My Rock

Today I asked myself this question: What do you do when you have a car, but no gas in it, nor money to put gas in it with (other playing outside with your adorable pups)?

The answer I gave myself: Work on materials for my future classroom!

There have been so many set-backs and change-ups here that was so frustrating to me at first, but now I see it all as a part of the process.  I have been trying to find the balance between staying active and enjoying peaceful, quiet moments.  It seems this has always been a struggle for me, and twenty-six and a half years later... it's starting to click much more.

So, no, I do not officially have a classroom as of yet... but I believe I will quite soon-ish. :) And no, it will not be within my own home.  Although, that "classroom" is still taking over one of our spare bedrooms.  I just don't have it in me to take everything down, and there's really no point.  Plus, I wasn't even finished! Here is what I had so far when I thought I was going to have an in-home preschool, and then found out it was way too overwhelming, pricey, and invasive as it would have had to be in our living room rather than this cutesy little room.

(Please don't mind all the scrapbooking materials cluttering the floor...)
And I'm kindaaa glad I didn't spend any more time decorating that bare wall! The blocks/fold-up block table, farm set, and kitchenette were all things I got nice and cheap from Camp Pendleton Yardsales.  Gotta love a bargain.

 Trying to stay semi-organized here.

My very own make-shift Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom tree (I know, it's not a palm tree, but it works.)

Close up of one of my projects I've been working on.  For each letter, you attach/draw objects that start with that letter sound.  Thank you to a chicka-boom website I found on Pinterest!

I just couldn't wait to have the kiddos do this project, but I figure with my actual pre-k class I will post one letter up each week or so.  That way we can discuss the letter sounds and then they will make their own collage for each letter, and then maybe we will turn them into their very own ABC booklets.


Well, since I had to make room in my little classroom, guess where my desk ended up?  That's right...

The HALLWAY!  I actually like it out here though, as long as I have a fan nearby cuz it gets hottt. I'm excited to work on more of the items on my To-Do list as far as preparing for my future Pre-K classroom... such as putting together a Line-Up Chant book, making signs for centers to hang from the ceiling, and making a "What we did today" board as a replacement for calendar time.  I figure the more I do now, the more I will be prepared when they offer me the job.  Is it obvious how hopeful I am here?! 

Another idea I found on Pinterest is for my furry babies! They always find random clothes to curl up in as a bed, so instead I used one of their blankets they weren't using too much, and turned it into a bed using an extra pillow case.  Neither one of them seemed to like it the first day or so, but when my poor little Brewer got a cyst and had to wear a T-Shirt so he wouldn't infect it any more, he was all bummed out.... and we found him laying on the bed I made.  Now they both use it all the time! 

 My hubby has been grilling out tons lately because it still doesn't feel like fall here in sunny Cali.. which is a little disappointing.  So to make it more fall-like, I have my pumpkin spice Scentsy burning almost constantly, fall decorations (fake pumpkins and about 4 scarecrows), and CAKE POPS! K I cheated they are actually cookie pops, but with fall-ish sprinkles.  We devour these things like crazy that I haven't had enough to share with friends yet.  As long as the hubs is happy!

When I look back to even a few months ago, I realize that our security was in the money and "prosperity" in our lives.  We thought we were right on track... and maybe we were in the eyes of our culture.  But when we were hit with financial insecurity, especially with me out of a job, it just seemed like it was one thing after another.  I broke down, and we both just felt helpless and out of control.  We hit rock bottom... and there was our rock: Our God.  Maybe He allowed this to happen to us to open our eyes that our security was not being placed in Him, but in our money, making money our god.  We are still in debt, I am still waiting on hearing about whether or not I have a job, and we are okay.

In fact, I can't believe I'm saying this but both Chris and I agree that what we thought was hell, had actually brought us even closer.  We are clinging to Christ and he is providing for us, some way, some how.  I mean, how else would we have been able to search our pantry and fridge to find hardly anything but: corn, spinach leaves, tomatoe, bbq sauce, craft singles, and home made pizza dough... and make a pizza out of it?!?! I think our Kitchen Scraps Pizza was the first moment when we looked at
each other in this situation and actually laughed at it.

He wrote to me: "Girl, you're amazing just the way you are!"

Life has been crazy, but then again, is it ever normal?

