GP Caroling

The other day I get a text from my friend who is a worship leader at our church. She asked if I'd like to go caroling with her at a residential treatment center for adults with disabilities. I told her I'd love to and packed up the kids and off we went. We had a bigger turn out of caroler's than expected which is good b/c the entire room was packed with residents... it was a wonderful time. It was heartwarming to see these people's faces when we sang to them. This is what Christmas is about. We were blessed by being a blessing :)

Christmas Fun!

1. Egg nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate.  Blah to Egg Nog.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Wraps
3. Colored lights or tree/house or white?  White Lights
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually by the first weekend in December, but we got a new tree this year from the Jubilee so we put it up the weekend of Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?  I love green bean casserole, but we are doing Christmas Breakfast this  year so I am not thinking that will work.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?  Christmas eve with my grandparents
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I am not sure... but we are believers in Santa, no matter how old we are or what we know.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas eve?  Nope
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?  Ours is all fancy with little owls
11. Snow! Love it or dread it?  Hate it unless it comes on Christmas eve and leaves at the end of Christmas day
12. Can you ice skate?  Not gracefully.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?  Probably the doll house my Poppie made me.
14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?  Remembering the reason for the season... doing church activities and being with family
15. What is your favorite Holiday dessert? Cookies!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Handing out treats to people working on Christmas eve, at the hospital, gas station, police station, etc.
17. What tops your tree?  a wooden star
18. Do you prefer giving or receiving?  I like giving... getting is nice, but I love to see my gift bless someone else.
19. Candy canes: Yuck or yum?  normal plain ones are good... but these fancy ones, not so much
20. Favorite Christmas show? Not big into Christmas shows
21. Saddest Christmas song?  Not big into Christmas music
22. What is your favorite Christmas song?  Not big into Christmas music

Merry Christmas!

Friday Confessions 12/16/11

I confess... that I took Wednesday off work and got my shopping done. I got my nails done, got a pedicure, went to lunch with my hubby and his awesome mama. I got all my wrapping done too!

I confess... Wednesday night I went to my son's first Royal Rangers Merit Badge Ceremony. I am so stinking proud of him!! He earned 4/5 possible badges, only missing the other b/c we werent there due to my surgery. It is so cool to see him growing into this little man of God.

I confess... speaking of being a man of God, last night Drew and I were driving and we saw an ambulance and he says "I sure hope someone's ok"... and next thing I know, he folds his hands and says "Dear God, please take care of whoever needs that ambulance. Amen".

I confess... My daughter has had an amazing basketball season. She has come such a long ways since her first game. I am very proud of her accomplishments. She is going to try out for the team at the Jr High team next year, but we had a "Come to Jesus" meeting last night regarding her grades and how they wouldnt let her on the team with her math scores the way they are... hopefully that opens her eyes!

I confess... I am looking forward to a weekend with my hubby. We may be getting a new tattoo :)

I'm Going To Confess Anyways...

I just don't have anywhere to link up to right now :)

I Confess... that in all my years of working in a call center and/or office, I have dreaded the thought of burning popcorn in the microwave. It's been a fear of mine. I am so concious of it that I leave a lot of unpopped kernals in the bag. Until yesterday. Yesterday I got distracted by someone and although my popcorn wasnt black and didnt catch on fire, it was a little more well done than I would have cared for and it still smelled a bit.

I Confess... I have had the LONGEST week ever. I am not sure what the deal is. I am just glad today is Friday.

I Confess... I have bought a lot of Christmas presents that are shoved into hiding spaces, but I dont fully remember what all I've gotten. I have Wednesday off to pull it all out, start wrapping, and finish up shopping.

I Confess... I love my job. I have an awesome employer. I am so blessed.

Gone with the Wind

Nothing of mine was gone with the wind, but I know people who lost windows, fences, swap coolers, shingles, trees, etc. Yesterday in Utah we had winds over 100mph. That is a Category 2 Hurricane wind... in Utah. It was the weirdest thing.

Here are some pictures from the news:

I haven't heard of anyone being seriously injured, thank God for that. I know there are a lot of insurance claims taking place though!



My New Favorite

I found a new favorite over the weekend... not a pair of shoes or a comfy pair of jeans, mind you.

I found Cinnamon M&M's. OMGosh! They are delicious. They are not "in your face" flavorful, but they are tasty. You can only get them at Target during the holidays. Right now they are 2 bags for $5. I am going to stock up... Yum!

Thankful

I have so much to be thankful for... so many blessings to count. I am thankful for my family... my parents, my husband, my kids (in no specific order). I am thankful for my Salvation and the cross. Thank you, Jesus. I am thankful for a good job that allows me to provide for my family and help others. I am thankful for my relativly good health and for great health insurance when its not so good. I am thankful for having a roof over my head, food to eat, and a car to get me to where I need to go. I am thankful for a furnace and water heater that work. I am thankful for coffee every morning. I am thankful for amazing friends who are like family to me. I am thankful for the snuggle time I get with my kids. I am thankful for a husband with an open heart. I am thankful for the advice I get from my wonderful mother. I am thankful for so much. I am blessed.

Have a happy thanksgiving everyone!

Is it the weekend yet?

This has been the longest week I've had in a long time. A lot of busy stuff at work. Some launches and tight deadlines and other things. I feel mentally exhausted, is it the weekend yet?

Friday Confessional

I confess... this has been a hell week. I am exhausted. It has been so busy.

I confess... that as much as I am happy that my sister is getting married today, I am not sure how 85+ people are going to fit in my parents house.

I confess... my son is a goof. He told me today that he is going to sleep in his clothes at night so he doesnt have to waste time in the morning getting ready.

I confess... I paid for a latte this morning that isnt very good and I am kicking myself for spending the money on it.

I confess... The body heat between me and hubby wasn't good enough this week to stay warm and I ended up having to call the  HVAC guy b/c our furnace wasnt working. Ends up being the thermostat and not the furnace, thank God.

I Am Blessed!

I have so much to be thankful for... I have an amazing husband, great kids, a wonderful family, a fabulous church. Food on our table and a roof over our head. I have the opportunity to work in the kids ministry and help other's learn about Jesus. I am in good health, thankful for my neurosurgeon. I have a great job that I enjoy. I am grateful that I dont have to work for my salvation. I am thankful for having the freedom to worship where others do not.

Simply put, I am blessed.

Friday Confessional

I Confess... this has been a really long week. I am a creature of habit and this weeks things have been thrown at me without notice and I dont do well in those situations.

I Confess... I am happy to be back teaching in the kids ministry at church. This week I was assigned to the 3-5th graders. Its a new program we just started in the past couple of months and I think I am going to like it.

I Confess... I am happy to have this weekend with my hubby. The last time we didnt have kids we were doing his dad's funeral planning. I am excited to just relax and snuggle.

I Confess... I want to go shopping. It could be dangerous. I need to go get money out of the ATM and pay cash when I go otherwise I may end up spending more than I want to. I just feel like I dont have any warm weather shirts/sweaters. We'll see...

I HATE lying... but I love the little liar.

If I had to tell you one of the top 3 things I despise, it is lying. Just be honest with me and we'd get along a lot better. Being lied to gets me so worked up. It puts a weight on my heart. It irritates me like nothing other.

With that being said... I dont understand why my darling daughter feels the need to lie about the dumbest things. "Have you been texting boys?"... no.... "Did you clean your room?"... yes... "Did you turn in that paper at school?"... yes... when the correct answer was the opposite.

 Last night I noticed her bangs looked shorter. I asked her if she cut them and she says "No". Hmmm... are you sure? They look shorter. "Well, I got a rubber band stuck in them last week and Angie had to cut it out". Well, Im pretty sure that I've seen your bangs since then and this doesnt look like a little bit, but whatever.

After dinner, she goes upstairs and messes with her hair some more and I notice it even more. I ask her again... still getting some BS answer and my irritation level is even higher now. After bible study, her hair is completely down and I see the chop job. I call her out on it again, "This is the last time I am going to ask you and I expect you to be honest with me...."

FINALLY she tells me that she didnt like them the other day and she cut them. Really? Was it that hard? Ugh! We discussed that lying isn't acceptable and wont be tolerated... so she is grounded yet again for lying. We talked about being responsible and asking for help. We talked about how if she came to me and told me what she wanted to do and we talked about it before she does something how it has a better outcome... but even if she did it on her own and she confessed when I first asked, it would have a different outcome. Its the lying that got her in trouble.

She was pretty upset.... I kept my cool. I didnt yell, I didnt swear, but I did voice my disappointment and I think that was worse for her than me yelling and screaming about it. We discussed it in a biblical sense and she prayed for help to stop lying. I told her that regardless of me being upset, I love her unconditionally and we will get past this but we need to be honest with each other.

If we are already lying about dumb things at 11, I need prayer to make it through the teenage years. This is stressing me out already!

Operation Christmas Child

Hey friends,


This year I am participating in a Christmas activity to fill shoe boxes with gifts for children in 3rd world countries. These shoe boxes will contain school supplies, small toys, and hygiene kits for children from 2-14. This is a world wide organization and this year my church is the drop-off spot for all of northern Utah. The shoe boxes can be provided or you can use your own shoebox, or walmart has plastic shoebo...x sized bins that will work and filled they will cost $7 to send, plus the cost of whatever it takes to fill it with the gifts. We have a goal to send out 10,000 filled boxes by mid-November which would be the largest shipment for this area if we achieve it.

If this is something you are interested in participating in, please let me know. We'd love your help and support! However, please don't feel any obligation to help... I just think its a neat idea and wanted to share the opportunity to those who may want to.

Feel free to go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ for more info. Let me know if there are any questions.

Be blessed by being a blessing!

2011 Fall Family Pictures

Friday Confessional

* I hurt my back last night... it was so stupid. We were at Ty's Economic's Fair and the kids behind her had a game to shoot hoops. I had my back to them and the ball hit me on the top of the head causing me to jump and I twisted my back funny. Ty was worried about my neck, but I knew it was my lower back that just got hurt. Dang it!!

* I dont want to spend the $40 to go to the chiropractor...and that's the only thing that helps despite going to get injections, which didnt work for my neck so I doubt they'd work for my lower back.

* I am torn on going to a Halloween party tonight. Its a dear friend who's putting it on for the kids, but its at her fiance (who I am not fond of)'s ex-wife's house. Uhhhh AKWARD?!?

* I am going to a memorial service tomorrow of a man from my church. He passed away Saturday morning of a heart attack. This man was truly a man of God... my experiences with him were during "Wanna Give Away Week" where we did nonstop community service projects and when he came up to the hospital before surgery to pray with me. He will be missed, but I know he's serving up some BBQ with Jesus now :)

Random Ramblings 10/27/11

* I just realized that about 10 people that I know or know of have passed away in the past month. Some are people dear to me, other are aquaintences. Little overwhelming...

* I am tired of hearing of people's lives being hurt by pornography. Relationships damaged, family's torn apart. I pray that these people fight against Satan in these battles. It's sick, disgusting, and an addition.

* I am tired. Like, go to bed at 530pm tired.

* I need to learn to bite my tongue b/c I some times say some hurtful things when I get upset. I don't mean to, but emotion gets the best of me at times. It's something I dont like about myself, but am working on.

* I need more coffee... right this second. I think it goes along with my tiredness. My cup never seems to stay full enough for my liking.

* I have seen a different side to my husband this week. I've seen him heartbroken and tearful at the loss of his father. Even though we knew it was coming, it was still very hard. I am glad to see this side of Bryan, rather than having him bottle it up. Seeing this has grown my love for him even more.

RIP Robert M Williams

Robert M. Williams, age 73, died October 19, 2011. He was born March 12, 1938 in SLC, UT to John and Donna Williams.

Robert attended South High School until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Robert served in the USMC until 1968, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. On August 23, 1958 Robert married Arlene M. Clayton in Inglewood, CA.

Robert lived in Salt Lake City and worked at Western General Dairies until retiring in 1986. He continued driving truck until 1989. Robert loved to travel with his wife Arlene, playing cards with his friends, camping, fishing, and hunting. He loved to go to Wendover and Las Vegas.

Robert was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Robert will be especially remembered as a wonderful husband, caring father, and fun-loving grandfather and great-grandfather.

Survivors include his wife Arlene, their four children and spouses Kent and (Patti) , Joy and (Kevin), Danny and (Renee), Bryan and (Lisa), 11 grandchildren -Heather, Brandon, Logan, Steven, Aaron, Brooke, Levi, Austin, Taylor, Ty, and Drew, 3 great-grandchildren -Jaxson, Autumn, and Aksel, and two brothers Jim (DeeAnn) and Darryl (Elva) all residing in Utah. Robert was preceded in death by his son Steven James Williams, and grand-daughter Heidi Marie, as well as his Dad John Williams and Mother Donna Williams.

Services will be held at Larkin Mortuary at 260 E. South Temple on Monday, October 24, 2011. Viewing will be from 9:00-10:30 with service at 11:00. Burial will be at Wasatch Lawn and Memorial Park immediately following the service and is open to family and friends.

Many thanks to the staff at Garden Terrace, Larkin Mortuary, and Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park for their help and support.

Courageous- The Movie

                                                   http://www.courageousthemovie.com/themovie

A-Maz-Ing!

This movie was a must see... It was in your face, look at your life, and be a leader in your family kind of movie. It was a every day kind of situation... things went wrong... people messed up... God stepped in and people's lives changed. I have goosebumps thinking about it.

The acting wasn't great and I think the actors lips were out of sync with the words, but the story was well worth it.

It made me look at the roles we play in our family as parents. It made me think of how I interact with my children. It made me think of how I interact with others around me. It talked about being bold and courageous. It had a group of men making a resolution to be more Godly men, husband, and fathers.  I took the whole family and there were times my hubby had tears in his eyes. This movie was touching... I think everyone could take something away from this.

Casting Crowns just released a new song called "Courageous" and the lyrics go like this:

We were made to be courageous

We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains

We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of god arise

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight


The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees, with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous


Seek justice
Love mercy
Walk humbly with your god

Time to Confess!

I confess... I spent a lot of money about 8 weeks ago to get eyelash extensions. I liked them, but didnt LOVE them with an exception of a couple of days. They are a lot of work to keep up. I got the OK from the Dr to go on the motorcycle and they were flying everywhere, even with sunglasses on. I felt like spiders were dancing from my eye lids. Yeah, that's not going to work. I am starting to get a cold or allergies and my eyes itch. Well, I rubbed a chunk of my eyelashes off last night... which resulted in me removing all of them.

I confess... my eyelasshes now look like my mom's did when her hair was coming back from chemo. Probabaly wont be doing that again.

I confess... I am stressed about money. My pay check is now back to normal after being off from my surgery, but I have big plans. My big plans involve selling a townhouse and buying a house... my stress comes from the fact that the townhouses near us arent selling for what I owe. It's going to be an act of God for this to all play out... but I believe in miracles. If we are supposed to move, God will provide a way for that to happen. If not, we are meant to stay put and wait for something else.

I confess... I am not patient. That's where a lot of my stress comes from.

I confess... I am irritated with Utah movie theaters. I want to see "Courageous" and the only place its showing is down in West Jordan or West Valley or somewhere... over an hour away from me. Just because its a Christian movie means it has to only have one movie theater in the whole state? I dont get it.

I confess... I am so PROUD of my kids. We went to parent teacher conference and their teachers had great things to say about them. Drew is a hard worker, is a math wiz... Ty is at grade level now, and is fun to have in class. Thank God for wonderful teachers who are making such a difference in my kids lives.

