Proud Mama

Downfall of my spirit

2008-08-23T09:06:00.004-07:00

Well I'm not sure how many people know this by now but I am pregnant!! I am currently 1 month along. This is a surprising blessing. We were thinking about having another child, but hadn't quite decided when. So that's why I call it a surprise...

I wanted to wait and get pregnant when I actually started working so the baby would be due after school got out, but the baby is now due in April so I won't be able to work all the way through the school year. But since I don't have a full time job (because I'm missing a certification for Spanish speaking students) I'm just subbing for now. This actually works out better because then I don't have to take maternity leave... but is a downfall because I don't get the insurance.

Anyways... I am very excited and nervous about our upcoming child. I know that Jezreel will be fine with the new baby because she loves everyone. But I think she might get a bit jealous at times of mom paying attention to the new baby. But that's not the reason for the downfall of my spirit....

I was calling my insurance company to find out more information about their pregnancy coverage and I came to find out that they DO NOT COVER PREGNANCY!!! I was totally shocked because I researched forever to find a good insurance company, and I could of sworn that they said on the comparison page that they covered pregnancy. But it must of been one of those small print things that I didn't see or got confused with another company that I was comparing and just assumed. I have now learned to call people when I am completing important information instead of doing it on the Internet.

Well needless to say I totally let Satan into my heart and let him take control over my emotions. I was mad at the insurance company for not covering pregnant women, mad at myself for not looking at all the fine print (I was in a hurry because our insurance was about to expire and we were moving), mad at Ryan (for no reason at all), mad at the world because I was pregnant and not prepared for the new baby. I want the best for my family at all times and to be prepared for the unexpected (how can I do that when I don't know what the unexpected is, right??) I just wanted vengeance on someone.. I didn't know how, or who...

Well after crying hysterically for an hour (all the while I was supposed to be watching Jez, watching one of the other ministers children, and getting lunch ready for the family), Ryan was just trying to tell me that everything would be o.k. and that God would provide, just like he always does for our family. I was just thinking... well how... how can God help me now? I have no options, no where to go... I was thinking of the expenses that we were going to have to pay for this baby, and how we were going to be "put out" of looking for a house because we weren't going to be able to afford it anymore... etc.

I'm still not sure how I got to this point emotionally or spiritually but it was not a fun time. I know that I have to have faith in God and that he always provides a way. Satan is always working and trying to find foot holes in my life and I have to do my best to resit the temptation to let him in. I eventually just had to let go of my fear of not having all my ducks in line and turn it over to God. Eventually it will work out and I will not have to worry about having the right insurance, or even money to cover the cost if we don't get it.

I did find some options for insurance... Medical in California will cover just the pregnancy and another option is since Ryan's work has group insurance I can get on that even if I have a pre-existing condition (which is sometimes considered pregnancy in individual plans). The only draw back to this one is sometimes there is a waiting period before you are able to be seen by a doctor and the insurance company doesn't have a set "waiting period".

But either way, I have put it in God's hands now and am trying to learn how to let go of situations that may not always be expected. Life is full of surprises and I have to take them in stride...

Family Update

2008-07-21T20:59:00.007-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. I kind of took a personal strike from blogger because no one was reading... but I have missed my blogger community and I know that the people that do read my blog (and don't leave comments) are missing my updates.

We successfully moved to Woodland, CA as of May 15th and Ryan is adjusting to working with the youth group here at the church and I am adjusting to not "working" (although being a stay at home mom is really hard work). The church here is growing slowly but surely. The outreach church that we are sistering with is a great help to the youth group and Ryan is getting connected to local churches in the area to participate in activities.

I am waiting on my certification to come into California so I can teach full time next year. It is a long process to be patient and wait, but I am trying to stay positive and know that everything will work out.

We just put an offer in on our third house that we've wanted. The other two didn't work out (although one of them just came back on the table, but that's another story) so we are hoping that this one will work out. Here is a picture of it. It's a Tuscan Revival home that is two stories with an unfinished basement that we plan on finishing.

My family came out for a visit at the end of may for a week and Jezreel, Ryan, and I went to all different places. We went to Napa Valley and saw a gazer there, San Francisco to Alcatraz, the zoo in Sacramento, berry picking in Woodland, the jelly belly factory in Vacaville, and playing at the park. We had a great time visiting with my family and it was great to go and see some interesting sites. Here are some pictures from our adventures....

Tying to give the goat a kiss She couldn't stop laughing at the goats

We all squeezed into a tram cart together so Walking down the steps at Coit Tower.

we wouldn't have to walk down the hill.

Jezreel and me My smiley happy girl

Loving daddy In the Kangaroo pouch with her uncle Adam

Frustrations

2008-03-18T15:50:00.002-07:00

I've been so frustrated with myself lately. This is supposed to be an exciting time for my family. Ryan getting a new job (hopefully), moving to a new town, and maybe even owning a house again. But lately all it seems that I have been doing is thinking negatively about myself and the things that are happening around me. I have this tendency to get defensive about any comment that is supposed to be helpful. I don't know why I do it... it doesn't even help the situation any (it usually makes it worse).

I usually get this way when things aren't on solid ground for me. And I guess with the "softness" of everything around me, I am getting antsy. I don't adjust to change well and don't like moving either. And it seems that both have to come inevitably soon. I guess it's because of all the moving my family has done over the past few years. It seems that we are at a place for 6+ months and then move again. I get friends and then have to leave them, find a great church and then have to leave it.

I try to control things around me and God lets me know that I am defiantly not. He trys to keep reminding me of this but I ignore him. It is so hard for me to not be in control of my life and the things that happen to me. But I know that I have to let God handle it because if I was in total control.... well I don't want to know what would happen if I was in control. I know that God lets us have choices and I don't always make the right ones... but I am so bad at asking for help.
**Help to know the right things to say to someone in need, how to control my emotions and not let anger take over, slow down and look at the situation, not let my daughter control my emotions, letting go of the past, being the best christian I can be.

I guess I have the hardest time with letting go of the past and letting things that happened to me in the past control my emotions and how I think of people and what they are saying. I know this is not a very christian thing to do, but I guess because I got hurt for such a long time and at the deepest part of my soul that it is the hardest thing to let go. I want to let go of it completely because I know I would feel so much better about myself and things around me, but I don't know how to completely let go. I've tried everything.. talking, writing, etc. but nothing has seemed to work. I also know that it is a slow progress and I am in a better spot than I was three years ago. But I want to be completely rid of everything. Ryan just keeps telling me to keep talking and praying about it and eventually it will go away. But being human, I am impatient.

Well I guess I have to take Ryans advice and keep praying about it and working on my imperfections. It is just good to know that I have friends to count on and talk to in times of need.

Christmas Vacation

2008-01-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Ryan, Jezreel, and I went to Georgia for the christmas break and it was a great and enjoyable vacation. Although I did learn that we are NEVER taking an over night flight again unless I give my daughter some sleeping medicine (or she's old enough to understand that she can't scream for 5 hours!!!). We had lots of fun visiting my family and friends back in Georgia. Here are some pictures of things we did while we were home.

The weather in Georgia while we were home was very warm. We were able to go to the beach and hang out. While we were there people were in bathing suits and playing in the sun. There weren't too many people playing in the water, but we had to try and get her in while we were there.

