Great Documentary!

We are taking FULL advantage of our Netflix + Wii combination!  I think we have watched about 7 documentaries since Saturday, 3 movies, and 2 TV episodes.  I'm in love with this combination!


But tonight we watched a documentary that was so great - so innocent.

This is such a great story!

Three different schools show how their students are preparing for the annual dance competition.  One of the schools has some incredibly talented kids.  Their excitement and innocence is so endearing.  Isaac & I found ourselves getting excited for them when they did well - and maybe even planning on having our kids do ballroom dance when they're in elementary/middle school.

So sweet -- definitely recommend!

<3

Gran

Hey Friends... 
Can you say a quick prayer for my Gran -- she's been having some trouble breathing the last couple of weeks, and the doctors have recommended she have open heart surgery.
This morning brings about an angio-gram to see exactly where her blockage is, and then likely have surgery tonight or tomorrow morning to replace a calcified valve.

My Gran's a tough ol' bird and has never really had any kind of major surgery - let alone stay in a hospital (she's a total home body, self reliant kind of lady).  None the less, it's still a bit nerve wracking.  But I promised my mom I wouldn't partake in any of the unnecessary drama. 
I know our God is in control & it's His plan to play things out as He sees fit....even if no one else in my family, Gran included, understands that.

Pray for healing, pray for the wisdom & knowledge & gentle hands of the surgeons, Pray for my family that perhaps in the midst of all of this God will shine thru to each of them, and pray for my mom as she is taking on the problem solver role like usual.  

Thanks friends!
<3

ROCKSTAR!

*Disclaimer -- this will be a whole hearted "Toot your own horn" type of post. Please be aware*

I FEEL LIKE A SHORT SALE ROCKSTAR!  TODAY I AM THE ONE TO MAKE A BANK BEND OVER BACKWARDS & SUBMIT TO MY WILL & LOGIC!

Take that EMC!  You try to pull & push me around like a rag doll -- well looky here, in the end you're the one who took it on the chin & gave in to ME! 
So you can kiss my patootie for putting me thru the wringer last week.  Because at this moment in time I AM the one who is victorious (for the benefit of our client), and I AM the one who ultimately backed you in to a corner when your own negotiator made decisions that were to the detriment of your company.  So sit up & take notice of me -- because I WILL NOT back down when you try to play your silly games.  I'm bigger, stronger, & more determined than you!

Ahhhhh -- feels soo good!
Now...back to the normal hustle & bustle of my day!
<3 

Days of Gratitude - Day 25

Whoops! I'm late!  But that's to be expected - as I spent my day of thanks with my husband, friends & family!

So yesterday I was thankful most importantly for a wonderful, but unique, family -- and great friends.  Nothing beats having two Thanksgiving dinners - both equally delicious, and filled with laughter & love.

Our night at the casino however was not as great! Shucks!  But thankfully hubby Isaac won back the money I had lost. Whew! ;)


This was so good to spend the last 25 days seeking out & identifying one thing I was thankful for. Even on those extremely difficult days - it was a good exercise & life practice to find that one thing to keep focused on.
<3

Wee Bit Wednesdays!

I needed a bit of an escape!  And Leigh Ashley doesn't disappoint with the "Wee Bit Wednesday!" So link up & play along!

 

 

{one} what kind of camera do you have? I have a canon powershot I think? I don't know -- it's pink & was a gift 2 years ago. It works :)
{two} you just won $1000 and you have to spend it on yourself on one item. what do you buy? I think I go with an iPad or a freaking killer purse
{three} if you had to choose, would you rather live with your parents in the same house forever or 5000 miles away? oh easy - in the same house forever. I love my parents, & thankfully Isaac does too. It's awful when my parents are out of town or I am and I can't get ahold of them :(
{four} is your christmas tree up yet? it is not - we're deciding if we want to get one this year, we leave for hawaii on the 21st...so we're trying to figure out if it's worth it yet.
{five} do you bring reusable bags to the grocery store? no. but i own some.
{six} which would be worse: listening to the same song on replay for the rest of your life or having to eat the same meal everyday for the rest of your life? probably eat the same meal
{seven} name 3 things you are thankful for this season. my husband, my family, my home
{eight} do you dye/highlight your hair? if so, do you do it yourself or have it done at the salon? yes i highlight it - definitely at the salon, i am in no way talented enough to do anything involving color & my hair! yikes! risky!
{nine} would you rather watch a movie at home or at the theater? at home with isaac -- at the theater by myself. I love going to the movies by myself. It's so relaxing.
{ten} would you rather win $1000/week for life or $5 million all at once? probably the $5million at once -- then i can pay off homes, loans, and whatever else, invest & give a majority of it and still be able to buy some cool stuff.  all at once!

