Goin' to the Chapel

So we went on a hike to our favorte spot yesterday. First time we went there we talked about dating. Second time we went there we talked about marriage. Third time we went there

WE GOT ENGAGED!

AAA! I'm so excited and so super happy! I am such a blessed woman. Cody purposed on top of our favorite hiking spot overlooking corvallis. It was amazing. I couldn't even say yes cause I got all emotional (of course) but was able to shake my head and later say yes :) I can't thank God enough for this man...my fiance!

Holy smokes I have a fiance! EEEEK!

He did good :)

YES!!!

Summer Update

Wow, I really have not been on this place in a looong time. I apologize to those I know who follow it. It's been quit the fun-filled and busy last few months. I feel so blessed with the life that Christ has brought me to. There is so much love and blessings I have been given and I just celebrate him for all that he has done and all that he is. His love is overwhelming and has washed like a flood into my life. So to give you a very brief update before I take off again here is where I am right now.

Family:

The family is great! My sisters birthday is today. I am sending all of my love out into the universe hoping she feels hugs from Oregon! Eva is doing well and is more beautiful in spirit each day. My mom is doing well. She very much enjoys the fur covered buddy that has been a therapeutic blessing into her life. Even the cat is beginning to like Chin Chin. Dad is just as big of a kid and father as he has always been. My family is small and we do not have much, but we love each other and thats what matters.

Work:

I strive to appreciate the opportunities that God has used as a tool to get me back to Corvallis. Although one job in particular is a struggle and often days I cannot handle the stress and trials it brings, the point is it got me back to the place I belong and therefore I am sticking it out until God presents the next door that I'm supposed to take. I feel blessed to even have a job in this time of trials and I want to help those that don't. I know life is hard, but if you surrender Christ will provide for you!

Love:

This has been the biggest blessing in my life recently. I fin

ally decided to take myself out of the drivers seat and judging booth. I made a list of all the things that I wanted in a man, all the qualities, quirks and characteristics. I told God that the next man in my life would be chosen by him...and so he was. Cody has been th

e most amazing thing that has ever come into my life. Until you love someone fully for all that they are, for their love for Christ and for the love that they have for you...I couldn't imagine my life any other way. He brings out my smiles, my laughter, my silliness, all my quirks and a love that I have never experienced before. There are days when I just stare, unable to fathom how lucky I am, unable to describe how much my love consumes & pours out of me, how easy it is to see that Christ was behind this one. I cannot wait for this to go places as I know it will. I love you Cody Taylor, for all that you are and for all that you make me :)

There's not much else for me to talk about. It is so amazing to see Christ's work in my life, in my heart and in my love. I feel his love pour through my body, blessing all that I am and all that I hope to be. I pray that everyone will come to know his all consuming grace. Thank you for leading me back to the Church I love so much, to a love I could only dream of, to a family that is standing strong and to a city that runs through me. You are the reason I have all that I do.

Thank you!

WEBSITE MOVING

Holy smokes I actually did it. I decided to pursue a real life grown up job! I took photos of a wedding this weekend and it went very well. All my prayers, thank you for all the ones I received from others, were answered and I truly believe that God has blessed me with a talent that I can love and grow into. I have decided to start my own photography business. It's not going to be huge or expensive because I am still learning. However, I will be able to grow in this profession as I advance in my skill level as well.

Keep your eyes open. Soon this website will be no more and my photography blog will be up and running. Oh the name of my company?...

"Simply Kissed Photography"

"Simply Memorable, Simply Treasured, Simply Captured, Simply Kissed Photography"

:) EEEEEEEK!!!!

Garner Girls Photo Shoot

Okay, I would write more, but I'm waaay past my bedtime. It's almost midnight and I have to be up by 5am...shoot. I took my two sisters out on a photo shoot recently. I made them be my models for a day. So click on the caption under the photo and enjoy :)

Click Here: Garner Girls Photo Shoot

Photo Update!

Yeay! I'm finally done editing photos! It only took forever and a day.

So the first set is when I took photos for Jessie and her daughter Cierra. Note to self, make sure the child has a nap before a photo shoot and that there is stuff to entertain her. I was pleased with this shoot although it was a learning experience.

