This one's for you Kat!

Okay, so Kat promised me that someone would find my boring life somewhat interesting. Umm, my friends may find it interesting to read, but only because I pay them. :)

Here is our latest info-Ryan's mom and dad, SIL and BIL are coming to our house for Christmas dinner. I can't really post much about that because really, I don't have anything nice to say. All I know is that I am buying myself an awesome Christmas gift for surviving this week. Seriously. Coach is calling my name. Loudly.

I have to work Saturday, Dec. 27th as I have 3 weddings and family reunion. Craziness. I can't imagine planning a wedding two days after Christmas. Way to much chaos for me. But they are excited and it should be fun.

After that, our plans include laying low for a week on vaca. Ryan will celebrate his 31st birthday on the 30th. After his surprise party last year, this year will be extremely low key. I may just take him to McDonald's for dinner. He is so spoiled. I get Coach, he gets McDonald's. Now you know how our marriage works. :)

Then back to the grind after the new year. I am very blessed to have my job and know things could get hairy next year based on what the economy does. With businesses cutting back, the first thing to go is travel. Not so good for the hotel industry. We'll keep praying.

Alright, that was boring enough! Love to you all this Christmas and if I don't post again until after Christmas....MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Love~
S

I matter...

Thank you. Thank you for posting about friends and how much they truly impact our lives.

You have made me feel today that I matter. That I am worthwhile to someone and that I have made a difference. In all of the crazy things that are thrown at us in life, that I have made a difference. Thank you for that. Thank you for filling my heart. After the year of dissapointments and heartache, your post filled me back up. Even if for today, I know that I matter to you. I know it may seem silly, but means more to me that you could EVER understand.

I am blessed beyond the heavens with you beside me.

Just wanted you to know....

Back to "normal"

Okay, so my last post was kind of out there. But as I am sure you could tell, I had enough! :)

So I would say now, I'm back to "normal" :) I was reading a post from Carrie Saunders, one of the blogs followed by my bestest Mandy, and her devotion today was what I needed! Thank you Carrie!

As you may have read in previous posts, Ryan and I "adopted" a senior citizen for Christmas. They are usually members of a home that do not have a lot of family or friends, or loved ones to take care of them. We recieved her wishlist today and I burst into tears. Her requests were for only two things, a new set of bath towels and a juicer. That's it. That's all. No fancy items, no super expensive things, just two simple requests. All I could think is that all of this year there were so many things that I "wanted", some more complicated than others, but you know what I mean. We are so blessed to have food on the table, a warm home and jobs that treat us well.

Friends and family in abundance so that we really aren't "wanting" for anything. I think that in my 29 years on this earth, I am more grateful today than some people at 80 years old. How could we go though life ignoring all of the things that get us through each day. Thank you Lord for the strength you have given me and for the grace to realize that. What a powerful feeling.

So, in this week of thanks, I give thanks for all of you. You have made me who I am today and I couldn't get through the "wants" without you. You are my blessings and I thank God for you.

Have a wonderful thanksgiving!
~S

Crap

Crap, Crap, Crap. I feel like that is all I have "gotten" to deal with lately.

Where is it continually okay for people to continue to make excuses. I am so done with it. People at work, people out at the restaurants and stores. Why do you think we are where we are? Excuses. Could someone just please stand up and take responsibility for their actions instead of blaming it on someone else? Life is not fair. It sucks sometimes. And sometimes you just need to buck up and do what you need to make it through. Seriously. GET OVER IT! You are not entitled to anything and everything that you want.

Sorry, but I have just reached my limit of bull sh*t and I want to punch someone in the face with the next excuse I hear!

Okay, I am done. It was an angry post but needed to get it out!

~S

Faith Day

It's Sunday (my Saturday)!!! And it's my faith day. A day when I need to be reminded of all that I have with my faith in the Lord and that I am not in "need" of anything. I have a wonderful husband, home, puppy, family, friends and the list goes on and on. I am looking forward to renewing that faith today at church and enjoying time with my family for dinner.

Ryan and I have been talking and realizing that this Christmas, with all that is going on, that we are hoping to adopt a "senior citizen". Our local radio station has an "adopt a thon" and they have families as well as senior citizen's that are in need of assistance. I am hoping that we can provide someone with a things that might make their holiday as love filled as ours will be.

So many agencies in KC are looking for help this holiday season as there are so many more people in need. If you have a few extra cans of vegetables, or an old toy, or some blankets and coats not in use anymore, drop them off at one of the many locations in your area that could use them. This holiday season, with so much uncertainty, I am certain that we will be able to make a difference in someone's life.

Happy faith day to you all!
~S

We're baaaack!

We made it back from our week long vaca in Savannah, GA and we had a great time! It was definetely a place that you instantly relax as the town moves a little slower and is much more calm! It must be the southern hospitality. It was wonderful and we definetely said we would need to go back. We also went to see the ocean and again, pretty sure I could live there!

We are watching the election updates...it should be interesting. Most could probably guess my vote, but I hope no matter what that the country unites to get us out of this time of uncertainty. I think my picture above pretty much sums it up!

