We're Under Contract...
We came out here to look around and get to know the area... but we ended up submitting an offer on a home... let's hope that everything goes OK and the inspections are clear. Jessica was with me this past week and we must have looked at more than 50 homes in two days. We took Ken back to the top 8 yesterday and we are EXHAUSTED! Josh has been in Dana Point with G'pa Mike and G'ma Cheryl and isn't sure if he's ready to come home... they've really been good to him and he's having a blast! THANKS G'ma & G'pa!!! It's been fun to house hunt with Jessica... although once we saw this home on the first morning she made sure I knew that she hated every other home we went in... so I guess we can say that she picked it out and we really liked it too! (Josh liked it on the internet before we came out too.)
I am grateful for: The many opportunities that have come our way... even though they've left me a bit tired. I am also grateful for Jesi's spunk and sense of direction that helped this week! I am grateful for grandparents that are always willing to help... and I'm so grateful that Josh has had a wonderful week! I'm also grateful that Susan will come see me on the other side of the US!! LOL
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
2,448 miles away...
It's 6:30 am Saturday morning and I've been up since... well, I don't think I ever went to sleep. I've been puffing my inhaler all night and then had to get Jessica up at 4:30 am to be to the church by 5:15 am for our youth baptism trip... which I decided not to go on since Ken has been going to Ohio every other week and I felt strongly that I should be home. (Besides... I don't feel well either and don't think my blurry eyes should be on the road!)
Anyways... I went to the church and made sure everyone was there and the rides were taken care of. I watched as everyone loaded up and one by one the cars left the parking lot with me leaving last. As we got to the stop sign outside the gate, everyone turned left while I exited right and then, it hit me. My eyes swelled up and I wanted to say, "Wait... please, I want to go!" We have some of the sweetest YW in our ward whom I really love and have been so humbled to serve as their YW President. I am beside myself wondering how things can change so fast... we haven't even planted our feet. This morning was more of a metaphor of sorts as I realized how hard it is going to be for us to MOVE AGAIN. Yes, we are moving AGAIN! 2,448 miles away.
I have told my sister and parents that I'm not really feeling any emotion about this and was wondering what my issue was but OH, I can barely see through the tears right now because this morning I got it. I have had to meet, love and leave so many people over the last 3 1/2 years that I can hardly comprehend doing this for the 4th time in less than 4 years! But... I have to put the positive spin on the pain that leaving causes... what if I never got to meet and love all of these wonderful people. I can hardly imagine my life without the experiences that the Lord has blessed our family with over the last 3+ years... but I am a bit tired.
I have expressed that I feel like I am on the "Last Leg" of a race and that I just have to keep pushing through even though my side is cramped, my feet are blistered, my soul is aching, and I can't see the finish line. While Ken and I have fasted and prayed about this and have received the confirmation that this is something that we are suppose to do, I have been overcome at times by a feeling that I can't, I just need to sit down and take a break, the finish line can wait. It was in this moment that I was putting this metaphor together in my head that I felt a gentle peace come over me that reassured me that the wind will come up and grab my sail and carry me through this next leg of the race.
Well, there must be opposition in all things. We must know the bad to know the good and this morning the emotions checked in and this is going to be really hard. I love the YW and YW leaders that I have been so blessed to serve with and it hurts that I have to turn right when they are going left because our paths are taking us to different places; however, I do find great joy in knowing that these paths do come full circle and that we will be able to share each others presence once again someday.
My children have been so good about the changes that have come their way the last 3+ years. Yes, we've had tears and they are feeling the same sorrows but I am so blessed to have them on this journey. I can not even believe how much all of us have grown over the last 3+ years and we have added so many amazing treasures to our friendship chest.
Our Bishop in Yuma told me when we left that the Lord had a reason for us to leave... I guess I just assumed that when we went to Camarillo and left so soon arriving in Monterey that this was the purpose; however, our Bishop here told Ken and I when we talked to him about our move that the Lord has already prepared the way for our arrival to Ohio. This brings tears to my eyes because the Lord has really protected our family and blessed us as we have pushed through and held on. So, here I am, quietly submitting my will to the Lord that yes, I will go where he wants me to go.
