Jason and I are gearing up to volunteer in the kid area at our church.  We start Labor Day weekend and will volunteer every other weekend.  The coordinator sent out a verse this past week that I just love and wanted to share with you.  Read it, let it soak in, and live it out!

Colossians 1:10
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

Ok, I admit it.  I suck at blogging on this blog.  *sigh*  I had every intention of putting something creative on this blog once a week or even doing several different things a week.  I have failed and for that, I’m sorry.  My friend (thanks Danielle) gave me a little pep talk today and encouraged me to just get something (anything) out on this site, so here we go…

I’ve managed to keep up on my other two blogs and if you haven’t checked them out, please feel free to do so:

Brody’s Blog (all things that have to do with my son)

THF Girl (my weight loss journey, where I’ve lost over 30 pounds already)

I do have several projects that I hope to get to so I can post about them.  I just haven’t had any time to do anything with them.  My project table is piled high with several things to do.  I’ll do my best to get something out on this blog at least once a week.  It may not be something I’ve created, but I’ll post about something.

So, I’m guessing you’re all wondering who I chose to take with me to the spa. I had so many choices and went through each person in my mind and thinking how each and every one would enjoy and have fun visiting the spa with me.

It was going to be a tough choice, so I sat on the thought for a while. Then one night Jason asked me if I had picked anyone yet. I told him a person kept coming up in my mind and he mentioned that he had an idea for someone as well (this I had to hear). Wouldn’t you know it that he mentioned the person who I had been thinking of. That was definitely a sign from God and my search was over.

I chose my friend Danielle. We hardly know each other and this was a great opportunity to get to know her better. I met her through Etsy (I ordered something from her, then found out she lived about 15 minutes from my house…crazy, huh?). We’ve emailed over the months and found a common ground in God. We both love the Lord! What better foundation for a friendship than that? On top of everything, she had never been to a spa before or had a pedicure (perfect choice).

Danielle has had a rough past couple of years. Her husband is working night and day (several jobs) so she can be a stay-at-home Mom (what a husband!!!). She just found out a couple of weeks ago that they were moving to TX. Her husband found a job there and would be making enough to just have one job, be home at a decent hour each day to enjoy time with his family, and housing is cheaper. They’ve seen God in such a big way throughout this opportunity to move. She moved this past Thursday (yesterday). While I was just starting to get to know her (and loving every minute of it), I’m so happy that she’ll get her husband back and that they’ll have more time as a family. We’ll still keep in contact via the web (thank goodness for modern technology).

Anyway, that’s who I chose. We went to a spa I had never been to and wanted to try out. It’s called Synergy Spa.  It was incredible!  The people were so friendly.  I had Layla and loved her!  I highly recommend if you go to this spa for any nail services, to see her!  I even received a call afterward thanking me for trying them out and asking how my services were.  Very impressive!

And if you’re wondering, we just went for a manicure and pedicure.  I’m not much into the massage, facials, and other foo foo things, but love the atmosphere of a spa and prefer keeping my clothes on for my services.  LOL!

The bonus was visiting the place right next door to the spa.  It was a French bakery and to die for.  It’s called, Hereghty.  They had so many coffees, desserts, croissants, sandwiches, etc…  Everything tasted amazing.  I had the Vanilla Cheesecake and the Liquid Brownie coffee (yep, just as good as it sounds).

Danielle and I had an amazing morning/afternoon together (you will be missed).  I thank God for giving me her friendship and for putting her name on my heart to take.  I’m so thankful for my loving husband who wanted this day for me and for a friend of my choice and for taking care of Brody while I was away (two feedings, two play times, two naps….).  What a husband….what a father.  Thank you Jason!

Ok, so this is not something to be proud of, but I still had a good laugh and wanted to share this.

Apparently I have either purchased or sold (combined) a total of over 500 things on eBay since we’ve been “members”.  This entitles me to a “purple star”.  I was even given a link to download my certificate, which I did print out and scan in to share with you all.

I cannot even begin to tell you how honored I feel to have the right to a purple star and to have a certificate (which they encourage you to display with pride).  LOL!

Today is my 13th wedding anniversary and there isn’t one thing unlucky about the number 13.  I was born on the 13th.  If you switch those numbers around, Jason was born on the 31st and then Brody on the 31st.  Those numbers are lucky!

I’m lucky in love, lucky to have found my husband (boy did I hit the jack pot), lucky to be happily married for 13 years to my best friend.  So, the number 13 is extremely lucky (no taboo here).  And, I’m fully aware that luck has nothing to do with it.

Happy 13th anniversary to me!

Almost 13 years ago we started our search for the perfect cat.  I wanted a lap cat and wanted a cat that needed and wanted affection and boy did I get it.  Bailey loved to be held.  He was at your feet at every waking moment.  He had certain cries for certain things that he wanted and communicated very well.  He was a purebred Birman and as fluffy as a cat could be.  He loved to be brushed, loved laying in your lap and loved any attention anyone would give him.  We got him 9 months after we were married (our first little baby).  He was indeed the perfect cat!

