My new nephew--Luke!

He's so precious!!! I couldn't put him down.

Little brother--he's a lady's man!

My Little Sis all grown UP! Her Sr. pics

A Matter of The Heart

Please pray for me guys. I arrived home to visit my parents around 8:00 Tuesday night. About 2:00 am Wednesday morning my heart starting sending me some pretty sharp pains. I decided to wait it out and see what was up. About 11:00 pm Wednesday I was almost in tears because of the pain and decided to go to a friend of the family (EMT) and see what she could tell me. After she took my blood pressure and read my heart beat several different ways she said I need to get my chest x-rayed because it just wasn't normal for someone my age--and she knew I wouldn't have come to her if I wasn't in a pretty good amount of pain. Well--it's now Thursday morning and I have a doctors appointment in 30 minutes. Then they'll send me to another office to have my chest x-rayed. I'm not happy that I have to go at all, but as the pain has persisted-I'm going. So, Just thought I'd ask you guys to pray that it's something minor--pulled muscle or something like that. I'll update you guys tomorrow or later on tonight to tell you how it went--peace--and thanks for the prayers.

UPDATE!!!

Went to the doctor. Nothing is wrong w/ my heart but the muscles around it are inflamed because I was sick over the weekend and they are getting stuck in the cracks of the cartledge between my ribs. So, they put me on 800mg of Ibprofin 3 times a day for 7 days along with another allergy medicine. Drugs galore--woot woot! Anyway-i feel better--how could I not? K--peace peeps. Thanks for PRAYING!!!

Home Coming

Well, this afternoon (after 3:20 for me) starts my Fall Break. I pretty psyched about it. I REALLY need a break considering I am nursing a cold right now and my head is pretty fuzzy (not good for studying or listening in class).

I am heading home to see my family for about five days. I'm excited to see the kids, and I´m kinda hoping Brandy (sis-n-law) has her baby this week so I can see it (She´s due any day now!). Anyways, just thought I´d tell you guys I´m heading out of town for a few.

Well, I´m off people. One more class and then Fall Break begins (and a four hour drive commences).

Hey Jake, Robert, Blaire, and Jason: I´ll be home for about 5 days and would love to see you guys!

P.S. I know my husband is hot, but just in case you missed the husband title--he´s taken, lol. He´s liking his new hair style, but even though I think his hair looks really great, I kinda miss the curls.

Dave's transformation-before and after

here's some new pics of Dave's new "do." He just decided that he kinda had a mullet and had to get rid of it. I like it! I think it looks really good w/ his beard.

P.S. check out HIS blog, he's updated guys! I know he rarely does but I've been buggin him about it. He's out taking pictures of different things today so many he'll put some of them up on his blog soon.

Random Pix

Don't I look SO innocent?!

Friend Sean that was up last weekend

Fall leaves-by Dave

My soon to be new passport photo

Amazing weekend

I had such a good weekend! Dave and spent most of Saturday lazing around. We had a late breakfast and then just hung out and played video games. Then we went to NOC to do the course inspection for the Alpine Tower and Ropes course. Then we decided to go on a short "walk," as Dave called it, but it was really a short hike cause it was all uphill for a couple of miles. Then we went home and made dinner and went out for drinks at a friends house.

Sunday we had another late breakfast (which almost made us late for church). It was my Sunday to work w/ the little kids during church (5 to 8 yr olds?). I worked w/ a blind boy named Kyle. He is super smart. He loved play sounding games (me mimicking his sounds/taps). He drew and colored most of the time though. He had a great smile and all the other kids kind of look at him as their pet. The cutest thing ever happened then too. This other little boy, Joey, came over and started drawing with Kyle. He said, "Hi Kyle," and patted him on the head, "Want to draw? You want to draw w/ a blue crayon?" He then handed it to Kyle and they went on coloring. Kids are amazing aren't they? They can just blow your mind! Adults so often don't overlook things like kids do. Joey didn't see anything wrong w/ Kyle at all, just that he needed a little help w/ finding the blue crayon. I love that.