Click Here: Jessie and Cierra

The next group is of the Oregon Coast. Cody planned this whole surprise outing! It was very sweet. We went to the beach. Thirty minutes on the beach and the dog cut his pad. He was so happy he didn't even notice. We called a doctor and got instructions to bandage it and then cover it with duct tape...yes duct tape. Then we had a really nice time, a candle lit hot dog dinner

and would have watched the sunset if it hadn't gotten overcast. It was the sweetest thing ever.

Click Here: Surprise Trip to the Coast

Week 1

I know I haven't posted much as far as the move home. Sorry, i've been so excited about Corvallis that I haven't even really gone near a computer. It's so weird when you unplug yourself. I don't watch more than 1 tv show, i'm rarely on the computer, I use my phone only a handful of times.

I swear I will get more photos up soon. So far i've hung out in the sun, gone running, star gazing, worshiping, to the movies, to the park, for ice cream and so much more. Oh and I went to a Jimmy Buffett surprise party. That was a total blast! All I've got so far of Oregon photos are ones I've collected from others. I'm going on a surprise date today so if it is somewhere I can take photos I will :)

until then, this is all I've got :)

Cody and I at the Jimmy Buffett party

We were laughing so hard I could barely sit still. You know you're jealous of our super awesome hats ;)

Embarrassed for the Year

So I think I just topped all of my embarrassing moments forever. There is this very good looking patient that always comes into the office and we chat. This time he came in and we were all talking about hot yoga. You know, yoga where you turn up the heat. Usually we talk about snowboarding and stuff. He was talking about how he didn't really like the heat and was more of a mountain guy.

I said, and I wish I was kidding, "When are you ever in heat?"
He got a funny look on his face and replied "you mean like the climate?"

I realized what I had said and quietly said "yes"

I don't think my face has ever been that read. Plus he has an appointment tomorrow. Awesome

....I just asked a guy when he was in heat...

God, I wish I was making that up.

Taking a Chance

I've been called beautiful more times than I can count, slow danced in the kitchen, watched the sunset over the mountains of Corvallis, have the same opinions, beliefs and ides on pretty much everything, have butterflies, can't breath, laugh so hard my stomach aches, hike to spots that are breathtaking, talked about everything under and above the sun, hold hands, had the door opened for me, worshiped with and am totally smitten with the boy who used to live next door.

Let the rumors and gossip begin :)

Home

Home is not a place that you can necessarily choose. It's the place that courses through your blood, warming your heart at it's mere existence. Home is the place you want to grow old around, the parks you imagine yourself putzing around in greeting others as they pass by. The place that makes your heart stop the moment your eyes fall on that small "Welcome To" sign.

Home to me is Oregon. Prayer after prayer has been uttered off my desperate lips. Call after call asking the Lord to grant me a way back to that small country town. There is no greater place that I can imagine living in. Driving through the country last weekend I could feel the land in my soul calling me home. The fields dance their bits of grain in the wind, floating across the landscape into my heart. My hand dances on the wind as we drive.

My very being aches for that place, that moment, that time, that city.

Ask and you shall receive...God is taking me home :)

I am going home! The thought makes my heart pitter patter against my chest. Warming my blood beneath my skin. My hands jitter as I close my eyes, going back to that field of gold and tan. The trees pepper the backdrop of the landscape all enclosed by the outline of the rolling hills. I breath in, sighing and looking at the clock. Counting the days until I can drive past that Welcome To sign whispering I'm back.

...home...there is no other word like it

Driving at the speed of light

I sit back sigh and wonder...

What is the speed limit anyways?

Who's driving the car?

Does it matter?

How will I know when I've gone past it unless someone stops me and gives me a ticket? 

I wouldn't be able to take it back. Undo and pretend like I never pushed the pedal just a little farther to see if I was alone in the car of if the passenger seat was still taken. It's not the speed that makes look twice, think twice, breath twice before pressing harder on that pedal. Its the thought of being stopped. Being told I'm driving two fast. Being left alone in that car to stare at only the price tag on the ticket.

I sit back sigh and wonder...

Where do the daydreams take others?

Are they soon or forever?

Does it matter?

How will I know if they are the same to one another or simply similar in that they are in color?

These thoughts take up a majority of time in either mind. In all this time, is there ever a chance that their paths have crossed? That the same note has hit each heart? When no dreams ever leave the lips of the soul, they stay as dreams. These things cannot be measured unless a breath is taken and they jump from mind to words. Until then they simply stay daydreams, accomplishing nothing more than entertaining the mind and heart.

