Lesson's learned from the dog...

I woke up this morning and started my morning routine just like any other day. Was super excited because I got asked to participate in a photo shoot for the face of Grand Canyon University, I was almost ready to leave the house, went put my necklace and wedding ring on, to only find my necklace, NO RING!!!! I panicked immediately, I called out for Todd and we began to tear apart the house, nothing. I knew it could not have gone down the drain, we hadn't used it yet. I then turned, with tears in my eyes and looked at my beautiful, sweet, 7 month old rottweiler Brinkly and the wheels started turning. The only logical explanation was that she ate it. But really!!! Why on earth out of all the toys she has, my RING!

It was gone, I just knew it, never to be seen again. Needless to say I missed the photo shoot, spent all day looking for it, called the insurance company filed a claim only to find out we would not even get half of what we paid for it. So I did the only thing at this point I could think to do, take a nap. My sweet cousin Kayla suggested we feed her and have her drink lots of water. We did that still nothing, all I could keep thinking was it is gone. I am an awful wife, did the dog eat it, if she did will it hurt her, did I sleep walk and put it somewhere, why did I take it off? I am sure other's know how I feel!

I decide to take Brinkly out one more time before we leave, she does her thing, I walk over, gloves on of course knowing it is hopeless, but wait a minute what is that, NO WAY, it can't be, but wait it is, MY RING!!!! Brinkly ate my RING!!! I ran inside screaming, it has been found, Brinkly ate it and she pooped it out!!!! As gross as it is I have never been so happy as when Todd went outside with me and picked my wedding ring out of a pile of poop and handed it to me!!!

So here is what I learned from Brinkly today:

1. She is my dog, she has great taste!

2. Have already called and added a seperate insurance policy to our Homeowners Insurance so it is completely covered from now on.

3. I am never taking it off again.

Love that dog!!! :)

It all started with a boy and girl...

And at a high school (that one is for you Pastor Lee). Wow!! I can't believe it has been 5 years. I would not have changed anything about it, we have grown so much as individuals, and as a couple. I am so thankful for Todd and all that he gives me. We have traveled, taken on adventures together, been through tough times and some of the greatest time. Can't wait to see what adventures the upcoming years hold!!

Happy 5th Anniversary Todd!!

"There is no more lovely,

friendly and charming relationship,

communion or company than a good marriage."

- Martin Luther

the path of life...

One thing I absolutely love to do is hike. A few years ago I had the amazing opportunity to hike rim to rim with my mom in the Grand Canyon. It is a 24 mile hike, that we do in a day. We started training about 8 month before we left and to get ready we did many different hikes. Long, short, steep, flat hikes, cold and hot weather hikes, breaking in multiple pairs of shoes, and most of all amazing time spent with my mom. This is a journey that I would not have traded for anything. With out all these different types of training I never would have been able to finish.

We never know exactly what path we are going to end up on in life, but that is why we train so that no matter what is in front of us we can walk down it. Many times most things come at us when we least expect it. I have walked down many paths in my life, had the honor of working with women and children of domestic violence, supporting a VP at the corporate office for PetSmart, and supporting the Family Life Pastor (and Senior Pastor for a period of time) at Radiant Church. Another path I recently walked down was Nursing School, and while I never thought I climb to the top of this I finally did, my boards ended and decisions had to be made. One of the paths I been hiking down a long time, has been one of the most amazing experiences in my life, Radiant Church has not only been a blessing to myself, but to my family. I have learned so much, grown and been challenged in more ways than one. If I could have the best of both worlds I would have kept walking down this path for quite sometime. Last week another path was put before me and I knew change was coming. I have been given an amazing opportunity to work as a Nurse for hospice. This actually could not fit my personality any better. It is such a bittersweet moment. While one path has ended another one has started. All the paths I have taken could not have been orchestrated any better to prepare me for me for this next "hike". There is a lot of training to be done, many new challenges and I may not always know what is around the corner, but I am confident in the fact that I have had the best training from some awesome people. So here I stand, my shoes laced and tied, ready to take the next step, ready to walk down another path. I am scared, nervous, scared, and excited! Well here goes nothing...

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart