Smell is the strongest link to memory

I was making breakfast for Mike and I the other morning (Wheat and Honey pancakes, 2 tbsp of lite syrup and 2 pieces of Turkey bacon- 3.5 points) and I my senses were assailed with familiar memories of my grandfather.  For anyone who knew my grandfather, they would agree that he was a man of purpose and accomplishment.  He worked harder than anyone I know and could build something out of nothing without blinking twice.  I can attribute so many of my happy childhood memories to him.  He had this way about him when he cooked breakfast.  "Get out of my kitchen" he would tell us (grandkids).  In one breakfast he would fix bacon, sausage, eggs, flapjacks, biscuits and gravy (especially those) and it all simmered in the leftover bacon grease that lived in the cast iron skillet that was older than me.  Well, when I made breakfast for Mike and me the other morning, I felt like I was back in his kitchen, waiting patiently for breakfast (well, let's not kid- I'm rarely patient). 

Here are a few pictures to capture some moments we spent together:

 Who knows what we were pointing to

That's my teething ring on my head

Every year we carved pumpkins together

The glare is from the sheet protector

It was a sweet memory that came back to me Wednesday morning. 

Marvin the Fawn Pig goes to the vet

Doesn't that just sound like the name of funny kid's book?  Today I took Roxie and Norman to the vet for some vaccines and blood work (nothing's wrong- we assume) and good old fashioned check ups.  Even though we live in the North Valley, we take our pets to Camelwest Animal Hospital in the west valley.  My friend Ryan who I went to college with is my vet there.  Can I just say it's still strange to call him Dr. Ainsworth. 
Anyway, the drive is well worth it because they are just wonderful with my strange pets.  I highly recommend!

Anyway, I captured a few highlights from our visit today

Right after his blood work.  I call this his elvis look because his lip gets stuck in his tooth.

And this is Roxie...she did really well but was scared so she hid behind and under things

she has the annoyed look down really well

Poor little thing.  She wasn't even yelling at me 

All's well that ends well though

My Hawaiian Vacation- as promised

I returned from Hawaii on Tuesday morning after my first 6 day stay in Kaua'i.  This had to have been the most beautiful and the most peaceful place I've visited.  Time ceased to exist for seven days and Glenn and I spent the majority of our time doing nothing very fast and going no where in a hurry.  We went to several awesome restaurants with great food, including my first dining experience at the St. Regis.  We visited the light house, went on a Sunset dinner cruise to see the Napali Coast, basically drove the entire island and in general just enjoyed the sights.  There are plants and animals on the island that I've never seen before including purple palm trees and chickens that run free.  Included below are some of the photos that either myself or Glenn took.  The captions are on the photos.  We stayed in Princeville in a condo that's a part of Pali Ke Kua.  These pictures are taken around the condo.

These pictures are from around the island...

Finally, these pictures were taken on the boat cruise up the Napali Coast.

I can't wait to go back and visit.  What an amazing trip!  Thank you to Glenn, my wonderful father-in-law for making it all happen.  It was just like magic!

At our one year...looking back

Today I have been married to the one person I've loved more than anyone else for a year.  Although we are celebrating our one year wedding anniversary, our journey has lasted for much longer than that.  Mike has transformed my life in ways I can't find words to describe.  Here is our journey...

At Drew's wedding in the fall of 2004.  We were only 22.

Our first official date at BJ's Brewery for Mike's birthday Jan. 2005.  Mike was 23

First spring break in Florida March 2005

Spending time with Mike's friends: Jonathan, David, Fonz, Nate, Cassidy, and Yvette

My graduation from ASU December 2005

One Year anniversary celebrated at Disneyland with Krista, Tracy, Amber and Garrett

When we took Good Shepherd Youth to Ski Fest in Utah February 2006

Joann and Josh's wedding.  My first time officiating.  We made a dashing couple

Very special mother's day spent with Mike's mom Scottie

Summer vacation to the Grand Canyon July 2006

Christmas in Colorado at Estes Park December 2007

Celebrating Mike's new job with JFCS at Sapporo

Engaged April 10, 2009

Exchanging our vows and rings.  Making the decision to join my life with Mike's forever

The beginning of our life together.

June 19, 2009

There are so many memories that happened in between but I just couldn't recount them all even if I had endless time.  God has granted me so many precious experiences and memories with my beloved.  