"And which of you by being overly anxious and troubled with cares can add a cubit to his stature or a moment [unit] of time to his age?" Luke 12:25

"Today, refuse to worry, be anxious, or allow fear to operate in your life.  Declare your trust in God in every situation." Joyce Meyers

"Mr. Right & Mrs. Perfect"

This next weekend Chris & I are FINALLY getting baptized!  I was supposed to get baptized a year ago, but Chris was deployed and wanted me to wait until we could go together.  Although I selfishly just wanted to get it done sooner rather than later, I'm soo glad I waited for my husband because I believe now we are both spiritually ready for it... and it will be in the OCEAN!!! I do not want to boast about my husband because I only want to boast in my God, but man! I want to speak positive things over him and our marriage, so let me just say that my husband is so loving, strong, determined and compassionate.  I am so proud that he is allowing God to shape him into the man he is called to be.  (not to mention, he's easy on the eyes, haha).  But really, I would do anything for my love.

and on that note :) ....

You know how it's really exciting to be bombarded with facebook posts/announcements of people getting engaged and then their millions of wedding pictures? (I am guilty of this...).  And then we all know how many marriages actually last in our culture today (apparently 50% of all marriages end in divorce and who knows how many people are happily married that stay together?).  I'm not here to dishearten anyone about marriage, especially if you're still in your honeymoon phase, but rather to be a light for your future/current marriage.  So, nobody told me just how hard it would be.  My parents did an amazing job at hiding all the difficulties they may have faced; in fact, people often called them the "perfect couple".  So this is what I've felt I've had to live up to in my own marriage: perfection. Great.  We cannot, however, compare our marriages.  In fact, I love how my pastor phrased it: "Don't compare your insides to another person's outsides."

All people and therefore, all marriages, are going through SOME form of trial or struggle.. and not because God likes it that way or causes it even, but because of our own human nature we "miss the mark" (sin) and bring on our own consequences.  The amazing thing about us missing that mark of perfection, is what God DOES do with it... if you step back from your circumstance, you actually see that He will allow some good to come of it.  (This is revelation was taken from a pastor at my church).  When we finally accept that we all are dealing with some sort of challenges, even if we don't expose these "issues" to other people, it's awesome to see how God uses it to shape and refine us.  
Nobody hardly ever talks openly about what's going on in their marriage if it's something not so positive whether it be because we don't want people to think of us as failures or because we don't want to be "THAT" person who's always complaining/whining about their problems.  But I WILL BE HONEST for those of you who don't already know: MARRIAGE IS HARD.  .  .  . but it's SO WORTH IT.  This quote says it well: 

“It is the illusion that if we find our one true soul mate, everything wrong with us will be healed; but that makes the lover into God, and no human being can live up to that.” {T.Keller}

No one ever told me that (and I'm not blaming anyone for it) whatever we were giving up before, it would be double that when you get married.  Why is that worth it?  Because when you give up your own happiness to serve your spouse and put their needs before yours (AKA giving 100%, NOT 50%), then you will receive true happiness.  In the book "The Meaning of Marriage", the author explains this so well, that we were never meant to be on this earth to serve our own self-centered-ness, and it makes sense because if you try to do this, you will notice you are STILL EMPTY.  But, when you give to others, there is some form of supernatural high which is indescribable. This greatest form of love, shown by God giving his only begotten Son who never "misses the mark", completely innocent and dying for and IN PLACE OF all of us who have fallen short (k, this is the gospel folks!) is what we were meant to imitate in our own lives ESPECIALLY in our marriages.  

It's true, we all have seasons where we just feel we need to do things for ourselves, after all, you're important too!  But, sooner or later we will see that we can only live for ourselves for so long until our body starts to feel emptiness.  We all fill that empty hole in different ways, but there is only one way to keep it filled, and that is by doing some serious soul searching & finding the true lover of our life: our CREATOR.  When our husband/wife isn't giving us the love we need, we can't take it out on them that they are not perfect like God, the one whose love will never go away when we are living in His light.  We can't give up on our spouse because they are only human, and we NEVER marry Mr. or Mrs. Right/Perfect because that person doesn't exist.  .  .  instead, we are called to love & serve them no matter what and then we will have the victory.  Only then can we see just how AWESOME marriage is, and how even GREATER our God is!  It's such a tragedy that people are supposedly "ruining" the institution of marriage with topics I won't get into, but we can't focus on those things.  Instead, we need to focus on our own covenant made with God & our spouse.  