Strides Against Breast Cancer 2011

On Saturday, we did our annual Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in SLC. It's put on by American Cancer Society and its a 5 mile walk to raise funds to find a cure for breast cancer. My mom's work is a sponsor and because she is a 2x survivor they have her speak during the kick off each year. It's always neat to see the turnout and the impact on the community.  We had family and friends join us and although it started out being chilly, it turned nice and we had a good time.

All my pictures are sideways... so I need to figure out what to do, it wont let me alter them...

The Dash Between The Dates

I have gone to a couple funerals recently and have heard of other people losing their loved ones and it got me thinking about what people would say at my funeral.

I want the dash inbetween my birth and death date to be big. I want it to be full of experiences and memories. I want to be known for my loves, my friendships, my accomplishments. I want it to be full of memories of good times. I want it to be full of funny stories.

Yesterday my dear friend said goodbye to her mother. It was unexpected and a complete shock to everyone. Her uncle and other family got up to speak of her mother and they talked about how "Vickey Loved"... how she loved her family, disabled kids, complete strangers, and her love for God. It was so touching.

When I pass away I would be honored to be discribed as "Lisa Loved"... and I am going to start living my life that way today!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month... get your mammogram!

Ladies... this is a reminder to get your mammogram. I don't care if you think you are too busy, too poor, too- whatever. Get it done. Take your sister, mom, grandma, or neighbor with you too. This is serious business...

Last week I had my yearly mammogram.Yes, I am young but I am high risk so we do this yearly. I went in on Wednesday afternoon... chitchatting with the tech who was doing it... not thinking a lot and I hear "Something came up on your mammogram, we need you to stay for a while longer". Ok... this happens just about every time I get done. I have fibrous tissue and cysts. Something always shows up. Then I go back for another set of films... something is still there, but not as bad. Ok, that sounds better... I guess. Then they say they want to do a ultrasound... although they are sure nothing is going to show up on it... until something shows up on it and the next thing I know I am scheduled for a biopsy for a few days later.

On the way home, the hospital called me back and said they want to do an MRI before the biopsy so the next day I calm my claustrophobic nerves and go dangle my boobs from an MRI machine. Mind you, the people were awesome and they had music. I think I fell asleep... without Valium, mind you. Huge victory for me.

That evening the hospital calls me back again and said the specialist wants to meet with me Friday morning. Hmmm... maybe its not nothing this time... people always tell me things on the phone. I never have to go in. I spent a lot of time in prayer that evening.

Next morning I went in to the hospital to meet with the specialist who deals only with breast imaging. First thing he tells me is that I caused him heartburn and that he didn't get any sleep the night of my mammogram b/c he thought he was going to tell a 33 yr old mother that she had breast cancer.

He showed me the mammogram images and for not knowing what I was looking at, they looked ugly. It was a white spot of tissue that looked like it had spider legs. I asked him how he knew it was ok and he brought up my MRI and it was clear. If it was cancerous, it would have glowed a blue color.

He suggests I get mammograms done every 6 months now and an MRI once a year. Remember, I have been told in the past "Its a matter of WHEN you get breast cancer and not IF you get it"... so I am all about screening and prevention. If I do get a diagnosis, I want it early. I want a chance to fight it.

So for now... I am breathing a sigh of relief, although it doesn't stop me from my advocacy. Do self-checks, do mammograms, follow up with your doctors, raise funds to help find a cure... the Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is on October 8th in the SLC area.  If 1 out of 8 of us is going to get it, we cant just sit around and do nothing.

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

I have been struggling this week with something someone said to me... Without going too deep into it, someone who I consider somewhat close to me is upset with the way I worship Jesus. My music is too loud, my church is disrespectful, my prayers aren't right... That type of thing.

I've been in religion my whole life, but it wasn't until I was in relationship with Him that I figured out what Gods love really is. This isn't about traditions, set prayers, and being quiet. The bible says to make a joyful noise! This is about being head over heels in love with a Savior. This is being so filled with the holy spirit that it oozes out if you. This is having a light in you that attracts others to you b/c they want to hear the good news. This isn't sit in church for an hour on Sunday to get your quota in... This is live every moment in His presence, thanking Him with every breath, there is no end to prayer... Be in constant dialog with the Lord.

 I went to worship tonight with a heavy heart. I've been through a lot this week... Some health issues, kid issues, then this friend problem and I just wanted rest. I keep replaying the conversation with her in my head... And it's tiring to me. I told her Im not going to apologize for my beliefs. I'm not going to tone down my worship to make her comfortable.  I'm not going to stop my prayer requests... I'm not going to stop posting bible verses on Facebook. This is who I am. It's what I do.

We had a guest preacher tonight and he was so on fire for Jesus. He was captivating and the spirit reigned down. I felt all my burdens lifted. I felt peace in my soul. He talked about when you have Jesus in your heart you become a different person, a new person, and you live for Him.   You are free in Him. I truly felt God speaking through this preacher tonight... I know that I stood up for what I believed in. I did what I needed to when my faith was questioned. I feel at peace now. I feel better...

Ill admit, Im human... Im hurt... And while I don't know the extent of the damage done to our friendship, i will do my best to forgive. I pray that God opens the eyes to her heart and lets her be open to things that are different to her. Let her be open to hearing the good news and may God use me as a vessel. Amen.

Some bible verses that come to mind:

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let
God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know
God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2 (NLT)

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.(NIV)

Bad Homework Night

So... yesterday the kids had early out. They were home by 130pm. The rule is work on homework, take out the dogs, no playing until everything is done. Ty didnt have any homework but Drew did (a math sheet and a spelling review). Ty said she will help Drew b/c I had a Dr appt and Drew had soccer as soon as I got home. Sounds great... it should all be done by the time I get back.

I call them on my way home from the Dr to tell Drew to get ready for soccer, but when I get there he isn's dressed... he was playing. The homework is on the counter, unfinished. Ty said he had a fit and she wasnt going to argue with him. Ugh!!! Fine... got him dressed and we would finish the 2nd page of math and do the spelling when we got back.

After soccer, I had him sit down while dinner was being made and he was just all over the place. Just do the damn math already. He was struggling to focus so I had him eat and Ty was helping him with spelling words... the whole thing ended in disaster and we all gave up and all of us went to our rooms.

I went in to talk to him about 10 mins later and he is sound asleep with the TV off and the lights on. I am wondering if the homework meltdown is b/c he was too tired. I prayed over him for a while and I went to bed.

I went in to wake him up this morning so we could try to finish what we started... and he looks at me all funny and said "Its already done". WHAT!?! No... it cant be done, there was an entire page to do. He said that he did it in his room. I looked at it and sure enough... he finished it in his room. What took fighting over for 5 hrs was done in 10 mins by himself. Lord have mercy!

I sure love that boy... but I think he caused some of my hair to go grey last night :)

Three Years Ago... and I still "I Do"

Three years ago today, I said "I Do" to the love of my life. I look back over all we have done in the past three years and wonder how it can only be three years, but at the same time I remember every detail of our wedding perfectly, like it was yesterday (it's that night that is a little hazy, LOL).

Bryan is an absolutely amazing man. He is a wonderful spouse, lover, and friend. He is a great dad to all the kids, not just his own. He loves all of us unconditionally despite our faults. He genuinly cares about us and takes such good care of us. I am so blessed that God chose to make me his wife.

I came across a quote the other day that fits this day perfectly... "God made wedding vows as strong as steel and fragile as glass. Protect and honor the promises you've made to each other. Don't let anything come between you." based off of Mark 10:9.

May God bless us and keep us... may every day He strengthen our marriage and our love for each other, and for Him. May He continue to bless us as a family.... keep us in good health, with a roof over our heads, jobs to go to and warm meals to eat.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday Confessional

I Confess.... that I feel like an idiot. I woke up in the middle of the night to go pee and my legs were all tingly/asleep. I didnt realize until I had already stood up and I fell. A "POP" noise came from my ankle that was loud enough to wake my husband (although I am not sure how he didnt wake up to me falling...). I went to the Dr and Ive "sprained the dickens out of it", as he said. The popping maybe the ligament since no bones broke, waiting on the radiologist.

