Meet Spike

Everyone, meet Spike. He's a Mali Uromastyx. Our beloved Uromastyx Isabella passed away recently and we were very sad. Yesterday, we went in to the store where we got Spike. We weren't really planning on getting a lizard, we just wanted to look. Well, Spike just came sauntering up to the front of his aquarium and we just loved that. So, we met Spike and decided to make him part of our family. Just as Isabella did, Spike lives at our office. He's a young one, a little over 4 months and so active. He's definitely very interested in what's going on in my office. I sm so glad to have Spike at work with me again.

I'm Still Alive

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still alive. Since we returned from vacation, I just haven't been spending much time on the computer. (So weird for me.) If you aren't on the computer, it's hard to update one's blog. :O)

We had a good trip to vacation. Ate way too much, but my mom made all of my favorite foods. And my dogs loved being spoiled by the grandma. The time just seemed to pass so fast. It seemed like we had just gotten there and we already had to head home, when we had actually been in TX for like 10 days. Well, maybe next time we can go for longer.

Well, I am off to see if I can wrest the remote from my hubby so that I can watch either "Bleach" or "Rurouni Kenshin".

Merry Christmas

I just want to take a moment to wish all of my friends a very Merry Christmas!


Myspace Christmas Graphics

Great quote by CS Lewis

Jen don't kill me, but I don't want to lose this quote, but I want to change it, so I am moving it to my blog. lol!!!

"[God] has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. He does not have to deal with us in the mass. You are as much alone with Him as if you were the only being He had ever created. When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only man [or woman] in the world." C. S. Lewis - Mere Christianity [1943], 131

It's New Car City

 
 
My dh and I are the proud owners of a Mazda3s Touring edition hatchback. And we really like it. It really is very zoom-zoom. It's just fun car to drive. We purchased it on 11/11 and brought it home on 11/13. And we've been enjoying it ever since. I highly recommend this car. Plus, we got a great deal. It was $20,500 out the door. Such a great price.

This means we are once again a two-car family. We really haven't been one since the early days of our marriage. It's actually kind of weird to think we can go different places at the same time. But we still mostly go everywhere together. :O)

And to see if my sweetie ever reads my blog, I just want to tell him that I love him. 

BYU is Ranked

Okay, I am back. And with excellent news. BYU's football team is ranked #25. That's right #25. All I have to say is "BYU Rules".

GO COUGARS!!!!

I am so sad

In the whole scheme of things, the reason I am sad isn't a very big thing. I don't want to go into it all, because it will just upset me more. But I am very sad right now. (Maybe in a couple of days I can explain why.)

Vote Tomorrow!!!

I cannot stress how important it is that everyone in the United States vote tomorrow. If you are not yet registered to vote, it's too late for tomorrow. So, instead of voting, get registered to vote. That way, this will be the last time that you do not vote.

We are so blessed have the right to vote. Yet so many of us do not take advantage of that opportunity. Please do not be one of those people. Vote tomorrow. It does matter.

Which Car Should We Buy

Okay, my hubby and I are looking to become a two car family. Unless we can drive the Nissan Versa before we are able to make a final decision, we have narrowed down our choices to two cars: Toyota Matrix or Mazda 3 (five door version). For us, there are pros and cons to each one. So, if you have any experience with either car, please share it. I wish I could buy them both. lol

I will have to say while car shopping yesterday we did run into quite the deal on a mini-van, but we just couldn't bring ourselves to get it. It was a 2005 Kia Sedona that was brand new, but had never sold. So, they were offering $10,000 off the asking price so it was $19,000 for a mini van w/ leather, DVD player for the rear seats. Nice mini van. But just not what we wanted.

But please any experiences you have with the Matrix or Sedona, please share them.

Vote No on Prop 3 in Florida

First of all, elections nationwide are this coming Tuesday. So, no matter where you live, please take a few moments and go vote. It is so important that you do.

NOw, if you happen to be from Florida or if you know someone from Florida, please urge them to vote against Prop 3 in Florida. Prop 3 is being advertised is as a means of saving our state Constitution. It's not. Instead, it's an attempt to take away the rights of Floridians to make important decisions regarding our state's future.

It seems our legislature does not like to pass bills that the majority of Floridians support, such as the ban on Smoking, the Save our Homes act, a minimum wage increase and a limit on fees in medical malpractice suits. I know that the Save Our Homes act did not receive the 60% of votes required by Prop 3, even though more than 55% voted yes. Without this act, many long-time residents could no longer afford the taxes on their homes and would be forced out. You can view this Cener Stage blog to read an important article on Prop 3 from the Miami Herald.

I think it's critical that Prop 3 does not pass. So, please consider and tell you friends to consider voting against Prop 3 in Florida on Tuesday, November 7th.

LO: The Melting Pot

 
This is my first layout for my new CT AndreaDesigns. I am excited to be part of her team. I really like how the patterned papers from this kit, Dinner for Two, worked together.

What I can't believe is I am scrapping a picture that is only two weeks old. I am usually years behind. :O)

You can find all of the credits for this layout by viewing my Digi Layout Gallery.

TFL!!! 

Toot! Toot!

I made another CT (Creative Team)! This time it is for Andrea Designs. I am very happy to be a part of her team. I hope to have my first layout posted for before I go to bed this evening. So, be sure to come back and check. :O)

New Fridge

Well, yesterday we had to buy a new fridge. Ours decided to give up the ghost on Saturday night. We knew it was dying just wanted it to last awhile longer. My hubby bought it used when he had the house built 8 years ago. So really, it performed quite admirably.

