Life is full of Surprises

Living in the moment means
letting go of the past and not waiting for the future.
It means living your life consciously,
aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.
- Oprah Winfrey

Sometimes my mind is blown by the complexity of life... the things we take for granted... and the spontaneity of situations and outcomes... Lately my heart has been touched by so many stories, and my eyes have been opened by my own circumstances. It is so awesome growing older and having new epiphanies and realizations - growing wisdom.

I happened to come across a Caring bridge site written by the parents of Kaitlyn Johanson. At 16 years of age, in August of 2007, she was in a severe car accident in Rochester MN. She was rushed to Mayo clinic. She sustained numerous injuries, the biggest triumph they have had to face was the traumatic brain injuries that were incurred. Kasey and Brian, Kaitlyn's parents, lives were shaken and drastically changed by this tragedy, as was Kaitlyn's. There lives have been forever changed. As a parent I can only imagine all that they have been through... Their courage and strength throughout it all have amazed and shocked me! I am such an empathetic person so when I come across stories such as these it is like it becomes my own story - I become affected by it, and something changes inside of me. It has been weighing on my heart and I have been praying for them. Sometimes I wonder if God brings these stories into my life to teach me a lesson. I take so many things for granted... The ability to walk, to talk, communicate in a socially acceptable fashion, the fact the my brain and my mind function at a normal rate, my eyesight, my ability to live life easily without having to worry about my disabilities hindering my way of life. Poor Kaitlyn had to start all over, she had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat... Two years later she is still in the process of recovery and has to face simple issues day in and day out. Her recovery process will be in effect for years to come, and she will probably never be the person that she was prior to her accident.

Nothing is ever predictable! Sometimes I am fearful of what the future holds, but then I realize that it is out of my hands and I shouldn't worry! No matter what things will always work out in the end, it is sort of a motto that I have created for the hard times that I have faced over the years, and will continue to face down the road. We need to live for today, we never know what tomorrow will bring. We need to appreciate every moment, and not let the small things steal our joy and happiness. Life is so short to be angry all the time, or to hold a grudge.

To end on a lighter note, I love the quote from Kung Fu Panda (I know this is not where it originated, but every time I hear it I think of Master Oogway, and he makes me smile :)

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.
But today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present
~Master Oogway

Merry Christmas

I am not sure why but as every year passes I seem to love Christmas so much more. Maybe it is because as I get older I appreciate things more, or maybe it is because I am a Mom now...

It is such a great time of year where I can feel the love all around me, and I cannot get enough of it. The month of December has already flown by and I have yet to send out my Christmas cards (hopefully it will be done in the early part of this week).

I just want to wish everyone a beautiful and Merry Christmas. If this is a hard time of year for you I am sorry, but just remember you are not alone, This is in fact the celebration of Christ's birthday - he came to be with us!!

Have fun eating cookies, decorating your tree, spending quality time with your family and friends, sipping hot cocoa, singing carols, and giving thanks to God - there is no better time than now.

If I didn't send you a card and you would like one just send your address my way.

Love you all!

Trust in God

'Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. ' John 14:1

What do we do and where do we turn when it seems like everything is falling apart? When we lose our jobs, or our children are heading down the wrong path, when someone dies, or we are facing devastating consequences for the bad choices that we have made; who do we turn to?

'Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.'
James 1:2-4

All too often I turn to worry, guilt, shame... But I need to remember that my life is not in my control. I am called to give it up, I am called to surrender, to a God who is far greater than my mind can imagine.

'Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.' Matt 16:24-25

God wants us to give up ALL control and put it into his hands!! Those tough seasons in your life could be a time where he is preparing you to rely more on him and give up control of your own life or the life of a spouse or child. Truly, all of our lives are out of our control, it is only God that knows what is ahead and in store for us.

We need to be reassured that God has great plans, and without these hard times all of this, Gods plans may not happen. I cannot help but think and know that God is in everything somehow, even though it may not seem like it at the moment... When we are facing those challenging times that life throws our way, God could be in the middle of it all preparing us for something great, for something that can turn your world upside down.

