Pope Francis is a QT!

I must first share, for those of you who read this blog and are not familiar with my faith, I am NOT a Catholic. But I think I was in another life.  I believe if I went to confession, did some Hail Mary's and Our Father's I would have much less guilt and anxiety! I'm truly not making fun of the Catholic faith, I'm being honest!  I'm forever the outsider in my own faith.  I love the musty smell of the hymnal books and the organ playing them and the musical sound the geriatric population make as their voices are long gone carrying the proper notes.  I say this honestly also, as, I'm the youngest person in these "traditional" services by 20 years! My age group seek the Churches with the full bands, where there is a jumbotron that providers the words to the songs, where it sounds more like a rock concert than a time of worship.  I get the need for the new.  There is nothing wrong with this! I just prefer the traditional and familiar, much like the rituals of the Catholics.

I am thankful that I was able to watch the ceremony of the concave to elect the new Pope. It was actually my second, but I don't remember much of the first one. As I was facebooking with friends of the Catholic faith I wondered if they thought it was rude of me to post how I felt and the questions I had when I was not of the same faith?  I love religion and find it interesting.  I have been taught to not bring up politics or religion in conversations as the cops are usually called by the time it's all said and done.  With that said, when I have no investment in the subject, it becomes a wonderful opportunity of learning and insight!

I grew up in a town of German Catholics.  I have joked many times the only difference in religion between my Catholic friends and me is that they confessed their sins on Saturday night BEFORE they did them and I went to Church Sunday morning and asked for forgiveness AFTER I did them.

One of the most special moments of this entire Pope process was a dear friend of mine, after my many questions and affirming my love of the Catholic faith on facebook, asked me if I wanted to attend a service with her and her family.  I loved that she would do that!  And, as I told Michelle, although I love the ceremonial part of the faith, I'm content to be a little Methodist Traditional Girl...and my knees are shot and my attention span is of a gnat!  I would never make it through their services! Just saying!

And last, just because I have an opinion and I'm going to share it, I think Pope Francis is a QT!  I love his gentle ways and how he is not "above" his fellow brothers or the people he resides over.  I wonder if there is ever an opportunity for a non Catholic to meet the Pope?  Maybe a trip to Rome and grab a bus?

Stir Crazy!

There is a big difference between staying home because you want too and staying home because you HAVE too.  When I was sick, my doctor basically told me I had to rest and stay away from places where there were a lot of people; grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.  I got it.  I was obsessive about washing my hands even here at home.  Germs were my enemy.  I started counting the days that I had been cooped up in the house.  The days led to weeks.  FOUR weeks to be exact! After that, I did leave the house for a few very short trips, but even then I went back into seclusion and added a few more weeks on.  Then, with the snow, I added on another week!  My little car has been buried under a snow drift and we don't have a shovel.  And, to be honest, I wasn't too keen on being outside in the cold with that air hitting my lungs and making me cough worse than I already do.

So, tomorrow, I have a very early doctor's appointment and a lunch date/meeting.  And my sister might stop by on her way home to my Mom's.  All of this to say that I'm actually looking forward to being out in public again, even if it means I have to put on a bra and underwear!  Heck, at this rate, I might shave my legs and put on some makeup!

Losing GaGa

                                                  

Delaney lost her GaGa today.  Those words alone being me to tears.  I can't believe she is gone! She was the glue for her family.  I have known Lou for over 15 years.  In those years I spent as many with her and her family as I did my own! I have gone through many, many deaths in my life, although I have never dealt with someone here one minute and gone the next.  It has always been a long illness or an accident/injury and you have time to say your goodbye's.

Robert had just picked up Delaney (Delaney and her Mom (Shelli) live with GaGa) and as Delaney was getting her things ready Robert and Lou talked about the roads. Robert told Lou to be careful on her way to work.  An hour later she was gone.  I have came to the understanding we may never know the "why" of anything that happens here on Earth.  It doesn't make the loss or circumstances any easier, but my faith is the only thing I can rely on to get me through these moments. I have to believe God has a plan.  A plan that is better and bigger than any one of us can comprehend.  

Robert is struggling.  He was married to Shelli for over 22+ years and Lou was his Mom as much as his own. He also had to watch his daughter cry her heart out today, and most likely many more days to come.  I am blessed that Robert and me were allowed to mourn with the family at the hospital and to be apart of those unbelievable moments when all you can do is love on one another. 

