The sprinkles will hide any defect Edition

Yesterday we had a welcome home party for Micah. Since tomorrow is his due date, we thought it would be a perfect time to celebrate his early homecoming.

He's over 8 pounds already, even though he's on an apnea monitor. And. Those. Cheeks. They're kissable, squishable and altogether loveable. It's safe to say I'm totally in love with him.

We also decided to have the party over Labor Day because all my in-laws from Austin, Texas are in town for some Micah cuddles. They're HUGE Longhorn fans. Obviously, it's almost sacreligious to be anything else in Austin.

In honor of their devotion, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law got Micah his first Longhorn outfit.

It's a towel that looks like a longhorn. Since Micah was sleeping, his dad Chris decided to show it off.


I think Micah's going to grow up with one fun daddy. Or a playmate. I'm not sure which yet!

My sister-in-law did Micah's room in a rainforest theme. In honor of that, we ordered a cake from Happy Cakes. It was almost too cute to eat.

Almost.
We are having the family over to our house today to celebrate some birthdays. N's mom's, D's, and N's aunt Dee Dee. Because I thought I was secretly gifted in the pastry department, I decided to make one. I do have a KitchenAid mixer afterall. That should make it as easy as ordering one from Happy Cakes!

That KichenAid didn't help much. What you can't see is the crack down the middle. Like wearing a large earrings to distract from some adult acne, I'm hoping those sprinkles work wonders.

If that doesn't work, I'll have already wowed them with some delish ribs.
One can only hope!

The Graduation Edition

Today was the last Shrimp/Kipper class. Next year we'll be a guppie, pike, eel or some other sea creature.

Zoe was a star swimmer and climbed up the wall, put her ear in the water and even kicked her legs for the first time.



In addition to graduating class and earning a certificate (which is on the fridge in its rightful place), we had a grand finale. What, you ask, might that be?

An indoor water slide.

We fortunately both landed, head out of the water. Unlike the poor mother and son behind us.

Zoe loved it. I think we may be ready for next summer already.

The Friday Five Faves - vol. 9 -

It's finally Friday? All week I've had the same thought when I heard the alarm go off. "Thank the good Lord it's Friday."

I've been saying that since Tuesday. That just makes the week all caddywhampus.

I thought I would post about the little joys of this week. Since apparently it's been Friday for 5 days.

1) Starbucks Breakfast Blend. In an effort to cut our spending, I'm making coffee at home. I've actually never done this. We have a fancy pot that has a brewing timer. I can set it for 10 minutes before I go out to the kitchen in the morning and I've got a fresh pot of coffee. I love modern wonders.

This blend is mild and smooth. I quite enjoy it with a little cream and sugar. While it ain't a grande, peppermint mocha, it does fill the void.

2. Tanning goggles. I started tanning in 1995. My sister was getting married and we decided to do some bonding. By becoming a bigger risk for skin cancer. Can you get any closer than that?

After high school I started to go 2-3 times a week in preparation for summer. I'm a pasty person, so it takes me a good 6 months to even look like I have a tan. This is why I was engaged for exactly 6 months! I have to start out at 4 minutes in the bed. For you non-tanners, most people can start at 10-12 minutes.

Once I became pregnant and heard about that skin condition you can get from the sun while your body is surging with pregnancy hormones, my tanning days were over.

Zoe found some of my goggles while we were unpacking. As she was on her changing table getting jammies on, she laid down, put them over her eyes and had that perfect tanning bed pose. I have no idea where she gets it from.

3. Husbands who aren't afraid of animals. Sunday night we experienced a visitor. I went to lock the back door and something jumped off the door. Because we're in new construction, it hasn't been uncommon to see a spider once and awhile. However this was huge in comparison. It was the size of a quarter. It wasn't a spider at all, but a frog. To say I'm not an animal person is an understatement. I especially don't like things that squeak, slither or jump. In my opinion, they're unpredictable. That is not something I can handle from the animal kingdom.

As N went to capture it, the little guy jumped into the couch. Yes into the couch. We had to tip it over and get a flashlight. Fortunately N saw him in the arm and was able to coax him onto his hand.

While I stood in another room. Freaking out.

4. Explanation of odor. Yesterday morning I went into the garage. Not only to take a picture of how much it's been emptied, but to also put something in our pantry. Once I opened the door I knew. The smell hit my throat and I could almost taste it. Skunk.

