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!

Best Christmas Gift Ever!

My wonderfully tallented Aunt Ande sent me a Beautiful ornament. Oh I'm so excited to display it all :) Sorry everyone, but she wins the "Coolest Gift" Award this year. I'm headed to Ikea tonight to get some things, one which is a stand for this piece of art. She is incredibly talented and has so much beauty to offer.

Check Her Out!