Time Out for Women

On Saturday May 16 I attended the TOFW conference in Cincinnati. I can't tell you how wonderful I still feel! The only disappointing thing is I wasn't able to attend Friday night and didn't realize that Sheri Dew wouldn't be presenting until 8:15pm. I could've still left after work and made it there on time. Oh well, I'll just have to go to another one.

My all time favorite musical person is Hiliary Weeks. She is beautiful,down to earth and has a wonderful voice. I brought her new CD and have been listening to it non stop.

Liza Ortman, Teresa Perry, Rebecca Altman, and Holly Stowel were the women that I met up with on Saturday. When I arrived I called Liza and she told me Rebekah Anderson and Carlie Dean was there also (from our ward). As I was leaving the parking lot I ran into Rebekah Anderson! And I saw Carlie when I went in. I also ran into Tabitha Miller (from our ward) and Melissa from Cincinnati (who is Alicia's friend that attends the shopping trip) was there.

There was several powerful things that was said by the speakers but the one that has stuck with me is something that Kim Nelson (he's a guy) said. He was talking to us about how great we are as women and stuff and this is one thing that he asked us.

"If we saw a woman treating her daughter the way that we
treat ourselves, what kind of mother would we think she is?"

Hmmm. He then proceeded to tell us how we are Heavenly Father's daughters and just as we would not treat our daughters the way we treat ourselves, He doesn't want us treating ourselves that way. Okay, remember, this is not a direct quote but you get the idea. I think of the many times I do something wrong and I think about what an idiot I am. Or if I "fail" at something, what a loser I am. If Danessa says anything negative about herself, I am always jumping in telling her it's not true. Why do I treat myself that way?

I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for inspiring the people who came up with the TOFW conferences. They are so badly needed in a world where we are constantly under pressure to be, act or look a certain way and they are there to remind us that we are "Wonderful in the eyes of Heavenly Father."

"It's seasoned with the dust from the pilars of heaven"

Okay, what does that mean? Here's the background.

A couple of years ago, my boss told me about this really nice steak resturant called Ruth Chris's. Well, our bank has these reward points and as I was looking to redeem some points, I saw we could get a $100 gift card! So I ordered it and we went for our 21st wedding anniversary. It was awesome. We still ended up spending about $20 but it was the best money we spent!!! We loved it so much that I ordered another gift card for last year and ordered one for this year. We decided to go early because they had a promotion for Mother's day. Mom's get a $25 gift card towards their next purchase. So our meal was basically free!!!

Well, Brian and I went to the resturant on Saturday night. We were enjoying these wonderful steaks and I wondered out loud what they used for seasonings. So with a mouth full of steak and a look of wonder on his face he says,

"It's seasoned with the dust from the pillars of heaven."

I almost fell off my chair laughing. He said he just came up with it. We told our waiter who laughed and told other staff. By the time we left, the manager had even came over to laugh with us. Brian said he should hurry up and patent that saying before they steal it from him!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU WONDERFUL MOTHERS OUT THERE

Hocking Hills

I've been "advised" that I need to update my blog so here goes!

Brian and I decided to go on an overnight trip to Hocking Hills. We rented this really neat cabin and we hiked the Cedar Falls trail on Monday and the Old Man's Cave trail on Tuesday. It was one of the best (relaxing) vacations I've ever had. We are planning on going back and renting the cabin for 2 nights for our anniversary.

It's amazing because we've lived in Columbus about 10 years and have never been there. It's only 1 to 1 1/2 hrs away and is a good way to spend a Saturday. So that is our goal this summer. We will not lay around the house on Saturday (remember we can do that because we are empty nesters!) and we will go hike some trails!

On to pictures.
This is our first view of the cabin. I fell in love with it right away. Isn't it cute?




Here are pictures of the inside.



And a picture of the picnic area beside the cabin.


We chilled out

Hiked


And enjoyed the hot tub


Wanna know how much I enjoyed the trip? This is a picture Brian took of us outside the cabin as we were leaving. Look at how relaxed my face is! (Brian calls this my vacation face:)

The Inauguration

I have been in such a good mood (as good as I can be!) since Tuesday. What a blessing to be able to see such a great part of history unfold. Think of the questions our grandchildren will ask about that day! As I've watched or read all of the follow up regarding the inauguration, one thing seems to jump out at me all the time.

