The power of words.

"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. "
–Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:36-38)


I was looking at my high school yearbook the other day. After flipping through some pictures I decided to go look and see what some of my so called friends and classmates had written to me. As I was reading I noticed some of the messages were so mean, rude & hateful. Such things as people telling me that I "sucked" and I was a "dumbass". I was truly appalled at the way these things were written. High school to me was a very awkward time in my life. I went through a lot of really hard things during that time that helped me to become the person that I am today.

That being said, I've been thinking a lot about the power of words. The things that we say to one another can NEVER be taken back. Even though the person may choose to forgive, the memory seems to always hang on to those said words and they never seem to go away. As much as one might try to just forget also, it is a lot easier said than done. (If you find a way to forget too, please let me know your secret;) ) I have been told a lot of rude, mean, hurtful, hateful things in my life and I wish I had the capability to make it just all subside in my memory. But it won't. And it doesn't. I think this is sadly because some of the most hurtful things that have been said are from those people who you love the most. You also never know what your last words to someone will do, it can make someone or break someone.


I know that I have probably have said some of these means things as well. And for that I'm truly sorry. You can't take it back but you can make it right. So from now I'm going to make a conscience decision to only speak of love, kindness and compassion.

Because in the end only love matters.


"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails "

Family Pictures

My cousin Kate is a professional photographer on the side of raising and homeschooling 5 children!(YES, I SAID FIVE);)So when she offered her Fall into Fun session with her and a fellow photographer I hopped on the opportunity! I wish it could of been longer but I am so thankful that they were there to capture my little family! ♥


.... Makes me fall in LOVE all over again!!! Thanks Kate & Emma! Can't wait to see the rest of these amazing pics! :)

Rest in Peace Bubby!

On September 29th I spent the afternoon surrounded by my beautiful grandmother, my dad, cousins, and sister. It was a quiet yet surreal spending some quality time saying our good byes to my last living grandparent. It was so sad to know that I will no longer be able to hear her sweet voice, give her hugs and kisses, or receive one of her beautiful heartfelt letters. But in other ways I was truly at peace. I know that she would no longer have to feel pain, no longer suffer and could be at peace with God and surrounded by family and friends that had gone before. I made sure to give Bubby lots of kisses and constantly reminded her of what a great life she lived and how loved she will always be. Even though she wasn't always "with it" I could tell that she heard me and that she was at peace and that was all I could ask for. When I left hospice that day I truly felt that everything was going to be okay. I had a feeling it would be my last time seeing her but I knew that one day we would see each other again and now she could be our guardian angel.

And that she is...


October 1st Bubby passed away. I know that she was ready to go and that she is a much better place. She lived such an incredible life. No it wasn't easy. She had a lot of hurt and hardships like becoming a widow at 35 and followed a lot of other heartache but she preserved. She looked at every thing as an opportunity. Even when she was at the end of her life she gave us that wisdom to tell us to "Be good to each other" "Be Kind", & "Live every day as the PRIVILEGE it IS"

What wonderful insight to be giving as you are laying there for the last few days of her life. I miss her so much already but I will never forget the woman that she was, what she lived for and the kindness and compassion she lived all the days of her life.

Rest in Peace my Dear Bubby, We love you so much!

A new door opening....

Its so amazing to know that when God closes one door another one opens up. It might not be right away, it will take a lot of prayers, dedication and determination but it will happen eventually. It feels like those who are faithful in God's bigger plan will be rewarded. Sometimes I get caught up being human and tend to be selfish and like most people I want immediate gratification. But when I feel like that I am reminded again to be calm and patient and it will all pay off....
Such is happening now in our life, and for that I am so grateful.

A few weeks ago we got news that John had gotten a job for the USPS in Matthews, North Carolina. Its about 20 minutes from Charlotte so we were super excited about this new opportunity for our family. I pray that John is successful in this new job and will be there a long long time. Because of this we are now looking for our next new home. We are hoping we will stay in this house a long time and raise Gabriela and any future children we might be blessed with in the house. So far we have found a few homes that are we are interested in and can't wait to see whats next with that. But once again I am reminded to be patient and everything will work itself out the way its supposed to.