Bailey, passed away on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 12 years of age.  He hadn’t eaten, drank, or used the litter box in three days (that we’re aware of).  I took him to the vet on Friday and the doctor thought it might be his kidneys.  Said he was very dehydrated, then tried to take blood and found out he was extremely dehydrated, so wanted to keep him over night to observe and hook up to an IV.  So, I left the vet with an empty cat carrier, but thinking I’d get a call on Saturday to say that I could come to pick him up or that the blood work showed something and we needed to make the decision to keep him alive or put him to sleep.

Apparently Jason got a call before I even made it home from the vet saying that Bailey had passed away on his own.  They were trying to hook him up to an IV and he just stopped fighting his fight.  It’s very bittersweet as we were just recently considering finding a better home for him.  He required so much love and attention that we now couldn’t give to him with Brody.  I think he partly died of a broken heart.  I’m very sad (as you can imagine).

I’m struggling with that best case scenario.  Is it better that he died on his own?  Sure, we didn’t have to make a choice.  He made it for us.  But then I think how it might have been easier to know that he was suffering and to make that choice for him (as if we were saving him from a horrible road that led before him).  There would be peace in that.  Either way, it was his time.  He is definitely not hurting anymore.  I will forever remember his last visit with the vet (and it wasn’t a pretty one).  Oh I wish I could get that memory out of my mind.  Every place in this house reminds me of him.  He was everywhere (waiting at the door when we got home, sitting at my feet as I washed bottles each night, jumping into bed with me to snuggle at night, etc…).  There are so many memories.

The day that Bailey died, I was able to get some pictures of Brody with Bailey and I’m so thankful I thought to do that.  One last memory.  Bailey was loved and he had a good life.  Rest in peace Bailey.

Our neighbor’s little girl next door, Jessie (9-years-old), had an assignment in church yesterday to write a letter to God. Here’s what she wrote (and boy do we feel honored that she wanted to pray for us).

Did you know that 95% of people that diet fail according to the FTC?  In order to succeed long term, people need to understand and be able to live a healthy lifestyle.

My trainer/coach, Jared, is leading a Fat Loss WEBinar this next Thursday (May 27th).  The WEBinar is free.  Jared will be talking about the 5 components of fitness that will start you on your way to ultimate health.  I’m attending this WEBinar and hope you’ll join me.  I’ve learned so much from Jared already (things that have kept me motivated to wanting to get this weight off).  I’m looking forward to learning even more.

Check out the picture to the above.  This is my trainer, Jared.  Can you believe that in this before and after picture, Jared weighs exactly the same weight?  Now that’s proof that fat loss is better than weight loss.  He went from 15.2% body fat to 7.5% in just 14 weeks.  Crazy, huh?  Certainly makes you interested in finding out more about fat loss, doesn’t it?

1. Please join Jared’s WEBinar, Thursday, May 27 at 7:00pm Eastern Standard Time (6:00pm Central Standard Time).
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/853471560

2. Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended. Or, call in using your telephone.
Dial 646-558-2101
Access Code: 853-471-560
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting

Meeting ID: 853-471-560

Hope to “see” you there!

It’s hard to believe, but our ring bearer graduated from high school this past Saturday.  Jason and I have been married for almost 13 years.  My has the time past quickly.  Congratulations Ben!

Isn’t that a combo for a title. :)  So, what am I going to do with all these toilet paper rolls and the bleach pens.  Stay tuned to find out.

I have to say that I’ve hated this day for many years. Why, you ask? For the past eight years, I’ve wanted nothing more than to be called a Mom. When Mother’s Day rolled around, I hated this day more than anything. It was such a painful day for me (wanting so badly to have a child and not being able to). We even stopped going to church on this day as each year only got worse for me.

So, now that I am actually a Mom, I’m not quite sure what to think of today. While I’ve waited for this day for what feels like forever, it’s hard to believe it’s finally here. I have mixed feelings about today. It feels weird to experience it for what it is. I thought I’d embrace it, but like pregnancy, it just left me in a weird “in between” space. I think my wounds of Mother’s Day are still there and aren’t going to heal very quickly. I’m sure as the years go by, I will soak up all that this day offers. I’m looking forward to that day, but in the meantime, I have a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. My day is finally here. I’m a Mom, something to be proud of.

And, now transitioning from all that nonsense, to something more fun…
Brody got me the greatest gift (besides just being him). I woke up this morning to a card on my nightstand. How this little guy snuck in at night and put it there is beyond me. The card was amazing (I did blur out what Jason wrote as I want his sweet words to be just for me). Included in the card was a handmade gift card entitling me to a day away to do whatever I want, going to my favorite spa for a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, and whatever else my heart desires. To top it off, I have the option of taking someone with me (on the house….house being Jason of course). So…who wants to be my friend?

What I loved even more was Brody’s next surprise. We’re sitting in the living room together and here is the conversation…
Jason: What? What’d you say?
Brody: whisper, whisper, whisper
Jason: Oh, you have one more surprise for Mommy?
Jason: What was that?
Brody: whisper, whisper, whisper
Jason: Oh, you want Mommy to check out your blog?

So, I went into Jason’s office and checked out Brody’s blog. I LOVED it! Check it out yourself…

If you’re a Mom, I hope you’re having a wonderful Mother’s Day.  If you’re wanting to be a Mom and the day hasn’t yet gotten here for you, please know I know how you feel and how hard this day is.  I’m praying for you.