Ahh, it's nice to clear your brain every one in a while!

Days of Gratitude - Day 24

Hugs & Coffee Gifts

Yesterday was a downright awful day -- and there were about two items that I was thankful for.

Hugs from my husband when I was crying & a dear friend who dropped off coffee & a large candy bar to me in the middle of the most stressful event I have faced at work in a while.

It was rough...I'm praying I get thru today.

<3

Hit By A Bus

You know when you're just mentally and physically and emotionally exhausted?  To the point where you feel like you've been hit by a bus?!  This is my state right now.


Today was awful in the sense that a short sale file feels like it is running down hill so quick and there is nothing that I can do to fix it or stop it or ensure that this gets closed.  I hate this feeling that I have absolutely no control over it.  I've been working so hard on this file and this stupid bank (*cough EMC cough*) is re-nigging on the details they said would work to get it closed.  It is so frustrating to feel like you've got it figured out and at the 11th hour they go back on their deal.


One good thing was that in the midst of that frustration I was able to be honest with my mom about where I was at & what I was feeling.  I think she is finally understanding that we handle stressful situations differently - but I still accomplish what she wants me to get done.  So that was positive.


Ugh....Say a prayer for this file and for me.  
<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 23

Movie Nights In w/ Isaac

I love spending nights at home with Isaac - and last night was a great one in particular. 

Isaac made a quick stop at the Redbox (our new, slight addiction) and picked up Toy Story 3.  We've both been wanting to watch it, and it didn't disappoint.  Although I am a bit sad that the entire saga is done. But what a sweet movie.  I didn't cry nearly as much as I did in "UP!"  That one had me in full on ugly crying mode! (I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that....)

Isaac even made a 2nd trip out to get popcorn when we discovered we were out - then made some great hot chocolate.

I love that man - I love movie nights - I love hot chocolate - and I love waking up to snow in my backyard! Yup it actually snowed & stuck here in the valley...a very rare occurrence.  

<3

Hawaiians

I love my Hawaiian...I love Hawaiians in general.  I love their culture. I love their music. I love their land.  I love their history.  I love their story, and how they talk story. :)

I love that I have married in to such a full, colorful, and deep culture.  I'm on the hunt during my next trip to Hawaii to grab some more literature to read thru on the history and culture.  It's so interesting to me.  And I really can't wait for our children to be able to experience being a part of that culture as well.  Oh don't worry, I'll still expose them to the greatness of their Scottish & Norwegian roots.  But I love that both my background & Isaac's are heavy laden with sea faring adventurers (Vikings + Hawaiians).  I joke with him when we find little things like these connections that we were "meant to be."

 'Iolani Palace - circa 1882
America's only royal palace.

I can not wait to get to Hawaii in a couple of weeks - I am so looking forward to it.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 22 + Commitment

Lazy Sundays

I absolutely LOVE lazy Sundays - there is nothing better than coming home from church & bumming it the rest of the afternoon.

I came home, made lunch for Ike & myself, got some gas before the weather got crummy, went for a quick tan (yes yes I know...not seen as healthy by many - but I'm headed to HI in 29 days! Can't be see thru!), quick trip to the grocery store for some bread & milk, then it was home to catch up on some shows & nap the day away. 

It was awesome and much needed.

Here's my "commitment" piece...Hawaii is 29 days away, time to cut back all sweets, increase work outs & generally watch portions, etc.  Phew!

