My New Job

I love my new job. Granted it is very different from the full-time job I traded it for. That the gender scale is still unbalanced however in the office I was surrounded by women, and now, I'm the only one around. Conversations that used to be about recipes and shopping, are now about Transformers, Bionicles, and farts. My hands look different. They were usually only used for typing and receiving manicures. Now they are dry and rough, from actually being used. Yep, my new job is definately different. The company is different. The wages are different. My coworkers smell different. My job description has vastly lenthened and my hours have greatly increased. By those standards, one may say that I've really backstepped on the ladder of success. But I get to build something intangible. I get to witness everyday miracles of self discovery. I get to feed, clothe, teach and encourage boys who will one day be great men. Being a full-time mom? It's an awesome job.

The Road of Life

-- author unknown

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge,
keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.
He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it,
but I really didn't know Him.

But later on when I met Christ,
it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ
was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that He suggested
we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring,
but predictable . . .
It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts,
up mountains, and through rocky places
at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,
gifts of healing, acceptance and joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away;
they're extra baggage, too much weight."
So I did, to the people we met,
and I found that in giving I received,
and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;
but He knows bike secrets,
knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says . . . "Pedal."

Discovering My Roots

 

I am just beginning to understand how deeply my roots are embedded in Heber Valley. Just minutes away from my new home, stands the home of my great, great grandmother Sarah Jane MacDonald. (Fortunately for me, the home was for sale so I had the opportunity to walk through!) The MacDonald family helped settle the Heber Valley and eventually built this home in the late 1800's. Just down the street from Grandma MacDonald's, on quiet Daniel's Road, you can see the home in which my Grandma Eva and Uncle Gary was born as well as the homes of several of Grandma Eva's siblings. Becoming aquainted with Daniel's Road was a really profound experience.

Halloween Hits

Wedding Pictures

Our Unforgettable Trip

If you really want to get to know someone, go on a road trip with them. On July 26, 2008, we all piled in Alfonso's car and went on a whirlwind adventure. We spent an afternoon at Newport Beach. The remainder of our time was enjoyed romping around in Anaheim a.k.a. DISNEYLAND!!! My parents asked us at the end of the trip if everyone was still on speaking terms. . . CHAh!!! In the words of our new friend, Crush, "Like, we totally bonded with the offspring!" Although we had our share of squabbles and disagreements, we came home more strong and cercanos than ever. I hope we'll never forget it. We arrived home on August 2, 2008, as a real "familia unida."

Let's do it again!

p.s. Double click on the collage to see images closer.

American Idol Live! July, 14th 2008

Crazy Peoples

It's A Wonderful Life

I've always believed this, but now I FEEL that it's true. In a world where children have to be cautious in case a monster lives nextdoor, earthquakes, hurricanes and poverty seem commonplace, and lonliness kills, I believe that life IS wonderful. I've been blessed with loving family, kind friends and patient associates. I have been blessed with the knowledge of who I am, why I am here, and where I am going. I have been blessed with courage, strength, and faith to face the sometimes terrifying unknown. Once content to support my family and live out my life a working single mom, God surprised me by revealing that he had something else in store. Something great. I know God loves us, and He wants us to be happy. Alfonso and I haven't set a date to be married yet, and it seems like there are a lot of additional factors up in the air right now; our wedding date and place, how and where to buy a home, employment options, schools, etc. All things considered, it's fun to have options, to be loved, to know that we are all a part of something great. . . something wonderful. :)

Will's a BIG BOY!!!!

I never thought the day would come. At least not before his 23rd birthday, but it is true! Will is officially potty trained! After a lot of hard work, carpet cleaning solution, and prayers, Will decided to be a "big boy!" The only thing I can say that I've learned from this is that potty-training is my least favorite part of parenting so far, AND that next time, I'll resort to bribery much, much sooner. Well done Will, I'm so proud of you!