Love to all of you!

S

2 am...really?

Again with the "I can't sleep", so I will post a new blog! (I seriously need some sleep)

So many things going on in the last week. I received a bonus at work, my old company is laying off 1/3 of their work force, my family back home has been going through HUGE ups and downs and in 5 days we leave for Savannah! Ahh!

Have I ever mentioned I am so glad to have my job? I love what I do and wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so blessed and with everything going on right now in the economy, I have to thank God for that blessing everyday. I am praying for all of you at Sunflower who will find out their fate next week. I can't imagine the stress you are going through, but know that you will get through it. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

It's Friday! I am hoping to get a lot done at work today so that I may go work out before coming home to do more laundry and pack! Luckily I am off Saturday and Sunday of this weekend and look forward to running lots of errands like normal people do!

Have a wonderful day!
~S

Saturday's

Are great days! It is beautiful here today, I am sorry I have to work but will hopefully make it a short day.

We are so busy in the next few weeks-Savannah for a week, my sister-n-law's baby shower, Coldplay concert and then off to Iowa for Thanksgiving! Lots of fun things to do.

Other than that, Belle and I are enjoying our "quiet" time together! HA! She waited by the door last night, hoping that Ryan was coming home. She was sad when he didn't come. Seriously, boys and their dogs. It's amazing.

Hope everyone has a GREAT Saturday! Go Hawks!

~S

Mom

I hope you are reading this blog! My mom didn't know that I "blogged" so I forwarded her my site! I love you momma! Miss you!

Today was pretty uneventful, I say that, but I just got home from running all day. We had our neighborhood social commitee meeting tonight. I am so lucky that I have AWESOME neighbors and we all get along so well. It's so funny, I used to feel out of place because Ryan and I don't have kids-we are the only couple without kids, but they love us just the same and have been a huge support with all that we have gone through.

Ryan is going on his annual fly fisherman's weekend this weekend! Free time to myself! I can't lie, I will miss him, but am looking for some time to myself! I will be getting ready for our trip! Two weeks from today we will be in Savannah!

I hope you all have a GREAT day!
Love
~S

Having faith...

tonight at church our pastor reminded us that even when life is in crisis mode (whether it be financial, emotional or physical) we need to continue to remember that the Lord is and always will be our rock. On top of this rock we can see a clearer picture of what is out there for us. To put our faith in him that he will continue to walk with us.

He presented one of my favorite verses tonight: Phillipians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

This message was a great one today and it also came on a day that I also received a note from Ms. Kat Bass, who I may have may never met in person, but I can tell you this, she is a strong woman and is going to be a GREAT mommy. I am praying that the faith shown through this verse continues to find her and Eric in their journey. I know that he is guiding them down a path that may not be clear right now, but in his own time will bring a happiness that only he can provide.

I am praying for you guys and please let me know if I can help in anyway!!! (P.S. If you need someone to call and give the agency an earful-I have unlimited minutes!! :))

Well, it's off to bed, I am off tomorrow and plan on doing laundry-We leave for Savannah in 17 days! Paula Deen here I come!! :)

One last thing...

Really? Jamie Lynn Spears pregnant again? Really? Does this make anone else extremely annoyed? Obviously at this point it is just rumors, but again, really?

Sometimes I just don't quite understand the reasoning....I guess that is God's way of reminding me of SOMETHING. I haven't figured it out yet?

If anyone else has, let me know.

Good days and bad days...

Hmm, how funny the tides turn. One day can be a very good day where you fall asleep and stay asleep. Yet the next can be one of anger, dissapointment and frustration. But, we'll get through it, as we always do.

I am currently watching the Biggest Loser on tv. It always inspires me to get moving! I gained 10 pounds when I was pregnant and have since lost that weight which is good, but I have much more to go. Since we are going to be in Savannah in 3 weeks, so my new slogan is "Skinier by Savannah". I would like to lose at least 5 more pounds by the time we leave. We shall see!

Thanks for the video's Mandy-I love seeing them. They make it a good day! :)

Love~
S

It's 1:30 am...

and I am wide awake! I have that super fun trait that means my brain never shuts off! So, maybe if I get something down on paper, it will help me get back to sleep!

Today is my "Friday" at work. A foster family conference, 2 weddings and a 50th anniversary party all in one day! It will be crazy, but hopefully will go by fast! It's amazing how quickly our staff works. So much going on, but they make everything run like clockwork!

We had date night last night-nothing to fabulous, but we watched "Sex in the City"-one of my all time favorite movies! If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it!

Alissa-I love the Hallmark comment! :) They should totally put that on a card!

Well, I suppose it should be back to bed...hope you all have a great Saturday!

Love,
~S

Genetically Compatible

Well, we got our test results back and whoo, we are genetically compatible. Good news as if we weren't we would be in a VERY different place right now. Our next step is a doctor's appointment on Monday. Basically they will start all over again and hopefully (everyone pray really hard) this time will be even more successful. I don't know that I could handle a 4th miscarriage, but I am not going to focus on that.