I sit back sigh and wonder...

Where the heck am I going?

Do I even have a map?

Does it matter?

What happens if I get off the trail and if I do get off who is going to tell me?

I sometimes feel like I'm just staring at this map screaming "where the heck am I going?" I don't want to follow a road aimlessly because the sun shines perfectly on me and the air is sweet. This hiker is one in need of direction no matter how perfect the trail is because sooner or later there is bound to be a fork in the road and I need to know which direction to turn. I don't know which way is which and I need to know what that path holds.

I sit back sigh and wonder...a smile curls...I get goosebumps.

...when will I stop wondering?

If only I could read minds

I know that there was this break in the postings and now there's even 2 in one day! It's crazy how much I feel the need to write when thoughts are flowing through my mind. It's just one expression after the next.

So I've discovered I'm not a sign person. I don't catch the little signs that others around me see. To be quit honest I'm as blind as a bat when it comes to signs. This has in the past led to some very embarrassing moments of course. Highly entertaining of course and not to mention fantastically hilarious stories, but still a bit embarrassing.

If only there was a way to just look at a person and know what's going on in their head. Expression of emotion is up for interpretation unless you utter words in their presence. I wonder often what my words mean to those who dare to read. What my writing has made them think. Is it good? Is it bad? Is it weird? This place is a glimpse into my heart, a way to express what I have no voice to do. The reactions of others trickle in and out of my thoughts as I type each word.

Trickling in again. I wonder...I imagine. What you are thinking, how you are feeling. Why this knowledge dances so often in my mind still remains a mystery, but it is always there. Like clockwork the nights and mornings come with a sense of excitement these days. Daydreams begin to enter my daily routine as if they have always been there. I look towards home and wonder. There it is again, the daydreams begin to take over. A smile creases across my face as I let it wander. Even for just a moment, it drifts off to a place of bliss and pure happiness. This feeling refuses to leave my heart. Slowly spreading to every corner of my mind while I try to reign them back to reality.

...I wonder again...what do you wonder?

The flow of thoughts and words

I have to give it up to God's grace. These days my patience has thoroughly been tested. Each day it seems like there is some new task that must be completed, a different path I must look at, some new advice that I try to smile and say "yeah, sure. I'll think about that" If it wasn't for God, I'm sure my strength would not be as solid as it is now. These days I've learned to lean on him more and more. Taking to heart the words that I read. Analyzing what he would think about the decisions I made.

Today I got to talk to my amazing Auntie. No matter what, every time I close our conversation there seems to be this solid sense and assurance of who I am. This woman is a magnetic and has an energy that travels to those who care to be enveloped in it. The care free attitude that she so humbly emits is intoxicating. I would love to be seen by my future nephews and nieces as she is in my eyes.

These days I've been laughing a lot. Each day has brought a new simple moment of blessing and happiness. Little words that dance from the screen to my heart. They capture it more and more each day. Unable and unwilling to turn away, I am surrounded by this new beginning, this sun shining into my life. Yet I stand at the edge, looking at where I'm about to fall. I know where I'm going, I know what will happen if I let it, I know secretly the thoughts and dreams in the back of my head yet I dare not utter them into existence. Another note hits the screen, I smile and take another step towards that edge, knowing there is a net at the bottom and that I will never hit the ground. My past brings up memories that too good to has lead to a settled life and dreams disappearing into the night. I've gotten closer to that edge than I thought I would. I guard myself, but I take another step. My fear and reservations slowly melting away, slipping off into the distance.

The lunch clock ticks another moment closer to the end of this day. Trying desperately to regain my focus to tasks more tedious and mundane I push the process of thought back into my mind, tucked away in that little corner only to be revisited later today.

Life is a funny thing, just when you think you've got it figured out...it throws you a silver lining :)

The Face of the Silver Lining

This entry may not make a bunch of sense to a lot of people, but it will make sense to a few. You know who you are, but names are not important. This entry is more for those individuals and me.

Life can take you on some pretty rough roads. Recent events have got me thinking where and just how I ended up where I am today. There have been a lot of thoughts running through my head. Where do I go? What do I do? When do I decide? How fast should I go? Just a consistent flow of thought after thought.