These are the things I will miss most about Lou (no particular order):

1. She always had her hair dyed a crazy color.  Dark black, red and most recently purple.

2. Depending on the holiday, she would wear bunny ears in her hair, Valentine's Day hearts, reindeer antlers, etc

3. On many holidays, there was not an inch of her yard not covered with blow ups, and other decorations to mark the special occasion.

4. She was always on hand for her grand-kids activities and was the loudest voice in the stands or on the sideline.

5. She had the BEST laugh!

6. She cussed and said words that made even me blush!  I have to say that I have added a few of her favorites to my vocabulary over the years.

7. She will miss the birth of her second great grandchild.  

8. When she hugged you there was a chance of some broken ribs.

9. She welcomed people into her home and family without a second thought.

10. She made really good grub! 

11. She was an extremely hard worker.

Heavenly Father, I pray that GaGa has found her way to you and is already in your loving arms.  That she knows she was loved and will be missed here on earth.  I pray that you wrap the family left to mourn in your embrace and let them grieve and ask questions, but give them peace and remind them of the good memories to get them through the heartache.  Please take away the stress and the questions of the future and give each person knowledge that all things happen in your time and you will not leave them or forsake them and will carry them when they are no longer able to walk on their own. I am thankful, Father, for having known Lou and for you allowing her the years she was here on earth. I pray for protection and safety for those traveling to be here to celebrate Lou's life. Thank you, Father, for loving us and allowing us to not fear death, as we are promised eternal rest through your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray these things in your precious Son's name. Amen!

The Simpler Life

I have started reading a series about the Amish community by Shelley Shepard Gray. My Mom told me about it and it is exactly what I needed to read at this time.  It's just enough romance, humor, real life and fun knowledge of the Amish to keep me interested.

It got me thinking.  I would love to be living in the simple times of these people. But then I realize how much I would have to give up.  My shopping, my high heals, my makeup, my bling-bling, my fast food...the list is endless.  I have decided that I can adopt some of their simpler ways of life into my own and see if I can find a nice balance.

Could you live within the Amish world?

Modesty

I don't have any!  As was apparent yesterday when I had x-rays done and I was told to take everything off from the waist up.  And then I stood there talking to the nurse in nothing but clothes on from the waist down. And then she politely told me that I could put on one of the "paper shirts". That were laying there on the bench where I had just thrown all of my clothes...that I obviously didn't see...and felt really stupid.  This is not the first time that I have done something like that.  It's not that I think I have a gorgeous body. I'm just comfortable in my own skin.  And walk around the house naked.  And pee with the door open and sometimes do it when we have guests because I forget that in the real world that is not acceptable behavior.  And Robert and Delaney laugh at me.  Robert can undress in front of me, but not pee in front of me.  Delaney does NOT walk around in anything but clothes.  And she is a modest sweet girl.  Who I sometimes envy.  And then I try it. And it takes me forever because I didn't bring everything with me I needed to the bathroom. And the clothes I want are in the laundry room and I have no idea where the half dozen robes I own are! And this entire time cursing because I would have already been dressed and out the door had I just went naked from point A to point B to point C back to point A. And I think wrapping a towel around you as you dart across the hallway from the bathroom to the bedroom is acceptable! And I think having a bra and underwear on as you make your way through the house to the laundry room for that shirt you need out of the dryer is ok, also.

I wonder how many people I have sent to the hospital with trauma to their corneas?  I'm surprised I haven't received the bills for therapy from my neighbors!

Blessings Counted

I have been overwhelmed with sadness for the families that have taken to facebook to share their tragic losses.  Not sadden because they are sharing, but that there are so many families with BIG losses.  And yet, they are finding the courage to face each day and then to document their journey for others.  It occurs to me that the facebook accounts are set up, I'm sure, to keep loved ones in the loop.  But then they take on a life of their own with so many people reaching out and praying for these families.  It's such an awe inspiring moment for me to witness.  I don't know these people that I am praying for, but prayer is universal.  God doesn't need us to "know" the people in the prayers we raise up to Him; He hears our prayers and answers.  And I believe in the power of prayer.  So, I will continue to hit "like" on these stories that touch my heart, pray for their specific needs and be grateful that there is still good in this evil world!

If you would like to follow some of these awe inspiring stories, I have included the links below!
https://www.facebook.com/PrayingForTheNevils?ref=stream
https://www.facebook.com/BringingHomeTheBrowns?ref=stream

There are also a few "hometown" stories I am following with loved ones that are sick. As soon as I have an actual link to their pages I will post those also.