When I was a child I dreamed of all these things in my life and it seemed like it would be eternity until we got there and now I am living that dream.

My life is not perfect(far from actually) but I am determined to look at the best in every situation and live my life as positively as I can. I am so thankful that this is the life that was chosen for me. I LOVE being a wife to my best friend. I LOVE being a mama to the sweetest little girl, I LOVE being a daughter, a sister, and a friend to all my amazing friends and wonderful family.


“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”

Gabriela is 2!

Seems like just yesterday we were taking our new baby girl home from the hospital. All 7lbs of her. She was so small, fragile, beautiful. What an incredible blessing it has been to us for the past 2 years to be Gabriela's parents. She is the most awesome baby that we could of ever been given and we feel so blessed to be her Mama and Daddy :)

Your getting so big my sweet Gabriela, you are into everything, and talk SO much(wonder where you get that from ;) ) but you will always be our little girl. God bless you my sweet child!! We Love you so much my Gabriela Eden!


HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BEAUTIFUL GIRL ♥

BUSY BUSY

Haven't blogged in a while, we have been SO busy with all the moving and unpacking and getting "settled" in. So here is a mini update on life.

We have been back in Columbia now almost 2 weeks (on Monday) and it has been quite an adjustment. I knew that it would be but it has been interesting getting adjusted being back here again. Some days its been fun, like when I've been able to catch up with an old friend and let our kids play together, times I've been able to just be able to go hang out with my sisters, run by my moms to say hello, or just stop in to check on my dad (who just had knee surgery last week) and other days I wonder why we ever moved back and feel a little down. I guess that its "normal" to feel that way since its been so long that we've been away and so much has changed in our lives since we left. I just have to have faith that God has a bigger plan for us and that we are supposed to be here for right now. Eventually we would like to be back in Charlotte but that will happen all in due time if its in Gods will for us. Only time will tell I guess....

On a REALLY good note: John has scored an interview for the USPS next week in Charlotte. I really hope and pray that he gets this job as it would be SO awesome for our family! :) Only time will tell what is next for us however and know that everything WILL workout the way its supposed to.

On another note, in one week from today our sweet baby girl will be turning two. I'm not sure how the time has gone by that quickly from us. Time really does fly! Its so bittersweet feeling because as much as I ADORE watching her grow up and see all the NEW and EXCITING things she does it is also a little sad to know that my little baby isn't so little anymore. She amazes me each and everyday and I still can't believe that God loved me THIS much to give me such an incredible blessing. I sometimes stare at her in awe that she is all mine(well Johns too.. ;) She truly brings more happiness to my life than I've ever known before and takes away the all sadness I've ever felt. Its truly remarkable. I pray for her everyday that she continues to grow and flourish. To grow into a loving, kind, generous, merciful, forgiving person. Who loves God and seeks to know him.

Oh life, you keep me on my toes. I don't ever know whats next. Some days its rough, some days its scary, some days its challenging, some days its incredible, some days it makes you ponder life but I wouldn't have it ANY other way!

Moving back "home"

I moved out of Columbia, South Carolina in November of 2004 and I really thought that I didn't want to ever go back again. I grew up there my entire life and when I was ready to go that was going to be it. I thought once I moved away I would make sure that never happened. But its so funny how sometimes when you think you know what your going to do in life God shows you there is another plan in the works. You don't always understand when or why but you just have to put your faith in that God has a bigger plan for us and sees the "bigger picture".


So, with that being said through a lot of prayer, thought & consideration John & I have decided to move back home @ the end of the month..about a week left now...eek! (Guess I better start to packing, again!)

While we don't really want to be back in South Carolina we know that this is the best thing for our family for a little while. We will save much money on rent, we can save up a little, finally be A LOT closer to the family, and continue to look for jobs in North Carolina where we ultimately want to be again. I know its only temporary also which is helping me stay somewhat sane. ;)

I am working hard to really stay positive through this transition(as hard as this is for us) and know that it really will be SO great to be around the family again & have some our dear friends closer again!!

GIRLS NIGHTS OUT... here we come! ;)

Before I was a mom:

I can't take the credit of writing this cute little poem but it is so true. There is no greatest joy that I have in my life than the life of being a mama! Even though some days I am so exhausted from the day to day routine of it all but I truly love every single minute of it! Hearing that sweet girl tell me she loves me and feeling her sweet little touch truly makes it all worthwhile.






