Love Letter

I have decided to re-arrange a couple of the bedrooms upstairs, and work on a few projects that would make those rooms look a little more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. As I was going through a few items last night, I came across a letter I wrote to my husband, made with those chalky Valentine Conversation Hearts. I specifically remember working on that when we were first married, about three years ago. But, three years really does travel fast, as I couldn’t believe it had already been that long ago. I read it last night, and again, to my husband so he would remember what it said. I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of gluing conversation candy hearts to a bright colored piece of hot pink cardstock, and then forming just the right words to say around those little hearts, but somehow it worked. I don’t like the idea of keeping something around like that, but my husband proceeded to tell me that I shouldn’t throw it away and it should be kept in a keepsake book. I agreed. So, with that said, I thought I would share what I wrote to him with all of you. As a guide, I have put the words indicated on each of the hearts glued to the paper in the pink color, so you can decipher between the hearts’ words and my words.

Dear Lee,
A long time ago, you told me I was a nice girl. You would call me and I would get so excited! Our first kiss was great, and soon it became my dream to become your girlfriend. I love that you say you love me and call me cutie pie. Only you can hug me the way you do. Only you can make me smile the way you do. You are my lover boy, my baby, and the one I love. There is so much magic in our relationship. IM me, because of you. It’s too bad that I have to miss you and you miss me when we’re gone, but it’s a sure love when it comes to you and me. We’re cool and walking in style! You came to ask me “Will you marry me? I said “I do”, because you are my angel and my love. I hope you know ura star in my life. Be true to yourself, and do it for you!
And that’s amore!

Be mine for Valentine’s Day!

I love you, Ashley Holladay

Shadow Friend

If you have read my previous post “Enjoying the Little Things”, you saw that I had talked about our nieces and nephews, under the title “Little Youngsters”. Well, I’m going to refer back to the phrase that kids really do and say the “darndest” things. I was visiting my husband’s family last night, and all the kids were there. Our niece Rayney asked if I would go outside with her. So, we went out to the back where the trampoline was. She asked if I would jump with her, but I declined, and said I would be happy to watch her jump (all the while, thinking about all my memories on a trampoline as a kid…some good, some not so good). The sun was beginning to set, but still it was very bright outside. After a short time jumping, she then said in excitement “Look, you can see my shadow friend, and she has a shadow trampoline too!” Of course, she was looking at her own shadow, as she continued to jump as high as she could. But, I still had to ask, curious what her response would be, “Rayney, who is your shadow friend?” She replied, “She is me, because she looks like me, but she can’t talk.” I chuckled to myself, while pondering the wonderful thing about childhood imagination at its best. I am certainly grateful for these moments, as they don’t last forever.

Enjoying the Little Things

Bunny “Foo Foo”

While visiting my parents the other night, I was surprised to hear that our family’s rabbit, Nigel actually likes to be vacuumed when he is shedding really bad; instead of brushed or groomed like a normal rabbit. I’ve attributed that sense of liking to his tame nature, since he doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything but the cats that happen to stop by for a visit from time to time. I do find it odd that he is very fond of tuna fish, and cereal, but he is no ordinary rabbit. Nigel is now 7 years old, but very young at heart. We enjoy having him a part of the family.





Little Youngsters

Since we have been back from California, I haven’t had to work as often as I did before, so I’ve had a little more free time to hang with the family. I have to admit, it is very nice, since I’ve been able to witness the precious moments of all our nieces and nephews, and enjoy spending time with them. They are fun to watch, and they really do the “darndest” things. Luckily, we can catch those Kodak moments when they arise. It certainly has me feeling more and more anxious to have our own children. Oh yes, and I have included some of the first pictures I’ve taken of the newest member of the family, Skotlynd Sky.


Loveable Lincoln Alexander



Beautiful Breklynn Belle




My husband is not a little younster, but he sure acts like it sometimes.


Rayney and Corban


Dagan


Lincoln


Rayney




Sweet Skotlynd Sky
Day Lilies and Carnations

Well, the prettiest flowers in our flower beds have finally bloomed. I am quite impressed with their beauty, as they bask in the sunlight. I especially enjoy their color. They definitely signify that summer is here.







