My Bucket List

I have never really pondered on the things I must do before I die. Maybe its because I try to be as happy as I can with my life so I can avoid all the "shoulda woulda coulda's". However, I do know there are some things I need to do and would love to do before I die.  So, here we go...

1. Of course, have kids. I don't care how many or if I gave birth to them or not. I need to be a mom.
2. Build my own home in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
3. Visit the Eastern half of the US.
4. Take a trip to another country (except Canada and Mexico)
5. Write a Book.
6. Grow a vegetable garden without killing it.
7. Have ZERO debt.
8. Replace all my teeth with implants so I don't have to get 2-4 fillings a year.
9. Become a photographer.
10. Sing in public again.
11. Teach my kids to play the piano and sing.
12. Dance competivley with my husband.
13. Organize Family Reunions with me and my brothers families.
14. Sew a Quilt.
15. Read the Bible from cover to cover.
16. Dye my hair blonde once just to try it out.
17. Run my own bakery and Cafe called "The Bread and Breakfast"
18. Become a master at making bread.
19. Run a marathon.
20. Have a real Christmas Tree.
21. Pull off a suprise brithday party.
22. ugh. Sky Dive.
23. Hike to the top of 10 mountains.
24. Go Hunting.
25. Go to a drive in movie theater.

Family Pics

 
On Sunday, December 11, 2011 we took a drive to Cedar Crest New Mexico and FINALLY had our pictures taken. I have been  putting off getting our pictures taken for quite some time. the reason being.... well, they are not good reasons, but it is because I am self concious of my appearance and because Its still just Curtis and Myself, no little ones. We had a five year plan and by this time baby #2 was supposed to be on the way. For the longest time I could not come to terms with the fact that it would be a while before our family would increase its size. However, God is loving and has showed me in many ways how I can still enjoy my life to its fullest with my husband, even without children. I hope you see that these pictures are proof of that. I don't know what I would do with out Curtis! I love him so much and I am so greatful for all these years of getting to know him and becoming the best of friends.All my life my biggest fear has always been that my children would wonder how much their parents loved eachother. Now, I have no fears at all. I have married the best man who is the best friend I can not live without.

I am still sooooo into him!

My dance partner.

Curtis loves this picture because this is not staged, we are just enjoying our nice cold stroll through the snow talking about whatever.

Curtis is soooo Cute!

My biggest fan of everything I do.

Yes, true love.

My Protector.

My Friend.

My Support.

My snuggle buddy.

My Love.

Merry Christmas!

The Analogy of the Canoe: What it means to be One in Marriage

So, even though I have been married almost 5 years, I feel like I have learned a few things. There is something I would like to share. Its called the analogy of the Canoe. Now, I cannot take all the credit for this, my husband briefly used a simpler form of this analogy to justify his side of a disagreement a while back. There was a time when I was trying to get through a road block in our marriage and I had an epiphany while pondering about this canoe analogy.... and I added a little more....


***

So, I have this idea that once we get married that we strap ourselves into a lifelong canoe ride. There are times when this ride is peaceful and serene, other times we are tossed about the white water desperately holding on for our lives. But the point is, were all on the ride. We are not in a race, we are riding down the river till we eventually get to where we need to be.


So, one day, I was contemplating myself on this canoe with my husband. We were not going anywhere! We were going round and round in circles and other times we would be at a complete hault. As we were struggling in this canoe I couldn't help but notice one by one by one by one, couples pass us by. It seemed unfair, that for a couple that has been married for five years would be sitting there watching the other canoes pass us by.


So, every time I would see this I would think, I can do this, I can roe enough for the both of us! Boy was I wrong! I could row alright, but not for long, before I knew it I was exhausted! The moving my arms from one side to another became tiresome. So, I would just row from one side of the canoe... that got me nowhere. So I would try just the other side... again... nowhere. Just circles.

I decided to look back at my husband, he was tired too. He wasn't even rowing! I didn't even stop to think why he couldn't row with me, I just assumed it wasn't important to him so I should just carry on for the both of us. When I looked back and saw his tired distressed face I realized that he needed me. He didn't need me to carry us forward. He needed me, to stop, take a break and help him gain the strength to row together again.