When we are going through those rough times we need to remember to turn to him, he is right by our side!

Last night I was spending time with Shirley (it is her birthday today!) we were talking about how Madi is influenced by both Dan and I. I expressed my concern for Madi's life, I don't want her to make the same bad choices that I have made in my life. As a Mom I want her to make the best decisions and be the best that she can be throughout her whole life... Shirley reminded me and assured me that Madi is Gods, and she is in his hands - and when I went up in front of the church to dedicate her that is exactly what I was doing, I was giving her to God! Madi's life is in Gods hands now, I am just a Shepard guiding her along the path of life, helping to teach her and guide her!

I think that we often forget sometimes that when we become Christ filled and we give our lives to God, our lives are no longer ours to hold on to, and try to control... we need to give UP and give it to God. I know that it is easier said than done, but God wants us to lay down our lives and give it all to him, he knows the plans he has for our lives. We shouldn't worry, he has it all figured out.

'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11

GivingThanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18
No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you.

During a time of year where we reflect on the things that we are thankful for, I have been reminded that there is so much to give thanks for.

So here is a list some things that I am truly and utterly thankful for.

*Jesus and his sacrifice for my life

*Madilynn Paige - the one who makes life brighter and worth living

*Being Cancer free!

*Christmas, it brings out the beauty in people and reminds me of what life is all about

*Music, all kinds of music

*Freedom, it is something that I often take for granted

*Witnessing Talent

*Chili, it is so yummy, especially on a chilly day!

*Loving Family

*Facebook, I love being connected and being social

*Sleep, I am grateful for the hours that I get

*A place to call home

*Friends who care

*Nature, we are surrounded by a beautiful creation

*Adam, he brings smiles to my face every day

*The smell of rain in the air, it is refreshing

*the Love of Dan and Shirley

*Target

*The unconditional love that I receive from a very forgiving God

*Pink finger nail polish, even on a bad day it makes me feel pretty

*Community, I am so blessed! Naomi, Amanda, April, Tamrah, Emarie, Loni, Missy, Anna, Meredith, Faith, Monique, Ashley, and Jessica you girls have been so supportive over the last year, I am so thankful for you all!

*The ability to run, even if I don't do it everyday, I know that I still can!

*A good Career, I have been so blessed with a steady, good job

*My education

*Looking forward to a future that is in Gods hands, I know that he has amazing plans for my life, it is beautiful watching it unfold

When You Are Near

Words cannot express how much I love this song!


When You Are Near
Jeremy Camp

There’s no need to say a thing when I’m before you.
In this silence I feel refreshed with peace.
Break this noise that binds the voice that tries to speak.
Open my eyes to see Your gracious, sovereign reach.

It’s hard to talk when I feel that You are near,
When all is quiet it’s the beauty that I hear.
This hidden place where I know that You've calmed my fears.
I know that You’ve washed my tears.

The seasons of change I’ve faced have never left me wounded.
Only scars of hurt, but never deeply rooted.
This healing I have felt, no burden can replace.
Redemptive hope has been the story of my pain.

It’s hard to talk when I feel that You are near,
When all is quiet it’s the beauty that I hear.
This hidden place where I know that You've calmed my fears.
I know that You’ve washed my tears.

All is lost without the breath of life You give, and You give so much.
I want nothing more than You, so here’s my heart

It’s hard to talk when I feel that You are near,
When all is quiet it’s the beauty that I hear.
This hidden place where I know that You've calmed my fears.
I know that You’ve washed my tears.

Delicious Dessert

Here is a delicious recipe from one of my girlfriends, Tamrah, she is a Mom to two buys and one on the way... She sure does know how to make some awesome and yet simple dessert!

Quick and Easy Southern Banana Pudding:

1 package (3.5 oz) vanilla flavor instant pudding and pie filling...