Waffle Bowl Delight
You might think I’m silly for posting a picture of my latest dessert choice, but I have recently discovered that I’m very fond of this particular flavor of ice cream. It is called Peanut Butter Cup with Caramel and Fudge Swirl Ice Cream, which is just a “Great Value” brand found at Wal-Mart. I also discovered that I enjoy it even more in a waffle bowl, since anything that relates to the waffle cone, tastes a lot like toasted marshmallows (at least that’s what I think). So, I thought I would pass this onto you, so you can run out and get some for yourself.

Hopeful Thoughts

I have started another job search. Quite frankly, I didn’t think I would be in this position again, after returning home to Idaho. I really thought my quest was over, after my previous short-term job at Chick-Fil-A. See, I had a plan. That plan was to return to my job at the storage business, where I’ve worked for almost 3 years. But, I see that it is time to move on. It’s time to expand my horizons, get out of my “comfort zone”, and really see my full potential. At least I would like to see if I can find something that would allow me to discover that for myself. I was sitting in a conference room today with several other people, and several magazines spread out before us. You would think they thought we might get bored or something. I knew at that point, it would be awhile before we would go any further in the interview process. I can say that the music that was playing was entertaining enough. After filling out a six page job profile about myself, I sat there and pondered on the possible job opportunity, and wondered if I’m really cut out to do insurance sales. I have never worked in a position dealing with any type of insurance. But, somehow I became intrigued, and there I was. As I waited for the second interview, I was hoping and praying that they could see and recognize my strong desire to learn something new. I realized this would be a huge step for me, but I was ready and willing to go forward with full force and a positive attitude. At that moment, I thought to myself that my experience in California changed me for the better. I guess I needed to leave the storage business for a short time to realize that I was ready to venture on to another opportunity for growth. Well, after the hour long presentation about the company and the compensation plan, I was still feeling pretty good about it. We were all told that we would find out later in the day whether we were a good candidate to proceed with the third and final interview. I knew without a doubt they would have hired me, and sure enough I got the confirmation of that earlier today. However, after discussing this position with my husband, we came to the conclusion that I should get a job that has more of a steady pay scale versus a commission only type job. I knew he was right, as it would be risky for both of us to hold a job that doesn’t pay an hourly or salary-based pay. I figured if my husband is the one that has the experience and the licenses in insurance, he should have that type of job. So, I will keep all of you posted, as I too, am anxious to see what lies before me in the near future. As I have said before, the job search shall continue.

Beauties of L.A.

While contemplating my next blog post, it occurred to me that I had not posted the few pictures I had left of some of the best sites in California. I am one to take pictures of many random things, but in some way they seem meaningful. I believe this will be my last post about our adventures in L.A., as I do not have much more to say. I will always remember it as a place of positive change for me, and a good life-altering experience. I needed to get away, and L.A. was a great place to get away, like an extended vacation. The change of pace from the ordinary was good for me, but now I’m back and ready to take whatever life throws at me. I’ve finally come to terms with that reality and have a greater understanding of it…if that makes any sense. So, I will say my final goodbyes to California…for now. I hope you enjoy the photos below, and have a great Sunday evening.

These purple trees were spectacular!

I was very fond of all the different types and textures of all the different trees.

These exotic flowers were very unique and lovely!

The scenery of our apartment complex was very pretty!

The Koi fish were making their rounds in the nearby ponds.

On our way to Laguna Beach, with mansions along the way!

Big waves, sandy toes, and pretty pink flip-flops!

We were enjoying some fun in the sun, and a cute puppy tied to a tree outside a little shop.

Wheat Field, or Grass?

While we were away in California , we were kept informed and updated on the latest and greatest at home by friends and family. At one point, we were warned by our neighbors that our yard was looking like it had seen better days. Our backyard especially, was eye-catching with our grass about as high as our knees. It was starting to seed, because it was getting so long. It was actually very pretty, as it waved in the gentle breeze. We almost swayed ourselves from mowing it short again, but knew it wouldn’t be practical, nor would it help the already unhealthy status of the grass in its condition. It was at this point, that we also determined that we would need a new lawn mower. There were also many weeds to pull, but after just a few short days, my husband got it whipped back into shape. The yard was mowed a few times while we were gone, but as it turns out our grass grows much faster than we anticipated. I’m just thankful that my husband could come home to his favorite hobby, as yard work is one of his passions in life.


