him.

 

I love having this get together every year. It is such a nice time for everyone to get together and visit. It made things easier to have everything already baked this year. I am thinking we should do a springtime cookie exchange also. Why not? It would be fun!

Marshmallow Snowmen

These are such a fun addition to any holiday party. The original picture I saw used striped paper straws as the stick but I used lollipop sticks instead.

What you will need:

1 bag Large Marshmallows
1 Bag Twizzlers Pull n Peel
1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips
Round orange sprinkles
18-20 Long Lollipop Sticks
1 tooth pick

1) take 3 marshmallows and put them in a row on each lollipop stick

2) pull off 3 strings of twizzlers and wrap it around the marshmallows and lightly tie it in a knot

3) melt the chocolate in the microwave

4) dip the toothpick in the melted chocolate and poke it into the top marshmallow, creating eyes and a mouth

5) sip the tooth pick again and make "buttons" on the second marshmallow

6) use a small dab of chocolate to get the sprinkle to stick as the nose.

They really take no time at all. I used these to add the finishing touches to the Christmas gifts I made for Jared's co-workers. I made dozens of cookies and put them in cute boxes:

I got some cute (and inexpensive!) coffee mugs, coffee and hot chocolate and wrapped them all up. It was an easy, thoughtful and inexpensive way to say Merry Christmas to jared's co-workers. 



Braving Black Friday

I've come to realize that people have very strong opinions about shopping on Black Friday. Me? I don't really care about it either way. Sure, there are things on sale and a few killer deals out there but chances are, I am not looking for any of that stuff. Plus, most of the items will continue to be on sale until the end of the Christmas holiday.

On the way home from Nana's house I thought I'd cruise by a few stores, just to see what it was like. Jared is a sweetheart and offered to go to Toys R Us with me Thursday night. He was worried about me being out late by myself. The line was insane! I mean, wrapped around the building and the whole nine yards. Lines longer that those at Disneyland. No thanks! Plus it was cold and I am a wimp when it comes to cold. I didn't need or want anything that bad.

I slept toasty warm in my bed then heading to KMart Friday morning about 6am. Unfortunately I have aquired the "early riser" trait form my mom. So I wandered the store and found a few things that I had been looking at. The store wasn't busy at all. I had zero waiting in line to check out.

My oldest brother, Jimmy, called to let me know a particular item I had been looking for was at the Target in Escondido. They grabbed one for me and I went down there. I was shocked at how empty the store was. I thought it would be crazy. I walked around for a bit and checked off more items from my list. It felt like a normal shopping day at Target. The shopping center also had a Toys R Us. I was a little more nervous to go in there. People can be down right nasty when it comes to toys.

Much to my surprise, the store wasn't busy. Similar to the crowd at Target. I walked around and found everything I wanted. People helped me get things down that were too high for me, I helped someone pick up a display they knocked over. A few of us joked around about this and that. It was actually... fun. I know I won't get this lucky every year but I am happy with how this year turned out. It is really the first Black Friday I've ever tackled. I may or may not do it again next year.

I think a big part of it was my attitude. I didn't have to get anything or everything. I didn't have to spend hours upon hours looked for the one special item. I had a "well, let's see what happens" attitude. I have a lot of fun Christmas shopping. I know Christmas is not about the gifts but it is one small , fun, part of it. What really made my day great was being extra nice to those working at the stores and thanking them for their help and working on such a crazy day. I can only imagine the mean things people said to them at the wee hours of the morning.

With all that said, shopping is fun but I definitely don't want to miss out on the true meaning of the holiday: The Birth of our Savior, time with family, time to give, time with our friends, cherishing sweet moments. Every moment.

Happy Thanksgiving

I had hoped to snap picture after picture at our Thanksgiving get togethers but I was too wrapped up in the happenings. And you know what? I am perfectly ok with that!

My family celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day because of other holiday plans. I made my Grandma's stuffing and my fabulous Caramel Apple Pie. We had more food than we knew what do do with but it was oh so good!

As I sat on the smaller couch next to my oldest niece, Alissa, I took in everything around me. Things like:
*The fact Alissa is 13,sitting next to me having an adult conversation
*TJ running all around and being his normal fun loving 18 month old self.
*Justen teaching Peyton how to play Texas Hold'em.
* Peyton clinging to Justen because he is one of her best friends
* My siblings, parents and Jared all joking around and talking
* Playing games and laughing so hard you almost pee yourself
* Having the love of my life sitting next to me
* Alissa now playing the games with the adults because she's no longer a little kid (how'd that happen?)
* Endless hugs and kisses from TJ
* Justen telling me I'm beautiful
* Jessica's first turkey (it was awesome!!)

