Cannery Trip

We had a great trip to the cannery today. We were really able to get a lot of canning done. As always, it was done pretty quick and I look forward to the next time we get to go. If only the traffic in this state wasn't so crummy! It seemed like it took us forever to get there and to get home because there was so much going on on the roads. I wish I would have gotten a picture of us all in our hair nets and aprons. Unfortunately it was very poorly attended. Only 3 of our youth showed up. Tisk tisk!

Dreams

I sometimes get in a sentimental mood and really enjoy watching stories of success and fulfilled dreams. Not quite sure if it's because I feel that I have a lack of fulfilled dreams or lack of success. Honestly, my attitude on life is probably the one that needs adjusted. ANYWHO....watching those stories/dreams makes me think about the Lord's hand in things. There must have been a lot going on at that time to help these things happen. I know that there are many of those stories out there in the world, many that haven't been told. Most of the stories that I have are sports related. Do you think the Lord enjoys sports? Do you think that He even cares who wins? Today in one of the files of my million file mind, I decided that He does. There are great leaders in this world that have a lot of life lessons they can teach. In sports, there is a lot to learn - and some of life's lessons are best taught on the field/ice/water/court. Being part of that process must be an amazing experience. Just think about our founding Fathers! Wow, one can only imagine how strong the spirit was at that time, in those meeting places, on those battlefields. This is a wonderful land, a Promised Land, a land where dreams are made and fulfilled.

Welcome Back IKE!

I have a lot to be grateful for today. Today was the homecoming of my husband's FORMER ship (another thing I am grateful for). A good friend of mine's husband is unfortunately still stuck on that ship. The great news is that he was reunited with them today. I know what it is like to finally have the missing member of your family home again. I know there are thousands of others that are also home with their families tonight that haven't been since new year's day. Welcome back and we are grateful for your safe return. JTBJM Enjoy your daddy/husband/family time!!!

Furthering Education

One of my hubby's big goals while he is on shore duty is to complete a college degree. He is well on his way to getting started. I think he is only a few credits away from an associates degree.... all from just taking clep tests and the credits he gets from his military training. In the excitement of helping him get a good plan for himself that will be fruitful and will work with our family's goals.....I have revisited the option to finish a degree myself. A few years ago when I got online to BYU-I to see if I could attain an online degree through them, they didn't have one available. When I checked the other day, they finally have one! I attended college 7 years ago with the intent of getting a degree in health science. My only option for an online degree through them is one in University Studies. I know, it isn't glamorous, but it will fulfill the need for me to have a degree of some sort in the event of an emergency situation. It will also provide me the option on continuing to further my education in other areas and attaining my dream - becoming a personal trainer. I am continuing to research my options, but am very hopeful all will work out and who knows... maybe my husband and I can do school together!

It's on

Me and the hubby started a little weight loss challenge today. I'm gearing up to win (hopefully). Since my hubby has a million and one things he wants (the list is constantly getting longer and being edited) that usually add up to a million and one dollars..... it's tough trying to appease those wants. In my desperation to not only help him get healthier/stay healthy after getting off the boat, I thunk up a challenge. You see, on a boat of the size he was on, you are ALWAYS walking FLIGHTS of stairs. Up, down, up, down, down, up...etc. Since he is now on shore duty, he doesn't have all those steps to climb. He walks to work and that helps a little (we are pretty close) he needs that swift kick in the pants. Not to mention, I need the same. It's tough to continue to work hard with weight loss when you know you still have a child to bear in the future. At times I really want to be done with childbearing so that I can just work the weight off and keep it that way. OH WELL. One day I will be done with childbearing. Unfortunately, today is not that day.

I will let you know who wins in the end (not that you care) and show pictures of the prize. My husband's prize is going to go along with the 2nd amendment, mine is still a bit undecided.

Happy Birthday #1!

Ok, so I am a horrible mom and #1's birthday was Saturday. She turned 5. We threw a little shindig (and I mean little) but we had great fun. Hello Kitty was the theme of choice this year.

I can't believe that it has been 5 years since she joined our family. She has become such a wonderful girl. #1 is always willing to lend a hand, is usually compassionate, tries hard to learn, all almost to a fault. Sometimes she is a little too hard on herself. I see a lot of me in her. Hopefully she doesn't turn out to be like her mother, or we'll all be in trouble. We are so proud of you #1 and look forward to the years ahead.