So, that's what I did. I stopped. And again, I watched other couples slowly pass us by. This time it was different. This time I didn't care about the others, all I cared about was making sure my husband regained his strength to begin again. Sometimes, it was difficult to sit there and patiently wait. However, the more I waited patiently, the more love I felt for my husband!


Then, the blessed day came. He began to row on his side, and I on mine. And we were back on the river again. Slowly, peacefully, together down the river.

***
I learned something important as I was thinking about this canoe ride. Marriage is not always easy and there will always be other people ahead of you in their marital development. You cannot be one in marriage by pointing out to your spouse how you are not where others are. You are one by working on your life goals together, and sometimes just stopping and sitting with them till they are ready to move forward. Its not fair to push someone when they are not ready. We all learn different ways, and just because we are married it does not mean that we are automatically on the same wavelength of understanding and development. Plus, not to mention, men and women handle difficulties differently and in their own ways as well.


When we marry we agree to stay committed through the difficult times. I learned that it is important to be considerate of our spouses needs. If they are distressed, love them. If they are sad, love them. If they are unsure, LOVE THEM! Whatever it is... L-O-V-E them! We also need to ingrain (and I need to tell myself this ALL the time!) in our minds that it is OK not be moving the same pace "down the river" as everyone else. Its not worth it if you can't enjoy it TOGETHER!


Let me ask you this? If your spouse is sick? What do you do? Take care of them, right? So if your spouse is struggling in other areas of life, wouldn't you then take care of them as well? Its no different. And, I know, that if I were having a hard time I would want my hubby to take care of me and be patient with me?


***
And that concludes my soap box moment. :-)


PS
And can I just say, I am so greatful for a patient, loving, understanding husband that has taught me this principle of unconditional love.

Breaking Dawn Countdown

Yes, friends, yes family, I am this rediculous! I am however saddend that I cant see it till 7:15pm tomorrow because I will be working when Breaking Dawn Begins.

Twilight Breaking Dawn

Whats new...

So often I feel like there is really nothing to tell about my life. I have been doing the same things for the last four in a half years. I get up in the morning, start my to-do list, get ready for work, go to work... and then come home. Make dinner, and either go to bed, hang out with my hubby, work on a project, laundry or clean. That's it, simple as that.


Sometimes when I am contacted by an old friend, or a family member I have not talked to in a while, I get a question like... "Lisa! Its so good to see you whats new?" My answer, almost always... "oh just staying busy with work and school." Then there is like a delayed reaction, like they are waiting for something else amazing. It doesn't ever bother me that much, I just feel bad for them because I didn't give them what they were expecting.


A few weeks ago, at Church, in Relief Society, a lady comes to sit next to me and starts gabbing about how she is new to town and then asks me to tell her about myself. The conversation went like this...

Lady- "So, are you married?"

Me- "Yes, we have been married for almost five years now"

Lady- "Oh wow! Really? How many kids do you have?"

Me- "Oh we don't have kids yet."

Lady-" Oh....... So you are new to Rio Rancho too, did you just buy a house?

Me- No, we are staying with my in laws right now."

Lady- (delayed reaction) "oh... Where does your husband work?"

Me- "He is a student, at CNM/UNM, he does not work,"

Lady- (another delayed reaction) "Oh well, he should be graduating soon"

Me- "no, not really, but I am not worried."

She then goes on to tell me a story about a friend that is my same situation and how she feels so bad for them.  

There is then an awkward silence, because I really don't need sympathy because I am happy and perfectly fine with Gods timing in everything.

Lady- "Well, where do you work?"

Me- "Target"

Lady- (delayed reaction) "Oh....... well that sounds fun"

Knowing that she is obviously judging me right now... I feel that I have to explain what I actually do at Target so she knows I don't have some lame retail job.  I do big things, I meet amazing people, and I love my job.

I know that my life isn't going the way everyone would expect. I'm sorry I can't give you more to look forward to. However, there are great things going on in my life that if people would stop judging me and take the time to listen they would see I am in a much better place then I was 4 1/2 years ago.