It is my hopes that you will endure trials in your marriage by allowing the Spirit to fill you and not giving into anything God has spoken against.  But we are only human, so take your marriage to the Supernatural level, give to your spouse even when they are supposedly undeserving of it, and cling on to every last bit of hope.  Be an inspiration to every other marriage, not so that they can think we are perfect (because lets face it, we're not!), but so that we can provide the best foundation for our families and to be the person/couple we are called to be.    

*Only good can come out of loving others and being children of the light.  XOXO*

Read more - > http://unveiledwife.com/book-review-the-meaning-of-marriage-by-timothy-kathy-keller-chapter-1-the-secret-of-marriage/

Joyfully Ever After

Today concludes 2 and a half weeks of my new position as a nanny for the picture-perfect Cali family.  When I am "at work", it is spent with the little precious Butterfly and Snoopy (privacy nick names for the one year old girl and three year old boy).  Unless you absolutely can't stand being around cute kids, then I don't see how you would feel like you're working.  Why did I ever feel like I had to exhaust myself working, again? If you're doing what you love, especially when it's helping other people, I think no matter how easy it feels to you or how few the work hours may be, then there is absolutely no reason to feel like you're not living up to your potential.  It may just be a pure heaven-sent blessing... and the more you have, the more you can give.  (especially if it means being able to spend more time with your family)

Her favorite song: Old MacDonald

Observing the little ones in their child's work, aka play, I am in awe at the way they perceive and discover things about the world and themselves.  It's insane how much influence I feel like I have on them, especially when I see them repeat a phrase I have used or mimic an action that I do.  It's unbelievable how much of an understanding an almost 4 year old boy can have on the world.. it's apparent through his extensive vocabulary and ways he expresses himself, but most of all through his imagination.  As he often tells me, "I only like SCARY stories!" and then goes to get his big "Jack and the Beanstalk" book.  It's almost like he copes with his fears through his play.  I've known for awhile now how crucial it is to give young children exposure to academics, but now I fully understand why it's equally important to give them opportunities to explore the world of make believe.  (even if his greatest fear is currently of a "green-eyed" jealous monster, an evil queen from Snow White, or getting really sick from chewing too much "gum" and then going on a ride... yes, he has seen Sandlot).  We act out these scenarios a million times over until he comforts his stuffed animals (who are now the ones scared of being left alone at night) by telling them, "it's okay, the evil queen isn't really real, she's just make-believe, don't worry!"

footprint painting!

 Last week I was with both kids all day (normally Snoopy has preschool T/Th mornings) and it was a great way to really get to know both of them better. This week was mostly spent with my little Butterfly, though.  She has loved the attention, singing all her favorite songs, "reading" any story she can get her hands on, splashing toys around in her little pool, and even trying out some art projects.
My view of teaching had been skewed slightly the last couple years, but I've been quickly reminded that learning should be more about discovering, it should not feel forced and it should be fun.  Oh, and let me tell you, we have fun! Even eating lunch turns into casting spells on food so after you've chewed it up it will make you be able to have special powers.  Kinda makes you miss your own childhood, doesn't it?

Today Chris and I are going to try out our new wet suits in the ocean and go body boarding! We haven't done this yet, but if you're going to live this close to the ocean there is no excuse for not getting out there (unless the weather is not cooperating).  We have been able to do so much more together than we were before we moved and I hope it only continues to get better.  We feel so blessed and I hope the same for you.

 "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19

Not Fighting My Destiny

The last few months have been complete eye/heart-openers for me.  In my last post I was all excited about finally understanding where I was meant to be (teaching at a preschool).  What I didn't know then was just how short of a time I was meant to be there (what was it, 3 weeks-ish?).  I have a whole new respect for preschool teachers, but teaching a whole classroom of three year olds, then throw in a bunch of two year olds, oh heck, how about some four year olds too.. yeah, among the HUGE developmental differences there was the whole changing diapers while "watching" the eleven other children by myself.  No offense, but this kind of atmosphere is not where I would want my own future children to be in, and with the administration issues (I won't even get into that right now), how could I force myself to be apart of it, either?  I am thankful for the experience, especially because I did get some great friends out of the deal! But I do not regret resigning so quickly...
Not even a week later I met an adorable family 10 minutes away and landed a part-time job as a nanny for their one year old girl and three & a half year old boy.  Stories to come about these cuties later (I just have to quickly mention that the boy loves quoting Charlie Brown by answering certain questions with "I haven't the slightest idea!").  While there are a lot of perks for me to have this kind of position, the best part about this job is that I can immediately see the impact it's making on this family.  I am appreciative that my husband is supportive of me only working 20 hours a week rather than 40 (talk about more time to clean the house, cook meals, & having tons more energy).  I love that I get to actually teach in a way that involves creative play, true exploring for the sake of discovery and not for a particular product or score on a test.  It's so cliche sounding, but giving what I can to this family and seeing their happiness right before my eyes is absolutely one of the most rewarding things I've ever been able to do.  Will I be a nanny forever? No.  But I hope I can be a part of this family for a long time.  I don't want to say it just yet, but teaching/caring for kids in this kind of environment is starting to plant a seed of a thought in my mind for the future.  I guess we'll just wait and see where the road takes us! 
So here's to loving what you do and finding pure bliss with wherever you're at in your life. We are all called to do different things and to evolve at our own pace, so don't waste time measuring yourself up to other people.  And what ever it is that defines you, I hope you own it!  (Even if it means you're like me and spend certain free time making educational activities, ya know, just for fun and stuff.) 
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