The Obama's really LOVE each other!

Okay, let me explain. I've seen them together many of times but for some reason, when I watched them at the ball, the two of them dancing, I really got the sense that Barack and Michelle truly love each other. Did you see the interaction between the two? That is not scripted. When I looked at them it made me feel really good. I didn't see any phoniness, I saw 2 people in love.

How do I say this without seeming like a jerk? When I looked at them, I saw my relationship with Brian. Not that we're perfect or whatever, but I have the feeling when they are together, they laugh. I believe they actually enjoy being together. I know Brian and I enjoy being together and we laugh and have fun. Not just when other people are around but all the time. When I saw the Obama's, I realized that if they were in our ward, or possibly even stake, Brian and I would probably be good friends with them. I can see them hanging out with us on Saturday night watching B movies and laughing.

I feel like the Obama's are portraying to the world what a truly loving couple and what a loving family they are. When all is said and done, isn't that what life is about?

Families.

My family over the years

I decided to get professional updated family pictures since I had the whole family together. I went to the Walmart on Georgesville, which is just down the street from us. Even though I called and made an appointment 1 1/2 hrs before hand, we get there and the person tells me her camera has been broken for 2 days and the central people shouldn't have scheduled it. So she calls the Stringtown road one and we go there. I think the picture turned out good. The only bad thing is Stringtown is really out of the way for me. Oh well. Here's go.

1999

2005

Jan 2009

When I was growing up, the only picture my mom had on the wall was of me & my 2 brothers. Later, I had a picture of the me, my sister, 2 brothers, and nephew taken for my mom for Mother's day. She really loved that picture. I'm not sure why there are no family pictures. One of the things that drew me to the church is the emphasis on family. That is something that I didn't have growing up. I am so proud of my family. We may have our ups and downs and different personality quirks but when all is said and done, as Sister Sledge said from the 80's, WE ARE FAMILY!

Meeting old friends

Brian and I ran into an old friend of ours from the Lima Ward. We moved to Columbus in 1996 and haven't him or his wife since since 2000 or 2001. We walk into sacrament meeting and there's this guy making faces at us and I swear, my face must've lit up like a light bulb. His name is Bill Davis and his wife is Lynda. They have 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 girl. His only daughter, Loralee, is now in our ward. The sad thing is she's been in our ward for 6 months and I didn't put 2 & 2 together until I saw her and Bill together. Her first Sunday in our ward was a Sunday that I talked when we were at the old Grove City Building. She said she thought she recognized me but wasn't sure. Considering she was like 7 0r 8 when we left, that's impressive. Their oldest son Ryan was also there with his wife of 1 year, Sarah. They were visiting Loralee, her husband and their daughter. Bill & Lynda's youngest is 17 so they're about to be empty nesters soon. One son is on a mission in Las Vegas and the other just got off of a mission.

I kind've knew a little of what was going on in their lives through Christmas letters and it's funny that I knew Loralee got married and had a baby girl but didn't put 2 & 2 together. Bill & Lynda still live in New Bremen, Ohio and they are now part of a branch that broke off after we left. We had some great times with them. We skipped sunday school so we could catch up and it was just like we never left. Lynda wasn't able to make it there for church because in their small branch, she has 3 callings and couldn't leave.

I am really looking forward to getting together again now that they have an excuse to come up and visit! I was flying high yesterday! It's great to see old friends.

My Christmas Vacation

I was blessed this year to be able to take off a lot of time around Christmas. I worked 1/2 day Christmas eve and 1/2 day Monday the 29th. I was able to have the rest of the time off. This was the first time I've taken vacation without going somewhere. It was so nice and relaxing. I think this is my favorite picture of all. It sums up my Christmas Vacation!!!!

My favorite thing!

Our cat Maria even got in on the action!

Christmas

I was blessed to have my whole immediate family with me at Christmas this year. Unfortuntly my nephew & his family didn't come (long story, I'm letting it go & not sweating the small stuff)!