She's a portland girl, what can I say. She doesn't like the sun.

She didn't want to put her feet in the water. It was too cold

Trying to build sand castles

Feeling a soft shell my sister found on the beach

I enjoy a car ride most of the time.

Attempting to climb a rhino

Now trying to figure out how to get down.

Thanksgiving Holiday

2007-11-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

Ryan, Jezreel and I went to Stockton to visit his family. We had lots of fun seeing as Jezreel turned one year on November 16th and his grandfather turned 90 on the 17th. It is always crazy when you have so many family members in one spot at the same time. Here are some picture from our trip

Grandpa's dress

All the grandchildren

Ryan's grandfather

Oh come on dad, enough love!!!

I can play the piano

Pics of Jez

2007-10-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

So in an effort to get some updated pics of Jez I got my crappy camera to work. I really hope we decide to get a new one for Christmas, but sorry that's a side note.

I will let you know that I decided to take these while we were putting away clothes. And then she started throwing them all over the floor. It was very funny. Then she started with the hangers. She thought that was a riot. It's amazing to me what she finds entertaining. Like right now I'm watching her try to get some curtain rods behind our couch and she is laughing because she can't get them.. But anyways.

I really love being a mom. Even though sometimes it can be stress full. Like when she doesn't want to go to bed when she's really tired or doesn't want to keep her bib on while we are feeding her spaghetti o's. But she reminds me to laugh at the little things like Peek-a-boo or bubbles.

Lots of new and exciting things

2007-08-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

So I got a job as a pre-school teacher (only part time, but I will be teaching) so that means that Ryan and I are moving next weekend (August 8-9) because we have to be out of our aparment by the 10th of August. We are hoping to be able to move in early so we aren't doing everything at once.

Jez is getting bigger by the day and crawling around now. I'm waiting on pics from my parents (because my camera is horrible) from when we went to Tennessee so I can post those.

Life is a little stressful right now and I sometimes forget to relax and end up taking my stress out on Ryan. He is very patient with my mood swings and loves me none the less. I just hope that I can one day resist the urge to get angry so quickly and take it out on Ryan. That is the biggest struggle that I have. I feel so bad for it afterwards, but when it's happening I just get out of control and can't stop my anger. I don't ever get violent because I don't believe in that.. I just raise my voice and yell at Ryan. The devil definatly has a strong foothold on me in this department. I pray everyday that I can learn to release my stress to God and allow myself to rely on him to take care of everything. Because I do know in my heart that he will take care of everything eventually. It is such a hard thing sometimes to rely on someone that you don't see, you don't always feel the presence of, or even think that they are listening to you. But I do know that God is always around, he is always taking care of me, and he loves me unconditionally.

I am starting a new book called the Power of a Praying wife with the women at my church. I really hope that this will not only give me the opportunity to learn how to pray for my husband, but to converse with other women and talk to them about their frustrations of being a wife and a mother.

Job Hunt and such

2007-07-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

I am currently still on the lookout for teaching jobs or something that involves children. I have had a couple of prospects, but nothing permanate as of yet. I am hoping to line up a couple of interviews before we go on vacation.

I am so looking forward to going on vacation. I need a break from my house and my tenants. They are driving me nuts!! It's also really hard to work where you live.. but oh well.

I'm not quite sure what else I want to say.. I'm just stressed right now about future stuff and the unknown. I hate not knowing, but don't you go through most of your life not knowing.

I also am struggling with... how to put it.... not being challenged spiritually. Church is great, but I'm not getting a lot of meat there, it's milk. Which does help me learn the Bible better, but I also feel like I need to be ministering to people, or helping people out, or something. I just feel like there is this void inside of me that hasn't been filled since I left Brunswick. It might be because I'm not working in a profession that challenges me so my brain is not working as hard or because I'm not involved in something at church (except for Saturday night small group). I don't know. And it's hard to fill a void when you don't know exactly what they void is there for.

I'm also getting very short tempered with my husband, all the time. I feel like I am constantly getting angry or stressed about something little he said. I think that this is because we are around each other all day long and the only break we get from each other is the 4 hours that I go to work (if i go work that long) and during that time he is taking care of Jez. I feel like such a bad wife sometimes, because I talk before I think and it ends up in this huge argument that didn't need to happen in the first place. I like being selfish and getting things my way.. but i know that this is not how a marrage works. I am trying to work on realizing that my husband jokes all the time and he's hardly every serious about anything he says to me. Along with not being so stressed out all the time.

Anyways.. I better get to bed, it's late. Sorry for rambling. I appreciate prayers and loyal readers

Pics

2007-05-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

So, I wanted to put up pics also.

For the few people that do read my blog

2007-05-31T21:39:00.000-07:00

So, I know that I don't post that often. and the subjects usually aren't "debateable" or whatever.. but for those of you who are loyal.. THANKS!!

Anyways (after that brief tantrum)... Ryan has been out of town since Tuesday and I really hate it when he leaves. I don't sleep well, Jezzy always fusses, it's hard for me to work the way I want, and I have to go yell at me tenants late at night and leave Jez alone in the appartment.

I'm having a really tough strugle right now with my job and what God wants me to do right now with my life. I know that I'm supposed to be preparing for the mission field (which I totally feel inadequate for, but that's another story). But, I don't know what I need to be doing as far as a job so I can help support my family. Ryan doesn't work because he is going back to school in the fall and the VA is going to pay for it (which is a wondeful blessing). So, that means to make up the difference, one of us has to work. Well, the VA really doesn't want Ryan to get a job and I know how much Ryan struggles with school, so I feel like I need to contribute and plus I really want to work (or at least have something to occupy my time besides Jez). But, at this job that I'm doing currently I work and take care of Jez (well some of the time because usually Ryan is home and can take care of her) and the house and the cooking, cleaning, etc... It just all piles up on me and I feel like I'm going to cave in. Now, don't get me wrong, Ryan helps most of the time... but still.....

SO, I don't know if this means that I need to find someone to watch Jez when Ryan goes back to school (because I would hate for him to have to take her, although I know he could do it) or find a different job- but put her in child care. If I could find a job taking care of other peoples children, I would jump on it in a heart beat (as long as they didn't mind that I had my own child)... but it had to pay enough for healthcare, part of a house or apparment payment, cell phone, car insurance, gas, etc. So, I don't know.

I just need some major prayers of support right now.... or suggestions or anything at all..

5 months old and counting

2007-05-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures from the first week of April. I'm hoping to get professional ones for Mothers Day.. .but we'll see. We have been wonderfully blessed lately with things falling into place. The VA finally gave us the info that we needed to hear (they are going to pay for Ryans school and give Ryan some money for the rest of his life), Ryans truck will finally be getting fixed and we'll be able to have two cars again, we had a wonderful time at Pepperdine and Jezzy is growing big and will be 6 months in a couple of weeks.

Pepperdine was a good time for renewal of spirit and faith. This trip came at a time of struggle spiritually for me, so I had a great time singing songs, listening to lectures, and being spiritually uplifted. If you ever get a chance to go to Pepperdine, you should. I'll keep you guys updated on our orphanage process. Nelly Starkel is working on our business licence for us along with our non profit orginization licence. Anywho.. that's an update

4 months

2007-03-17T12:20:00.001-07:00

So I never posted pics from 3 months, so I'll combine them with this post.