I have learned so much this last year. There is this entire other side to me that has developed and grown into maturity. I love it and I feel it's beautiful. There is such an appreciation for the things I thought were silly and boring growing up. A simple walk through some beaten path in the country which many of us call our back yard. Sitting and simply listening to the sounds of peacefulness. Those wheat grass fields blow softly in the breeze inside my head.

There are a few who I have learned are my grounding rocks, my most precious friends for ever and ever. Your endless phone conversations have left a lasting impression on my soul. You are such a good friend and it is by Gods grace that we both ended up in Washington to go through life together. You will find your happily ever after someday and he will be wonderful. I can't wait to be your friend through the rest of life's journey.

The family that has always been there for me. Like Christ himself, time and time again you lift me up. You don't hesitate to share that love that pours from you heart. Others search their whole lives to find a dedication such as yours. I can't wait to live closer to you so we can share in the simple pleasures more often. I miss you. I'm coming home someday.

And then there's you. You who has sparked something inside of me. The faith in the good in this world. The belief that there is a blessing in everything. The beauty that is the awkwardness. You have come out of nowhere and now are everywhere. You leave me without words.

People go through live no knowing how incredible those people are who come into their lives. I have been touched by your life and your spirit and I am forever changed. Thank you for just being you.

More Details to Come

I know I have been terrible at updating my blog. There has been a whole slew of changes to my life, but all have a positive blessing to them. There was the most amazing message today at church about just surrendering to God's love and letting him guide your life even though you may not know the destination. I definitely have questions of where I'm going and how I'm going to get there, but recently there has been this desire for more and more of his work in my life. 

Here's the scoop of my life recently and a "wham, bam, thank you mam" format.

1. I got a new job as an Administrative Assistant at a chiropractors office.

2. I recently entered the singles category as some of you already may have known.

3. I moved into a great house with 5 awesome room mates and 1 sweet dog.

4. I've visited Oregon a couple of times and feel a strong pull to my hometown. 

5. I become comfortable with my ridiculous, always positive, super cheery attitude that in the past has kept me a bit reserved since I never wanted to be "that silly girl who can't stop smiling" Its true, I can't and I wont :)

So yeah, much more to come soon. The sun is out and I cannot focus on a blog while there's time to play outside!

No Spring for Washington

So the other day I decide that I need a cute pair of rain boots. They have been in style for quit some time and living in the Pacific Northwest, these are a great investment. Plus then I get to go shopping for more shoes. If you know me, you know that I always enjoy shoe shopping.

Anyways, I go to Target where I always find everything. I find rain boots...lime green rain boots. Hmmm not exactly what I was looking for. I guess I thought I'd find a variety. So I head next door to Payless Shoe Source. A place where their soul purpose in life is to provide shoes. Again, gross lime green rain boots. UGH! Getting frustrated I try TJ Max. They don't have any at all. After going into 4 more stores in the MALL I begin to feel the annoyance rising inside of me.

Everywhere I go, every store, every display, every story is the same thing.
"Oh I'm sorry. We don't have anymore rain boots. They were removed to make room for our summer sandal sale. You're like the 5th person to ask me that." Really, I think. I kind of stared at her avoiding the urge to ask her how many pairs she had actually sold that day compared to how many people sales of rain boots she's turned down. Oh and just to give you an idea of how ridiculous that whole thing is IT SNOWED THAT DAY! Yeah. Snow. In March. In Tacoma. Where apparently it is summer and people need to buy flip flops.

Are you kidding me? When was the last time you saw the sun...let's be honest here. People in the Pacific Northwest are naturally (i say this 'cause many invest in a high powered bulb sun) pale for a reason. We have no sun! Well...actually we do have a sun. It's the orange ball you see in the sky for 2-3 months out of the year.

I guess I'll just have to give in and order them online. I do enjoy online shopping, but it is in no way comparable to having shoes lined up in front of you to try on as you like.

...flip flops. I hate your marketers.

Single Life, Chapter Two

I'm not a huge fan of the phrase "break up". It has such a negative connotation. When people say it they associate anger, yelling, hurt, tears, sadness. The end to relationships are not all the same.

Mine, was fairly pleasant actually. I won't lie. The end to a relationship sucks. I love Jed very much and he loves me. We will miss each other a lot, but that isn't what makes a relationship work. Jed and I had a long talk the other day. This was a decision that was foreseen, but not addressed. Eventually, the truth of the matter came out in a very mature and practical conversation.

Life has brought many things to Jed and I. We have had ups and downs, twists and turns. Through the years we have gone through a lot together. We have shared many memories together. We have learned to live life together. There is a big love that Jed and I have for each other. It is this love that has helped us realize that some things are more important than others.

Through these years we have grown and developed into wonderful, mature people who are not necessarily the same people we were when we started dating. We've developed different interests, hobbies and preferences.

At the end we both realize that at this time we are just at different places in our lives. Our pasts, similar in nature, have made us aware of how important it is to be honest in a relationship. Rather than force a relationship that isn't working, we wanted to end this with a friendship beautifully intact.

Jed and I are still great friends. I'm staying where I am until I find a great house with some nice room mates. I know I can count on him whenever I need. He knows I'm always here for him. Someday I will meet my christian husband and we will have a house chock full of kiddos. I know that some girl, who is better fit for him, will make him very happy and look great on the back of his motorcycle.

So...break up? No not really. The beginning of a great friendship? Yes. I like that much better :)

Chihuly Glass Night

Recently I met up with a wonderful group of photographers. There was a Chihuly Glass exhibit in a local greenhouse. The arrangements, the colors, the shapes. They were beautiful. I had a great time taking photographs of these works of art.

Check out the art

Oregon, My 'Ol Stomping Grounds

So this weekend I went to Oregon, the place I grew up. This part has my heart, but this was the first place where I truely felt like I was a Wash..atonian? Anyways, I missed Washington and the boyfriend. I'm very excited I've moved and have such a wonderful love and friends.

Thursday there was a wonderful memorial for an amazing man named Phil Bauer. There were so many people at the service 

that they had to open the back and add more chairs. Even then there were some people standing. I think that speaks volumes about the man we will always remember. I read a piece I wrote, which is a couple of blogs down.

Friday I consumed way too much coffee as I booked 4 coffee dates in one day. By the time dinner rolled around I needed food asap because I could feel the caffinee. I had a great time reconnecting with my friends. I'm so excited for Miranda and Andy's wedding. They are just the most perfect couple and ar

e truely meant to be.

Saturday was spent with the family at the very muddy dog park. If I were anywhere else I would have minded the mass amounts of mud on my pants. However, in Corvallis you can walk around covered in mud and no one would mind. Then it was off to the wonderful night of worship with the Rockin Worship Band. We raised a good amount of money for the Bauers and had lots of wonderful time with God. I loved it and afterwards everyone went to Sharie's. Memories of after-dance/prom dinners flooded Chelle and my memory.

Sunday rolled around and I finally had breakfast with Jill. She is a wonderful woman and will make an amazing mother. I think God has truely blessed her life. The drive wans't bad, but I was glad to be home. I took some photos while I was there. Some are cool, some are just interesting.

Click here to see family, pups and Oregonian things

Hanging By a Moment - Lifehouse

It's interesting, I heard this song on two different stations. The first said this song was about heartache and love. The second said that this was the love for God that is felt. I find this song interesting.

Desperate for changing 
Starving for truth 
I'm closer to where I started 
Chasing after you 
I'm falling even more in love with you 
Letting go of all I've held onto 
I'm standing here until you make me move 
I'm hanging by a moment here with you 

Forgetting all I'm lacking 
Completely incomplete 
I'll take your invitation 
You take all of me now... 

I'm falling even more in love with you 
Letting go of all I've held onto 
I'm standing here until you make me move 
I'm hanging by a moment here with you 
I'm living for the only thing I know 
I'm running and not quite sure where to go 
And I don't know what I'm diving into 
Just hanging by a moment here with you 

There's nothing else to lose 
There's nothing else to find 
There's nothing in the world 
That can change my mind 
There is nothing else 
There is nothing else 
There is nothing else 

Desperate for changing 
Starving for truth 
I'm closer to where I started 
Chasing after you.... 

I'm falling even more in love with you 
Letting go of all I've held onto 
I'm standing here until you make me move 
I'm hanging by a moment here with you 
I'm living for the only thing I know 
I'm running and not quite sure where to go 
And I don't know what I'm diving into 
Just hanging by a moment here with you 

Just hanging by a moment (here with you) 
Hanging by a moment (here with you) 
Hanging by a moment here with you 

Mute Monday: Big (roadside attractions)

Fuzzy Friends

I've finally put together a little collection of my furry friends. Of course you know that the little pug is my friend Jiggles. The other ones include cute pups from a local dog fair and the creative critters known as my own Cleo and Spot. I want a job where I can take photos of animals all day long. So Cute! Let me know what you think.

