Sweet Baby Z

Hephzibah: hef-zee-bah, Hebrew meaning "He delights in her" Isaiah 62:4
Ilia: ee-lah, Hebrew meaning "God is Lord"

  The last couple months of my pregnancy I dealt a lot with fatigue. My week 40 doctor appointment came and went without any sign of going into labor. I'd been hoping that because my baby girl appeared to be rather large in the ultrasounds that she would come early, but that would not be so. I went in for a NST (no stress test) on the Monday following my due date. I'd started having contractions late Sunday night, but they still weren't consistent or even close enough to be admitted to the hospital when I went in that afternoon for the NST. I went home and decided to try and get the contractions to be more consistent and walked around the house some. I tried napping throughout the day in case I went into active labor that night. By dinner time Monday night my contractions were consistently 10 minutes apart and quite strong. 
  My husband was at work on a swing shift, but I didn't want to call him home until they were closer together (especially since things didn't seem to be progressing all that quickly). My mother-in-law stayed up with me and coached me to relax and breathe through each contraction. I tried to get some sleep between contractions, but the 10 minutes between weren't really allowing me to get any rest. 
  At 2am on Tuesday my contractions were finally 6 minutes apart, but hadn't gotten to the 5 minute mark yet (when my doctor said I should head to the hospital). About 15 minutes to 3am, my husband got home from work and ate some dinner. While he ate his dinner and my mother-in-law decided it was time to start gathering everything together to be ready to head to the hospital, my contractions went from 6 to 4 minutes apart! The three of us quickly got into the car and made the 20 minute drive to the hospital. 
  We arrived at the hospital at 3:50am and I was admitted into the maternity ward at 4am. By this time my contractions were 3- minutes apart and, because of my naturally high pitocin levels, were extremely strong. My husband and I had discussed whether or not I'd want to have an epidural since I'd gotten no rest in the last 18 hours and my contractions were so strong. 
  When the doctor checked me out to admit me we found out that along with the strong contractions that were 3- minutes apart I was completely effaced, but only dilated to a 4. He then suggested that I consider getting an epidural so that I could get some rest and have the energy to push when the time came, as he was dealing with a lady in labor that was now too exhausted from the contractions to finish the pushing (making her labor even longer).

 I hadn't originally planned to have any pain killers or drugs, but when it came right down to it, we decided to go with the doctors advice and in the end I was very glad I did. I was able to get in a hot jet bath to help get through the contractions until the anesthesiologist was able to make it up to my room and insert the catheter for the epidural. 
  The epidural took affect quickly and after all the hospital staff that was in the room completed their given tasks and gave their instructions to me, I was finally able to fall asleep and get some much needed rest along with my husband and mother-in-law. After a few hours my eldest sister arrived and we talked a bit before I went back to sleep. Occasionally the nurse would come in and check my dilation progress and make sure that I had everything I needed. 
  At 4pm I was dilated to an 8 and remained there for an hour. As they'd already broken my water they started talking about possibly needing to do a C-section. That was exactly what I didn't want to happen and I knew that I had many people praying for me as my mother-in-law went out to inform my father-in-law. The doctor decided to try to stretch me out and try to finish me that way before resorting to a cesarean. Within 5 minutes of the doctor hand stretching and my pushing, I was finally finished to a 10. 

  After that I had my husband supporting my head and shoulders while he counted out each push and my sister and mother-in-law on either side of me coaching and cheering me on as they held my legs for me. I felt so very blessed to have the loving care and encouragement of 3 people very dear to me during such a momentous moment.
  After an hour and a half of pushing my sweet daughter slipped into this world! Upon hearing her squalls, all four of us were crying tears of joy. I remember feeling the weight of her flailing body on my abdomen as they worked on cleaning her off and cut her umbilical cord and having an overwhelming pride and joy, thinking that everything I'd gone through to get to this point was well worth it. When they put her on my chest, and I got to see her for the first time, all I could say was "she is so beautiful" as my love for my daughter overflowed my heart with joy.

