A root canal, a flight and a blizzard

My husband was scheduled to leave for Ghana, Africa today to speak at a youth retreat. He spent a lot of time preparing for it, and was very excited to meet the kids he was going to be spending the next few days with. 

A possible glitch in our plans were two back-to-back storms, slated to hit us and quite possibly leave us debilitated for days, thereby hindering our trip to the airport, or even delaying a flight.

With the impending blizzard that was supposed to begin today, we were feeling pressure to make it to the airport and back home before the blizzard hit.  With the entire state talking about this nasty blizzard, my protective Dad decided he would be our chauffeur in his giant, diesel, four wheel drive pickup truck. 

I ended up scheduling my root canal on my abscessed tooth for the this morning, because my dentist is in a town on the way to the airport. That way Dallas and my Dad could watch India while I had the procedure done, and we could be on our way.  And we would save gas.

After my root canal was finished (which was my most painful to date because they couldn't numb me all the way because of the abscess), we had plenty of time to feed India and get me some breakfast with about 3 hours to spare until Dallas had to be dropped off at the airport. 

We planned perfectly.

We made our way towards the airport and decided to stop for lunch at a different Thai restaurant than the one we normally go to.  It was a horrible mistake!  My Dad ordered Stir Fried Potatoes with Beef and got a couple slices of beef, with a scoop of GRAVY, all on a bed of potato chips.  WHAT THE ???  I could write a blog post just about this because it was so horrendous.  I doubt my Dad will ever have Thai food again thanks to me.

As we left the "restaurant", Dallas decided to check the Delta website and found out his flight to Atlanta was delayed by two hours.  It took us a second to realize that because his flight was delayed, he would then miss his flight from Atlanta to Ghana. 

I've arranged enough international flights to know that this isn't a good situation because direct flights to countries like Ghana are hard to come by - especially over a holiday.

Deep pit in my stomach.

Dallas gets a hold of a Delta representative, who assures us that the next flight to Ghana is in 2 days, and he can have a spot on that flight. Dallas explains that he has to get on that flight from Atlanta tonight because he is speaker at a retreat, and it he needs to be there! She says every flight is booked and she can't help him.

She tells him sorry, but that's his only choice.


All the while, I'm whisper-yelling things like "but it's THEIR issue, they need to fix it" and "they better reimburse every penny of this flight and throw in additional vouchers" and "tell her you need a flight on another airline then - no exceptions".
 
It's a good thing Dallas had his bluetooth on, because I was about to reach up and grab the phone myself and start doing some Angry Wife talking.

Around this time, I updated my Facebook status, asking people to pray for me.  Well, it wasn't really for me, it was for the whole situation, but I couldn't explain that at the moment - and I didn't want our hosts to see anything and panic.  We were already all freaking out enough about the blizzard and the possibility of flight delays.

I also texted a couple of close friends some of the details and asked for their prayers.

My Dad, Dallas and I then talked for a second about stopping and contacting our hosts, but Dallas decides he wants to get to the airport as soon as possible and talk to someone face to face.  My Dad suggests that he call Delta again and try another representative, and Dallas does just that.

This representative does some digging, and comes up with a flight to Cincinnati, then finds a flight from Cincinnati to Atlanta. 

All in time for him to catch his original flight from Atlanta to Ghana!

Excitement!  Then we find out the flight to Cincinnati leaves at 3:10pm, and it's 2:15pm and we are stuck in traffic! 

EEK!

Another pit in my tummy!  

Dallas decides to take the flight anyway, as it's his only hope of getting to Ghana this year (ha ha), while I'm madly arranging Dallas' stuff and my Dad is trying to work his way quickly (in his ginormous truck) through traffic (in not the best weather)! 

While driving, I'm giving my nice, sweet, kind husband a talk about being aggressive. I even brought to his memory instances of times in our previous travels where I have been sweet, but aggressive and saved us from missing flights.  