You have to understand, about a year ago our office experienced this smell for about a month. In the dead of summer. Apparently there was a dead skunk in the duct system. This smell affects me in the same way Jose Cuervo does.

I immediately started looking for the animal assuming, like the frog, that he snuck into the garage as the door was shutting. I found nothing. I was talking to N last night. He ran over an already dead skunk on the way home. It's not real skunk in our garage, but remnant skunk smell. I feel much better.

5. The Neely's BBQ ribs. We are having N's family over to celebrate D's and his mom's birthday. I decided we were going to BBQ up some chicken and ribs. I've never done ribs before, so I consulted my personal cooking mentor - Food Network. The channel has a show called Down Home with the Neely's. They own some BBQ establishments in Tennessee. In all the previews for their show, they're preparing ribs. I figured they were my best bet.

Worst case scenario, I'll buy some pre-prepared Longhorn BBQ ribs at Costco and pass them off as my own. I'm not proud, but I have this need to WOW anyone I cook for.

The Neely's came through for me! I found this recipe on the site. While I haven't cooked the ribs yet, I've made the rub and the BBQ sauce. Yes, I made homemade BBQ sauce. I was feeling ambitious. It's delish. I can't wait to slather it on some ribs and enjoy some down home cookin'.

Hope your Labor Day is full of good food, great company and no unpredictable visitors from the animal kingdom.

The Little Things Edition

With family coming into town this weekend, we've been trying to get the house in order and unpacked as much as possible. While I know the family won't care what the house looks like or how much we've unpacked, they've given us a reason to unpack fast. If you ever saw our garage in Puyallup, you know that's exactly what we need!

Yesterday my mom was kind enough to take Zoe on a trip to the dump with several of our boxes and trash. Apparently it took some bribery with cookies, but it gave me a rare opportunity to be home alone. In my pre-motherhood life, that would mean watching a re-run of Friends, eating cereal for dinner and perhaps reading. If I felt ambitious, I might do a 30-minute workout. Might.

Now it consists of cleaning floors, unpacking boxes, scrubbing toilets, cleaning dishes and organizing. It's amazing what I can accomplish in 35 minutes.

We now have pictures up on the walls and one of our vehicles can fit into the garage. We are making progress!



It also allowed me time with Zoe last night watching some Tigger & Pooh the Christmas Movie. The girl loves her some Christmas movie. She will actually bring the DVD case to me so we can enjoy the Super Sleuth adventure together.

I know Zoe and I both needed that time. As I was putting her to bed, she ripped the bottle out of her mouth and started telling me stories. They were apparently very funny because she cracked herself up. It took 45 minutes to get her to settle down because she had so much to tell me.

While it's great having the house in order and cars in the garage, but the best thing, for me, is seeing my child fall asleep with a smile on her face.

The Justice and Joy Edition

I've been following the story of two children since 2005. I can remember the day their house was shown on the news and the Amber Alerts were issued.

Their names: Dylan and Shasta Groene.

For 7 weeks I heard news reports of how their mother, older brother and their mother's boyfriend were killed. We all grew more alert, looking at children to see a resemblence. They were abducted only 45 minutes from my town.

I lost hope after the first month of finding them alive.

Then just 3 weeks later I saw survellience video of Shasta and a man walking into a Denny's restuarant. My heart filled with hope and saddness. Hope that she was alive. Saddness because there was no Dylan and who knows what that little girl had seen or experienced. Saddness because Shasta's life would never be the same.

That man, Joseph Duncan, is on trial in Boise right now. We've gotten the guilty verdict and now we're onto sentencing.

I've been following the coverage because I want to see justice. I want to see him sentenced to death for his actions. I want to see justice for those 4 people he so viciously attacked, tortured and killed. I want Shasta to know she will never see that man get freedom. She will never have to testify at a parole hearing or hear that he escaped. I don't want him to have any comfort in his life. I want him to suffer the way his victims did and the way the survivors have to live with those painful memories.

I also want justice for those two, beautiful girls in Seattle and the boy in Southern California that he killed.

As a parent, I hold my Zoe a little closer at night, triple check the locks on our doors and suspect everyone. I am forever changed by Dylan and Shasta.

