A time to...

Life is fragile gift that we are given.  We are reminded of this daily.  People come in and out of our lives, leaving their marks on our lives. Through special times, sweet memories, words of wisdom, a warm embrace, a laugh shared or smile in passing all are etched on our hearts and minds and are no less important than the veins that flow to give us life.

Last night my sweet great uncle, Mel Utterback took his last breath on this earth.  His body had fought a hard battle for almost the past 2 years against the cancer.  He was diagnosed around the same time as my grandfather in 2012.  Mel was one of the kindest men I have ever known, and had the Utterback wit that I have come to love in my grandmother (his sister Joan).  His presence will be missed on this earth, but I know he is having a great time being reunited with so many loved ones and being in the presence of his Savior.

If I could do anything to wipe cancer off the face of the earth I would, I am sure many of you feel the same way.  In the past I have donated my hair in the memory of loved ones not only ones effected by cancer but onesthat lost their hair due to other illnesses.  The first time I did it was when I was in high school and I did because I felt for sorry for kids that lost their hair.  There was a girl that had danced at the same studio as me growing up.  The treatments for her leukemia took her hair and it never really did grow back to the way it was before the treatments. Maybe you have already seen this video that was posted last week, but it is absolutely precious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwQZggdZrOo

I may not have been given the ability to heal or medically treat those that have cancer but God gave me beautiful, healthy hair that grows, that I can donate to those that lose their hair to the battle and do it in the honor of the ones that I love.  Secondly I can raise awareness about donating to The American Cancer Society in hopes that treatments and cures will get better so even more people will be able to celebrate more birthdays.  

So with that I ask you… “will you join me in the challenge?”  I had actually started writing a blog about this over a month ago but just hadn’t felt like the right time to post it.  Today is the day.  There is about 20 months until the deadline I have set… November 12, 2015.  This is a two part challenge.  You can take part in one or both... or not at all, but hopefully you will.

Challenge 1

In December I donated my hair for the 3rd time. Before I had even made the appointment to cut it,  I had decided I would grow it out to donate one more time. My plan is to donate it on my 35th birthday, which will be 11/12/2015.  My challenge... I want to challenge and get (at least) 35 people to donate their hair with me.  You can do it the same day or anytime in the next 20 months or even after.  My hope really is that this will be the stone that causes a ripple effect.

There are several different programs that you can donate to.  Each program has different guidelines.  Here is a link with a list several of them and their guidelines.  http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411427,00.html

Pick the one that will work for you and your donation needs.  If you decide to do the hair donation please let me know.  I want to keep track of the ones that are doing this with me, and if given permission would like to include your name and picture on my blog when you donate your hair, and if you want to include the reason why you are doing it.  Also pass the word on… If you have a friend, daughter, sister, co-worker or male friend that needs a hair cut that is interested in doing this please just pass on my blog http://Vanessa-atimetoblog.blogspot.com or email vdirks01@gmail.com. 

On a side note, even if you haven't had someone pass away from cancer but you have experienced loss, donating your hair in the honor of a loved one regardless of how they pass is a beautiful gesture.  I will even go as far to say it is also therapeutic. 

Challenge 2

I have set up a birthday page on the American Cancer Society to raise $3500 by 11/12/2015.  So if growing your hair out to donate is not for you, then this challenge is for you.  Whether you donate a $1 or a $100's, I just want to get people involved with this.  Again… be a ripple.  http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Events/BirthdayPages?pxfid=1568663&fr_id=19690&pg=fund






I am so excited about this and already humbled by my friends that have committed to do this with me.  Life is a beautiful journey. 
This time my donation is for (these are just a few of them): 
Callie to celebrate 10 years cancer free!
Shelley who is cancer free after two surgeries!
Heather who has beaten cancer 3 times and is currently being monitored for another tumor.
Cherie who is currently battling cancer.
In the memory Mel & Carol

Third time is a charm...

Today has been 18 months in the making.  After I donated my hair in November 2011, I went back and forth about growing it out to donate again.  June 2012 as my Pop-pop lay in a hospital bed after getting sick from the chemo, my decision was made.
This is my third time.  Each time I have donated my hair,  I have tried to pick a day that is significant. The first time I did it on the day of my High School graduation.

First Time

The second time was my last day of being 30.

Second Time

Today has several significant reasons.  When I started growing my hair out because of my Pop-pop's cancer diagnosis, I had pictured in my mind that I would be donating it with him by my side and him in remission. December 28th, 2012, this image was taken away.  My first goal was to do it on what would have been his 81st birthday, August 18th... but my hair was not quite long enough.  So I started looking at other dates that might work not only one that meant something but also one that worked for my hair dresser.  The next two dates were the day he passed and then the day I last saw him, but both fall over the holidays.
Then as I looked at the calendar one day became perfect.  December 18th.  On this day in 1992 my grandpa passed away.  It is also exactly 4 months after Pop-pop's birthday.  It also the 3 month since we lost Hayden.  Hayden was married to Philip's cousin Callie.  He was an amazing young man of 26 years and lived a life that testified of his love for the Lord and for Callie.  Though he would probably say I need to cut my own hair, I am sure he would approve that when you donate your hair that the hair cut is free.  Actually yesterday, Hayden had his first birthday in heaven.

December 18th, 2013 I am donating my hair in the memory of:

My Grandfather - Bill Stinson
My Pop-pop - Dean Moseley
Cousin - Hayden Lavo

 

Third time

 

Special thanks to Terri McInnes, who has been my hair dresser for 20 years and

has been the one to cut my hair each time I have donated it.

Today is exactly 1 week from Christmas.  At church this past sunday they acknowledged and prayed for those that were struggling with the loss of a loved one and that loss is amplified by the holidays.  I know for my family this is true.  For those of you that also feel that ache in your heart, this is the prayer I pray over you.

