Ever wonder what we'll look like old and grey?

Jason's family thought it would be funny to put me in one of Great Grandma's wigs... and surprise Jason... man was he surprised! 

Then I convinced him to try one on too... 

Look at us GROWING OLD together! :-)

Thanksgiving part 3

Instead of making one super long post- I broke our trip into segments...

We spent Thursday and Friday night at Jason aunts house in Bloomington. On Friday we met his Grandma Schneider and his Aunt's family (dad's sister) at Culver's for dinner. It was good to see Bethany and Christopher- they've grown up a lot since our last visit- we took a picture with jason and I, his brother John and then Bethany and Christopher... I like to comical one better.

 http://www/facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1632778&top=1&to=globarl&subj=1059943248&id=602347974#/photo.php?pid=1632778&top=global&view=global&subj=1059942348&id_602347974

Saturday, we drove up to Rockford, where Jason's parents live. (like 2 hours north)

That night Jason and I cleaned out his room. We threw away like 5 bags of trash (old papers from high school and love notes from girls ;) lol

Then we gathered up another 3 bags of clothes and such to donate to good will, or the mission- or where ever his mom ends up taking them. :)

Sunday we went to Jason's home church and got to chat with some people, Jas hadn't seen in a long time. Later that afternoon Becky (jason's mom) and I showed Jason and Ron (his dad) how to play Monopoly- we schooled them! It was awesome!

Monday our flight was a little delayed because of all the SNOW! It started snowing Sunday morning- and didn't stop really. O'hare was delayed by hours- Rockford airport only by about 30 min- but they found a short cut and we were only about 10 min late landing! Another shout out for Allegiant Air! :)

Side note... I did pretty good for the whole diet thing. I managed to still drink two shakes a day- and eat one meal a day with the family without it being too awkward.  I was scared to weigh in this week- so hopefully I can make up for the pumpkin pie, and potatoes this week by being extra good! :)

Cutie patootie!

Friday morning, while Becky, Phyllis, and I were doing a little christmas shopping Jason and John were hanging out with hannah- they had a lot of fun with the photo booth on our mac. She is 3- and super cute! We hate not getting to see her more often- so we soak it all up while we are there! These were some of my favorites!

Snow Trip

Jason and I went to Illinois for Thanksgiving this year. We went back to Illinois once when we were dating for thanksgiving, spent two with my family, and two in Arizona. We added it up- and we are all tied for Thanksgiving obligations as of now... Christmas is a little different story. Having worked in retail for the last 5 holiday seasons- I didn't get enough time off to travel anywhere during the "busiest shopping season", so with a new liberating career, we hope to visit more often!

We arrived Thursday at 11am, in Peoria, about an hour from Fareberry (sp?) where Jason's great Grandmas house is. She passed away this summer, and we weren't able to get back for her funeral- the family decided to keep things in her house just as they were, so we could all get together for one last Thanksgiving meal there. After lunch all the great grand kids were given sheets of paper and told to look through the house and garage (where some things had been moved) and write down things they wanted- and then the kids would decide if two people wanted the same thing. Luckily this was a painless process. No fighting, no bickering, only understanding and family!

Jason found some tools his great grandpa had used,(who passed away before I met Jason) I found some Christmas towels and lights! We were given a quilt she had made before she passed, and one hand made with butterflies on it- we thought that it would be perfect for a little girls room someday.

We filled a large suitcase 75 pounds full. I was a little nervous about the $$$ to get it back. Before we set it on the scale, I told the lady, we inherited a few things from Jason's great grandma, and that it really meant alot to be able to have these things, but that the bag was heavier than the 50 pound limit. She had us put it on the scale, and she shook her head, this would cost over $50 to take back, but are you just taking it home? We said yes, and she said then I'll over look it! Praise Jesus for nice people in the airline industry! (ALLEGIANTAIR.COM)

Thankful

Well this has been a LOOONNNGGG year! A year full of lessons learned.

I have so much to be thankful for! We are thankful for those lessons learned. We are thankful for LIFE! 