<3

ps! I'm having the HARDEST time trying to figure out what to get Isaac for Christmas. We have a one gift rule + stocking.  Any suggestions?! The man is a jack of all trades, a true Renaissance man. I need ideas! 

Days of Gratitude - Day 21

I am grateful for Isaac's drive & humility

Friday night brought a nail biter of a victory for Isaac's football team.  It was a tough fought game and the football team played their hearts out.  Thus I am brought to what I'm thankful for.  


Even in spite of many fans' frustrations or personal thoughts of how Isaac had run the offense, Isaac had a plan of attack and the will and determination to run that plan.  And when all was said & done, they were successful.  The defense had their best showing of the season, and Isaac's offensive line, running backs, QB, & receivers tried their very best and came away with the victory.  With that victory (South's 1st appearance in the quarterfinals in 19 years) Isaac continues to to show one of the reasons why I love him so.  He is so humble.  Some coaches would take that feather, put it in their cap and talk about it all night and about how good they were that night.  But I was and am so proud of him, Isaac's focus is his kids and how they pulled it together and pulled out the win.  I am in awe of his humility.  His immediate response is to be thankful for the victory, and to move on to strategizing about their next opponent.  


And I'm also thankful for a quiet house on a drizzly Sunday afternoon.  PS - there's no snow here at my house, even though many are boasting about how much snow is dropping where they live.


<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 20

Hanging out with my niece & her friends...having fun and talking about Jesus

I've been leading WyldLife (YoungLife for middle schoolers) for the last year or so, and it's really fun.  Admittedly it's hard a lot of the time, because it can be scary hanging out with middle schoolers.  I had stopped leading YoungLife for a few years and only got back involved with Wyldlife when my niece was a 6th grader.

I'm mostly excited that I can hang out with my niece and her friends, and earn the right to share with them the beautiful story of God, Christ & his sacrifice, and how that has changed my life.

I think the biggest piece that excites me is the fact that my little niece could be the catalyst in her family - to start the trend toward accepting Christ and following God's will. It's just awesome that God is giving me the chance to be a part of that. Love it.

Sorry if that's random, and likely doesn't make a whole bunch of sense, but it's exciting.  And if you have no idea what WyldLife is...go to a club, check it out.  There are kids in your community that are starving for adults who love them, take time to know them, and share the love of Christ with them.  They're searching and open - go check it out!

<3

Friday Fill In the Blank + Days of Gratitude Day 19

As always, thanks to Lauren at the little things we do for the blanks!

1. My Thanksgiving this year will include: probably an early morning "Turkey Trot" with my running ladies, cooking a bit with Isaac, dinner with my family (smaller group this year) & then another dinner with our friends the Yearby's & their family.  Followed by the annual PYMP movie, casino trip, & late night Black Friday Shopping!

2. My favorite Thanksgiving was: my immediate family used to spend Thanksgiving in Mexico - that was always fun, to get away from the dreary Oregon weather and relax in 85+ degree weather!

3. My signature Thanksgiving dish is: hmm...tough, I haven't had to actually make one dish my staple.  But I'm sure when the time comes, I'll take over the stuffing from my mom & the mashed potatoes. She has a killer recipe!

4. My favorite Thanksgiving food is: without a doubt it's my mom's mashed potatoes & stuffing.  My aunt also makes a ridiculous "Death by Chocolate" dessert, it's unreal!

5. Thanksgiving free association! family, turkey & ham, roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, family games, laughter, LONG days, coffee & black Friday preparation

6. Thanksgiving is: one of my most favorite holidays, I love being with friends & family spending time together with no real expectations except to eat, laugh and reminisce.

7. I am thankful for: health, family, my husband, extended family,  great friends whom I trust, laughing over silly things with my family & friends, game nights, warm sweaters & sweatshirts, and planning fun adventures

Day 19: Today I am thankful for lunch with two of my greatest friends - $1 tacos, nothing beats that & some girl talk!

<3

Game Day

Tomorrow is game day for Hubby Isaac -- 2nd proud of the state football championships.
I'm super proud of him of his crew.  They have what some have considered a ragamuffin crew & have made their mark in our valley league.  They've got impressive heart & have fought back against injuries.