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups whipped topping (cool whip), divided

40 vanilla wafers, divided

2 bananas, sliced, divided

2 tablespoons chocolate topping (chocolate syrup)

In a medium bowl combine pudding mix, milk and vanilla. With electric mixer, beat 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Add 1 cup whipped topping. In 1 1/2 quart round dish layer half of wafers, bananas and pudding. Drizzle with chocolate. Repeat layers ending with pudding. Top with remaining 1/2 cup of whipped topping Top with 3 crushed cookies if desired. (we also drizzle a little chocolate syrup on top).

Pump that Body!

Whew - I am sore - BUT I feel grrreat! I started working out again. Last night Jenny and I (she is THE official Gym partner!) went to the YMCA in West Saint Paul. It was great, I didn't do too well but I am now addicted. I have decided that I am going to join and now have an actual gym membership again! It has been about a year since I have had a membership, and it is time to join again.

Bodypump was the class that we took last night. Mixing anaerobic and aerobic activity into one, weights and aerobics together - it was challenging and great! It wore me out, but today I have this amazing high from working out last night. I feel so giddy, like a little girl again.

I am excited because unlike anytime, there is a daycare - so I have no excuse not to go now...
Yayy I cannot wait to take another class!

Think Positively

“How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself. So always think positively.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Honestly

I felt inspired by the Ex Hot Girl to put it all out there... and I think that it just might be liberating. Holding in these feelings doesn't really do the body good, and I have noticed that what I tend to do is just complain a lot about things when and if I don't process them. So this will be my attempt at processing all of the emotions that I have been having with my image, body and weight.

I have always been someone who has defined myself by my appearance, which is no bueno, I know! And for a while it really worked in my favor... I didn't really know it, but I was pretty Hot (as Jenn, the Ex Hot Girl, would say). I had some minor issues with my appearance, as we all do. I have always wanted to lose a few pounds, but overall I was very content, confident, and comfortable in my own skin (pre-baby of course). Now... well lets just say I am a little more than not content with my body. I just plain feel FAT, unattractive, and uncomfortable in just about everything that I wear - I am definitely not comfortable in my own skin, and of course the stretch marks don't help. You can tell by looking at my Now and Then photos that I am not comfortable, and I often struggle with what to wear to hide my extra pounds - it doesn't work, I know, I have tried :) I am constantly at a struggle with more than just my appearance, I am a perfectionist in everything that I do. It is more than just wanting to be beautiful, I also want to be physically fit so that I can be healthy, run without struggling, and other things of that matter. Really though, I just want to be physically fit so that I can be comfortable in my own skin again. I am constantly aware of my overweight, unfit body and it wears on me.

I have started running. I will be running a 5K on December 5th. It will be interesting to see how I do. Some of my long term goals: Chicago half marathon next September, and eventually a full marathon. I am trying to be more conscious about what I put in my mouth. I love snacks, and since I have had Madi I have this undeniable urge to eat sweets all day - which has not been nice to me, to say the least! I have been skipping the bowl of ice cream before bed at night, and I have been eating less, and am attempting to be aware of my diet. I figure that calorie counting, or being aware of the amount that I consume will be the first step - considering I have been overeating. I notice that I tend to eat when I am experiencing anything emotional whether it is good or bad. I eat to self medicate and I eat to celebrate, but the most important thing that I need to be aware of is that I eat to please my taste buds. What I want and need to start doing is eating nutritious foods, and I need to stop eating for pleasure and for the fulfillment that I get emotionally.

Ultimately my ideal goal would be 125 pounds give or take 5 pounds (preferably the latter ;). This is going to be REALLY hard for me, but I want to write down how much I weight for a couple reasons #1 because I feel like being honest will be very freeing and #2 because I feel like it will motivate me to start dropping the pounds... I weigh 155 pounds now. When I get on the scale I am shocked every time, so I try not to stand on the thing very often, it always gets me down! The most I have EVER weighed was at the end of my pregnancy with Madi, I was a whopping 197!! And it was Very very hard for me to accept and take in, I think that was the epitome of me feeling hideous! Then I lost 67 pounds in 10 weeks, I weighed 130 and felt great! So, I know that I can do it again...

