Off the radar

I've wanted to post something...anything...for a couple of weeks, but I feel in turmoil right now and can't think of anything good. So I direct you to Trisha's blog to look at some really hot pics of Joe Mauer...and a little tid bit of Trisha and I's meeting in Las Cruces.

In need of intervention

I'm in serious need of some prayer. The get down on your knees kind. No one is sick, everyone is fine - I'm just going through a really stressful time right now - disillusioned with people and so hurt I can't even find anger.
So for any of you that read this - say a little prayer for me. Thanks.

Home Brewin'

So Tony has started home brewing. In the past 6 months or so our appreciation of beer has grown (maybe that's why I can't lose my gut?) and what better way to expand on that than to start brewing your own? Friday he bought all the equipment and yesterday our house smelled incredible!! It's going to take a few weeks for us to try our first batch - but it's so exciting! This definitely is a hobby that is going to take patience.
Now we have to start thinking of names for the micro-brew. Any suggestions from all you creative people out there?

Hot Yoga

So I've been going to Core Power for a few weeks now. This was the first experience for me with Hot Yoga - and I LOVE IT!! I can't make it as often as I would like to during the week, but it's enough. I feel incredible while I'm doing it and I'm already seeing results in my practice. Thursday night and Friday night were the best ones yet! Today was good as well, but not quite as intense of a session. But today I did something I haven't been able to do previously - a crow - a I held it! I was so proud of myself that I wanted to jump up and down squealing, but I contained myself. Seeing results is what makes me want to do it more and more. Maybe I can be a yogi!!!

Slowing down long enough to listen.....

When I was in NM the other weekend, my mom bought me "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver. I had seen reviews of this book before and thought it looked interesting.

I am only a bit into it so far, but I am really liking it. The book is based on two sisters, Mary and Martha, from the book of Luke. It explores the differences between these two sisters and the changes that both made.

So often I feel like I am burning the candle at both ends, with all my obligations falling short. What I need to realize is that I put these obligations on myself, no one expects more of me than me. More times that not I am holding myself to an unobtainable standard then feel...disappointed in myself.

I need to take time to nurture my relationship with God and to truly give time to listen to HIS call. It is THE most important relationship in my life, and I need to honor it as such. My good deeds are never going to be good enough....they are just that - deeds. Rushing around trying to put 30 hours in a 24 hour day isn't going to work, and it's going to result in burn out.

I guess what I'm looking for is to stop being too busy to listen to my Savior. Only I can do this, only I can prioritize my life. I need to stop comparing EVERYTHING and just start enjoying. I am so thankful for ALL the blessings in my life, they are more abundant than I can recount. However, I know I will find much more in THIS relationship than in the ACTS I hold so dearly now.

I'm trying to read a chapter a night....but, true to my nature, sometimes I fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow. So it might take a while, but I'll give you the full review when I'm done. And hopefully I'll have some positive changes to report as well!

Botanical Garden - Denver

On Saturday the whole family went to the Botanical Gardens - thank you so much Amy for the recommendation! It was lovely and I can just imagine how much more beautiful it is going to look in a few weeks when everything is in bloom.
We spent a few hours there, but I think it would be a lovely place to spend the whole day. Take a book and just sit amongst the gardens and read.
Here are some pictures from the day.

A surprise party!

So last Friday was Tony's 30th birthday! 30?!? Where has the time gone? So I planned a surprise party for him and it went off so well!! I wish I could have taken a picture of his face - it was enough to make me cry! The biggest surprise of all? Tony's parents drove down and arrived Friday afternoon. Tony was completely shocked....I don't think he would have been any more shocked if Godzilla was standing in our kitchen. Mandy and the kids helped out by sitting on the stairs when Tony walked in they shouted surprise! Then I took him to the kitchen where his family jumped out. It was so wonderful!!! I'm so glad that they were able to make the LONG drive down!
Justin arrived about 10 minutes after Tony got home and Amy and Brian arrived later. It was a wonderful party and Tony said it was his best birthday ever...isn't that a wonderful sentiment to say about the big 3-0?
Tony said that he thought I had something up my sleeve, that perhaps I was going to have a party for him and maybe Justin was going to drive down and Michael and Mandy would be here with the kiddos - but he was not expecting his parents and Danny! He said I was cleaning way too much during the week for nothing to be planned.
I can't believe I kept it a secret though - that was the hardest part....and I know that this birthday is going to be hard to beat next year.
So here's to a wonderful 30th year to my wonderful, ever evolving husband. May it be the best year yet!

In this picture - Chuck, Tony, Dan-o, Justin and Garce

Michael and Chuck

Picture of the whole crew

Tony opening Grace and Josh's cards

Didn't this picture turn out wonderful? I just love it!

This picture is probably my favorite of the evening. I love how happy everyone looks!

Yep - She's doing it again......

Mother Nature is once again just teasing us. After admiring my arugula that is coming up in my garden I wake up this morning to at least 3 or 4 inches in my back yard and it's STILL coming down! Sooo Verrryyy Readddyyy FOR SPRING!

Early Birthday Present

Tony and I got tickets to go see the Eagles!!! What - you ask? The Eagles? As in the one of the greatest bands of all time?
Yes - the very ones!!
It is my birthday present and we are going to see them on May 20th! So excited!!
They are one of my favorite bands and we have so many great memories to their songs, mostly from our road trips. Hotel California is one of the songs on the soundtrack of my life.
We haven't been to a concert in quite a while, and in all this time we've been together we've never been to a big venue concert together, we usually just stick to the smaller name bands.
And on another note, this post makes my 200th post. I kind of thought I would have been past that by now, since it's been quite a few years since I've been blogging. Maybe I can make it to 300 this year? We'll see!