So, let me just put this out there.... I LOVE my Life! I am OK with the fact that I don't have a house because Curtis is my home, I'm OK with the fact that I don't have kids because we didn't choose NOT to have kids, we are on Gods time line, and I trust God more than anyone. I'm OK with the fact that my hubby is still in school because he is becoming an AMAZING person through his studies and experiences and he is going to do great things someday, I'm OK with the fact that I am living with in laws again, because all that matters is that I am with my husband and we are happy! And guess what? We are so happy! And Im ok with working a retail job because I LOVE IT!

My secret to a SUPER MOIST oh so FLAVORFUL Turkey!

You will need:

• 2 Gala or Honey Crisp Apples and 2 oranges- Depending on the size of bird will depend on how much you need.
• FRESH rosemary (This is one of your most important ingredients so don't substitute this for dry) Get what ever large bag of it your supermarket sells. Here in NM we have Sun Flower Market, and they sell gallon sized bags of it during the holidays.
• Dried Herbs: Rosemary, Sage Thyme,Tarragon, Ground Coriander Seed, marjoram, basil and oregano. If you are not use to making your own blend of spices, you can simply use a poultry seasoning blend which will also work just fine.
• I cup of soft butter (DO NOT MELT IT)
• 2-3 TBS of Crushed garlic

• Aluminum Foil
• Parring knife
• Non-latex kitchen gloves if handling the turkey grosses you out.

My First Rule:
Do not stuff your turkey with stuffing (this will completely suck out all the juices and make it dry.) If you want your stuffing to taste like turkey, poor some turkey drippings in the stuffing and wait till your last 45 min of cooking the bird and bake it in the oven with the bird. I promise, no one will know :-)


Wash your bird inside and out and pat it down till its completely dry (this can take a little bit depending on how large of a bird you have.


Cut up the apples and oranges in quarters and stuff as many as you can in the cavity of the turkey.


Stuff a few rosemary stalks (I do about 5)  in the cavity, don't use all of them because you will need  some more for later.


Take a parring knife and separate the skin from the bird. If you are not sure how to do that here is youtube link  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYP0vVTW594


Mix your butter and garlic together


Now, get a big glob of butter in your hands and rub it UNDERNEATH the skin of the bird (that is why you separated the skin) until you have covered every possible area. Since your bird will be cold your butter wont spread around perfectly, but no worries, the oven will take care of the rest.


Now, get some more butter and spread that over the top of the bird


Now liberally sprinkle your poultry seasoning. I use a lot because when I baste the turkey some of it comes off into the drippings and then when I use the drippings for gravy and stuffing the seasonings give it that extra umph!


 I'm a woman of smells so I sprinkle it on tell it smells right, if you need measurements I'm not sure what to tell you... except that you you could by a poultry season blend and sprinkle that on to desired about with a little pepper.


PS, I don't put salt on the bird, because salt pulls out moisture and I want to keep as much of the moisture in the bird.


Tie up the cavity of the bird and but it in your roasting pan.
I line my pan with crazy amounts of foil (really long pieces) and then put my bird in.
Use the leftover Rosemary stalks and place them between the legs and body of the bird and anywhere else you want it.


Once the bird is in the pan I roll up the foil to prevent any moisture from getting out. I put my oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and cook till the internal temp of the bird has read 165 degrees (That is the USDA recommended temp to prevent any food born illnesses).


You will be basting your Turkey ALOT and removing a LOT of drippings. Last year I removed almost six cups and it was STILL moist.


During the last 45 min uncover your bird, turn the oven up to 300-350, baste one more time and let your bird turn that pretty golden brown.


Your house will smell AMAZING! And you will have a pleasant surprise when bite into your turkey breast, it will be super moist (a hard thing to do with white meat) and have an extra special taste, which I wont tell you what that is, because you will just have to make it and find out!


HAVE FUN!

Date Night Dilemma!