So here is to the start of my journey to becoming healthier, thinner, and hopefully more comfortable in my own skin again ;)

Expectations Exceeded!

Adam and I decided that for his annual vacation we wanted to take a trip to the Black Hills. I was thinking that it would be nice to get away, and of course I wanted to see Mount Rushmore because it is one of America's trademark monuments...

Little did I know that I would be blown away at the Beauty and extravagance of beautiful South Dakota. I was in awe and admiration the whole time soaking in the elegance of true nature!

As we arrived late on Thursday night we went and viewed Rushmore, it was awesome with the lights shining upward at the monument... But when we woke up the next morning we really saw the beauty of all that surrounded us. We spent the next two full days taking it all in and appreciating ever second of it. All the while taking 300+ pictures! I know, I know, a little much BUT I couldn't help it. It was all so amazing. I had to capture the moments. After all, memories last a lifetime! Photos are tangible memories, and they are what I live for!

We stayed at Super 8 in Keystone, SD - the closest that we could get to Rushmore. It was a cute place with very friendly staff. We did so many fabulous things... We started out Friday Morning and toured Mount Rushmore state park, and viewed the monument, it was spectacular to say the least. Later on in the day we went to Bear Country and got to see all of the amazing wildlife, including Bears (yep two feet away from my car - it was crazy), buffalo, elk, and so much more. That night we strolled through Rapid City, Sturgis, Deadwood and back to Rapid city - driving through the canyons, it was amazing! It really gave us a feel for how truly small we are in comparison to Gods wonders. The next day we started out by touring the Rushmore Caves, it is amazing what nature can create. We then headed through some beautiful back roads, canyons and mountains to Hill City. Then we continued on our way through, passing by Crazy Horse Memorial, which was another awesome view. Then we drove through Custer and took a scenic highway that led us to Highway 16. We saw so much wildlife on the way: multiple deer, turkeys, rams, and more! We took the most amazing route ever on 16A back to Keystone. It was Iron Mountain Road. Toward the end of the route we hit the very tip top of the mountain and climbed up the rocks. The views were phenomenal - it was my favorite part of the trip! The mountain overlooked the Black Hillsand gave us an amazing far view of Mount Rushmore, it was breathtaking!! God is so awesome, he created a beautiful place for us, my mind was blown!! We then went into Rapid City for the night, Had a fabulous dinner in downtown. We walked through Art Alley, it was pretty cool to see all of the walls painted and graffitied.
The next day we headed home on the ten hour drive, it was a good time.

I will go back - Keystone was a cute quaint town. I would love to experience it all in the summer when we can do all of the summer festivities like gold panning, taking the train tour, and doing all of the fun outdoor things.

I look forward to heading back again someday... And I look forward to future trips to come!

Another {Awesome} Recipe

Perfect Pumpkin Bread

15 Ounce can of Pumpkin Puree

4 eggs

1 cup of vegetable oil

2/3 cup of water

3 cups of sugar (can be substituted for splenda)

3 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

2 teaspoons of baking soda

2 teaspoons of salt

2 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray 2 loaf pans.

In a large bowl combine Pumpkin Puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until it is well blended.

In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda, seasoning.

Make a hole in the center of the flour mix and slowly mix in the Pumpkin mixture. Combine well.

Pour the mixture into the two loaf pans.

Bake for approximately 50 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

'Tis the season for some yummy comfort food.

I was attempting to make the perfect Pumpkin bread, because Adams Mom, who is out of town, always makes it this time of year. I looked around in search of the perfect recipe. I found a few that looked good. And combined some of the different ideas. I baked two loaves and it was all eaten in a couple of days. Everyone loved it, all of my co-workers included :)

Enjoy!