Sunday afternoon Dave and I went to a movie w/ some friends. We saw the kid move "Open Season." It was pretty funny and really cute. Then we went to the coffee shop and had some coffee.

Then, basically for the rest of the evening, I studied for a test I have tomorrow. We also read a short story out of that short stoy book I told you about. It was hilarious. Good times.

This morning I got up for the first of my 3 a week work-outs for my fitness class. I get up and use the dancing game "Dance Dance Revolution" for 40 minutes in work-out mode. It really gets your heart pumping. If you have no idea what this game is (although if you have been to a mall around the arcade you have probably seen it), the aerobic affects are kind of like watching a excercise video and moving along w/ the motions. I was sweatin' up a storm! It felt really good to work out at the begining of the day.

Ok, I gotta get off here and study for the test. I didn't do too well on the last one in this class--hopefully this one will be better.

Happy Birthday Stone & Gage

They're THREE YEARS OLD GUYS!!! Can you believe that? If you were in my LDP year I know you can't. I can remember talking about how I was going to miss them being born whil I was in Canada. I can't believe they're so big! They'll be in pre-school next year. WOw! I love those boys! See you soon guys! Hope you had a great birthday!

Catching up

I'm finally catching up on the loads of homework I've had this week. I'm starting to get ahead too, which is always a nice feeling. I'm pretty sleepy right now though, so I thought I'd take a break from reading and blather to you guys.

I went to and English Club meeting last night here at school. I know, sounds pretty geeky, but it was fun! We watched "The 13th Warrior" which is a movie roughly based on the story "Beowulf." Alot of people don't like the movie, but I liked it cause I had read the story. It was cool to hang out w/ people that have a passion for literature. I might make a habit of going if I can find a free night. Right now Monday - Thursday are all taken up, so I guess we'll see.

I got T-O-N-S of laundry I have to do today. Gonna be hangin out w/ my friends Sarah quite a bit, lol (that's where I do my laundry). I'm also gonna stop by the coffee shop--Mountain Perks--to get some java and chill w/ Sophie (one of the girls in my youth group).

Then, tonight---dun dun dun---is SURVIVOR. Yes, S--it's a little boring this season, but I'm still a devoted watcher. It got a little more interesting last week as they mixed up the teams. Then after Survivor we watch Gray's Anatomy--which is just fun drama-i love the personalities on there--FUN! Ok--I gotta go eat lunch and get some caffiene. I gotta wake up before my boring class!!! lol

P.S. i've been asked out twice this week by guys at school. Ya know, even though I'm married, it still makes me feel good when people ask me out. Of course I say, "Sorry, I'm married," but it's definately flattering :). See ya!


B---CALL ME! I don't know your schedule so I never know when you're home. I'll call you right back to you don't use up your minutes k? luv!

and I'm back in the game!

Well, test went ok I suppose. My hand is killing me now cause I wrote so fast and for so long. Yes mom, I studied sufficiently. The only thing is I feel like I didn't have enough time to write down all I knew! The teacher said to write as much info as we knew on the question and there just wasn't enough time to do that! I guess that's a good way to know you studied enough, hopefully. We'll see when I get my test grade back :).

Had a great time w/ my highschool friend (Sean M.) this weekend--great conversations and memories from AWANA camp (don't ask if you have no clue what AWANA is). He left last night and last time I talked to him (this morning) was around Missouri (he's driving to Colorado). So, all good stuff.

Here are a few quotes I just found on the internet--they're pretty kickin' if you like literature. If you don't, well, you should read more, it's good for you--it'll add a few wrinkles to your brain.

"A losing trade, I assure you, sir: literature is a drug."- George Borrow, Lavengro, Ch. 30.

The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest persons of past centuries."-René Descartes, Le Discours de la méthode, I

"Education . . . has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading."-
G. M. Trevelyan, English Social History

Peace like a river~~~as my friend Sarah says.

what a weekend

Hi guys. Sorry I haven't updated you in awhile. School is taking off! Homework is definately building up. I have two tests on Monday and both are going to be pretty tough. My grades aren't really up to (my) par right now, but hopefully they'll improve. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm getting mostly B's, but that's not really good enough. So, this weekend I will be squeazing in studying wherever I can find time.