I have this dilemma. Its a biggy! I have no idea what to do for date nights! Curtis and I have been married for over four years, we have known each other for six and we have shard lots of cool experiences together! Now, with me working all the time, and Curtis busy with classes, when date night comes it usually ends up being a movie night in (Redbox, goodies and snuggles) or a movie night out (dinner and a movie). I am out of ideas!


Here are some things of what we have done in the past...

1. Go hiking
2. Go on a picnic
3. Feed bread to ducks at a local duck pond
4. Cook/ Bake together
5. ice skating
6. go play in the snow
7. go dancing
8. Carve pumpkins
9. scavenger hunts
10. long walks somewhere beautiful
11. Shopping
12. Went to museums, concerts, zoo, botanical gardens
13. Camping
14. biking
15. roller blading
16. went shopping and tried on funny clothes together
17. board games
18. small road trip to somewhere we have never been
19. found a new recipe, shopped for the food, cooked it, and ate it together all while having our wrists tied together!
20. Gone to the drug store, went to card aisle and picked out all the best cards for each other and handed them to each other! It was great, we never had to buy them, and didn't feel obligated to keep them.
21. Went the library.
22. Watched documentaries
23. picked out future baby names together
24. Planned a future business of our own together (either a cafe or bed and breakfast)
25. Went to the temple
26. Gone to an ethnic food restaurant we have never tried

Sheesh, there is so much more but I am drawing a blank. Should I keep doing some of these things?? What else could we do??? Honestly, I really like to just sit back, relax, talk and share some laughs. But another part of feels the need to do things that bring substance to our relationship.


Any one have any good ideas?? Especially ideas that would be in my hubby's favor, cause I want to do things he will enjoy too. So not too mushy... but more fun!

30 Day Sugar Fast

That's right. NO Sugar. For 30 days! 


Anyone that knows me, knows that this is a HUGE challenge for me. I love sweets! Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, candy, ice cream, pie you name it!! On top of that, it is even MORE challenging because I am doing this right in the middle of the Holidays. But Honestly, I couldn't have picked a better time. No sense putting on the pounds during the Holidays and feeling so guilty in January. Besides, I would then come up with a resolution to loose weight that would turn into a resolution to fail at healthy lifestyle.


So, on top of not eating sugar I am changing EVERYTHING. Here is a list of what I am doing...

1. Counting calories. Never in my life have I done this, mostly because its tedious. My daily intake is around 1500.
2. Working out everyday except Sunday. I go to the gym, run my heart out (not literally) for 35-40 min and do some ab workouts.
3. I'm getting 8 hours of sleep.
4. I'm packing my lunches.
5. I planned my meals for the whole week so I KNOW what I am going to eat. This is excellent because instead of pacing back and forth in the kitchen and finally settling for something incredibly bad for me, I have a plan. So I know when I go the kitchen I have to make THAT meal. Plus it has me cooking again, and I have been bad at cooking for the last year.
6. I am also going back (yes, I used to be really good at this) to little to no processed food, and mostly locally grown organic food.

At the end of 30 days I am not let off the hook. My reward is a small......... slice of ONE pie at Thanksgiving (yeah, I planned it right end of day 30 is Thanksgiving day). My calorie intake will stay at 1500 until at least March 22, 2012 (My Birthday!).


Goal #1: Loose the 40 lbs that I started gaining May 18 2007 (yes, my wedding day).
Goal #2: Be healthy enough to have a baby
Goal #3: Be happy and do the things I have ALWAYS wanted to do but couldn't because of my insecurities with my body image.
Goal #4: Lower my risk of heart disease, Diabetes and stroke. Its in the family.


There is only one thing I ask of all of you to help me through this... hold me accountable, that is all.

Michael Buble Christmas

This first thing I did when I got to work today was buy the Target Exclusive Michael Buble "Christmas" Album. The first thing I did when I got off? I listened to it the whole way home. Can I just say, his voice is AMAZING. Last year I noticed that the Christmas songs all started to sound generic and almost annoying. But, this album is refreshing and has made me fall in love with the classic Christmas songs all over again.


I am so looking forward to listening to this album over and over while enjoying the Holiday season with my AMAZING HUBBY!