"Beach-Wasted"

You know when you go to the beach on vacations and you're so excited that you're there because it's such a rare visit? And at the same time you're a tiny bit melancholy because... well, because it's not your "reality" once you get back home.  Maybe you can't quite relate, but as a girl who has always felt that way on each of my short-lived visits to the ocean, living only minutes away is now a 
d r e a m come true.  My friends used to joke that I would one day live on the beach and open up a school right next door to it... that's how in love I am with it.  Since I haven't technically started working yet, I took the opportunity to walk & sit on the beach for a couple hours.  I realized right away that I forgot my phone in the car and my camera had died, but sitting there with my coffee (found a perfect little coffee shop!) I didn't need to distract this moment with technology.  I didn't want to read from my Kindle, because I had the most magnificent view right before my eyes, and I didn't want to ruin the sound of the ocean's crashing waves with my iPod.  My heart was overflowing, filled to the brim with praises to God for making this my new temporary home...
Last night Chris & I were invited to a "Are you new?" class at the church we've been attending, even though we were both feeling so lazy. After sitting there with a few other newbies listening to the Pastor speak to us about the history, mission and values a promise came true.  Ps Shawn creates a relaxed environment, grace-centered where all are welcome and not pressured, just motivated by the love and sincerity by its members.  We officially became members last night and couldn't be happier with our decision. We now have a church we can both call our home-church.  Ps Shawn spoke of the importance of being baptized, even if you were as a baby (that is a symbol of being dedicated to God since babies cannot speak for themselves at that time).  Yes, I was confirmed Catholic when I was in high school, but I've reached a point in my life, and I think Chris has too, that we have a new understanding of who God is.  I've written countless times about how my life has forever been changed since I've accepted my salvation... but I cannot deny the truth *
 To symbolize the change in my life, my dedication to Jesus for my salvation, I am going to be baptized again in THE OCEAN this summer!!! How perfect is that.. I mean, really?! Our new church does that! Being baptized is not legalistic when you look at it this way:  Jesus did it as an adult as example for us to follow; it demonstrates my old way of life dying when you are submersed under the water, and then becoming new when you rise out of the water; it's a symbol of faith showing that it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, especially those who don't understand, but that I have been transformed by God in my life.
*  It isn't work to have a relationship with God; in fact, it's more work to fight against the good and perfect destiny He has for you - and I can testify to that! *