God's In Control

It has been awhile since I last shared my thoughts.  

The biggest thing that has happened since September is that I quit my job.  God gave me plenty of opportunities and signs that it needed to be done, but I thought I knew better and second guested His plans for me.  So, God put me in a situation that I had no choice but to leave.  I'm thankful.  I get asked over and over if I miss it. I can honestly say that I don't. I think the thing that bothers me the most is that I truly got caught up in the "we're a family" thing and believed it.  In the end the people that I worked with were co-workers. It has been a very tough lesson, but one I know I went through because there is a plan.  I have decided that I want to do something fun my next "job".  I don't want a career; I just want a paycheck. I'm not saying that eventually I won't go back to "I'm going to save the world" mode. Right now it's about healing.  And enjoying being married and being a step mom.  And watching Zoe grow and watching Monkey expand in the rear, if you know what I mean? 

Last, because being a step mom has been one of the greatest gifts God has given me thus far, I'm going to brag on my Laney Girl.  She has been getting straight A's.  She has started some new classes, one of them being art and she is AWESOME!  She is also trying out for the soccer team at Campus.  My time with Delaney is cherished and I wish I had more time with her.  What a bright spot she is in my life! 

We Marry Our Dad's!

I'm not sure if this is completely true.  I see similarities of my friends and family between dad and husband.  But sometimes I don't get it so I'm confident it's not a scientific fact. 

I will say for me, I have married a man that reminds me so much of my Step Daddy that I honest and truly cry.  Daddy is very much on my heart as his birthday was Saturday.  A day that Robert and I celebrated with cooking out on the grill...just like we would've done had Daddy still been with us.  Robert will say things that my Daddy said, will make facial expressions that are right on and will get wound up over the little things, just like my Daddy.   I guess when that special person is in your life and you were loved, cared for and secure you seek that out in your adult relationships. I would give up much to have one more day with Daddy.  Not for myself, but to allow Robert and him to fish and to sit in silence and say so very much without one word spoken.

I wonder if Robert feels like he married his Mother?  YIKES!!!

THE MOVE

I feel as if I need to capitalize MOVE as it was quite the move, indeed!  I knew it would be stressful, I just had no idea how stressful! 

If you don't already know this about me, I like to be in control of all things big and small.  I also believe that everyone should think as I do.  Are you laughing, yet?  I learned a long time ago that this is not a possibility, or what I like to refer to as "My Happy Place" cannot and does not exist.  Although I still like to pretend!  This is why I take anxiety pills.

I don't want to go into my weekend.  I want to focus on the positive.  Robert, Delaney, Baby Sixx, Monkey, Zoe, Willow Joy and myself have a beautiful home that I am so happy to be in.  It has a lot of character, it's bigger than our other place and it has a back yard for the dogs to play in.  From now on I will just refer to THE MOVE and shudder!

Oh, and did anyone happen to be in Little Caesars on Harry and witnessed the crazy lady yelling at the manager about other patrons walking out with her pizza and having to wait 10 min for hot and ready's that were already done...how horrible was that? Coincidentally, does anyone know of another Little Caesars in the area of Pawnee and Woodlawn/Oliver?  Again, totally coincidence, I'm banned from the one on Harry. 

Time's Running a Marathon!

Yesterday my Niece Lacy turned sixteen.  The night before that I attended freshman orientation for Delaney.  In my mind 10 years ago was 1990, not 22 years ago!  When did time not only march, but decide to run a marathon?  I have a step daughter that started high school.  I have a niece that started her Sophomore year.  I remember both of them being born for pete's sake!  I can't be old enough, right?  I hear it's better to embrace the years.  The person that said that probably didn't have wrinkles, still fit into the same clothes they wore in high school and didn't have children growing fast than weeds!  My Niece Kelcy calls for boy advice.  I find myself not sharing what I was doing my freshman year of high school with any of them!  I'm pretty sure that I will be locking my year books away in a safety deposit box to only be opened upon my death, when they will then be delivered to my casket under security, like with semi-automatics, and buried with me.  Holy Smoke!  Have I mentioned in the last few months how joyous I am that we didn't have face book back in the day? 