Happy Anniversary Michael.  Here's to our next 6 years and beyond.

The portrait of a great week!

This week I was blessed with several days of limited commitments.  I used this time to catch up with many friends that I haven't had a chance to see in weeks, months, and even a year ago at my wedding. 

Monday started with a frustrating but great morning with Kristy swimsuit shopping.  I had no success that day finding the perfect suit but I had Kristy with me so that made it all worth it.  She's moved far from me now so I'm special because she drove a distance to shop near me.  We finished Monday with an early Father's Day dinner for Glenn.  He won't be in town for Father's Day this year so we celebrated early.

Tuesday started with some great finds at Victoria's Secret Semi-annual sale, followed by finding the perfect bathing suit at Pebbles Swimwear in Kierland Shopping Center.  A random call in the middle of the day found me shopping with Thea at Desert Ridge.  That night Mike and I spent time with our small group (which we had  taken a break from for a bit while they did a financial study).  Loved being back and looking forward to summer.

Wednesday was lunch with Jessica who I haven't seen since she photographed at my wedding.  We commandeered a booth at Sweet Tomatoes for three hours.  Miss her and loved seeing her again.

Thursday morning I drug myself out of bed to go to Squaw Peak with Thea for an hour long stroll in the early morning.  It was energizing and fun!  I enjoyed some lunch with Joann and her little girl Camdyn.  She is growing so fast!  Afterward I became Susie Homemaker...I vacuumed, dusted, took out all the trashes, ironed and sewed some missing buttons. 

Today I spent time with two wonderful mothers and their beautiful little girls.  I started with coffee and breakfast at Sarah and Lila's.  Then I finally met little Miss Tara, Marie and Dermott's two week old.  She was just darling. 

Tomorrow I still have my one year anniversary to look forward to with my husband! 

What a neat week!

violins now please

Thus begins my pity party.

I'm in a slump, I am.  It started with just a couple little bummers and now has turned into a few days of general sadness.  Some of it I can put my finger on and some I can't.

I know that I'm super bummed about the slowing of my weight loss.  I feel like I'm plateauing and even though I've lost 25 lbs, guess what?  I can't find even one swim suit that looks good on me and is supportive.  Bummer.

My body just isn't working correctly.  I'll spare the details in light of this being public but I will have to visit the doctor again.  Not only is it frustrating and inconvenient but it's also painful.  Bummer

My biological alarm clock and won't shut off.  Mike and I are praying and have been talking this into the ground but I feel like I have to bring this back to God daily.  I want to start, which means I want to start what comes next with it all.  No answers, no relief.  Bummer.

I've been feeling lonely and detached.  There's no explanation for it and there isn't anything in particular that any person has said or done, I'm just lonely.  Bummer.

I guess my symphony is coming to a close now.  Thanks for listening, hope you enjoyed the show. 

Christian Romance... oxymoron? Not even close

Something that my friend Dana and I shared in high school (and still do I believe) is our love of Christian Fiction Novels.  My favorite author in this genre is Lori Wick.   

I believe own all of her books (except perhaps one) and although I've read them numerous times since highschool, I just recently started one series again while I determining my next book reading adventures.  Currently I am going through the Kensington Chronicles (probably one of my favorite series of hers). 

There is something rereading these novels that has lightened my heart lately.  These books are not just a cheesy excuse to get my kicks in for romance as the most you get from these characters are a heart felt kiss.  What I was amazing with this time is how everytime one of the characters is worries, distressed, unsure, confused, needing to make an important/life altering decision, desperate for a loved one's salvation, or too busy wrapped up in themselves, they pray.  This is a theme carried throughout all Lori Wick's series and novels.  Her characters are constantly petitioning God and not just on their behalf but for His will, for His direction, His clarity or discernment, His peace if they can't change their predicament, and His Spirit to speak into a person' heart.  How often do I think to myself, "I should pray about that" or tell someone "I'll pray for you" and then do it alone.  In her books, when a character mentions that they should go to God in prayer, Lori Wick writes that prayer then and there in the novel.  When I read her books I find myself constantly talking to God.  I can learn a lesson from these fictional characters.  I need to pray more often and without embarrassment or timidity. 

If you haven't read any of these books and you are looking for something good that will make you sigh because you love romance, try Lori Wick.