I'll be making my way up I-5 to the Hillsboro Stadium to watch them take on Central Catholic.
So at 7pm PST think good thoughts for our Saxons - and for a clear mind for Isaac.


Yahooo! :)


<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 18

Today I'm thankful for blue skies!

Late fall & winter here in Oregon are inevitably plagued by gray skies, clouds, & rain (with the occasional wind, snow, & ice storm mixed in).  But today, at this moment I can look out my window at work and enjoy the beauty of a blue fall sky.
I'll soak up the Vitamin D as much as I can today - because I think tomorrow will kick off a very long dark spell.
But today....today I will be thankful & enjoy those blue skies! :)

<3

Wee Bit Wednesdays!

It's time again to pass the time with Leigh's Wee Bit Wednesdays!

{one} what time do you normally wake up?my alarm is scheduled to start going off at 6:15am. But I typically hit the snooze button 3-4 times, which makes the actual time of my wake up about 6:45am.
{two} do you have a go-to song for karaoke?Honestly no...I'm not one to karaoke, I'm an observer :)
{three} if you could only see black and white except for one color, what color would you choose to see?aqua
{four} what color best matches your personality?probably green...vibrant but not in your face
{five} if you could choose one meal to cook better than anyone else, what would it be?Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings...turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, pecan pie, etc.
{six} how many keys do you have on your key ring?3 - one car key, one house key, one office key
{seven} do you give your pets birthday/christmas gifts?nothing out of the ordinary - the standard doggie treat stocking. Boston's a good boy all year round.
{eight} when your plate has different foods on it, do you mix or not?No freaking way...barf.
{nine} if you could hire someone to do one thing for you all the time, what would it be?grocery shopping & cooking -- I wish I were better at cooking, but alas I am not, I'm not good at coming up with something on the fly.  Besides then we'd always have something tasty & healthy to eat!
{ten} when flying, do you prefer the window or aisle seat?aisle - I usually always have to go the bathroom. and it works out perfectly, because Isaac loves the window so he can lean in to the window to sleep. match made in heaven ;)
Just a few more items to get thru before my day is done! Yahoo!<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 17

Grocery Shopping

Today I'm thankful for the fact that hubby Isaac & I can go grocery shopping together & stock our cabinets & fridge.  But mostly I am thankful that we have the ability to go to the store without hesitation or hindrance.  So I suppose in actuality I'm thankful for the blessings of our jobs that enable us to go grocery shopping when we need to.

Side note -- stellar husband got asked to speak at the next Portland Nike Coaches Clinic this coming March.  To say that I'm more than proud of him is an understatement.  He rocks!  It's an honor for him.  College coaches from across the country will be speaking - and so will my husband.  Oh sure, he'll probably speak in a break out session - but no matter! Still an honor! I know he's excited & I'm excited for him.  

<3

Somethin' In the Water

Recently my friend Heather and I were chatting about how so many people from our high school class are expecting babies.  We joked there was something in the water in our town.  It is just crazy to me.  I know it's the natural progression of life - but it's weird at the same time thinking of these people I'd gone to school with forever having babies.  Are we old enough to be having kids yet?  Weird....I just haven't been able to wrap my mind around it fully.

I'm excited for the day when Isaac & I have kids, seeing what combination of us will manifest in our kids, both physically and characteristically. But right now I'm enjoying this time just the two of us.   
I think we'll just keep living vicariously thru all our buddies for the time being :)

Anyone else experiencing the baby craze? ;)
<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 16

FORGIVENESS

Sometimes I over look the power of forgiveness, and a lot of the time my sinful side is stingy about giving forgiveness.  It's not something I'm proud of.

But in the course of last night's conversation with hubby Isaac - I realized how important forgiveness is.  How essential it is to being married and making it thru every single day with the person you are with.  

Asking for forgiveness -- and freely giving forgiveness. Without the free & mutual exchange so many things bubble up and ugliness & apathy is bound to spill over.

I'm thankful for the forgiveness my blessing of a husband granted me last night. One of the reasons I'm still thankful for Isaac

Don't be stingy - give forgiveness without pause. I'll be practicing that all week.
<3

Zumba Craze!