Tonight I'm taking dinner over to a friend that had an accident yesterdy. She's ok, but she has a minor concuscion and is a little banged up.

Tomorrow an old friend from highschool is coming in and we'll be boating and going to a movie tomorrow. Then they're staying over and they'll go to church w/ us on Sunday.

Sunday afternoon one of my girlfriends and I are going to a movie ("The Guardian") and then I'm studying until I can't see the pages anymore. AAAK! It's going to be a busy weekend.

Well, sorry this was short, but I gotta get changed for my Fitness class. Sorry I haven't been in touch much lately family, will get back to regular after this week ~fingers crossed~ hopefully.

AAAAAH!

I'm watching a super scary movie right now at school...really freaked out! It's called Cry Wolf and it's FREAKING ME OUT! Don't know why I can't stop watching it but I guess I assume it'll get better in the end, and yet, I know I'm not gonna have time enough to watch the end anyways cause I have to go to class in like 5 minutes. OK...i gotta go...my heart is really racing now. Gosh, THIS is why i don't watch horror movies. Jeez!

Ouch and future ouch

So, I went this morning to the dentist and got work done to my teeth, alot more work than I thought I needed. Then, they told me I needed more work but they weren't going to do it today. Great. They also told me that my teeth looked really clean and it looked like I kept them up well, but my teeth were formed with holes in them so no matter what I do I will always get cavities. Fun stuff. So I'm scheduling more work on (at least) 2 more teeth for next month. So excited. My mouth is still numb. They filled one tooth on the right side and 3 on the left--yeah, that's bad. I think I'm slobbering on myself right now...gotta go.

Nothing good to post about

It's true, I really have nothing to post about. Nothing spectacular or exciting. But, I'm going to post anyway, because blogger may be down at the end of the day and what would happen if you didn't get to read my pointless post??? Obviously all hell would break loose. So, what have I been up to lately. Well, lots of school and homework (which I'm avoiding right now).

Youth started back last week so Dave and I are hangin' with the kids more often now. And let me tell you, if I wanted to write a RANT right now, it would be about middle school boys and how absolutely stupid and rediculous they are--but I don't want to rant, so I'll spare you. I'm sure you know some middle school boys--just think about spending lots of time w/ them and trying to have a serious conversation, then you'll know what I would have written.

Survivor is on tonight (every Thurs.), and the season premier of Gray's Anatomy too (which I think I'm probably gonna get addicted to). Anyway, the girls (Sarah, hopefully Lydia, and myself) will be gathering at Sarah's house to watch those two shows tonight, and maybe 6 Degrees (of seperation) as well.

Anyway, that's about it. I'm getting my dental work done tomorrow (yes Mom, finally). Not really pysched about that, but it has to happen. Getting 2 cavities dealt w/ is NEVER fun. Yuck--not fun at all. I could think of MANY more fun things--like kayaking (which I can't do right now either cause I have an ear infection--jeez--stupid Tuck. river nastiness), shopping on Ebay Express (you know you've seen the comercials), or reading a good book (right now I'm reading some short stories written a long time ago by someone--can't remeber his name, but I do remember that he wrote "The Hand" and he died of syphilis).

Ok, I'm going to do my homework. Oh, by the way, for those of you who knew I was having a Geology test, I got a "B" on it. Not too happy about that, but, I'll pull it up. Teacher said as long as I turned in all my homework, even if I got a "B" on every test, I could still pull an "A" in the class for sure, so that's good. Yes, I like my grades high, what can I say.

Studying abroad

In my lit. class today I found out that I may be able to do some traveling inside of school next semester. We still have class like normal, but at the end of the semester we go to the Mediterranean. Included sights would be: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Delphi, Argolida, Mycenae, and Athens. We're gone for about 15-18 days. It sounds absolutely amazing and I'm really excited to check it out. I hope it'll be a possibility for me, I just need to see if I can get financial aid for it cause the whole trip costs about 3,300 (including flight, hotel, etc). But my teacher said you can usually get most of it paid for through financial aid. Anyway--I'm just really excited about being able to do some traveling independently and just travel period!!! I always feel like Dave has all these amazing stories about the places he's traveled and I feel like I haven't seen a fraction of that! OK--I got to get to my next class.