Danessa really wanted the automobile battery charger. She is worried about being stuck somewhere by herself. She's so responsible. She also wanted a map of Cincinnati. Since Columbus was running low on maps of Cincinnati, I asked Alicia to get one for me. She did and got a nice laminated one. Danessa was surprised & happy.

Her Battery Charger

Her map of Cincy

Keith wanted body building stuff

We got him some car stuff that he was happy about

Brian got ammo which made him happy

And this is my gift card to Charles Penzone

I am thankful for the holiday season and the opportunity to spend time with family.

A New Year, A New Me (from Kelly Ortman)

I saw Kelly blog about this and even though I usually don't do quizes, I thought this would be cool. It made me really think about how things went last year.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you've never done before?
I learned how to crochet. I made lap blankets for people at work and a baby blanket for a co- worker. I love it.

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I stopped making resolutions a long time ago. I feel that I set myself up to fail so I make little goals all year long.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, a co-worker

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank goodness. Unfortunately, Brian's brother died in 2007

5. What countries did you visit?
We visited the Bahama's on a cruise. It was a graduation present for Danessa.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Better physical health

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched in your memory and why?
Oct 24 because that was the day Keith was done with his deployment to Iraq and came back to the states.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Growing emotionally. I feel like this year I have finally learned to love Brian unconditionally.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not finding a better job, getting really angry & bent out of shap at my boss and gaining a LOT of weight.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thank goodness.

11. What was the best thing you brought?
I don't have a best thing. One thing that came to mind is the coat I got from our shopping trip.

12. Where did most of your money go?
The beginning of the year, in my gas tank. Throughout the year, frozen Mt. Dew drinks from Speedway!

13. What did you get really, really excited about?
For Christmas, Brian and Danessa brought me a gift card to Charles Penzone and Brian brought me a neck rubbing massager that I absoultely love.

14. Happier or sadder?
The same

15. Thinner of fatter?
Fatter

16. Richer or poorer?
The same

17. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Working out

18. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time and watching TV

19. How did you spend Christmas?
We celebrated Christmas on Christmas eve this year so it was with my whole family. On Christmas day, Danessa and I hung out and watched a Heroes marathon!

20. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I've continued being in love. I think it's even better and fullfilling now than when I was younger.

21. What was your favorite TV show?
Sarah Connors- The terminator and Heroes.

22. What was the best book you read?
I don't have a favorite. I like series. I'm reading the Anita Blake vampire hunter series now.

23. What was your greatest musical discovery of 2008?
My IPOD. Keith left it behind when he went to Iraq and gave it to me. I've learned how to use is and love it.

24. What did you want and get?
I was able to add to my St. Nicholas Christmas village from Kohl's. I got a few pieces before Christmas for 70% off and I picked up 3 pieces for less than the price of 1 after Christmas for 80% off!

25. What did you want and not get?
New family room furniture.

26. What was your favorite film this year?
I saw a lot of movies. Nothing stands out.

27. What did you do on your birthday?
Went to work

28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurable more satisfying?
If the gas prices hadn't skyrocketed I believe I would have continued the cycling class at the YMCA. I would have not gained weight and worked off more stress.

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
The same as before. I still shop at JC Penny's (did you read that Alicia?!)

30. Whatt kept you sane?
Prayer, good friends and having Brian to talk to when things were crazy.

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None. I use to want to look like Halle Berry but decided I'd whether look like me and have my life than hers.

32. What politial issue stirred you the most?
The presidental race. I never in a million years thought I would live to see a Black president. I was and am so excited. I am looking forward to what the future holds. The last 2 elections I felt neither candidate was good so I picked the better of the worse. This year I whole heartly supported Obama. I feel he can do our country a lot of good because he's not an "experienced" politician. He sure can't do any worse than Bush has done.

33. Who did you miss?
Having Danessa home when she left for UC

34. What was the best new person you met?
The ladies I met on the shopping trip this year. Also, getting to know My Hien Clay was awesome.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008?
As Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones says, "You can's always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you'll get what you need." Very valuable lesson. Plus, to not take life for granted. I can't believe how fast my kids grew up. Keith brought up the fact that none of my kids live at home anymore! I've learned to appreciate what I have. I'm so thankful for Brian and the relationship we have. If we hadn't worked on cultivating our relationship over the years, being empty nesters would be more stressful.