& the count down begins...

Saturday will be here before we know it. While my father in law and Jazz will be in Okc for two days before coming here, we none the less... have a bunch to do.
Im off on Wednesday and we are painting the borders and baseboards, steam cleaning the carpet, and laundry! Im kind of not to happy we don't have kennels yet. Or a truck to pick them up... I will survive. Im sure Jazz will want teddy inside and she will have the wonderful task of bathing him.
I suppose i should be using this half day off being productive. So im going to vacuum, read and take a nap. A beautiful 80 degrees.

Cilantro, Sunflowers, and veggie galore

I.love coming home from a long day at work and seeing the growth in my " table top" garden.
And the birds didnt beak up all the sunflowers I planted outside and a few are starting to pop out!
My cilantro is growing slowly, cucumbers are sprouting, country mix flowers popping up, tomatoes right on time and growing their second leaves, green beans are trying just wish for a few more sunny days & the indoor sunflowers are growing fast. Autum and mammoth russians, i plan to plant some outdoors and give some as love gifts. As well as my raddish and lettuce that I got free from mcds are growing.
Only problem Im having is with my bell peppers, im excited for these to grow but nothing. I even pushed some dirt aside to peak but... nothing. Bad seeds? Is that possible? If they dont pop out sooner or later ill try again. Maybe.
Any tips?

Adoption process

We have considered adoption if we cant conceive. But theres always been a tug on my heart for it. The older (wiser) I get, the more I know its God.
Today I received a beautiful packet from America world. They sent lots of info and after jaw dropping money amounts during the stages and fees section, checking off certain countries due to eligibility, it has came down to Brazil.
The tug in my heart has always been the older children. Sibling groups. We have unique loopholes to jump through, but with God with us... we will be alright. Im mostly writing that as a reminder for the trying times.

Im not sure the next step for us,or when exactly we can start all the technical ($$$) stuff. Lots of prayers.

God Speed.

Sights of home

At times i get frustrated by buying a fixer upper, but then I remember I prayed for this. In my foolish head, I would have then money to fix it up faster. I am learning how to prioritize the to do list.

Painting the inside
New tile for kitchen and cafe
New doors
Serenity garden ( my project)

Thosw are the goals for spring, however the serenity garden will be an on going project all year. I plan to hit up garage sales for the following:

Outdoor bistro set
Swing
Bird bath
And random " garden decor"

We plan to put in a pool and a gazebo but it may just be the pool for this summer. If that. As much as i want one, I realize the efforts and extra cash for up keep.

The dog kennal and yard will be good to go soon, im excited as im sure my boys are too. They love to cuddle each other abd since I cant trust them to stat in the yard, the are on tie outs ( lonnng). Plus, they are killing my grass/ weeds. It gives me a reason to put down better grass seed tho!

I love our house. Its not my dream home, but its good for now. Excited to see how it changes.

A Rainy Oceanside Brunch with My Daughter

Our last day in California was a rainy one. The weather matched our moods. We didn’t want to leave Jazmin at all. In that short amount of time we bonded quickly. I always considered her my daughter, even if I was just a step mom. The first time she called me mom… I wanted to sob like a little girl. I don’t know if it was the arm in arm talks we had while walking around her school, the smile on her face while she laughed at her dad or just the simple fact that I identify with her so much at that age. Now, granted I was a bit more rebellious then her but our paths mirror one another.  In just four days I realized the truths behind bonding without a DNA connection. I know it can happen and in no way doubt it. The truth that I learned is that without the DNA bond, it’s more about removing yourself for the greater good of the other person. Like adoption, fostering, step parents, Big Brother Big Sister, or being a mentor. When you let go of you and love someone just out of love (agape) no matter who you are you are going to have a forever bond. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes the picture may be a bit blurry and it may seem like your bond is broken but there’s something always in your heart tugging about and bringing those memories forward.

In my case, A beautiful young woman trust me with her heart. Trust me enough to be her mom. Her past is full of rocks and stones that have been tossed at her, whipped at her and knocked her down a time or two.  Every adult in her life (up till now) has hurt her, abused her, used her, took her for granted, and simply just didn’t care about this precious soul. Her whole life she wondered who she was. She prayed for her dad. She cried for someone to just love her. Treat her with respect. It is a true honor when she calls me mom.  That my growth through Christ shows her it’s ok. That she has a mom and dad who love her so very much. My growth through Christ helps her keep her head up. I cannot thank God enough for having patience with me while I bumped my head a time or two (or four or five). I never imagined my life how it is and I can say that I wouldn’t change it for all the wonders of the world.