The Obese State of America

A controversial post

I would not consider myself a conservative. I also would not consider myself a liberal. These titles sorta suck. No one but the "liberals" call anyone a "conservative," and no one but the "conservatives" call someone a "liberal!" This subject comes to me because at the wedding this weekend I was talking about some of the things I believe in and several people said, "so you're a liberal now eh?" I said no.

People ask me who I voted for in the past several presidential elections and I calmly reply "Bush." Then they blow up and say, "how can you back all the things he does?!?" I say, "I don't." Exactly how can someone read into the future and know what a president is going to do for the next 4 years? Yes, I voted for Bush twice. Some would say that's crazy, but that's my preference and I get that right as an American. You can't take that right away from the people who don't think like you. If that happened then this country would NOT have a Democracy. I voted for Bush because I honestly believe he has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and I hope that influences some of his decisions. No Christ Follower is perfect, most people hate Christians all together (I tend to agree with those people). We're not perfect--neither is Bush, so why do we expect him to be?

Am I a Republican? Yes, I'm registered that way, but I "believe" more like an Indepent.

Now the big issue of today. Do I support the war? Yes & No. I don't think the U.S. being over in Iraq is going to solve anything. I think there will be turmoil there for the rest of time. Do I think that we're over there just for the oil? I don't know, I'm sure it helps some. But if you want to really stir some stuff up, who started it all? Did we go over to Iraq and start blowing stuff up? Not that I know of. Did 2,296 Iraqis die for no reason on September 11, 2001? No, those were Americans. The Al Qaeda are still threatening to blow the U.S. up (read reports on their videos that came out Sept. 11 of this year). So do I think Iraq is still a threat to the U.S.? Yes. Do I think we're going to help Iraq set up a Democracy? No.

In the end politics will always be controversial. Lots of Republicans vote straight ticket just because the Democratic party still says they are "Pro Choice." But there lots of Republicans that are "Pro Choice" as well! I don't think abortion should have anything to do w/ the Republican OR Democratic label...but that's a whole 'nother can O worms. Anyways--before you label someone "Conservative" or "Liberal" listen to what they have to say. Because labels suck in general and they're usually pretty inaccurate (wrong spelling I know--label me "BAD SPELLER")

Don't judge him--he's fighting cause they told him to

Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep
for another 10 minutes.

He stays up for days on end.
_________________________
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.

He goes days or weeks without running water.
__________________________
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.

He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving
forward.
__________________________
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops
shirt, and go meet up with your friends.

He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
__________________________
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.

He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to
his dog tags.
__________________________
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't
with you.

He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
__________________________
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty
girls.

He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and
terrorists.
__________________________
You complain about how hot it is

He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his
helmet to wipe his brow.
__________________________
You go out to lunch, and complain because the
restaurant got your order
wrong.

He doesn't get to eat today.
__________________________
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.

He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure
his weapons are clean.
__________________________
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.

He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
__________________________
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.

He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
__________________________
You call your girlfriend and set a date for
tonight.

He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter
from home.
__________________________
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do
everyday.

He holds his letter close and smells his love's
perfume.
__________________________
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.

He gets a letter with pictures of his new child,
and wonders if they'll
ever meet
__________________________
You criticize your government, and say that war
never solves anything.

He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their
own people and remembers
why he is fighting.
__________________________
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of
men like him.

He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the
wounded.
__________________________
You see only what the media wants you to see.

He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
__________________________
You are asked to go to the store by your parents.
You don't.

He does exactly what he is told.
__________________________
You stay at home and watch TV.

He takes whatever time he is given to call, write
home, sleep, and eat.
__________________________
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows,
and get comfortable.

He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute
nap, only to be woken by
gunfire.
__________________________
You sit there and judge him, saying the world is
probably a worse place because of men like him

If only there were more men like him!