As I prayed for God's comfort, love and peace for Shasta and her family as they go through this trial, I realized something. Christ doesn't just take care of us, didn't just die for us, He also died for Joseph Duncan. While I deplore that man's actions, motives and thoughts, Christ died for him.

That's not to say there isn't consequences to his actions or that God won't allow those consequences to happen. God loves justice (Psalm 33:5). I'm just saying I had a moment where God said to me to also pray for him. I'm not going to lie, I wasn't happy about it. I didn't want to speak any words like that. My human heart can't fathom that God might love someone like Duncan.

Then I heard some of his journal entries. Duncan's whole life has been a test to God. If God didn't want him to do this or that, He would stop him.

I would love God to step in and make me stop biting my nails, but I'm positive God doesn't work like that. God works in His time, in His way. To test God will only leave you empty.

Empty is what Joseph Duncan is.

Then I thanked God for my joy. He has filled my cup, my heart, my life with His joy. He gives me everything I have. It is because of Him and Him alone that I have life. I will never be empty. I will never have to test God to see if He's real. I know He's real. I see it in everything around me.

My prayer is that you all see God's joy in your life. Whether that be in the breath you take, the people in your life or whatever else God has done for you. I pray you find His everlasting joy.

Without it, we are empty.

Psalm 126:3 - The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

The Eleven Extra Edition

Sunday was D's birthday. She is officially 9.

We will be celebrating her birthday in September. We're going jumping and bouncing with 6 of her crazy friends. I'm a little excited about it. They have a velcro wall what you can run and stick to. What's not to get excited about?

We talked to her on the phone on Sunday. She and her mom's family went to the park. She rode the Octopus ride and within 3 seconds flat felt like she was going to puke. She didn't, thankfully. That would've ruined the big day.

I asked her if she feels older. Her response:

"I'm only 9, but I feel more like 20."

To be young!

The From the Back Edition

It was another productive weekend at our house. We got through another large share of boxes. We're onto the ugly ones. The ones you have to go through and decide what needs to stay and where to put it or where it needs to go: trash or Goodwill.

This process takes longer, but I know it'll pay off in the end.

You know what's worse than having to go through year old food that the movers packed or your husband's clothes from high school? A BBQ that has been sitting for over a year.

Praise the Lord for S.O.S. pads.

Zoe helped clean it off by holding onto the hose. She is amazed that water comes out one end. Her world is full of life's mysteries.

Now that the BBQ is up and working, I thought I would share with you our backyard. Especially since it'll have a fence around it before too long and this type of picture quality will be lost.

The Promise Edition

This past week we've had a couple thunder storms. When I was little my mom used to turn off all the lights, sit on the couch and watch them. I was terrified, so I would sit away from the window and count between thunder to see how far away it was.

Now that I'm older, I love the storms. Where we live we have a great view of the lightening. I still don't like to get too close to the window, but I love watching them. I think part of it is because I know what comes after the storm.

A rainbow.

Growing up, after the thunder and rain would pass, we'd go outside and look for rainbows. Usually when you find one, you find a second one right next to it. We always tried to find both.

One time in college I was driving back to the dorm after a good rain shower. As I was approaching the school there was the most vibrant rainbow I had ever seen. I watched it more than I was watching the road and I actually drove through it. It was one of the most unique experiences I've ever had. For a brief second I was blanketed in that rainbow.

What I love most about rainbows is their meaning. When I see one I'm immediately reminded of who God is and what His promise was to Noah. Because He would never again destroy all living things, He's coming back. He's coming back for me. He's coming back for you.

Deuteronomy 31:8: The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

God brought the rain, He was there in the rain and He stopped the rain. He is in everything.

Genesis 9:16: Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.

The Shrimp Kipper Edition

For the last 4 Saturdays Zoe and I have been going to Shrimp Kipper class. It's a swimming class that the YMCA offers for kids 6 months to 18 months. She loves it.

It's full of singing, kicking, splashing and "jumping" into the pool. The whole point of the class is to help kids become familiar with the water and to know that mom and dad won't let anything happen to them.

I'm so proud of my little Shrimp Kipper. She's very social, interactive and truly enjoys life. I am so blessed to be her swimming partner.

The Friday Five Faves Edition - Vol. 8

I have a whole lot of favorite things today. I'm a "do-re-mi" away from singing My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music.