  My husband had a look on his face that was so joyous that I really can't describe it. The pride and love he has for our little blessing is so beautiful to see. He loves her so much and loves hearing about everything she does throughout the day and looks forward to holding her when he gets home from work each night. The next best thing to seeing his face was seeing his father's face the moment he came in the room and saw her for the first time. I don't think I've ever seen anything so precious! Seeing him interact with her when he gets home from work at the end of the day and the way he talks to her as though they are having a conversation is absolutely adorable. 
  Hephzibah was born at 6:51pm on Tuesday, weighing 9lbs, 22.5in long, and a 13.75in head. Everyone came in to meet her after the doctor and nurses had finished with me and the baby and cleaned up the room. My husband's two younger brothers were excited to see here, as were my sister's two children. After talking for a bit they decided to go home to rest and then come back in the morning. 
  My little girl took to breastfeeding quickly and we enjoyed our first night with our new bundle as our new little family bonded and rested. The next morning my mother-in-law arrived first and was eager to get to hold her granddaughter for the first time. About half an hour later my sister arrived with her two children and they all took turns getting to hold her. The three cousins enjoyed a bit of bonding time before they had to leave after lunch. 
  My husbands two youngest brothers arrived with his dad later and they all enjoyed getting to hold their niece and granddaughter. The doctor decided that I needed to stay until the next morning to make sure that baby and I continued to progress as we should. 

2 days old. Headed home. First car ride.

  After another sweet night with my new little family we were allowed to finally go home and continue adjusting to our new life. Our little girl, whom we refer to as Z or Zibah, is such a good little baby. She loves diaper changes, being naked, has a very quiet cry, and loves baths and showers. 

  She is now a month old, weighs 13 pounds, loves talking to people, smiling, making faces, watching football, laying on the floor watching the ceiling fan, eating, car rides, her stroller, being walked around, snuggling, sleeping, polka dots, bright colors, and music. Every day she gets better at holding up her head and getting better at controlling her limbs. She is already in 3-6 month baby clothes and continues to grow healthy and strong. 
  Every night, when daddy gets home, she wakes up and loves hearing his voice. When she is fighting sleep sometimes, he'll hum to her and she very shortly falls asleep. 
  She got to meet the rest of her grandparents and great grandparents when she was 11 days old, and finished meeting the rest of her uncles, aunts, and cousins when she was almost 3 weeks old. She is such a beautiful little girl with an adorable personality and a blessing to all that meet her. 
  There are so many more people that she has yet to meet, but after all the traveling we did after she was born and all the extra hours my husband has been working, we are staying at home to rest and they'll just have to wait a bit longer. 
  The pictures below were taken by my eldest sister when  Zibah was 18 days old at the same park that my husband proposed to me at. I'll post some more recent pictures of my little sweety in my next post.
  Blessings!

I'm Still Alive!

8-18-13

Hello Everyone!
  God has blessed me so very much over the last year and I'm so excited to share what he has been doing in my life!
  My last post was after Thanksgiving last year, so I'll pick up from there. We were able to spend Christmas Eve with my parents, siblings and their families in Tillamook, OR, and then got to spend Christmas Day with my hubby's dad's family near Scappoose, OR. It was such a blessing to spend the Holiday surrounded by family and the joy of the season. Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year, because of the wonderful warmth and joy the season of giving invokes in everyone. I didn't listen to Christmas music nearly as much as I normally do surrounding the holiday, mostly because I was so busy with work and spending time with family (I don't recall even watching any Christmas movies *shocked*). For New Year's Eve/Day we got to go spend the couple days with my sister and her family near Salem, OR. As usual we had a blast playing games and just enjoying each others company. Family has always been a very important part of my life and I'm constantly disappointed with myself for not being able to spend more time with them or even just contacting them to talk. I know many of them understand my busy schedule and that I have a life and family of my own that occupies much of my time, but I still wish (as many do) that I had more time to do everything I want to be able to do.
  My pregnancy progressed and I continued to grow, but did my best to hide my belly as I began to show so that my clients didn't become uncomfortable and worry about my continuing to work. My husband had many difficulties in trying to find a job. No matter how many places he applied in the area that we lived, no one hired him. Finally he decided to apply at a factory out near his parent's home in Eastern Oregon. We were so happy and excited that they called him back right away asking if he would be able to come in for an interview! He felt like the interview went very well and they seemed to like him a lot, mentioning something about being over qualified for the job. A couple of days later we received a call asking him to go in for a drug test and asking when he'd be able to start. By this time is was mid-March and we eagerly gave two weeks notice at our places of employment in Hillsboro, OR and prepared to move to Eastern Oregon. 
  We celebrated our 1 year Anniversary rather sedately by going to a movie and dinner. We reminisced about our wedding and all that had happened over the past year and how our life was changing so drastically. We were so excited to see how God had blessed our marriage and where he was taking us. Our saddest thought was that with all the positives we saw in moving away we would very much miss our church family and small group, along with all the dear friends that we'd made during our time in the city.
  April 8th my hubby started his new job and for the first time since I was 16 years old, I sat at home while someone else went to work to support me/us. It was an incredibly hard thing for me to adjust to. I was greatful that my husband had a job that could support us and enable me to stay at home (I still am), but learning to not feel guilty for being able to stay home and be "lazy" all day was very hard and something I struggled with up until the week I went into labor. We have now lived here for over 4 months and I'm loving getting to live in the country again. The weather is so very different from what I've known throughout my life and it has been quite a pleasant transition. 
  Since this post has gotten a bit long, I will end here and write another post with the story of my baby's arrival and the adjustments that has entailed.
Blessings!

