Friday, June 30, 2006

saying goodbye

In a word, saying goodbye to those we love just sucks. Whether it's for a day, a week or for longer, I do not enjoy goodbyes. YUCK!
My brother and sister-in-law are leaving in the morning for Ft. Collins, Colorado and a fresh start. While I am so excited to see what God is going to do for them, there is just something about watching your niece and nephew cry their eyes out that makes you die a little inside.
I praise God for perspective. Just over a year ago, I was walking their road. We were leaving a good job, tons of friends, family and church who adored us and a beautiful home to come to a place where things were VERY unknown. Isn't it amazing how God brings us through things so that we can have grace for those who go through it later? I am so glad that I walked the path so that Matt and Chris knew that, while I didn't quite understand WHY they were leaving, I understood the NEED to go.
God doesn't call us to something without expecting a sacrifice. Whether that be just the obedience to go, or the sacrifice of time, money, energy or pride - nothing we do can be done without God teaching us something through it. Sometimes that totally stinks, and other times it is the best reward.
So, just know that if you are walking down a path you think no one else has traveled, look around. God may be putting someone in your path that has been down that way before you. Listen to their advice. Listen to what God has shown them. It may not be what you want to hear, but it will help with perspective. It may even give you the grace to walk through it. You never know, you just may be that person for someone else. Don't be afraid to say that you were mad at God or that you stopped talking to Him for awhile....people need to hear that. They need you to be REAL to them.
My nephew is really mad at God right now. He was yelling tonight that he didn't understand why God would do this and that God was mean and unfair. I told him that he has the right to feel that way - but to not let his heart be hardened, but to let it draw him closer to God. God understands when we are mad at Him. He just wants us to learn what He is teaching us. It's in the times that I am the maddest at God that I draw closer to Him. I am SEEKING the reason and it makes me come closer in to Him.
Anyway, I hope that all makes sense. I came right home tonight and blogged it so that I wouldn't forget what I wanted to say. I wrote this on Alyson's blog, but I think it pertains to all of us right now...."Don't be discouraged by the NOW, but be encouraged by what is to COME."
Keep us in your prayers. We are really going through the ringer right now. Business is not well and for the first time, we are seriously thinking of closing it. BUT, I am trying to be encouraged by the "what is to come." It just needs to happen soon..... Please God, we are asking for a miracle right now!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

surprise



Well...my weekend was great. It was a wonderful time of getting to see all my old friends. Marlene picked me up from the airport and we were both shaking by the time we got to Alyson's to surprise Jami. She was completely surprised and just kept saying that it was unreal!
We had a great time of just being together. Todd, Shawn and Owen were so great about giving up their time to be with the kids. Todd fixed us breakfast one morning and bought us dinner the last night I was there. I felt very loved and spoiled by the time I got back on the airplane.



I realize that this may sound insane, but I do miss Utah. It's so beautiful and COOL in the summer. I really miss Lenny and working at the church. It was great to be back at church. I felt like I was just accepted right back in....Lenny even had me do announcements! HA! But, it also made me realize that my time there is done and it's time to get to work here in Arizona. So, I went to VBS last night with the kids, helped with Cais' class and had a great time.
J survived while I was away, even going to the church plant BBQ by himself! I was proud of him....that's not normally very comfortable for him....his bossy wife usually makes him go to things like that! HA! The kids had a great time with dad and even made me a music video! Fabulous!
Thanks to Marlene and Todd, Alyson and Owen and Shawn for making this all work. Happy Birthday to my beautiful friend Jami - I hope that you had a wonderful birthday weekend and that we have the chance to do that again really soon!

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

quote of the day

"If life gives you lemons, make lemonade...then find somebody who life has given some vodka and have a party!"

Just a good laugh for the day. Let's party!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

signs of the times

I borrowed this from Matt's blog....thanks!

How have you changed from THEN (1996) to NOW (2006)?

1) How old were you?
THEN: 23
NOW: 33

2) Where did you work?
THEN: Griffin and Associates - advertising coordinator - ABQ, NM
NOW: Stay-at-home mom/office manager for Aion Construction - Gilbert, AZ

3) Where did you live?
THEN: ABQ
NOW: Gilbert, AZ

4) How was your hair style?
THEN: Short with bangs
NOW: Long with no bangs

5) Did you wear contacts?
THEN: Yes
NOW: No

6) Did you wear glasses?
THEN: No
NOW: Yes

7) Who was your best friend?
THEN: Holly Fail
NOW: J and several others

8) Which of your pets were still alive?
THEN: Winslow my cat
NOW: Morris the hamster and BlueStar the fish (my kids pets actually)

9) Who was your boyfriend/girlfriend?
THEN: Peter Faux
NOW: My husband, J

11) Who was your celebrity crush?
THEN: Troy Aikman
NOW: Chris O'Donnell (much cuter than McDreamy on Grey's)

12) Who was your regular-person crush?
THEN: Peter
NOW: J

13) How many piercings did you have?
THEN: 4
NOW: 4

14) How many tattoos did you have?
THEN: 0
NOW: 0

15) What was your favorite band/singer?
THEN: Alanis Morisette
NOW: Too many to name...no real favorites...lots of oldies...