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things"

I've compiled a top 5 a la My Favorite Things, plus one line:

1) Back and front yards full of plush green grass. I promise to show you pictures of the back yard once the dirt dries from all the thunder storms. I didn't want to carry Zoe through the mud last night.



2) Taking my Zoe to Shrimp Kipper Class. I love the YMCA. They have a fabulous facility and great teachers. Zoe and I both love it.

3) Unpacking boxes full of my dishes made of glass. I cannot tell you how nice it is to have "my stuff" again. I forgot how much I missed my Fiestaware.

4) While learing the new celebrity baby names. Zuma Nestor Rock Rossdale? Really? Where they sitting around their London flat, the baby kicked her rib, Gwen shrieked ZUMA and they settled on that name? Then decided that wasn't enough, so they decided to add Nestor and Rock to it because that completed the flow? Do these people not realize the child will live with that name FOREVER! They're almost like the Zappa family for the new millenium.

Without the LSD.

5) And putting pictures into frames. My favorite thing to decorate with is pictures. I love seeing our family's memories as I go through our house. To me that makes it a home. I've found two boxes full of framed pictures. It's so much fun looking through them all again. I can't wait to replace those pictures with more recent ones. Zoe isn't 3 pounds anymore!

These are a few of my favorite things! Happy Friday!

The Bed Head Edition

During the move process, Zoe was a little confused about what was taking place. I wonder what thoughts went through her mind as she saw all of her belongings being packed up and taken away.

The good news is she LOVES the new house. She walks around like she owns the place.

In even better news, she's sleeping so well there. Which has made the move very easy for this mommy.

When she woke up a couple days ago, this is what I saw:

That was some good sleeping.

The Cardboard Edition

I've been swimming in a sea of cardboard for the last 96 hours. There's still plenty more where that came from, too. I've got at least another 96 hours of swimming left.

I'm not complaining. It's like Christmas. I haven't seen our dishes since April 2007. I had no idea I had such cool stuff. All of those people that came to our wedding and brought a beautiful dish or set of glasses, thank you. They are lovely.

It's like I'm seeing them for the first time. Again.

All that painting I did before we moved in totally paid off. The rooms are cozy and cute. Except the master, it also has to be kinda manly. N doesn't like anything too "cute."

I'm actually a little giddy with excitement. It is so nice to have a home, with a place for all my shoes. The bottom of my closet is like a little nod to Noah's Ark. They're all lined up two-by-two ready for me to wear.

N has been such a trooper. He's hung blinds, curtains, moved heavy boxes for me to unpack and hooked up the television for Zoe.

It would be totally uncool of me to also not send a BIG thank you to all the guys who helped us move on Sunday. When it was 103 degrees. In the shade. Josh, Robbie, Chris, Dave, and John - thank you all so much for your help. Once N gets the BBQ up and running, you will have to come over for some grub.

Also a big thank you to Mom for bring sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks for the guys. We got about 612 thank you's for the food.

Without further ado, here are some pictures of our pad.

Zoe playing in the living room.

Living and dining rooms. With Tigger and Rabbit.

Zoe's cozy room.

Zoe's room (the other side).

The girls' bathroom - complete with Roxy shower curtain.

N and Zoe with the two ladies who helped make our home a reality. Thank you Grammy and Aunt Mer. We owe you so much.

Because I'm a little over the moon about the house. Expect more pictures. LOTS more pictures. Especially since the yard was put in yesterday!

The MIA Edition

I'm going to be MIA for the next 4 days. I have several excuses for this.

1) We don't have internet at the new house. I know I could run to Starbucks or Service Station, grab some java and get some internet time there. I'm not going to.

2) Because I have a Type A personality. Everything must be in its proper place as soon as possible. Which will be somewhat difficult.

3) Because I have a 1 1/2 year old to contend with. She likes to help me with everything.

4) Including taking the wrapping paper that protected our belonging in storage out of the trash bag they're in and all over the house.

5) Which doesn't help the Type A personality. Getting the paper back into the trash bag takes a higher place on the priority list than blogging.

6) As a consolation for the lack of updates, I will post pictures upon my return. (Do you like how I bribed you to keep checking?)

I'll see you on the other side of all the boxes. Much love to all.

The Friday Five Faves Edition - minus 4 - vol. 7

I have to be honest, this week has been a total blur. I've painted three bedrooms, only to discover that one of them needs a second coat. We've been moving stuff over to the new house slowly and trying to get shelves lined and the house ready for the rest of the stuff. We're sorting through some life changes that I'll blog about at some point.

