Random Thoughts

Sometimes I suffer from bloggers block. I've recently had so much going on that I feel like I almost don't know where to begin in my sharing.

First, I think I'll start with my job...it's been extremely hectic but it is so much more challenging than it was previously. I am really happy, finally. I have been trusted with a fairly decent "book" and I'm back to mixing it up with my clients. I really like this aspect of customer service. My job is fast paced and changes daily.

Second, I think I'll hit the highlights on my current "mental status"...I was previously very stressed out by the mere idea of not knowing how Tanner would do on a plane or with a 3 hour time change traveling to and from California. Since he did great, I am feeling more secure and less "stuck". Larry and I used to travel all the time but since Tanner was born we have only ventured to places we can drive. Now we are back in the game! Larry is thinking about Hawaii for our 10th anniversary and making it a large family trip.

Lastly, I think I'll tell you all about something random...like knowing when is the right time to get pregnant. I said it was random, don't act like I didn't give you a heads up.

Since Larry and I know we will actually have to go back to the OB to have "a procedure" and not much will be left up to chance, we've been debating when is the right time to get pregnant. We used to think it was late summer, maybe mid fall, then it became May, now it's up in the air and for once, I am ok with this. I have been praying a lot about it and I truly believe that God has something really big in store for several of my friends, He's telling me to wait, and then it will be my time. It's good to have faith and to trust that His plan and timing on all things is perfect.

Well, off to watch American Idol....go Adam Lambert. He's a little skanky, but for some reason, I kind of like it! Ha ha!

California Adventures

Wow. It seems like forever since I've blogged. Sorry about that avid readers. (AKA Cathy who needs an excuse to take a break from work every once in awhile, j/k!)

Well, we are back from California and it was a GREAT trip! It's something about a girls trip (for the most part) that is cathartic. Larry's dad, also named Larry, was only around for a day and a half and the rest of the time it was me, Tanner (who doesn't really count as a guy at this stage in his life since he doesn't weigh in on daily outings and activities), Larry's Mom Linda, and my Mom.

We went to Disneyland, California Adventure Park, visited with the west coast crew (Larry's family who is also amazing), ate out a lot, shopped, and played at local parks. I also drove on the freeway a ton and thoroughly enjoyed going 85-90 miles an hour in a rental car. We just had an awesome time.

While at Disneyland Tanner, Mom and I rode the Teacups and Tanner kept turning the wheel in the middle making us spin faster and faster. We also rode Dumbo, the carosel, the cars, the train, and more. He went to sleep on Its a Small World. Crazy. Who could sleep through all those lights and creepy little singing puppets? Not me, those things freak me out a little.

Tanner was also really good on all 4 flights, even both 5 hour flights. What an absolute miracle! Some of the passengers got a kick out of him as we boarded the planes because while we were going down the aisle he was waving to everyone saying "Hi. Hi." and slapping hands saying "Five. Five." I tell you that kid is crazy. Several people commented on how well behaved he was. That's just called being prepared with games, songs, and definitely snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Did I mention I had snacks?

I do have to say that although I have a really fabulous time, it's good to be home. I love my home and realize that I am so blessed to have a home to come home too. May your home be a place of safety, warmth, and peace. Much love :o)

Getting Ready

This weekend Larry and I are going to Va Beach with Jason and Stormy and staying with them in their time share condo. I am so excited and can hardly wait.

I am really looking forward to:

1. adult time
2. adult conversations
3. there being no squeeky toys banged against the oven door
4. not having to pack lunches
5. not changing stinky "you smelled it first" diapers
6. a break, no work, no plans, no where to be at any specific time
7. endless, mindless walks on the beach

After a few hectic weeks with not feeling well, my Grandma having a pacemaker put in and then a stroke, to having to say goodbye to Pepper...it's just been really hard. It will be very nice to have a few moments to be carefree.

With that said, reality is going to smack me hard in the face when we come back Sunday and I have to get Tanner and I ready for our trip to California that leave at 6am on Tuesday. Yikes!

Saying Goodbye

It is with great sadness and heartache that I type this blog (and was also sent as an email) to let you all know that yesterday evening Larry and I tearfully said goodbye to a peaceful Pepper. We are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful addition to our family for 13 amazing years (thank you Mom and Dad for one of the best gifts ever!).

Although my heart literally aches, I know that Pepper is in a much better place and is completely pain free now.

When we first learned that he had liver cancer this past fall, we just prayed that he would make it through the holidays. Well, God blessed us with several months in addition to that and we are truly thankful for the lasting memories we have and new ones we were able to make.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as time heals these wounds.

I love you all very much!

Pepper

My 13 year old Miniature Schnauzer, Pepper, was diagnosed with liver cancer towards the end of last year. We have recently been smacked in the face with the realization that he is in his final days. Actually, tomorrow we take him to the vet and believe she is going to tell us it's time.

I think we know it's time, but it's hard to close that kind of chapter in your life by choice.

I got Pepper as a cheer up/birthday gift after I came home from Radford broken. It was a miserable year for the most part and when I came home, my parents tried many things to cheer me up. Pepper was a real light for me then and one of the main things that helped me through that time. He would untie my shoes, try to sleep on my head, sit on the bath rug and wait for me to get out of the shower, go anywhere I would go in the jeep, and much much more. He really was that perfect companion and friend.

Over the last couple of years, we could tell that his health was starting to fail, but we chalked it up to getting older. When we found out he had cancer, we were stunned but it made sense. He had become distant and just wanted to mainly be by himself. This has been very hard to watch and tomorrow will extremely difficult. Please keep us all in your prayers.