The Big Surprise!


Our Apricot and Peach Trees


The Big Pile of Weeds

Our nephew Corban looks even smaller in the tall grass.

As a side note, I just have to send out big Congratulations to my sister-in-law, Addy for the delivery of their new baby girl early this morning. She, along with the rest of the family has chosen the name Skotlynd Sky, which is both unique and lovely. I have yet to see this bundle of joy, but I know she will be as beautiful as her other adoring children. They have been a blessing to all of us.

California Happiness

Well, it was exactly a week ago today, that we made the decision to travel the long journey home back to Idaho, from California. The thought of that still hasn’t resonated with me, and although our home is home, it feels like we have just moved in after three years living here. It’s amazing how time flies, but a month and a half seemed like a long time that we were away. Much to my dismay, it has been more of a struggle for me to adjust all over again, and I know it will take some time to accept our move back. Unpacking, in and of itself, has been a bit overbearing, and in the process of it all, I find myself ‘Spring Cleaning’ at the same time. I feel though, that this will help occupy my mind and de-clutter my life, so to speak. I would like to take a moment and re-cap on the past few days. Before traveling back home, we made the decision to fully enjoy our last days in California, as we do not know when we will go back. We had the chance to meet my sister Amanda in Palm Springs and go to Knott’s Soak City Water Park, where we enjoyed many of the slides, the river, and the all popular wave pool. There was one type of slide in particular that was a steep, straight, long shot to the ground, and might I add, was one I refused to go on. So, I had the pleasure of taking a couple pictures of both my sister and my husband going down that slide, while watching them fear for their lives at the top of the slide, as they looked as though they were going to plummet to their death, as they thought. The looks on their faces were priceless, but in the end it was like the ride of a lifetime, a rush like no other. The big grins on their faces, as they slid to the bottom of the slide, indicated that they had fun. My husband and I had the opportunity to go to Hollywood, and visit both the Guinness Book of World Records Museum and the Wax Museum. It was interesting to see and read the facts about people, places, animals, and objects all over the world that stand out among the ordinary. We even had the chance to look into a unique mirror that emulated our body figure to look like that of a dwarf. It was very cool! The Wax Museum was captivating to me, as it had many displays of characters and actors that have played a part in movies and films over the years, all made out of wax, and very life-like, portraying the very appearance of that actor. I can only imagine how many hours went into the production of such displays like the Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many others. Just when we thought we were ready to pack everything and go, we just couldn’t say goodbye, without the Disneyland adventure. I guess you could say that choice was made on a whim, but it was easy to justify, because we were only 15 minutes away. Our last day in California was spent there, and the sights, sounds, and the whole experience that day will be unforgettable. Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Indiana Jones ride were among our favorites. The attention to detail, character animation, and the livelihood of the Disney scene was spectacular, and more than I would have remembered as a child. We bought a couple souvenirs at the close of our fun-filled day, and here we are, back home to the majestic beauty of Idaho and our lovely home. I’ll miss California, but I’m grateful to be home close to family and friends. Below, I have posted pictures for your enjoyment.
Have a spectacular day!
Knott's Soak City Waterpark

My husband, my sister, and me


My husband down the steep slide


My sister down the steep slide


Guinness Book of World
Records Museum



The Unique Mirror


My husband as the "Fat Man"




E.T. and Cats


Superman


Mario


The Biggest Lite Brite Pegs Display


Hollywood Wax Museum






Men in Black


The Matrix


Star Wars




James Bond 007/Charlies Angels


Forest Gump


Beverly Hillbillies


Shanghai Noon


Bonanza


Spiderman


Celebrities




Star Wars


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory


Ace Ventura Pet Detective


The Wizard of Oz


Cast Away


Pirates of the Caribbean


Hannibal


More Celebrities


Disneyland Photos

Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster Ride


Splash Mountain Ride


Daytime picture of the Disney Castle


Star Tours Ride






Tarzan's Treehouse

Jane and Tarzan




Night picture of the Disney Castle


Jungle Cruise Ride