Sad

My heart is sad tonight. I am just wanting to be held and told everything will be okay.

Finally I have united with Brian on how to handle Jay. Last evening I told him since he wasn't following the rules or showing any respect - he needed to find somewhere else to live.

His response was to swallow 66 aspirin. The police and paramedics came - he is now in the hospital. My heart hurts for my child who has made so many bad choices.

Oddly enough, most of me is at peace. I am being obedient to my husband, I am not undermining him nor questioning him. I love Brian and understand my first duty is to him. Our marriage is the most important relationship in my life (other than the one I have with Jesus). Brian and I have the rest of our lives together, the children will move on. I am thankful for such a godly husband.

And, I am so proud of David, he is his father's son. Last evening he did his best to protect me from the horrid things Jay was saying. He kept assuring me Brian and I were not a failure as parents. God is going to do great things in David's life.

The same way God will do great things in Brian and my life. He is molding us to be more like Jesus.

Another Great Weekend

So this weekend we spontaneously decided to go to Laughlin. Brian is amazing at getting our rooms comped. We drove up Friday.

Saturday we went up through Christmas Tree Pass. It is gorgeous - the trees along side of the road have Christmas decorations on them.

We ended up Saturday evening playing a penny slot machine for almost five hours - and ended up walking away with $5. Pretty cheap entertainment.

In three weeks we get to go back as David has a double header baseball game scheduled in Bullhead City. (Yes, Brian got those rooms comped too!)

Brian

Brian has been filling out paperwork for his soon-to-be job. There were a couple of items he couldn't locate so he left me a list. (BTW - I so respect that Brian continues to work at a job where he is mistreated but he still gives everything he can.)

As I was looking for the address of our rental five years ago in the computer and I ran across the letter I wrote for Brian the Christmas of 2006. That was the year we didn't exchange gifts - just wrote each other letters. Then I pulled out the letter he wrote to me (I keep it in my Bible.)

Now I sit here crying. I am married to the most wonderful man in the world (for me). He is so full of love and compassion. God has blessed my socks off.

I am excited for this new season in our life - he will be starting a new job, the children are almost gone, we can spend time together.

Our Cruise MiniVacation

It was a wonderful trip. We drove over to San Diego last Thursday morning and boarded the ship. After eating some lunch we wandered around to figure out where things were.

Dinner was good - except it started at 8:15..... never again!

Friday we were in Ensenada - we took a shore excursion to La Bufadora - it was a beautiful example of God's creation. We were able to shop in a Mexican flea market - the vendors were quite pushy. Brian was able to get a Rolex watch.

Friday evening was Brian's favorite dinner - lobster (2) and prime rib! He was one happy camper.

Saturday we were at sea all day. It was so relaxing just to chill out and do nothing but be together.

Sunday we arrived back in San Diego to rain. We decided to drive up the highway to Huntington Beach. It was like walking through a sand blaster so we didn't stay long.

Since we didn't want to come home - we drove through some back roads of California and found a little casino - we played on $20 for about two hours and walked away with $15 - not a bad value.

It was an absolutely wonderful time away. We are going to going away alone a lot more!!

Excited

I can't believe I am so excited - I feel like a child on Christmas Eve.

We are going to have the most amazing four days. I can't wait to just be with Brian alone - no children, our phones off, we just have to pick when and where we want to eat. We are leaving the stress of our life right here in Arizona.

When we come back, it may still be here, but we will be refreshed and ready to take on the world.

God is preparing us for His blessing - we are so ready!!

Praises

This evening Brian got the phone call we have been waiting for. He is moving on to the next phase of a job he really wants as a Nuclear Security Officer at Palo Verde.

This is such an amazing opportunity for him.

What is even more incredible is how God has been in control this whole time - even while we were questioning, God has been faithful. His timing is always perfect.

I am so excited about how Brian will be able to shine doing what God has created him to do.

Thank you Lord for answered prayers. May the process move quickly.

Cruising

About ten days ago Brian and I decided to spend some time alone. We batted around where we could go. Then last Friday he emailed me - "What do you think about a cruise to Mexico?"

Through Brian's investigative skills and persistence we were able to get a cruise from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico - we leave this Thursday!!

I am so excited to spend four days with the most incredible man in the world, to get to know him better, to be away from the pressures we have been facing, to see another part of God's creation. Perhaps I didn't realize how stressed we have been or how I have missed having alone time with Brian.

God has truly blessed me with the most wonderful husband!!!

Day Trip - Snow

After we finished shooting and cleaning up the area we drove to Crown King to use the outhouse. Then we meandered up the Senator Highway. We stopped and had lunch in the pine trees - it was amazing.