Heavely Father, our Comforter and our Peace,  I ask that you touch the hearts that hurt, the hearts that ache at the loss of their loved ones.  Lord, I pray that they will feel your presence and that your presence fill that void.  God, we rejoice that our loved ones are no longer in pain and that they are able to dance in your presence.  For those left behind that struggle to understand and have the "why's"that plague their minds, I ask that you provide your peace that surpasses all understanding.... That you quiet the doubt and fear and replace it with joy and hope.  Thank you for sending your one and only Son to die on the cross for out sins, so that we may have eternal life.  In your precious and Holy name... Amen.

100

100… This is the age I thought for sure my Pop-pop would live to.  Never thought he would be gone at 80.  Today is his 81^st birthday and he is getting to spend it with Jesus, at the true 19^th hole.  233 days have passed since he took his last breath.  I can say a day has not passed that I have not thought of him.  Most of the time those thoughts are just fond memories and sometimes those thoughts are met with deep ache and tears. 

I have learned a lot about myself in these 233 days and I have learned a lot about him and his influence on others. The influence a person can have on you, can drive you to do better and strive for goals. I can say he was one of my reasons to strive for success.  To make Pop-pop proud was important.  For the first few weeks after he passed, I felt a little lost in the fact that I would not hear him say “that’s great!”.  Even though I know he was little confused in the fact that I had a real estate licenses but I did not sell houses.  I do residential property management, regardless, he was proud. 

One of the greatest life lessons he gave me was on leadership.  This is one of the things I said at his memorial “Some people are born leaders and that is what Pop-pop was. People often confuse leaders as people who tell others what to do. But true leaders are the ones that serve and do their part for the betterment of others… not just themselves.”  Last few years I started seeking more leadership roles in my local association of REALTORS. Last year I was asked to be a committee chair and then was nominated to run for board of directors.  Pop-pop had served on the board for his retirement community, so I was ecstatic to tell him I had been nominated to run.  Even when I did not make it on the board, he was still proud “that I had put myself out there”.  I really wish I could talk to him about what I am doing now to pursue a leadership role.

I have made the choice that even though he is not a phone call away to share with him what is going on, that I want to be able to tell him a lot has happened since the last time we talked.  I may not be able to hear those words now, but I will.  Life is going to be full of great years, with a few difficult days. During the message today at church, they said "You may not choose the struggles you go through, but you decide how you go through them."  Meaning you have the choice to how you react, how you overcome and how you let that struggle effect you.  You must make the choice to have a happy and purposeful life, it does not just happen by chance.

A legacy is more than just being remembered when you are gone. "What we do for ourselves dies with us.  What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal."  Albert Pine  

We have each been given life lessons, had our lives touched by someone's words, time and/or actions... What have you done to carry on that legacy?  What will you DO to carry on that legacy?  

Scar Tissue

Scar Tissue - What is the first thing you think of when you see/hear these words?  For me I start singing "scar tissue I wish you saw"from the Red Hot Chili Peppers song title Scar Tissue.  Last night I heard this song and started thinking about it in context to Easter and to life.  
As we go through life, things sometimes cause scar tissue to grow in our hearts.  The hurts of life cause a wound and as those wounds heal they become scar tissue.  These wounds could be one of many things... you know what has hurt your heart and how it has healed.  Sometimes these wounds are still in the scab phase and are easily reopened, and are slow to heal.
For some people they struggle to get past these hurts and the scar tissue begins to take over the heart.  Personally I know what it is like to struggle with this.  I have found too that even places that I thought were "healed"  could be reopened in an instant.  A situation, a word, an action or a loss can split open a wound before you even realize it, but those feelings start creeping in and the darkness wants to seep in. And when all hope wants to disappear, the Light reminds you... It is still there and It will over come.  

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

On Resurrection Morning, Jesus came back to life with scars on His body and holes in His hands and Feet.  Can you imagine and if during the middle of the crucifixion Jesus had said, this is not worth it, that He did not love us enough to continue on?  He didn't and he asked God to forgive us. He got out of that grave with joy for what He was able to do.  He gave us eternal Life.  He gave us a life where we do not walk a lone and where He ask us to let Him carry our burdens.  He wants our hurts and he wants to heal our hearts.  

So for those of you that struggle with scar tissue, remember you are not alone.  The One that created you, loves you and gave His life for you... And He is there to take those burdens from you.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

happens in a blink

This post is about my grandfather who we call Pop-pop.  I will give the back story for those of you who have not heard and in case you need a refresher. :)  This is from my point of view and may not have all the facts correct and I am not a medical professional... I am a property manager.  And I will guarantee that there are typos and I do not care tonight, please forgive my grammar laziness.