Jezreel is now 4 months old, so that means she just got her second round of shots. She is now 11 pounds 3 ounces and 24 inches long. Which means that she is too skiny and very long. We were instructed to start giving her rice cereal so she can start to gain weight. They're not too worried about her weight, but would like to see her a bit heavier.

Well, we are finally moved to Portland. We found a job as appartment managers at La Haceinda. We get a 2 bedroom town house and a $500 a month payment on top of it. It's not the nicest apparment in the world, but it is also not the worst. I'm excited to finally be up here and able to start the next phase of our lives and get onto the orphanage.

It still is a bit scary to think of moving to Central America somewhere, but also very exciting... anywho

So, if you're in the area our address is 7920 SE 72nd Ave apt 26 Portland, OR 97206 or give us a call

3 months

2007-02-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

So not very much has been happening since my last post. We are still living in California, but hope to be moving to Portland before the beginning of March. We're looking for appartment manager jobs so that way I can keep Jezreel with me and Ryan can go to school and flip houses on the side. I really hope that we find a job soon because I'm ready to move on to our next stage in life. We do have a job interview this Monday so anyone that is in Portland e-mail me your number at emilykpeters@hotmail.com (because Ryan lost his and I don't have everyones number) and we'll try to hang out with you while we're there. Pray that this door will open for us and we can move up there and start working.

Jezreel is now 3 months old. She has gotten so big it's amazing. I'm finally able to put away all newborn or 0-3 month old outfits and get her into her "old girl clothes". She's now holding her head up fairly well, sometimes playing on her tummy, and ocassionally rolls over when we have her on her stomach. She sleeps mostly through the night, but still doesn't like to be layed down for a nap (unless she's raped up well), but we're getting there. She has put herself to sleep a couple of times, so we're definatly getting there. We're now into a routine, which makes it easier to get things done.

I will try to get some updated pics of us up soon, I just have to take them. Hope to see some of you soon.

2 months

2007-01-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

Jezzy will be 2 months on January 16th. I can't believe that she is that old already. I guess time really does fly by when you're having fun. We found out that she is allergic to formula, so we had to switch to soy. She is adjusting well to the new formula and seems to do much better with it when we do give it to her. We try not to give it to her too often, only when I know that it's not going to be convenient for me to feed her. She is now almost 10 pounds. We go in on Tuesday for her shots (Not looking forward to that) so I'll be able to find out exactly how much she weighs and how long she is.

Now, updates on Ryan and I. I am going to Georgia for two weeks to visit family and friends. Just me and Jezzy are flying (which will be interesting to experience) home, so I'm pretty excited about that. Ryan will be traveling to Portland to find a job, a home for us to live in, or a house to flip. We are hoping to find a job/place to live by March so we can move up there and get out of Cheryl's house. I love living with my mother-in-law.. but I really want to live in my own house with my husband and baby. We haven't really lived alone very much since we've been married. Before we move here, Jordan was living with us for 6 months and then we moved here (been here for 5 months). So for one year of our 2 year marriage either someone was living with us or we've been living with someone... and remember for the first 7 months of our marriage, Ryan wasn't even here. That means we've only lived alone for 5 months!! Wow, that's really sad when you think about it.. anywho.

We're just waiting for open doors right now on what Gods going to provide for us next. I really hope that we can both find a decent jobs to support our family and provide health insurance for us. I really miss teaching and want to find something that will allow me to get out of the house and meet some new people. I don't have very many close friends here and would like to be somewhere where I can hang out with more people my age. We're also ready to get our orphanage process started, so if you know anyone who has gone through the process of getting a non-profit business licence, please let us know. We appreciate prayers of patience as we wait for Gods plan to happen for us. I know that in good time whatever needs to happen in our life will happen, but it is very hard to be patient when you know what you want to do and nothing is happening to allow that to happen.

The past 2 weeks

2006-12-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

Jezreel is now 2 1/2 weeks old and it has been an interesting time. The first night was rough as she didn't sleep hardly any. She has now gotten a sleep schedule down where I feed her around 10, again at 1, then at 4:30ish. So, overall that is a woundeful blessing. She still has her up and down days, just like any human being. But, overall she is such a wonderful baby. But, I have heard that wonderful babies are horrible toddlers.. Let's hope not.

Ryan and I are getting excited about moving to Portland in January so he can start school. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about working and if I do work where to take Jezzy for daycare. If any one has any suggestions; I would greatly appreciated.

Jezreel Lee Peters

2006-11-19T14:26:00.000-08:00

Jezreel Lee Peters arrived Nov. 16th at 11:42 p.m. She weighed 6 pounds 13 oz and is 20" long.

The delivery went very fast despite not having any medicine. I was in labor about 25 minutes total (I really have no clue.. but Ryan does). She had a very easy 2 nights in the hospital, sleeping most of the night and not crying very much. The first night home was a different story. She was very cranky and had a hard time latching on. But, once she settled down I finally was able to feed her and she feel asleep (this was around 12 or 1). She didn't wake up again until 5 and then she feed for an hour. She has a rough time every now and then.. but overall she is a very content baby.

We are so excited to have her home. My mom (who lives in GA) was unable to be here for the birth, but she is here now spoiling her first grandchild. I appreciate all the congrats and warm welcomes. She can't wait to meet everyone.

updates

2006-11-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

Well, our house is under contract and will hopefully sell by the 20th of November. There are some things that the home inspector found that our real estate agent suggests we should do in order for the house to sell. We're not going to do everything, seeing as it adds up to 3,000 dollars worth of repairs. We're just going to do some of the repairs that will add up to about 500 dollars and come back with a counter off that the interested buyers will accept.

I have about 2 1/2 weeks left in my pregnancy, but I really don't think I'm going to last that long. I have an appointment tomorrow, so hopefully I'll know more then. I'm getting really excited and nervous about the baby coming and what to do after peanut is here.

I have a camera now, I just have to get a USB cord to hook up the camera to the computer. I will put up some much needed ultrasound pics.

Children that need sponsers

2006-10-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

I was visiting a friends website who got a list from the people at the orphanage that states which kids have sponsors and which don't. I decided I'd let everyone see just a few of the kids that don't have sponsors. There are 43 of the current 80 kids that don't have sponsors. 17 of those are girls, and 26 are boys. The below pictures are of kids that are in need of sponsors. If you would like to sponsor one of these kids for only $35 a month, please let me know. I will then give you their full name so you can go to Colene and get started. Thanks for putting up with all my "advertising" for these kids, but you know what they say... You can always ask. It's better to put the need out there and see if anyone is willing.

Arnfulo

Carla

Edwin and Angel

Grisel

Jesus Kevin

L to R Manuel, Jesus, Angel

Wendy and Melissa

There are many more, so let me know the age and gender that you would like to sponser and I will give it to Collene or Hannah (who cordinate the sponsorship).

Hello All

2006-10-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

I know that it has been a while since I've posted something new, so I figured I should probably update everyone on what's been going on.

