Miracles and Blessings

This miracle comes not from me, nor anyone I know, although through chance I feel like we are connected.
My parents finally purchased their "dream home". They have been in search of a one level home that can hold them, my grandma, my sister, entertain their many guests and all my mom's hobbies. They found that, and more! This weekend was the large painting party, we attempted to paint 7 rooms, and got really really close to actually making that goal, the last room was only primed, but close to being completed.

This was my first time seeing the house, my mom had told me all about it, and I had seen pictures, which due the house absolutely no justice. This is a large abode! It screams elegance with its enormous entry way, expansive living spaces, endless french doors, beautiful built ins and you have to see it master bathroom. If I wasn't high by the painting fumes I would have thought about taking pictures.

Here are the ones that were on the listing, I'm telling you they don't do it justice!



I know this looks super 80's and in fact it is, but it is pretty darn cool, double head step in shower!!!!



Okay so on to the miracle.... when my mom was telling me about the house she talked about the writings on the wall (actual writings on the wall). I didn't fully get it til I walked in. Almost every room has words of affirmation and bible verses on the wall. One of the back bedrooms was a bright yellow color with a large prayer in the middle that said: "and by his stripes Mason is healed" Isaiah 53; 5 (by stripes it is referring to Jesus' wounds).

I know it is far away, but can you see the words?

All through out the house you see these, in the hall bathroom it says, "What can I do for someone today?"
On the fridge has Mason's medicine schedule, 2 injections for blood clots, 4 rounds of heart medicine and 2 rounds of a barbiturate. (listed were the drug names, and times for them, I googled to find out what they were for, but don't remember the drug names now).

You can barely see it, but see the white writing on the fridge?

This is what continued my curiosity, actually my freaked out feelings. I started to worry that the little boy with is name all over these walls, passed away, possibly in this house?
So this morning I wanted to do a little investigation. It is a little too easy to find out the owner of a house, just a quick public records online search and then to Google I go. I googled the little boys name and up came his mom's blog (named after him). I was happy to find out right away that the little boy is still alive, but then I decided to read his story. Mom and dad started their blog the day they found out about Mason's health problems. She was 6 months pregnant when they found out their unborn son had Congenital Heart Defect, the left side of his heart didn't work. They were told that he may not make it to term and die before birth, this is where the miracle begins.
By the first blog post I felt intrigued and connected to this family, even though they may never know who I am, just by their posts they have changed me.
Their first post was explaining the news they JUST received, this touched me:  Things like this would not happen if those that bare the burden could not handle it. Our marriage is strong and grows stronger though times like these. Our Father has blessed us plenty in our life and we believe there are many more blessings to come, including many blessings that come out of times like this.As I continued to read about his diagnoses and their struggles, I couldn't help but be sucked in as if it was a movie unfolding before me, but it was so real, so real to this family and that made my heart ache for them. As I'm planning for my wedding they gave birth to a 9+ baby boy that they couldn't hold, at 11 days old he had his first of 3 (so far) open heart surgeries, they tell of how the doctors kept his chest cavity open for days to heal and how you could actually see his heart beat, the father was able to touch his own baby boys heart!
At 8 months old he had to return for his 2nd surgery, then again at 3 years he had his last. How their little miracle walked for the first time, how he talked up a storm, which after his 2 strokes and many seizures the doctors were afraid might not be possible. How a little boy only half a heart survived so much. He went against the odds, their was another family they became friends with, their little boy had the same heart defect, but after his surgery he didn't survive.
What they had the whole time was faith, a deep faith that they knew God had control of their lives, that he knew what he was doing, that no matter what happened they knew God had his hand on it. They treasured every day, cried every tear, and grew with every smile their son made.
It was a beautiful story that I never should have been a part of, but I'm grateful that I was able to read it, and feel like I shared a part of it, she had pictures of the little boy smiling in front the fireplace that my parents now own. The chills I got when I walked in to the house I originally thought where his ghost, I know know are his spirit, they are filling the home with hope.
If you want to read Mason's story or read their blog,  there it is!
They don't talk about why they left his house, or where they are now, but all I know is I think God laid out their path, and I have this gut feeling that I was meant to read that story.
In one of her entries she writes: If you are reading this entry – I don’t believe it is by accident. I believe that I wrote this today for a reason… Maybe it was in the sole purpose to touch your life?
Chills hit my spine and that spoke to me.
So now to fill this story and change my life, I will be intentional as she wrote:
I know that each day that the Lord gives me this year is a gift. I know that I don’t want this year to “just happen”. I know that I don’t want to waste precious / delicate days. I know that I want to be intentional.
God Bless!