Scrumptious Biscuits & Gravy

12-10-12
  
   I didn't give much of an update with my last post, so here I go.  I had a wonderful Thanksgiving in the North with my husband's family. I lost some more weight :-/  but have been doing quite well otherwise. I'm on week 11 with the pregnancy and have had it quite easy, in my estimation.  My work schedule changed so now the guys are in charge of dinners on the 5 days that I work.  They have done a great job so far too!  My biggest craving during this pregnancy has been cheeseburgers :-D My husband makes some really good burgers, all I do is add some Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, SCD legal Yellow mustard, pickles, a slice of tomato and some lettuce...so yummy! Christmas is fast approaching and I have so much to do still. We got our tree up and decorated today and just have to put some ribbon up with the garland to finish the decorating. Presents are far from being finished!
  Today's recipe is two fold. I've always loved biscuits with gravy and was thrilled to find a delicious recipe that I could make and enjoy. So here it be:

Biscuits
Yield: 8 servings

2-1/2 Cups  Almond Flour
1/2   Tsp   Sea Salt
1/2   Tsp   Baking Soda
1/4   Cup   Butter
2           Eggs
1     Tbsp  Honey

1)  In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
2)  In a large bowl, blend together butter, eggs, and honey.
3)  Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a nice dough forms.
4)  Roll out dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper to 1-1/2 inches thick.
5)  Dust dough with almond flour if it is sticky and/or misbehaving. Cut the dough into biscuits using a mason jar with a 3-inch wide mouth.
6)  Using a spatula, transfer biscuits to a parchment lined baking sheet.
7)  Bake @ 350^F for 15 minutes, until the biscuits are browned on the bottom edges.

Original Recipe Link:http://www.elanaspantry.com/biscuits/

Herb Gravy
Yield: 8-10 Servings

1 Quart  Chicken Stock
2   Med  Onions, coarsely chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, sliced
1/2 Tsp  Sea Salt
1  Tbsp  Thyme, chopped (I use dried)
Pan Drippings (from roasted chicken or turkey)
2  Cups  Chicken, cooked & cubed or sliced

1)  In a medium saucepan, heat chicken stock, onions, and garlic to a boil.
2)  Reduce heat and simmer until onions and garlic are soft, about 30 minutes.
3)  Pour pan drippings, salt, and thyme into saucepan.
4)  Blend stock mixture in blender until smooth.
5)  Place mixture back in saucepan and reheat, then stir in cooked chicken pieces.

Original Recipe Link:http://www.elanaspantry.com/herb-gravy/

6 WEEKS!!!

11-01-12

  My husband and I found out that I'm pregnant! We couldn't be more happy and excited for the little blessing God has growing inside of me. I'm doing quite well (no morning sickness yet), and am still getting used to the idea that I'm going to be a Mommy!

 We've had many "Congratulations" and lots of helpful advice. I'm so thankful for the jump-start I've had with my diet and how my feeling better regularly will hopefully help me feel better throughout this pregnancy. Some mothers may laugh at that, but go ahead, I know I'm new and probably very naive about much of this, but I've learned a lot in the last week and plan to learn so much more for the months and years to come! I'm currently 6 weeks along and we expect to meet our little one sometime in July (God willing). This will be the first Grandbaby and Great-Grandbaby on my husband's side and everyone is quite excited regardless of the idea of adding "grand" and "great" to the beginning of their names.