Check them out!

Recently I've offered to take photos for my local humane society. These photos are ones that were needed for the January bulletin. However, I'll hopefully start taking photos of the animals that need to be adopted. Here is what I've got so far...it's not much, but it's important. This is something that I'm not only passionate about, but finally feel good doing. Let me know what you think.

Check them out :)

Phil Bauer - The man with the always open door

They say that once in a lifetime you meet a person that will forever change your life. Someone who touches your heart to a degree that is indescribable. As much as many of us would like to admit, we are not products solely of our parents rising. Instead, we are a product of those we meet in life, those who become part of our life, and those who take more than a moment to make a lasting impression. Today, I can honestly say that in some way or another, we are products of Phil Bauer.

A great man is not just someone who spouts wisdom, tells great jokes, and respects those who are around him. A great man, instead, is someone who shares wisdom with you, someone who makes you laugh, and someone who genuinely cares, without reservations, about almost anyone they meet. Phil was an overly silly, completely happy, joke-telling, sometimes dorky, amazingly kind, hat wearing, family cherishing, dancing fool. Phil was a great man.

When you were friends with the Bauer’s, there was never a dull moment. Like the time that there was an actual race from Foster Lake in Sweethome back to the house in Philomath. When Phil would find out you had a crush on someone and decided that they ought to know. And let me just say that any man who wears a Gorilla mask, wraps bananas in tin foil and comes screaming down the hallway when the kids are watching horror movies…that’s a man you’ll never forget.

As we give our condolences, I’d like to avoid using the word goodbye because by the grace of God, we will see him again and Kathy you will be able to have another dance. Phil may be with the Lord, but he is not gone. You see, Phil has left such an impact on hundreds of children over the years, that he will never be gone. The lessons that he taught us, the wisdom that he shared, the love that he gave is passed from him, to us, to our children. So Phil will always stay alive in those memories, those stories and that wisdom.

Phil was a great man. And I feel blessed that I was able to be touched by even an ounce of the love flowed from him. I loved and will always love you Phil.

Thank you for all that you've done.

Not by the Hairs on my Chin Chin

So, this weekend was "Operation: Get Mom a Dog". We searched and searched. I have to say, all those websites and all those dogs. Sad faces from the rescue sites, silly faces from the breeder sights. I'm so glad I don't ever have to look for dogs again or I would have a household of animals.

Finally last night we were contacted by a woman who had an older pug that need more love than she could give. The moment the photo flashed across the screen, rolls and all...we knew. This was the one. This was the dog for mom.

Friday our hopes were confirmed when a happy, energetic 5 year old pug jumped...well kinda rolled... out of the car. All she wanted to do was love and love and kiss and kiss. It was amazing. It truely was love at first sight.


Finally after a LOOHOONG drive home in the worst fog ever we arrived at home. Mom was thrilled, very shocked and stunned for a moment but happy. She had been searching for a dog already and we just beat her to the punch. It was perfect.


She's a overweight and only has vision in one eye. She is such a happy dog and in much need a good home. I know we have found her one. She has little quirks that need mothering which is perfect for a lady who's children have all flown the nest.


Chin Chin, the pug, instantly started following her around, wondering what she was doing. When my mom sat down Chin Chin hoped...or was lifted...onto the couch. She didn't want to sit at her feed, but instead cuddled up on her lap. They follow eachother around now, go on walks, talk to eachother, snuggle. It's a little match made in heaven.

Chin Chin is perfect. She is family. I love her. meet Chin Chin!

The Big Picture

This weather has really tried my patience. Christmas is one of my favorite times in the year, so when my family decided to come up I was thrilled. However, life loves curveballs and decided to throw a giant snow covered one in my direction. Devistated that the snow had prevented my family from coming for Christmas we eagerly rescheduled.

"This weekend I am supposed to be in Corvallis. I am supposed to be with my family. I am supposed to be spending time with loved ones" these thoughts filled my head as I bitterly watched the flood waters rise higher and higher. Wondering how on earth I could have not one, but two Christmas celebrations ruined by the weather was beyond me. It was one of those days where I was bitter and just wanted to stay bitter.