Another Boy!!!!

Our friends Jason and Ashleigh had their gender reveal last night, as it was a last minute idea to have one they just had the little ones picture out front to see if you could pick his sex...

If you look at this picture really close, you see his butt cheeks and then start to figure out that he is a he, but then keep looking, what are those perfectly spaced 4 little bones? Knuckles? Yes that would be little baby Cruze fondling himself on camera!!! Not just on camera, but they had video of it! Everyone got a laugh out of it, even Ashleigh said she turned beat red when the ultrasound tech pointed it!

Ash was measuring big so we were all hoping for twins, guess we just got one big boy in there! Can't wait to meet him, now we know Deklin has a best friend on the way. Speaking of my little prince, here are a few I took of him too.

I was holding him here, he looks so comfortable and peaceful in my arms, he loves his Auntie :)

But before we get to meet Baby Cruze we get to meet Baby Van Wely, they decided not to know the gender until the little bundle comes out, so that will be an extra big and fun surprise. Less than 3 months to go!!! Wondering if this whole round will be boys, Hollie, Crystal, Ashleigh and maybe Karen? :) Either way, I just got the invite for her baby shower, I thought I loved parties before, baby showers are on the top of my list, I love the games, the growing bellies, and all the fun gifts, can't wait for this one!

 I have so many craft projects I have been collecting, instead of doing them, I keep getting more! I can't wait to work on this amazing antique window I got off of Craigslist, and the glass pieces from the Goodwill I got to go with it. The other day we drove to Lake City and drove by a Goodwill and a Value Village, my eyes lit up and almost yanked the wheel to get off the road, but Dennis told me I wasn't allowed to go until I finished all my projects at home.. so not fair!!! :( But that is probably good idea!

I finished one! I got this amazing collection of buttons from my mom and wanted to make a chalkboard for my craft room.

This weekend I also picked up the Peacock vases that Hollie and I painted at my FAVORITE place Clayful Creations Studio We did a technique class, so much fun, and look at these bad boys we got back!

Hollie's on the Left and mine on the Right

Hollie's really resembles a peacock feather, but I still like mine too. I think I might design a bathroom off of this piece!

Okay gotta get ready for work!

Lent

Since I became a Christian 3 years ago I have participated in Lent. I hear a lot of people say, since you aren't Catholic you don't have to. Its not about me thinking I have to, like it's a requirement, it's about using the opportunity to grow in my relationship with Christ. Every time I desire the vice I gave up, I turn to Christ, I pray, I talk to Him daily and I grow spiritually. Its funny cause I hear this reference that Lent is only a catholic observance. Check Wikipedia!
Lent is the Christian observance of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.
During Lent, many of the faithful commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxury as a form of penitence.

So every year I search and seek what I should give up. I read this article http://rachelheldevans.com/40-ideas-for-lent-2012 I love getting ideas from others as to what they will deny themselves or fast on. Then I came across 40 Days of Water, the first thing that drew me to this was the fact that it was a mission raising awareness to the poverty and water problems in Uganda. (As Uganda has a piece of my heart)

I wasn't looking for anything more then an idea of something to give up, but to couple that with a great cause? I think it was a match made in heaven! Build my relationship with Christ while I struggle with a vice, and raise money, my own money, not asking for money or making it an event, but seeing what I can give up and how that can help others. I'm all in!
I read some more about their charity Blood:Water (yes resembles Charity:Water I believe they were founded the same year), I loved their mission and their direction, and it was founded by Jars of Clay! They help against HIV/Aids and water in Uganda, both something that touched us while we were there.
For 40 days I will replace all beverages with water, I will track all the drinks I give up on their website and at the end I will make a donation of the sacrifices to Blood:Water. The hardest part for me is coffee.... I alone could have given up coffee and been drastically changed. I love my coffee, I actually walk like a zombie to work and only perk up when I smell that glorious coffee brewing in my Keurig. I love to walk around with my coffee mug on the weekends, and generally fill it up atleast twice.