Back in March my grandfather found a bump in his belly behind his belly button.  At first they just thought it was a cyst, but test results showed that it was a malignant tumor.  It even has a special name, "Sister Mary Joseph Nodule", here you can even read about it.  This is very rare and when it is present it means there is cancer somewhere else, typically in the torso.  The other spots are located in his lungs.   He started chemo on April 19th and everything looked like it was going great.   If you have ever met my grandparents, you know they are always optimistic and "that everything will be fine" and that "they are flexible".  With their attitudes I don't think any of us expected for anything to go otherwise than "fine". After the first treatment he had no side effects and things were looking good.  The next one, his white cells pluments.  They postponed the 3rd treatment until May 17th, and we continued to pray against any side effects.  But the side effects came on, nausea, head aches and lethargic. May 24th, the 4th treatment and side effects get worse.  May 25th he had to get a blood transfusion, to boost his red blood cells.  My parents were there during this time, to help because not only was my Pop-pop going through chemo and blood transfusion but my grandma had to have cateract surgery on one eye. My parents got home a couple days later and my Pop-pop's condition got worse.  He had no energy and the nausea developed into not being able to keep anything down.  Home health came in and started an IV to try and get him Hydrated.  I talked to my grandmother as she waited for them to come that Sunday night, Pop-pop was too weak to even say hi.  The next day the fluids seemed like they were helping.  He ate and was able to keep things down, until evening came.  At this point I had made the decision that i needed to go down the following week to be there for my grandmothers 2nd cateract surgery and Pop-pop's next chemo, so I booked my flight to leave the 5th. My grandmother ended up having to call 911 around 2 am tuesday morning.  His body was now swollen 2 times its normal size, still not able to keep anything down and weak.  His potassium is elevated and his sodium is low a very delicate balancing act.  The next couple days there is no progress, seems for digress then anything.  They had been using his port to give him meds and fluids but sometime during Thursday night the port was not intaking anything and things started looking very grim. The hospital called my grandmother around 4am and told her that she might want to get up to the hospital.  Without the port they would not be able to give him the medicine.  There were talks of subclavians and ventilators and panic began to swell.  Philip and I made plans to leave this afternoon and drive down, as well as my parents and other family members were looking at flights.  My uncle was able to get a flight that would get him there around 2pm.  He made a plan to talk to the doctors and find out what exactly was going on and what the plan would be.  I began to get peace knowing someone would be there with my grandmother soon and continued to pray. Around noon I got a call from my grandma that the port was working again and that the medicines were going in and that they were able to draw blood.  Around 3 the peace was getting stronger knowing that my uncle was there, but was still on stand by if news was not good.  Around 6 got news that the port was still working, they were starting lasiks which will hopefully get some of the swelling down.  Still have a lot of questions but feel like we are starting to get some answers now.
Grandma called me around 8 and she was headed back up to the hospital to stay with him for the night. She has not been staying with him, because he has told her to go home a rest.  When she asked him to night, he said yes that he wanted her to stay.  They will celebrate their 60th anniversary in February.    Please continue to pray, for my Pop-pop, my grandma, his doctors and for us.  We appreciate the prayers, the calls, texts, messages, your love and support.

This morning I woke up around the time my grandmother got the call, of course I did not know that until later today.  When i woke up I was, wide awake and my mind started going, so I started praying.  This song was in my head, and how true it is.  How quickly things can change. Rivive "blink"

From the Heart

Well I just thought 2 months was a long time to go with out blogging.... HA! So hopefully I am back for good this time. A lot has happened and have a lot going through this little mind of mine. This blog is going to be more about what is going in my mind and in me, mostly because I need to get this out.

The last few months I have been struggling, with what I really couldn't put my finger on it but just felt out of sorts. It was very apparent to those that have been around me too. My poor husband for sure noticed. Talk about an emotional wreck. I have realized that I have turned to into a person that I am not proud of and do not want to be. Well, let me kind of rephrase that, there are parts of me that need to change but I'd like to hope there are still some good parts to me.

The magnify glass came out, when our church started a challenge for the year. For us to get into the word on a daily basis. To set a goal of reading the whole Bible or a portion of it... This is something I have slacked on the last few years. I have started with reading the New Testament. As I have been reading, it has been helping to open my eyes to what my issues are that need to be changed. It all has to stem from my heart and what is in it... I have not been guarding my heart, nor my mind. I find that the littlest thing can piss me off or alter my mood when I should be able to take it in stride and move on. It upsets me more to see how it not only effects me but also the ones that I love that usually take the brunt of it.

There have been some situations lately that God has really opened my eyes to how I am in it but also to others. One biggie is judging people/making fun/poking fun at someone, unfortunately it just comes out. I hadn't really thought much of it until the last month and I had two instances. One, I was sitting with a group where one person made a comment about another person at the table (where the other person could not hear, but I am sure they did, because they continued to repeat this to everyone at the table). The comment had to do with how this person felt that the other person should have some work done so they would be more attractive. I was shocked that this person would say that and all of a sudden I had that voice inside that said "how many times have you said something like that?'... Gulp. The other situation was when I overheard somebody talking about me and I thought "how rude, with friends like that who needs enemies" and again the voice interrupted with "doesn't feel good does it, what friends have you done this to?"... Got it, God.

Matthew 15:18 But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what defile a person;

I have to take control of the condition of my heart. Changing what goes into it... More of God and a lot less of me. Filtering those things that do not need to be an influence. Words, thoughts and attitudes are going to be a part of what needs to be weeded out. I am tired of living life this way and I am ready for it to change. Just means I have to do some changing first.

Instead of being jealous, angry, impatient, mean, and unforgiving, I will try to be 1 Corinthians.

So this is kind of part 2 of the inner battle. Yesterday during praise and worship, I was thinking/praying and my mind drifted to remembering a special person that I had had in my life. She was a mentor to me and so many ladies... Her presences has been missed in the past years that she has been gone. She was so full of grace, wisdom and the sweetest spirit you could have ever met... I just began to cry. I don't have this in my life any more and at that moment I realized how much I need it. I looked around the church and realized that I really do not know anyone outside my immediate circle of our life group, a few people that I know from outside church for years and then a few acquaintances. How have I gone to a church for 8 years and not have made more relationships? How do I start? You mean I have to get out of my comfort zone? I love my life group girls but there is just something special about having an older woman to look to that has been there and knows how to pray and guide you through it. I am blessed to have family members that are great influences too. My mom and cousin are super supportive and are there when I have a question or need prayer but again it is nice to have someone outside your family to talk to and pray with. So at this point let me just put this out there... I am looking for a new spiritual mentor. Any takers? ;)

To be continued...

How time flies...