Thanksgiving Day was spent at Nana's house (Jared's Grandma). My parents joined us for the evening and again... so.much.food. I made the turkey. Scary. I made one turkey about 7 years ago and that's the extend of my holiday turkey making. To brine or not to brine... that was the question. So i kind of tweaked the brine recipe from the Pioneer Woman. I basically made the exact brine but reduced the salt to about 1/4 C instead of a cup and a half.

I'm glad I did. The turkey was incredible! Can I say that about my own cooking? oh well. It really was fantastic! :) I used a brining bag and put Mr. Thomas Turkey in there on Wednesday morning. I was cooking it at Nana's house so I just left it in the brine all the way to Nana's. Any idea how a brining bag fairs in a car? Not so great. Especially if you don't secure the twist tied opening so it doesn't hang over the pan. Know why? It drips. It drips for the entire 40 minutes you're driving and for the full 10 minutes you're in the grocery store. It makes your car smell of oranges, apple juice, garlic and rosemary. It drenches your seat (because you weren't smart enough to put it on the floor). yeah... secure the brining bag if you plan to travel with it.

Besides that, it was a wonderful holiday. Some of my favorite parts:
*Having my parents join us
*Nana and Grandma Loretta. They are such sweet women and have filled the void in my heart. I miss both of my grandma's. I love having both of Jared's in my life.
*My parents getting along so great with Jared's family
*Jared
*Jared's cousin Nicole, Step-sister Britt and nephew Trace being present. We don't see them enough.
*The fact that even if we tell Grandma Loretta to just bring one pie; she brings 5 pies, stuffing, sausage and a ham.
*Endless laughs

I love both of my families. I feel like this year I was finally able to take in everything and realize how blessed I am. I've always known I am blessed but it really sank in deep this year. I couldn't have asked for a better holiday. I think of my friends, family, co-workers and I can't help but just say "Thank You Lord". Sometimes I wish I could say more than that because a simple thank you just doesn't seem to be enough.

Being Thankful

The rush of the holidays, the buzz of shopping, the constant traveling and endless cooking can sometimes over shadow the true meaning and joy of the holidays. If fact, life can over shadow daily blessings.

I'd like to be the first to admit I am "Guilty as Charged". Many times I think about all that I want and things I don't have instead of remember all of the things I do have and that so any things that I have wanted in life, have happened.

Last week I had a fantastic visit with my old oldest brother followed by a stop at my parents house. I had lunch with a good friend yesterday (aka Drill Sgt ...remember him?) and we had a great talk. Another friend stopped by work today. I am realizing more and more that quality time with my family and friends is really what I want. I have so many wonderful people in my life and so many good things, how can I be down about anything?

 I look at what I have with my love, Jared. Man, he really loves me. Sometimes we argue and get annoyed with each other but it just makes us stronger. He sees the beauty in me that I have never been able to see in myself. He makes me laugh , a lot. We have fun doing anything and everything together. He's a good sport when one of my recipes doesn't go exactly as planned. He stifles a laugh when I trip but would be the first to help me up if I fall. He opens doors for me, picks up the check, wipes my tears away and holds me close. Since I started running, Jared has been my biggest supporter and never holds back telling me how proud he is of me. I couldn't have asked God for a better man in my life.

I have my older brothers that have always been there for me. No matter how old they we get, I will always be their baby sister and they will always protect me. They are my voice of reason when I need it and they have always always believed in me. My sisters in law are just as wonderful and I love spending time with them. They allow me to vent and cry and I return the favor when needed.

My parents are some of the most caring people I know. Especially when it comes to their kids. To this day, they will drop everything to help one of us. Not many people can say that. Especially once they are adults.

I have some pretty incredible friends. At any given moment, they are ready with words of encouragement, hugs, laughter, good food, etc. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my friends. Even if we don't get to spend loads of time together, our hearts remain close.

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by love. Incredible love. Unconditional love. There is so much negative in world these days like stress over money, job worries, divorces, death of a family member... it really makes me stop and think about all that I have.

Thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for bringing a richness and a joy to my life that no one else can. What are some of the things you are thankful for?

Holiday To-Do

I love the holidays. Mostly Christmas but I enjoy Thanksgiving also. I feel that the Thanksgiving holiday gets the shaft every year. We amp up for Halloween then speed race past Thanksgiving and dive right into Christmas. I want to savor every moment I am able to spend with the people I love.