Fall Beauty

Yesterday I had a marvelous day with my husband! We went hiking in 4th of July Canyon in Tajique New Mexico. As we sat under the beautiful trees and felt the peace of nature it felt as though we were out of NM and taking a mini vacation from life. I absolutely loved it! Every time we go into mountains lush with trees and color I get this incredible desire to make a permanent home in such scenery. I love the peace I feel. I love the natural, raw beauty. So, someday we will move somewhere like this... possibly New York, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Washington... somewhere... sometime.

A Womans Prayer

So I think I have wanted a child since the day of my wedding (Which was 4 1/2 years ago), but never have I wanted to be a mother more than I do now. We are TTC and I pray every day God will bless us with a child...


My Prayer...


Lord, I am not a perfect wife but I love my husband the best ways I know how, I don't have the cleanest house but I know how to make a house a home. Im not that good at keeping a budget but I do know how to get the most for my money. I am not a master of the scriptures but I have a strong testimony that what I have read is the truth. I know sometimes I may not be the best friend or sister, but I love my family and friends deeply, even though I may not show it sometimes.


I have seen you bless all of my best friends, old roommates, cousins, in laws, co-workers, church members with one, two, even three babies. I do my best to not envy them and be happy for them. I have seen women who hate children, who don't want children, who are not ready to have children get pregnant. Every time I see this happen I have to face the hurt that its not my time.


Lord, please know that I am different then I was 4 1/2 years ago, I am more patient now, I am learning how to be a better wife, and most days I understand that there is a purpose as to why I have not been given the opportunity to be a mother.


Lord, I feel selfish asking for blessings... so Lord, when it is MY time, can you let me know in such a way where there would be no room for doubt? And my dear Heavenly Father, if is so be that it is still not my time.... can you bless me with peace? Comfort me? And give me the strength to keep on moving?


I am indeed, forever grateful for your Love for me. Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for a sweet husband who cherishes and adores me. Thank you a job that makes me happy and gives me purpose. Thank you for a family that loves and forgives me.


I love thee.


Amen.

4 Amazing Years!

Some people think I am absolutely crazy, but this weekend marks my 4 year anniversary with Target! I can't believe I have worked their that long! Target has become a way of life for me. The people I work with have become my family. I have gone through many bosses, some have inspired me to succeed in ways I never thought possible, some have frustrated me beyond belief with their ignorance, but with all I have learned so much.


I started out as a seasonal cashier for Holidays (it was supposed to be my "in between" job). When I first started working their I immediately adapted to the energy (The Holidays are a great time to start working there). Just standing and cashiering was not enough for me. My goal was to be the best at everything I did there. Yes, you could probably call me an over achiever, but I soon realized that this retailers business ethics and energy fit my personality and I saw myself as a leader there. So, that was my goal! I was a cashier for 3 months and then I became a "GSA" (aka Guest Service Attendant), this position was an assistant to the Team Leader (Supervisor) of the Front Lanes. Essentially, you did everything they did with the exception of conducting interviews for jobs, talent management, scheduling, couching's/correction actions, writing reviews.... that sort of thing. About a year after that I was promoted to GS-TL (Guest Service Team Leader). The front lanes at that time became everything to me. I am very passionate about what I do. I wanted to be the most successful, and successful I became. We had the highest service scores in the district, the highest conversion scores, a really awesome moral within the team, and quite a bit more. But, with all those wins, my biggest priority was the overall well being of the Team members I oversaw. I was in charge of about 50 team members. Their lives were important to me, and learning how to work with each different personality to generate success was so much fun! I was a GSTL for the front lanes for 2 1/2 years!! Then, I felt the need for change, I was itching for change!


I was offered the position of C-TL, aka Consumables Team Leader.  In English, it means Grocery Supervisor. Yes, I went from a LARGE team (50+/-) and Service focused work center to a small team (6-7 team members) to a large BUSINESS work center. I consider my department like my own little business. Every day my focus is how to drive profitable sales. Its very different for me but I am adjusting. I really like it, I love my team, and I really enjoy working with all the other leaders in the store.