Well crap, 2 months have passed and I have not blogged... fail. So now to figure out where to start so I can catch you up.

For those of you that have read my blog before might remember my entry about the "one word challenge". My one word was Experience. This word has become the filter that I run about every situation through. The goal, to make this year different then any other year.
This brought me to a place where it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone. I have been a licensed Realtor for 6 years and really had not been involved to the point I have wanted to be.
A opportunity came up for me to apply to a leadership program for Texas Realtors. It is a really neat program, that gives the student the tools to become a better leader and person. I was so scared to apply, afraid that I would be not be picked. There were only a few spots available through our local association. I had no idea how many other people were apply or who I was up against, but I was proud of myself for stepping out and applying for it. I received so much support and encouragement from other realtors and my broker. The day came and I received a phone call from the executive of the association and he told me... I did not make it in the program this year. :o( He said they had a lot more applicants than they even expected this year and with only 10 spots available it was a really hard decision. As a consolation prize they did offer me to join the association on a trip to Austin for the Realtors Hill Visit day, with my expenses paid. So this coming Tuesday i will be in Austin for the day and will tour the capital and sit in on the current session... I am so excited for this opportunity. They have encouraged me to apply next year as well. So may have not been the experience I was hoping for, but another experience has come from it.

On March 9th, My little Aggi girl got engaged! Aggi has become the tall little sister that I did not have growing up. lol. She is just so special to me, I am so thankful that God has brought her in my life, she blesses me everyday! So the wedding is going to be September 9th... eek! (one day after our 10 year anniversary), so i have been busy helping her plan her wedding. Let me just tell you how amazing it has been to see how God's hand is moving in this union. Aggi comes from a large family and is the second oldest, with younger ones still at home, so she is paying for the wedding herself. So in the beginning we were looking out what were the more important things to her that the money should be spent on and where could we save. Well let me just tell you with God she is not going to have to settle for anything. To start with, the perfect venue went down on the price and is bending over backwards to make things happen... Thanks Melissa!!!! A good friend paid for her dream dress. A family friend is doing the catering. The photographer that took her senior pictures in high school is doing the wedding for a new flash for her camera. It's just been one blessing after another and it has been awesome to witness it.




Well the other thing in my life right now is an experiment I am doing. Most people that know me, know that I have had stomach issues even before my gallbladder issues. I am starting to feel it is more food oriented more than anything else. Now is just to figure out what it is. After a bad flair up, I felt maybe I might have narrowed it down. I had eaten bread and only bread and was completely miserable. So after that I started researching gluten allergies. A lot of the symptoms I have do line up for a gluten allergy/intolerance, not so much celiac disease ( which is good). For a about 4 days I really struggled with stomach problems. On Thursday morning i was laying in bed trying to convenience myself that I needed to get up and also praying. I started feeling that I was suppose to eliminate gluten from my diet for 40 days. So no I am not doing this for Lent, I do not participate in Lent. This is just something I feel I have to do out of obedience. As much as I love my gluten food, if this is the issue I am at peace with that and it is something I can live with. So far I am 22 days into and really had hoped to see more of a difference but so far I have not. The first week was a challenge figuring out what I could and could not have, so really those first few days should not count because I know gluten was involved. I feel if this does not bring the relief I am looking for then I will look to eliminating something else until I figure it out. So any advice would be appreciated!

Now onto my own episode of Hoarding Buried Alive... Ok not that bad but closer than I wanted to be, but we all know I come by it Naturally. It first started with cleaning out the cabinets in the kitchen, then it lead to getting the home office back to a home office and not just a pile room, then it spread to my work office, then closets and the guest room... HOLY MOLY WHERE DID ALL THIS STUFF COME FROM AND WHY DO I FEEL THE NEED TO HOLD ON TO!?!? So needless to say it has been an emotional journey and bless my husband pea picking heart for still loving me through it all. Let's just say I will be happy to have this garage sale when the weather cooperates.

Now you are up to date on a few things going on in my life, if I updated you on everything that would take to long and you would not read all of it.

"Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
Aldous Huxley

Mexican Chicken and Enchilada soup Recipe

I have come up with two recipes that I love and I am going to share it with those I love. Both of these are for the crockpot so great for a busy day!

Mexican Chicken

8 boneless skinless chicken breast ( this last time I made it I had 4 Chicken breast and 4 boneless porkchops)
1 jar pace picante sauce (mild)
1 can rotel original or mild
1 large can of crushed tomato
1 can small to medium tomato sauce
1 tablespoon season salt ( I use Julio's)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 scoop of Mama G's salsa in snap seasoning http://www.mamagcreations.com/ I love this stuff! it makes great salsa and love it for seasoning not only this recipe but it adds a kick to any bland casserole . If you do not have this here is what the back of the canister says it has in it. Dehydrated onion, chili pepper flakes, garlic, salt, cilantro, chili powder and assorted spices. So about a sprinkle of each of these would work :-)

I cut the meat either in halves or thirds. Put everything into the crockpot. Make sure the meat is cover with liquid, if not completely covered add water or chicken broth until covered. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. To test if it is ready get two forks and try and shred one piece. If it shreds easily than it is ready. BEFORE you shred the rest you will want to drain some of the excess liquid. Put the liquid into a measuring cup, you should get between 2-3 cups. Leave enough liquid to cover the bottom of the crock pot, this will keep the meat moist. Now shred the rest.


Spanish Rice

With the liquid in the measuring cup you are going to make Spanish rice the quick way. I use minute rice in the red box.
Now the liquid is going to have some solids from the meat and the salsa and rotel... these are yummy bits! Because of the yummy bits you will need to had some water to the rice.
Typically it is 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of liquid. You are going to add 2 tablespoons to each cup you make. So if you have two cups of liquid you are going to add 4 tablespoons of water. Cook according to the directions on the box. I do it in the microwave.

So this would be the first night meal. We usually eat it as soft tacos.

So the second or even third night you can make the enchilada soup. This last time I froze the left overs until today to make the soup. You are going to want 3-4 cups of meat and about 2 cups of rice.

Enchilada Soup

Your 3-4 cups of meat and about 2 cups of rice that are left over. Mine were still a little frozen when I put them in.
1 large (28 oz) & 1 small 10 oz can of Old El Paso Mild enchilada sauce.
2 cans of reduce fat cream of chicken soup
1 can regular cream of chicken
16 oz of chicken broth... I use the box of chicken broth so this is about half of it. If you want or have a can which is 14.5 that is fine just might add a little water.
1 can black beans drained, rinsed and toweled off.
1 table spoon season salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 scoop of Mama G's ( see above recipe)
1 zucchini cut in half or quarter slices
1 yellow squash cut in half or quarter slices
half a bag a frozen corn
3 roasted green chili's diced or can diced green chili's would work... I would go with the mild.
cook on low for 6-8 hours

I also use the crockpot liners... It has made my life so much easier!!!! Hope you enjoy!

My One Word...

This year our life group at church is doing the one word challenge. It started with one church and has grown each year. Probably you or someone you know has/is participating in it. You can go to myoneword.org to learn more about it... Below is from their home page.

Every New Year we hope this will finally be the year that things will change. We make promises about the new person we're going to become, pledging to get a grip on our finances, get in shape, become a better parent, spouse, even a nicer human being! But there’s one problem: our resolutions seldom work. The busy pace of life gets the better of us, and suddenly, the year is over with little to no personal growth having occurred in our lives.

“My One Word” is an experiment designed to move you beyond the past and look ahead. The challenge is simple: lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick ONE WORD. This process provides clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. One word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future. So, we invite you to join us and pick one word in 2011 (click here to learn how

Now was the hard part picking the one word that could change your life... or so I thought it would be. Even as we were watching the videos on the website the word was being whispered on my heart and the definition that it would take on.

My one word... Experience. Now what does that mean... it means a whole lot. The dictionary describes it as:

a : direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge

b : the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation

2 a : practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity

b : the length of such participation experience in the job

3a : the conscious events that make up an individual life

b : the events that make up the conscious past of a community or nation or humankind generally

4 : something personally encountered, undergone, or lived through

Part two is to find a verse that embodies your definition. The week we started doing this my cousin aka Girl Seeks Truth blogged about her "one word", which you should read hers and she is listed as one of the blogs I follow. So I texted her and told her I was struggling with a verse, we texted for a bit and she told me she would get back to me about a verse. A few days later she sent me a message... Joshua 1:9. As familar as I am with this verse it has now taken on a new meaning.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

As a little girl and now as a woman( I guess 30 classifies me as woman) fear has had a grip on my life and in every situation. I use to fall asleep quoting 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Because of this fear I have lost out on a lot of my life experiences. My fears have been feeling disappointment, being uncomfortable, looking stupid, losing someone or something and the list goes on.

In the last couple of weeks I have examined as situation and opportunities come up, with the eyes of is this something that God wants me to experience? Sometimes I don't even have a choice, but I roll with it, because my Lord my God is with me wherever I go.

Even in the last few weeks I have been blessed with God's faithfulness. A couple of days before this project started on January 6th as we were leaving our family vacation in Vegas, Philip received a call that the contractor he has been working for had no work lined up. It's been slow before but nothing like this. I will admit that it is seems a little scary, but God is good and Philip has had some small individual jobs come up. Just praying that those will continue until Philip knows what direction he wants to go in... Any one need some custom cabinets, furniture, shadow boxes, wood repairs, remodel or anything along those lines let us know. :o)

So we will see what all God has for me to experience. I am excited to see how He will work in my life this year and years to come.

" Adventure is worthwhile in itself" Amelia Earhart

http://myoneword.org/

Vegas Baby

The Second Annual Grisw---er I mean family vacation with Philip's side. So how it works is that Philip and I in Texas board a plane for our destination, and in Kansas Philip's Mom and Step dad John, (sis) Lisa and Pete are joined by sis Heather and Craig who live in Iowa and they take off by plane for the destination. Now we are all in Vegas and have descended on our home for the next four nights... Harrahs.

I really liked the location of Harrahs but in comparison with other hotels we have stayed at in Vegas, it does not compare. This was also the longest we have ever stayed in Vegas.

Sunday

So the first day we met for lunch in the hotel at KGB Burgers. After that we decided to go for a walk and look at some of the others hotels and shops. First was Caesars and the Forum shops, not sure if it was the mono or just getting so overwhelmed in H&M I had to take a little sit down and collect myself for a bit... Luckily one of the statue shows was going on so made me feel a little less like I was holding the group up. We finished the Forum shops and headed to the Venitian. We sat for a bit talked about what we would like to do and what shows we would like to see. We decided on Monday that we would do a tour that would take us to the Hoover Dam and to a Chocolate factory and arboretum. Sunday night Philip and I had already gotten tickets for a comedy show. Now if you have known my family for years you would have to have been introduced to our "cardinal saint" of comedy... SINBAD!!!! The show was at The Orleans which is off the strip and we took a taxi to it. I was absolutely giddy!! The show was one of the best comedy shows I have ever seen. He preformed a full 2 hours, interacting with the audience, he is truly talented... and hilarious! As we left the hotel we saw something you would never expect to see in Vegas... SNOW! Our taxi driver was ecstatic.