Here's a story about my plans versus God's:
 I had an epiphany a few days ago once I received my position as a preschool teacher at a discovery/academic private preschool...  Ever since I graduated high school, I had all kinds of opportunities to work/help out in early childhood settings. Why? because that's where God said I belonged! But that wasn't MY plan.  MY plan was to work in those settings for the time being because it was available, but as soon as I could, I would be a 3rd grade teacher.  I looked past the fact that the university I went to made us emphasize in early childhood so that we'd be certified birth-grade 6.  If it were up to me, I wouldn't have done that and just gone for K-6.. Thank you God for working that in there!  I had a wonderful opportunity to work at a "Monkey Business" preschool after I graduated college.  It was only a couple miles away from my parent's house so I would never have left WI.  Ironically enough, the employers let me know they were Christian, I had no idea why at the time. They said they were going to offer me the job, but wanted me to really make sure that this is what I wanted. I thought that was a little odd, and I tried to pray about it, but honestly, I didn't listen (or understand how to listen) to what God was trying to tell me.  So I told them "no, I really want to be a 3rd grade teacher, but thank you anyway."
So, God let me discover this for myself.  He more or less said "okay, go right ahead, make your own plans and see how that goes for ya."  A few months later, I received a position at an elementary school all the way across the country and took it immediately.  As most of us know, I was stressed to the max and couldn't find the joy I thought I'd have being a teacher.  Isn't that what I had dreamed of being?  (I wrote about this in past entries).  Finally, God interjected... more or less saying, "I hate to say I told you so..".  After my own plans failed, I had no where to turn BUT to God.  
The thing is, some people worry that they've "missed out on God's will" for their lives... but it's just not possible.  God time and time again gives us yet ANOTHER chance.  Thankfully He showed up and said, "now are you ready for what I have in store for you?" Even though I had (unknowingly) been disobedient, His grace sent me my (now) husband, all the way from MN, and then sent us to the ocean where we now live, promoting my husband to Sergeant, and blessing me with the job I've been cut-out to do... And that is using my creativity and child-like spirit to open up the eyes of children to their world; to show them how to discover & explore without having to prove their learning on a multiple choice test (so not me).  I get to give them the opportunity to tell their stories and to dramatize them so that literacy becomes so natural for them, and most importantly, I get to allow the Spirit in me to be a role model for how they can live their lives.  How beautiful is that?  
Just like the little kids playing on the beach ( a toddler specifically ) so drunk with happiness and sunshine, running around, falling down, getting back up and screaming with delight... that's how I feel, and I would do that myself if it wasn't so odd for a full grown person to do.. ah, why not? maybe I will anyway.  That's how God calls us to be -

Luke 18:17 "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not 

receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means 

enter it."

We don't have to (and most likely won't) understand what God has planned for our lives, but just like any good parent would, He looks out for what's best for us.  He's got it all under control... and I love the security in knowing that each day.

Red Rock Get-Away

Day 1: A Delectable Surprise!
Chris decided to take me on a trip to a surprise destination to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary (January 1st, 2011).  The only clue I got was that it might be chilly there so bring some warm clothes... so we're not going to a hot destination or a freezing cold one either.  The morning that we left I was told that it was none other than the beautiful "enchanting city" as many call it, of Sedona.  We quickly re-packed our bags (we had just got back from our Christmas vacation with our families in the midwest at midnight)... ran a couple errands and made sure our friends would be able to watch our pups, and.. we were off! 
 After riding in a car all day, we thought we were about there as we started going through winding roads, which were cool, but not beautiful.  It was about 4pm when suddenly - bright red sandstone rock formations were surrounding us on all directions and it was obvious why this was such a sought-after area.  
We found our Bed and Breakfast "Boots and Saddles" it blended in with the beautiful adobe-style homes at first, but then as you walk up the stairs or a ramp to the front door, there is a little garden with fountains and a saddle straddling the ledge by the door.  A western looking lady named Amy welcomed us in the common area which was stunning and cozy at the same time.  
We sat down next to a coffee table to look at some maps and see the "hot spots" of the area.  Amy showed us a basket of menus from the restaurants nearby and recommended a couple.  Once we chose, she set up a reservation for us.  Then, she led us outside, past a little water fall, up some wooden stairs to our room "Sacred Feather".  It was fitting because there were all kinds of pieces in the room from a Native American tribe from pots to woven blankets, and it had a sort of sacred feeling to it.  It had a patio with a hot tub as well as a telescope to look out at the stars at night.  It was peaceful and perfect.  


That night we went to dinner at a place called Dahl and Da Lucia - an Italian, dim-lit, vintage restaurant.  We were seated in a corner semi-secluded near a fountain with little cupids in it and grapes that lit up inside.  There was one large chandelier in the center and a few small ones that spread out diagonally from it across the room connected by a sheer, pinkish cloth.  When you've made it to a year in marriage after your husband being deployed half of that time, you might also decide it's okay to go all out for dinner at a more than fancy place... We shared a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine lovers platter, and then went back and forth between each other's meals - Chris got a pesto Chicken primavera pasta, and I got a Graganelli pasta with Italian sausage and a savory marinara sauce (it tasted like pizza in a pasta).  We ate so much, but when our thick-accented waiter came over with a dessert tray, we couldn't resist and indulged in a creme brulee topped with berries. AH-mazing.  We spent the rest of the evening relaxing in our hot tub under the stars and getting sleepy from a day of traveling, good food and wine.  


