This is a story of a girl...2

I accepted Christ as my savior when I was 13, but had never had any event in my life to really warrant a "savior". At 15 my world got rocked. On a day I can see vividly, my friends at basketball said it looked like my eyes were glowing. I was severly jaundice. We saw a doctor, and they poked and prodded, but could not figure out what was wrong with me. I can't remember how long this went on, but I do remember being terrified that I was quarintined. I never really thought about dying...looking back, certainly a real possibility. Finally, I was diagnosed and started on the worst drugs in the world to suppress my immune system. The drugs weren't near as bad as the withdrawl...I became depressed, but did not communicate my needs with anyone. I started failing classes at school and withdrew from family and friends. It got so bad that I started to cut myself, stopped eating, andeventually took a whole bottle of Tylenol. Fortunately my stomach didn't digest it...I have never thrown up so much. After a short stay at the mental hospital and much therapy, I guess I decided life was worth living. But not really.

This is a story of a girl...

When I first started to ponder the story of my life, I started where I usually start...in comparison. I feel my life is inconsequential, boring, not exceptional. I did not go into the military like my brother and sister. I have not traveled the world or saved anyone's life. I have not taken anyone's life either. I do not have my degree, or really any plan to get it, yet. However, as I really thought about who I am today and how I got here, I realized that it us quite an amazing story. I was born and raised in small town America, in a Christian home where lots of people loved me. I am naturally talented in many areas, but I prefer to be comfortable rather than exceptional. (I am working to change this about myself) I did well in school, sports, music, and enjoyed being as busy as possible. I was normal...until I wasn't. 

A new beginnig

I am starting to make adjustments to this new life that we embarked on more than a year ago. I sometimes feel I will never fit in, that I will always be just a visitor in my own life. I know this is not the truth, but why does it take so long to feel, really feel like you belong somewhere?I have some friends, but they mostly still feel like aqaintances. It is nice to have family close, I just wish it was my side sometimes. I miss my old life, but am trying to move forward. In a time of so much change, I just want some more of the same old!

First week of School

The first week of school was eventful to say the least! Cody was very excited to start preschool with his cousin Cole, and showed me around the room.

The night before, getting backpack and clothes set out and ready to go.
And he's off...


His cubby and desk...


After such a great first day, we had great expectations for a great semester, but the second day did not go so well. Cody fell and cut his head open on a chair, and I had to pick him up early from class to go get it glued back together.



This week at school has gone well, much less eventful!

Merry Christmas

It has been a whirlwind holiday...work is crazy, kids are crazy, and I am CRAZY!!!
We cut down a real tree for the first time, and it was a beautiful one.

Presents were plentiful, I will have to give some old away to make room for the new. Tyler loves the Christmas lights,
and is learning to LOOK not TOUCH. Cody wanted to know if we were gonna have cake for Jesus' birthday, and was very excited to open gifts, and give some to his cousin/friends.


Some of the favorite gifts were a new big boy bed...made by daddy, Gravedigger, dumptrucks and a trash truck. We had sword fights, gun fights and regular wrestling fights.
And finally some great food and fellowship with family.
It was a great Christmas.

Cody says...
I love you really a lot
That will make me sooo happy
I'm just a little bit sad right now
And when he finishes reading a book, Amen.

I love him.

The Bond of Brothers...or Sisters

Yesterday, Cody got up, and much to my dismay, his first stop was to Tyler's room to make sure his little brother was awake. Today, Tyler woke up first...it is a little harder for him as he cannot get out of his crib by himself, but the first place he went was to Cody's door. I told him that his brother was still sleeping, and he looked disappointed. They love each other, and just want to be together from the moment they wake up.
I remember feeling that way...sneaking out of my room to sleep with Leah or Andrew. I am glad they have each other to share their secrets with. I can't wait to see how their friendship unfolds as they grow together.

We were visiting at Great Grandma's house today, and Cody was inquisitive as usual...he asked what this contraption was and I told him it was a chip clip. He took it literally and clipped it to a chip and started munching. We got a good laugh out of it.

More pictures...with furniture.

We still have lots to do, but we have the big stuff unpacked. We have water, electric, septic tank and gas...what more do you need?
The entry way and dining room

The living room

The Longhorns in the kitchen!

The Long Awaited...

Our house is finally here. They drove it in two pieces from ABQ on Wednesday afternoon. Getting it up the hill was no problem!

The crew came in on Thursday to put the 2 pieces together, and much to my dismay, were not done until Tuesday morning. We started moving as soon as they were done, and almost all the boxes are unpacked. Cody has been extatic to show everyone his new house, especially his toys that have been in storage for the past months. He has been helpful unpacking boxes, and playing with the empty ones!

I love the kitchen, and the ample storage space,

but my favorite is the large tub in the master bathroom.
After a breif argument about furniture placement in the living room, we found the perfect placement for our couches in the large living room.

We have moved everything out of Dwayne's garage, but still need to hook up the electricity before we move in, so all the stuff inside the house still needs to be moved. Hopefully we will be living in our new home by this weekend!