16) Had you smoked a cigarette?
THEN: 1996 - no
NOW: 2006 - no

17) Had you gotten drunk?
THEN: Many times
NOW: I can’t drink anymore.....SNIFF!

18) Looking back, are you where you thought you would be in 2006?:
Not at all. I thought I'd be the one taking over the Today show from Katie and settling down to a full-time job of being really famous and rich. HA HA HA HA!!! Never thought I'd be married and definitely no kids.....boy times sure do change!

house hunting

Man, looking for a house is the most exhausting experience I have ever encountered! I went out yesterday with my mom and Chris and the kids to look at the new homes in our area. Luckily for us, prices are starting to even out and become more affordable. But after looking for a couple of hours in the 108 + heat, all I wanted to do was come home and sleep!
We did find a house that we really like. I took J to look at it last night and he really liked it a lot. It's 1880 sq. ft. and has the potential for 4 bedrooms. It's a great setup. There are a few drawbacks though. The backyard is small, there would be no driveway (these homes are in a "courtyard" configuration) and the ones that are being released are backed up to the railroad tracks. So, we aren't sure what to do. I am going back today to ask a few more questions and to see if they will be releasing any other homes in another area soon. The time for new builds has gone from 18-20 mos. (last year) to 7-8 mos. So, that's perfect timing for us. Just pray that what is supposed to be will be. We are excited to find something that is actually affordable.
Anyway, that's it for the week. We are going to Big Surf waterpark with my family tomorrow. Still haven't heard much on work....lots of "possiblities" but still nothing for the right now. Thanks for all the prayers! Keep them coming!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

drumroll please...


Ok....here is the picture like I promised. Yes, it's me....in a DRESS! We had a great time in ABQ. The wedding/reception were beautiful and we had a lot of fun. We were able to see people we haven't seen in a long time. It was fun and relaxing. It was great to be with Betty and gain some much needed perspective on life.
Upon returning home last night, we went to Ben and Mandy's house for dinner. Again, a fabulous time and great food! It's just really neat to meet people who share your same ideals and focus. So, thanks to Ben and Mandy! YEA! We are getting even more excited to be a part of this church plant.
OH! Big thank you to God this morning! My parents actually went to church (Ben was speaking) and my dad LOVED it! So, this might persuade them to come as well!
Prayer request this week - WORK FOR J!!! We are confident that something will come through, but we need you all to pray for the faith to really believe that! HA!
We love you guys!
Jen

Monday, June 05, 2006

i'm melting....melting...what a world..what a world...
















This is my favorite part of the Wizard of Oz. That speech delivered by the Wicked Witch is hilarious!
But, I have to say that I feel that way right now. No, not just because it's 113 degrees outside (literally). But, because I feel the burdens of about ten people on me right now and it's pushing me down to the ground.
I'm tired of being sick with this stupid disease....BLECH! I'm tired of not getting to eat what I want.... I'm tired of having to constantly be on the alert for any "bad ingredients" hidden in my food. Bright side: I am meeting with a pharmacist who does the natural approach to IC. I meet with him on Wed. Just pray that he has some encouraging news for me. I'm weaning myself of the medication, just can't afford it anymore. $200 a month is just too much for one little family! So, hopefully he can give me some different options.
I'm glad that we're headed out for a fun weekend. J's good friend Andy is getting married, so we are going to that. Bought myself a fancy new dress (yes, you heard me, a DRESS) to wear and might even get some new shoes too! HA! I get to see my aunt and grandparents, so that will be great too.
I get to come home to a home cooked dinner at the home of our new pastor and his wife...does that sound weird Ben? Lots of use of the word "home" right there.... We are excited for some good fellowship and getting to know some new people even better.
So, I guess I should just say, pray for us. We are struggling with a LOT right now. No work, illness, family moving away, no house options.......a LOT!
Hope you all are having a good week. I probably won't post again until I get home.
Love Ya!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

fyi

So, if your child ever decides that they're bored and draws all over your new IKEA kids table and chairs as well as the carpet and the wall, let me give you a tip....
1) Use your Magic Eraser on the table/chairs and wall...works like a dream
2) On the carpet, first vaccum the mess, then use the dry erase cleaner solution and a washcloth(dry) to blot up the stain...
Takes about an hour or so...but sure does kill those summer doldrums!
Aaaaaa....summer....
Anyone want to buy a 2 1/2 year old....he's cheap! HA!
(This is all just hypothetical of course.....)