So as I look back on our brunch out looking the Pacific Ocean, I know why we cried saying goodbye. We bonded in a way that words can’t really express. That the future was in our sights and we have so much to look forward to. A seed was planted that day. The rain, a sweet symbol from God, that our souls were being nourished. Our time apart is like a seed underground. You can’t tell what’s going on till one day it sprouts into the sunlight for all to see.



a rainy day veiw of the ocean




three generations!





next trip to cali, this is a must redo! adults only. $39 a person, four course and the food was delish!



champaign at 10 am? um sure but I need an orange juice too. It took 5 mins to explain that I didnt want it mixed but in the end I got my OJ



jazmins omlet



my food, mahi mahi in lobster and shrimp saue, potatoes, green beans and a poached egg (egg wasnt my thing rest was soooo good)

pastachio cake. yum!

grab a wet suit & go surfing

Skyping with Carissa

much better then phone calls but not anywhere close to being in person.

SuRe Do MisS tHaT kId


I am so proud of her.

Alot to be thankful for.

This last year has been one of the most amazing and unexpected years of my life. I went from being super newly weds to owning a house, and two prayers were answerd: having a great relationship with Nolita & Scott and being able to see the little ones & having Jazmin in our lives. Amen!
I am also thankful for, well my husband of course who has been amazing to me. From the nightly foot rubs to the patience with my mouth and while I adjusted to new life in Oklahoma ( many night missing my Carissa, Emma, Sara, Kay, and Diana and my other beauties in Ohio & Michigan) But at the same time I take a look at whats around me and I see how blessed I am: I have a great(ish) job,I have family all around me, Wonderful new friends in Okmulgee (who may I add, it feels natural being around them like Im not the new one to the group) and Ijust see how blessed this year has been... I cant imagine how much our family and lives will grow and change this following year. I dont want to imagine it. I think I like the surprizes life has to give you.  God knows me better then I know me so im in great heads, dontcha think?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope your day is blessed. I hope your year is blessed as well.

Getting there...

Im home alone (hubs at work) and I just got to thinkin (o no!). While, I dont mind the fixer up soon to be minor dream home we own... Part of me cant wait to just get there -to the dream home part- I think id just be happy with a fridge and an oven that worked (lets be honest- for now id be happy) The extra to do because of the leakage from the ceiling last week is being handled so asap thats over and God willing nothing else goes wrong: Fridge & Doors. It is the season o'soups and I can happily make some via crock pot - the stove works but its gas eh.
One step at a time, I know. One day we will be there.

Two Singing souls. We love you Jazmin.

For many years my husband has searched for his daughter Jamin. She was 7 years old when he found out about her. There was a blood test done & as he tried to see her she seemed to disappear. He contacted social workers to find her but no door seemed to open. As him and I started "courting", I searched for her too. She was older now & maybe just maybe she would be some social network. Nothing. It was a challenge not to worry about her wellbeing. So we continued to pray and we both felt the Lord say shes ok and she will come to you. Almost a year later: she did!!! We were packing up to move and got the phone call from Matt(a rep at a non profit org) that she went through to find him! He was blessed enough to get a chance to talk to her a few days later. They were both so excited and both so nervous. A few tough questions he had to answer but for the most part they talked & laughed. They sang to each other. There was a beautiful connection between them. We are excited for all that is to come. Praise Jesus!!!

I was feeling O So Blue With you...

Our very first car as a newly married couple:

We were really excited to have it. Blue took us many paces and we have a million memories enjoying going to the lake, Norman, date nights and simply going grocery shopping. We overlooked all her flaws :two windows didnt roll down, no ac, no heat and the radio didnt work (yikes!). We felt blessed to have ol'blue in our lives still. But the alst couple of weeks we had been talking about trading her in. The 100+ weather was a HUGE factor. We wanted a reliable car to go to Ohio and Michigan to see family and friends there.

I miss these faces:

& then Ol'Blue broke down....

Husband's Facebook Note about the new Change:

What an awesome God we serve, ok get this, car breaks down I mean wont run for nothing. We still owe on it! Yeh! God tells me to call the dealer and explain that the no air, only two windows roll down, none radio working esscort just took a dump! But of corse to put this in as nice of a way as I could. and so I did. And the Lord gave us favor and blessed through the dealer with a newer, air working windows rollen down,music playen Chevy Cavalier! Man He's Good! That just goes to show you, what often looks like a curse, ends up being a blessing. Praise be to Jesus Christ of whome all blessings come from and of the Father, as they are one in the same.

AMEN!

Here is our new set of wheels

*The radio works too!*

Waiting Time is Praying Time

So on Monday I got the call from my doctor from my recent semi annual test. The visit was awesome and I was in such a great mood. All I had to do was loose 10 pounds and she felt like I could get prego. Welp, Theres just a little bit more that im going to have to get through to receiving that gift ( and my faith and hopes are high!!!).