About 2 weeks ago I went in for a doctors appointment and they heard the baby's heart fluttering, so the doc ordered an eco-cardiogram for the baby just to make sure it wasn't what Ryan had or anything else. So, I had to go to Sacramento for a "Level 2" ultrasound (last Friday) where they can look into detail at organs and such. They looked at the heart and said that it wasn't happening that often and they didn't see anything developmental wrong with the heart so they put me on a strickt NO CAFFEINE, NO CHOCOLATE until the baby comes. Then I went for a follow up on Monday with my doctor and he listened to the baby's heart.. and wouldn't you know, everything was o.k. They did a non-stress test (which is where I get hooked up to the monitor and they make sure that they babies heart rate goes up when it moves and then goes back down afterwards) and everything was fine.. Although it was really funny to hear the baby hick-up... so on the baby side, everything is fine now and it's growing everyday. Peanut's head (that's what I've started to call the baby, instead of it) is down right now so it's back likes to push up against my ribs and it's head presses against my bladder.. so my whole stomach is starting to hurt right now... but I guess that's what comes with pregnancy.

I'm not working right now in Cali and neither is Ryan. It's kind of nice to be able to take this time to relax and just spend time with Ryan. We haven't gotten much of a chance to do that since we've been married, so it's been really nice to "get to know" my husband. It's amazing what you find out about people when you just sit down and have the time to talk to them and listen to what they're really saying.

We're also praying adamantly about our house selling in Georgia. In order for us to move to Portland our house either needs to sell or we have to find someone to rent it. So.... needless to say we really want our house to sell because we don't want to have the frustration of dealing with renters, etc.

I'm hoping to borrow my sister-in-laws camera so I can get updated pics of Peanut on here (as I know all of you are anxiously waiting for). I'll be 34 weeks tommorrow, so 6 WEEKS LEFT!!!

The mission trip

2006-09-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am now officially moved into Cheryl's house (although awaiting the rest of my clothing and "stuff" to get here from G.A.)

We had a wonderful time in Mexico. I can't believe how fast it went (we were there for 15 days) and how slow it went at the same time. I was ready to come home after the short time spent there... tired, sore, and feeling the effects of being 7 months pregnate and on my feet all day working.

The orphanage we visited is called Casa de Elizabeth and it is located in Imuris, Mexico (near Nogales, Mexico). It has been there for almost 20 years and has been run by the same two people (Manuel and Gabby). Right now they have about 85 kids ranging from the youngest being about 4 to the oldest being 18. They do have a few older "orphans" that have been there since they were little, but are now old enough to be considered non-adoptable by the state, but continue to live there because they have no were else to go (but know that they can work around the orphanage and have food and a place to stay).

All of the kids were adorable (as you will see in the pictures). The only problem at the orphanage is there isn't enough adult supervision for them, so they basically solve their own problems by either hitting, throwing rocks, or teasing back. I tried to (in broken spanish mind you) tell them to stop, but since the adults are hardly ever around to stop them, they don't listen to authority too well. They'd either look at me and give me a bad look and contine what they were doing or stop, wait unitl I wasn't looking and then hit them with something handy.

The kids loved the camera (me taking pictures of them and them taking pictures) and were always asking me for it (if I didn't have it with me). The kids also loved the fact that I was pregnant and always wanted to know what the baby was doing (sleeping, moving, etc).

Our main project that Jordan, Ryan, and I accomplished while we were there was putting in a brick walk way for the little boys and girls to the basketball court and the older girls to walk out to the same area. The area will also serve as a play area for the little ones during the day and a place for them to go when they wake up at 5 in the morning (it's fenced in) and not wandering around the orphanage. It took a lot of work because the area was not flat (to put grass in), so we had to shovel it up and turn it over (like you would with a roto-tiller) and then rake it so it would be at a slope. Then we had to shovel a 2" walkway to lay the bricks down, fill the bricks in with sand (they didn't have enough money to put in concrete at the time), and then put more sand in the next day. Needless to say this was a very time consuming and very hard project. We had to wait on rain-delays (because the ground would be muddy and unable to work in or with), the opportunity to get bricks, and other things like that. But, we did get it finished and it looks wonderful.

Ryan being taught how to play the violin

Getting Ready for the pinata!!! Hannah, Suzzie, and Jordan (some other Americans that visit once a month) bring a pinata and cake for the children's birthdays in that month. All the kids go crazy!!!

These are just a tast of all the photos we took at the orphanage of the kids. Here are some videos from the orphange. Snap fish is a free site, you just have to "sign up" in order to look at the pics and videos. Hope you enjoy.

Updated Pictures

2006-07-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

So, as promised I have new pictures. I don't really like the way they turned out on the camera I was using... so I might use my parents scanner and try it again.

It was fun seeing the baby again. At first the little booger was asleep and then all the sudden it woke up and was all over the place. The first lady that was doing the pictures (a trainee) was laughing because you could see it "head butting me" and "punching me" and I could feel it at the same time. One moment it's legs were over it's head and the next minute it's butt was right in our face on the screen. It was flipping all over the place and they couldn't get the best pictures of it. But we were able to see it's face (the pics here), the knees, feet, arms, and fingers.
arm is down at the bottom and another by its face. you can also see it's nose, lips, and a bit of ear .

feet are up at the top of the pic. the arm is also at the bottom of the pic.

We still don't know what it is, and aren't going to find out. I'm getting bigger by the week and as soon as I can get my camera working (it broke this weekend) I'll post some pics of me from a wedding I was in this weekend.

Upcoming Changes

2006-07-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

For the few of you that do read my lovely post, I can update you on what's happening with the Peters' family in Georgia.

Ryan found out on Friday that he is GETTING OUT OF THE ARMY!!!!! I'm so excited an nervous right now, I don't quite know what to do with myself. Nervous because I'm not quite sure what doors God will open for us i.e. jobs, school, and the baby. But, I have full faith that something good will come available for us.

Our plans are: Going on an easter seaboard trip in early August(up to Niagra Falls and back) to see New York, Washington, Kentucky, etc.... things that you have to see if you might not ever get a chance to see them again. From August 13th until Sept 1st(ish) we're going on our mission trip to Casa De Elisabeth. I will then be traviling to Cali to move in with Cheryl (Ryan's mom) while Ryan goes back to Georgia to finish up the whole Army thing and move our stuff to Portland. We should be in Cali around Sept. 6th or so (look forward to seeing everyone !!!) The baby is coming around Nov. 26th, so I'm going to be out of commission around that time.... so I have no idea what I'm going to be doing from Sept. to November. Probably helping Cheryl and Amy... who knows. Ryan is still looking for a job and we're hoping our house sells quickly so we don't have to worry about that.
After being in Cali for about a year or so, we're headed up to Portland so Ryan can finish his college degree and I can take some ministry classes.

It's going to be a crazy next couple of months, well probably years.. but I'm also looking forward to where God leads us and our search for our ministry. Any support for our up coming mission is greatly appreciated. Check out http://diaporlosninos.blogspot.com/ or http://diaporlosninosaboutus.blogspot.com/ for all the info!!

I will have another sonogram July 19th so I'll post pics of the baby and me.. seeing as lots of people are asking for one.

Summer Plans

2006-05-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Seeing as I only have 3 weeks left in school, it's time for me to start thinking about what I'm going to do for the summer. I am going to be limited to my activities seeing as I will be 5 months pregnate by July.

Our mission trip is still under way for July.. check out our other website http://diaporninos.blogspot.com for more info. I'm very excited about going and helping out with the kids and experience what it will be really like to have our own orphanage. This will also help me see what it's like to take care of a child.