Ok so we get back to the hotel and start getting ready for bed. I am looking in my suitcase and can not find my bag with my toothbrush and shower stuff... I have forgotten it. Well to go back in the day too. Philip and I leave the house and we are leaving with more than plenty of time and he mentions he didn't get his "players" card to get points for all the MGM casinos so we decided to turn around and get it. Well thank God we did because I walk into our bathroom and sitting on the counter is my makeup bag which not only has my makeup but has ALL my medicine. Needless to say my packing on this trip was a bit of a cluster.

So the next morning we headed out for a dam tour... really, a tour of the Hoover Dam. We had driven over it in the past actually on all three past trips we had went over the Hoover dam but we had never stopped to tour it. I'll say i like the history part of it but the mechanical part of it I'd rather not think about, it's just not the way I am wired. I am amazed though that all if it was done with out a computer designing or figuring it. The tour came with a lunch at a casino out side of Boulder City. We then headed to the "chocolate factory" and cactus arboretum... well you got two free pieces of chocolate and they had coke products YAY! (not pepsi boo!) After a little rest time in the hotel room, we decided to check out the old strip and Fremont Street. We had fun checking out the casinos and stores down there, not to mention that things are cheaper!

Tuesday we all decided to sleep in and take it easy. Once we started going we headed out to see about show tickets. We stopped in some of the casinos along the way to Bally's. At Bally's we purchased our tickets for Jubilee. We headed back to our hotel ate some lunch and headed to a comedy magic show that we had tickets for. The show was the Mac King show, it was pretty entertaining,... more funny than magic. After the show we headed out to check out some sights and to get some things at Walgreens... Like diet coke. Ok let me say I only drink 1-2 diet cokes a day now ( i use to drink 4-5) so when I drink one I want it to count, no diet pepsi does not count. So while in walgreens I come to realize that by wallet with my id., debit card and credit card is MIA. I start to panic mostly because if I have lost it I have got to get someone to go to my house and get my passport and over night it so that I can have an ID to fly home with. So I am walking just short of running to the hotel. Get to room check my other purse then remember I had to empty my purse into my coat pocket at the Hoover dam (my purse was to big to take in). Eureka! It is there and apparently no cards in Vegas because I had not had it on my person for almost 24 hours. After that I feel like I need some retail therapy, so Philip and I head out to the outlets... YAY! That evening we went to Jubilee, a vegas style show. Then went to get a bite and some drinks after.

Wednesday

We decided it would be fun to get a tram pass and go to some of the other hotels. The first hotel we stayed at 9 years ago on our first trip to Vegas was the MGM. We had not been back there since. So we went there first. Then we walked to the Tropicana, then Excalibur and then back to the MGM to see the Lion exhibit. I didn't get to see it the last time we stayed there, so I really wanted to see it this time. We then went to Planet Holleywood and the Mile high shops. Ate lunch at Cabo Wabo then headed back to the Harrahs. From Harrahs I went back to the outlets with Lisa, to "help" her... seriously you need a team when you go to those places. You could lose an arm. Once back at Harrahs, Lisa and I played penny slots and bought tickets for Legends an impersonation show. Once the boys got back from downtown we went to dinner at Toby Keith's I love this Bar. The food was alright, expensive for what it was. We went to the show, some of the acts were really good and some of them not so much.

Thursday

The day we came home. The rest of the group headed out before us, we said out goodbyes and Philip and I headed out to do some final shopping. We got to one store and Philip's mom sent us a text saying that the taxi line was long and was taking forever. So we decided we better head back and check out. We get down to the taxi line and she was not exaggerating. The other day there had maybe been one person waiting not more than that. Today there were atleast 12 groups in front of us and no taxi's. After 25 mintues 3 taxi's come and go. Navigator pulls up, the talks to him and he announces to the crowd, he can take 5-6 people $10 a head first come first serve. Philip and I jump out of line and three other guys. So we get to the airport with plenty of time and sit with the rest of the family until their flight boards and we head to our gate.

It was a very interesting and fun trip...

Good-bye 2010

Can not believe that 2010 is coming to an end. It has been a year that has seemed to fly by and at times seemed to crawl. It was a Dickens type of year... It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Here is my year in review.

January

On the 17th we headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico for a cruise with our friends Dustin and Alisha and some of her family. The cruise was AWESOME! We went to St. Thomas, Barbados, Dominca, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and St. Lucia. We saw so many beautiful beaches and historical buildings, loved being able to see so many things in 7 days. Here are some pictures of our trip.

We arrived home the 26th and on the 27th received the news that we all knew would come one day but prayed it would not have been so soon. Philip's cousin Emily had battled Cystic Fibrosis her whole life. She fought the disease with such grace and always kept her faith in God. She was able to live for 26 years, survived a double lung transplant, gave birth to a beautiful healthy little girl ( who is now 4) and encouraged countless people. She is missed everyday.

The picture below is of Emily's Bible.

February/March

Sadly I don't remember much about these months. Know there was a sinus infection involved.

April

For Easter weekend we took a little trip to Georgetown and Killeen. We visited philip's great aunt and uncle in Georgetown, then went to visit Chris and Steph in Killeen. We had a great time visiting with our family and friends. Philip got to play golf and I was able to shop... goodtimes.

Coming home from our trip my stomach was not feeling very well and just figured it was from eating irregular and dismissed it until the next day. For the next four days I was sick and finally went to the doctor. The doctor sent me to the GI Doc and though test, scopes, and sonogram it was determined that my gallbladder had to go. The 16th I underwent my first ever surgery and had my gallbladder removed.

May

We had multiple birthdays and graduations to celebrate.

June

The month of multiple weddings and celebrations. Also my friends Alisha and Dustin gave birth to their sweet angel Kyndall. Kyndall was 8 weeks early when she made her arrival June 22nd.

Alisha had been on bed rest in the hospital prior to Kyndall's arrival. We had even moved her baby shower from it's original location to the hospital because they would not allow her to leave.