Alright I have to admit this...I am quickly becoming a ZUMBA MANIAC!  I'm loving it more and more every time I finish a class.  Oh my gosh - I love it!


It doesn't feel like you're working out and you get to listen to super fun music.  Now hear me when I say I am not your typical person who adores working out.  Just the opposite in fact.  But this class is making it easier and easier to get myself to the gym and enjoy it.  And not just the gym -- but working out in general.  I'm enjoying running more, while trying to find other ways to just be active in general.


Hoping that this winter Isaac & I can take some dance lessons!  Wouldn't that be a fun thing to do in the dreary winter time?! :)


<3
ps - 36 days til Hawaii, time with Isaac's family & reunion with my best friend Heather...I've been missing her.  She's a great friend to me

Days of Gratitude - Day 15

Finishing a Good Book

I recently just finished Emily Griffin's "Something Blue."

Honestly at first, I was a little disappointed - but then it got better towards the last 1/3 of the book.  The main character finally morphed from her superficial status to a more aware and friendly, and more likable character.

So now it's on to her next book..."Baby Proof" hopefully quickly followed by the last two, "Love the One You're With" & "The Heart of the Matter."

I think I've found a new favorite author!

<3

Sometimes...

Sometimes it gets old always being the forgotten one.  Sometimes it gets old always being connected to someone else rather than known for who you are.  Sometimes it gets old always being the jerk & everyone else is always the nice one.




Sometimes it all just gets old.
<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 14

My Parents

Today I am thankful for my parents - as a unit.  Yes I know I've referenced them a few times of the past two weeks.  But today is special...today is unique.

Today is my parents' 30th Anniversary.

And that is why I am thankful.  My parents have stayed together, thru thick & thin, thru good times & bad, stayed together when all others seemed to be divorcing around them because it was convenient.  Growing up I don't think I quite realized what a gift it was to have parents who stayed together.  But now I have an extremely clear picture of what a blessing it was & is.

My parents aren't perfect by any means - and there were definitely some very challenging times in our household.  But the notion of divorce was never an option for the two of them.  Both my parents had failed marriages before they got married - and they were/are determined to make it work for the long haul.

They are different from one another -- so different in fact, that some might wonder how in deed they ever actually did get together.  But their differences are what make them work so perfectly.  My mom can get too serious, and my dad's goofiness brings her back down.  My dad can get caught up in silly things & my mom will whip him in to shape.

So today...I am thankful for my parents & their 30th Anniversary!

<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 12 & 13

Day 12: Day Off
Yesterday my mom allowed me to take the day off from work to just relax.  I haven't had a legitimate day off (not counting 2 sick days) since taking one day off in July for my anniversary.  So it was nice to be able to sleep in, go to zumba in the morning, have a quite relaxing lunch, get caught up on my Grey's Anatomy & then take a nap.  Talk about one relaxing day!  And to top it all off, my parents joined me to Isaac's first playoff game - which of course they won! (Go hubby!)  All in all - a great day!


Day 13: Quiet
Blessed with another quiet morning - slept in and lounged for a little while. Then got ready for the day and spent the remainder of the morning quietly reading in my front room.  I'm just about finished with Emily Griffin's "Something Blue" -- so far it's pretty good, I don't think it's as good as the book before it "Something Borrowed."  But I'm not complaining - it's still a good read.


We were able to go up to the Nike Employee Store this afternoon thanks to our great friends & their connections.  But I had a revelation (I think this is #8?) about myself...I suck at shopping.  I knew logically we had the money to able to purchase some things.  I had been wearing the same pair of work out shoes for about 3 years...But when it came down to going to check out, I started to feel queasy and just not well.  I suck.  Here I am feeling guilty about shopping with my husband when we pay all of our bills and make sure that all of our commitments are handled, that we make our tithe each month.  However I can't seem to let myself buy a pair of new running capris, a pair of shoes & a new hat.  I don't get it & I don't get myself.  Here's what I was thinking as the nice lady was scanning each item...who do we have to buy Christmas gifts for, where are we getting our $$ for our annual movie/casino/shopping trip on Thanksgiving, how much do we want/need to have to take to Hawaii? It's so stressful...I hate how stressed I get about these things. It's exhausting.  How does one still be mindful of the finances but not be over run by guilt or stress? Ugh...awful way to spend my day.