2:27pm - We get to the airport, unload his luggage, swat him on the butt, and I tell him to HURRY!  And I told him I loved him too.  And maybe I didn't really swat him on the butt.  But now, I wish I would've because that would make this story a lot cooler.

I spend the next 40 minutes praying, sweating and hoping that he gets on that flight.  I know the chances are grim.  I can't bear to look at my phone after 3pm because I know soon I will hear if he made it or not. 

3:03pm - I receive a text.

"I made it....just barely."

At that moment, I was so happy!  Words can't describe it.

Our next hurdle of the day, battling the blizzard, was about to begin, but it was small in comparison to getting Dallas to Ghana! 

 

The drive home was fine until we hit a town a little over an hour away from our house.  The road was now covered in glare ice.  It took us a couple hours to get home, but we made it - SAFELY!  I'm so glad that my Dad was with, driving his big truck, and helping me stay level-headed when I wanted to stress in that dilemma.

A lot of things attempted to deter my husband from getting on that flight, but thankfully, the storm didn't interrupt his travel plans, he was gently aggressive, made all his connecting flights and is at this very moment, on a flight to Ghana!

Thank you to every single one of you who saw my post on Facebook and prayed for us - even when you had no idea what to pray!  I am SO grateful for your prayers!!!  I knew God knew exactly what we needed.  And I knew God knew exactly what these students needed! 

And PRAISE BE TO GOD, for looking out for all of us, for providing in what looked like grim circumstances, and answering the cries of our hearts.

Dallas will be a blessing to these guys.  I can't wait to see what God does in all of their lives.  After all the effort and opposition, I know it's going to be INCREDIBLE!

Wordless Wednesday: She has stolen my heart!

A Christmas to remember. And forget a little too.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!  We had a few hiccups along the way, but overall, we have been blessed this Christmas season. 

India had 5 pretty Christmas outfits, all of them gifts, borrowed or hand-me-downs! 

India and cousin Brooklynn in the Christmas dresses Grandma Shelly got them.  Grandma Shelly even made their hats!

We cut back this year, and only had 4 Christmas celebrations this year.  Well, that's not totally true, because we still have two more, but at least they're not during the busy time.

India with Grandma Kay

The three of us got lots of great gifts - iTunes (or iPod tunes ;P) , Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, movie theatre, and Pout Baby Boutique gift cards.  And of course, the much loved CASH gifts!  We got lots of other things too, which we are enjoying!

I must say, I was way more excited about India's gifts than my own!  She got 10 different books this Christmas, and for anyone that doesn't know, this girl loves to be read to!

So exciting!

I did get a bad gift this year - an abscessed front tooth. 

Ouch.  That's the part of Christmas I'd like to FORGET! 

Not my first, but hopefully my last!  Because I'm breastfeeding and allergic to a lot of medicines, it's been difficult finding antibiotics and painkillers for me.  Through the course of it all, we also found out I have adverse reactions to Codeine, too.  Which is fine with me, because it wasn't even taking away my pain! 

I didn't get tons of pictures of India at my parent's Christmas, because I was in so much pain, but here are a couple!

India is the youngest, so she got to open her gifts first.  Here is the ANXIOUS view from our seat!!

Tired India and big cousin, Zoelle.  Zoelle wore this dress for her first Christmas, also!

India also enjoyed her first snowmobile ride.  She needed a little coaxing at first, but enjoyed it!

"It's OK, honey!"

India still hasn't opened her presents from us, and it looks like it will just be her and I having our own little Christmas, since my husband is really busy, and our weekend was filled with family gatherings and emergency dentist appointments.



Back to Ms. India again....her first tooth has made it's grand appearance!  My baby is growing up!

And perhaps my favorite photo this Christmas... 

India and Grandpa Ken

I'm scheduled for a root canal this week! I know a lot of people hate root canals, but I love them, because they equal relief! I can hardly wait until I no longer look like a Who from Dr. Seuss!