I had another hiccup in my health with a stomach bug and kidney infection.

July

We went to San Angelo to see Chris and Steph and to celebrate their daughter Kenzie's birthday before her baby brother arrived. We arrived home to a very flooded Lubbock for the 4th of July.

Work was crazy trying to get the student population moved out and moved in before the fall semester began. I had also continued to have problems with my stomach. I went back to the doctor and they prescribed a medicine to help with the symptoms.

The month concluded with Chris and Steph having their baby boy Jonah arrive on Chris's birthday July 30th. Also me and a group of girls from my office went on our first annual lake trip. One of our vendors and his wife (Phillip and Mindy Wilkins) purchased a lake house at Lake Hubbard Creek. Mindy treated us to a wonderful weekend of great meals, swimming and sea-doos. We had a blast and plan to do it every year!

August

Ended up being my most productive month ever! The most leases and the most I have ever made... very rewarding when you work a commission based job. For Philip's birthday we went to Houston to see our friend Clint, who just moved there. We had a lot of fun! We went to a concert with Clay Walker and the Band Perry (my fav). We did some shopping and hang out at the lake where philip got to ski and knee board. On the way home we detoured to Killeen so we could meet Jonah.

September

Philip and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary.

Every September I look forward to doing the "walk with Pride". It is a program put on by the Association of Realtors and the Food Bank. With the help of Payless shoes were are able to give hundreds of shoes to under privileged kids.

My grandparents from South Texas came for a short visit. Love getting to see them no matter the amount of time, which is never long enough.

The middle of the month we flew to Kansas to see Philip's family. We were finally getting to meet our niece Abby! She was getting baptized. We had a great time getting to see the family.

On the plane ride home I started having a few places on my legs that started itching. By the next morning my legs were covered in red itchy bumps. I could not find anything to calm the itch. I called my allergist and they had me come in. I ended up having over 40 ant bites.... and they were driving me crazy!!! So with medicine and oatmeal baths I survived. :o)

October

We had our annual Halloween party and the theme this year was "scary". I went as a Gothic ballerina and philip went as an IRS man (scary to us HAHA). With our life group from Church we did a dunking booth for the fall festival. The pastors were sport enough to sit in the freezing water to raise money for our building fund.

Bailey our goldendoodle turned 2.

I had also been noticing that my hair was falling out at a faster rate than usual. Figure out that the medicine the Doctors put me on in July for my stomach was the cause and go off of it. Also rounded out the month with a cold... at least it was before my birthday.

November & December

Birthday Month and the month I started blogging. I turned 30 on the 12th and had a great time celebrating with my friends and family.

We did Holiday Happening which is a expo of business where people get to do some Christmas shopping. We had a booth for the Golf store and had a great turn out. Just made for a VERY busy week.

The week of Thanksgiving I found a lump in my lower abdomen and had a horrible UTI infection. 3 doctor visits and 16 days of antibiotics still did not know what was going on. They prescribed another medicine which I have opted not to take and have started taking natural supplements instead. Symptoms have gotten better. The lump they believe is the beginning of a small hernia, which I am suppose to see a surgeon about.

My Grandparents came for a visit after Thanksgiving. It is always nice to spend time with them.

Philip went hunting and camping the two weekends in December. Fun for him and no sleep for me.

Christmas day we had both my family and Philip's family over for dinner. I made lasagna and chicken fettucini for 19 people. We had a great time visiting. Jason and Faith (Emily's husband and daughter) came by for a bit.

Week of Christmas I woke up monday morning with a sore throat. Really just felt like my Immune system was the issue. Really just wanted a steriod and b12 shot.... did not want and did not feel I needed antibiotics. Went to the Doctor who did not give a shot of any kind and gave me Augmentin antibiotic. My main reason for not wanting to take an antibiotic was my stomach. I knew it could not handle it, it had only be 10 days since i had gone off the round for the UTI. I called my allergist to see if they could get me in, and they said they could not. Tuesday folded and started the antibotic... and I was sick by Wednesday morning and went off of it. Friday tried to go to a walk in clinic and they closed at noon, I got there at 12:10. Monday went to see the allergist because they had a cancellation. She starts running tests and sends me to get x-rays. Verdict I have Mono with Chronic Sinusitus. She agrees I do not need and antibotic and the a Kenalog shot with clear up the sinus issue and should help the mono.

I had had my dad give me a B12 shot Christmas Eve and had him give me another yesterday.

Our New Years Plans included pizza, sheridans and sitting on the couch all night. I am trying to rest as much as possible.

So if you are wondering why I have included my health issues in this years look back is because it has been and issue for me. Not just physically but emotionally. I am ready to be healthy! If you are a friend on facebook you have seen my wish for a new Immune System. So here it is I am praying that 2011 will be a healthier year and goal is to do everything possible to achieve that.

Wishing you and yours a very blessed, HEALTHY and Happy New year!

Sweet and Scary...

Well this weekend Philip went out a town again, that makes two weekends in a row. And if you know me you know I don't do being at home at night by myself well. So I did a lot of movie watching and other things to keep myself busy. This weekend every year is usually the weekend I choose to do my baking for my vendors. Every year I like to try something new. This year I tried two new recipes and did a repeat of one I did last year. So here are the recipes...

The first one is super easy and really yummy! I saw this in a magazine at CVS while waiting for a prescription, I didn't by the magazine but the recipe was easy enough to remember.

Snicker Nuggets

1 package Miniature Snickers

2 packages of 8 count crescents (any brand)

preheat oven 350

Cut crescent triangle into two triangles

Place snickers in center and fold edges up and pinch closed.

Bake for 9-11 minutes ( Crescents will be golden brown and snickers will be trying to ooze.