Other than that, we're going to get our house ready to sell seeing as Ryan is getting (hopefully) out of the army. This is going to be a fun process seeing as we have so many "fix-it" projects to finish. I'm limited to the things that I can do (can't paint or handle any harmful chemicals). But, I am working on fixing the pillows, upholstering a couch, and anything household activites.

Hopefully we will see all of our family soon in California and Portland and get our orphanage process underway.

Baby pics

2006-04-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

hey all,

Just wanted to keep you updated on the baby progress. We did have a bit of a scare on Monday where I had to go to the emergency room because of some bright red bleeding that occured. We were in the ER from 7:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. The doctors cleaned me up and then did a vaganal ultral sound to see if they could hear the babys heart beat, see how it looked.. just to make sure everything was o.k. I got to hear the heart beat while I was in the room, it was amazing. I didn't get to see the images at the time, but I knew then that everything was o.k. The doctor told me that I had a 1/8cm hole in my placenta that is bleeding and that means that I can't do any excessive lifting, try to stay off me feet for long periods of time, no strenious activity, and limited stress. So needless to say, I'm letting Ryan and Jordan Allaway (who is now living with us for those who know him) do all the work around the house while I eat ice cream and watch t.v.

I'm also able to rest this upcoming week since I have spring break, so I will get some much needed R and R. This has really put us into percpective about the control that God has over our lives. On the way to the hospital, we just prayed that he would keep the baby safe no matter what happend, and if I do miscarry then I know where it will go. So, I keep the stress level down and pray daily that the lord will watch over my health and the babys.

The doctor that I saw the next day gave us the picture of the ultrasound and told us that it is 1 cm long, the heart rate is 145 and growing perfectly. Here are two pics below:

Can't really tell that it's a baby, but here it is.

Here's another one...

Quiz

2006-04-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sick and don't really have much to talk about.... I made up a silly quiz to see who knows me.

http://www.quizyourfriends.com/yourquiz.php?quizname=060401160522-749815&

Family Expanding again

2006-03-26T04:22:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I just found out on Thursday that we're going to be parents. This is very exciting news. We're both a little scared about what's going to be coming our way in the next nine months and the following years to follow, but we are both feeling very blessed that the Lord blessed us enough to have something created with love and with so much family. We do appreciate all of the prayers that people have been praying for us to have a baby. We also appreciate all continued prayer for us in the next months. If anyone has any helpful tips, it would greatly be appreciated. As soon as I have my first sonogram (in about 2-3 weeks) I'll post them up so everyone can keep up with our progress.

God works in mysterious ways

2006-03-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

It is amazing what they power of prayer and words that come out of your mouth are. While I was in college I went to school for early education but didn't complete it due to some personal problems. I changed to a general studies degree and have been trying to get back into teaching ever since then (July 2004). I currently got a paraprofessional job at an elementary school as a Reading Specialist.

In order to be a teacher in Georgia you have to pass two test called PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II. I passed both of those during my efforts to accomplish student teaching. The school board told me that all I had to do to get my certification was work full time at least one year (or the majority for a year in my case), submitt my application, and wait. Well, I did that and FINALLY GOT MY CERTIFICATION yesterday. This was a HUGE milestone for me and I just couldn't contain my joy.

During my work day I work with various students on their reading and a few EIP teachers. There was this one fifth grade teacher that I loved working with but.. sometimes she just worked on my nerves. I had not been talking very nicely about her (not nasty things, just doubting her teaching styles). She told me a while back that she had to have surgery due to some pre-cancer.

Long story short... the lord was speaking to my heart this morning to tell my co-worker to pray for her and her surgery. I also felt compeled to appologize to the Lord for my wrong thoughts. Then... this afternoon, my principle asked me to be her long term sub while she is out. This is a huge step for me seeing as I would be able to show my teaching abilities to the principle and work outside of my job that I had been hired for. I just felt so blessed and happy to be offered this postition. I just knew that God was working in this situation despite my "nasty" words about her.

I just got on my knees this afternoon and prayed that God would forgive me for the thoughts that I had and allow me to be sucessful in her room. I also thanked him for the wonderful opportunity that he had placed on my door and that it would lead to a full time job nex year. This just reminds me of how simple words or thoughts are in our daily life. We should always be thoughtful of what we think and say about people because God will more than likely put us in their path to help them out. This helps me become a better christian and a better person.

New additions to the family

2006-02-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I just added two new members to our family this past weekend. Caesar is a black mut that was living at my best friends grandmothers' house and no one wanted him. Pixie is a blond/brown mut that Ryan got for me for Valentines Day.

At first they didn't get along because Caesar is very skitsky and doesn't know how to play with other dogs (very bad when Pixie loves to play with other dogs). Once they got to know each other, Ceasers hormones flaired and he wanted to well "get to know her a little better".....

They are now getting along fine and play nicely in our yard. We get to take them on walks around the yard and they are always happy to see us (I think they like me better). Hopefully we will get a fence soon so they can run around and play.

I just keep praying that the Lord will allow us to keep growing our family in due time.

I promise I'm not missing

2006-02-17T05:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it has been way too long since I have posted a blog.... but I don't think it really matters anyways because an average of two people actually comment to my postings. But, it at least allows me to get my thoughts out of my head.

Ryan and I are finally in our house. It is coming together slowly but surley. We bought paint and fabric yesterday for some picker-upers in our home. We're going to have a Garage sale Saturday and Sunday, so I pray that everything goes well.

We are also adding two family memebers to our house. Ryan bought me a dog for Valentines day (a total surprise by the way) and then we are adopting another dog from the other house that we used to live in. As soon as we get some more progress on our house than I will put up some more pics.

I also would like for everyone to pray for Ryan and I. We are trying to have a baby and so far haven't bee fortunate enough to grow our family. I would like the prayer just to be that if the Lord has it in our plan to have a baby now that he will bless us with having one or if we need to focus on taking care of foster children (another idea of ours) then he allows that to happen.

Our new House

2006-01-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I will soon be able to move into our new house. The closing date is supposed to be January 24th. I just have to keep praying that all the repairs get done on time and the appraser approves the repairs.

We have been fortunate lately on finding furniture for our home. Between the two of us all we have is: dishes, silverware, two t.v.'s, a dresser, a twin bed, a t.v. stand, washer, and a place to put our dirty laundry. Other than that, we have absolutly nothing and we don't have a whole lot of money right now to buy expensive things. I honestly just prayed really hard that the Lord would lead us to things that we could afford (until all of the cost for the house closing went away). And wouldn't you know it, we have found tons of things for about $600. I just thank the Lord that we were fortunate enough to find these things.

Once we get moved in and settled we would love for EVERYONE to come and visit us. I know that this is a hard things since most of Ryan's friends live in Cali or Portland.... but, we'll have two extra rooms and a living room to sleep in.

I've included some pictures of our house. We plan on doing some renovations to make it a bigger place. As we complete them or start working on them I'll have a before/after blog. It's going to be an exciting time and I hope that everyone can continue praying for us.

Front of the House

Back Yard

Family Vacation

2005-12-23T15:53:00.000-08:00

I love having time off... it's so great.... You get to spend time with your family traveling, cleaning the house, and picking up after people.