So... I am grateful for: A wonderful husband who puts up with my craziness, who has worked so hard to take care of our family, who is successful and motivated and who holds tight to my hand pulling me through. Ken is my tether... he holds tight to my rope letting it out when the weather's good and reeling it in when the winds come and the clouds burst. I am grateful for my sister who brings me back to reality and helps me navigate through my emotional bulk. I am grateful for parents who have walked right beside our family, surrounding us with hope, as we push through. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a mother to two wonderful children who have been really good sports. I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends we have made and the joy that they have brought to our lives.
It's 6:30 am Saturday morning and I've been up since... well, I don't think I ever went to sleep. I've been puffing my inhaler all night and then had to get Jessica up at 4:30 am to be to the church by 5:15 am for our youth baptism trip... which I decided not to go on since Ken has been going to Ohio every other week and I felt strongly that I should be home. (Besides... I don't feel well either and don't think my blurry eyes should be on the road!)
Anyways... I went to the church and made sure everyone was there and the rides were taken care of. I watched as everyone loaded up and one by one the cars left the parking lot with me leaving last. As we got to the stop sign outside the gate, everyone turned left while I exited right and then, it hit me. My eyes swelled up and I wanted to say, "Wait... please, I want to go!" We have some of the sweetest YW in our ward whom I really love and have been so humbled to serve as their YW President. I am beside myself wondering how things can change so fast... we haven't even planted our feet. This morning was more of a metaphor of sorts as I realized how hard it is going to be for us to MOVE AGAIN. Yes, we are moving AGAIN! 2,448 miles away.
I have told my sister and parents that I'm not really feeling any emotion about this and was wondering what my issue was but OH, I can barely see through the tears right now because this morning I got it. I have had to meet, love and leave so many people over the last 3 1/2 years that I can hardly comprehend doing this for the 4th time in less than 4 years! But... I have to put the positive spin on the pain that leaving causes... what if I never got to meet and love all of these wonderful people. I can hardly imagine my life without the experiences that the Lord has blessed our family with over the last 3+ years... but I am a bit tired.
I have expressed that I feel like I am on the "Last Leg" of a race and that I just have to keep pushing through even though my side is cramped, my feet are blistered, my soul is aching, and I can't see the finish line. While Ken and I have fasted and prayed about this and have received the confirmation that this is something that we are suppose to do, I have been overcome at times by a feeling that I can't, I just need to sit down and take a break, the finish line can wait. It was in this moment that I was putting this metaphor together in my head that I felt a gentle peace come over me that reassured me that the wind will come up and grab my sail and carry me through this next leg of the race.
Well, there must be opposition in all things. We must know the bad to know the good and this morning the emotions checked in and this is going to be really hard. I love the YW and YW leaders that I have been so blessed to serve with and it hurts that I have to turn right when they are going left because our paths are taking us to different places; however, I do find great joy in knowing that these paths do come full circle and that we will be able to share each others presence once again someday.
My children have been so good about the changes that have come their way the last 3+ years. Yes, we've had tears and they are feeling the same sorrows but I am so blessed to have them on this journey. I can not even believe how much all of us have grown over the last 3+ years and we have added so many amazing treasures to our friendship chest.
Our Bishop in Yuma told me when we left that the Lord had a reason for us to leave... I guess I just assumed that when we went to Camarillo and left so soon arriving in Monterey that this was the purpose; however, our Bishop here told Ken and I when we talked to him about our move that the Lord has already prepared the way for our arrival to Ohio. This brings tears to my eyes because the Lord has really protected our family and blessed us as we have pushed through and held on. So, here I am, quietly submitting my will to the Lord that yes, I will go where he wants me to go.