Zoe has been an absolute angel through the whole thing. We have a portable DVD player that she watches while I work on something at the house. There are those times she just wants to sit on my lap and help put down shelf liner. What's not to love. It's like a big sticker to her. She likes to attach those to her shirt, arms, hands, feet, etc.

Last night as I was painting the front bedroom, she was in the yard pulling weeds with Grandma. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen.

This is really just a long excuse as to why I don't have 5 Friday Faves today. I really only have one. Rick Rolling.

On the way to work today the DJ on my favorite station was talking about songs that you hear and are immediately stuck in your head. Apparently there is an e-mail going around that leads you to a website that plays Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up. The word for this e-mail is Rick Roll. If you get one, you've been Rick Rolled.

Apparently I'm totally out of the hip loop because this is the first I've ever heard of it. It actually made me chuckle.

What really got me laughing hysterically was Mercy Me's cover of the song. Apparently you can find it on their website, but I've yet to be able to.

Have a great Friday!

The Mountains and Valleys Edition

There have been times in my life where I could really understand what the Israelites felt like wandering through the desert for 40 years. It makes me feel bad that Moses never saw the Promised Land. That's not our typical fairytale ending.

God doesn't promise fairytales. He knows there will be valleys or deserts in our life. He does promise to walk through them with us. Inevitably, He usually leads us to the top of a mountain. Sometimes quickly, sometimes after the proverbial 40 years.

The last few years have been a series of valleys and mountains.

My most recent valley seemed long. Almost 15 months long. I gotta be honest, it felt like 40 years. There was much growth in our faith, as people and as a couple. While the valley was long, it wasn't without purpose.

In the matter of a week, we were on our way out of that valley and onto a mountain top. Through N's family's real estate investing, we are able to move into one of their homes here for the time being. It answered so many prayers and helped both N and I feel hopeful. We saw some light at the end of the tunnel. While the house in Puyallup hasn't sold, we will have our own space for the time being. Praise the Lord!

This week has proven that sometimes God takes me up on that mountain to show me the valley ahead. He provides me with hope and shows me that He is in control. While there is a deeper valley ahead, He will guide me through it.

Right now we're standing on that mountain, looking ahead and seeing that God isn't done carrying us through the valleys of life. We're entering a new valley.

As I reflect on my life, it's in the valleys where I meet God. Where I see Him in all His glory. The mountains provide me with a chance to breathe, but they don't challenge me. They don't force me to grow. God wants me to yearn for Him, to know Him and to trust Him unconditionally. For me, that happens in the valleys.

As I walk down this mountain into the next valley, I am nervous. It is the unknown. But I know God is going to use this valley in a way I cannot fathom. He's going to use it for His glory.

Luke 3:4-6 - As is it written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

'A voice of one calling in the desert,

Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for Him.

Every valley shall be filled in,

every mountain and hill made low.

The crooked roads shall become straight,

the rough ways smooth.

And all mankind will see God's salvation.'

The Going for Gold Edition

I'm sure most people are glued to the television watching the Olympics. It would be un-American not to. Unless you have to get up before 8:00 the next morning, then you're just being cautious about your sleep.

The whole international date line is a bit much to handle during the Olympics. It's a good thing Bob Costas is in Beijing or it would throw him into a frenzy of rambling while trying to do time zone math.

Oh I kid. He'd have a computer to tell him the time in Beijing.

Seriously, it's on from 8:00-midnight here. I love gymnastics and swimming. Yet I am stuck catching highlights because my little peepers can't stay open past 11 o'clock.

I've realized something about the Olympics. If over-emotional, hormone driven crying spells was a sport, I'd metal in it and set records.

Watching the 2008 drummers in the opening ceremony made me a little misty-eyed.

It's only getting worse.

Just seeing Michael Phelps on the podium sends tears streaming down my face. Then they always pan to his mamma cheering and jumping. I almost can't breathe.

Seeing the two alternates for the men's gymnastics team on their events sent tears down my cheeks.

Hearing that Kerri Walsh got her wedding ring back because of 20 volunteers made me do the ugly cry.

Even hearing the story about the pandas being so close to the epicenter of the earthquake started the tears.

I'm a blubbering mess for 2 weeks.