Hopefully praying to God will open my eyes and keep me focused as much as my loved coffee did! I also enjoy drinking juice in the afternoon, a beer when we go out to dinner and pop with my fast food (ewww), all of that will be replaced with water. I'm sure I will be feeling better after lent and you never know this could be a wonderful thing for my health!
I shared the website with my sister Jessica and she decided to join me in this adventure, and she threw on another challenge! Give up swearing... as this sounds easy, it is the only lent I failed at in the past, what a great time to try it again. I don't like my trucker mouth, and sometimes it shocks me when the F-bomb just goes flying unexpectedly. The tangible was always easier to give up, the alcohol, the meat, the coffee, but to give up a natural way of speech will be a challenge. I will have to think before I open  my mouth, and find other ways to tell a story, and share an angry moment. I will eventually need to watch my mouth when all my friends babies get old enough to repeat me anyways, better start now!

So here I go, no coffee, and no swearing!

81 - 100

I don't have any huge updates to make, but all in all this was a good weekend!
Work was great, I had Wednesday and Thursday off, went to work Friday, then had 2 more days off! If only every week was like that!
Saturday we went to lunch with some great friends, got to hear about their wedding plans, I love weddings, and so excited that the wait for theirs won't be too long, May! Jessica is going to be the most beautiful bride, and she is marrying a true match and wonderful guy Noel. I knew from the first moment she told me she was seeing him, and saw her entire face light up, I knew he was the one. We don't get to see them enough, so any chance we get is great.
I did get to fit in a visit of my little man Deklin! I missed him, it had been 3 whole days since I saw him last! Mommy and baby are doing good, Hollie gets tired, and still not sleeping too much, up most nights checking on her new bundle to make sure everything is going well. I hear from everyone this is a very typical new momma trait, so I'm sure eventually she will sleep through the night. It was really great to spend sometime with Marty and watch him just dote on both of them, the way he looked at every little piece of clothes he folded from the laundry and how he wanted to share all the new exciting things they have learned. They are naturals!
I got to hold baby Deky, he is just so precious and calm. We took a nap together on the couch (well he napped and I just stared at him!) I got to change him twice, which was really fun, they are using these G-Diapers which is great on the environment (no waste!), saves them money and seems so much more comfortable on his little body. I can tell I am going to love this Auntie thing, so many babies, I get to play with them and still sleep through the night!
Sunday after church (which I got my Grandma to go to!!!!) I met my family in Snohomish for some shopping and lunch. I wish I could have went in to every antique store, I have so many projects and items that I am drooling over, but its probably a good thing, I'm sure I would have spent way too much money!

Here are my 81-100 thankful gifts:
81. When Dennis calls me by pet names
82. Laughing in a tough situation
83. Listening to Michael Jackson's music
84. the way the sunset makes downtown Seattle look like gold treasure
85. Riding bikes with Dennis
86. Slowing seeing things you always see and seeing them differently each time
87. Dennis filling out his connection card at church
88. Meeting the ones you look up to and realizing they are so nice and real
89. Having a friend that you just met hug you when you walk in to church
90. Seeing the beauty in a bare tree next to a graffiti wall
91. Watching a draw bridge
92. Wind in your face
93. Feeling vulnerable
94. Hearing your best friends water break
95. Hearing baby's heart beat on the monitor in a completely quiet room
96. Falling so deep in worship that you don't care what is around you
97. Your finger being grabbed by a newborn baby
98. Brightening someones day with flowers
99. The way Carmel melts in my mouth.
100. The creaking sound of the weather vane on top of a garage.

