Here I am again

Sometimes I feel like I am back at square one with God. I hate to admit that but I am sure I am not the only one who feels that way. Deep down the love is always there but the desire has faded at times.

I can pinpoint my problem easily. I allow myself to often to let the cares of life bother me. Instead of allowing these issues to bring me to my knees, I take them into my own hands. That is where we get ourselves in trouble is when WE try to fix things instead of giving the problems to the Lord.

I am so tired of letting myself getting to this point. Does it happen often? No. But I never want it to happen. I wish I was a person that could just let things roll off my shoulders and not worry about it. But that is not who I am.

Maybe some of this could be me entering a new stage in my life. I feel like a lot of me is changing but I am scared of what it could mean eventually. What direction could the Lord be leading Kevin and I in?

So I now have to take a stand and change the areas that I know need it most! Starting with my mind and my eyes. I need to stop watching others and allowing their actions to affect my views. I need to dive into the word with a desire more than ever. Lastly but most importantly I need to rebuild a relationship with God through lots of prayer.

God is good!

Cleaning and Organizing

I decided to spend my last day off before my four day stretch at work cleaning our house. Boy does it need done! I have honestly neglected a lot of things and now it's taking more time than I would like but hey, it needs done! While I am cleaning I am also organizing our counters and putting things away that we seldom use (e.g. toaster, coffee pot, spice rack). We really don't have a lot of counter space so moving all of this to storage in our closet is very helpful!

I just sent Kevin to his moms to return her roaster that we used on Christmas Eve and then to the store to pick up hamburger and a couple other items. We will be having spaghetti and garlic bread for supper. I am trying out the garlic Barilla spaghetti sauce. There was a sale at Meijer one day so I bought a jar of Barilla sauce and I am excited to try it out!

I have discussed this to much but back in November I joined Weight Watchers online. I know a lot of people right now that are on it or have been on it and has had fantastic results. I like the whole program. It is a lot a like something else I had followed in the past and I had good results BUT followed a very unhealthy diet. Weight Watchers is far from unhealthy and I think when I start following it I will do well. Not only that but Kevin has about 15 pounds he would like to lose so he decided to follow it with me.

I will be honest, I have tried the eating low fat and counting calories way which is a great way to diet but it's honestly not fitting for me. I like knowing that I have 36 points to stick to. Maybe the low number is easier for me and doesn't make me feel overwhelmed? Not sure but say a prayer because this time around I am sticking to this! With Kevin and I both doing this will even be more helpful!

Right now we plan to fix whatever we have that isn't the healthiest and get it out of the way and start buying for a more healthier diet. We have been incorporating healthier things to see what we like and don't like. I really love the Weight Watchers cream cheese and we both really like whole wheat bagels. We also bought low fat plain yogurt, bananas, frozen strawberries and frozen raspberries and plan to make breakfast smoothies.

I am really excited about this change for the both of us and for our future!

Blogger Award

I was given this award from Korey! I really like reading Korey's blog because we are both a lot alike in ways. We both got married young and have no kids. Oh and we both got a puppy around the same time and come to find out they were both born on the same day!!

To accept this award, I must provide you with the following details:

Seven things I did before...

1) Played basketball 4th, 5th and 8th grade.

2) Played trumpet in band for 4 years.

3) Was in flag corps in high school.

4) Went to Canada my 5th grade year.

5) Hated my Creator but later realized that he has been the only constant (good) thing in my life.

6) Wanted to get married after 25 but I married at 19!

7) Thought there was no purpose for me in life but thank God he delivered me from that mindset.

Seven things I do now...

1) Try to love with all my heart and soul.

2) Know now that there is meaning for my life.

3) Realize that life will never be perfect but we need to make the best of it!

4) Try to be a light to others and show them the love of Christ.

5) Work in a profession that I can show kindness unto others. Trust me... it's very humbling.

6) Have a husband that I see and can be with everyday!

7) Try to look at the good in everybody instead of the negative.

Seven things I would like to do...

1) Experience pregnancy one day and have lots of children.

2) One day see my great great grandchildren.

3) One day do a missions trip whether it's here at home or far off somewhere.

4) Adopt a child.

5) Give to the poor in a tremendous way.

6) To live everyday with my husband honoring the Lord.

7) Teach my children the love of Jesus Christ.

Seven things that attract me to (the opposite sex) my husband...

1) His determination to finish college and provide for us and our future children.

2) His love for me.