I Confess... I was more worried about my neck than my leg considering I am 5 weeks post-op and my head almost went through the wall. Luckily, no neck pain so I dont think I did anything. Neck XRays are next week.

I Confess... I am THRILLED that all these Christian bands are coming to Utah. It doesnt happen very often... last week we had David Crowder Band, tonight is MercyMe, and in 2 weeks Casting Crowns with Sanctus Real and the Afters.... all that in addition to Beth Moore. I feel God working in Utah!!!

I Confess... I am getting used to napping in the afternoons. I can only work up to 6 hrs a day currently so I work 5 in the office, go home and nap, and work my other hour when I wake up. How am I going to adjust to working all day again. Ugh!

Yay! I Got Pink Stuff!!!

I got my "Favorite Color Swap" package in the mail yesterday... and it was full of pink stuff! Thank you Amy (http://amyclairejacob.blogspot.com/) for putting together such a great package for me. Are you sure this was your first swap?!?!

I got so much fun stuff... bubble gum, mentos, coconut M&M's, yummy smelling coffee (with a pink bow to make it pink!), nail polish, lip gloss, a note book, a neat fleece blanket, some cool markers, etc.

AND.... a Harley-Davidson pink poker chip from Duluth. How freaking cool is that? I think I am going to start collecting them when we go places. I found out last night that my brother in law does so I need to hide this one so he doesnt add it to *his* collection!

Thank you again Amy! I hope you enjoy your package as much as I did mine. Those coconut M&M's were a lovely treat last night :)

Thanks Mamarazzi for putting this together. Fun times!

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

10 years? Already? It seems like yesterday b/c my heart still aches for all those directly affected by the terrorist attacks. My heart aches for the loss of life.

10 years ago this weekend, I was in Chicago with my parents, ex husband, and daughter. We were in town for a Notre Dame game and staying at my Uncle's condo downtown. I remember waking up and seeing on the TV that a plane had crashed into a building in NY. We kept watching and soon enough another plane... then the plane in the field... and the plane in the Pentagon. I remember my 1 year old child saying "Why those planes hit the buildings?" I don't know... I don't know why someone would want to cause that much havoc and chaos and destruction.

After a while we decided to turn off the TV and go to Navy Pier. We took a bus from the condo over and mentioned there wasn't many people on board. When we got off the bus, I swear the bus driver hauled ass to get away from us. Then we looked around and there were no more buses... or taxis... or anything. The city was eerily quiet.

We ended up having to walk back and we were directly across from the Sears Tower (which later we heard was another target) and I remember FREAKING out when I heard airplanes b/c there wasn't supposed to be any. All flights had been grounded. It ended up being Air Force planes doing circles around the Sears Tower but it was so cloudy that day, we couldn't see them.

We were stuck in Chicago for a while... took a couple of days to get a rental car and drive home. For years to come, my little girl continued to ask about planes and buildings and bad guys. Hurts my heart that she had to learn about that at such an early age. It is so sad that so many lives were lost for something so senseless. My brain isn't programmed like that... I don't think about hurting others. I just pray that people think about the consequences to their actions and the needless deaths end. I just want peace and safety and love. That's all...

Lord, I am sure there are many blessings that have come from this disaster and for that I thank you... but I know this weekend, many are going to focus on the heart ache and the terror. Father God, bring them peace and comfort. Let them remember all those who willingly helped out and for those who stood up for us and continue to stand for us today. Help us to know you better through the events that happened 10 years ago. Lord, I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Beth Moore- Living Proof Live- SLC

Oh. My. Gosh.

This weekend I went to a women's conference in SLC with a bunch of ladies from church.  Beth Moore is a well known Christian bible study teacher, inspirational speaker, etc. I've never been to something like this before and didnt know what to expect and it was amazing. It was powerful, fullfilling, uplifting, and just spirit filled. It was exactly what I needed.

Here are some pictures from our weekend...

Beth Moore

When Jesus Christ is Revealed

Me and Brenda

Worshipping to the music of the Travis Cottrell Praise Team

Some of the ladies from my church. I am so blessed to have them in my life!

Friday Confessional

Considering I've been laying around in bed for 2 weeks, I am not sure how much there is to confess this time but we'll see how it goes.

I confess... that I havent been laying around the whole time. Any chance I had to get up I took it... 2 weeks is a long time. I am feeling pretty good that I am now able to work from home 4 hrs a day and ease back into full time.

I confess... I FREAKED when I took off my bandage. I thought I looked like a monster. Luckily, the insicion on my neck looks a lot better.

I confess... I got eye last extentions and I am not sure I love them. They were pricy and look cool, but seem like a lot of work and my hope was to make for less work. Its only been a day so I am not going to make any for sure judgements yet.

Yay!!! Swap Time!!

I am so excited... it's time for another swap. This is a favorite colors swap... it will be fun :)

Ugh!

I'm not going to lie. This has been an adventure. Pain where I didn't have it before, my favorite drinks taste like crap, sleeping is a chore, my neck looks like a monster dug into it.

However, the old pain is gone... My headaches are gone... My incision should heal nicely...everyone is waiting on me b/c I can't drive or lift more than 10 lbs.

So while I say "ugh" now... I really will mean " thank you" later.

I Heart Harley-Davidson

Over the weekend we got a text from my dad asking if we've ever thought about a Heritage Softtail Classic. Ummm... I hadn't, but Bryan's always thinking of bikes so he had. He told us to come down to the HD dealership, he had an idea. Great... his ideas normally cost me a lot of money.

We get down there and we talk with my parents... they have a 2006 Fatboy that we have been making payments to them on since May and while we were in Vegas we had to put some money into it b/c there were some issues. That got my dad thinking... and he offered us to trade in the Fatboy for something newer with a warranty so if anything did happen, he didnt feel responsible for it.

After doing some negotiations and paperwork.... we are now the proud owners of a 2012 Heritage Softtail Classic (with a warranty and a prepayed service plan) for only $10 a month more than the payment we were making to him. Yay!!

This is a picture of it from their website... that's the color and everything, only missing the engine guard and highway pegs. Isn't it beautiful??

WTF... F= Friday!

1) A magazine, newspaper, or website just offered to give you your own advice column. In what area of life do you advise people, and what is your column called? I tend to give advice a lot. Most of the time people ask for it... and when I do, I tend to ramble... so I'll stick with my blog title for my advice column "Ramblings of the cool chick"




2) If your favorite celebrity endorses a product, are you more likely to buy whatever it is? Nope... I dont care so much about that stuff. Does it matter if you wear the same underwear as Michael Jordan?



3) In what way do you reward yourself for your accomplishments? Pedicures, shopping trips, coffee!



4) If you could only pick two of the following attributes to have -- being intelligent, good looking, or emotionally stable -- which two would you pick? Emotionally Stable and Being Intelligent.


5) On ABC Family's show "State of Georgia," a man is seen sliding down a department store's escalator while wearing lingerie. What is the weirdest thing you've seen in a store? Someone going from the dressing room half naked to find another size off the rack.



6) If you owned an airplane that can do skywriting, what message would it write across the sky today? " 6 Days Until Surgery"



7) What is one of your favorite lines from a recent movie? " Just stick out your pudding cup".... from the ZooKeeper movie. That part made me laugh so hard. What was even funny was me and the kids talking about it in front of my hubby who didnt see the movie and as we were walking down the street I acted out the scene and he was utterly embarrased. LOL



8) Anatidaephobia is the fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you because of something you once did to a duck. Are you ever afraid that you're being watched? Not usually...



9) What are some things people should never do in public?  Pee, wear hair curlers, go without a bra



10) What is something you've never seen in a vending machine that you wish you could buy out of one?  Hmmm... good question. Maybe just general supplies you would find in your purse but are always missing when you need them. Like make up, or safety pins, or super glue.