Before I was a Mom
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom
I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late
I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom,
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to lullabies.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't worry whether or not my
plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been pooped on,
Spit up on,
Chewed on,
Peed on,
Or pinched by tiny fingers.

Before I was a Mom,
I had complete control of myself;
My thoughts,
My body,
And my mind.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so that doctors could do tests or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't
want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew something so small could affect my
life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my
heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a
Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of
the night every ten minutes to make
sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
The joy,
The love,
The heartache,
The wonderfulness,
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so
much before I was a Mom.

Some of the best things in life..

These are a few of my favorite things:


•Hearing Gabriela's sweet little laugh

•Laying out on the beach feeling the warm sun & the breeze on my face

• Kissing my sweet hubby.

• Catching up with old friends.

•Laughing until my stomach hurts.

• Reminiscing old times. Looking at old pictures. Listening to "old" music.

• Girls Night Outs with some of my favorite people. (Looking forward to some more in a few weeks!) ;)

• Hearing Gabriela say, " I Love You Mama"

• Having a wonderful conversation with John that reminds me again of why I fell in love with him and feeling even more connected.

• Going to church & come out feeling refreshed and renewed after hearing God's Word.

• Skyping with my family and friends that are TOO far away.

• Hearing birds chirping and reminding me of my amazing step father.

• Taking a nap while its raining and thundering out.

• Having wonderful dreams that wake you up smiling.

Some of the best things don't cost a penny, don't take much time, and usually I don't think twice about them.. But they are some of the best things in life because they remind me of how incredible my life really is. These are some of the things that bring the biggest smile to my face and makes my life a life worth living for. ♥

Until next time....

•dreams•

"Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions. " ~Edgar Cayce




Last night I had an incredibly powerful dream. It felt so real as if I was actually "in" it. I felt such strong emotions during it and it felt so incredible to get the things I needed to say off my chest. Dreams have a strong way about them and can be so truly amazing (when I can actually remember them) :)


Stephanie (my best friend for the past 10 years) and I were talking. Our relationship has been somewhat estranged since she started dating her last boyfriend. Even though we talk here and there its not anywhere like it used to be. Maybe its because of her or maybe its because he doesn't like her talking to me. Who knows. Well anyways, we were talking about how hurtful it can be when our significant other says mean things during an argument and how it makes us feel. Sometimes things can get so heated she would say that it would make her feel "less of a person". How she would feel so bad about herself because of what he would say. She didn't know what she was living for. Why she was even living or what her purpose in life was. This made me so sad to hear. She is such a beautiful person. Anyone that meets her instantly loves her because of how kind she is, how funny she can be, how big her heart is and how cute that southern draw she has is :) I have never quite had a friendship like I have had with her. I told her that I have on occasion felt the same way. I have felt so low. So sad. So full of despair. These times are few and far between for me now but we all have our days that feel like that. Its life. I told her that when I did feel this way and couldn't understand how to possibly fix it I would hear and feel something that would change my outlook quite immediately. That would be to hear Gabriela's sweet voice telling me that "I love you mama" . I would feel her touch. What an amazing blessing that is. The best medicine I could of ever been prescribed. She is the meaning to life. She is what I live for. She is what life is ALL about.

I know this was just a dream but it felt so powerful to share because its true. When life gets tough I know that God has blessed me with more than I could ever imagined in my life. So instead of focusing on the things in my life that I DON'T have(which can be so easy to do) ... I decide to look at all the things I DO have. God has blessed me with so many blessings so far in my life and the best one is that girl that can ALWAYS manage to put a smile on my face and warm my heart just a little more.Its hard some days to remember what life was like before she came along. But since she has life has had more meaning, more joy, more laughter. Through it all.. the good and bad.. Life is so amazing.

Sisters.

" Our roots say we're sisters, our hearts say we're friends. "

I have two of the most amazing sisters. They are always there for me. They are as real as it comes. They support me when I'm right OR wrong and love me all the same(how lucky am I??) They are some of the best friends that any one could ever ask for. They know everything I've been through and are willing to deal with more. Growing up people used to tell me that when we got older that we would all be the best of friends. I couldn't help but almost laugh in their face when I would hear it. MY SISTERS? MY best friends?