Except when I saw the Oxygen channel had some Olympic coverage at 6:00 last night. I was so excited. Something before bedtime.

It was equestrian jumping. That doesn't really do it for me.

Now the trampoline, that's another story.

The Cookie Situation Edition

I grew up watching a couple episodes of Sesame Street. It wasn't my favorite show. I much preferred Mr. Rogers or The Muppet Show. I knew who Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie were. For some reason The Count was always my favorite. Could be the voice. Could be the cape. I'm not sure.

I know it wasn't the bats.

Zoe doesn't much care for Sesame Street. She likes cartoons and claymation more. However, we have three books that include baby characters from the Street.

One of the books is called Nighty Night and it shows her all the different things the puppets sleep with. Bert has a blankie, Elmo has a bunny and Big Bird has a teddy bear.

Cookie is her favorite. He sleeps with cookies. Quite honestly, he's a monster after Zoe's and my very own heart.

Because we're working on counting, we know he sleeps with 7 cookies. Minus the crumbs, that potential midnight snack routine sounds like pure heaven.

Except if you're a dentist.

My mom also has a Cookie Monster game. You put the cookies in his hand and then try to get Cookie to put them in his mouth. It's similar to that drinking game quarters.

Or so I've been told.

Anytime we read Nighty Night, Zoe gets some of these game cookies to hold onto. She wants to be a kindred spirit with Cookie.

Last night she put one in her mouth. Vertically. Her jaw wouldn't open any farther. The cookie was wedged in her mouth.

This is what law enforcement would call a "situation."

We had to wiggle that cookie out of her little mouth and I'm sure it wasn't comfortable for Zoe. She's such a trooper, she didn't cry or freak out. Unlike her mother.

Once the "situation" was taken care of, Zoe rested her little head on my shoulder and wrapped one arm around my neck. As I went to hug her, she squeezed my neck.

I know we're heading down our very own street of independence, but it's nice to know she still has time to give her mom love. Because I have all the time in the world to give it back.

The Shoulder Workout Edition

I've been a bit MIA on the blogging front. I can only offer one excuse. I was working on my shoulder muscles.

I know it sounds eerily like an excuse from Arnold Schwarzeneggar. Pre-govenor days.

It's not.

With the big move happening in exactly 6 days, I have a rare opportunity to paint pre-move-in. That, my friends, is golden.

It took about 5 hours, but two rooms are done. They are move-in ready.

Can I get a "woo-hoo" on that one? I won't be raising my fist in the air, a la Mark Phelps in the 400 meter IM. I'll need a couple Advil before I can use my shoulder like that.

Happy Monday all. Enjoy the Olympics.

The Friday Five Faves Edition - Vol. 6

In honor of 8/8/08, I thought I would do my Top 5 list, with three extras. I know, all three of you who read this are beyond excited.

Before you get too excited, today's Top 5 isn't going to contain any fashion news since I've yet to catch the latest episode of Project Runway. I've been a little busy. Quite honestly, I'm still trying to digest the fact that peg-legging is coming back. Seriously?

This week has been an example of God's glory, providence and love. He has shown Himself to me more in the last 18 months than I have seen in the rest of my life. I'm positive it's because of me not really looking.

Which isn't a thought I like to have, but without my trying to find my own way, I wouldn't have found Him.

1. I have a husband who seeks God and gives his life to God. We haven't always been the couple that prays together, but we are now. Our marriage is stronger because of it.

2. I have life. I almost didn't 18 months ago. God orchestrated a team of tens of medical professionals that would ensure I was alive. It was a rarity that they would all be at the hospital and available. It was actually God's way of opening the door for me to share my faith.

3. I have a daughter. She doesn't have any preemie issues. She's completely normal in relation to her peers. She's full of joy and sweetness. I get to watch her grow.

I've always wanted more than one. I have two, beautiful step-daughters who love me. Not all step-mothers can say that. I'm honored to be part of their life.

4. I have a family that is made up of love. I have blood relatives who show God's love. I have in-laws who show God's love. I have family that isn't biologically tied to me at all, but they show God's love too. God has surrounded me and my children with family that knows Him and loves Him. That's an answer to prayer I didn't even know I had until I had Zoe.

5. I have this moment. God has given me breath. He has given me this moment. He doesn't guarantee I'll get any more, but He does guarantee He has a plan for me.