Dallas is leaving for Ghana, Africa in a couple of days. He is going to speak at a youth retreat there. I'm VERY jealous that he gets to go and see some great friends, and meet many new friends. But I'll get over it. I think.

While he is gone, I'm going to start preparing and freezing baby food for when India starts solids.  I'll also blog more often too. ;-)

Would you pray for my husband as he travels to Ghana this week?  Especially pray for the kids that he'll be ministering to!   Thank you!!

Merry Christmas!

We're ready for Christmas around here!  Christmas is my favorite holiday - not because of all the celebrations, but because of the traditions.  This year we have over seven family Christmases, but we will only go to three or four.  Our goal is to participate in one celebration per family, so we still have time to celebrate as a little family of three.

I like to have most things done and prepared ahead of time, so we can enjoy all the running,  um, I mean celebrating! 

Laundry is done (mostly)?  Check.

 

Christmas music is playing? Check.

Baked goods and appetizers finished?  Check. 

 (If you're wondering what's in the Zip-loc; it's jiao zi - one of my Dad's favorites.  It's LABOR INTENSIVE.  I only make it at Christmas.  Because I love my Dad. And to the purists, who don't like my folding...my excuse is I don't have a crimper).

Dishes are clean?  Check.

Presents wrapped? Check.

 

India's Christmas dresses washed and ready for wear?  Check.

Is a healthy, happy little girl ready to be overstimulated, overtouched, overtired and turned into a little grinch on her first Christmas?  Um, wait.  Is that a booger sucker in her hand?  Yes it is.

Yeh, she's got a stuffy nose - although she thinks the booger sucker is her new BFF.  A baby with a cold wasn't on my original checklist. 

Oh well.

At least we have an easy excuse for when Great-Great Uncle So-and-So is the umpteenth person to get in her face, snap a flash picture, try to grab her, throw a toy in her face, scare her with a loud laugh, and then make her cry.  When Great-Great Uncle So-and-So asks why she won't go to sleep in the midst of it all and if he is upsetting her, we can say, "No, she just has a cold".

We wouldn't want to hurt Great-Great Uncle So-and-So's feelings. ;-)

So, from my house to yours, wherever you may be, I hope that in the midst of family and food, you can find some time to reflect upon the real purpose of Christmas. 

 I pray regularly for my readers, and my prayer for you today is that you know this God who is with us this holiday season, in a way that you have never known Him before.

God bless you all and Merry Christmas!!!

The lost is found

With all the bad news in the world, I want to share a good story.  These stories seem hard to come by, but quite often, I think our eyes aren't used to the good.  Or maybe we don't want it.  The dirt sells more.  We love to stick our noses in it. 

Even this blog post won't have as many views because it's a good story.

About a month ago, Dallas' grandparents were making their way back from their snowbird home in Arizona to celebrate their grandson's wedding in Minnesota. 

As they were making their way through security at the airport, Grandpa lost his wallet.  He left it in the tray, and in all the hubbub of body scans, pat downs and shoe removal, it was forgotten.  Grandpa gathered up all his stuff, went to the gate and then realized his wallet wasn't on his person.

A trip back to the security area, left Grandpa empty-handed.  His wallet was gone.  He lost all of his credit cards, personaly identification and $400 cash.  Bummer deal.

We all felt for Grandpa and Grandma as they shared their story at the wedding.  It's a pain to lose all that valuable information, especially when it's during a holiday (Thanksgiving) and you're very busy (grandson's wedding). 

They went back "home" to Arizona after the wedding, having canceled all cards that could possibly further compromise them.

Then the surprise of all surprises came.

 They received a phone call from someone saying they had Grandpa's wallet, and wanted to send it back, all under the condition of anonymity.  Grandpa was grateful that someone would even consider giving it back, and didn't ask many questions. 