The recipe had melting Cream cheese and drizzling it on top.I think this is optional, I like it with out. You could also do a light dusting of powder sugar.

Oreo Balls

A friend brought these to Life Group and I fell in love.

1 package of Oreo Cookies

1 package of Cream Cheese

1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla

1 package of Almond Bark, White

Crumble the cookies, I did it in the food processor to get it fine enough. Could probably use a blender or mini chopper. I then dumped the crumbs into a bowl.

I put the cream cheese in the food processor with the vanilla pulsed it till it was smooth.

Then add the crumbs into the cream cheese mixture, I did it slowing just to make sure it mixed well.

Chill mixture for 2 hours in the freezer.

After the mixture has chilled, remove from freezer and form into balls. I used a melon baller if you don't have one you could use either a measuring spoon or table spoon.

Once you have the balls formed, melt the Almondbark in the Microwave.

Dip balls into the Almond bark and place on wax paper or parchment paper. Let cool and then place in a container or storage bags.

Gooey Butter Cake

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix

1 Egg

1/2 cup butter melted

Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese softened

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 16 0z box confectioner sugar ( I could not find a box, a bag is 32 oz)

1/2 cup butter melted.

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 13x9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat cake mix, egg and 1/2 cup of melted butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until combined. Press into the bottom of prepared pan; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese at low speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating well. Slowly add remaining 1/2 cup of melted butter, mixing well. Pour evenly over cake mixture.

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until center is slightly set. Cool completely and cut into squares to serve.

So I hope you enjoy these recipes.

Now to go back to the part about how I don't handle being home by myself well. So I am usually on high alert, the slightest noise does not go unheard. So Saturday night a couple of friends had been over and we had watched a movie and they left around 10p.m. I decided I would watch another movie. Around 11ish I paused the movie for a potty break. As I am walking from the livingroom to my bedroom, I hear a car door. Of course it is probably a neighbor no biggie. So I am in the bathroom and I hear someone trying to open my locked front door. Bailey starts barking, I start panicking and cautiously walk into the livingroom. Of Course I have every light on including both porch lights. There is no one there. I look out and I can't see anyone or anything. I sit on the couch looking in all directions with the movie still paused... heart pounding, praying for God's protection. Finally calm down convince myself it was probably someone trying to go to a neighbors house, we get at lot of confused people since there is a block that is place and one that is street. I did sleep on the couch until 5 just to make sure, I had no surprise visits. So needless to say I will be learning how to shoot our "home security" very soon.

The lights...

I don't know about you but I am having a hard time believing that it is already December. But looking at the calendar and with all the events and my to do list it is hard to be in denial. I love this time of year! I love the decorations, the scents, the gatherings and the giving spirit.

I think it has always been my favorite... and will always be my favorite. Despite being married to a man that is a combination of the grinch and scrooge, I still love it and him.

Though the trees, the decorations and the people have changed still the traditions and the feelings are the same.

I come home and I plug in the trees, the garland and the wreath and instantly the house feels warmer. I can sit here and be mesmerized for hours, actually that is where i am now. Even with presents to wrap, gifts to find, and recipes to be studied, I am just sitting here. Sitting here is where I feel I need to be in this moment. I have been struggling the last two weeks with an infection that is not wanting to let go, stress from work and some other personal issues... I am just so tired.

So I am finding comfort in the light. The lights remind me of the true meaning of The Light that Jesus is the Light of the world and that He is in me and with me. Though sometimes I feel discouraged I know that God is with me.

So to those of you who are discouraged, look to the Light. If you need help look at those string of lights and be mesmerized by God.

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 97:11
Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

Psalm 112:4
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

Matthew 4:16
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

John 1:4
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

John 1:7
He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.

Ephesians 5:8-9
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

Colossians 1:12
and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

30th birthday celebration

I have now been 30 for 2 weeks... let me re-phrase that... 2 crazy long weeks. So I am a little behind on blogging about the birthday celebration, so I am finally sitting down to do it. (

Let me just say that God has blessed me with amazing friends and family that made my birthday so special!

On my birthday morning Philip woke me up, "saying you might want to get up, your friends are coming to take you to breakfast in your pajama's." Philip knows me well enough to know that I will not leave the house without my contacts or a bra. So I geared up and waited for them to arrive. My Mom, Teresa, Lisa, and Aggi showed up at my house a few minutes later and we headed to Cracker Barrel. Kandy met us there and had a "birthday" muffin waiting. I got to open a few gifts, we ate a awesome breakfast and it was time to move on to the rest of the day.

I went to work (after I went home and actually got dressed). Pretty much normal work day, expect for that my office was decorated with balloons, signs and flowers from the book keeping staff, Tiffany, Tressa and Stacie. Late afternoon we had the "office" birthday party. Lisa had made the most delicious homemade strawberry cake, which was enjoyed by all.

The vendor I use to clean carpets made me lemon drop cupcakes, which I saved for Friday night.

That night a group of us headed to Main Event for a fun night of food and BOWLING!!!

Saturday night was my big party thrown by Aggi, Kandy, Lisa, My Mom, Teresa and Sarah. It was at Teresa's house and had an amazing group of friends turn out for it. There were definitely some faces that were missed though.

They had some of my favorite foods (chick fila nuggets, buffalo wings, rice crispy treats), a beautiful cake and beer pong. Ok let me explain the beer pong. For those of you that have starting reaching these birthdays when you realize there is so much in life you have not experienced, know where i am coming from. A few weeks before my birthday it was brought that I had never played this game. So my friends brought their personal beer pong table and set it up in the back yard, so I could cross it off my to do list. I had more than plenty of gifts to open and friends to visit with... I had a very blessed birthday, thank you to those that made it so special!