3) His love for people and wanting to be a light to the lost.

4) His love for the Lord. Sometimes he is my inspiration.

5) His understanding and patience. Our childhood was very different and some of mine has dragged into adulthood and he has been very understanding and caring towards me.

6) His eyes. Sometimes I can look in his eyes and just know his thoughts and feelings.

7) His personality is so fun and lovely. I am glad to be his wife! :)

Seven favorite foods...

1) El Campestre (best mexican resturant and I love a lot of their dishes)

2) Pizza

3) Pretzels dipped in cheese

4) Steak from Logans

5) Dinner rolls with lots of butter

6) My grandma's Chicken & Dumplings

7) Turtle sundaes

Seven things I say most often...

1) " Shoo.. whatever"

2) " I love you baby"

3) " Max, potty outside!!!"

4) "Get the drift, Cliff?" <--- don't ask!

5) " What would you like for /breakfast/lunch?" <--- asking the residents for their meal preference.

6) "I am so glad to be married to you!"

7) "What are we doing tonight?"

Alright now for those3 whom I will be tagging: (sorry don't really have 7 people to tag)

1) Hollie

2) Amy

3) Megan

Christmas Party

Last night 3rd shift at my work had their Christmas party. They all wanted me to come so I got a girl to work for me today so I could stay up there late. I didn't get home until almost 3AM.

There was a lot of food and I fell in love with their corn casserole someone brought. Another lady made 2 different cool whip deserts. One was chocolate and the other was lemon and they were yummy! I have to get all the recipes!!

They also had a gift exchange. Kevin bought his person a nice set of pajamas. The girl that had Kevin got him a $20 gift card to Cheddars (his favorite restaurant) and she also had a baggy of M&M's, 2 baggies of cookies and a small loaf of banana nut bread! Yum!

Over all it was a really nice party and great food!

Update about Max (pictures)

We uploaded the pictures that was taken yesterday when we brought Max home.

Hope you enjoy!


He loves his cage.


His favorite thing to do, sleep.


I wrapped him in a towel after his bath and he laid of my chest sound asleep.

Max so far has been such a wonderful dog. He chews a lot which is expected since he is a puppy. We correct him whenever we see him do it and he slowly is starting to get the hint but I know it's going to take awhile before it really sinks in.

What surprises me the most is how well he has done with going outside. We keep him on a leash in the house or he is in his crate or in his tote by our bed. He woke up whimpering about 2:15 this morning and I took him outside and he peed. He has not messed in the house so far! Every time we take him out he goes!

I have one last picture to leave you with.

Our cat Gabbi doesn't know what to think of him! She is sniffing him in this picture. She sniffs him all the time! lol

Max

We picked up our new addition to the family this morning! Our Cocker Spaniel/Cavalier mix is adorable. Kevin picked out the name Max and I think it suits him well.

Max was so quiet on our ride to the store until we got stopped by a train and then he started whimpering. I was so happy to hear him make a sound because when we first seen him, he was so quiet.

I had him wrapped in a towel and he kept trying to bury his head in it. He loves being wrapped up and he loves to be held on too!

When we brought him home, we fed him some cottage cheese. The man we bought him from gave us a lot of helpful hints to practice with Max for his first few days in his new home. Max loved the cottage cheese!

About 10 minutes after he ate he was sniffing around so I took him outside to see if he would go potty. He ate some of the snow and then started walking around, I was afraid he was just wanting to play. After another minute he moved some of the snow with his paw and then peed! I kept saying "Go Potty!!!" and when he did, I smiled ear to ear!! I am praying that potty training him will go fairly well and he will catch on quickly.

He will be sleeping in a tote by our bed at night so when he gets up during the night I can take him outside. A nurse at my work used to work for a Vet and she is very knowledgeable when it comes to dogs and she has given me a lot of good advice. Between her and my aunt, I have learned a lot and plan to put all the advice to use!

Something I have been told numerous times is that a puppy is like a baby. As many times at night you change your baby is how often sometimes your dog needs attention or to go eliminate. So through all the frustrations that occur during the night, I will have to realize that he just a puppy that needs a lot of attention!

The one thing that has surprised me is how much he loves his cage! I read that sometimes it takes awhile for a dog to want to go inside their cage but that wasn't true with Max. He walked up to it, sniffed it and then walked right inside. Kevin put his towel in it and Max is now sound asleep and has been for about 40 minutes.