God Bless,
Kittydid

P-P-P-Pumpkins!!!

10-23-12

  Wahoo!!!! I successfully made my very first pumpkin pie, completely from scratch! That's right, SCRATCH, no canned pumpkin, no pre-made crust, and only honey as a sweetener! I made it last night and there is only one piece left. I'm currently cooling another crust so I can bake a second pie tonight :-P   It's a "chores around the house" day, so I figured I'd go ahead and post the pie recipe while I'm waiting on the laundry. My wonderful husband was a real gem and helped me every step of the way and I'm pretty well convinced that I'll never buy a pumpkin pie again (homemade is by far better and definitely worth the effort).  

  I'm super excited about all the people that I'm getting to come take a look at my blog and what I'm doing here. I added some pictures to some of my previous posts I hope you all enjoy.  I'm kinda flabbergasted...this morning I decided to weigh myself again (just for giggles) to find out how the last few days of Cinnamon Bun Muffins, Strawberry Sorbet, and Pumpkin Pie had affected me. Sorry to those people thinking I'd most definitely gained a pound or two...nope, I lost a whole pound! 0_o  I find that totally weird and against normal thought, but in fact I've lost yet another pound. I thought for sure I was at a plateau, perhaps I'm wrong. I'm the skinniest I've ever been in my entire life! I'm having a really hard time imagining that there is anything left to loose, but then I loose more weight and I continue to marvel at the oddity. Enough about that, on to the recipe!

Pumpkin Pie

Yield: 1-8"pie+1ramekin filling

Crust:

1-3/4  cup  Almond Flour

1/3    cup  Coconut Oil, melted

2     Tbsp  Honey

1      tsp  Vanilla Extract

1/4    tsp  Baking Soda

1/4    tsp  Ground Cinnamon

1/4    tsp  Ground Ginger

Dash        Salt

Filling:

2   cup  Pumpkin Puree (15oz canned)

1/2 cup  Water

3        Eggs

1   tsp  Vanilla Extract

1   tsp  Salt

1   tsp  Ground Cinnamon

1   tsp  Ground Ginger

1/4 tsp  Ground Clove

1/4 tsp  Ground Cardamom

1/2 tsp  Ground Nutmeg

1/2 tsp  Lemon Zest

1/2 cup  Honey

Crust:

1)  Mix all ingredients until just combined (I suggest mixing dry ingredients first and then adding the wet).

2)  Press dough into greased pie plate, spreading evenly up sides and across bottom of pan.

3)  Bake at 325^F for 10 Minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.

Filling:

1)  Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Combine thoroughly.

2)  Pour into pre-baked pie crust. You will end up with extra filling. Pour this into 1-2 greased ramekin(I used a small Pyrex dish). 

3)  Place pie and ramekins on baking sheet. Bake at 350^F for 30-40 minutes, or until center is slightly jiggly. (If crust edges brown too quickly, put strips of foil around the edges of the pie)

4)  Refrigerate until chilled, then serve.

Original Recipe Link:   http://www.againstallgrain.com/2011/11/22/grain-free-and-dairy-free-pumpkin-pie/

Yum, Yum, Avocado!

10-22-12

  I've met a lot of new people over the last couple weeks and have gotten to share the particulars of my diet. It is fun talking to other people about the restrictions I have and what I'm still able to eat and make in spite of how bleak it might look initially.  I've been on the diet 100% now for about 4 months, but had semi-started it beforehand. Over the last 6 months I've lost a grand total of 20 pounds! I've finally plateaued and I think this is probably my bodies healthy weight.

  This last Friday I made a "pasta" dish for dinner! The guys thought it was so good that they devoured every last bit of it and there were absolutely no left-overs (and it made a good sized batch too!). It came out pesto-like in flavor only with a strong avocado influence, making it quite superior to red sauce. The recipe I used this time around was just for a sauce, so I used a Spaghetti Squash for the noodles (so yummy). For enough sauce to cover a whole squash I tripled the recipe. So, without further ado, here is the newest recipe that I've tried!