Well, my family (Ryan, me, my mom, dad, sis, and brother) took a trip to Ohio to see my mom and dads' side of the family (that's where they're from). And man, it was the longest five days I've ever had.

We left at 6 p.m from Hinesville and drove (all of us in a van) to Atlanta (about 3 hours away) and found a hotel to stay in. We had a plane flight at 11 a.m the next morning. So, we bundled into two rooms and then wisked away to the Airport. I hate huge airports by the way. They are way too busy and the people aren't as friendly. Well, needless to say we arrived in Ohio without any bumps or bruises but didn't know if we had a minivan rented or two cars (that would be fun trying to figure out our way around Ohio I thought....). Then it turns out that they had a van for us (but the thing was a bit tiny on cargo room and we had to store some of our items in our laps).

Needless to say there was snow everywhere and I thought we were going to die because it's been so long since any of us had drivin in snow. But, we made it to my aunts house (my mom's sister) and was able to eat dinner after starving for 3 hours on the plane and car trip over there. Now the fun part comes along, trying to accomidate everyone in beds so they can be comfortable. Luckily my Aunt had a couple of extra rooms and we had some air mattress. Otherwise, we would have been SOL. It snowed a bit that night, so Ryan and my dad had to de-ice the car, which was fun to watch... but very cold at the same time.

Then we were off to my dad's side of the Family for the Richards annual Christmas Party. Ryan had never met any of my extended family so it was time to drag out the family tree and explain how everyone was related to me. Luckily my dad was there to help because it had been three years since I had seen any of these people and I didn't know if I could even remember who was still married, which kids belonged to who, etc. But it was fun trying to get Ryan to understand it all. He put the pieces together much better once he saw all of them. That night of sleeping wasn't as great as the first one. All of our air mattress deflated, so by the morning we were practically on the floor. But, we had fresh snow on the ground so we decided to play outside. It was so cold, and jens aren't exactly the best snow playing attire either. But, we did get to go sledding down a hill a few times (I fell a lot, but don't have those pics unfortunatly.. my dad does).
Julie getting clobbered by Ry
Ryan trying to build a snow Reindeer

Contemplating on whether or not to throw the snow balls at me.

We then had to head to a Hotel in order to get some sleep for our 8 a.m flight the next day. I was just praying that we would get out of there because of all the ice clouds and snow storms that were projected to come into the area.

We get to the airport and everything goes great. We board the plane and sit, and sit, and sit some more. Finally the piolet comes on and notifies us that the de-icers aren't working. We then have to deboard the plane and pray that we can get another flight to Atlanta. The only bad thing is, the flight we were on was a combined flight of 3 previous cancelled flights. So, that was going to be fun. Well, needless to say we got a plane ride back home that day. And didn't get into Hinesville until 1 a.m. But, over all I think it was a fun family vacation. I'll just have to remember to go to Ohio when it's not snowing.

1 Year

2005-12-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't belive that Ryan and I have been married a year. And when I look back at what has happened over the past 12 months... it seems so much longer than a year.

It's amazing to think that we were married for 1 month and then Ryan left for Iraq. I think that those were the hardest 6 months of our lives. I can look back and think of the phone calls that always made me cry, the late nights talking on the internet, the first moment I got to see him on the web came (cried my eyes out), the many letters that I wrote, and then the scarry phone call from some nurse telling me Ryan had been medivacted to Kuwait because of his heart. I then remember praying adamatley for him to come home...

Well, soon enough the Lord was kind enough to bring Ryan home to us and his friends. The last 6 months have been AMAZING with Ryan home.. I honestly don't know how I could have lasted with him being deployed for a whole year, but that's not here nor there.... We have been able to appreciate each other so much more than I could have ever imagined.

It's also very exciting to think that we have the opportunity to celebrate our love. We went to Savannah, toured the historic distric in a horse drawn carrage, hoped over to The Pirates House for dinner, and then went to Savannah Smiles (a piano bar). Here are some pics

I have realized that even though we have been through some major ups and downs I still have the most amazing husband in the whole world. The blog he posted on his site made me cry my eyes out. I just couldn't imagine being any happier

Old Friends

2005-11-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

O.k., so I ran across a few old friends Myspace site the other day and I'm in a predictiment to add a friend.

See here's the background of the WHOLE story (*the names are ficticious except mine): We were all in high school and I was dating this guy *Paul , and his best friend *Joe was dating *Lisa, and then there was *Jake, and *Tom thrown into the mix (all being best buds and all). My boyfriend *Paul and I had a horrible 7 year relationship that ended VERY badly and *Paul's bestfriend *Joe and *Lisa also had a very bad break up. I still remained friends with *Joe and *Lisa, but had separate contacts with the two of them (seeing as they hate each other).

Any way to get to the point. I haven't talked to *Paul in a really long time because of many reasons, but the main one is while my husband was gone, he would call me "to make sure that I was o.k." I mean, COME ON!!!!! He knew that I was engaged and I told him not to call MANY TIMES!!! Even asked his good friends *Joe, *Jake, and *Tom to tell him to quit calling me. I didn't want to change my number because one-I didn't know when I could give it to Ryan and two- I didn't want to change my life because of this stupid guy.

Well, *Joe wants me to add him to my myspace and wouldn't you know who is his friend also.... *Paul. I am afraid (which I should be because Ryan is here) that he is going to try to start contacting me again. I know that Ryan would beat the crap out of him if he tried to talk to me, and I don't want to put myself in that situation. But, I also want *Joe to be my myspace friend... Such a sticky predictament. I haven't talked to Ryan about it yet because he is at work... BUT I'M JUST A LITTLE CONFUSED....

I know that they say forgive and forget and I have done that. But, I'm afraid that I will become unchristian like to him and say some really nasty things because of all the anger I have botteled up inside of me.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!!
And, pray for my sanity.

Prayer Petition

2005-10-31T14:07:00.000-08:00

I hope you all received the Prayer Petitionfor "The Refuge" from Jenell Starkel. If not, you can pray TODAY for our orphanage.

I appreciate everyone taking the time out to pray today for our dream of one day providing a loving home for children all over the world. We also appreciate all of the help that has been offered to us from our loving friends and family. We definatly wouldn't have been able to get our dream onto paper with out your continued prayers and support.

If you would like more information regarding our orphanange, please feel free to contact Ryan or I.

Love you all and God Bless.

Anxiety and Simplicity

2005-10-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

I have been reading Fosters Celebration of Discipline: Revised Edition over the past couple of weeks. I came across a very interesting and insiteful chapter. It is about the Discipline of Simplicity.

"Freedom from anxiety is characterized by three inner attitudes:

1. To receive what we have as a gift from God
2. To know that it is God's business and not ours, to care for what we have.
3. To have our goods available to others. "

Now, I don't know about you, but I definatly don't have these attitudes all the time. I sometimes catch myself not appreciating the gifts that God has given me or, I even think that those gifts might not have come from God, but of some doing of my own. I know that I have definatly tried to take care of things on my own saying "I am woman, hear me roar"... trying to take care of EVERYTHING possible. And, I definatly don't allow other people to use my goods. I mean for goodness sake, I earned them... THEY ARE MINE!!!!