Pssh. Little did I know... ;)

Through the years though that statement has become so true. I value my sisters in my life beyond words. They are some of the most important people I have in my life. I am so thankful that God not only gave me ONE incredible sister but TWO. I can relate so much to each one in different ways and I value each relationship with them beyond measure.

I pray we always have the relationship that we do now, watch it to continue to grow and see where it takes us. And I really hope that one day I can give Gabriela the same gift God blessed my parents with. Another daughter. So that Gabriela can feel what its like to have that amazing bond.

There is truly no one better than a sister. I love you sessters, ALWAYS have & I promise I ALWAYS will!!

If you think I'm talking about you.. I probably am :)

Despite some people thinking or rather ASSUMING that I think of my life as "perfect". I ask you this. What is perfect? Who is perfect? No one that I know is other than God.I know I am far from perfect but I choose to be as positive as I possibly can as I walk through this life(Yes, I like everyone else have my crappy days) Really through, life is all about how you look at things. If I sat there and whined about this and whined about that no crap I would hate my life and be miserable. And trust me it would be easy to do given some of the things we are going through (John not having a job yet, not knowing whats next in life or where we're heading). But I don't. I used to say everything negative, to myself, about myself and I totally believed it. One day I switched it to only positive talk and WOW what a difference its made!!
Remember its a CHOICE. You might wanna try it too :)

My little family isn't perfect by any imagination but our imperfections are what make us HUMAN. We are doing the best we can in this life,John and I working through trying to be the best husband & wife and parents that we can be & no one can come between that. God comes first in our family and that gets us through the unknowns and gives us that confidence to keep pushin' through!

So I recommend before you go passing judgment on what you think you know just try to always remember that we're all doing the best we can(maybe not how you would handle it but its not YOUR life.. worry about your own) and remember everyone is fighting their own battles.

Oh yeah, Reminds of my favorite quote by Bob Marley "Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect and I don't live to be. But, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean.”


Whew, okay I'm done now.

Summer

This has been an awesome summer for us. We've been able to spend days at pool, afternoons at the beach, or spending some time in the Carolinas with our families and friends.SO many priceless memories & Ohhhh So much fun!!! ;) Its the first July that John and I have been able to spend together since 2005.(Thank you Army!) So we are enjoying every second we have together(well a good majority of the time) :)
Life is good.

Neglecting on My Blogging Duties. Again.

Well, here I am again. A month after my last posting. Its definitely been a while. I've missed it. To me its an incredible way to almost your intimate side because your everyday is what your writing about: your marriage, your kid(s), your goals or whatever and everyone can see that side of you. For me, I love writing because I enjoy going back later in time and re-reading what I wrote and see how much I've grown since I wrote that.
When I first got into writing in a journal(as an adult) John and I had just broken up (again) and I was moving my life as I knew it from my comfort zone of Columbia, South Carolina-my home town to a new place in Hunters ville, North Carolina(30 min outside of Charlotte). For the first time in my life it was all about me. For the first time in my life I got to find out ALL about me and all that entailed. It was scary, overwhelming, exciting, challenging, and SUCH a growing experience for me. 'Nuff said ;) then after a small breakup apart + John growing also & joining the Army we both decided to make it work (for real this time? )and start a new life as husband and wife. Put the past behind us and I was now an Army Wife. The first year of marriage was harder than most because as most newlywed couples are getting to know each other John and I were faced with one LONG 14month deployment. With our constant prayers and positive attitudes we were reunited again and it was truly one of the best days of my life. Then after a long awaited "honeymoon" to the Bahamas in 2008 we went back to Alaska were John was stationed predeployment to find out that we were expecting our first baby. (WOW,Talk about surreal) ;) We found out we were having a girl in the Summer of 2008 and on September 17, 2008 Gabriela Eden graced us with her presence and we have never been the same. With one additional unexpected deployment thrown in the mix it caught us a little "off guard" but we knew there had to be a bigger plan for us and it would soon be revealed. Finally with John returning home with us again in January 2010 and out of the Army-talk about another new chapter- in April of 2010. Its been quite the ride these past few years but we couldn't be happier. Life holds so many uncertainties but I am SO thankful God knows the plan for our family. that gives me so much comfort in knowing that. I strongly feel that through it all I am exactly where I need to be. I have been where I have for a reason but in the end I need to appreciate each moment day by day. I can't wait to see whats in store for us. I am so thankful that this was the life that was chosen for me. No, it definitely hasn't been easy. I've experienced SO much in the past 27 years but I wouldn't change a thing. I am looking forward to going back to school again to do massage therapy and see where that takes us. It is so much fun being a wife to John and a mama to Gabriela & I wouldn't have it ANY other way. So thankful for everyone and everything in my life. I am 1 Lucky Lady!!!!