So, my plans next???? Keep doing what I do best, and that is work my heart out and shoot for the next best thing!

A Change in my Family that has changed my life

On August 31st, 2011 I received the very difficult news that my parents are leaving the Mormon church.


Yeah, wow.


I still, to this day, am not quite sure how to handle it all... (have not talked to them since).


I want to make it known, I LOVE my parents! I do not judge them,  I am sad that things will not be the same between us. Its like a part of me has died, and I am grieving over my loss. Many of you will not understand, but that is because no one was as close to my parents as I was. Really, it was our center in the gospel that glued us together. It was our activity in the church together that brought substance to our relationship. And now that its gone.... what else is there? Yes, there is a love because they are my parents. But to put it more into a reality this is what it is for me....


When I go to bare my testimony to them... all I will be thinking.... They don't believe this, they think I am brainwashed, manipulated to feel this way, and that I have it all wrong.


When I want a "Fathers Blessing" that cannot happen for me. Or any other priesthood ordinance I want Kenny to participate in. Kenny, those blessings were wonderful.


When I am in the temple, I will be missing my mom.


Every memory... my baptism, my confirmation, being away from home and finding myself, my endowment, my sealing, my patriarchal blessing, the amazing experiences I had as a teenager through my activity in the church, sitting in the bathroom reading the book of Mormon while my mom got ready for the day, going to SLC with Kenny and watching the movie on Joseph Smith and crying together, being comforted by my parents when I grieve over not having children yet, being taught all the sweet teachings of the gospel when I was a child, my long car rides with Kenny where we talked about EVERYTHING..... All these memories are tainted because I feel it was all for nothing.


I just want my parents to understand that their reason for leaving is not important to me... I want them to take in how much their decision has affected my heart.


There are some upsides to their decision...


This experience has brought my husband and I closer together than ever before, I truly feel like I "cleave to my spouse" and no one else. He is more important to me than anything.


This experience has challenged me to challenge my own testimony and really be sure that this is what I want.... so far its STILL what I so desire. I am greatful for the challenge.


I have been turning more to Christ and his love is sweet


I have come to appreciate my inlawed family and others more, not because they are LDS and my parents arfen't, but because I pretty much ignored everyone else to stay close to my parents. Now I am taking the time to get to know those I have ignored. I am indeed blessed.


Things that were once important to me do not matter anymore.... I don't care where I live, how much money I have, how my house is decorated, whose approval I meet, all that matters is that I am with my husband, we love each other, and we are happy.


I'm sorry if some of you think I am dealing with this all wrong, but please don't judge me for grieving. It may seem like this is stupid to grieve over, buts its not. At least not to me.

How to improve your childs behavior at the store

I have been working in retail for quite a few years now and I have seen the big mistakes that parents make when taking their kids to the store.  So here is a "How to" list to make your life easier.

1. Kids hate shopping. They would much rather be playing outside, playing a video game, being with a friend, or what ever.
2. Don't buy them things every time you are at the store, they will soon expect it. Keep the gifts to birthdays and Holidays, you will have much more grateful children.
3. Do not spend a long time in the store. Children get restless. There attention span is so small. If you are going in with children, go with a list, go into a familiar store where you know the locations of everything.
4. Leave the "browsing" to your "me time" or a ladies day out.
5. Tell your kids the plan before you leave, for example MOM: "Kids we are going to the store for 20 min, I need to buy these things and nothing else, do not ask me for anything or ______ will happen.
6. Be CONSISTENT, if you say you are going to do something than do it! Kids are smarter than you think and they notice when you don't keep your word.
7. Do NOT tolerate bad behavior. "Get down to their level, express in a firm tone of voice, 'your behavior is not acceptable' and give them a clear consequence. And stick to your guns!" (tip compliments of Nanny 911)
8. DO NOT take them shopping late at night. Children should go to bed early. I am appalled when I am working till 11pm at night and Moms are in the store with their kids, getting upset at their children too! What do you expect? Its past their bed time! How do you act when you are up past your bed time?
9. Bring snacks, do not take from the shelf and feed before paying. This serves two purposes... One, kids are hungry all the time because they are growing at an incredibly fast rate. Keeping them fed and hydrated in important, and they will be less grouchy. The other purpose, if you are taking food from the shelf to feed your child before you pay for it, then you are teaching them that it is OK to use something before you buy it. Remember, be a good example to your kids and be honest.
10. Don't expect perfection. Kids get better at things as parents continue to teach and show children consequences to their actions. Go with the flow and let them do stupid things now and again. Just as long as you teach them about their actions. 
11. Allow your kids to participate, the older ones can help you find what is on your list. Sometimes grocery stores have kiddie grocery carts, kids love those!