Life has been a reoccurring theme for us this year. The loss of life, the excitement of new life, and the loss of it all over again.

Life which all comes from our loving heavenly father, is a precious gift. 

Father I pray I never take my life for granted! I pray I never take life in family and in friends for granted either.

I've learned that TODAY is the day to say I LOVE YOU. TODAY is the day to as for forgiveness; and today is the day to apologize. Today is the best day to do anything!

I've learned that jobs come and go. (with 3 different jobs this year)

I've learned that life is too short to do something you hate, or to work with people who take you for granted, or to sell a product you don't believe in.

I've learned how to rely on GOD when life isn't what I had planned. When life throws that curve ball, that hits you in the chest. 

I'm learning now to take better care of this short life- by eating healthy, taking supplements, and exercise.

 I Pray that my friends and family will do similar things to keep themselves healthy- to spend more time living and less time dying.

On this holiday of life, this holiday of giving thanks, I wanted to take this chance to say how thankful I am for you in my life! My family, my friends who have become a part of our family. My Husband- without whom I wouldn't have made it through this year standing, let alone with a smile. You all have made this life bearable, enjoyable, and worth living!

THANK YOU!

Invite!

 Healthy for life Seminar

YOU and a guest are invited!

Saturday November 22, 2008

5:00-6:30 pm (arrive at 4:45)

Seville Gold & Country Club

Private Dining room - Boleros

6683 S Clubhouse Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85298

RESET YOUR BODY, RESET YOUR LIVE

FEEL BETTER THAN EVER!

This FREE introductory eveing will take you through Dr. Ray Strand's revolutionary "Healthy For Life" Program and help you determine if it is right for you. 

Learn about low-glycemic eating, stabilizing your blood sugar and cutting your cravings for sustainable weight loss. Learn why diest don't work and how to retrain the body by addressing insulin imbalance.

LOSE THE POUNDS. LOSE THE CRAVINGS. DETOX. STABILIZE YOUR MOOD. INCREASE YOUR ENERGY.

Space is limited.... RSVP today

Melissa- 480.213.1422 

to reserve your spot.

If you know someone who my benefit from learning how to be a little healthier, please send this to them, or get me their info. 

Thanks!

One full week

So 7 days after starting with Usana Products, 5 days of the RESET and a couple in the transform stage, I lost 5 pounds.

The miracle.... I opened up a can of Diet Dr Pepper... MY FAVORITE soda... and it tasted like cough syrup. I was a little dis appointed and then I realized how FREEING it is to not be captive to my caffeine cravings- it liberates me to drink more water- and enjoy it more- knowing the other stuff tastes worse. lol Kinda silly, but its wonderful! 

My goal is to loose 16 pounds in time for our Christmas cruise... Oh yea- My wonderful friend Kristal helped my family book a 5 night cruise leaving on Dec 27th! We are super excited! It will be Jason and I, my brother Nathan and his wife Heather, and My mom and dad!

So, 5 pounds down, 11 pounds and 6 weeks to go.  I can do it! With no soda cravings, no cravings for sweets... this will be a breeze! :) I'll keep you posted!

Day 4

Yesterday, I still had cravings. I wanted Doritos, and a baby ruth like no body's business.

Today, So far so good! I even went to the grocery store- I caught myself looking at the chips and thinking my mouth should start watering- but I realized that was out of habit not out of desire. I don't really want Doritos, my body is just so use to wanting them... old habits die hard!

I've decided to do the Transform stage after the reset. During the transform stage you substitute two of your meals with shakes, and two of your snacks with bars. You still take the vitamins and you eat a healthy (low glycemic low carb) meal with an optional 3rd snack. Continue with the moderate exercise (walking the dogs) and I am on my way to being 15 pounds lighter by CHRISTMAS!

I'm super excited!

Day 2

I'm half way through day two and it is going better than the last half of day one...

Around 6- all I wanted was a diet dr pepper or a big coffee. I had the good old caffine headache. So I put a half a scoop of instant coffee in my chocolate shake this morning... yummy!

