I lost my best friend

Okay.. so not really but I have felt this way for the last week!
On Christmas Eve, Eric and I went to see Twi light. I was really bummed because I'd seen all those tweens on tv crying like babies and carrying on because of the vampire guy and I figured it'd be lame. First off, although I would never cry and carry on, Edward is one dreamy vampire! Second, I liked it so much that I went out and bought the book. I eventually read the entire saga (4 books and LOTS of pages) in about 1 1/2 weeks. This story was an easy read and like so many other people, I loved the characters. It ended well so it felt like a good break up. But a loss definately.
I do realize that some people may have beef with me reading books like this, but I really enjoyed escaping into the world of Forks.
I think the only other series that I felt this same way about is Anne of Green Gables. I still absolutely adore this story! I used to own most of the authors other writings but in a moment of crazy, I threw them out. I still have my hard cover books that my parents gave me for various Christmases. (And Dad, For my birthday, I would like the 2 movies for Anne of Green Gables. I've seen the first one many times but just learned there was a second one out there! This blog is so useful... I can even make requests for presents!)
So, can anyone suggest any good books or series? I need something to fill the void!

What Jazz does on car rides.

We take Trax the dog and Jazz the cat in the car with us when we're just running quick errands. The other day, I decided to take pictures of how Jazz entertains herself.

Happy New Year!

This has been such a hard year for so many. With everything kind of spiraling out of control, I have heard so many people just hoping and praying that 2009 will be better.
The biggest thing I learned this year, and continue to learn, is to trust God again. Yes, I said again. After Micah died, I lost all trust in God. I believed that God was God but I did not believe that He had my best interests in mind. I did not believe He cared. Time after Time this year, God provided. We had weird things happen like having to replace 3 tires and a battery in just 2 or 3 months and other things that cost money that we just didn't have. But, we never went without. And He would always provide exactly what we needed when we needed it. In that, I have been learning that God can be trusted and that he does care. This is a good lesson as we step out in faith in a big way in 2009... more to come on that much later!
I pray and hope that 2009 is a great year for you!

I say no to Santa...

and this is seriously bothering my dad! :) (love you, dad!)
Eric and I made the decision to not do the whole Santa thing with our kids. I know. I KNOW. This is very controversial but for us, we want the focus to be on the birth of Jesus. We will also teach our kids about who St. Nicholoas really was. I cut and pasted the following from the website: http://www.stnicholascenter.org
His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
I think it's a great idea to teach our kids to help others in need and we plan to take them shopping for toys for tots each year. I heard a lady on the radio whos kids use some of their own savings from the year to buy toys for kids. I am not sure if she adds to what they have, but her son gets a $100 to shop for boy toys and her daughter gets a $100 to shop for girls toys. They write notes on each toy and then take them to the donation center. Isn't that cool?!
So, what do you do in your house? and why?

15 Things I'm not afraid to admit...

Jackie Sue tagged me~ and if I had any idea how, I'd put her blog on her name, but I don't! So here it goes...
1. I still sleep with a teddy bear
2. I LOATHE sad movies. The notebook, message in a bottle, even the Titanic.
3. I sucked my thumb till I was 10.
4. I love Eric's sense of humor. Sometimes, it's a little silly, but I love it!
5. I don't play my flute anymore because Eric puts me to shame. Me=12 years of lessons vs. Eric= self taught.
6. I love soft rock music.
7. I went to 2 New Kids on the Block concerts when I was a 'tween. I even made my own shorts for one of them! It's amazing what I can do with sharpies and a pair of cut offs.
8. I take Flinstone Vitamins.
9. I'm a home body. I would rather be at home than out in a crowd.
10. I used to be a spaz. Always loud, always needing to be out in a crowd. That's what marrying an introvert did to me! :)
11. I play my Nintendo DS before going to sleep every night.
12. I have a hard time with perception. I usually have bruises on my hips from walking into the corner of the desks at work.
13. I snort when I laugh.
14. I used to have a little bit of a..um.. ah... "intrigued by" crush on Prince... just a little one! and I don't anymore... I don't even own any of his music. anymore.
15. I had 15 jobs from the age of 17-25. Some of them overlapped! :)I was a nanny(2x), worked in a day care(3x), delivered mail/file clerk, barista (3x), worked in a bakery, a bookstore, a gourmet food store(2), a furniture store,and Wendys.

So, that's me! I tag Alicia! And Stacey! and I tag Casey... she's brand new to blogging, so it's up to her if she wants to play!

to never forget

I haven't posted because I haven't known what to say. I am at a loss for words right now, as we once again approach the days that changed our lives, my heart is heavier than usual. Eric and I were talking tonight. I've had many people talk about me writing a book... even before we lost Micah, I believe. It was brought up by a friend again today and Eric asked what I would write about and I said that I don't know. I said I didn't know if I would write about Micah. I don't share details, the real details, the real raw emotions because, quite honestly, it sucks to re-live it. There are so many moments, thoughts that we keep to ourselves. The one thing I will share is that I remember the details of Micah. Of his face, his hands, his feet. How he felt in my arms and how it was to kiss his face. I have asked the Lord to help me to remember always. Every now and then, I go back to that place and let myself remember. to never forget.

Six Years today!

Eric and I met at church on December 30, 2001. That night, we just happened to be invited to the same get together and were left alone (I was told later it was planned!) to talk and get to know eachother. We started hanging out almost daily after that. I had dated a lot of creeps early on so I had asked the Lord to guard my heart and make it very clear who was my soulmate. And He did. It wasn't just that new relationship feeling, I knew Eric was my prince. Two weeks after meeting, we started ring shopping. I have never regretted getting married jut 9 months after meeting. Since that time Eric has become my best friend, my listening ear, the one who I love to joke with, hang out with and talk to. I have told many people that you don't know how strong your relationship is until tragedy strikes. Not that I think everyone should experience tragedy, but unfortunately, it comes and you need someone who will stand by you during that. I am so thankful for meeting Eric. I am so thankful he asked me to marry him. I am so thankful I said yes. And I am most thankful, that thru the rough and easy times, we have stuck by each other and continue to love and support each other. I love ya, babe!