<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 11

In Honor of Veterans Day....Today I am more than thankful for our Veterans!

 

 Raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima (Oorah Marines + 1 Sailor)

 Tomb of the Unkown Soldier - Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

I mentioned yesterday that I'm incredibly proud & thankful for the Marine Corps.  And today falls right in suit with that.  The veterans who have served this nation are often the most soft spoke people you will ever encounter, not likely seeking the spotlight or recognition.  For them they have done their duty & their job in protecting this nation.  What they have given is more than anyone can ever fully know. 

Three years ago my mom & I were able to spend some time in D.C. - my first time ever.  One of the most significant places I wanted to see was Arlington National Cemetery.  I'm the product of veterans, and there is no better place to pay respects & honor those who have gone before.  We were able to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  If you have never experienced this...GO!  Those 10 minutes were some of the most moving of my entire life.  The Honor Guard march proudly, day & night, thru hail, thunderstorms, snow, & heat protecting that tomb. There is symbolism to every piece of the guarding of the tomb.  21 steps each way in front of the tomb (in reference to a 21 gun salute). But the most memorable piece of this entire experience is that the only sound coming from that place - is the steady, dependable click of the Honor Guard's heels as he reaches the end of his 21 steps, does an about face and returns another 21 paces.

It is serious, it is honoring, and it will make you proud to be a citizen of this great nation - where so many have laid down their life.

Be sure to thank a Veteran - don't expect a boisterous response, it's not in their nature.  But rather be humble and thank them for their sacrifice and for protecting our freedoms.

Thank you

<3

A Wee Bit Wednesday

Thanks to MandeeFoFandee for the connection to Leigh @ myleighashley for the chance to link up! What a fun way to kill some time on Wednesday!

{one} do you collect anything? if so, what and how long have you been collecting? I used to collect porcelain dolls - I think I have a total of like 30...
{two} what is one cleaning tip that you swear by? use jetdry dishwasher cleaner! It's amazing!
{three} who would you call for bail money? Isaac -- he'd be so confused as to how I ended up in jail, but he'd come get me for sure!
{four} what is one thing you miss about being a kid? I definitely miss the lack of responsibility, someone making my lunch, driving me places & SUMMER VACATION!

 
{five} name a few of your guilty pleasures. reality television -- Isaac says I have an addiction
{six} how early do you start your holiday shopping? typically it doesn't kick off until our annual PYMP Thanksgiving night movie/casino run/Black Friday shopping.

Then it's full force!
{seven} what is a family tradition that you would like to pass on to your significant other/children? We play an intense white elephant game with my extended family every Christmas.  And most importantly we have dinner & read thru the Advent scriptures the Sundays before Christmas Eve/Christmas - it makes the season really special.
{eight} what do you consider your greatest achievement? graduating college with ZERO debt!
{nine} what do you do to pamper yourself? i love going to the movies by myself, getting my hair down or getting a massage....and reading a great book! I'm LOVING Emily Griffin

 
{ten} if you were to start your own restaurant, what would it be called? Parker's Plate Lunch...this town is in desperate need of a killer plate lunch spot & I happen to be married to a killer Hawaiian chef!

Back to the grind!

<3 

Days of Gratitude - Day 10

Today I am grateful for: The United States Marine Corps

 

 

Today I am thankful for the USMC - for all that this branch of the military has done to protect our freedoms, from the very inception of our nation.  Every man & woman who chose to willingly serve & those who were called -- to them I am thankful.

I am specifically grateful for my Mom & Dad -- both proud former Marines (my mom was discharged when she was pregnant with me, and my dad retired from the USMC Reserves when I was about 13).  

Both joined the Marine Corps and left for basic training right after they graduated.  And they would not be the people they are today had they not joined.   My dad came from modest means to say the least and was given a place where he could succeed of his own merit, be rewarded for a job well done, travel, have strong male role models, & create life long friendships (my dad's best friend in the world, his "wingman" is my "Uncle" Bud).