I have been cleaning all morning. (the little annoying stuff- ie base boards and my make up stand)

I feel like I have tons of energy (thanks to Usana vitamins) My face is super soft and moisturized (thanks to Usana skin care line Sense)

I'm not going to lie... I've been craving FOOD- popcorn, candy, chips, in n out, you know crappy food. So far- I have stayed strong and denied my temptations. 

So... so far so good! :)

Usana

New adventure

New Business

New Healthy lifestyle...

I am Starting a RESET (5 days to "reset" my system- supposedly I won't crave sugar anymore) Anyone who knows me... knows I LOVE sugar. Anything sweet skittles, red vines, sour straws, nerds, you name it I love candy and anything that might enable my mouth to form more cavities. So I wanted to document my endeavor. 

Starting tomorrow morning I will be on a strict regimen of vitamins, nutrients, Usana shakes and Usana snack bars. (no soda, no coffee, no sweets)

I will use our blog to document my progress and my inevitable caffeine headache that will ensue by Sunday evening... :) Wish me luck!

not my typical post

I was doing my bible study this morning and I looked at an old passage a new way.

In Isaiah 6 where Isaiah sees God's face and say "I'm as good as dead... I've looked God in the face!"

Then a Seraph touches a live coal to his mouth saying "Gone your guilt, your sins wiped out."

Then the famous part...

The master: "Whom shall I send? who will go for us?" I spoke up, "I'll go send me!"

Some of this I am stealing straight from my devotional (SOLO)

The mouth is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. What in my spiritual life would be categorized as sensitive areas that would hurt deeply at the touch of God.

PRIDE... I know that pride goes before a fall- but I've got my self up on this "can't touch this" pedestal that makes me believe  I'm invincible. 

The catch in all this is how Isaiah was only willing to GO after he had been seer ed of this sin. 

Can I invite God whole heartedly to burn the pride out of my heart so that I can serve him more effectively.

And if  I do, where will he send me? Will I be so willing? Can my heart be so totally devoted to God that I won't look back?

"Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters- yes, even one's own self! - can't be my disciple."  Luke 14:26 msg

Can I let go? Can I let go of control? Can I follow Christ whole heartedly, without abandon? 

Just some things that really made me think- if I let go and let God (sorry for the cliche) where will He lead me? I think that frightens me more than anything...

Humbly learning to Trust, and fully depend on God!

4th-6th grade retreat

Last weekend Jason and I went up to Prescott, AZ to Pine Summit for a retreat with the kids he works with. We took 92 kids (er uh students) with us. 

We left on Friday afternoon and didn't get there until later in the evening. We picked our beds, had an evening session and got a little shut eye.

Saturday the theme of the day was exhaust the kids, wear them out at all costs... side effect... worn out servant ministers! (and one injured)

The kids all had a ton of fun- obstacle courses, capture the flag, canoeing, and great challenging messages.

I had 5 girls in my group. I brought them little goody bags with some candy and hair ties, and glow in the dark vampire teeth. lol Our team ended up being the sharks and the teeth came in very handy! ;)

the beds weren't that comfortable- but hey it was camp! The food was camp food. But the kids really made it great! All 5 of my girls made decisions to follow God- to give their 100%!

The picture is of the girls cabin/main session room. Jason is trying to snag battle bands from the girls as they are taunting him.

(each team had their own color of battle band- if you lost it your team lost points)

*** if someone can tell me how to get the pictures to go certain places I'd be delighted***

Little Trip out of town!

Jason took his first Quarterly of the Year!!! (once every 3 months he is suppose to get a weekend off)

We decided visiting our  DEAR friends the Sawyers would be a great idea. (They moved to Las Vegas 10 weeks ago or so)

Thursday when we finally got home from work we went to the chiropractor (DR BOCH at Gilbert Springs Chiro... AWESOME CHRISTIAN!!! We love him) and headed for Prescott- UCYC. 2 hour drive up to UCYC ( a camp Central uses for youth and retreats) They offer cabins for pastors to use ( FREE OF CHARGE) We got there a little before 9- settled in for a night in front of a fire place (super romantic... and super HOT (temperature))

We Left with a GREAT (Free) breakfast and headed for Vegas! What trip to vegas would be complete without a stop at Hoover Dam! Jason and I admired Man's work at creating something massive... and God's work in it all.