He then told the man to take $200, half of the cash that was in his wallet as a reward for returning the wallet, and mostly as a thank you.

The man replied something along the line of, "As I was looking through your wallet, I saw that you were a veteran.  That is thanks enough". 

The man then sent the wallet back, anonymously, with every dollar still in it.

I don't know if this man had a change of heart and felt guilty, or if he just happened upon the wallet and didn't want to be wrongly accused if he returned it. 

It doesn't matter to me.  Of course, I would love to know, but the beauty in this is the unknown.  There is a lot less room for judgment that way.

Whatever the case may be, I'm still encouraged by this story.  It reminds me that it's never to late to do the right thing. 

Get in Shape: Update

This morning I met some girlfriends at our local YMCA to do some walking and let's be honest, a lot of talking too. In light of that, I thought today would be a very appropriate day to update you about this post.


Well over three months ago, I posted about how much more exercising I was going to do and my intentions to lose 10 pounds.

There's good news and bad news.

Bad news: I've failed at getting in shape.

I haven't worked out at all. I maybe did the 30 Day Shred one more time after that post. I walk even less because I live in Minnesota and it's a wintery tundra right now. No one walks outside in the winter. No one even goes outside. Unless you are walking from a building to your car.

If I were to pie graph my day, you'd see a large portion of that graph dedicated to me sitting on my couch - writing this blog, Facebooking (can that be a verb?), feeding India, reading the news....

Well, here, I just conveniently made a graph - for the visual learners.

OK. So maybe that's exaggerating a bit. But it feels like I spend that much time on my couch.

And the 1% devoted to exercising? Well, I hope you don't mind that I added up how many times I walk up and down the stairs (2-4 times) and the minutes I spend bouncing India on my hip (10 minutes) and the times I pick her up (countless) and totaled that as my only exercise. That all equaled 1% of my daily time.

No squats. No push-ups. No lunges. I can't remember the last time I did a sit-up.


I did have good intentions. But I have a busy husband so he can't watch the baby. But I just want to relax while India naps. But I hate wearing a sports bra while nursing. But we only have one car so I can't get to the Y. Butt, butt, butt.


I know, I know, I promised good news.


The good news: the 10 pounds are long gone (thanks to my father's metabolism and breastfeeding).


I know most people would be elated to lose 10 pounds, but I'm still mushy. And the fact that I didn't lose it the way I intended (working out), is still a little defeating.

I still eat pizza with hot buffalo sauce on it. I make (and eat) chocolate chip cookies. I eat Nutella and peanut butter by the jar.


AND I sit on my couch.


Yes, half of my goal was accomplished - the weight loss. The other half wasn't - I wanted to firm up. I want to be able to run a few miles any given day. The numbers on the scale don't mean much; I want to feel good. I think we all know the natural high after a great workout.

I'm not about to make this a New Years Resolution or anything, but I do need to be more active. I'm thankful I have some girlfriends with some of the same intentions that encourage me to make my pie chart look a little more balanced.


We may even partake in a little jazzercise, perhaps.  Who wouldn't want this to be a part of their daily routine?


What do you do to stay active? Do you find yourself coming up with lots of excuses to skip working out?

This ain't your average milk & cookies (lactation cookies)

I recently came across a cookie recipe that is used to help increase breast milk supply. Lactation cookies.

Yes, breastmilk.

I'm trying to build up a supply of breast milk to use when we go out and have a sitter for our daughter, India, or for when I have to work and my husband watches our daughter.  I also donate breast milk (if you're interested in donating, check out Eats on Feets for more information) and want to be able to continue to give.

Before I begin with the recipe, let this be said....

I HATE PUMPING.
LOATHE ENTIRELY.
DETEST.

Of course, I'm very thankful for my nice, electric breast pump, but it's so inconvenient to sit down, pump, wash everything up, store the expressed breast milk, and then wait for all the equipment to dry before putting it away.  And then do it all over again.  I'm lazy.  I'd rather attach her to me - no mess, she's full, less time, we're both comfortable.