Words

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

Mother Theresa

For all of those moments that you need an inspiring word, or a lift me up.

For the times when you need to hear the truth, and a good word would do the trick.

For the times when all we need to hear is an encouraging word.

For those times, I asked my Facebook friends to give me some of their favorite quotes - here is what I got:

Rebekah Sfair
“What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies.” - Aristotle

Aleksandra Ann
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched...but are felt in the heart.

Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
because where you LIVE should not decide...whether you live or whether you die....Bono

Scott Oakman
"Stand up for justice, stand up for truth; and God will be at your side forever." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

Scott Oakman
...either that, or "It's just a flesh wound".

Patrick Eckstrom
"All that arises eventually goes away," - A Buddhist Monk talking about the only certainty he's learned over the course of the previous 30 years while practicing as a monk.

Sarah Smith
" the oxygen we need is all around us, sometimes we just need to be reminded to breathe."

Sherie Cottrell
This to Shall pass!!!!!
I love this it's so true and has gotten me through so many of life's wonderful challenges :)
said by the guy in the hotel to Julia Roberts in 'My best friends Wedding'

Lauren Elizabeth Schnarr
We cannot become what we need to be, remaining what we are

Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
This place is not my permanent home, nor will this be the place where I get all my rewards

Aaron Moser
We will not survive unless we change, yet we cannot change unless we survive.

Rachel Boatman
"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly. Leave the rest up to God." ~Ronald Reagan

Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
"Laughter is the best medicine" it even blesses the person who makes someone laugh.

Adam Moser
"whats your name?"

Christina Thompson
"Live each day as if it were your last"

Ashley Ashbacher
"Faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it." --Max Lucado

Karolyn Byers
"If the dog wouldn't of stop to take a crap, he would have caught the rabbit" John Boomgaarden

Gayle Nitti
The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It is the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun. -- Napoleon Hill

Katherine Otto
'teachers never stop learning.' katie otto
i also love this one....
'an eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.' Gandhi

Eileen Quittem
My dad: He who eats the fastest gets the mostest! Ha-Ha!

Rachel Boatman
"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music!" ~Ronald Reagan

Lauren Kriz
''No man is worth your tears and the man that is won't make you cry.''

Katherine Otto
sometimes the hardest things to let go of are the things you don't need

Sarah Eisen
Never cry at night over not being pretty enough. Never tell yourself you'll never be good enough. Because to someone you're everything. To someone you're beautiful. To someone you are the world.

Sarah Eisen
or my favorite: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Amanda Haider
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ~Dr. Seuss

Josh Glassing
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more

Lucas Stombaugh
"Here's the deal,..."

Myrna Foster
Everything has a purpose in life. :D

Steve Kubes
9 on the break!!!

Emarie Williams Klos
I know I'm late... but I was cleaning! :)"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." - Charles Dickens

Alicia Fry
"It is finished" -Jesus

Rebecca Rosario
'...Whenever troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.' James 1:2-4

I am going to end this post with one of my all time favorite quotes, because I really do believe that Love is the one thing that truly makes this world go round.

'I have decided to stick with Love ♥ Hate is too great a burden to bear.' MLKJ

De-Stress

I have been so stressed and internalizing it all. I haven't been coping well and I think that it is taking a toll on my overall health. I am tired, and emotionally drained, and I feel as though I am sick way more often than I should be. The sickness led me to start investigating... check, check, check - I fit all of the symptoms... Yep, I am stressed!

I have decided that in order to find a better healthy balance I need to make some changes. After thinking about it all I have decided that I want to set some goals. Awareness will be my number one goal because often I am not even aware of what the issues are.