6. I have better examples of God that help me strive to live for Him in each moment. I was watching the recap of Steven Curtis Chapman and his family on Larry King Live. What an awesome example of Christ's love and a Christ-centered family.

There is a runner in the Olympics who has set the women's record for the 400 meter. Once she's done, she's going to get on her knee, say a prayer and raise her hand to the sky in a symbol of her faith. In a country that doesn't condone displays of faith in non-state sponsored events. I get goose bumps just thinking about that. I'm not sure I would be able to.

7. I have a church that encourages, loves and fellowships as a family of believers. We're in a transition period right now as our pastor (my honorary dad) retired. I am amazed at how God is working in our church, through our associate pastor and through the other pastors/speakers that are filling in that gap. They are speaking His truth.

8. I have a job that provides for my family. Even better, my boss is a believer. I not only can talk to him about professional stuff, but I can share with him how God is working in my life. He also shares how God is working in his life. If I hadn't traveled to Tacoma and lived there for a couple years, I wouldn't have ever met him.

I see all the things that God has provided and I'm amazed that He loves me like He does. He has provided for me emotionally, physically, financially, sprititually and in many other ways I've yet to realize.

God is good ALL the time.

The HOME Edition

The last 72 hours have been a bit of a blur. I think I said that just a few posts ago. In actuality that would make the last week a total blur. If I was technical.

N's grandma is in town to visit. With the newest great-grandson's arrival, she decided to come see what we were all up to. While she's been here, she's decided to invest in some real estate.

N and I were her first choice as occupants in this investment. That means we're moving. Into a home here. Next weekend.

I think it's safe to say the next week will be a total blur too.

The house is perfect. It's 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. For anyone with a husband, you know the second bathroom is of highest importance. The living/dining/kitchen is all open. If you have kids, being able to see the majority of the house from one vantage point is of highest importance.

I am completely awed that she would do this and offer us the opportunity to live in it. We've been living with my mom for 15 months. Which is another blessing completely. It's not easy having your daughter and her family move in with you. Especially when N and I didn't like each other when we moved.

She's given us shelter and an environment for our marriage to strengthen and grow.

Now N's grandma is giving us the opportunity to have a home where our family can strengthen and grow.

To say I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement. My prayer is that N and I don't make the same mistakes we did when we first got married. That God's love and glory can be demonstrated in our home.

Joshua 24:15b - But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

The God's Best Gift Edition

Over the last several weeks I’ve realized how blessed I am. I have a husband who loves God, loves me and loves his family. In that order.

With our situation as it is, he works 80 hours a week and we only have Sundays together. In the first couple years of our marriage, this type of schedule would’ve broken us. Thanks to the military, it almost did.

Now, we’re actually a team. There has always been an underlying current of unconditional love. Which is what God used to strengthen our marriage. Now we have a connection I only dreamed of having. We pray together almost every night, we communicate on a level this Doubting Thomas didn’t think would happen and we have a mutual respect.

N, you are the man I prayed for, the man I dreamed of and the man I’m so glad to share my life with. I am in love with your character. I love to watch you love our girls. I am beyond blessed that you’ve picked to live the rest of your days with me.

Thank you for always being by my side, holding my hand and calming my fears. You let me freak out and love me the same. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.

I hope it’s more hiking dates!

The We Are Family Edition

It was a whirlwind weekend. I woke up at 2:30 this morning to Zoe crying and was seriously contemplating that it was Saturday. That's either an indicator of a disturbed REM cycle or sheer exhaustion.

Saturday morning Zoe and I woke up and got ready for Shrimp/Kipper class. We did swimming lessons last year, but she was only 6 months old and we were still doing her corrected age, which was 4.5 months. She lasted maybe 20 minutes last year before the meltdown. The class is only 30 minutes.

This year, she's a new kid. She LOVES being a Shrimp/Kipper. We sing songs like Motorboat, The Hokey Pokey and Do you know the Popcorn Man? It was tons of splashing, kicking and giggling. Her favorite part was jumping into the pool. She kept saying "more" after every jump. I'm so glad she feels safe enough to know that I would catch her.

Let me tell you, 30 minutes in Shrimp/Kipper class and my legs are sore. Who knew all that walking in the pool would be the equivalent of 1,000 lunges!