So I thought of some things I would like to do between now and the end of the holiday season. In no particular order:

* Host a "Crafts and Cocktails" night
* Buy a cup of coffee for a stranger
* Give to someone in need. i.e. "angel tree" or the like
* Linger in the mall while Christmas shopping, enjoying the decorations and music
* Spend an afternoon listening to Christmas music and wraping gifts
* Watch "Elf", "The Holiday", "A Christmas Story" and "The Family Stone"
* Watch classics like Grinch, Rudolph and Frosty with my nieces and nephews
* Bake cookies
* Attend December Lights
* Drive around neighborhoods, checking out Christmas lights/displays
* Make a special dinner for Jared and spend an evening decorating the Christmas tree
* Volunteer for a toy drive or charity
* Drive up to Julian and nibble on Apple Cider Donuts and sip hot coffee with my dear friend
* Mail Christmas Cards
* Attend Alissa and Justen's Choir/Orchestra/Band winter concerts
* Roast a turkey

It is a tall order but I am excited about it! What are some things YOU would like to do this holiday season?

Fall Fun!

Oh dear. I am so behind in my blogging! 

Every year my family goes to the Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm. The place is crazy on the weekends but the fun we have more than makes up for that fact. Alissa is a teenager now so she's a little "too cool" to hang out with the family and look for pumpkins. She still goes along with it though (because she doesn't have a choice). Justen is still really into it even though he is getting older as well.

Peyton is almost 4. She is ALL about the Pumpkin Patch! This year she was anxiously awaiting the trip and once she got there she was ready to dive feet first into pumpkin hunting. Unfortunately Jared and I were running a little late so every time she asked " When can we go look for our pumpkins?" The reply from the other adults was "As soon and Tee Tee and Jared get here". We were only about 10minutes late (darn bicyclists on Lake Wohlford Rd!!) and when we walked up, she grabbed my mom's hand and headed for the pumpkins. She was clearly upset with us for being late. No hugs, no smiles... nothing. Who knew a 3 year old could hold such a grudge. especially when it came to pumpkins? She finally eased up on us and we received hugs,smiles and giggles from her.

Tyler was still a little unsure what to do but he had a great time "pushing" the wheel barrow.

There's always tons of fun with face painting (apparently she's not too cool to do that every year).

The Petting Zoo

Horse Carriage ride

And the annual King Family photos.

The following day we did our annual Baking and Pumpkin Carving. Peyton and Alissa joined us in the kitchen this year while the men folk wrestled the pumpkins into carving submission.

Alissa manned the cupcake making. The batter was a little thicker than normal and none of us older ladies are sure why, exactly, that happened. But hey, they tasted good!

Peyton helped Tee Tee make turtles. She placed the pecans on the cookie sheet for me. She was quite proud of herself. She learned what a Pecan was and that they didn't taste very good by themselves. Once I told her they taste better with caramal and chocolate, she was excited about this news and quickly shared with her daddy.

At the end of the day we celebrated my dad's 85th 58th birthday.
It was a super fun-filled weekend. I love my family!

Memorial Day

Last night I was asked what Memorial Day is. The technical definition is this:

me·mo·ri·al dayNoun

1. A day, the last Monday in May, on which those who died in active military service are remembered

What it really stands for is something so much more. So much deeper. It is a day to stop and remember, to be thankful and to be proud. Every military family sacrifices time with their loved one so that person may serve our great country and keep us safe.

For many (too many!) families, that hug or kiss before deployment will be the last one they will share for eternity. It is the last time they will utter the words "I Love You" to eachother in person.  Our service men and women walk into battle with their heads held high and they game faces on knowing full well this could be the last battle they fight. Memorial day is a day to honor all of those that have the willingness to fight and possibly die for our country.

So on this Memorial Day will you stop for a moment and honor those that have served and are currently serving?  Are you willing give thanks to God for those that defend our freedom and the families that sacrifice right alone with them?

Right here in this sacred moment, bow your head and give thanks with me.

P.S. I read this post the other day and it moved me to tears. If you have a few minutes, read it. It is a great tribute to our military and an eye opening glimpse into the lives of some military wives.

Day 111 Thru Day 114

Day 111:
I started a walking group on Thursday Mornings. The first week was a good turn out. 5 ladies (including myself) and 5 kids. We walked a little over 2 miles around Oak Tree Ranch. It was a good time of chatting and laughing. I am really looking forward to the weekly meetings. Oak Tree is the perfect place to walk. No traffic, fully paved. The kids can run up ahead or stay right with us and they are safe.

Day 112:
This is Collin. He is the son of Ben. Ben is a fire fighter with Cal Fire. Collin took to me immediately and was quite sad when I left. He had some pretty funny facial expressions.

Day 113:
We had a family breakfast at Brian and Katie's the day before easter. I think little Mister really loves his Uncle Jared.

Day 114:
Jared made me dinner on Easter Sunday. Yuuuuuummmyyyy!

Whew! All caught up ;)

Our Date

Jared and I finally got to go on our "Valentine's Date". A simple lunch at the Corvette Diner. It was delicious. I am thankful that my first real meal was the Rory Hamburger.