Scentsy

I still remember the first time I ever heard about Scentsy, I didn't get it, I thought why would you want to go to a party where all they sell are warmers and scents, not one part of it intrigued me. I declined two party invites, then my mom handed me a catalog and asked me to pick one for my birthday, at the time I was not excited about it, I blindly picked one and didn't even read the scents, just get me something fruity I said.
Than the gift came, I brought it to work, plugged it in, popped in Pineapple Paradise and forgot about it. Well tried to, until everyone kept coming in to my office asking what that delicious scent was. That was the day I fell in love with Scentsy. It spoke for itself. Simple, easy, and smells so great!
After my mom and I hosted a party and I continued to get outside orders, I decided why not join? I was tired of making someone else all this money :) 2 years ago (February 16!) I signed up to be a Scentsy Independent Consultant. I have told this story numerous times. But that isn't the exciting part, its how God has blessed my new business.
I never really jumped all in, in the beginning, I was excited, but didn't push put too much time in to it. I heard God calling me to join a mission, I did, Dennis was super supportive but told me from the beginning that he wouldn't join me, but he attended one of my meetings, the next morning he asked me if he can go too, if we could afford it. I didn't think we could, but it didn't matter, I would have sold my car to have Dennis join me! So we both signed up, not really sure how we were going to pay for it, but we knew that we were meant to go. That is when my business kicked off, I was amazed at the people I met, I had parties booking, customers calling for orders and hostesses calling me join my team! At first I didn't think about what was happening, then the deadlines to make our payments started coming up, we were getting lots of donations from friends and family, but with the double cost it was adding up. With Scentsy I get paid once a month on the 10th, I have it set up for automatic deposit and I normally don't look at it, but we had to pay our last large deposit on the 15th and didn't have the funds, so I looked. My team had taken off and I got promoted a rank... my commission was the exact amount needed. You would think I would have gotten it at that time, but it took a few more nudging to see that God was truly blessing me with this.
When my spirit was down on life in general I would get an email for an order, an unexpected promotion, charm and congratulation award in the mail, a phone call to book a party, or a random message to join my team. I slowly started to get it. But after this weekend I knew.
I have struggled with working a "regular" job. My "day" job is a good paying career, but I know it too well, its not challenging, and I don't feel like I'm doing the glory of God. I thought about making drastic changes to my career to fill that void, but I have finally realized I can do both. I can have the regular job to pay our bills and than have the fun blessed job that I can spread the glory of God.

Melissa and I, super cheesy but so much fun!

This week was my Scentsy Spring Sprint, its our traveling convention, the home office does a road trip to 26 different stops around US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Portland, Or was our closest location. One of my team members Melissa joined me. Very very worth it, $60 to attend and with that you kit a free product kit valued at over $100 and then there was the amazing training. We had guest speakers and tons of videos and the atmosphere was amazing, so much excitement. I'm not talking about a cheesy, fake, direct selling meeting, I have been there before and heard horror stories from customers afraid that. Scentsy is different, its is hard to explain but there is something about the passion that comes from everyone involved, from the presidents (Heidi and Orville) to the manufacturers.


My free product kit!!!!!

After the amazing training we met up with my up line for dinner. The girl I signed up under, left 2 months after I joined so I never really had an up line. Until Kim with Smells Angels finally took me on. She is amazing, but lives in Idaho, it was nice to finally get to hang out with her and her team.

We had dinner, drinks and all started telling our stories. It was amazing how the only thing we had in common was Scentsy in the beginning, but every conversation became about God. We shared our stories how God has blessed our business, how God had healed a broken marriage on the verge of divorce, how He has brought long lost family members back together, and so on. That is when I truly felt the glory of God.
I started thinking back to my happiest moments in my Scentsy journey and they all involve God, my best hostess that I would have never met with out Scentsy, I talked to her about our church and now she is a member, her kids love it we do groups together. How I can proudly talk about being a Christian and not having to worry about offending anyone. I have 3 consultants on my team that I had never met before, they searched for a consultant in their area and read all their stories, and all of them have said they choose me because of my story and that I mentioned God and how Scentsy has blessed me. Everytime I gave up and prayed for God to let me know if I should even continue to persue this adventure, I have had direct signs to keep going.
I know I can't support my family on Scentsy alone, but I know that if God wants me to, He will provide. I can put my trust in Him and continue to spread his message along with some amazing scents!
So here are a few new things that is coming up with Scentsy

These are Scentsy Babies, half the size of the regular buddies and so freaking cute!!!

Come on, check out that face!!!!

Our newest brand that will start May 1st is Velata. It is the same concept of a Scentsy warmer, but it warms chocolate! Yes, a fondue pot!!!!

Very excited about this, 4 different Belgian (yes I said Belgian!) chocolate flavors, Milk, Dark, White and Carmel Chocolate! This will be a great gift, and such a fun party!
Our next Scentsy adventure? Dennis and I are roadtripping to Las Vegas for the big convention in July. I can't wait!!!!!!