I am going to focus on the fact that I may have to give myself a shot everyday for the first trimester! Fun fun! Because of my protien C difficiency, I will need the blood thinner to help transfer blood to the baby. I do not have a clotting condition, just thick blood. Who would have thought....

Anyways, just a quick note for today, but for all of you out there going through a similar situation...I am praying for you!

With love,
~S

exhausted....

from a long day at work. I have been at work since 6:30 this morning and just got home. I know it is still not as long as some of you work but I am ready to hit the sack!

Our doctor's office called today-they didn't leave a message which worries me a little (okay a lot). Our genetic testing was supposed to be back weeks ago. I am not sure what to think. Hopefully I will be able to get some sleep tonight before I frantically call them back at 9 am tomorrow morning! :) Send good thoughts!

My sister and I have begun to trade bible verses with each other each week as encouragment. It is the best idea we have had in a long time! It is very refreshing to see the bible from someone else's view. I highly advise starting a "bible verse trade"! I liken it to lunch in elementary school when you want to trade for something someone else has! :)

Have a great day!
~S

A better day....

today. I don't know what it is, but it's just a better day today. I won't question things, I'll take it!

The only bad news today is that Ryan found a TERMITE in our house. Not good. Actually a blessing in disguise. We had a few companies come out and look and all of them said that we caught it VERY early. We have no damage to our house, structurally or cosmetically. We will have it treated in the next week and will be good. It sucks because our house is ony 5 years old! They said that sprinkler systems and mulch are things that they feed on so just an FYI. Also, it only takes 3-5 years before termites will show up in a house. Things to look for are mud tunnels, soft drywall (they eat the drywall paper before eating the wood) and an abundance of ants. Also, the most common place for termites to come is from under your front porch. The one Ryan found actually came out of the drywall by our front porch. We are very lucky that we caught them so early! Keep an eye out folks!

So anyways, despite the icky bugs, it's a good day! Sorry for the bug lesson, but it's something to be aware of!

I hope all of you had a good day too!

~S

Just ask for help....

There are somedays when I think we forget that we have a million (okay, I'm exagerating), but a lot of different people around that can help us. But only if we ask. We sometimes get so caught up in the situation that we forget our friends and family aren't mind readers. If we need something, we have to speak up!

We are not alone, but will be as long as we focus on the bad, and not the positives in our lives.

So, if anyone needs me, I'M HERE! Just ask!

Love ya!
S

Retirement...

So my dad "retired" on Monday of this week. He will be using sick time/vaca time to finish out the rest of the year. His official date will be January 5th. I am SO proud of him. He has been a blue collar worker all of his life, but did it so that my sister and I would have a better life. It has been fun watching him cross off each day on the calendar! It has been happy and sad for him as he had to clean out his locker after being at that job for 32 YEARS! It is amazing.

Only 30 more years to go for me! :) I can't complain, I love what I do and will keep doing it as long as I can!

On a side note, has anyone else ever been to Howl at the Moon? I went there on Saturday night with a group of our neighbors and had a great time. It was hilarious. If you have never been and there is one around you, I definitely recommend you go!

Laundry is calling so have a great evening!
~S

Things to smile about...

Okay Mandy, you inspired me. I am back on the blog wave. I figured since I was the only one on your list that hadn't edited their blog in over a year, it was about time.

I have a few things to get down tonight.

First of all, for those of you who don't know, a month ago we learned that we had lost our third pregnancy in the 3rd month of the pregnancy. While it has been a rollercoaster of emotions from one day to the next, it seems that I have made it this far without completely losing it. I have found much strength through my family, friends, wonderful husband, and a little bit of the Lord. I have many questions for him, but will have to continue to trust in his plan. Whether it be my "ideal" plan, I HAVE to know that it is in his hands.

So on that note, I thought I would share a bright spot in the day. I recently spent two weeks in Memphis, TN working at the downtown Marriott. It was an interesting trip and there were many emotions going on at that time. However, I became close with one of the girls there, Melody, and we had a lot of fun hanging out together. We ended up going to Graceland together and seeing the sights of Elvis. Very interesting, quite amusing and loads of fun. We learned that Elvis' favorite saying was "Takin' Care of Buisness". It meant so much to him he had "TCB" with a large lighting bolt painted on the large back wing of his personal airplane. Melody and I loved the saying! Long story short, (sorry, it's already long but you know what I mean! :)) after I left, she bought me a magnet with "TCB" and a lighting bolt and ended up sending it to me in the mail. It arrived today. A day in which I needed to be reminded that through this process, we just need to "take care of business". It isn't always easy, but we get through it the best we know how. I put the magnet up on the door to my office to remind me each day of what it will take. Just to push through one more day with a few more smiles, a few more laughs and a few more good memories.

Okay, so that's about it. Thank you for reading the long post, I am off to a good start!

One more thank you to my 2 favorite girls. I love you and love reading about the fun you are having. Keep it coming!

Until tomorrow!
~S