So... I am grateful for: A wonderful husband who puts up with my craziness, who has worked so hard to take care of our family, who is successful and motivated and who holds tight to my hand pulling me through. Ken is my tether... he holds tight to my rope letting it out when the weather's good and reeling it in when the winds come and the clouds burst. I am grateful for my sister who brings me back to reality and helps me navigate through my emotional bulk. I am grateful for parents who have walked right beside our family, surrounding us with hope, as we push through. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a mother to two wonderful children who have been really good sports. I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends we have made and the joy that they have brought to our lives.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Costa Rica 2009
G'ma Cheryl and G'pa Mike invited Ken & I to join them on their trip to Costa Rica at the Los Suenos Resort last week and we had an amazing time!! Ken and I have never left our kids for more than a weekend and it was way overdue... I figured that out last week LOL! My sister Susan kept the kids as we enjoyed ourselves with G'ma & G'pa who were so much fun to be with. This was such a relaxing trip and we were able to do several tours including kayaking/snorkeling, white water rafting, zip lining, hiking at Manuel Antonio Park and visiting the Costa Rica temple. We already miss Dad and Cheryl and wish we didn't live so far away but are so grateful for the time that we get together! Thank you Dad & Cheryl so much for a fabulous time and thank you Susan for taking care of Jesi & Josh! Here are some pictures of the trip less the kayaking & rafting that haven't been developed yet.
The amazing pool at the resort!
The view from our rooms.
The iguana that I spied on every morning... I think he knew it... and was throwing me a look! LOL
Dad & Cheryl in Jaco at the Hicaco restuarant
All of us enjoying the zip lines!
View of a water fall from the tram up to the zip line!
Debi zip lining
Ken zip lining
G'ma Cheryl zip lining
G'pa Mike zip lining
The only monkey that wanted to be seen!
The gorgeous beach at Manuel Antonio Park
One of many scarlet macaw's we saw on the way home from Manuel Antonio Park
Ken & I on the balcony of our hotel room
The very scary crocodiles we saw off a bridge on our way back to the airport! YIKES!
The amazing scenery in Costa Rica
The Costa Rica temple at night
The perfect view from the airplane as we left Costa Rica... on top of a rainbow!
I am grateful for: I can't even begin to express my gratitude to G'ma Cheryl & G'pa Mike for taking Ken and I on this trip with them. It was such a joy to enjoy their company and be able to share these amazing memories with them. I am also so grateful to my sister Susan for being willing to take my kids for 11 days!!! Hopefully her sanity will return shortly! I am truly so grateful to the Lord for making such a beautiful world for us all to live in and enjoy... there really is so much beauty around us!
G'ma Cheryl and G'pa Mike invited Ken & I to join them on their trip to Costa Rica at the Los Suenos Resort last week and we had an amazing time!! Ken and I have never left our kids for more than a weekend and it was way overdue... I figured that out last week LOL! My sister Susan kept the kids as we enjoyed ourselves with G'ma & G'pa who were so much fun to be with. This was such a relaxing trip and we were able to do several tours including kayaking/snorkeling, white water rafting, zip lining, hiking at Manuel Antonio Park and visiting the Costa Rica temple. We already miss Dad and Cheryl and wish we didn't live so far away but are so grateful for the time that we get together! Thank you Dad & Cheryl so much for a fabulous time and thank you Susan for taking care of Jesi & Josh! Here are some pictures of the trip less the kayaking & rafting that haven't been developed yet.
Ken, Debi, G'pa Mike & G'ma Cheryl at a look out on the way home.
The amazing pool at the resort!
The view from our rooms.
The iguana that I spied on every morning... I think he knew it... and was throwing me a look! LOL
Ken & I in Jaco at the Hicaco restuarant
Dad & Cheryl in Jaco at the Hicaco restuarant
All of us enjoying the zip lines!
View of a water fall from the tram up to the zip line!
Debi zip lining
Ken zip lining
G'ma Cheryl zip lining
G'pa Mike zip lining
Mr. Sloth at Manuel Antonio park throwing me a smile!!
