anniversary/changes

Good Monday morning!

Just returned from my anniversary trip with J. We had a great time. It's amazing to me that after nine years, he can still surprise me! We dropped the kids off with my parents Sat. afternoon and went to see "Pirates of the Caribbean - 2". A great movie - almost as good as the first one, in my opinion. He then took me to The Boulders, a really beautiful resort in Scottsdale. We had so much fun. They had resturaunts on the property, so we ended up eating there and walking all around. Picked up the kids Sun. afternoon and had lunch with my parents. The best part was that he saved his money to do this, so nothing went on credit! WHEW!

It was nice to get away and relax with J. We haven't had a lot of time to do that and we probably won't get to do it anytime soon again.

For those of you who don't already know, we are closing Aion. J started his new job with Viejo Construction today. He is starting up a brand new division of their company - General Contracting. So, he will still get to do the gas stations, just under their name instead of ours. This will give us much needed stability, both emotionally and financially. We are on the verge of bankruptcy, so we are both glad that we will have some income coming in for the first time in about two months. I am in the process of looking for a part-time job...hopefully something that won't take me away from Wil too much.

So, lots of changes coming our way! Cais and Sam start school a week from today. Not quite sure if I'm ready for all this, but they are both so excited to be going back. If I do get a job, my mom will take Wil for the times I have to work. But, if that doesn't work out, there are 8 million daycare centers around! I'm feeling sad that I might have to do that, but I think Wil will be fine. He is such a happy boy and very social. He loves his "people" (that's what he calls his family), and you would be amazed at how many of you are included in that!

Have a great week!

vacation

Well, we're back! We had a great time. It was nice to see Dave, Traci and the girls as well as Betty. We stayed in an amazing resort and were pampered and spoiled to death by Betty while we were there. All in all it was a lot more fun than I expected it to be....Las Vegas is a blast!

Here are a few pics of the "experience":


The kids all together at the Bellagio.


Our resort - called the Cancun...awesome!


Caesar's Palace...the whole inside was incredible!

The resort had a HUGE pool with four waterslides, so Cais and Sam has a blast. Alice is so tall....she is almost as tall as I am! YIKES! We spent two afternoons at the Strip, walking around looking at the different hotels. We went to a buffet one night and to a shark reef at the Mandalay Bay too. There was lots to do...we almost wished for one more day just to see the rest! I was prepared to see a lot of nastiness, but I didn't really. That surprised me the most! We will definitely be going back....maybe when the kids are just a little older. An experience we won't soon forget, and a MUCH needed vacation!

viva las vegas

We're off for a four day vacation to Las Vegas! We won't have phones or computers, so I'll talk to you all next Monday!

no more diapers!

Glory hallelujah! No more diapers! Wil is finally potty trained! I have to say that I am lucky, it only took about a month with each of the kids. But, we are done and I'm so glad. Wil's made it through naps and nighttime dry for about a week now. I know that we still may have an accident here and there, but for the most part it's all over! HOORAY!

my baby

First of all, I have to say that my kids cracked me up today. While in the middle of Kohl's, my three children walk up to me decked out in movie star type sunglasses and say, "What's up Baby Girl?" AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went school shopping with my kids today. Not generally my favorite thing to do, as my kids could really give two flips about what I have to get them for school. I was alright until Sam was trying on backpacks (courtesy of my mom - thanks!) and I realized that my baby really is going to kindergarten in about four weeks.

I know that Sam is not the baby of our family, but he is my baby. He has been through the most (ear tubes/breathing problems/adenoid and tonsil removal/ear tube removal/pulled tooth...etc...). I feel a certain amount of dread going into August 4th. While I'm excited that he is going to FINALLY get to go to school, I am also aware that our relationship will change. That is what is hard to deal with.
Right now, I am his favorite person to be with. Soon, friends and teachers will be the ones who get to see him more.

Sam is my one patient, tolerant and easy-going child. Cais and Wil are just like me, high strung and emotional. Sam is more like his daddy, willing to let people be who they are and hang with that. I don't want the world to change that in him. I am glad that they are going to Destiny, at least they will have somewhat of a Christian influence there.

I know that many of you are dealing with this same thing. Aiden, Tristan and Alannah will all start kindergarten as well this fall. For some of you it's the last one there, others it's the first...but I have to say that even with your middle it's hard... it's just not going to be easy to see my first-born son walk away from me and into a whole new world just waiting for him.....