Friday Confessional

I confess... I missed my hubby while he was away. I am so glad he had a fun time in San Francisco, but am glad that he is home now.

I confess... that I was suprised when he brought home gifts for me and the kids. He got me an awesome cross prayer box, got Ty a purse, and got Drew a sword. Does he know us or what?

I confess... that I had a meltdown last night. The past 2 days have been terrible for me. My pain is a lot worse than its been and I just sat there in Bryan's arms and cried. All these silly "what ifs" came up... "What if I die in surgery, will you still take care of my kids?" or "What if something happens and I end up paralized?"... ya know, dumb stuff. I had a moment of weakness. I know my God's got this...

I confess... that even though we were invited to Bear Lake for the weekend, I dont know that I want to go. I want to get my house cleaned, I want to do last minute errands, I want to just relax. Maybe we'll go to the Smurf's movie instead.

I confess... I made the kids go to McDonalds the other night and made everyone get kids meals so we could get Smurfs toys. I have Brainy sitting on my desk at work. LOL

WTF.... T = Thursday!

Drawing eyebrows with a Sharpie and other crazy things

1) Daily deal websites (like Groupon, LivingSocial, Seize the Deal, and even the pet-oriented DoggyLoot) are all the rage right now. Have you bought anything from any of those deal websites?
Yes, I shop off Groupon and GoDealGo all the time. I have gotten some awesome deals.


2) A former classmate of mine posted a Facebook status recently saying that she finally got her first "real world" job, to which I welcomed her to the hell of adulthood. She responded by saying, "Hell is being an adult and still having a part-time job at Old Navy!" How would you describe hell on earth?
Not sure its really hell on earth, but some bad things I've dealt with.... Watching my mom go through chemo and radiation for breast cancer, watching my daughter's saliva gland have issues and see her and pain and not be able to help, watching my son have seizure after seizure... stuff like that.

3) Many people are doing their back-to-school shopping for their children or themselves right now. Did you have a favorite character/theme for your school supplies when you were in school? Or, do you like to have unique supplies (like the high heel shoe-shaped tape dispenser on my office desk) for your office/home today? We arent doing anything fancy for school supplies... the kids each picked a color and tried to find the majority of their supplies in that color. I am irritated that ShopKo had better prices than Walmart so I have to return stuff today. Dang it!

4) Speaking of office supplies, some people love using Sharpie markers to draw in eyebrows. What is your favorite use for a Sharpie?  I love to write with the thin Sharpies. My writing always looks better.



5) Who is a celebrity you'd love to sit down and have a conversation with? I am so not a celebrity junkie... I guess if I had to choose someone it'd be Oprah or Dog the Bounty Hunter. I think I am leaning more on Dog.


6) I recently discovered a list of 100 "crazy" things you should do before you die. (Click here to read.) What is something you think everyone should do before they die? Hmmm... Crazy? Get a tattoo, spend a weekend in Vegas, I don't know... LOL


7) What is the worst job in the world? I couldnt be a janitor. I dry-heave at the thought of cleaning up other people's messes. I have a respect for those who do that job and do my best to clean up after myself b/c of it.


8) What television show's filming would you love to be in the audience watching?  I would have loved to see the Oprah show... but maybe Ellen would be fun too.

9) Some people are annoyed when other people talk on cell phones while in line at a store. I discovered something even more annoying -- someone ahead of me paying for a case of beer with all pennies. When you've been behind someone in the checkout lane at a store, what is the most annoying thing a person has done? A lady arguing with her kid over a candy bar. She was being rude, the kid was getting upset. I just wanted to buy it for her to get her moving.


10) I don't know if they really exist or not, but I heard a TV show talking about memory foam toilet seats. Do you think a toilet seat made from memory foam that shapes to your specific bottom sounds like a good idea? If you are spending that much time on the toliet, you've got bigger problems than the seat.

WTF Questions.... W= Wednesday!

1)  Do you feel it's okay to feed people food to pets or should you always follow the vet's instructions?  I dont feed my dogs human food and I dont feed my kids dog food... each has its own! 



2) Have you ever become addicted to a game (of any sort)? If so, what was it? Yes, Bejeweled Blitz



3) This week is World Breastfeeding Week. Should women be able to breastfeed in public places (assuming their covered up)? As long as everyone else doesnt see anything, I think people are fine to feed their babies in public.


4) It is National Clown Week. Have clowns ever scared you? No, but my daughter is scared of them. Although, my husband does have a scary clown shirt... Hmmmm.



5) If you became a spy and could pick anyone (living or dead, real or fictional) as your partner, who would it be? Good question... I dont know...



6) Where do you (or did you) get the majority of your life philosophy? My mom :)



7) Have you ever had a deep conversation with a cab driver? Well, over the weekend we were in Vegas. Twice we had issues with the taxi... one was b/c the A/C didnt work and it was 107 degrees. The other was when I asked him to take us 2 casinos over b/c I didnt feel like herding drunk people down the street in the 107 degree weather and he got snippy with me and yelled at us when I paid him (mind you, I tipped him over 30%) saying it wasnt worth this while, blah blah blah. Being the nice person I am, I chose to walk away rather than have a deep conversation with him b/c I dont think the sober person in the group should use those words.



8)  Do you think toilet paper should be hidden or is it okay for people to see it "naked" in your bathroom? Hell, I'm just happy to have toliet paper in the bathroom so it can be seen or unseen. Hubby uses it all and doesnt replace it. Pet Peeve!



9) The Food Network's show "Meat & Potatoes" is rated "M" for "Meat." Many movies are rated "PG" for "Parental Guidance." Some video games are rated "E" for "Everyone." What is your life rated? LG - Loving God. I want everyone to see the goodness of the Lord through my actions.



10) What was a quick decision you once made that changed your life? Telling my friend that I wasnt dating anyone and was open to meeting the person she wanted to set me up with. Here we are 3+ years later :)

Could-a, Would-a, Should-a

Totally stealing this from one of my blogging buddies :)

I can't...
•go with unpainted toe nails
•stand to touch wet paper... paper towels, toilet paper, etc. Blah!
•wait to have my surgery done and behind me
•believe how fast the past 3 yrs has gone, we are sneaking up on my anniversary next month

I can...
•use my pineapple cutter I just got from Pampered Chef and it tasted wonderful (big step considering I dont have much strength in my arms right now)
•spend hours on Facebook
•watch re-runs Law and Order SV over and over
•make some pretty cute homemade cards

I won't...
•ever be seen holding a spider. HATE them.
•mix jager and beer the way I used to.
•be watching any of Shark Week.
•tell you what you want to hear. If asked, I will give you my opinion. -- in a loving way, of course! ;)


I will...
•always be emmotional about everything, it's who I am.
•always see two sides to every story.
•always thank God for all the blessings He has given me.
•always question what needs to be questions, I've got to understand what is in front of me.


I shouldn't...
•worry. Period.
•get worked up over silly things.
•keep dollars in my purse b/c the vending machine keeps calling my name in the afternoons
•let my past determine my future.

I should...
•drink more water.
•plan more meals to eat at home.
•do a deep cleaning of my house before I have surgery... or pay someone to do it b/c I dont know that I am up to it.
•live my life to the fullest every day.

We Want To Know Wednesday

{1} If you could spend a day with a blogger, who you haven't met in real life, who would you choose? Hmmm... probably my old swap partner, JennyKate (http://jennykate77.blogspot.com/). We had SOOOOO much in comman that I think it'd be fun to meet her if I ever made it to OK.


{2} What website do you check first when you go online? Facebook, duh!

{3} What is something you are saving money for right now? To pay off medical bills before they come in. We just paid off 2 of our credit cards, can I get a Hallejuiah?, so that leaves one credit card left which I am making good progress on and I am anticipating about $700 in medical bills for my surgery when its all said and done so I'd like to get a head start on that.

{4} What is your go to silly face when a silly face is needed? (post a pic of it and be entered to win a prize from Mamarazzi) I roll my eyes alot, does that count?