Miracle of Creation

The wait is finally over!
Friday at 4pm I got the phone call from Hollie that she was being admitted to the hospital, since she went over her due date they do a routine check up to make sure baby is doing good, she passed the stress test, but they did see he had low fluids so they wanted to induce her. She got induced that evening, we stayed til midnight, then left to let her get some sleep. Little did we know she wouldn't get that for another 3 days! Contractions started early Saturday morning, Dennis and I and most of the family headed back to the hospital.
Around 830am it was just Dennis, Marty, Hollie, the nurse and I in the room when we heard a pop and what sounded like a rushing river hit the floor. Hollie barely got out the words, "I think my water just broke" before Dennis went running out of the room! I will admit it was pretty amazing to be able to hear it, even the nurse looked at me afterwards and said that is the most distinctive water breaking sound she has ever heard, even she was excited!
After the epi and water break she quickly rose from 3cm to 7cm. We thought it was about go time. Unfortunately that was the fastest it would go. She plateaued after 8cm, even with the epidural Hollie was very uncomfortable with every contraction, but you could hardly tell, she barely showed any pain, she held it together and seemed so calm and relaxed the whole time. I wish I could say the same for Marty and the rest of us, with all the waiting and lack of sleep came a lot of pacing and a little worry.


The proud and calm parents to be

Even though we, along with most of her family were in the hospital for 24+ hours, we enjoyed our time. We played games, napped, ordered pizza, went in and out of Hollie's room, and helped each other through the emotional journey. We got way too loud too  many times, the nurses had to keep talking to us, surprisingly they never kicked us out!
Their OB Dr. Nathan was a great, great guy! He was so gentle, went with the flow, not overpowering and very very understanding. Even though he originally said if she wasn't progressing by 6pm that they would need to discuss the next steps, he continued to give her and baby a chance to come out, baby and mommy were being monitored the whole time to make sure everyone was okay, even with a large temp spike and babies dropping blood pressure they helped them both get through it. But once she just couldn't reach 9cm he knew there was a reason, at 10pm they collectively made the call for a c-section. I always envision a c-section as a last resort or a push by the doctor because they are tired of waiting, but I knew this wasn't the case, even though the thought of it scared me and I'm sure most, I was able to calm myself with the confidence that all options were exhausted for natural and it was time to get baby out.
Even though things didn't go as planned it was nice to know that everyone involved was able to stay flexiable, not get upset and just go with the flow. I found that to be the most important thing.
It was a beautiful moment in the waiting room as the family and friend comforted each other as we knew what was about to happen. Hollie got prepped and we all stood and waived as she was rolled to the surgery room.
At 11:11pm on February 11th, out came a beautifully healthy 8lb, 20inch baby. Deklin Paul Girvan was born. The miracle of creation emerged. As mommy and baby would be in recovery for a few hours, we stayed in the waiting room til we got the news that everyone was safe, healthy and recovering well. After the surgery we were informed that it was a very good thing she had a C-Section, and little baby wouldn't have fit, that was a relief.
Daddy Marty was in the room and uploading pictures of the newborn on Facebook. It was fun to all be crowded around our laptops seeing every new image of the baby pop up, ohhs and ahhs came out of all of us.
Dennis and I returned Sunday afternoon to be able to see the little one in person. I can't explain the feeling that I had the first time I saw his little face. All the expressions his plump lips would make, the soft noises that came out of him and even the excitement as I felt him gassy in my arms.
Just watching Hollie with her little miracle was so heartfelt. You just can see the pure joy and happiness in her face when she sees him or hears him. She isn't able to do too much moving or even sleeping yet, time will heal her, but she will have plenty of willing hands to help out. She is a strong and inspiring mommy!

After our visit Dennis and I headed to church, while we were waiting for the service to start, Dennis looked over at me and asked what we were doing tonight, we had no plans, he asked if we could back to see the baby again! We headed straight there after service!
As the boys went out for a celebratory cigar, Hollie said I could help her breastfeed her little one. I never thought this would be an experience that I would be involved in, but I'm so glad I was. It brought tears to my eyes to see the connection between mommy and baby, so see the caring way she comforted him, even though it was a bit frustrating for both of them, it was a beautiful moment that I was so glad I got to witness.
I can't wait to go back tonight, I am leaving work early to fit in another visit before my growth group tonight. :)

Oh and another bit of exciting news, before church Dennis and I stopped at Costco and I finally got my SLR! With the $100 off Costco special it was really hard to pass up the Canon T2i. I can't wait to capture more beauiful moments!