Whenever I would pump, I never get a full feeding.  Approximately 3-4 pumping sessions would equal one feeding.  When India was younger I could pump and not notice a difference in my supply.  But now that my supply has settled, I can't just throw a pumping session in while she naps, because she notices and gets really mad that I'm not giving her all that she wants.

The best time to pump is of course, when I miss a feeding.  Well, the reason why I would miss a feeding is because I'm usually in a public place and therefore cannot pump while whoever is watching India gives her a bottle (I just get to deal with leaky, letdown boobs).  I often find myself using up more of my frozen supply than contributing to it.

This is the tea I normally use with great results when I want to produce more milk.

However, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Major Milk Makin' Lactation Cookies from one of my favorite blogs, I knew I had to try it.  I wanted cookies and I wanted more milk (punny, right?).  This was perfect!

Here is the process.

Tired baby? Check.

 Mixing dry ingredients

And sleeping baby :-)  That didn't take long.

 This is where I may of may not have eaten a few spoonfuls. And maybe said spoonfuls were really good.  I don't know though.  Because it's all a MAYBE.

 Pretty maids, all in a row

 Finished product!

The taste test? They did taste a little flaxy at first, but I enjoyed them overall!  When Dallas came home, he was very excited to smell chocolate chip cookies!  So I let him have one, and immediately his nipples started leaking milk.

No, not really.  He did like them though! 

This recipe yields about 3 dozen, and I can say we ate all of those within a week! 

The Milk Makin' Verdict?  I would say they helped.  It's not like I had an oversupply or anything, but it did help me slowly add an additional pumping session after India goes to bed and before we go to bed!  Now 2 pumping sessions produce enough milk for one bottle for India!

Was it worth it?  I will definitely make these again.  They are relatively healthy, taste good & did what they promised to do!

Here is the recipe again, and here is a post detailing galactagogues and how and why these cookies work.  Let me know if you try them!

Here's to a new week

Last week wasn't very fun.  I'm going to get a bit whiny & negative here - I'm sorry, I really am.  I don't like to be negative or selfish or have little pity parties, but sometimes I do all of those thing.  And I'm inviting you to my pity party right now! :-)

Last Thursday is when my good attitude crumbled.

We've only had one car for about a month and a half, which Dallas has because he works all the time. I mostly work from home, and because he is always going here and there for work, it just makes it easier to let him have it.  I've been fine not going anywhere, for DAYS at a time, even almost a week at a time, but this week, in addition to other circumstances, it began to catch up with me.  I've pretty much said no to all social outings for a while now, because I hate being dependant on others for rides.  My only solace was that Dallas was going to be going out of town for a few days, which would leave me with the car!


Also, India was whiny and fussy and crabby and "talking back" for a few days.  Please God, let it be teeth, or I'm ordering an exorcism, stat.  This isn't normal for my usually happy little girl.


I was also having one of those everyone has a cuter hairstyle, cuter face, cuter clothes, cuter life than me days and feeling yucky.  You know, kind of how you feel when you have your period.  Except I didn't have mine.


India has also been battling some diaper rash, which made me feel like a crap mom.  Through the process of elimination I was trying to figure the cause.  Her rash would clear up, but the second anything else touched it, the rash appeared again.  It was defeating.  The only good thing about it was that she used the potty all day and only wet her diapers during nap!  Yay for no diapers!


So I spent most of Thursday, with a crying baby, frustated with diaper rash, and really sick of never getting out of the house, when my list of errands/Christmas shopping/any excuse to leave was just getting longer. 


I felt overwhelmed.

And so I cried (the first of many cries).


Then we got word that something we were counting on financially, panned out to be nugatory.  This was what really pushed me over the edge, because as much as I had tried not to, I was counting on this working out. And let's be honest, finances are really tight right now.  We're pretty much hanging in the red.  And I cried again.  I think this one got me cussing too.  I can't really remember because there was SO much emotion in 24 hours.  But I was REALLY upset about this one.