Friday afternoon we visited with Kristal while the kids napped. When Shaun got home from work (South Hills Church) we went to the strip... we ate dinner at Paris and coffee at the Wynn. Beautiful!!!

Saturday we hit the BRUNCH Buffet! (champagne Brunch) Mimosas!!! YEAH!!! Then we decided we should walk it off at the strip. We walked through the shops at Caesars and walked over to the Bellagio and watched the water show! It was wonderful! We watched a show set to music from CHICAGO... foot tapping, hip swinging good!

That evening we cooked (heated) dinner and enjoyed an evening in!

Sunday we got to see where Shaun works and they all go to church! South Hills was so welcoming and had a great atmosphere. We are so Happy that our friends have found a home, friends, and a great Church family!

As the drugs wear off...

I went in for an uneventful surgery... the best kind really. Dr said everything went well and everything was normal. (uneventful)

When I came to I was in a bit of pain (OK unreal pain) and was asking for Jason. They were telling me he couldn't come in yet. (it got a bit eventful) I was in pain and I wanted my husband by my side to hold my hand- I was crying. Finally (like 4.5 minutes) the nurse decided I might need my husband and sent someone to go get him. I was still crying when Jason got into the recovery room. I'm not sure either of us were prepared for that. He was hurting for me- and I was just hurting.

While lying there I made Jason get his phone out to type up a shopping list. We needed milk, bread, Kleenex, I wanted some chips, and we needed lunch meat. 

The drugs started kicking in, Jason was there holding my hand- I calmed down.

It was kinda foggy from the Anaesthesia and just wanted to go home. Jason helped me get dressed- and I was cleared to go home. 

I went in for surgery just after 1 and was calling my mom on our way home by 3:30. Not too bad.

Jason got me settled in on the couch (wasn't tired) and he left for the grocery store. It seems a bit comical now- that while in pain coming off anaesthesia I wanted to make a list. I needed things to be done... and I was delegating... so sorry Jason you must have thought I was a bit crazy (well that's not much different from any other day)

I found out that Vicodin and I like to stay up... we don't like to sleep. Which is horrible because I love to sleep... sleep is my thing... I love it! Tuesday night the Vicodin the DR prescribed for pain- was my worst enemy. Then when I woke up (from the little bit of sleep I managed to get) I was in pain... PAIN (like an 8 on the scale) Soon the vicodin became my friend. 

I called my Dr about not sleeping- she recommended I just take a benadryl or Tylenol pm as well.

So I was in a drug induced coma last night- as soon as my head hit the pillow- Jason said our nightly prayers, I made it through that- but not much after... I was OUT.

Sleep was good. I needed it. This morning- I didn't wake up in pain. (I'm hoping most of the pain is over)

I'm feeling fairly optimistic... and I'm heading to work. It shouldn't be too bad- I will have Tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday off with Jason... we can just relax a bit more.

I guess that's the update...

I do want to thank some very dear friends... Danielle for bringing me my big mac for lunch on Wednesday (I wasn't hungry at all on Tuesday)

Kristal for sending me the most beautiful Gerber Daisy's they are just wonderful and put a smile in my heart and on my face!!

Elizabeth for coming a spending a couple hours with me watching a chick flick and keeping me company.

Amber- for bringing me a yummy dinner and spending some time just visiting and being a friend.

So many of you have been so sweet from the beginning of this whole mess- Thank you! Your continued prayers and support will prove to be invaluable. (too good to calculate)

Much love

j&m

update

Last week at my mothers insisting I called my dr, and let her know nothing had changed... I was still very lightly spotting (two weeks now) and I hadn't had any cramping. My nurse practitioner told me my hormone levels had gone up slightly- and that it seemed like it was time for a DNC.  She said she would consult with the dr and call me tomorrow afternoon. The next day the office manager called and said we would be doing a DNC- but that they needed to check with my insurance to make sure the procedure was covered. THE NEXT DAY... they scheduled the DNC at Mountain Vista for Tuesday at 1pm. They advised me to be their two hours early (11am) and that I couldn't eat ANYTHING from midnight the night before. 