61-80

Last night was my first growth group of the session. I signed up for two groups this round, I love groups! Last night was, Me, Myself, and Lies it is a book and DVD study group. We are watching the DVD series for Jennifer Rothschild (here is the book study). After searching through all the amazing groups Eastlake Community Church offers I decided on this one after watching the intro. Ever catch  yourself saying something mean and hurtful in your head about yourself? Your thoughts can shape yourself, this is a practical way to change your thoughts.
I didn't realize how much I needed it until I got there. All the ladies are so nice, I even knew one from my dog group and another cleans my teeth! When we sat down to do our introductions I started to get really nervous, I'm normally not a nervous person, but I caught my self having a mini panic attack. When it was my turn I couldn't talk, like voice shaking, caught in my throat, thought my chest would explode. My mind went blank and I couldnt' even remember how long I had been married! I stumbled and babbled, it was a complete mess. Once I was passed, (thank goodness), I caught myself calling myself names and mentally beating myself up for the horrible speech. That's when I finally stopped and realized, hello girl, that is why you are here!!! Stop it!!!!
I opened my ears, and shut my thoughts and listened to all the other ladies, the sweet girl next to me said she is pregnant and found on Thanksgiving and her due date is the week after mine would have been. I was crushed just a little, as I started to feel pity for myself, 2 more girls down, she explained how they are going through the adoption process. I think that was God's way of warming my heart and giving me hope again. I started to feel a little better. After the video and an ice-breaker, we all shared our prayer requests, something compelled me to speak up. I told the group, I'm not normally a nervous person, and started to have a panic attack during my introduction, I don't think it was because I didn't feel comfortable, I think because I felt vulnerable, I knew that by the end I would be sharing my secrets and confiding in this great group of ladies. I think that is what scared me, so I asked them to pray for comfort as this is really the first time I have been in a room of strangers and I was feeling a little overwhelmed. They were so wonderful and said a beautiful prayer and I know that God put me exactly where I need to be. I'm a little bummed I will miss next weeks group, but I have to admit I am super excited for Scentsy Spring Sprint in Portland (you will hear all about that after I go!)
Okay on to my thankful gifts:

61. feeling a friend's belly and feeling baby kick
62. the quiet of snow fall
63. waking up to white
64. sharing something in common with a friend
65. the sound of wind through the trees
66. watching Burton do his excited dance in the morning
67. steaming hot shower
68. spicy foods
69. the burn after a workout
70. sound of changing gears
71. feeling like a kid again
72. hearing others want to do a mission
73. the right song at the right moment
74. squinting in the sun
75. wood fire places
76. problem solving
77. doing puzzles
78. seeing our gorgeous mountain ranges
79. pink sunset
80. being called Auntie  

SuperBowl

I'm not a huge sports fan, I can bare to watch some, could care less about the ranks and players, but I do enjoy football. I enjoy watching it, only been to one game, but it is so far the only sport that I will actually watch on TV. I don't really know that much about it, but it is still fun never the less.
I'm normally following the Seahawks, I wouldn't say I'm a bandwagon girl, only because I watch them no matter if they are winning or losing, but of course I get way more excited and into it when they are winning.
Well this past season they didn't do too good, I couldn't tell exactly how bad they did, again I don't keep score! Not a surprise we didn't make it to the Superbowl. But of course we all still watch it anyways. Great excuse for a party!
This year we headed over to Hollie and Marty's which is always a treat, Burton loves playing with is puppy parents, we enjoy their friends and family, and I love their company. Today is Hollie's due date, so on Sunday she was ready, belly was hard, baby can barely move and mommy is tired. It was amazing to just hold her belly, you can every once in a while feel his little heel push out and when you push back he sucks it back in. I can't wait to meet him.


Had to capture a picture of the ready to pop momma :)

The other reason I love football? Well, I guess any party in general! I like to bring food!!! Both the dishes I brought I have tried before, but this time was the best!!!!