My mom also went off to basic training right after graduation - except she went to North Carolina.  She learned how to be self reliant, how to put her nose down & work, and how to succeed in an otherwise male dominated environment (something she ROCKS at!).

This is how my parents met - and I am eternally grateful.

These two people were forever changed by the United States Marine Corps - which in turn forever changed the course of my family. 

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps!

<3 

Travel Dreams

I love watching House Hunters International - and tonight one of my dreams is happening right in front of me.  A couple are being moved to Oxford, England.  Heaven! English country side & English country cottages. 


I can't even imagine having that chance to live abroad and have your employer covering your housing expenses.  Not to mention having the opportunity to actually live and not just be a tourist visiting for a bit.




Oh dreams. Who knows...maybe one day, for a while at least.  :)


<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 9

My Brother Allan

 

Brother/Sister Disneyland trip - before my wedding

 

After Al's Bootcamp Graduation! December 7, 2007 (Pearl Harbor Day)

Obviously a PROUD Navy Sister! 

 

My Dad & Brother when Dad swore Allan in to the United States Navy. A really sweet & hard day for our family.

Night on the town, San Diego, CA. 

Picking Brother up from Camp Pendleton before he moved East to VA

My brother is one of the most special people I know & definitely one of the top people in my life.  Don't get me wrong, growing up we were ruthless to one another.  But some time in high school I think we both had a realization that once our parents are gone, we're all that one another has.  We're thick as thieves - I kick his butt in to gear some times & he often times keeps me grounded.  He was my "Gentleman of Honor" in my wedding which was really special. I couldn't think of any one else to hold that special role in my wedding other than Allan.  I'm excited to see where God leads him, who God brings in to his life, and for the day that my hometown lovin' brother returns home!

He makes me thankful -- can't wait to bear hug the kid come December!!

<3

 

Christmas Wishes

This is about the time when I start compiling my Christmas wish list.  But for some reason I'm coming up blank for what to add to my list.  Maybe it's because I feel like now that I'm officially an "adult" & married, all the things I really want, I could just purchase for myself.  
The only things I can muster up are: a new pair of brown flat boots (I have yet to find just the right pair...any direction or help from any one??) and a new watch (preferrably a bit on the larger side).


My other slight dilemma...my birthday falls 5 days before Christmas (but fear not! These two sets of presents are typically never combined!).  So I'm trying to compile two lists - two sets of wishes - two sets of options for my family to pick from.


OK OK I know...not a huge problem & there are worse things to be dealing with, but with the day I've had today -- I'm trying to focus on lighter things in life.


<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 8

Clean clothes

I know it seems silly - but it's one of life's simplest pleasures.  Knowing that no matter what your clothes are clean & ready to go.  Nothing worse than waking up in a rush to get out the door & realizing that your favorite pair of pants are in the washing machine!

*Confession...today I feel like I'm in a foul mood.  Everything & everyone is pissing me off and I don't want to deal with any of it. Urgh  Can it just be the end of December already so I can be in Hawaii and away from all the freaking annoying people & things at work?

*Confession #2...I've recently started thinking of other things I'd like to do in my life as a career.  Part of me would be too scared to do anything (creature of habit) because it's easier to continue where I am...but days like this make me wish I were doing something else entirely.  Not that I'm not thankful to be working because I am, but it's so exhausting sometimes, and most of the time I don't actually really enjoy what I'm doing.  But what it really boils down to is that I literally have no idea what I would do otherwise...

<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 6 & 7

Day 6: Today I was thankful for friendships -- my friendships, my husband's friendships, and for our friendships.  We spent the entire day with friends - mostly Isaac's friends from college. But I am overall thankful for the fact that we have great friends to share our lives with.


Day 7:  Today I was especially thankful for my God - my relationship with Christ and for His forgiveness & grace.  I was able to talk about my relationship with Christ today with my niece who joined me for church today & with a couple of girls who are freshman at our local high school.  They are gems, open to sharing their lives and me speaking in to their lives.  So I am thankful for the opportunities that God is giving me these days to speak in to the lives of these girls and love them as God as called me to.