We continued on up the road figuring we would make it to Prescott about 5:15. We have driven this road twenty times over the years. Everything was going great when we rounded a corner and saw snow - no big deal - Brian is a skilled driver, we have been in snow on this road before.....

Until we got to the next corner - and saw a car stuck up ahead of us. Paul and Mary Ellen. Brian got out and walked up to see if we could help. It took about 30 minutes to get them going - for about a quarter of a mile where they got stuck again. Another 20 minutes here and we are on the way for another quarter mile and they were stuck again, after the third time of getting them going we thought we were good..... Until we came to another corner where we watched as they came extremely close to going off the side of the mountain, and they got stuck again.

Considering Brian was doing about 90% of the work and we only had one tow rope with us (that snapped the first time and was tied back together) it was pretty intense. There was no way we could have pulled them from where they were.

But, a Jeep appears from the other direction. Two young guys and they had a heavy duty tow rope - they pulled them out, then waited for us to round the corner. But, we slipped into the same place they had been. So the Jeep pulled us out.

We asked about the road conditions ahead, they said no problem, you will be fine.....

So we went ahead. The Jeep's concept of being fine and ours is quite different. Brian drove in the ruts but we got stuck. Well thankfully, Paul and Mary Ellen had not entered the snowy area - so they came up and helped us dig out. It took awhile and three of us pushing the car but Brian got us out of there.

We determined it would be best to go back the way we came.... We weren't worried about us, Paul and Mary Ellen....

We got to the infamous curve where we both had been stuck and there they were were again - stuck!

By this time it is about 8:00. It is dark. Brian and I are cold and hungry. I was grumpy.

So, we dug them out again and Brian explained to Paul (for the 483rd time) you have to keep steady pressure on the gas, don't brake, just keep going!!!

Brian and I sat in the Expedition and prayed like we have never prayed before they would make it through the stretch they had been stuck in three times going the other way!

We prayed the snow angels would lay themselves on the road and allow us both to get through. And God and Brian's driving skills did it!!

So we are now headed back to Crown King, looking for the turnoff to Mayer. Somehow, we ended up on the correct road and arrived back in the Valley about 10:00 starving.

As we were driving out Brian was telling me how scared he had been. I had no clue. He was confident, protecting me and just getting the job done. I am so proud of him!! He is amazing.

God allowed us to have an adventure, not one we would have chosen, but one where we were able to share Jesus' love and we were able to spend quality time together.

Day Trip - Shooting

Yesterday Brian and I went on a day trip. So much happened - it will be a two part blog.

Part of our day was spent shooting out in the desert. Brian is an amazing marksman. He shot 40 rounds and all but three got the target. The bad guy was so dead.

He even was shooting left handed for a while. I so respect the skills he has - it was incredible to watch!

Then Brian taught me to shoot.... I think I did pretty good. I shot ten rounds and hit the target seven times.

I have a whole new respect for our police officers - it was difficult in a good situation - light outside, still target, no pressure.

It was really a lot of fun - not only did I learn to shoot, I also learned to load the magazine. By the end of our shooting time I was able to get all ten bullets in.

That part of the day was wonderful....

Love & Respect

I have been reading the book Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Wish I had read this years ago. He makes the statement:

In the ultimate sense, your marriage has nothing to do with your spouse.

It has everything to do with your relationship to Jesus Christ.

Wow. I am so convicted. During those times I have not been a good wife, I am not only hurting Brian, but Jesus (my two favorite people). Looks like I need to spend some time praying for forgiveness and seeking it from Brian.

I am so thankful God offers us grace. And Brian, being a man after God's own heart, will offer me grace too.

Accountable

Recently I have been praying about how to become a better wife, how to grow closer to Jesus and how to be a better mom. Be careful when you tell God you are willing to change.....

I am committing to losing 30 pounds by the 17th of July.

About two years ago the doctor put my on high blood pressure medication and told me to lose 10 pounds. I lost about 40 over the next six to eight months. Then I stablized for about a year.

Last fall we were going through some challenges and I put 10 of those pounds right back on. Why couldn't God have made me a non-eater when stressed?

The last week or so has been tough but I have dropped five pounds!! So I am going to keep going.

I even ried to ride my bike tonight - I have to give Jay credit, he didn't laugh while I was around. But between the seat slipping backwards and my left knee not wanting to bend, it wasn't going to happen - so I walked.

Pray for me as I take on this challenge. I know God honors us when we do the right thing - and taking care of my physical body is important.

Besides, Goodwill has a bigger selection in smaller sized clothes!!

Chosen

My SOAP tonight was on Deuteronomy 14:2 - For you are a holy people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.