I also found out that I was going to probably be losing two of my piano students.  I only take a handful of students, so when I lose two, that's a big chunk of my income. More much needed money lost.


Then Dallas had to make a trip out of town Thursday night to go and get a temporary license for our new-to-us car that is waiting for us to pick it up in Arizona.  Dallas drove out there at 11pm (he's a busy guy) to get the license.  I woke up at 2am and realized Dallas wasn't in bed and FREAKED out.  My phone was full of missed alerts, and I instantly knew what had happened.  I found Dallas in the living room, afraid to tell me that the only car in our possession was sitting on the side of the road, broke down (Progressive said we didn't have roadside assistance -they lied, we did.  But THEY finally figured that out after Dallas had arranged a ride home). 


Then I really lost it.


Crying. Thought I was going to puke.  Sweating.  More crying.  Shaking.  More thinking I was going to throw up.


I *might* have overreacted.  But it was 2-something in the morning and I was just awakened from a deep sleep.  A sleep I really needed after the drama I had stirred all day.


Then it hit me.  Dallas was going to be leaving for Arizona, and I was counting on the car during that time.  The car was going to get me out of the house, whenever I wanted.  I could get Christmas shopping done, I could browse the Target clearance inside aisles, and I could grocery shop.  I could maybe even make it to my mom's to work. 


But no, instead, it was sitting on the side of some road, waiting to be towed, and given an expensive diagnosis.  Car problems wouldn't be the end of the world, except we've put more into this car than I care to disclose.  But we needed to get from Point A to Point B.


And all that meant I wouldn't have a car while Dallas was gone.


By this point I was hysterical.  And really overtired. 


I had planned a fun date with one of my girlfriends Friday morning, a date that both she & I needed, but now I was going to have to cancel it because we would be in the middle of trying to tow our car somewhere (remember, Progressive didn't think we had roadside assistance, but we did. I'm not bitter.  Really.  I'm not.)  and arrange rides.


More tears.


Then I started thinking about how now we have to get two new-to-us cars.  We can't afford two new cars.  We've lived without a car payment for almost 9 years, and we've lived without one because we can't afford even one!  It hit me then that we will now have two car payments. 


And while we're waiting to buy a 2nd car, I will still be carless.  I can't work my other job, and therefore I can't make money to even buy another car.  And we all know what sort of salary youth pastor's make.


I also started questioning if our new car in AZ, which we bought sight unseen, was going to be a bust too - like I felt everything else was at that moment.


UGH.


The good news is whoever buys our old car will have a like-new car.  New fuel pump, timing belt, water pump, etc, etc, etc.  It's not good news for our wallet, but we want it to be in good condition when we sell it.


My day did get better though.


I fell asleep praying, and woke up with a better attitude. 


Our car got towed, and we made it back in town so I could go out with my friend!


Then my parents told me I could use their soon-to-be for sale Denali while Dallas was in AZ so I could have a car!  And an all wheel drive one at that!


Dallas saw someone he knows at a gas station who had the same car as the one we are buying in AZ.  Dallas talked to this guy for a while and got to see his car - the exact model as ours.  Dallas felt that God was reassuring us that it was going to be alright. 


As we drove around that day, using different vehicles for different things, we both concluded that we are blessed. 

It's just a car. 

It's just diaper rash. 

It's just Christmas shopping. 

At least we have each other, our health and many friends who helped us out and encouraged us for those hours that we were lagging.

Here's to a new week, and a new attitude!

Pretend

I know I'm probably not the first person to do this, but just give me some cred and pretend that I'm a genius.

It's what I like to call a Meshy Boobsicle. Try saying that 10 times, really fast.

I stick a half a cube of frozen breastmilk in the mesh feeder and she's as happy as a clam in buter sauce.