Taco Ring

The Taco Ring is probably one of the easiest, but filling recipes I can make. My mom makes this for most of her parties, so you know it is good! Here is the recipe:



Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 package (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 c. (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbs water
2 8-oz packages refrigerated crescent rolls
1 medium green bell pepper
1 c. salsa

3 c. lettuce, shredded

1 medium tomato, diced
¼ c. onion, chopped
½ c. pitted ripe olives
sour cream

Directions:
–Preheat oven to 375°. Brown the ground beef, then drain. Add taco seasoning and water and simmer

–Unroll the crescent dough; separate into triangles. Arrange triangles in a circle on a pizza pan (I used a stone one, works great!) with the wide ends toward the center of the pan, overlapping each other. It will look like a large sun with the points hanging half off the pan. There should be a 5 or 6 inch opening in the center.

–Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto widest end of each triangle cover with cheese. Bring points of triangles up over filling and tuck under wide ends of dough. (Filling will not be completely covered).

–Bake 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.

–Shred lettuce, dice tomato, onions, olives, green pepper, and whatever other items you want to put inside. Place them in center of the taco ring and use that as your toppings!

Of course you can see I didn't put all the pretty toppings in the middle otherwise Dennis wouldn't have eaten it. I put all the stuff on the side, and it went just as fast!



Ham sammies

2 packs of Hawiian rolls
1.5 lbs of ham

1.5 lbs of Swiss cheese

Put it all together

(I usually fold one piece of ham and cut the cheese into 4's and put 1 on bottom and 2 on top of ham)

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 mins

For the sauce

3 sticks butter (melted)
4 Tbls brown sugar
2 Tbls yellow mustard
2 Tbls poppy seed
2 Tbls Worcestershire

Stir together, melt again if needed
pour sauce over the sandwiches

bake for another 5 mins

I got a ton of compliments on this recipe, I got this one from my friend Natausha, I found some other versions online, but they had mayo and onions, no thanks, why mess up perfection!!

I can't wait for the next party/event so that I can bring more goodies!!!!



Beauty

Along with our attempt to be more active we are trying to be more conscious of how we spend our money. We are not, not doing things in this effort, just watching what we already do and try and save a little moolah.
Last weekend was the Boat Show (The Boat Show, The Boat Show, the big Seattle Boat Show) hahaha.
Anyways... we love going to this every year, we normally purchase our tickets way in advance online and receive free parking, although this year they didn't have that offer, it actually cost you more money to pre-purchase tickets... and where is the advantage to that? So we decided to park at our marina in Seattle and ride out bikes to the Lake Union Boats A Float, and then take the free shuttle ride to Qwest field for the Boat Show.
Great idea! We had so much fun, the ride from our marina to Daniel's was simple, flat and perfect. After the disappointing Boat Show (nothing really grabbed us this year).

We hopped on our bikes and decided to go for a longer ride. We passed our marina and continued to follow this great trail that followed along the lake, we rode in to Ballard, watched the sunset and just marveled in so many things that we see every day but look so different. Like the way the sun setting lights up the buildings surrounding the lake and makes them look like gold treasure. The way a bare tree looks up against a falling building cover in art. The blare of a sailboats horn to signal the opening of the bridge. The way other bikers ride by you with such ease. The sound of your chains changing gears. Looking over and seeing Dennis' smile. The feel of the wind in your face.

Picture stop, had to get the bikes and space needle in.

I know that I am loving the times that we spend together, we laugh more, connection is growing and every day when Dennis calls me at work he asks where we are going to ride to that night.

Last night we took the bikes out again to do more training with Burton to run along side us. After coming to some very close calls with the cars, he finally started to get the hang of it. I think a trail ride is much better than the urban stroll!

We will be back at it tonight :)

Training

I have been serving on the Data Team at Eastlake Community Church for almost 3 years now. I love, love it. We are the behind the scenes team that sorts, scans and enters the blue Connection Cards after every service, we also enter membership applications, 201s, growth group attendees, growth group leaders, and any special events. Last year when we expanded to 2 new campuses, I was able to be "promoted" to scheduler, along with my other duties. Basically when someone was to join our team, I get assigned to schedule them for training. Which sounds super easy, even as I write this I'm like wow that sounds easy!
But it is a little complicated, and sometimes you get a ton all at the same time. But I still really enjoy it. More recently I have been able to add to my list of responsibilities. So for the last 2 training sessions I have been trainer in training :) The amazing and fantastic, she can do anything, Becca is in charge of the training and does so much, way too much for the Data Team. She has been my leader and the top trainer. I will be the 3rd trainer now, frees up the other ladies since training is every Thursday and we are all volunteer.
Last night was my first training session all on my own! I was a little nervous, I kept reading my notes and when I rushed out the door, I forgot them!!!! Ahhh how can I train with none of my notes? I get to the room at church and open our Data Team cabinet and what do I find?

