Winter Wonderland

Winter this year has not been as harsh as last year. But the numbers show different. This year we have a total of 50+ inches of snow. WOW! There has not been much picture taking this winter because we have been stuck inside. But we have ventured out to do a little sledding. Although it is short lived it sure is fun. Here are some shots we have of us sledding with our dear friends the Lathrops. Halle loves sledding. She is not scared at all. She laughs the whole time. And immediately says she wants to do it again. She has always been our little adventure seeker.

Christmas in Paradise

We had the gift of going on a cruise for Christmas. And it was nothing short of AMAZING! We were so greatful for the opportunity. Dan's parents gave us the cruise for our Christmas present and also to celebrate Dan's brother, Mike's graduating from South Eastern University. The girls and I flew in to Miami to meet Doug and Karen while Dan had to stay back and take care of the Christmas program. We boarded the ship the next day. Dan flew into Mexico and met us on that Tuesday. We were at sea on the Liberty of the Seas for 7 days. Are visiting ports were Costa Maya, Belize City, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. We ate and ate and then ate some more. They endless buffets full of amazing food for breakfast and lunch. Between meals we would visit the endless snack bar or bottomless ice cream cone machine. Then we went to our room where there was cheese trays waiting on us or fruit plates. Then an hour before dinner we went and enjoyed appetizers in the concierge room. On to dinner where we enjoyed a four course meal. We were stuffed all the time. I think Halle had 3 to 4 ice cream cones daily. If we were not working out or on shore you would definitely find us at the pool soaking up the sun!!!! Dan, the girls, and I had our own room across from Doug and Karen and Mike's room. Their room was so comfortable. They had a balcony over looking the massive Caribbean ocean. We felt and knew we were tremendously blessed. Dan, Mike and I were able to go on shore in Belize City and go tubing on the river through caves in the rainforest. Yes, that was sooo cool! The hike through the rainforest was picturesque. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face. We learned so much about Belize City on the ride to the caves. Belize is a third world country. We were riding through all poverished areas where houses had no windows or doors or even roofs. But everyone we passed had smile on their faces. Yet again on this trip I felt and know that I am extremely blessed. My heart went out to these people especially as I listened to a young man's story I got to hear over lunch. He told me how you have to pay for public school there and he was saleing stuff to tourists so that he could send his siblings to school. I bought a beautiful handmade bracelet from him and his mother. It is made from cocoa beans that they grow on their farm.

The rest of the week was just wonderful. We spent a few days in Miami before going home right on South Beach. Thank you Doug and Karen for yet again another amazing vacation. That one will never be forgotten not just because of the wonderful cruise but because of the company we got to spend it with. We love all of you!! Thank you!

Here is the link to see all the photos from the vacation:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=1615952275&aid=86292

I brought it!

Last September I set out on a 90 day endeavor to get in shape and lose 25 pounds. My motivation was of course the cruise we were taking for Christmas. I was determined to be in a swimsuit by Christmas! My ever so sweet, good looking, absolutely gorgeous, healthy mother lent me the ever so difficult P90X program. I tell you the truth it was insanely hard in the beginning! After the very first day, I could not move! I could hardly do even close to the reps those on the video were doing. I could hardly finish the 30 second intervals on the plyometrics or Yoga training. The thoughts of quitting sure crossed my mind. I thought surely this is way to advanced for me. But you know what I stuck with. I just kept saying I will do my very best. And you know what, I made it and I made it well. I can now do all the reps needed, I moved up in weights, and can last through Plyometrics (which is the toughest video) with energy at the end to do more. Praise Jesus he gave me the strength to go on. At the end I was in the best shape of my life. I saw muscles I never knew I had. I lost 25 pounds and two pants sizes. Not only could I tell an outward difference but I felt great; more energized, more confident, better mood and stronger. Since Christmas though I have had a lack of motivation. I need another cruise to whip me back into shape, the work outs have been sporadic. I am so thankful for my mom keeping me in check for those 90 days. She was a great accountability! Thank you Jesus for giving me the strength and discipline to finish.

After:

Before:

Back 2 Work

Since Halle was born I had become a stay at home mom. I cleaned a few houses on the side. Last October Dan and I decided that I need to intently look for a more regular part time job. We were trying to find something that would fit with our schedule so that Dan would be able to stay home with the girls while I worked...somewhere. I opted to take on a night job. I was hired at a hotel for night receptionist. ON my scheduled day to start training my Pastor's wife mentioned there was an opening at the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home for a part time breakfast server to the Assisted Living. I immediately called and got an interview set up. I was hired and I have never enjoyed going to work sooooooo much! I only work MWF and every other weekend from 7am to 9:30am. It works out perfect. Dan is able to watch the girls and then I relieve him. I continue to clean a hand full of houses every other week on Dan's day off. I serve the residents by serving drinks, fixing whatever they want to eat, and cleaning up and reseting the cafe before I go. I've actually become the expert egg frier. The residents smile and say "oooo, she cooks some wonderful eggs!" :) I serve around 16-17 residents and I have come to love them so much! The above picture is of my sweet friend, Jen. She has so much wisdom to share. I do not leave with a dry eye the days I sit with her. Thank you Jesus for providing a great job!