Spending our night watching silly TV & doing laundry...oh the life of being married. Haha
<3


ps - prayer request: it's our annual YL dessert & auction this Thursday.  It helps to cover the majority of costs for our summer camps.  Please pray for the generosity of our community to overflow for the kids who live here.

Days of Gratitude - Day 5

Today I am thankful for wonderful mentors.

I have been blessed with being able to meet with 3 women over the course of my life that & guided me thru so many  events.
#1: My mom -- easy enough.  She's one of the smartest people I have, and likely will ever know in my lifetime.  She speaks truth and has an incredible talent of always being aware of the big picture.
#2: Debbie -- she would host our weekly Young Life dinners, and started letting me come over before hand to visit & talk about life.  Debbie is probably one of the few people who can look at me and know when I'm BS'ing (I have a good talent of covering it up...) and always directing me to the Lord.  She challenges me to always seek the Lord in all things, to be aware of how Satan is trying to attack & exploit me, and to always lean not on my own understanding - but to trust in Christ thru all things.
#3: Julie -- I asked her to be my mentor when I was a sophomore in college.  She is much different than the previous two.  She is more gentle and soft spoken - she challenged me in a different way than my mom & Debbie. She brought out the softer side of me, encouraged me be honest, be real, and be vulnerable with the more soft pieces of me.  She encouraged me in my wait for my husband, encouraged me in my relationship with Isaac and gave so much praise when we got engaged.  She was & is a soft place for me to this day - and I just love her.
And I asked her to share a prayer for Isaac & I at our wedding - to which I was so thankful at the heartfelt words she ushered to heaven on our behalf.


So grateful for these women - I hope to be half the woman that each of them are.
<3

Fill In The Blank Friday (TGIF!!)

It's time again to fill in some blanks!  Thanks to Lauren at thelittlethingswedo for providing us with the blanks!

 

1.   My last haircut was       the end of August, before my friend's wedding.  I'm in desperate need of a trim & color.  But I'm realyl wanting to grow my hair out...

2.  My most daring hair moment was       when I chopped 13inches off my hair the last day of spring break my junior year of high school.  It was right before our local Junior Miss pageant that I was in.  But it was so freeing -- and my hair has never been that long again *tear*

3.  A hairstyle I'd never be brave enough to try is       a bob -- I just think my face is too round to pull it off - it'd likely look like an odd bowl cut..yeesh!

4.  I've always dreamt of being a (blonde, brunette or red-head)  being brunette -- like the beautiful, deep brown.  But I love Isaac's color too...it's really dark brown(looks almost black), but when the sun hits it just right, you can see specks of red, it's beautiful! (Praying our kids get his hair!)  

 

5.  My go-to hair do is       straight & down - my hair is moderately wavy, but not wavy enough where I can get those pretty waves if I style it just right.  It's straight from the top of my head to about half way, then it's wavy, and then straight again. Bizarre I know. 

6.  My biggest hair disaster was      hmm...I'm usually pretty safe when it comes to my hair.  Probably when I got my hair cut right before high school graduation, and the gal cut it like right at my chin. Talk about accentuating my ultra round Norwegian face!

7.  A hairstyle I am dying to try is        I don't even know -- I'm what you would call "Hair Dumb."  Never have ever really figured out how to manipulate my hair to do anything fun.  I'm not talented in that way sadly

8.  My best hair day was       my wedding day.      .

 Side party, braid on one side & a bun (cuz my hair won't hold curls) with a BEAUTIFUL comb!

 

9.  The worst hairstyle I ever had was   easily when my hair was permed. GASP! Yes, I had my hair permed! It was the early to mid 90's, and my cousin had just graduated from the Vidal Sassoon academy in California - so I was a guinea pig.  Not the best look in the world to say the least!

10.  My hair is       pretty standard, gets frizzy if not maintained and is usually in about 1 of 5 different styles I can do.  Expansive repertoire I know.  

Thanks as always Lauren!

Days of Gratitude will continue today as well!

<3