In addition to swimming, we also had family in town. N's family came to see Micah and fall in love with him. You've seen him, what's not to love?

What a huge blessing it is to have in-laws that you actually, thoroughly enjoy. It is so nice to be able to spend time with all of them and just feel like I'm one of the family. There is no "in-law" to our relationship.

The best part Zoe gets to know them too. They live in either California or Texas, so seeing them isn't always easy. N and I have always wanted Zoe to have a relationship with his family like she does mine. While Zoe played a little shy at first, she definitely warmed up to them and was playing, sharing and giving kisses by the end of the weekend. You know you're in when she lets you give her a kiss.

What's an even better end to this post, their in town for the remainder of the week. Zoe and I can't wait to go back and visit.

The Friday Five Fave Edition - vol. 5

This week I've seen some very scary things. I'm not talking scary, like Freddy Krueger because that would send me into the fetal position. I hate horror movies. The logical part of my mind knows that they aren't real. My subconcious thinks that at any moment I'm going to be killed. Quite honestly, I value sleep entirely too much to voluntarily give up three weeks of it to nightmares that are completely avoidable.

I've departed in talking about my scaredy cat movie tendencies.

I'm talking about fashion horrors. It would appear designers choose to "modernize" the hideous fashion foibles of the past. I'm not talking Elizabethian attire (although that would totally ROCK), I'm talking things from the last century. Specifically from my lifetime. If you know me, you know that spans 3 decades.

In an effort to keep all two of you readers in the loop, I thought I would post this Friday Five Fave as a warning for the fashion trends that are returning.

Cue horror movie music.

1) The ankle boot. I remember these from the late 80's and early 90's. I desperately wanted a pair. I wanted to be like Madonna. Or like Molly Ringwald in Pretty In Pink. Apparently my mother didn't think that was an appropriate look for the elementary school scene. To this day I thank her profusely for that.

Steve Madden made these beauties in silver to wear during a night on the town. Now they come with a peek-a-boo toe as a modern touch. Please tell me you've seen these on the sales racks!

2) The bell bottoms. I had a slight fear they were coming back at the turn of this century with the "flare" or "boot cut" jeans. I was glad to see that didn't materialize.

Now they have the trouser jean. While it's a bit more wide-leg, goucho pant, it's not a bell-bottom. I, not-so-secretly, want a good pair of trouser jeans. I think that could be my BFF for fall fashion.

While I was at my salon a couple weeks ago, I was watching television. They stream in runway shows as entertainment while you wait. I saw these.

They have returned. With the help of a bedazzler. What fun.

3) The hypercolor shirt. I owned one of these beauties in junior high. In my pre-teen mind I totally thought it would make me part of the in-crowd. I would have the cool shirt like all those girls who looked flawless in their Guess jeans with the ankle zippers, Espirit bags and perfect wall-o-bangs.

What I failed to really think-through was this shirt's ability to showcase overactive sweat glands.

Apparently they've returned as part of global campaign showcasing global warming and "going green." I will applaud them for their creativity using this amazing technology to showcase global warming. However, it's going to open up Pandora's Box of Humiliation to a whole generation of sweaters.

4) The peg-leg/tight-toll. In February I was driving home from work and saw a teenager at the bus stop. With his pants peg-legged. I laughed out loud. I was sure he was thee only kid in the entire city to do that.

Then I did some on-line shopping at Banana Republic and saw a model in their catalog with jeans peg-legged.

Yesterday, I saw this picture of Katie Holmes. Who I would've thought knew better from personal experience.

You know what this means? Less leg circulation, more people bent over trying to get the perfect roll on that one leg and indent marks from the denim.

What's even more sad. There are websites dedicating to helping you create the perfect peg-leg.

At least the jeans are no longer acid washed.

5) Neon. Bright pink, blue, yellow, orange and green. So bright that under a black light you could be a beacon to the Mir Space Station. Since Project Runway is on, you know I have to use Blayne's dress from this last challenge to showcase this point.

Granted Blayne is a neon orange color himself from all that tanning. If you read his bio he loves all things neon. He's not the only one.

All things neon are coming back. In a very 80's way. Which almost makes me want to peg-leg and wear a hypercolor shirt.

Consider yourself warned. Why they couldn't bring back the striped Unionbay shirts, hunter green and navy v-neck sweaters and Member's Only jackets is beyond me!

Happy Friday all!