As this marathon is being ran, I realize that I want to embrace each moment.  I want to be there for Delaney and involved in everything I can be as she goes through her high school years.  I want to figure out how to get to Texas more often.  I want to cheer all of them on from the stands and have shirts made up that announces I'm the crazy Step-Mom and Aunt and embarrass them.  I want to beat up anyone that hurts them and hand out our counseling cards to the parents.  Yes, I know, extreme, but man, you only will have this time once! 

Now that I'm done searching for anxiety treatment centers, I am proud of the girls.  They are awesome young woman who excel in school and are good girls.  I'm blessed they are not into bad things, that they are (for the most part) respectful, know what manners are and they love all types of people.

Today is Robert and mines second month wedding anniversary.  I don't have thank you cards out yet.  We're moving again.  I haven't officially changed my last name with the world, aka the social security office.  I'm deciding if running away from my life is an option?

Much love as I try to find my heavy duty anxiety pills...

Til The Street Lights Came On

I have very much taken for granted my youth and having a sister.  During the summer, depending on age, I was riding my bike to the pool, going over to a friends house, riding my bike up to the DQ, sunbathing in the back yard, planning sleep overs, building forts, on vacation in Oklahoma visiting grandparents, in McPherson with my Aunt and Uncle, staying up and reading until the early hours in the morning and not getting up until noon, where I would then head to the pool and hang out until it was time for my parents to get home.  I would then eat dinner and play outside until the street lights came on.  Then there's all the memories of driving and dragging main and Stop To Shop...but those might need to be another blog...or when Delaney is older and I don't have to worry about her questioning what I type!

Then there's my sister.  There were many of summers that she was in charge of me.  Regardless if we were fighting or best of friends, she was always there for me.  I was never truly alone.  I had someone to confide in, someone to go too when I did something I wasn't supposed too, and to beg for rides when I wanted to go somewhere.

When Delaney asked for a friend to come over and spend a few days, I really didn't hesitate.  One, I really like this friend (super, super sweet) and second, Delaney's stuck in the house all day long with nothing to do but watch TV, deal with the zoo we have and listen to music.  Now, for me, this would be total heaven, but I can see how fast that would become old. I don't know if Delaney had siblings (she does have an older sibling, but she lives in a different state) that were close in age if she would really be thankful for them.  They can be a pain.  But, I also know that there is something to being an only child, friends spread all over a large area, and having parents that work.

I called my childhood BFF, Melissa, and said that I totally understood why our parents where always so happy to agree with our spending many nights out in the yard in our tents or at least at each other's homes.  They didn't have to entertain us, they never had to worry about us, and we always had such a good time.  As I laid in bed last night listening to Delaney and Victoria giggle (and other noises that I don't even want to imagine what they were getting into) I could only smile and my heart was happy.  Delaney was happy.  Sometimes, at the end of the day, that's all it takes.  Your child is happy. 

The Little Moments

Roberts Mom arrived today.  Her name is Maxine.  Delaney calls her Grandma Max.  I will call her Mama Max. 

Delaney and I made a sign for her and met her at the airport.  I cried, Mama Max cried.  It was a beautiful moment.

We took Mama Max to Roberts route so they could see each other and not have to wait until tonight.  They had not see each other in 10 years.  I cried, Mama Max cried, Robert was teary, Delaney was most likley crying on the inside (although I think her eyes had some tears!) and I'm pretty sure Robert's helper was emotional also. 

This is why we didn't elope!  This is why I wanted a simple back yard wedding with our friends and family surrounding us and then time to love on everyone.  This is exactly what I wanted my wedding to be! 

Did ya all know I get married in four days?  Did ya all know that it's hotter than all get out and I'm getting married in four days in this heat?  Did I mention Mama Max is from Washington State and she's not liking this heat too much?  No?  Well, it's all true, my friends!

What's In A Name?

I have 31 days to determine how I will write my new name.  Do I keep my maiden name and do hyphen?  Do I just do what I normally do and write my first name, middle initial and then my new last name?

I think names are so important.  I love unique, but not weird.  I love sentimental and traditional.  I love strong names and names that make a statement.  I guess that's why, of all the things I have to worry about in the next 31 days, how I write my name is important to me!

Oh, and can someone PLEASE remind me to get the marriage license?  