I have to say, I am already in love with Max and I am so glad that we choose him! He is going to be spoiled!!

Excited

For starters, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! This year I have so much to be thankful for. We all know the shape of the economy and the thousands of people who've lost their jobs. I am just thankful that I have a roof over my head, clothes, a running car and money for groceries. We may not have much but we are still very blessed!

Well today was pretty eventful and I can definitely say that I am stuffed! We went to my aunts first thing today and her lovely dog (Cocker Spaniel) won me over. He actually won me over the first time I seen him but I realized today how much I really love this breed of dog.

We were going to be getting a Chiweenie from my dad's cousin the middle of December but some unfortunate circumstances came up and my husband and I decided not to take the dog. I was going on about how much I loved my aunts dog and she told me where she got him.

She bought him from a Mennonite and no it's not some money making puppy farm. Maybe this was perfect timing or something but the puppies will be ready to go this Saturday! They are up to date on all their shots. This litter had 1 male and 6 females. The male won me over so after a few moments of consideration, I knew I had to have him! The owner took my name down and gave me his number and I told him I wanted to pick up our puppy on Tuesday because I will have a few days off.

I am beyond excited. The dog is actually cocker/cavalier mix. From what I have read a Cavalier is a spaniel breed (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). I am so happy to be getting a puppy and I realize the responsibility that will be coming with him. My aunt told me "They are just like a baby, you need A LOT of patience!". I am ready for this new puppy to be apart of our family!

Now I get to do the fun name game! He is a golden color with a white stripe on his forehead. Kevin came up with a few good names and I had a few I liked but we still have a few days to decide!

Can you tell I am excited?? :)

Recovering

I got hit with the flu bug. I was at work yesterday and started feeling funny but kept telling myself that it was from eating late the night before. But while checking on one of the residents, I felt so nauseas.

I was supposed to go to break but decided I better just go home and I told them to find a replacement for me today because I knew something bad was coming on and the flu had been going around work so I was sure that was what I was getting.

Sure enough I was right. I hadn't even got 10 minutes away from work and I stopped at a green light at an intersection, opened the door and lost my breakfast. lol I was on the phone the whole time with my husband and I couldn't stop crying because I was so sick and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it home without stopping 100 times.

I finally did make it home and just laid in bed until today. I was miserable. My legs ached, I was running to the bathroom constantly. Thankfully my wonderful husband had the night off and was taking care of me. He went to the store for so drowsy NyQuil (sp?) and bought me some 7-UP. I lived off saltines and 7-UP for over a day.

My stomach muscles ache but I am slowly starting to feel better. I am glad I have tomorrow off because I would have to call off again because I am not 100% better. I feel like I have been hit by a truck.

Thanks for all your prayers and I hope none of you get this! Believe me, it was horrible.

Lord, I thank you

I think it's time for an update! I really have good intentions of updating my blog but seem to never get around to it so while I have the extra time today I better get it done!

I love my new job! I was so scared when I first started and even thought that maybe I had made a mistake by getting this job. The fear of being new, learning a new field and working with peoples actual lives became somewhat stressful. I have soaked up all the advise that my co-workers (and hubby!) has given me and have used it to try and better myself. I really want to do a good job but I have to keep reminding myself that it takes time to have this job come so natural to me.

Kevin is back in school. Tuesday night was his first class for Fall quarter. He is still in his prerequisites but should be going to his Nursing clinicals next fall. The sacrificing he has to make right now will be worth it after college is finished. He will be doing the job he has wanted to do for the past few years and we can finally start the life that we pray God wants for us!

Less than 2 weeks until our 3 year anniversary. I am so thrilled! Every year keeps on getting better and better. I am so thankful to have a husband that is so in love with God and reflects that in our relationship! I am truly blessed!

Just awesome

The count down is on at work and as of Thursday at 11:30 I will be a free woman! It seems as if God has been bringing me into situations this week to where I realize how awesome and mighty he is.

A friend yesterday confided in me with a lot of issues in her families lives right now. She said something that just lifted me up so much. "They are not my God" She was talking about a situation involving a few people. Just hearing her say those words sent a chill through my body. She ended up saying "Talking about this just gives me a chill" and points to her arms with bumps all over them. I had to laugh cause I was the same way!

Then today I was at my desk working away and silently singing a song to myself (and God of course) when I came across the chorus:

When I’m sad and discouraged from failure,
It seems the whole worlds against me, and everythings wrong.
All I need, for courage is to whisper,
Thank God, for my Christian Home.