Has anyone out there ever had one? It is amazing. Life changing. Now, before I explain what it is,open your mind and be willing to consider this concoction.

The Rory Hamburger:
Hamburger Patty
Shredded Lettuce
Mayo
Crunchy Peanut Butter
Bacon
Bun

An unusual combination, yes. I thought Jared was crazy when he ordered it the first time we went there. I tried it and fell in love. The Corvette Diner believes in it so much that they offer a money-back guarantee and to make you something new if you don't like it. I don't know why the combo works, but it does. It was accompanied by ginormous onion rings and enough ranch dipping sauce to bathe in.

After lunch I figured we would catch a movie or cruise around Sea World for a little bit. Then Jared's sunglasses broke. It was a bright and sunny day so there was no way he could drive very far without some. We went on a hunt for new sunglasses and ended up in a shady area across from the Sports Arena. We barely made it into the parking lot before Jared turned around and got us the heck out of dodge. We ended up at Target, a nice safe shopping place. After walking around Petco for a few minutes, it was time for us to part ways. Jared needed to get home and get things ready for work the next day and be in bed by 6pm. Time is limited these days. At the end of it all, the day was perfect. Simple. I like simple.

Day 47

Jared and I had planned on going to the Corvette Diner to celebrate our Valentine's Day. Nothing fancy. Just fun, inexpensive (for the most part) and something we love. We went there last year as well. I thought it might be kind of fun to make it our tradition.

Unfortunately I wasn't feeling very good. Food still sounded disguisting and my energy level was maybe a 3 out of 10. Tearfully I told Jared I didn't think dinner would be happening. Being the amazing and understanding guy he is, he offered to come up to my house so I could just rest. I did my best to pick up the little mess that there was in my house. I even mustered up the energy to set up his Valentine's Day gift in a special way.

After that little bit off effort I was back on the couch ready for a nap. He arrived with hands full of stuff ready to make dinner. He set about making spaghetti, garlic bread, and roasted potatoes. It smelled heavenly at times and nauseating at times. I ate about 5-6 bites of dinner but it was so good. He gave me a neck rub, kissed my forhead and held me close. He's a good man.

A Fresh Start

Well here we are. 2011. Another year is gone and a new one is upon us. Times like this I am thankful for this blog. It really makes it easy to look back on the year and see what's gone on. Maybe I just have a bad memory but it seems like so much happened but I remember so little of it. I've enjoyed looking over my blogs and reading. Remembering.

Altogether 2010 was a pretty good year. There are always low lows and high highs. I am thankful for all of them. The lows make us stronger and the highs keep us moving forward.

I am looking forward to what 2011 has in store.

Here are a couple of my goals:

1)Get rid of this last 25lbs.. yeah, a lot of people make the "resolution" of losing weight. Few will follow through but I will.
2) Take more pictures
3) Take a moment atleast one a week to look at all I have in my life and give thanks

There are a lot more I am sure but I want to keep it small and achieve these goals.

What about you? Any goals for the new year?

Christmas

My Bad.. I posted about my Birthday before I posted about Christmas. oopsies!

Every year I tell myself I am not going to go crazy buying gift. One year I may listen to my inner voice. But in my defense... the gifts Jared bought are also in there.

I got Jared a special gift this year. A Kindle (aka eloctronic book reader). Everyone in our families knew so I had to give it to him before he got any accessories from the family. he was pretty surprised...

 

On Christmas Eve Jared and I visited his friend, Amber, and enjoyed some delicious authentic and home made mexican food. It doesn't get better than that! Amber always spoils us with stockings. We had a great time chatting with her and a couple of his other friends.

We spent Christmas Day at Jared's Uncle Pete's house. We snacked in the early afternoon and into the evening. I left around 6pm and headed to work. Unfortunately it was a nusy night at work. We were all hoping for a easy night of Christmas movies.

The day after Christmas was spent with my family. Every year we go to my parents house. I am sure sometime someone else may host it but it never feels quite like Christmas unless it is at Mom and Dads. There's still something so special and cozy about gathering there and celebrating.

Back in October my camera had a bad run in with asphalt and never quite recovered. The latch that kept the memory card and battery secure was broken so I had to tape it shut. Can you say ghetto? In any case, I didn't have the chance to take pictures at Amber or Pete's house. Thankfully I was given a new camera on Christmas Day so I was able to capture a few moments of my youngest nephew's first Christmas.



He had fun... eating the paper.

Big sister Peyton was happy to "help" him open his gifts. (aka do it for him). And of course opening her own.

And I simply can't believe how big these two are getting;

 Where has the time gone?

Christmas was wonderful this year. It never ceases to amaze me how much time, shopping, money, preparation goes into the holiday and it is gone in a flash. The best part of the holiday is spending the time with family.