Following the list above will take some work. My warning, do not wait until you get to the store to try all of this out. Apply this guide to your home life and I guarantee you will see an improvement. This most valuable thing you can do for your children is to BE CONSISTENT!!


Say what you mean and mean what you say!

Albuquerque NM, In the Fall

I would have to say that the Fall is the BEST time of year for Albuquerque. Some would say its the spring but unless you want to die from high pollen count from Juniper, Cottonwood and sagebrush, I wouldn't recommend it.


Fall has finally began here and I am completely overjoyed. The New Mexico State Fair has begun, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will start in less than a month, Green Chili is being roasted at every grocery store, and soon the trees along the Rio Grande will be all bright and colorful.


Another thought of happy days to come... Fall in Albuquerque..


http://stylepeterson.com/albuquerque_photo/000019.html

Special Phone Call

I had a really nice chat on the phone with my brother Chris yesterday. It was so nice to be able to relate to him on a spiritual level. It was so nice to feel his support and concern for me. We laughed and cried together and it was so nice. That made my day a happy day.

Even though things are a little rocky in the family right now, I want to put this out there...

I love my family! I love ALL of you for who you are!

Last Day of Summer

Let me just say, I am so ready for fall. I can't wait to light my candles that smell like I walked into a country themed interior decorating store. I can't wait to cook butternut squash soup, pumpkin chai cheesecake, and pot roast (not at the same time of course). There all these super cute clothes in my closet that are dying to come out and enjoy the great weather.

This year I want to make baked goods and take them to people that least expect it. This year I want to find a new and AMAZING recipe to add to my thanksgiving cuisine. This year I am going to have a super cute Halloween costume. This year I want to have a really good Holiday Season.

Despite everything that seems to try and stand in my way of being happy, I am going to choose to be greatful and try my hardest to make the best of everything.

:-)

All Moved out and seeing the BIG PICTURE

Well, I did it, I turned in our apartment keys today. The cutest apartment in the world is no longer mine. We are staying with inlaws until things sort out. But... I am happy to say, through all that has happened in the last few months I have grown closer to my husband than ever before.

4 in a half years ago I would have told you that I was being punished, and as such I had to wait to have kids. Today, I know why we have not YET been blessed with a child. I know that if a baby came right away I would consume my life with loving that child and not my husband. Its so true about me. Curtis and I have had the best (and worse) experiances these last 4 years and each day I grow to love him more and more.

The love I have with my husband and the deep unconditional friendship we have for eachother will be the greatest gift I give to my chilren... parents that deeply love and respect each other.

So yes, we moved out, we are back to square one, but we are happier and more mature in our love than ever before. Thats all that matters.

Cute Right?

Ok, so I loved ceating the design of this blog! So adorable, i want to do more but it is time for bed!

Hubby out of Town

I miss my man! I have not seen him since.... wednesday of last week. He does not come home until thursday of this week, ugh that is 8 days. But then..... the day he gets home, I leave for Utah! And I wont be back for another 6 days. On top of that, he does not have a phone! So, I have to email him every day and he is so bad at answering his emails every day. Yuck! I hate this! I am such a "Cling-on" So Needy! Im rediculous!

Too many blogs

Ok, so I think I have started around 6 or 7 blogs. I am determined to make this my main one. Blogger is easy to use and I think it suits me.

So, as you can see, the title of blog is "Oh happy days!" Thats right, Im done with being sad, I want to be happy and happy I will be.