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Yields: 2 servings

1  med.  Avocado, ripe and pitted

1  Tbsp  Lemon Juice (half lemon squeezed)

2 cloves Garlic, peeled

1/2 tsp  Salt

1/4 cup  Basil (recipe called for fresh, but I used dried)

2  Tbsp  Olive Oil

   Dash  Ground Black Pepper

2 Servings Cooked Pasta of Choice (zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for scd)

1)  While pasta is cooking, place garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in blender. Blend until smooth. 

2)  Add avocado, basil, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy.

3)  Pour sauce over drained, cooked pasta and toss until pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Garnish with black pepper and serve.

Original Recipe Link:  http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/31/15-minute-creamy-avocado-pasta/

A Funny Little Thought

10-10-12

My husband showed this to me today and I had to share, too funny to keep to myself!
 


On the first day, God created the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"

So God agreed.....

On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"

And God agreed......

On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"

And God agreed again......

On the fourth day, God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."

But the human said, "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God. "You asked for it."

So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service.

IAP Link 

Fall: Arriving in Style

10-1-12

  Today I welcomed fall with a wonderfully delicious Cinnamon Bun Muffin recipe. It made the house smell much like fall and the only thing missing was warm apple cider on the stove top. Sadly, the recipe makes only nine muffins, so I'll be making another batch before the evening is done. I've posted my version of the recipe at the bottom of this post. At the bottom of the recipe is a link to the original recipe from Elana's Pantry (http://www.elanaspantry.com/cinnamon-bun-muffins/). I find many of my recipes on her site and a couple of others (this will be very apparent as my posting progresses).

  I had my three month check up with my doctor today. It was probably the best doctor appointment I've ever had! She was very happy with the progress I've made on the diet (as am I) and how good I'm feeling. She was surprised to see how much weight I've lost, but is happy to see how well my body/gut is liking the diet. I went away feeling very confident about how well I'm doing and excited to continue on this journey to healing. 

  Another really neat thing, my father and eldest brother came up with a brine made of honey, salt, and water for smoking fish. I came home from a visit with some very delicious smoked tuna! yummy, yum, yum! I'm so very thankful for all the family and friends that are constantly supporting me in my dietary restrictions and finding ways to fix special things for me that I can have! 

  Happy Harvesting!

God Bless,

Kittydid

Cinnamon Bun Muffin
makes 9 muffins

Cinnamon Topping:
2 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil

1)  To make cinnamon topping, combine honey, cinnamon and oil in a small bowl
2)  Set mixture aside



Muffin Mixture: 

1  cup  Blanched Almond Flour 

2  Tbsp Coconut Flour

1/2 tsp Baking soda

1/4 tsp Salt 

1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil 

1/4 cup Honey
3       Eggs

1  Tbsp Vanilla Extract

1)  Combine almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl
2)  In a large bowl blend together oil, honey, eggs and vanilla
3)  Blend dry ingredients into wet and scoop a scant 1/4 cup at a time into lined muffin cups
4)  Spoon topping onto muffins
5)  Bake muffins for 8-12 minutes at 350°. Cool on wire wracks.

Original Recipe Link: http://www.elanaspantry.com/cinnamon-bun-muffins/

Spring Cleaning in Fall?

9-28-12

Hey Everyone!

  So sorry it has been so very long, I'll try not to make it a habit ;-) .  Life has been super busy as a newlywed. I'm working with Visiting Angels PDX as a Caregiver. My husband is finishing up school and job-hunting. I'm enrolled at PCC as a student and hope to start some PreReqs next term so that I can start their Medical Assisting Certificate program the following term. So far, it looks like I'll only need to take 3 classes before applying for the MAC program. I've applied for Financial Aid and it looks like I'll probably have most of it covered via a grant (Praise The Lord!). 

  After my wedding in March I was diagnosed with Small Intestine Bacteria Over-growth(SIBO). It is basically good bacteria over-growing into my small intestines because the natural nightly GI "flushing" stops working, leaving the good bacteria to over-grow it's purpose, therefore infecting my small intestine. The results and symptoms are very much like Crohn's Disease. My doctor and I believe that, since I tested positive for SIBO and the images taken a few years ago indicated Crohn's, my health stands at one of three doors: 1)I have Crohn's and SIBO(so once the SIBO is gone, I'll still have Crohn's)   2)I have Crohn's caused by SIBO(so the Crohn's would go away with the SIBO) -or-   3) I only have SIBO, which made it look like I had Crohn's(so once the SIBO is gone I'd be healthy and "normal" again w/o any symptoms of Crohn's or SIBO).  