Day 2: Sedona on New Year's Eve
This morning we woke up with the sun and made our way down to the common area for coffee and breakfast.  We were encouraged to sit with the other 2 couples that were there at the same time as us at a table together.  We were introduced to an earthy couple, Mike and Leah, and an adventurous couple, Justin and Eliza. We were told by Irith, the B and B owner, that our breakfast this morning would be a sweet one with a banana parfait in a martini glass to start, followed by a baked croissant with orange pieces intermixed in it, sausage, fruit and a fresh bread.  As we ate, we got to know the other couples (it was the adventurous couple's last day, the earthy couple had just gotten there a little later in the night than us).  
I'll admit, I didn't know hardly anything about Sedona before we actually went, but I soon realized that, despite it not being a large city, it has a huge amount of rich history.  We discovered this on our private trolley tour (it happened to be just Chris & me) down the south eastern part of the city.  Things we learned were:
*The rocks were formed 300 million years ago from a shallow ocean that once covered the area, receded leaving layers of sandstone and limestone, and rusted leaving it red in color
*The first Native Americans were the Sinagua and then the Apache, later settlers took over in late 1800's
*A man named T.C. Schnebly started a post office since mail service to the area was so slow - all the names he wanted were supposedly too long so he named it after his wife, Sedona
*Many artists come to Sedona because it is so inspiring; one artist, a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright named Marguerite Saude Brunswig wanted to create a place that would allow people of all faiths to come & worship God. She designed what is now the Chapel of the Holy Cross.  
We were able to go inside and look around this incredible prayer site and we were just in awe of it's beauty.  
After our trolley ride we had a few hours to grab lunch, visit the shops uptown, and explore Schnebly Hill before we went horse back riding.  Getting to the ranch was an adventure in itself, but once we got there we were taken back by all the horses.  A guy about our age looked at each of us one by one and told us what horse we would have (yes, simply by looking at us).  We realized that these horses are so used to being ridden and the trails that it really only mattered how big or small we were, not whether we were experienced riders or anything else.  I hopped on a light brown male horse named Colorado and Chris got on a deep brown and white male named Sid.  They briefly told us how to start, steer, and stop our horses and off down the trail we went.  It was liberating and I could see how people rode horses to free their minds.  This experience allowed us to get into our love of horses and who knows, we might even get horses of our own some day. 
That evening when we got back, we got ready for our New Years Eve celebration for sushi, music, champagne, dancing, and the count down. :) 


Day 3: A New Year of Marriage
After having talked about our resolutions the night before, our second year of marriage is full of promises  and blessings!  We started out the day with a savory breakfast with a candied apple in wine sauce (better than it sounds..), ham, a western 6 shooter (an egg dish with supposedly 6 ingredients added), walnut bread and fruit.  We sat again with our earthy friends and a wise older couple talking about our previous adventures and the ones to come.  Although we had a late night, Chris & I were ready to take on the trails of Cathedral Rock.  Getting the fresh air and an adrenaline rush up the fairly steep rocks was exhilarating, but the views were absolutely breath-taking!  As usual, Chris had to keep motivating me to go higher up until we couldn't go much more.. of course he found another area where he could continue proceeding upwards while I just took in the scenery. :) 

That afternoon we had reservations at a winery for a tour and tasting!  The Winery grew mostly Syrah and Petite Syrah grapes.  We got to see how they grow and the complex process they go through turning them into different kinds of wines depending on how they are fermented and blended, as well as how long they are stored in oak barrels.  (They also get other fresh fruits from Southeastern AZ to make their delicious wines).  We learned a ton and got to soak in our new knowledge with tastes from their selections.  I started from bright whites, then rosa, and finally reds while Chris just stuck with his full-bodied reds ending up with purple lips!  We even got free glasses that say "I stole this glass from Page Springs Cellars Winery" and bought a bottle of Grenache (my favorite one there).  Once we got back to uptown Sedona, we made our way through some more shops to get a couple last souvenirs to remember our inspiring weekend.  That evening we were so worn out that we ordered a pizza & bought chocolates from a chocolate factory to enjoy in the comfort of our room, Sacred Feather and a movie that we borrowed. Before resting up for our day of traveling home, I wrote a message in the journal/guestbook in our room from the owners about all we were able to do in our weekend and how thankful we were for the opportunity to spend it at Boots and Saddles.