4th of July

Hope you all had a great 4th!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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.....)

holiday

Well, here we are at the Grand Canyon. It was fun, except that there were no guard rails and it was blowing 80 mph! But, it was great to get away. It was nice and cool and we actually had a great time together!
We stayed in a cabin Sat. night and went to the lake in Prescott on Sun. Beautiful! We went on a paddleboat - which I don't recommend if you have bad knees like me... Anyway, it was really relaxing....did I mention it was nice to get away! HA!
Hope you all are having a great extra weekend day! Happy Memorial Day!

shoulda been Chris....

enough said........bummer......i hate american idol......

dwell

"Dwell in the midst of us....wipe all the tears from our faces....dwell in the midst of us...come and dwell in this place...dwell in the midst of us....come and have your way....not our will but yours be done, come and change us....not our will but yours be done, come sustain us...."

I love this song, probably my favorite from all my years in the Vineyard. The man who wrote it, Casey Cuorum, was the guest worship leader at our church on Sunday. He really knows what worship is and how to do it. I have not been at that level of worship in quite some time. I literally wept through the entire set. It was beautiful - as if you could just reach out and touch the hand of God. It was all that I had within me not to LEAP out of my seat and dance. I felt the presence of the Lord through my entire being, as if a warm glow had settled around me. I knew God was speaking to me, telling me that we were going to be alright, that He would guide our way.

I have struggled with a lot of confusion about the issue of church. Whether or not it was really even for us. I have felt disconnected and at a loss. I have had no peace in a long time.

You see, first and foremost, I am a servant. That is my heart. That is what I do best. It is all I want to do. I am not a "shout it from the rooftops" type of person. I am not very good at getting in people's faces about Christ and demanding that they turn or die. I want to show people the way of Christ in a practical, day-by-day approach. For me, that is to serve them, or serve in the church, whatever the case may be.

Secondly, I am a friend. I think I'm a pretty good one. I have learned a lot of lessons along the way and it has all helped me to be a better friend. The friendships that I have with the people I trust most are so important to me. I care deeply, and while that has gotten me into trouble at times, and I have been taken advantage of, I do not regret the opportunity to care for people. Sometimes people get so jaded about the world around them and think that people aren't worth the bother. For me, that is sad. What better way to reach someone, then just by loving them and serving them?

I am also a worshipper, a teacher and an administrator...but those are secondary to being the servant that God has called me to be!

I want God to come and dwell in me. So that all people see is God when they look at me. I don't need to be loud, outrageous or outspoken....that is not what I am called to be. Some people are. Some people are called to be like Paul - always had something to say. That's great....but it's not me. Now, I like to have an opinion, I just don't feel the need to cut people to the bone like I used to. Maybe I've mellowed in my old age.....maybe my husband's personality is rubbing off on me - GASP!

We attended a meeting for the new church plant after the service. it was great. We can really tell that this is where we belong. I told J that for the first time, I have peace. I know church plants are hard - my dad was a church planter. I know that there will be hard times ahead - but I welcome the challenge of doing something that will REALLY make a difference. The Amadeo Church will be one of those churches, I can feel it. I'm excited and ready to work!

My sis-in-law wrote a really interesting post regarding the body of Christ. You can click on the link that says "Chris Tipton," next to this post. Read it. It will really challenge your way of thinking - I guarantee it. Everyone is called to be something - what are YOU doing about what you are called to be? And God bless you if you know that you are right where you belong. I finally can say that I do - for the first time in a year. HALLELUJAH!!

hello????????

Is anyone out there going to post again in THIS century? Geez.....
I know we're all busy, but this is getting ridiculous! I want to see a NEW post from Jason, Jenell, Alyson, Marlene and Chris this week! And that's an ORDER!!!
Now....let's see who responds......hmmmmmmmmmm........

Here's my beautiful daughter and me at the Mother/Daughter Banquet on Saturday. She danced and was so graceful! It's so amazing to see God's will in all of this. It was breathtaking to watch her....but I was sad, because I didn't get to do it to! HA!
We went to the New Friends Dinner last night at church. That was good - although I've been in the Vineyard so long I could've spoken every word Jack said - HA! But, we met some new people and we got to meet Jack. Next Sunday, we're going to a pizza lunch for the church plant. We are excited to see what God is doing there!
Just be praying that God gives us some direction!
Feeling better, sleeping better.....last treatment is Friday....HALLELUJAH!!



Here's a pic of me and my mom as well. It was fun to spend Mother's Day with her...the first in a long time! Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day!

Have a great day everyone! Enjoy the one day you get to be the center of attention!