  This may seem odd, overwhelming, or both but, for me it is welcome news. The big difference between SIBO and Crohn's is that, SIBO has a known cure, where Crohn's does not. At present I am taking the slow route to cure the SIBO, which entails a very restrictive, grain-free diet called SCD(Specific Carbohydrate Diet). This particular diet starves the bacteria over-growth in my intestines. I'll be on this diet for exactly one year past my last symptom. I still have occasional symptoms so I haven't been able to start the countdown, as of yet. At some point during this diet I will have to take a prescription that will give that GI "flushing" a kick in the pants to start doing it's job again. I have my three month check-up with my doc on Oct 1st, so we'll see how she thinks it's going then.

  Since starting this diet three months ago, I've learned a lot about cooking without certain things and what manufacturers seem to thing is necessary to put in so many different foods! I've decided recently that I want to keep everyone, on here and in my family, in the loop and give them easy access to things I can eat and simple recipes that I prepare. My goal in revamping this blog for that purpose is to make it easy for people to help me maintain this diet and to help educate those around me on it at the same time as I am learning.

  I hope this hasn't been too much of a bore, but I wanted to get everyone on the same page! Happy cooking and I'll be posting my first recipe soon!

God Bless,

Kittydid

WEDDINGS, Weddings, weddings....

6-25-09

Well, let's see what I've been up to... *peers into the memory bank* ....ah yes!

Of late I've been traveling alot, getting ready for weddings, attending weddings, and organizing a bridal shower for the end of next month! Sometimes there will be a couple days where i don't even see my sister for a few days at a time because I'm busy with work and whatever else I'm doing and she is working. She leaves before I get up, or she is sleeping when I leave, and then when I get off work I have meetings and other engagements that keep me from going home until she is already in bed...so sad to have to catch up with people you live with! :shock:

My best friend's wedding is in two months and we ordered our dresses last week! I've been making a rifle with a friend of mine....way more fun than I'd ever expected it could be! I went to some friend's wedding in WA last weekend and took a friend along and had such a lovely time! Sadly I'd forgotten my camera so I have no pix :( But I'll probably be heading up that direction again in another few months anyhow so I'll get some pix then :D

A friend from Michigan is moving to WA!!! I'm so excited to get to see her more often! I miss her very much! I got my first job as a HCW(Home Care Worker)!!! Even though it is just fill-in for now I am very excited to be working my first job and get some experience on my shoulders! Business isn't so good with the economy the way it is, so I've been looking for another fulltime job, but have yet to find something. Hopefully I can get my name out in the Home Care world and wont have to have a second job to work around. But I'm finding that no matter what I think or how much I stress over anything, God knows how everything is gonna work out and He reveals it in His own time!

Every couple weeks my sister and I drive over to Mac after work and go dancing (ECD) and then drive home. It is so much fun and we have made some really nice friends. Last week I was able to attend a friends church's family camp about 30 mins from my house and got to become reaquainted with some people I met about 7 years ago doing ECD. It was fun the see them all grown up, some married with children, and dance the old dances with them once again!

Because of all that has and continues to transpire I've been reminiscing alot, recalling wonderful memories from those carefree childhood years...I continue to find that growing up is not all it was cracked up to be. I'm not near so fond of it as I once was and am not at all keen on the independence and responsibility that comes with it. I truly believe that I am not at all ready for marriage or even a relationship at this point in my life....although I do not care for independence and the responsibilities associated with it I do enjoy being able to go and do what ever I want at any moment(within reason).

My best friend did not seem to excited to hear this when I first told her, but it is how I feel. I don't want to be selfish or anything, it's just that I'm not real sure I am ready for such an undertaking as that and am not yet ready for another broken heart...God will make me ready when the time comes I know...and that makes it not such a scary prospect for me. :)

Sorry this one is so long, but I guess that is what I get for not updating in so long...lol

Katydid



BTW... we sold our horse, at long last, to a wonderful couple that we very happy to get a good horse to love and nurture...see I can't even take care of a horse, how could I take care of a husband?...i know, not a good comparison...