But, after much consideration of these crazy thoughts; I realized that God is and will be the only person that has given me the things that I have and he is the only person that can and will take them away. I think the reason why I was so anxious before is I was always trying to take care of things myself and not letting the Lord (who does know EVERYTHING) take care of my problems. Simplicity starts with the inside. Once you can realize the above 3 things, then you will have inner simplicity. But, until then you will have anxiety and no simplicity.

Once, you have gotten down the whole inner simplicity, the book list 10 controling principles for our outward expression of simplicity. Foster does mention that these are not "laws" per say, but just suggestions on how we can make our life more simple.
1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
2. Reject anytihng that is producing an addicition in you (ie alchohol, work, school, opposite sex, etc). Learn to distinguish between a real psychological need and an addiction.
3. Decelop a habit of giving things away.
4. Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry (basically don't be pulled in by the "make your live easier by buying this thing-a-mabob").
5. Learn to enjoy things without owning them (ie the beach, but not owning a house on the beach, a park, etc).
6. Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation (look at Psalm 24:1).
7. Look with a healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemes. They are a trap and only deepen your bondage (look at Luke 6:35).
8. Obey Jesus' instructions about plain, honest speech (look at Matthew 5:37). Make honesty and integrity the distinguishing characteristic of your speech.
9. Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others.
10. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God.

Now, I know that those are some pretty high demands, but they are all so simple when you take one at a time and work on acheiving it. As I was reading, I made an X by the ones that I don't do. And, oddly enough I put an X by almost everyone. That gave me a HUGE REALITY CHECK!!!! I realized that I get caught up in the latest fashion trend, or the latest gismo buy, or anything that could make my life easier. But, I now realize that I need to make my life simple. So, I start with step one. Soon enough, I hope to achieve my goal of simplicity.

But, I do know one thing.... I will have to learn how to be patient.

Yes, I did steal this idea

2005-10-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm just going along with the "cool" crowd again and stealing this idea from Tabs and Ryan and whomever may of had it first.

So, I went to Google, clicked on the image link and typed in the following:

Town you grew up in:
Brunswick, GA

Town you live in now:
Hinesville, GA

My Name
Emily Kay Peters- that didn't come up with anything, so I had to type in Emily Peters. Man did it come up with some interesting things.

Grandmothers' Name (choose either one)
Doris Baker

Favorite Food
Cake Batter Ice Cream

Favorite Drink
Sweet Tea

Favorite Song
Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts

Favorite Smell
Husband's "Sweaty" Smell

Well there you have it folks. Probably some things about me that you didn't want to know or now you know too much.

HELP!!!

2005-10-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

O.k., so I am trying to figure out how to change my background and add music and all that jazz. I see where you can change it, but I'm not very computer literate so I can't figure it out. I asked Ryan, and he "says" that he will help me, but always plays poker or Madden and I forget to ask him. So, needless to say I need some direction on how to fix my site to make it more interesting. I have a song and stuff that I want to add.

Also, remember to e-mail ryan (irishnd98@yahoo.com) for the Offical Prayer of The Refuge. We want to have as many people praying for us and the Orphanage as possible. I have seen the rewards for a lot of people praying for a certain thing, it makes it happen (Ryan coming home).

Well, anywho... Ryan and I are going to Six Flags this weekend. I'm so siked, seeing as I've never been.

My birthday

2005-10-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well so far turning 23 hasn't been all that exciting. I have come to the conclusion that once you turn 21, you don't have very many "exciting" birthdays until you're 25. And, that's only because you get a discounted rate on car insurance. Then, of course after that it's only 30, 40, 50, 60, etc. So, I have just been trying to relax all day today and just soak up the fact that my husband actually has to do things for me today without me even asking (allthough, I have had to ask him to make me lunch).

I have gotten some really good birthday presents- a grill from my parents, money from my nana and papa, money from my mother in law (to spend on just me- YEAH!), earrings from Ryan (the "other" presents he says are coming later), and just verbal happy birthdays. I think that the best present I have gotten though was Ryan coming home in July. Now, I know that July was a long time ago. But, this is a present that keeps giving itself to me everyday (whether it's my birthday or not). And, I'm afraid that if he wasn't here today I wouldn't have gotten any happy birthday love from anyone!

Ryan is taking me out to dinner tonight, which will be nice. Then, next weekend we are (hopefully) going to Six Flags in Atlanta. In Atlanta, we will be able to go to some clubs and dance a bit, maybe hear some jazz music or something.

The Refuge

2005-09-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I have created a new website that will keep everyone updated on our Orphanage work. This will allow people to notify us if they are interested and how they can help. Please check it out and let us know what you think!!!

Blessings
http://diaporninos.blogspot.com/

Portland Trip

2005-09-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Well, now that I don't have Ryan breathing down my neck to get off the computer or to leave in order to go to my parent's house in Brunswick- I can write about our awesome trip to Portland. Ryan took me on a wonderful trip to show me where he went to school and the wonderful people that he knew. The drive up there was gorgeous- lots of beautiful mountains and rivers, etc. We (ryan, nelly, and I) made the 10 hour trip without any arguments- yeah I know, I can't belive it either.

I was able to meet some of Ryan's family- Aunt Ozella and Uncle Ver along with their two children Ben and Katie. I also got to meet Rachel and her baby and Sara and her husband Kevin. Rachel and Sara are children of Joy (ryan's moms sister) and also have a brother Andrew that I got to meet in Portland.

Ozella, Vern, Ben, Katie, Rachel, the baby (sorry, can't remeber his name), Sara, Kevin, Joy, and her husband (sorry can't remember his name either) all took a trip to Multnoma Falls. We were able to take the senic route to it and saw many beautiful rivers and waterfalls.

We were also able to go to a coffee house that Ryan RAVED about to play scrabble with a bunch of his friends. I didn't play b/c I'm not very good, but apparently Joh (Tabatha's husband) is pretty good at puns!!

While we were in Portland, we stayed with Aimee Jo and Andrew. She is the best hostest around!!! Thank you for allowing us to stay in your room while you slept on the couch. On Sunday, we went up to Faith Quest with Andrew to hear him sing. It was such an amazing experience. The following pic, Ryan and Andrew weren't even looking at each other and had the same exact face! I guess you know that they are related.

Overall, I absolutly love Portland and I hope that we get to move there soon. I know that it will be an overwhelming change at first, but I'll have tons of Ryan's friends to mooch off of. Well I'm going to head off to sleep now, I have to get Ryan up really stinkin early for his doctors appointment tommorw.

California trip

2005-09-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

So I am finally recovered from our (mine and Ryan) trip to California and Portland. I had such a blast and have so many pics to share. This one is of Ryan and I (obviously) in San Franciso. It is so pretty down by the bay. But it was freakin cold!!

This one is of Cheryll, Ry, and Nelly in the same place.

Ryan and I decided to take a trip up to Big Trees National Park (which is about 1 hour north of Stockton). It is a forrest full of 300 feet+ redwood trees. These trees have been there for 1000's of years. This one had a scar where Ryan is standing, but the founders of the park decided to cut a whole in the tree so people could drive their cars through it.

Ryan and I are standing at the root system of a fallen redwood tree. As you can see this tree is HUGE!!!

The day before we left, Ryan's sister Amy finally had her baby- Hannah Joy Fry. We were able to go and meet baby Hannah the day she was born!! Ryan couldn't figure out how to get her out of the cart that they keep the newborns in. I guess he has a LONG way to go before he becomes a dad. But, doesn't he look like a natural!! Welcome to the family Hannah!