1. Be Aware -
Take a moment each day to see how I am feeling. Spend a little time to daily reflect. Relax.
2. Start caring for myself more -
Make it a habit to do little things throughout the day for myself; indulge in some way whether it be alone time with God, a bath, or going for that much needed run.
3. Start becoming more healthy -
Physically: I am starting to run again, and it feels great, I am signing up for a 5k and will be setting a goal time! I am attempting to eat more consciously, all too often I eat for pleasure and I overindulge.
Spiritually: I really need and want to start turning to God more, and praying... I really feel that this will make all the difference.
Emotionally: I need to slow down and reflect, prioritize, and take care of Me!

I have a feeling that some much needed changes are about to come, and I am excited.

I am caring for myself FIRST so that I am better able to care for others

Putting Yourself First
Daily Self-Care

'We have all heard the instructions of an airline attendant reminding us to put on our own oxygen mask before we help anyone else with theirs. This advice is often cited as a metaphor for self-care because it so accurately expresses why it is important. It seems to say, ironically, that if you can’t take care of yourself for yourself, do it for others. Few situations in our daily lives mimic the wake-up call of an airplane emergency, so it’s easy to keep putting self-care off—easy, that is, until we get sick, overwhelmed, or exhausted, and suddenly don’t have the energy to care for the people who count on us. That’s when we realize we haven’t been getting the oxygen we need to sustain ourselves. We begin to understand that taking care of ourselves is neither selfish nor indulgent; it’s just plain practical.

Putting yourself first means that it may be necessary to say no to someone else in order to say yes to yourself. For many of us, there is always something we feel we could be doing for someone else, and it helps to remember the oxygen metaphor. You can even encourage yourself by saying "I am caring for myself so that I am better able to care for others" or some other mantra that will encourage you. It also helps to remember that self-care doesn’t have to be composed of massively time-consuming acts. In fact, the best prescription for taking care of yourself is probably small, daily rituals; for example, taking one half-hour for yourself at the beginning and end of the day to meditate, journal, or just be. You might also transform the occasional daily shower or bath into a half-hour self-pampering session.

Whatever you decide, making some small gesture where you put yourself first every day will pay off in spades for you and the ones you love. The oxygen you need is all around you; sometimes you just need to be reminded to breathe.'

I was reminded today by my courageous sister that we can lose ourselves while trying to please others or take care of others before we take care of ourselves. People pleasing is something that many people find themselves trapped by. Our society teaches us that selfishness is a bad thing, that we need to put others first. I want to clarify... taking care of yourself first is not a selfish act - it is a vital act. one that is healthy for you and all of your relationships. How are you supposed to take care of someone if you are sick and in need of taking care of yourself first? Often we are not kind to ourselves. When we take care of others and put them first we often build up resentment toward that person... putting strain on the relationship, which in turn hurts everyone involved. Don't ever make a decision out of guilt, or a feeling of obligation. Don't listen to that little people pleasing voice inside that says 'I should do this/that...' Make decisions in your mind and your heart, do what you want and need, not what others want - if you make choices trying to please someone you are not being honest and fair with yourself. I always remind myself to never do anything that will be half-hearted, if my heart is not fully there, then I will say no, just follow what your heart tells you.

Just remember, "I am caring for myself FIRST so that I am better able to care for others." If need be, write this down and remind yourself everyday - it will help you to find balance in your choices and decisions.

Peaceful Serenity

My body is tried, and my mind is cluttered with thoughts... As I live this thing that we call life, I feel exhausted! Maybe it is the lack of sleep or just maybe my list of To-do's. What I would really love at this very moment is to take some time away - for just me and God.

To be swept away in Gods arms and focus on only him and Me - what a thought...

I went for a run last night, and as you all know the weather is cooling outside. As I began my run, I didn't anticipate all that I experienced. The wind blowing through my hair, my body beginning to respond to movement, I felt alive - surrounded by Gods beauty. The trees changing color, the sound of all of the wildlife around me. My mind cleared and as I focused on pushing my body further I felt exhilarated, and I felt Gods presence... It was, for lack of a better word, amazing.