Poor Jason... I'm gonna get out of surgery hungry and cranky AND drugged up and cranky- He could really use your prayers.

I've had limited experience in hospitals- I've never broken a bone- the only surgeries I've had were my tonsils at age 5 and wisdom teeth at age 15. So now 10 years later (apparently my increment of hospital/surgery exposure) at 25  will be going in for another out patient surgery. 

*** side note and slightly comical*** When I was in recovery after having my wisdom teeth removed there was another boy in the same little area at the dentists office- I started screaming at him to stop staring at me. I was apparently a little paranoid- my mom had to stand in between me and him so I couldn't see him. (he was way more out of it than I was- and was barely conscious.) My mom just laughed at me- but from what I understand I was pretty SNIPPY the rest of the afternoon.

The game plan... Meal at 11:45pm- tylenol PM at 12:15 - Sleep till 10:30am- get to the hospital at 11. (hopefully right to the drugs so I don't realize how hungry I am)

From what I understand (which isn't much) the procedure is fairly quick and then I will have a little bit of recovery time - making sure everything went according to plan.

If I am as starving as I think I will be- I have a map ready for Jason to the nearest McDonalds for a big mac and fries! 

:)

I guess wednesday won't be much fun- so I've made plans to stay home on Wednesday too. I'm hoping Jas can go in late- and then a friend will swing by later in the evening while he's at Quest.

My mom offered to come. She said if I needed her -she'd be on the next flight. Part of me really just wants my mommy. But most of me is so surprised and appreciative of the support of our friends here in mesa. Its given Jason and I a chance to learn how to rely on each other more- and its opened my eyes to more people who really care.

So mom- if you read this - I love you and there are moments that more than anything I want your arms to wrap around me and squeeze me- letting me know how much you love me and that -somehow we will find the strength to move forward.

But, I am growing strong on the love and support of my husband and our friends and our church family.  

Ok- I'm crying and need to get ready for church- I'm just not sure how to end this. So I'll end it with a please keep praying and a thank you for your support!

We'd like to introduce you to Wrigley

We found another beautiful puggle! Wrigley is 1 year old- and super sweet. We are really excited!

He and Cubby have had some moments of "establishing dominance" and a few moments of sweetness. I love my two boys- they exhaust each other during the day and are worn out during the evening. 

We had mixed feelings about taking in another dog- we (I) was afraid that I was just wanting another dog to take the place of the baby we lost. But so what if I am...

Jason and I had been talking about another dog for awhile - we just never found a good price, at the right time.

Well now- was a good a time as any.

I'm loving having two dogs- they are super cute-  I can't help but grin when I see them playing and when they are calmly snuggling.

So... We have a new addition to our family after all... :)

errr!

I'd just like to say insurance companies are not my favorite people... in general.

They seem to make things much more difficult than necessary. 

oh ... and the lady... the one who hit me... says she didn't run a red light. MADNESS!!  I told her insurance agent... I go 'you are a smart man- there is no way two people turning left didn't have a green arrow.'

While I'm on the topic of least favorite people- I'd like to add most car salesman. We've been shopping for a new car this weekend. I actually had a sales man make me FUMING mad. I was HOT...- I understand, they are just trying to make a living.

Anyway... I guess that is enough ranting. I really do have a lot to be thankful for. I've been surrounded with love, and support from friends near and far.

I've been realizing- I did witness a miracle- I walked out of that car accident- with no side airbags- with one bruise.

I'm thankful for the support of my husband- who has put up with me in my less than finest hours car shopping (I'm not very nice sometimes)

I'm thankful. I just hate that my gratitude seems tinted with sorrow.

One foot in front of the other

Some of you may recognize the title as the heading of my facebook page. I went back to work today, and it was ok.