Day 4: Until Next Time
We woke up slowly like usual but eager to make our way back home while we had the energy to be on the road. So, after we had another sweet breakfast (a pineapple treat, blueberry french toast and bacon) and said "see you next year" to all our new friends, we packed up and were back on the road.  What began as a weekend of celebration, ended up being so much more... we left feeling inspired to keep riding horses, collect postcards from all the places we continue traveling to, and hold on to our wine corks (the real ones are becoming rare!) so we can turn them into a cork-board!  We also had our eyes opened up to a world of beauty we hardly knew existed.  


Souvenirs collected:
*"Hey! What's the Name of That Rock!" booklet of all the rock formations, their names, and a brief summary
*5 Sedona postcards
*a comfy long sleeved Thermal for me
*a clay angel from the Chapel of the Holy Cross
*2 glasses from the winery
*a bottle of wine (keeping the cork!)
*a Sedona shot glass for Chris's inherited collection
*a bunch of pictures & memories!

From the Home Front

If I would have known someday I would be married to a Marine, I would have pictured myself separated from him during a deployment looking depressed, lonely, and probably crying my eyes out with a box of chocolate (you know, like in the movies?).  Actually, I’m going to be 100% honest right now, this really would have been me had this deployment happened earlier on in my life.  But the day Chris left was not exactly the easiest day because it was the last day of school with my first group of 3^rd graders.  My kids were strangely sensitive towards me and even cried more than I did on that last day, not wanting to go (but that’s another story).  

By the grace of God, I got to go to a conference for a few days with girls from work, and then home right away to my family for a month.  I was kept busy and had little time to think about my husband being away (except when I was reminded by seeing my brothers and their cute girlfriends together!).  I didn’t even have to fly home by myself because I had my little pupperonis, and so my dad traveled with me to San Diego and back to my house for a couple days. Once school started up we all know how consumed I was with making sure my classroom was PER-FECT. 

Now that the classroom is all organized to my liking, procedures and behavior is in place, report cards & conferences are done for first quarter things are quiet.  I am not crying my eyes out or depressed.  I am… at peace.

Okay, I need to be real here – back up to when I had to spend my first week completely alone.  I had a spirit of fear in me.  I like my independence but I had NEVER been living totally on my own.  When things break, I either have to wait for someone else to help me or figure it out myself.  The first or second night by myself, this is a true story, I laid there eyes wide open with my dogs barking at every little sound.  We legitimately heard a sound and all popped right out of bed.  I thought, “great this is the end, my husband is away and people know it and they’re coming to get me”.  So what did I do? What any other freaked out girl alone would do… pistol in hand, creeped slowly out into the living room with my little body guards at my side… flipped the light switch on AND… and nothing.  I realized how silly I looked, put the gun away and laid back down and prayed for the spirit of fear to be broken.   Each morning from then on whenever I read about God’s promises for my life, I am told that I am safe every single day in his presence. 

The fact that I am alone, yet not lonely just proves that the word of Christ is living!  I don’t have to have a pity-me life while my husband is gone, AND I sleep very well, rest- assured that nothing or no one is going to hurt me.  In fact, I am blessed! Through my tour of duty God has proven to me that I CAN live without depending on other people or things, but solely on Him.  

With only a handful of weeks left to go, we are & have persevered! Our marriage is stronger than ever and we are receiving a new life when he comes home.  As we move to Camp Pendleton in a few months, I am torn at the fact that I will be leaving my students (officially my new babies).  I love our home here and my church family, but here we have an opportunity of a lifetime. God has heard our prayers to start a family with the benefits of the Marine Corps without anymore deployments, and that’s exactly what we are receiving.  I am so excited to go and reach out to other Marine wives and families and have new children to share my life with.  This isn’t the life I would have chosen for myself, but that’s only because it’s way better than I ever thought I could have. 

My devotional about being “A Good Solider”

“We are free to choose between life and death, yet God has chosen us to be enlisted in his army! Even though this is a mystery our finite minds cannot easily grasp, even if we do not completely understand we can just choose to receive Jesus and be grateful that he chose us.”

“Just as a good soldier of Christ I must endure suffering along with Him and not let myself become tied up with the affairs of this world because then I cannot satisfy the one who enlisted me!”

 “If we get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights or let fear take over our lives then we lose our senses as we are stuck in the enemy’s trap, held captive by him to do whatever he wants.  Ungodliness spreads like a cancer!”

“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose.  Your life will be clean and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”