Reflecting and Thanking

2012 has been a very difficult year for a lot of people.  In my own life I lost my dad in June and my grandma in November.  Last week I attended the memorial of Julie Leidner, my friend's mom who passed away on the 17th. The poem in the bulletin really touched me.  This is for all of you missing loved ones this holiday season.

Spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year

I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like Heavens stars
Reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away the tears
For I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear
But earthly music cant compare
With the Christmas choir up here

I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring
For its beyond description
To hear the angels sing

I know how much you miss me,
Trust God and have no fear
For I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year

I can’t tell you of the splendor
Or the peace here in this place
Can you imagine Christmas
With our savior, face to face

May God uplift your spirit
As I tell him of your love
Then pray for one another
As you lift your eyes above

So let your hearts be joyful
And let your spirits sing
For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven
And I’m walking with the king. 

My Dad's slide show:

My Grandma's slide show:

I am so thankful for all of my family and friends that have been so supportive this year!  You are all a such a blessing, and I don't know how I would have gotten through without your love.

While this year was difficult, there were also moments of laughter and blessings.  My favorite moment: finding out on Labor day that Jon and I are becoming parents in the Spring!

As I write this post, I feel Baby's little kicks, and can't help but be reminded of my favorite verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  I know I quote it a lot, but it's what has gotten me through so many hard times: 
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I pray that no matter what you've gone through this year, or what you may be going through, you can still see the good and be thankful for the people in your life!

Saaaaweeeet Meatloaf!

If you love meatloaf that is juicy, sweet, and crunchy on top, then you will LOVE my mom's recipe!  It was the first "meal" I ever made on my own.  DELICIOUS!

My Mom!

*Note: She doesn't measure, just eyeballs.  :)

You will need:

• 1/2 onion
• 2 eggs
• brown sugar
• ketchup
• Heinz 57 sauce
• saltine crackers (one whole "sleeve")
• 2 lbs beef
• mixing bowl

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Using a rolling pin, smash up all the crackers.
3. Chop the onion.
4. In a mixing bowl, mush the burger (with your hands! :P)  *You may need a helper for this next part since your hands will be full of burger*
5. Mix in all of the listed ingredients with the beef.  (I am sorry that I don't have any exact measurements for ya.  It depends on how sweet you like your meatloaf).
6. Put the yumminess that will be meatloaf in a loaf pan (covered with aluminum foil).
7. Bake for 50 minutes.
8. Take off the aluminum foil and poor a mixture of Heinz 57 and brown sugar on top.
9. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until meatloaf is at 170 degrees.
10. Viola! You have a delicious, sweet, juicy meatloaf!

 

I only wish I would have taken a picture of the INSIDE so you could have seen how JUICY it was!

PS I know this picture of meatloaf doesn't look pretty, but when does meatloaf ever look as good as it smells and tastes?!

This one is a tough one...

It hits me the most random times.  Sometimes during a session with one of my clients I have to hold back the tears.  There are no warnings; it just hits me.  Yes, we are all thankful that we had the opportunity to say goodbye.  It doesn't make this hurt any easier though.  I miss him so much. I miss him more than I could ever thought imaginable.  I miss hearing his voice.  I miss his silly voice mails.  Even though he was unable to hug back, I miss being able to hug him.  I miss my Dad and Mom together as one.  
"You are so strong.  You are the strongest person I know."  This has been said to me by so many people over the last few months, it amazes me.  Ever since I can remember, my dad has said to me "Everything happens for a reason."  Even his last few weeks I said to him, "Dad, I am so sorry this is happening to you".  His reply? "It's just the way it is."  He is the strongest man I have ever known.  Since June 29th, I have woken up at random times during the night just sobbing.  I cannot control it.  I know it's part of grieving, but as someone who hates to cry, this really sucks.  I love this verse:
Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
 We don't weep for my Dad.  He is not in pain anymore; he is at peace.  We weep for ourselves. We miss him so much.
 My mom.  I am so proud of my mom.  Every time she feels defeated she says, "God, I need your help.  How do I get through this?" God is going to use my mom in such amazing ways, I can just feel it.  Her determination to pick herself up and keep going is inspirational.
At the same time this is going on, my dad's sister is helping my grandparent's get ready for a life changing event of their own.  She hasn't been home in five weeks, and it's not looking like she will be home soon.  The sacrifices she is making to take care of her parents is amazing. 
With all of this, my sister is continuing to work at the camp God has called her to.  There are days she just wants to cover her face, but she keeps going.  Keeps following God's plan for her.
 Through all of this pain, all of this hardship, all of this seeming like bad things will never end, these three keep on smiling.  Even if it's only for five minutes a day, they smile.  Just as my dad did even in his last days.
It's faith.  It's holding on to the Hope. It's knowing it's okay to cry, to be mad, to feel angry with God.  This is what gets us through.  Everyone goes through hardships.  

Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

 Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Though it is hard to see the light at the end of this tunnel of extreme transitions (for my family as well as many others), we need to keep our eyes focused on the real reason we here in the first place. We are God's children.  We are to worship Him.  We are to love others.  We are just on this earth temporarily.

 Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 
 Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 
Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 

The Bible certainly doesn't say life is going to be easy.  It may seem like other people have easier lives, but everything is relative.  You have no idea what someone is truly going through inside.  My dad was right when he would say,"Everything happens for a reason".  I know my family certainly wouldn't have this faith; or be as close as we are now.  There are many times we want to hug each other, pull out each others hair.  But I know I can come to them with anything.  We will never know why things happen the way the do until we are gone.  We need to accept that and lean on Him.  Until you are completely broken, you do not know the true strength you have through Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

 

Arizona!

This past week, my husband and I flew to AZ to visit some family.  We. Had. A. Blast!  We visited The Desert Museum, Old Tuscon Studio, and The Tonto Natural Bridge.  All of which I HIGHLY recommend visiting! It was our first vacation together and we can't wait to have another one! :)

Landing in Phoenix, AZ

The Desert Museum

A hummingbird (Can you see it?)

Hubby and I in a cave!

The Old Tuscon Studio

Hubby, Myself, and Uncle

The Tonto Natural Bridge

For my Parents

Tomorrow (the 17th) will be my parents' 27th wedding anniversary.  They have been through more than most couples could imagine, and yet they remain devoted to one another!  They are a wonderful example of their wedding vows, "In sickness AND in health".  I love you both so much, and I am so blessed you are my parents!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Love, Me :)

Just You and I- Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle

 Just you and I,

Sharing our love together.

February 17th, 1985

And I know in time,We'll build the dreams we treasure.
We'll be all right, just you and I.

Just you and I
Just you and I

Sharing our love together
And I know in time,
And I know in time,
We'll build the dreams we treasure.
And we'll be all right,
Just you and I.

Renewing Vows- February 17th, 2010

And I remember our first embrace,
That smile that was on your face,
The promises that we made.
And now your love is my reward,
And I love you even more,
Than I ever did before.

Just you and I Just you and I
We can entrust each other,
With you in my life,
With you in my life,They'll never be another.We'll be all right,
Just you and I.

 
We made it you and I. 

 

 

If you're trying to lose weight:

    (This is going to be a bit choppy.  I am trying to share without getting into TMI and I am in a hurry, lol)
  
    I have always been a chubbier person; due to lack of exercise, poor eating habits, etc.  In 2002, my junior year of high school, I lost 30 pounds by rarely eating and doing aerobics (awful).  Freshman year of college I gained 20 pounds, sophomore year another 10, junior year another 10, senior year another 10... By the end of 2007 I had gained over 50 pounds since high school!  I had maintained this weight for a few years. 
    Of course during all of this time I had *tried* to lose weight.  Various weight loss programs, work outs, diets, etc. Nothing worked! My doctor told me that my ovarian cysts may be what was causing my facial break out and weight gain/what was making it difficult to lose weight. 
   I just accepted that and figured I would just be a chubby person the rest of my life.  Then I learned about processed foods and dairy.  I encourage you to do research on processed foods people.  I have *pretty much* given up dairy and processed foods. My husband and I eat sooo many fruits and vegetables, organic foods, and drink almond milk now.  We are even cutting out a lot of common household chemicals, deodorants, and perfumes.
  I used to have to go to the doctor every six weeks to check on my cysts.  Guess what?  Last time I was at the doctor, they were gone.  They still come back but not so big or painful anymore.  I don't get as many stomach aches anymore, my face is clearing up, I have more energy to work out longer...
    What I am trying to say is, do your research before spending a ton of money on diets, etc.  I used to weigh 185 (my highest was 195) and was a size 18 pant.  Now I am 164 and size 12 pant.  How?  Eating less processed foods/dairy and A TON of fruits and vegetables.  Taking vitamins.  Being active at least 30 minutes a day... You NEED a support system!  My husband has been so amazing during all of this! This website is SO encouraging and FREE! YOU HAVE TO WANT THIS!
   I still want to lose another 20 pounds, but a friend asked me what I had done so I wanted to share with others who may be trying to lose weight too!
   This process has been s-l-o-o-o-o-o-o-w for me.  BUT.  At least it's working!

How were my resolutions?

I did a half way check off last summer.  Lets see how I did since:

1) READ BIBLE EVERY DAY!
I can honestly tell you that it makes my day a lot better to start it out with scripture!


2) Raise at least $400 for the MS walk on Sunday May 1, 2011.  I want to walk the 7 miles so...
ACCOMPLISHED!  We raised $1,215.00 AND walked the full 7!

3) Be prepared to walk the 7 miles by walking everyday for at least an hour (or more)!
I did not walk EVERY DAY but I DID walk a lot to prepare!  I have dropped 23 pounds and pretty close to three pant sizes! (I say close because my current size is still snug).

4) Take vitamins everyday!
So far so good!

5) Teach Gino new tricks.
We have taught him hide and seek with his new buddy Vinny! :)



And now as I did last year: FAVORITE MOMENTS OF 2011!

Celebrating our 1st Year Anniversary!

Spending time at our favorite spot with this man. :)

 Adopting Gino's new favorite buddy- Vinny!

 The MS walk in honor of my Dad.

 Celebrating our friend Ben's wedding!

 Getting poured stormed on at the Aquacentennial parade.

 Enjoying life with fun friends!

 Making a difference!

Being silly with family.

 Getting to know this amazing family better!

 Cheering on my sister-in-law at her first marathon!

 Spending time with extended family at the reunion!

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT 2012 HOLDS!