On this reminicent day...

June 1st will ALWAYS hold a very special place in my heart. It was my step dad's birthday. This year he would of turned 91. That in itself seems crazy to me. I met Murray around 1995 although I knew of him my entire life. Even though he was older than my mom that never mattered to me. Age is nothing but a number anyways.. right?

Talking to him on the phone was always so enjoyable.He would call to talk to my mom and see how we were doing and would have long conversations about school and life in general. Then when he finally came up to visit our family in South Carolina I got to know him even more than before and truly found a deep love for him. To say he was amazing would be selling him short. He was the most influential people I have ever had the opportunity to get to know. Not only was Murray kind, he was SO generous, loving, funny, encouraging, and supportive. He made me feel so good about myself which was so important since I always had a pretty low self image in my younger days. He also gave me a new found appreciation for crossword puzzles. Always cheering me on when I felt I couldn't give anymore and loving me for me.

When he passed away in 1997 I was SO lost. (As this was my first experience with death.) I didn't know what I was going to do without him in my life or why God would take this man that my mom and sisters loved so very much away from us after such a short time. As the years have past I have come to a sense of peace. Yes, I would of LOVED LOVED LOVED if Murray could of been around another 10 years but even that would not have been enough time with him. I am so fortunate and blessed to have a little bit of time with a man that helped shape my life forever. Although I won't ever see him again on earth I know one day we will be reunited again and that is a wonderful reminder yet again of God's love.

Always remember God puts people in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Don't cry over the past. Smile because of the future.
Life is short. Enjoy the ride! :)

In Honor of You-

As I laid in Gabriela’s bed the other day with my sweet baby girl I listened to the relaxing sound machine of the ocean waves crashing and the fan blowing on my face. I laid there just rubbing her sweet little hand in mine. It was cold and soft. It reminded me so much of my dear Kay-Kay ( my grandmother who passed away 2 weeks before I had Gabriela) As young as Gabi is she already reminds me of my dear grandmother. She is such a sweet baby, so loving and nurturing… just as Kay-Kay was. When I think of people that were truly instrumental in my life in these 27 years my grandmother is very high on that list. She was such a remarkable person. She was an incredible mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was loved by everyone who knew her and everyone that knew her was truly blessed to know such a fine lady. Her life wasn’t always easy but she always had a smile on her face and went through life with such grace and poise and was amazing in everything she did.

So, The other day Gabriela turned 20 months. (4 months until 2...wait didn’t she JUST turn 1? ) ;) I really can’t believe our sweet, little baby girl is already almost two years old. She brings so much happiness and love into our life. Hard to remember what life was like before her and can’t even fathom life without her. She is a little ball of energy(she totally gets that from daddy), has an amazing sense of humor(from her mama of course), loves to sing, dance, play and eat all day long. I always knew that John and I would make a beautiful child-when it was the Lord’s will- however I had no idea how beautiful God would make our baby. Looking at Gabriela shows me everyday how much he loves me by giving me this awesome gift. I feel so honored to be her mama and I am FOREVER grateful to God for giving her to us. As John and I look forward to watching her grow(not too fast though..;) ) We are forever indebted to God for giving her to us. I know as we go on living this life my sweet Kay-Kay is watching over us and helping me be the wife, mom and person I am supposed to be. My life has become so full and I am so thankful every morning I wake up and every night I lay my head on that pillow that this is the life that has been chosen for me.