It teaches her hand/mouth coordination, it's a nice snack for her, teaches her more about eating and it's relief for her gums.

She's in love.

And I'm OK with that.

5 months

I hate to say it, but my baby is 5 months old today!  Wow.  5 months to the day and moment that this blog post will go live, I was doing this ....

About 4 minutes before India was born

I thought she was worth every second of it then, and I still do now.

I love you, India Josephine!



The Toy She Wanted & The Toy She Got

We decided not to get India very much for Christmas for a few reasons this year.

1. She's a baby. If it crinkles, sparkles or is brightly colored, she's entertained.
2. She has grandparents.  Enough said.

As a "gift", I planned on letting her go crazy with bright colored tissue paper.  Let her tear it up, chew on it a bit (maybe) and throw it in the air to entertain her.  It would've been her favorite gift.  Promise.

But on Black Friday, I did order her some Little Pim Chinese Language learning DVD's.  They were half off with free shipping.  Score-izzle!

The other night in an evil store, we happened upon a new toy (on clearance) for India and decided to buy that for her in addition to her Little Pim DVD's.  We decided to let her play with it (don't worry I'll re-wrap it in some bright tissue paper for Christmas day, and she'll be more than happy about the tissue paper).

Here's the toy she got.  She looked at if for about 2 minutes until....

She saw the toy she wanted!

Trying...

Success! (as mom begins to panic a little. Don't be overprotective, Genevieve. Don't.)

Still cute, but watching so it doesn't go in her m.....

...MOUTH! Ahhh!

 

I don't think I've ever dropped my camera so fast! 

(I'm actually surprised I got a picture of this)

 

The lights are taken away and the back-arching begins

Cue the tears. And drama.

"But India, you still have your NEW toy!"

Poor child.

I'm sorry I won't let you play with glass, electrically charged, lead-infused Christmas lights & now because you touched them (my fault) we both have to scrub our hands. 

If I was a good mom, I never would've let you even touch those cognitive impairing lights in the first place.  I would've just stuck with tissue paper.

Process of Forgiveness, Part 2

Remember a few weeks ago, I posted this blog post? 

A brief recap: I was having a hard time forgiving someone who had said some hurtful things to me several months ago.  I thought I had forgiven that person, but one morning as I thought about them and felt frustration and anger, God told me that I was still in the process of forgiveness with them & really needed to reconcile.

Here is an update.
This person and I got together and talked, finally!  We were both nervous; she was afraid I was going to yell at her and I was afraid she was going to hurt me more.  THANKFULLY, none of that happened!!! 

We talked and shared ... honestly.

She explained that she was in a difficult situation during that time and didn't mean what was said and it was misunderstood.  And I knew that things were stressful for her at that time and that her comments probably stemmed from that - not towards me or India. 

Praise God for forgiveness and reconcilition!!! When I think of this person now, there is absolutely NO hard feelings at all! 

It's such a great feeling.

As grateful as I am that forgiveness doesn't have to happen overnight, it sure is a great feeling when the poisonous weight of bitterness and frustration is unharnassed from my back.

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Romans 12:18

Happy Birthday to my BESTEST friend!

35 years ago today, the world was blessed with this little boy.....

What a cutie!

Today is my husband Dallas' birthday!  If you have never met my husband or haven't had the privilege of getting to know him, I feel sorry for you because he is one amazing man!



Falling in Love....2001



We've been married for over 9 years, and I can say with all my heart that I trust and respect this man with everything I have.

Wedding Day, October 6, 2001

He really is who he says he is and how he acts in public is who he is behind closed doors.

Let me tell you a little bit about him.  He is tall and broad.  He is physically strong - full of muscles!  He makes me feel very safe. He is incredibly athletic, great at every sport he attempts.  He loves the New York Yankees and did even when he was a little boy and they sucked.