{5} How do you relieve stress? Coffee, crying, sleeping... all depends on the stress.

Viva Las Vegas

LastThursday my mom, MIL, SIL, and I drove down to Vegas to meet the guys who rode the motorcycles down the night before. We were going to celebrate my nephew's 21st Birthday. We stayed at Hooters Hotel and Casino so when we got there, we found the guys in the restaurant and they were already a little tipsy :)

We went over to MGM Grand to get Fat Tuesday drinks (jello shots included) and go to the Harley Davidson store... went to NYNY to go to the Harley Davidson store... oh yeah, we stopped at HD in St George too, are you feeling a theme??

The next day we wanted to the HD dealership (HD Red Rock) that we havent been to before and on the way there, Bryan's bike started acting up. Started sputtering and wouldnt get out of 2nd gear. Freaking great. They ended up keeping the bike over night and got it up and running again. It was pricy (the joys of owning a Harley) but I am thankful it happened there instead of when they were in the desert.

Highlights of the trip, besides all the Harley Stores:

• Bryan, Danny, Renee, and I went to see "Tony and Tina's Wedding". It was really funny and had a good time.
• All the guys got new tattoos... Bryan got a HD skull, Dad got a flying pig, Danny got a hog, and Levi got a Koi fish with a Dragon. Awesome work... I recommend the Sleepy Lagoon in the Hooters casino.
• We found the "American Idol" slot machine and thanks to it, I came home with money. It was fun b/c you could do group bonuses!
• I didn't need an ice bucket, enough said!! LOL

The guys were supposed to go on to CA but thanks to the monsoon they ended up coming home, cancelling their hotel rooms, and taking that money to get cheap flights to CA so they can still go to the Giants/Diamondbacks game tonight. Fun times!

Vegas Road Trip

We are going on a road trip!! Today my hubby, dad, nephew, and brother in law are leaving on the motorcycles on the way to Vegas. Tomorrow morning at 430am (Did you know there is a 430 in the morning? Not sure the last time I saw it) my mom is coming to get me, we are picking up my mother in law and sister and law and hitting the road in the truck.

We are going for my nephew's 21st birthday. He ask been asking as far as Bryan can remember to go to Vegas for his birthday so he could "break him in" to drinking. Oh Lord, I need to pray for that boy now. LOL. We are staying at the Hooters Hotel tomorrow through Sunday.

I am looking forward to it b/c its the last trip before I have surgery. I will be able to relax and just have some fun b/c I have about 6 weeks of laying in bed coming up. Yuck.

I pray for safe travels for my family... especially when the guys go from Vegas to California on Sunday for the week. Good health, safe riding, and good times.

Thanks to Mary for watching my kids and Blake for watching my dogs. Love ya both!

We Want To Know Wednesday

{1} Who would you call if you had to get bailed out of jail?
My mom... if I was in jail, I must have done something REALLY bad and she would be the only person with enough money to get me out.
{2} If you were a superhero what would your hero name be? Right now, in my early morning stuper... SuperCoffee! I can drink coffee at the speed of light :)

{3} What do you think is one of your best qualities? Patience? No. Energy? No, that's not it either. Hmm... everyone tells me I am a good listener and give good advice. Maybe b/c I see a lot of things from an outsiders perspective now that I've gone through it all myself.

{4} What song would you pick to be your own personal theme song? I think I need more coffee to think of this one... Certainly isn't "Crazy Bitch" anymore, LOL... Maybe "Survivor", by Destiny's Child? I don't know, I'll get back to you.

{5} What celebrity do you think is most over rated? I don't really get into celebrity stuff... but I don't understand the big deal about Justin Beiber?!?

Pioneer Day

A friend of mine put on her facebook "I am thankful for this made-up Utah holiday as it allows me time off work, time with friends/family, and another round of fireworks".  I don't think I could have put it any better!

Utah celebrates Pioneer day b/c its when the Mormon's made their trek to Utah and Brigham Young(?) said "This is the place"... or something like that, Im not really up on my LDS history, I just live here :)

The only thing that bugs me about this day is some people think this is a bigger day than the 4th of July. The activities are bigger, there are parades, and fireworks. It's a state holiday so a lot of things are closed. (Mind you, Pioneer Day fell on a Sunday this year so its being observed today b/c we don't have holidays on Sundays around here).

I get that its a big deal to some... just not everyone... and I feel that Independance Day is much more symbolic than Pioneer Day and needs all the love (and more!) than the state holiday does. Just my 2 cents...

Happy Pioneer Day, Utah!

Friday Confessional

It's Friday again already?? Yahoo!

I Confess...
I had a bit of a panic attack when I got my FMLA papers back from the doctor. It says I may be out for 3 months. Considering I only have 2 weeks of vacation time, my STD doesn't pay enough to cover bills, and I have enough bills that need every penny that comes in, I thinkI better start taking collections. LOL

I Confess...
We are going to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night at the rodeo tonight. It's a family tradition. My mom's battled breast cancer twice now so we like to support the cause. In addition to that, I like the cowboy butts.

I Confess...
When we were at the baseball game last night my daughter was talking about the players and who they live with during the season and asked if one can live with us. My dad said they couldnt b/c they needed their own room. My daughter said "we can kick BryDad out and he can sleep with mom". I giggled and replied "Only if he's super cute!". LOL

I Confess...
My kids are going with the uncle and cousin up to their cabin tomorrow... little nervous. My nephew gets a little crazy and I dont want my kids to pick up bad habits.

I Confess...
Since the kids are going to the cabin, that means a weekend for me and Mister Husband alone.... now that I am thinking about it, I'm sure those bad habit they learn will be short lived :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

We Want to Know Wednesday

Here are my questions for this week:

{1} What would you do with an extra $1000 a month? Ease my worry. Pay off some debt and when that is gone, but money away for big vacations and college.

{2} What category of blogger do you think you best fall under? Are there catagories? I just do my own thing. LOL

{3} What is your go to solution when you are having a bad hair day? Either throw on a hat... or stand it up even higher than normal :)

{4} If you were a Crayon, what color would you be? I have always said RED... but now I am more a PINK

{5} They say love is in the little things. What is a little thing someone does to show you love? Make him his fav drink... rub his neck... hold his hand... send an ILY email... Oh wait, that's what I do. Mister Husband will go get me ice cream or a candy bar... he will take the kids outside to play so I can have some peace and take a bubble bath... He holds my hand.... most recently he has taken off work to go to my Dr Appts and wiped away my tears. Those things are more important to me than anything he could buy.

Sleep? What's that?

Sleep and I have not been friends in a couple months now. When it comes, it is sporadic and short lived.

Yesterday I had to go have yet another MRI and added a CT Scan for something new. They want to redo the imaging to see if anything changed since the epidural since some of my pain moved around. They are also checking for bone spurs b/c that will be the determining factor of what kind of surgery I have in 3 wks.

So how does an MRI and sleep go together, you ask? Well, when you are as clausterphobic as I am they give you this little pill to make you relax. Actually, in my case, they give you two. After two of them, all I want to do is sleep.

On the way home I grabbed KFC, scarfed it down, and was in bed by 530pm last night. Good thing my kids are big enough to care for themselves b/c I was useless last night. However the good thing, I SLEPT!

Yay for sleep!

Friday Confessional

Hello, Friday.Welcome Back!

I Confess:
I feel guilty about having a good experience with the Dr that my friend didn't. She had me freaked out thinking he was going to be rude and not help me. That was her experience with him. Hopefully she finds someone she meshes with.

I Confess:
I feel worse than every. Probably more than I let on. I hate feeling like this. My daughter said "I cant wait for you to have surgery b/c then you will be happy and want to do things again". I sure hope so, sweetie.

I Confess:
I hate having parties... for instance, I got talked into a Pampered Chef party tomorrow. I am so worried that no one will show and the lady will have wasted her time.

I Confess:
I am worried about all the work I am going to be missing while I am out having surgery. My boss has a good game plan to backfill me, but I feel bad that the time I go out is when a bunch of stuff needs to be done.