Quick Thoughts.

If you want to be happy,
Begin where you are,
Don’t wait for some rapture
That’s future and far.
Begin to be joyous,
Begin to be glad
And you’ll soon forget
That you ever were sad

More Updates & Proud Mama moments :)

Yesterday was a busy day in our house! We finally received all of our household goods from Alaska. It took about 7wks for us to get so we are so excited that all of our stuff is finally in one place. It took the movers about 5 hours or so to deliver all of our stuff and set everything up but after a L.O.N.G. day(and having to chase down Gabriela a few times) we are finally all set! We have an extra bed-actually 2- ready so if anyone wants to come for a nice visit, your more than welcome! :)



So, The past 2 nights we have started the transition from Gabriela's crib to her toddler daybed! I knew it might possibly take a bit to adjust so I decided to give it a try! Well, she is doing so well with it and I am so proud of her. A lot of the things I read said the average age is 2-3 so we are ahead schedule. :)

Such a proud mama moment(I know, I know, I'm such a dork!)..

But ALL she needs is a little mama singing to her(20
min=sleepy girl and priceless moments for me), her fan going, sound machine on, passy & blanket and she is good to go(oh wait, thats not just a few things.. wink wink ;) ) but who cares.. YAY Gabriela!
Your getting so big but your always going to be my sweet baby girl!
I love you little mama. ♥

Talking about how time flies....

I was just looking our family blog and realized that it has been over a YEAR since I last posted a blog.WOW, that's crazy. So much has happened since my last blog in March of 09. I figured my next few blogs will be little updates since its been so long and then I am vowing right now that I will be better about posting blogs more regularly. I enjoy doing it so I don't know why I haven't been so good... but life has keepin' me pretty busy these days and its not slowing down especially when you have a 19month old to keep up with!! :)

So, here we go with a little update...



- We moved back to the "lower 48" from Anchorage to Melbourne Florida(its about 1 1/2 hrs outside of Orlando) at the end of March just in time to be with the family to celebrate my 27th Birthday.We spent 2 weeks being in the Carolinas visiting the family before coming down to Florida.. oh what a drive that was! LONG AND TIRING! But we made it... Its been quite the move since we left. I can tell that John and I both really miss Alaska especially because we know now its the gorgeous summer and really not much can top that...(even though we have been LOVING being near the beach) That has been really nice to be able to take Gabriela to the water. She LOVES it! We have an awesome pool and play park right in the complex we are renting and we can't be outside enough!

I can't believe the last time I blogged I couldn't believe that my baby was 6 months old and now fast forward a year and I look at her even more in awe as she is almost 20 months..Pure crazyness ... :) Right now as I type this she's sitting beside me eating some corn on the cobb... ah so cute!
Gabriela is such an incredible child. I am SO proud to be her mama and I am so beyond thankful that God chose her for us! Its hard to remember what life was like before she was here.. and now I can NOT imagine my life without her in it.


(Side note. These past few minutes Gabriela had a mini meltdown & screaming fit..ah lovely)

Anyways, ... What was I saying? Oh that's right, She is so smart, funny and sweet. She does definitely have her mama's attitude for sure too though... I know John loves that! ;)

Life is such an incredible journey. As I think about my life I can't help but smile. Yes, I have my days where I'm not as strong, as I am human. ( Oddly enough.. today IS one of those days) But I know that it will be over soon. Tomorrow should be better! I have a wonderful husband who I know loves me & is in this for better or worse...hmm. A tad scary? I have a remarkable kid who shows me what life is all about.. patience and all. :) I have 2 supportive and loving parents who have shown me what matters, 2 fab sisters who are real and aren't afraid to tell me the truth, An amazing mother in law& extended family) and some great friends to help along the way and have amazing Girls Night Outs( Man, I miss that.. I'll even settle at this point for Skype dates :)But overall, its just a good life.
John and I both plan on going back to school, John is starting back up again this summer by taking a few classes and I am planning on FINALLY starting Massage Therapy school by next January at the latest. I can't wait to finally get my career off once and for all... Can't wait!!


Well, its time to get dinner on the table so I have to run but I promise I will more diligent so check back with us with your Ouzo updates. :)