The only monkey that wanted to be seen!
The gorgeous beach at Manuel Antonio Park
One of many scarlet macaw's we saw on the way home from Manuel Antonio Park
Ken & I on the balcony of our hotel room
The very scary crocodiles we saw off a bridge on our way back to the airport! YIKES!
The amazing scenery in Costa Rica
The Costa Rica temple at night
The perfect view from the airplane as we left Costa Rica... on top of a rainbow!
I am grateful for: I can't even begin to express my gratitude to G'ma Cheryl & G'pa Mike for taking Ken and I on this trip with them. It was such a joy to enjoy their company and be able to share these amazing memories with them. I am also so grateful to my sister Susan for being willing to take my kids for 11 days!!! Hopefully her sanity will return shortly! I am truly so grateful to the Lord for making such a beautiful world for us all to live in and enjoy... there really is so much beauty around us!Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Artist in the House!
This is Jessica's first completed landscape and I am impressed! She has a very creative side and I am so glad that she is developing her abilities. I was stunned when she brought this home... this is only her second formal painting. WOW!! She did this using water soluable oil paints! Good job Jesi!!
I am grateful for: Jessica's creative side and the chance to watch it grow!
This is Jessica's first completed landscape and I am impressed! She has a very creative side and I am so glad that she is developing her abilities. I was stunned when she brought this home... this is only her second formal painting. WOW!! She did this using water soluable oil paints! Good job Jesi!!
I am grateful for: Jessica's creative side and the chance to watch it grow!
By the Way...
If you've never used ricekrispies to build cake toppers etc... it actually works! I need to make a lighthouse (if you couldn't tell) for our YW in Excellence cake... I forgot the camera so I didn't get a pix of it on the bright blue cake w/swedish fish saying "Let your light so shine." This was my first try ever at the ricekrispy thing and I rather enjoyed it!
I am grateful for: The opportunity to try new things!
If you've never used ricekrispies to build cake toppers etc... it actually works! I need to make a lighthouse (if you couldn't tell) for our YW in Excellence cake... I forgot the camera so I didn't get a pix of it on the bright blue cake w/swedish fish saying "Let your light so shine." This was my first try ever at the ricekrispy thing and I rather enjoyed it!
I am grateful for: The opportunity to try new things!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Ken!
This year Ken said he is old... officially in his late 30's! LOL
Ken & Josh are into the "Pie" thing for their birthday desert!
Last night for his birthday, Ken took Josh to see the Harlem Globetrotters! They had a blast and Josh got his basketball signed by the team.
I am grateful for: My old husband LOL! I am so grateful for him and all that he does for our family.
This year Ken said he is old... officially in his late 30's! LOL
Ken & Josh are into the "Pie" thing for their birthday desert!
Last night for his birthday, Ken took Josh to see the Harlem Globetrotters! They had a blast and Josh got his basketball signed by the team.
I am grateful for: My old husband LOL! I am so grateful for him and all that he does for our family.
Discipline
OK... so I'm sure everyones kids fight, argue and annoy each other at times. We've tried several different tactics to help these two get along when they are going at it. We've found one that seems to work so I will share it. When the kids are going at it and they've been warned a couple times they have to PLAY a game together that Ken or I pick. This gets them really upset at first but almost always by the end of the game they are friends again. (They also know that if they aren't civil they will have to keep playing games until they are! Only once have they been sentenced to MONOPOLY! LOL)
I am grateful for: These stinkers and GAMES :)
OK... so I'm sure everyones kids fight, argue and annoy each other at times. We've tried several different tactics to help these two get along when they are going at it. We've found one that seems to work so I will share it. When the kids are going at it and they've been warned a couple times they have to PLAY a game together that Ken or I pick. This gets them really upset at first but almost always by the end of the game they are friends again. (They also know that if they aren't civil they will have to keep playing games until they are! Only once have they been sentenced to MONOPOLY! LOL)
I am grateful for: These stinkers and GAMES :)
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