I Confess:
I am worried about my husband's road trip to CA. He, my dad, and my brother in law, are going to CA on the motorcycles. They are all good riders, but I keep thinking of all the bad things that could happen. I need to keep those things out of my head and stay positive. Pray a lot of their safety. I know they are going to have a great time, but I am just a worrier.

Freaking Out Update

My appointment went well. My fear of the doctor not being nice or not being able to help disappeared the moment he stepped in the room. The first words out of his mouth were," You are way too young for all this"... but went on to tell me that surgery is my only option b/c I can’t live with it and nothing else worked. He examined me, said my right arm is weaker than my left. Asked a lot of questions. We looked over my MRI. He talked to Bryan specifically, showing him what was going on and said "If this was my wife, this is what I would do...".


He showed us the artificial disc that he hopes to use. It's a little metal device. He goes in through the front of my neck, takes out the ruptured disc, and then hooks one metal piece to the top bone and one to the bottom bone, and then it has a little ball that when it comes together you still have movement. As long as I don’t have any bone spurs, this should work perfectly for me. If I do have bone spurs, I will need a bone graft, fusion, and cage around my spine. The recovery for that is 4 weeks longer than the disc replacement.

I have to get another MRI done and a CT Scan done to determine what kind of surgery I will have. They are getting insurance approval and will call me when the appointments are made. We are hoping for surgery the week of the 7th of August.

As we were getting ready to leave, the Dr came out of another exam room and asked us to come meet someone. Inside was a man who was my age who had this surgery done 6 months ago. He had all my symptoms, is my age, but is a fireman... and he went back to work 3.5 wks after surgery. His job is a lot more physical than mine and he went back in that short amount of time. I was glad I got to meet him and hear firsthand how he is doing. It was reassuring. I feel good knowing I am in good hands. I really liked the Dr. He took the time to explain everything to us which is a big thing for me. From what I've read, this has a good success rate.

Pray for no bone spurs so I can do the artificial disc and be on my road to recovery!

Freaking Out!

So as I've mentioned, my neck pain is getting worse.

Nothing we have done so far is giving me relief and I've now got pain in other places. The next step was for a surgical consult with a neurosurgeon but he was so busy I couldnt get in until August 9th.

I called yesterday to let my spine doctor know that the pain is now in my left arm and I get dizzy when I turn my head. She went over to the neurosurgeon's office, told them whats going on and that she wanted the Dr to at least look at my notes and decide if I can wait another month to be seen.

His office just called... my appointment is moved up to this afternoon. I'm not going to lie... I am freaking out.

I haven't slept in about 3 nights, even with pain medication... I am exhausted. I am in pain. I am frustrated. I just want to cry. I feel some relief knowing I get to talk to him today,but then the thoughts of "What if he doesnt think surgery will work for me? What if he doesnt think he can do anything and I have to live like this?"

Lord, calm me. Calm my thoughts. Help me to be still. Be with the Doctor during my appointment so that he can be comforting and reassuring. Let me feel peace rather than anxiety. In Jesus's name, Amen.

We Want To Know Wednesday

1} Which activities make you lose track of time? As much as I dont want to admit it, Facebook. My husband says its the end of the world if I dont check it every 5 minutes. Also, reading books. I can let hours pass just laying around reading.


{2} Is there such a thing as perfect? No... people can be perfect for each other b/c they pick up where the other person is lower, but I dont believe in perfection here on earth b/c it me, Jesus was the only perfect person.

{3} When do you feel most like yourself? When I am snuggling with my kids, riding on the back of the motorcycle, when I am at worship with my arms in the air singing my heart out.

{4} Describe your life in a 6 word sentence. Crazy, Loving, Christian, Sassy, Strong = me!

{5} Share one of your most beloved childhood memory. Hmmm... First thing that came to mind was playing night games in the "backtracks".... but then I remember picking strawberries behind my grandpas garage... or getting dressed for school in my grandma's room... or rolling around on my aunt's fur rug or putting on her makeup in her bathroom. I think about our amazing Easter egg hunts... or my suprise birthday party at my Uncle's in TN where he rented a pony (that stepped on my foot while in jellyshoes! Ouch!!) I have alot of really good childhood memories, I've been blessed :)

Pioneer Bible Camp

My kids are home from camp!!

When I got up there on Friday, I saw Drew first. He walked over to me and said "Hi mom, this week went too fast!"... then we found Ty and all the girls around her were screaming, " No Ty, you cant go yet. We are going to miss you". I swear her counselor hugged her about 12x before we left.

They yakked my ear off the whole ride down the canyon. Telling me about horseback riding, swimming, pushing counselors into the lake, white wars, yummy food ("The best brownies I've ever had!!"), sleeping on the top bunk, the bunkmate from South Africa, Ty placing 2nd in archery (way to make her Poppie proud!) "Devo's", etc...

They are already talking about their adventures for next year. Thanks for an awesome God-filled week, Pioneer Bible Camp! http://pioneerbiblecamputah.com/

Friday Confessional

I Confess...

I've been riding on the motorcycle. We went from North Ogden to Kaysville the other day, on the freeway, and I thought I wanted to die afterwards... but if we dont go that fast, I seem to be ok. Well, atleast my neck doesnt feel like it wants to snap off.

I Confess...

I had not ONE, but TWO, chocolate cake shots for my birthday. For those of you who dont know what a chocolate cake shot is, you are missing out! It's Frangelico and Absolute Citron mixed together in a shot glass... you drink it and then hurry and bite a sugared lemon. Not sure how all of that together makes something that tastes like chocolate cake in my mouth, but no fooling... its amazing!

I Confess...

I miss my kids. I am ready for them to be home. They've only been at camp since Monday and its been nice having time with my hubby to ride on the bike, but I am done taking out the garbage and picking up dog poop :)

I Confess...

My dog isn't spayed... she is only about a year old... and she's had puppies. I am sad for her b/c in addition to being dumped at the shelter all yucky and matted and being on the euthensasia list before she got fostered, she's had a very long life in a very short amount of time.

Having a BLAH kind of day... just random muttering.

I am having a BLAH kind of day today...

My neck hurts... not really anymore than usual, although yesterday my pain was more on my left side than my right, so that was a little different. I went to move my head to the left and I got dizzy with spots. Not sure that is good. Maybe I should call the Dr.although I'm not sure what good it would do though b/c the neurosurgeon hasnt read my MRI yet and my appointment isnt until August 9th. While that seems like a while off, I am glad its after our Vegas trip in a couple weeks so I can atleast enjoy that b/c if I end up having surgery, I'll probably have to cancel my trip for September. I just feel like my head is too heavy and its going to fall off my neck any moment... not exactly fun.

On the plus side... my AFLAC is reimbursing for my appointments and MRI and everything so I don't really have any out of pocket cost for my appointments, so that is nice. Also I found out the office mischarged my copays and I get a credit back for $40.That's a good thing too!

My kiddos are still at bible camp. They come home tomorrow. Both of them jumped right into things the minute we got there and were in a hurry to say goodbye. I guess that's a good thing, right? I pray that God works in their hearts and brings them even closer to Him from the experiences they had this week.

Let's be honest... I am especially glad they will be home tomorrow, I'm tired of picking up the dog poop out back myself. LOL

Speaking of dogs, I have to take my new one to the vet today. The rescue place got the vet info and are not sure she was ever spayed. Uh, problem! We have a voucher for our vet to do a spay check. I really hope its been done and hasnt been recorded b/c I dont have alot of available time to take her in for surgery... but we'll do what we have to do, right?

Well... I am done rambling for now :)

We Want To Know Wednesday

{1}Name five of your favorite new blogs that you're reading. My Family, My World. Iron Daisy. Answering Mormons. Life with Emily. MyBeautifulCollision. (You can link to them from the left side of my page if you'd like)


{2} When you were a young child or teenager, did you have an idea of how many children you wanted and what their names would be? Did you follow through on your ideas? I knew I wanted two kids... but no ideas on the names. I had two kids and inherited one more through marriage.