I was a little bummed about having to buy the new fridge, because we didn't quite yet have the money to buy the one we really wanted. However, we actually came really close. We found am $1800 fridge for $800. That rocked. And it wasn't from Home Depot or Lowe's. There is this store called Jetsons that is only in our area and has like three stores. Well, there prices were no more expensive than any of the big box stores and they could get it to us much quicker. We bought it yesterday and it is arriving today. :O)

So, we are now going to have a side by side fridge with ice and water in the door. That is one of the things I've missed since I got married. So, I am back in business there.

'Nother Layout

 
I can't uploead to the gallery I associate with this blog. So, I thought I'd share my latest layout right here. The pictures are from Christmas 2004. You can see the credits here. 

Yummy

Yesterday, my hubby to me to the Melting Pot for my birthday. It was yummy. We got the big night out. It's a four course meal. The first course was cheese fondue. The second was salad. I had a mushroom salad that was brimming with mushrooms. Yummy!!! Then we had a meat fondue for our main course. And for dessert, chocolate turtle fondue. It was so good. I had never been before,butfore,but I definitely enjoyed myself.

I got my gifts today, which is my actual bday. From my hubby, I got two DS Lite games, Super Mario Brothers and Animal Crossing. I also got money towards a new digi camers. My mom gave me money for the camera as well. Plus money to go out to dinner with my hubby. So, sushi is calling my name. A new place has opened up not too far from my house, so we will be checking that place out courtesy of my mom. :O)

Not too much else to tell. Hope all of my friends are having a great Sunday!!

Disappointment but happiness too

I didn't make the second CT I tried for, but you know what I am not as bummed as I had expected. For a brief moment I was bummed, but then I just went on. So not like me. I think it's cause I really love being on Steph's design team. I really like her designs. I think having someone else choose me made it much easier to accept the rejection. And usually I just don't do well with things like this.

Yesterday, I opened a MySpace account yesterday. Mostly because my hubby invited me to do so. Well today, I was contacted by some friends I haven't been in touch with for eight years. That was cool. And to think I had just opened my account. If anyone who reads this blog has an account, feel free to become my friend.

On Monday, I am starting a Biggest Loser challenge on one of my digi forums. I have totally not been motivated to diet lately, so hopefully this will get me back in gear. I do have a very competitive streak.

Be sure and check out my digi gallery. I have another layout done with a Steph Broccolo kit, plus I have completed at least one other layout y'all probably haven't seen, so go check it out.

I Made a CT

 
I am so excited, cause I made
Stephanie Braccolo's CT. The layout here is my first layout for the CT. I have been holding on to this picture for awhile and I think it's the perfect picture for this kit. I am very excited to be on her team. Thanks to Stephanie for inviting me to be on her team.

In other good news, yesterdsay was my husband and I's 6th anniversary of our first date. So, we went to Olive Garden to celebrate as that is where we had our first date. AFterwards, we went to Targer and my sweetie got me a Harry and David's Moose Cruch Bar. It was very yummy. I can highly recommend those.

Also, we recently learned that our car loan will be paid off in January. That mean's we can finally afford a second car and become a two car family. Yeah!!!!

Well, I am going to try publishing this again. Blogger just ate my last attempt. Ugh!!! 

Skye is at the Bridge

One of my budgies, Skye, went to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. I'm not sure how old she was. We had her for close to five years and we adopted her when she was already an adult. Our budgies are very bonded to each other, but Skye was still among the sweetest. I am so sad that she is no longer with us.

The good news for Skye is that I am sure she is busy flying again. A couple of years ago, she got out while we were at work. We aren't sure exactly what happened, but we came home to find her with no feathers on her back. While the feathers did return, she was never able to fly again. So, I know she is really enjoying herself right now.

I truly believe that our animals do go to Heaven and that they are waiting for us. I am still so sad that she is gone, but I know that she is happy now. Here's a poem that always makes me cry, but I still love it.

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.'

Oh The Things We Do

 
This is my latest digi layout. You can see the credits here.

But it has so reminded me how I hated the annual tubing trip. I was miserable the whole time. And yet I went every single year. I felt that since it was the church's youth trip. Everyone else who went loved it. I don't think I needed to, but back then I really felt I did. I really wish I wouldn't have gone, because I don't have a single good memory regarding the trips, because I hated tubing so much. It was cold and wet. Plus I hated the actual act of tubing. Just not a good thing to me.

Now, you must wonder why I am going on and on about something that happened more than 20 years ago. Well, it makes me wonder how many of us are doing things we really don't want to do, simply because it's expected. It may not even be necessary tha twe do these things, but we still do, because we feel compelled to do them. I obviously did growing up. And I bet I am still doing it today. 

True Christ Like Love

How the Amish have dealt with the tragedy has truly amazed me. I don't know that I could be so forgiving. I know that I should absolutely be that forgiving, but I just don't know that I could. And amidst all that I have read regarding this tragedy, what I ready today just touched me beyond belief.

The oldest Amish girl to be killed, Marian Fisher who was 13, asked to be shot first. She wanted to try and buy some time for the younger girls. That is so absolutely brave and selfless that it moves me to tears. What an amazing girl. She showed more bravery than may adults would do in the same situation. Truly amazing. And an absolutely amazing expression of true Christ like love. Just amazing.