As soon as I said those last two lines I could just feel God so strongly that once again I just had those "goose bumps". How awesome it is to feel the living God deep down inside of our souls!

Change

My life at this point is heading in many directions it seems. The place I have worked for the past 3 years and 7 months is about to become a thing of the past. My deepest and most desired prayers have been finally answered!

I put my 2 week notice in this past Friday and had a positive response from HR. My last day is August 14th and my start date as an STNA will be August 18th. I am so thrilled and extremely thankful that I got the job and excited yet scared because this is entirely a new field for me.

I know next Thursday will be bittersweet for me. The coworkers that I have called friends for the past few years will now be people I seldom see. I will no longer see them for 40+ hours a week. Thankfully though we all have texting so the 5 of us will become official texting nerds!

God has definitely tested my patience in all of this. I never thought I would be able to leave my job until after Kevin finish college. I never thought that FTMC would hire me. How wrong was I! Once again God has shown me his glory and all I can do is praise him for his marvelous works in my life!

What's Going On

I sadly neglect my blog but I have a feeling I will be updating a lot more. My home (Bloop) is unstable and you never know one day to the next if it's going to be up or not. There is supposed to be another diary site coming up soon and I do plan to join it but not sure if I will write in it as much as I did at Bloop. So for my readers (few I have), this may be my new home.

To give a little background on my husband and I. We have been married since October 8 2005. We were both 19, young and in love! That day we both made the best decision and have not looked back!

Marriage has been such a blessing and growing process. Being 19 and getting married has shown us a lot. Not only that but we both come from diverse backgrounds so coming to a middle ground sometimes was a struggle but well worth it. God has definitely been good to us in more ways than one. He has been there in our times of need and has been the dearest friend we have ever had!

So the daily struggles with typical life things. Jobs. Money. Bills. College. My husband is attending North Central State College. He is going for his Associates in Registered Nursing. We both are certified nurse aids but I have yet to use my verification. My husband on the other hand loves what he does. He enjoys working with the elderly, taking care of them and being a friend to them. He recently applied for a full time position on 3rd and it was offered to him so now things seem to be looking up. Now it's my turn to find a job in the health field!

We plan (after he graduates which could be Spring 2011) to start a family. While it seems far away, I am sure it will come fast. Right now his work pays for his tuition so that has been a blessing. But while I work full time and he works and goes to school, it is hard to try and start a family. But whatever the Lord wants, I am ready!

So here is the start of many more to come (let's hope). Maybe I will stop neglecting this blog!

BTW... I have plans to spiffy it up some but seem to be HTML ignorant. A dear friend of mine can hopefully help me out.. right Amy?

Randomness

As if anyone actually reads this! I don't have much to say. I do want my buddy Amy to work on my blog for me. Kind of needs an update on things that I cannot figure out how to do.

Life is good of course. We love our new home. Have small repairs here and there to make. Had to get our heating system fixed last week which came to $180. *eek* But we survived and God is good.

Big Move

My husband and I bought a mobile home. We moved in last Saturday. We had a lot of cleaning to do and putting away which the putting away part is still being worked on. We're almost finished but have those last few "junk" boxes to go through. I've tossed most of it... maybe that is why it's called the junk box. Hmm. :)

We painted our living room but have the entire rest of the home to do. I'm sorta dreading it but can't wait for the finished results.

Today has been pretty normal. We did go visit my husbands aunt. It was the first time I ever went to her house. Her husband passed away the same day we moved so it's been a crazy time for a lot of us.

We got home about an hour ago and I started in on the kitchen. Dishes are almost finished but we stopped for supper. Cheesy Tuna Helper...yum. Not very heart friendly but it's good.

Well I'm going to try to get a quick nap in before church.

*Vanessa

Tagged

Hubby and Me(me)

PraiseFiddler tagged to tell you eight fabulous things about my Hubby and me.

1. We were both 19 when we got married.
2. We started school together and graduated together.
3. We absolutely couldn't stand each other in high school! Weird!
4. My first "hit" on him was when whistling at him while raking leaves for FCCLA. I yelled "nice butt!" :)
5. I always told myself I would never date a red head, now I'm married to one.
6. We love to sit around and talk.
7. He's of course my best friend and I'm his.
8. I think God has big plans for our future, I'm excited!

I would tag somebody but I don't know of anyone that reads my blog...so I guess it stops here! lol