As my run came to an end and I began to approach my house, a part of me didn't want it to end - although my body and lungs were telling me otherwise - I loved the feeling of a peaceful solitude, something that I don't know that I had ever experienced before. Maybe I am growing up and becoming my own, becoming independant or hopefully more confident to be by myself and not have the need to be surrounded by chaos. Alone-ness is underrated!

I look forward to continuing my small beautiful moments with God as Autumn blossoms...

Dancing in the rain

As life would have it no other way - we have to face trials every now and again... Sometimes things are seeming to go great and then unexpectedly a huge storm rolls in, and you are unprepared with no umbrella in hand.

I must live in Seattle or something because the storms come often it seems, sometimes they are only small, sprinkles here and there, but sometimes they seem never ending like huge storms that seem to take forever to pass, and pound on my soul. At that point I am just waiting for the sun to return again.

Then I feel as though I am lacking and that I need some sunshine in my life... but then something always seems to remind me of all those things that bring light into my life. My Daughter, who is the sun itself to my life, she is amazing... as well as so many other things that I have been blessed with: God, My Mom, Adam, My fabulous church that is filled with people who love me, friends, good times, great places, and fun things... I can go on and on... I am going to try to remind myself that I am allowed to dance in the rain, and sometimes that is the funnest way to dance, is through the storm.

Keeping my head up, my face toward the sky, and letting the rain fall down on my face, it is refreshing... renewing... and I am learning through it all.

Just think about it this way...

"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian." ~Author Unknown

Who am I to Judge?

"Judging requires that you think yourself superior over the one you judge."

"What right did he have to judge anyone? ... All his judgments had been superficial, based on appearance and actions, things easily interpreted by whatever state of mind or prejudice that supported the need to exalt himself, or to feel safe, or to belong." (pp. 159-160) The Shack

Rebecca's Raving Recipes

Yep, I am sorta infamous for throwing food together and it turning out pretty well. I need to satrt documenting these delicious dishes so I figured that this would be the best way...
So here I go. I am starting out with one of my all time faves:

Tator Tot Casserole

Lawry's Garlic Salt
Lawry's Seasoned Salt
2 Tablespoon's of Worcestershire
1 Pound of Ground Beef
1 bag of Birds Eye frozen Mixed Vegetables
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 1/2 cup of Cheddar Cheese Shredded
1/2 Bag of Tator Tots

Pre heat oven to 375degrees.

Brown the beef on the skillet, adding both of the Lawry's seasonings (to your liking), also add Worcestershire. Once it is cooked through, drain meat in a colander.

Prepare the vegetables, once they are cooked mix the Meat and Vegetables together.
Add the can of Cream of mushroom soup, and 3/4 cup of cheese. Mix well.

Place the mixture into a casserole pan - 9x9 or 8x8 work best. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, then add the tator tots to the top of the mixture. Cover the top with the tots, be sure not to have them overlapping for cooking purposes.

Place back into the oven for approx 25 minutes or until the tots are crispy.

Let cool, ENJOY!!


More recipes to come :)

Money Money Money Muh-Nay!!

I like that song because sometimes that is what my life feels like - consumed by the thought of money and of course more than that - Money Issues! We have all been there...

A place that I have never been before now is becoming a victim of money fraud. Yes!! Someone used my bank account to make purchases, and from Great Britain none the less. At first I was confused, then frantic, irritated, LIVID!!, frustrated, and now I have finally given it all to God and I am at Peace. I know that no matter the outcome, life will go on and God is in control.

My bank account - due to VERY LARGE AMOUNT of the transactions that had posted from these fraudulent charges - is now negative. I have hope though that everything will work out for the best and that justice will be done. I had to file a claim, and I am hoping that it is processed and not questioned. We will see how everything goes!

I never thought that something like this would happen to me, I always thought that I was careful and safe about stuff, until I was reading up on how to protect yourself, I suggest that everyone do the same - take a few minutes to become knowledgeable about how to prevent Fraud from happening to you. HERE is one of the millions of articles that are out there.

Prayer is much appreciated :)