{3} "What is the silliest thing you fight with someone about? Could be your spouse, sibling, parents, co-worker etc." Toliet Paper! Seriously, one of the only things me and hubby fight about. His inability to replace the roll of toliet paper... or if he does, he sits it on the counter instead of putting it on the thing. Why is it so hard??

{4} What is your favorite scent that other's may not find very nice? ie: gasoline, sweat from your sweetie, etc. Coffee... most people like the smell, hubby hates it.

{5} Thoughts on Plastic Surgery? (had it? want it? regrets?) Who wouldnt like bigger boobs or thinner thighs? I know I'd like things adjusted and rearrainged however its not who I am. Maybe if insurance paid for it I would... but I cant grasp coming up with the money on my own to alter myself.

Nothing Better...

... than snuggling with your kiddos.

Last night I didnt feel good. I got home, saw a mess, cleaned it up, hurt myself worse in the process, took meds and went to lay down.

After I got all situated, Drew came up with a glass of ice water. Then Ty came up to show me something. Next thing I know they are both laying in bed with me, all snuggled up and holding my hand.

We talked about my birthday... about them going to camp... about the dogs... just random stuff. It was so nice to get some snuggle time. My babies aren't babies any more so I know the snuggle time is going to get less and less, so I will cherish it whenever I get it.

We Want To Know Wednesday

{1} What was the last thing you searched for online? Cervicalgia and Cervical Radiculopathy. Get your minds out of the gutter, we're talking about my neck.

{2} If we visit your home state, what is one MUST we should do before leaving? Have a Mormon Muffin. No, you dont have to be Mormon to eat them... but you are missing out on something awesome if you dont try them. You have to go up the canyon to Rainbow Gardens. The whole experience is cool :)


{3} What do you think pharmaceutical companies should invent a pill for that isn't on the market yet? Well, since my neck is my problem lately, can we get a pill to reliqufey discs? I think that would solve alot of my problems.

{4} When was your first kiss? Was it good or bad? My first kiss was in 5th grade... behind my neighbor's garage. He was in 8th grade and lived across the street. It was a french kiss... nothing like getting thrown into it. It was alright. LOL

{5} What is your guilty pleasure tv show that you can not miss? TrueBlood. Love me some Sunday night, HBO goodness!

I Love July!

I love July... My birthday is the 2nd, which is falling on a weekend, which means I have Friday off for my birthday... and Monday off for Independance Day.... which means a 4 day weekend.  Also, being in Utah, we celebrate Pioneer Day on July 24th, which means another long weekend this year.Yay!

I am going to hang out with my kiddos on Friday...  Maybe lunch and a movie until they go with their dad for the weekend. That evening we are going to our normal Friday-Night-Without-Kids dinner at City Club and to worship.

Saturday we are going to sleep in, get up and go to Park City for the outlets, have a nice dinner and some drinks, then stay over night.

On Sunday we are going to listen to the Kapp Brothers at SnowBasin, one of my favorite summer activities.

Monday we are going to Huntsville Days for Independance Day... breakfast, parade, etc. before we take the kids to bible camp for the week. They will be gone until Friday. This is Drew's first time away from both parents for that long. Pray for him!

That means me and mister husband get a week with no kids (b/c Taylor is going with his mom to ID on the night we normally have him)... Raptors date nights all week long.

Yay for summer!

Friday Confessional

I haven't confessed for a while... and as much as I hate to admit it, I have nothing juicy to share... but I have missed you all :)

My neck/back/shoulder/arm/whatever is attached and causing all my pain just HURTS. I've had an MRI and a nerve conduction test. I've had an appt with a spine center. I've had a cervical spinal epidural. Nothing is helping... but I have bone on bone, I have nerves that are being pinched, I have a disk pushing on my spinal cord, and the majority of my disks dont have any fluid in them. I go back today for a followup and may request to see the neurosurgeon.

The Raptors started this week... Oh, how I love baseball.

My kids have a season pass to the swimming pool by us. They love it! They go almost daily. Ty is a little brown bear, I am jealous b/c I am white as can be!!

Things are changing at work for me and my hubby... some good, some bad. I just know we need to stay faithful that God will provide for us and things will be ok in the end.

I was told by the Dr I cant ride on the motorcycle... and its bugging me bad. I want to go, even just around the block. I am trying to be good, but next week I may have to confess about it :)

Meet Roxy

For a while now we have talked about getting a 2nd dog... another shihtzu, a Boston Terrier, or even a Bull Dog if we could find one that we wouldnt have to take a 2nd mortgage on the house for.

Last Thursday one of our service projects at church was to go to the animal shelter. We helped clean, walk the dogs, play with the cats. Ty fell in love with a puppy in the process... and it was a puppy that would turn into a big dog, so I knew it wouldnt work for us so we went home and started looking for other dogs that would work.

I checked all the shelter and rescue sites and didnt see anything right away so I promised her I'd keep checking. Friday night as I was getting ready for bed, I went to KSL.com and looked through the classifieds to see if there were any ShihTzus for sale near us. Wasnt my ideal option b/c I didnt want to pay that much and I'd rather save a dog than get one from a breeder.

That's when I saw an ad that said something along the lines of "Dont buy a dog, save a dog" and there was a link for CAWS (http://www.caws.org/) and there was a little ShihTzu dog named Pixie listed. She was going to be in SLC at the PetsMart for adoption the next day.

Bryan and I talked about it and decided to go down there with our current dog, Wrigley, and see how it goes. We were early so we filled out the paperwork ahead of time and when she got there with her foster mom, it was like the dogs knew each other. They got along perfectly. They are about the same size, have the same personality, etc.

Pixie (now named Roxy) is 1-2 yrs old, has already had puppies, was a matted mess when she came out of the shelter into this foster home so they had to get her shaved down to the skin to make her more comfortable. She is housetrained and crate trained already. She's been fixed, up to date on her shots, and is microchipped. Poor girl had a rough life... and now she is our little princess. The kids are going crazy over her and she's won over Bryan's heart already too, sleeping (and snoring!!) on his chest :)

Roxy (black) and Wrigley (grey/white)

Welcome to our family Roxy!

Wanna Give Away Week

I took last week off work for "Wanna Give Away" week at church... it was a week of service projects for the city of Ogden. It started bright and early at 7am with breakfast and ended every evening after 7pm with a worship service. In between those hours, we painted houses, walked dogs, gave out water bottles, organized food at the food pantry, etc.

It was a week of hard work, tears, prayers, laughter, and love. It was a great experience and I am glad I took the week off to be with my kids, my mother in law, and my church family. I have a bunch of pictures to upload so as soon as I remember to bring my camera in, I'll get some posted.

Lord, I am so thankful for the blessings that I have and the ability to be a blessing to others. Amen!

Arm Update

Well... my arm issues arent really in my arm. They are in my neck. My neck doesnt have the right curve, the discs are degenerating, one disc is out of place and pushing on my spinal cord, and my bones are sitting on top of each other without cushion so its causing nerve problems.I had an appt with a specialist on Tuesday who referred me to someone else to get an epidural injection tomorrow. If that doesnt work, I go to a surgeon. Pray for me!

Prayers Please

So… my arm/shoulder has been in pain for a couple weeks now and I had my MRI yesterday afternoon and the Dr’s office called me first thing this morning saying I need to come in to review the results. It’s a freaking shoulder, why do I need to come in? Little worried. I am going in tomorrow at 5pm b/c she wants to squeeze me in before she goes on vacation. I have my EMG nerve conduction test today, freaking out about it. Ugh. They did tell me my Vitamin D is extremely low which can cause some of my bone and muscle pain, so I will start meds for that this week.


Please keep me in prayer… I will be ok once I know what it is, but the anxiety of not knowing is what gets to me. I just need to be calm and trust that God’s got this…