I'm not exactly sure what I was thinking when Ryan took this picture. But, it was so much fun being able to hold Hannah. I can't wait until Ryan and I have our own children!

Ryan is such a goofball around kids! These are his (and now mine) niece Abby and nephew Jacob. These kids belong to his older brother Eric and his wife Lori who are so wonderful!!

Well I have more pics to share of Portland, but Ryan is bugging me to allow him to get on the computer and post some pics also. I will try and post some more pics. HOpe you guys enjoy these. It was so great meeting all of you in Cali and Portland that I hadn't meet before. Ryan and I hope to know more by the end of October. We'll try to keep everyone updated

MIA

2005-09-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I haven't written a new post in a while. Ryan and I were in California for 2 weeks and we just got back. As soon as I get over jet lag and the time switch, I'll write about my trip.

P.S. It was great meeting all of you in Portland and Cali that I hadn't met before. No wonder Ryan is such a great guy. He has AMAZING friends!!

My Top Ten Songs

2005-08-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well someone finally tagged me- I guess I had it coming... Thanks Breanna!!!

These are listed in no particular order:

Forever by Ben Harper- This is mine and Ryan's song. When we finally have a wedding reception we're going to dance to it. It's just so romantic and lovely!

Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts- This is also another favorite of me and Ryan. It's just a story of hard times that lead you to a perfect life and something that you've been wanting for so long.

Waiting all my life by Rascal Flatts- This is just something that when I listen to it makes me think of my wonderful husband. Because, I literally feel like I waited all my life for him- HE'S WONDERFUL!!!

Away from You by Supertones- This is acutally a band that I never heard of until Ryan told me when he was in Iraq and wanted a c.d. Well, needless to say that they are amazing!!! There message is played well throughout their songs and it's upbeat.

Good Morning Beautiful by Blake Shelton- This is just a song for any one romantically inclined (and of course as you can see, my list includes a lot of romantic songs.. because I am a hopless romantic- just ask Ryan). I love listening to this song because it just makes me think of the things I usually think about everytime I see Ryan when he wakes up.

On My knees by Nicole Mullen- This just reminds me everyday of what I have committed my life to by being a child of God. I love being a new christian and experiencing all the wonders of God that I have been missing.

In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell- This is a brand new one from one of the famous Backstreet Boys singers. I just love the sound of this song.

Who am I? by Casting Crowns- I also love all of Casting Crowns' songs. They are absolutly amazing.

Run around by the Blues Travelers- It's actually one of my husbands favorites, but I stole it because I like it also.

Switch by Will Smith- This song is awesome!!! It makes me want to get on a dance floor and shake it.

Don't Mess with my Heart by Black Eyed Peas- This is also an amazing song... Don't have too much to comment on it though.

Now, I don't know too many people to tag that haven't allready... Sorry!!

My Beautiful Ovaries

2005-08-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that most of you won't care about this, but I thought it was stinkin hilarious.

So, I was having some abdominal pain and some abnormal "female problems" and tried to go see the lovely OB/GYN ( a woman's FAVORITE friend). But, unfortunately they didn't have any openings until September. That dilemma forced me to go to the lovely ER at the hospital on base (so much fun sitting there with all the sick people). I was seen by the doctors and had to do all the lovely things women go through once a year (so not my favorite activity to do on a Thursday morning, but what are you going to do?) I then had to go have some ultrasound done just to check out my ovaries and my appendix (why, I don't know). So I was sitting there and the doctor was talking to me while he was looking at my belly. And, wouldn't you know he was like, "You know, you have some really pretty ovaries. Usually they have some little abnormality, but these look absolutely perfect and pretty." I then of course was intrigued to see my pretty ovaries and got to look at them. And, I do have to say that they weren't that bad looking. Of course, I haven't seen anyone elses' so I can't compare.... But, the doc knows best.

So, long story short after sitting in the ER from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. I was finally discharged, given med's and told to go home. I was fine, just had a slight infection... nothing to worry about.

Oh, pretty ovaries- Thanks for allowing such wonderful miracles to happen. But, when you get sick- YOU SUCK!!!

Interesting Thought

2005-08-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

As I sit here and think about this picture that I took while in Cail it occurs to me how much mercy God really has on me.

Now that Ryan is back, I'm having a hard time dealing with some things that wasn't so hard while he was gone. If something stressed me out, I could just go to God and not have to worry about Ryan or his feelings or anything. Now, it seems as if I'm getting less spiritual and depending more on Ryan to solve my problems.

God really carried me the whole 6 months while Ryan was gone. With all of Ryan's medical problems, I really learned how to depend on God with my whole heart. And, now that God has "proven" to me that he really does answer prayers by sending Ryan home.... I feel like I don't have to ask God for any more "proofs", but yet I feel empty.

I'm sure most of you have read what Ryan has said about me on his myspace site and you thought that I was Darth Vader or some evil villan from hell... which in reality I was. But, with him home, I guess I feel like I want him involved in all of my feelings and thoughts that I share with God.

Oh, first year of marrage.... How lovely and sweet it is.

About Me

2005-08-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

As I'm sitting here waiting on Ryan to get back home, I'm trying to figure out exactly how this blog spot thing works.

My hopes are that all of Ryan's friends and mine will have a place that they can read about my life and things that are happening here in the East.

I guess I could start off with the fact that I'm almos 23 (in 2 months- October 6th), the oldest of three, and grew up in a town called Brunswick, GA. Brunswick is a tiny town located in between Jacksonville, FL and Savannah, GA. The great thing about this place is it takes me 10 minutes to get to a beach (if I feel like going). I went to Glynn Academy and graduated in 2000 and then headed off to Valdosta State University. I graduated with a Bachelors of General Studies. Now, most of you are like- What the crap is that? Well I originally started off going for Early Ed., but needless to say there were some HUGE bumps that I just couldn't get over and was TIRED of school. So, I took the easy way out and just got a degree.

I then searced FOREVER for a job until I could get back into the grove of teaching. I was also nursing a deep wound of a long relationship of 7 years (where I almost married the guy) that ended horribly. I think that's when I decided to get onto Yahoo personals and a couple of other matching sites to find "Mr. Right". Well, needless to say, within a few months of me graduating, Mr. Right did come along.

Most of you know the story of Ryan and I, so I'm not going to go into too much details.... but needless to say that God really had a hand in putting us two together. We totally didn't deserve each other, but I guess that's what God does. The funny thing is when I met Ryan, I wasn't even a big christian.. and most of you know how big of a christian he is. Well, going around the bush and back to another thought, after we were married I decided to take christ back into my life and totally dedicate myself to living like Jesus. Ryan couldn't have been happier. He actualy baptized me in our bathtub at the house we were living in.

Now, my life is totally dedicated to Christ (which is something I didn't see about this time last year) and living out the Bible. I am one of the leaders in childrens ministry of a new church here in Brunswick called the Chapel that Ryan and I actually stumbled upon while looking for a christian family, working at the YMCA (which is a christian organization), and working on our (ryan and I) orphanage. It's totally amazing to me that hand that God plays in our lives.

Well, enough for now, have more thoughts but I'll post them later... Ryan is waiting on me in order for us to go.