Minneapolis 2010

He is tall, with blue eyes, varying amounts of facial hair and a bald head.  He is loud and has been described as a "bull in a china shop" many times.  Most of the time, I love that about him. 

He is incredibly funny.  And boy does he like to laugh! And his laugh is very contagious!  I love watching movies with him, because it makes me laugh.  He is also fun to be with.  Lots of entertaining moments with him!

Fall 2010

He loves to read and know what is going on in the world.  He likes to hear others opinions and loves to engage in challenging conversations. 

Colorado 2006

Dallas doesn't go with the norm.  He will share his feelings and cry.  He could care less about "what you're supposed to do".  He doesn't want a house with a white picket fence.  He isn't moved by material things.  Well, maybe a bit by cool techie items.

He will stir the pot sometimes.  OK, he stirs the pot a lot! :-)

2007

He is very busy.  He doesn't like idleness, but yet he still finds time to chill.

People LOVE my husband.  Lots of people know him.  And he knows lots of people.  He isn't extroverted when you first meet him, but once you get to know him, he sure is!

Tibet 2004

He could care less about money, and he trusts God to provide our every need - always.  I have NEVER one time heard him talk about finances being tight, or worrying about bills, or how we were going to afford whatever.  He has faith like you or I cannot believe.

He is consistent.  Patient.  And very gentle.  He is committed. He is sensitive and tender.  He stays calm (except when behind the wheel) and always has a positive outlook on everything. Which can drive me batty sometimes. 

Colorado 2005

Before I started dating Dallas, and he wasn't even on my list of "potentials", I always said, Dallas will be such a great husband.  Whoever marries him is going to be one lucky girl!   I am that lucky girl.  It's better than I could've imagined.

Dating 2001

He loves me so much, and tells me all the time how beautiful I am.  He serves me, always.  I am spoiled by him.  I can tell when I look in his eyes that he is madly in love with me.  And I am crazy about him also.

At the end of my pregnancy I couldn't tie my shoes.  Dallas had shoe-tying duty!

I tend to be a little crazy, wild, extreme, however you want to put it.  Dallas has been the perfect balance for me.  And I for him.  I've calmed down, and he has livened up! :-)

He adores his little girl, and would cross the world a billion times over to see her happy.  He loves to take care of her, and no one can make her smile like her Daddy can.  He is very protective of her.  He is such an amazing, involved Dad.

November 2010

He loves to spend time with his little family.  And we cherish every minute with him.

He is always there when I need to talk or process something with him.  Poor guy, I'm a verbal processer, so he has to sort through all my ramblings!  He isn't really an encourager by nature, but with me, he is always encouraging.  I feel safe in his large embrace.

Fall 2010

He is very wise in the things of God.  Daily, sometimes many times a day, people come to him for advice on personal, difficult situations.

He is VERY trustworthy.

He never raises his voice.  He gets hurt easily if I raise mine. 

Dallas is passionate.  He is stirred and sickened by injustice.  He really, truly does want to make a difference in this world.  He is committed to his job as a youth pastor, and loves all his youth group kids.  He doesn't care that his job isn't making us a fortune.  He is paid part time, but he easily works 60 hours a week.



Hong Kong 2006

He is an amazing preacher and teacher.  The insights he gathers from the Bible are beyond what I can even understand sometimes.  He has a way of touching hearts and minds so deeply when he teaches.  He is always very personal. 

He is not bound by denominational lines. 

He really loves the messy people.  He doesn't judge those people at all.



Afghanistan 2005



He is crazy in love with God.  That and his humor, were the first things that attracted me to him.  He is very tender towards to voice of God, and is a willing servant. 

God has blessed Dallas in everything he does...really, He has.  Full of wisdom.  Full of peace.  Ready for change.

I'm so proud to be his wife.

Canada 2007

I love you, Dallas.  Thank you for being the perfect man & best friend for me - it's an honor to be yours.  Happy Birthday, my love.

Hoover Dam 2010