I cried a couple times, but better than expected. (((( speaking of which=- anyone who knows me... knows that I don't really cry. Its not my thing. I'm the strong one. I'm the one who laughs at sappy moments in movies and who chokes them down when tears threaten to breach the perimeter of my eyes)))

I got real teary eyed when my boss asked how I was. I had barely been at work for 20 minutes- and I was already teary eyed. I had tears flowing when I had to tell a customer I was doing better from my accident- when I knew it was a lie. I had a few tears when I chatted with the insurance rep when they said the Durango was totaled. I was an open floodgate when the lady from our local state farm agency talked to me about her miscarriage and how sorry she was. She was super sweet and was very sincere with her remorse. 

My good friend Elizabeth came by this evening to keep me company while Jas was at Quest. It is nice to have outside perspective and to share heartache and tears with someone close.

I guess I just felt like sharing my day... the day after.  It's a move forward. It's a step in the right direction. HECK- I got out of bed its a GREAT DAY! 

On Thursday I was in a car accident. I was on my way home from work, and turning left onto Country club, the lady ran a red light and basically T boned me. Then I was pushed into the car who was turning beside me. ( it was a double turn lane) He hit on the back of the Durango.

The windshield is busted, the hood, front bumper, front quarter panel, both doors on the drivers side, and the back bumper.

I went to the E.R. and was treated for a sprained ankle. They wrapped it and put me on crutches. 

I told them I was mostly concerned about the baby, the Dr asked if I had cramping checked if there was blood in my urine, and said I was fine and so was baby.

Friday, I started spotting (sorry if this is TMI) so we went back to the E.R. (a different one)

they did a gamut of tests- blood, pelvic exam, and an ultra sound. The Dr came in and told us he was so sorry, but they couldn't find the babies heart beat.

Jason and I were sobbing. He came up on the bed and held me- as we morned the loss of our baby. The Dr suggested we go in to see my ob, in the morning, she recommended we do another ultra sound- just to verify. The catch... the ultra sound tech didn't work until Tuesday. Jason and I spent the next 3 days praying for a miracle. He'd done it before... He could do it again. All the while I was faced with SIGNS- or Lack of signs. No morning sickness, no more peeing every 15 minutes, and I was all of a sudden NOT hungry- no food seemed good. Sunday I realized I'd lost the 3 pounds I'd gained over the last few weeks.

This morning, Jason and I went in for our Miracle or our confirmation. 

It was a confirmation... I really don't understand God's ways. 

In talking with my mom today, she said that she was praying with her whole heart for a miracle for my aunt Klaashia while she was in a coma. But at the same time, her knowledge of medicine made her slightly skeptical, she hoped her little bit of doubt didn't keep God from working His miracle, as I hope the physical signs I was faced with didn't make my doubt greater than my faith. 

Tonight- our prayers are for peace, any understanding, and guidance.

Something I have realized is this is hard to talk about. It is especially difficult when someone comes up to congratulate me on my new pregnancy and I have to tell them I am no longer pregnant. Normally, one might feel guilty about telling someone else something like this... however, if you know someone who might know I was pregnant- please spare me and them the uncomfortable situation- and let them read this blog and tell them.

On the other hand- hugs and prayers and support- all welcomed!

Bachelor pad

I know that there is probably no body reading this but I thought that I would post our first blog. Melissa and I have had a hard time lately with our families. No there is nothing wrong with them they just seem to be rushing off to see the Lord. I am so happy that we have a family that believes in the Lord. As I was explaining to a friend that Melissa was at yet another funeral this week they said that we are just going to call you Job. I got to thinking about that and I defiantly do not feel like a Job. I mean don't get me wrong we have lost some people in our family but not all of them. I just do not know, there are lots of thoughts, emotions and feeling running through my mind lately.

Melissa is currently in MO and I am at the house. It is always nice to have the bed to myself so I can toss and turn all I want but it does get lonely quick. I am looking forward to next week when I get to see my wife and the family again. As for now I will be watching all the ESPN I can while she is gone. The best part is the Cubbies are playing tonight so that will keep me busy. Have a great day, Jason