I have PCOS and my pap came back red flagged for cyst on my overies cervix that could be cancerous. My initial reaction was  a meltdown. I left work and relaxed with my husband. Also, Talked to some wonderful ladies who have been through it too and I felt really better and at ease.

SOOOO now the waiting  test. Im not usually good at these but hey... what really can I do? I do not have insurance so it will be around a week till the new gyno approves it ( and with all your prayers I believe they will!!!)

I thank you all in advance for your prayers and support. I will keep you all posted when I know more. I love you all!!!

PS. I dont think I could have a better husband. I am  blessed to have him in my life. He is  one of a kind. The way he is supporting me through this has just been... well it makes me speechless and teary-eyed.

A Prayer to get through bad times... it helped me... well helps me :) You are not alone!!!

Father,
I’ve just heard those dreaded words that I’ve prayed not to hear. My spirit is shattered.
May world is falling apart.
I want to fight, to rebel, to flee from the reality of this, yet I know that You are there.
No matter how angry, deserted, disappointed I feel, Your love will never let me go. You will provide Your sustaining courage regardless of the future. Please grant me and my loved ones courage for whatever lies ahead. Help me to remember that You do understand everything about me, and want me to come to You laying all my burdens at Your feet.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

---

Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

II Corinthians 12:9

::The weekend review::

Friday- out of work was a great feeling. Went to Shawnee to go grocery shopping at firelake. We did a great job at making out $ stretch. We had plans on making it an 80s date night but time slipped away and we made some really yummy nachos.
Saturday- slept in.ate cocoa krispies and went back to bed (ive been praying for a day like that!). Most of the day was trying not to sweat to much -the air conditioner broke... MISERY! Picked up some "forgot those" from walmart for breakfast we cooked at church.
Sunday- Church breakfast was yummy! Church was great. David made me pretty much cry during testimony. He has a great wife & he knows it, although his words were aloooot sweeter. I fall in love in love with him everday. I am blessed thats for sure!
Besides our kitten getting stuck in a tree (twice) the weekend was pretty much laid back. Which was great and much needed.
Today (july 4th) work then home to rest & relax then back to Prague for the fireworks. Our first fourth of July. I hope we always find "first".

Its July already?

When I was younger, someone once told me that the older you get the faster time seems to go. Its so true! Wasnt there a blizzard covering the ground a month ago? Im sure for my northern friends & family that question is true. July also marks the month before my birthday...the month before the last year of my twenties starts. !!Yikes!! As much as I will miss the youthfullness and freedom of being Twenty something, Im excited for the next phase of my Earthly life. What do the next ten years have in store for me? Id like to go to college, have a few kids, and have a house & some land, take a few getaways(erin go braugh) and just become what God has created me for. Heres (holds up martini glass) to the time we do have. Lets make the most of every moment. Sleep good & live better! Have a wondeful weekend luvs.

'Tater chips for breakfast

Since we had breakfast for dinner last night my schedule is off & I ate a small bag of Lays for breakfast. This of course is just my justifaction. :) & Im ok with that! Ive been studying very hard on this womens bible study blog that im starting ( first post will me July 12th email if your interested & ill keep you updated). Im starting with Why God created women? I must say the H.B.I.C attitude deep down inside took a blow to the heart. Its going to be very intersting to get other womens views. Meanwhile: Learning the basic operations of this blog have been interesting. Im mostly on my phone or a computer at the libary. Hoping I will have a laptop soon -hint hint wink wink David!-
Be blessed bloggers & friends!

in the words of my dad: Its Friday!

Isnt it a bit insane how many of us live for the weekend? I know this week I have! Twice I woke up wondering why my alarm was going off so early for a Saturday. I recently watched a program where they were talking about 50% of people hate their jobs. Wondering if that has something to do with the 50% divorce rate?!?
Usually my weekends are spent at home (lately avoiding the heat) playing with my dogs, spending time with the hubs and going over the sunday school lesson... this weekend is going to be very nice. We are trekking :) to Norman to spend sometime with the fam and go to Jazz in June. Its always such a wonderful time and its truely amazing to see how God puts His plan together. We will be back early Sunday because of church & David is preaching. I loooove those Sundays because I love seeing God use my husband in such away. Its just amazing. see ya back here Monday. Be Blessed!

And then there was Blog....

I decided get in on this blogging trend. I have tried it once or twice and just left it alone (remember Live Journal?)But I feel like theres much going on in my life that is positive and interesting (marrage/country life/living for God). Plus, most of the people I love live 1,000+ miles away. Also, Im attempting to stay off the book of face and finally close my myspace page -which is only open cuz theres soo many pictures on there and need to save them before I do- So let the welcome party begin... Ill bring the party hats. :)