I closed my eyes as I began to worship tonight at church. Asking God to just make it stop raining, I prayed for an open highway. Through the night, I listened to pastor and my heart began to soften. The glory of God's plan seemed to fall bit by bit into my mind. Realizing the plan my heart melted and I realized how beautiful this plan was and is.

This rain should not make me bitter, should not make me miss my family and should not affect me in any way. This rain is about those stranded by the waters and the homes that are shaken by this flood. This rain was never about me or should affect me, it is about others and my prayers needed to go to them, not to myself. It put me in a very humbling realization. Though with the realization, I began to feel smaller in this tiny world.

Also realizing the beauty of how I was affected. If I went down this weekend I would not see my sister Eva, who is always gone during my trips. I probably would not have postponed this trip by my own choice so God, in his loving manner, showed me why it was beautiful to wait.

He adds beauty to everything. We are all a part of this flood. Whether we are part of the helpless or part of the helpers, everyone is affected and banded together. And that...is so...so beautiful.

Thank you Father God for making sense of it all. I trust in you!

The Holiday Rundown - Chapter 1: Christmas

Okay ladies and gents. It's the new year and I'm actually sitting down for a change. Shocking I know :) Time to breath and get back on track, following that whole "fresh start thing". That being said, I'm sorry if this blog is long. Feel free to take breaks, use the restroom and do it in pieces :)


I have to say after all of the hype about a "White Christmas" is this...eh. It was cool that it was snowy as it added to the holiday spirit. However, I live in a place where snow is never seen and treated as a National State of Emergency. That being said, I would rather have my rainy and wet Christmas as opposed to the city wide panic that seem to ensue. Aside from my over annoyance with people who thought 2 inches of snow meant chains and studded tires, our Christmas was rather good! It was quiet.


On a separate note, I did have a "Christmas Miracle" this year! My mother sent my Christmas gifts the week of Christmas. If you have ever done this, you know to add about 3 extra days for arrival time due to the fact that everyone on earth is rushing to get gifts mailed. Upset, but understanding my mom accepted the fact that UPS stated my gifts would arrive the Tuesday after Christmas. However, Christmas Eve rolled around and there on my doorstep was my Christmas package! It was wonderful! The cat's enjoyed the box as part of their gift too :)


Jed finally realized that I will always be that gift list shopper, wrapping paper crazed and decorating fool during Christmas time.So, the stockings were hung, the tree was decorated (we opted for a small shelf version out of kitty range), the gifts were wrapped with all the trimmings and Christmas Dinner was planned. I slept in on Christmas...which means about 8 am. The excitement overtook me and it was time. Present Time!! Very proud in my gift selections for the boyfriend (a binary code watch, laundry folder and donation to Toys for Tots) I gave first. All were hits, but non as much as the donation. That's what I love about him :)


Then was his turn...I was worried. I had asked jokingly for an iron for Christmas. Unfortunately that is what Jed kept telling me he got me. Now, Jed is a wonderful man and has a very loving heart. That being said he hasn't always been known for giving the best gifts. So when I picked up my gift, the size of an iron, I was worried. To my surprise and complete excitement he presented me with a gift I have been wanting for years and years. I received the complete Charlie Brown holiday collection complete with the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas specials. I was even more surprised when I opened the second gift and found the Ultimate Christmas Classics. You know, those clay-mation Santa and Rodolph specials that play every year? We popped in A Charlie Brown Christmas and...well we took a nap. Sad, didn't even make it past the credits.


After a nap, breakfast, TV and another nap (we decided to catch up and relax) we got ready for Christmas Dinner! Mmmmm Cornish Game Hens, green beans with Bacon and onions, rolls, mash potatoes and gravy! Whew! The preparation was so much fun. I love my kitchen, but could really use a bigger one. I wrestled with pots touching each other because the burners are so close together.



The cat decided that she wanted to help too. Not sure what the cat's fascination with my sink is, but she seems to think it's the Bees Knees. Although she was mad later that her tail tasted like soap. Hopefully she'll learn...probably not.

All in all a delicious dinner was made. After thanking God for a very blessed year we dug in. I have to say, eating those hens made me feel a bit like a giant! I mean the drumstick was so small!! Being full and happy I have to say it was a wonderful Christmas.


Thanks to my family for calling from Oregon, thanks to Jed for being wonderful holiday company and everyone who sent their blessings. Woohoo! I hope yours was equally blessed.

Next up...New Years!