Not only did God pick me, but he treasures me.


I have been facing some challenges recently and I'm not feeling very treasured. How cool that God knew Vicki would need this reassurance at this point in time.


The vision God gave me the other night as I was praying of Brian and myself being held on God's lap is so comforting. Funny, I couldn't see God's face. I just felt His arms of love wrapped around us.

So many random thoughts

My mind is going 100 miles per hour. So many random thoughts.

• I am blessed
• I love Jesus
• I love Brian
• I love my children
• Auditors are driving me nuts
• Coworkers are acting like preschoolers
• I am excited to have some time off next week
• Another baseball game tomorrow, hope they win
• Amazing things are about to happen
• God is good

One more thought

We went to a wedding Friday night (the only time I get dressed up anymore is for weddings and funerals).

It was nice wearing a dress, jewelry and feeling fancy. Brian has been generous in giving me jewelry, most of it I don't wear often. But since Friday, I have been wearing the ring he bought me when we were in the Caribbean. It is beautiful.

Now everytime I look at my finger - I not only remember a wonderfully amazing trip but I also remember my husband who told me when he bought it "You are worth it!"

Life is too short to save jewelry for special ocassions!

Random Thoughts

Okay, I am in a blogging mood. God is teaching me so, so, so much!! It is not easy, a lot of it is really hurting. But I am so thankful, that after walking with Jesus my entire life (there were a few backslides along the way) He is still teaching me more and more about His character and His love.

During Youth Services Jeremiah made the comment - God never wastes a hurt. How cool is that? Even though things may be painful, we may be in a breaking period - God will not waste what is going on - it will glorify the Lord!!

I know we are close to the blessing. God loves us and wants to hold us close.

While praying the other night God gave me a vision - I saw Brain and myself curled up on God's lap, His arms were around us holding us close. What a comfort.

God Keeps His Covenant

During my SOAP'ng today the Scripture I chose is Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know, therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

I needed that reminder today - God is faithful to me. He keeps His word. Sometimes I don't give God enough credit, I think he is going to fail me like people have. But He won't!! He is faithful to those who love and obey Him!

Thank you Lord for loving me so much!

A Cadillac

We own a Cadillac. Say what? It is so cool it all happened.

Friday evening Brian asked how I would feel if he sold his motorcycle. I thought about doing a happy dance but instead said, that would be fine - why? He was tired of cars turning in front of him, almost being hit then being yelled at!

So he put the motorcycle on Craigs List saying sell or trade for a car.

Saturday morning we were eating breakfast/lunch at Cracker Barrel and his phone rang - he didn't get to it, it wasn't a number he knew and there was no message. A little while later the same number phoned again. The gentleman wanted to know if he was interested in a Cadillac Seville. Brian asked for pictures.

When we arrived home, he looked at the pictures, we prayed about it and then he called Gary and told him to come on over.

Long story short - it was a win-win. Gary loved the motorcycle. Brian (and David) think the Cadillac is wonderful.

I am simply in awe at how smart my husband is - he knew what to look for on line about the car before he agreed to see it, he knew what he was looking for in the car and then he understands all about insurance. He is an amazing man!

So we have a new car and it even will fit in the garage. God is good.

A Wonderful Husband

This evening I was at a wedding. Weddings always make me think. Tonight I was reminded about what a wonderful husband Brian is and how very much I love him.

His heart is full of love, he is a great Dad to our children, he is willing to serve, rarely does he whine. He puts up with me!!

We have been through some pretty intense times, but with God at the center of our marriage, we have made it through. Right now things are pretty tough - but I know the blessing is coming soon.

I think too often I take him for granted. So, from today on, I am going to be the best wife I can be - he will get all the love and respect he deserves. I am going to do my best for him. I am going to move him to the top of my prayer list.

And, next trip, we are going to take lots and lots of pictures of us!!

I am blessed.

First Baseball Game of the Season

Here is David, up to bat. He struck out - but look at his stance. The boy is together. And remember - Babe Ruth holds the strike out record!!

The lost 9-5, but played well.

Thursday is another game!!

Play Ball!

David has his first game tomorrow as part of Verrado's JV team. I am so proud of him though I almost had to quit my job to make them understand I HAVE to be at his games.

His freshman and sophomore years he was at the charter school where they had only one team (not a very good one either!). Now we are in the big leagues!

Baseball is one sport I truly enjoy - to me it is relaxing and a great time to pray and support my children.

Jay is pretty jealous so I am walking the Mom tightrope of supporting one child without ignoring another. I pray Jay will start encouraging David - it would be good for both of them.

Tomorrow - a new set of memories begins. Play ball!!