I loved my motivational note from Becca. She is such an amazing person, always knows what to say, when to say it, and is so faithful, she tells me all the time she is praying for me, and when things are really bad and she doesn't even know it, she asks me about it.

Anyways, along with this little pick me up post it, is all the training materials, notes, even the key to our fill ins (yes true Eastlake style!).

I was fully prepared to rock it! As soon as my ladies showed (I only had to train two last night) I started feeling very comfortable, and Becca showed up to support me and do Data work in the corner of the office (she said she wasn't listening but I hope she was :) )

The only thing that was a little nerve wracking? One of my trainees was a wife of one of our Pastors! I knew that before, but I will admit I was a little intimidated! She was so sweet, very pretty and very encouraging.

Afterwards I felt great, I hope I did a good job, but I know that I love it, I love helping others and am very passionate about the Data Team.

At first I was wondering what I got myself in to, I hate training at work, I have no patience for it. I get way out of my comfort zone when I have new employees, it isn't cause I don't know what I'm doing, unfortunately I know the collision business inside and out, I can do and know most positions with in my office, but I don't have a passion for it. Knowledge doesn't equal happiness. I know this. I love what I do (I work with numbers and solving problems all day!) but at the end of the day it is just my job.

That is why I'm so happy that I have the Data Team to put my passion in to and Scentsy Wickless Candles that I can thrive in. Scentsy has been doing amazing for me, I have 9 team members, great customers and super fun hostesses. I can already tell that this year is challenging my comfort zone and God is leading me to my purpose.

Active

I never thought I would be the one complaining about getting older and not being fit. But I feel like one day I woke up and was like "When did I stop trying?" That must have been the day my muffin top appeared and my skin started sagging in places I didn't think could sag!
Back when I used to do promos and "modeling" I was in shape, fit and feeling good, but the one thing that I didn't like was, when I was out running, at the gym, or doing hot yoga, I may have been with friends, but I was not spending time with my husband. I decided I would rather be with him and connect than think me being fit was more important than our relationship.
So in turn I now find myself sitting on my growing ass watching way too much t.v., eating all the horrible things he can get away with and not feeling too good about myself, but I'm with my hubby :)
After much trying to get him to motivate us (in his defense, my job maybe mentally exhausting, but his has been physically trying, so he hasn't needed to work out), he finally decided to feel better together!!!
We decided that when I get home from work the T.V. is off, if he wants to watch it all day that is fine. We need another hobby then right?
Last night we headed to walmart and after destroying their bike department, I can't believe not one employee came to yell at us, as we proceeded to take every single bike down from the racks and ride their flat tires around. We actually had a blast trying, testing and playing with the bikes. Every bike I loved I couldn't touch the floor on. Dennis even said to me, after this I finally realize how short you are! hahah thanks honey!
I really wanted the classic Schwinn look, the long sleek body, with the large tires and raised handle bars. Sort of like this:

Every style that I just loved didn't come with gears, which Dennis insisted I needed. (and after attempting to climb a hill I'm thankful for!) So after some frustration I finally found the bike I wanted. Dennis was easy, he tried three and was good to go!
So we drove home (we had to take the cars home!), tested Burton out on a short ride around the complex to see if could even follow along side us. He didn't do too bad, but he needs more practice.
Once I got home though I realized that Walmart forgot to give me my bike bell (had to have one of those!) and our bike lock. So we hopped on our bikes and rode to Walmart, than to Taco Bell (You may think we are defeating the purpose, but we would have went there anyways, atleast now we worked for it!)
Once we got home (after burning thighs and realizing that I need more work on getting up hills) we remembered we had no where to store these pretty new bikes.
This is where they ended up:

Yup that is the dining room again! On the right is all my Scentsy boxes (I have lots of stock and business supplies), on the left is my craft table aka the dining room table! I guess it works for now.
Can't wait to see where these bikes will take us, and hopefully we can motivate each other to not let them collect dust.
As we were riding along, Dennis yelled out, this is better than watching T.V.! Wahoo!!!! Can't wait to be active together and feel good!