From the almost: Jonya R. Dusing, Jonya Ulm-Dusing, Jonya R. Ulm-Dusing

Jonya's Thoughts Thursday

These are my thoughts right now:

1. I'm getting married six weeks from Saturday.
2. I'm moving from my current office to down the hall four weeks from tomorrow.  I will lose my windows and will, once again, be working in a cave.
3. Robert has started coaching softball for the summer.  Practices are two times a week and games are one to two times a week.  In case you are math challenged like I am...that means he is gone three to four nights a week for eight weeks.
4. I forgot the password to the RSVP address I set up for the wedding.  I had to reset it with a new one. 
5.  I remembered at 5:00 a.m. this morning two more people that I forgot to send wedding invitations too.
6.  My landlord is very ill and without typing out a novel, we will be moving again after the wedding.
7.  Baby will have to learn a new home and I worry about her hurting herself in the process.
8.  Delaney will begin staying with us for two weeks at a time beginning the first week in June.  I need to plan meals/food for her to eat and plan dinner so she is fed. 
9.  I will have to start coming into work early so that I'm home at a decent hour to care for said teen above.
10.  I have finally fit into my pants from last summer, that are smaller than the ones I have been able to wear the last four months.
11.  I'm afraid  my wedding dress will not fit due to being able to fit in my smaller pants.  My dress fitting is tomorrow.  I don't want to get yelled at and wondering if I can stuff the corset?
12.  I wish I would have eloped.
13.  Airline tickets are super cheap right now and I want to buy tickets for the cruise Robert and I want to go on. 
14.  I need to pay for the wedding before I plan the honeymoon.
15.  I should've only had one soda today instead of two.
16.  My pants are killing me since I've ate lunch.  Maybe I'm not quite ready for this size...there's hope for tomorrow's dress fitting.
17.  I need to get contacts.
18.  I forgot to have lab work done at my doctor this week.
19.  I have so many piles on my desk I have no idea what I'm doing and where I was at with any of my projects. 
20.  Really ready to go home.
21.  I think as a coaches wife I need to buy some cute outfits to wear to the games.
22.  I wonder if we should try to find a home and buy it in the next few months or find a place to rent and take the year we had originally planned on to safe?  I wonder if we will be able to find a place to rent with two huge dogs and a cat?
23.  I really need to start working again.
24.  I think I might need a heavy duty anxiety pill tonight.
25.  I'm so excited my Mom is coming tomorrow and staying most of the week.

I feel so much better.  Thanks for listening.  You can just bill me! 

Almost Step-Mom

Time is sneaking up on me.  If you ask Robert, and please don't, he will be able to tell you how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds before we are married.  As that time draws nearer, I'm reminded of one of the best parts of this marriage thing...I'm becoming a Step-Mom! 

Every time I hear Step-Mom I think of the movie.  That movie mashes buttons in my soul.  Now, more so, that I'm actually experiencing some of the exact same things it portrays.  Each character resonates with me, although I never thought I would be a Step-Mom.  I have even thanked and talked to my own Step-Mom, Tanda, letting her know how much I appreciate her and the role that she plays in my life.  I have also apologized for the things that I might have said or done because I was not always a nice Step Daughter.  Thank goodness I have a wonderful relationship with her now and she seems to only remember me as "good" (stop rolling your eyes!). 

There are so many times that I have felt left out of moments in time with friends and family because I was unable to grasp this entire parenting/living for someone else/responsibility/trying to do the right thing by your kid.  I totally get it now!  I'm not even really parenting...just driving slower, trying not to cuss, when I do cuss trying to use words that aren't too bad, being mindful of my actions as they might be copied, reminding Delaney that she shouldn't say/do the things I just did because that is naughty, bribing her not to tell her Dad how many times I cuss, and trying to figure out how my Mom was such an awesome Mom when faced with so many challenges.  One of which was raising me! 

I have the blessing and fond memories of holding Delaney at half a day old (she was so tiny, looked just like her Daddy and had the most perfect skin) and watching her grow into this amazing teenager.  I can't say that it has been easy, but I can say without a doubt, that it's the best thing that has happen to me in an extremely long time.  The love I have for Delaney only grows and I cherish the relationship we have.  Now, if I can just convince her a little bling bling is a GOOD thing...

Play Nice

I know not everyone has had the pleasure of dealing with an ex spouse.  For those of you that don't fall in this category, I hope you never do.  For me and my ex...we get along just fine. 

There is another category considered ex spouses.  Its where you are in a relationship and your significant other has an ex.  I'm not going to trash anyone so don't get all into a tizzy (anyone wanting the scoop just call me, wink wink), but I do think that they should have specific classes on this issues for those of us that live in the world of rainbows and unicorns.  I understand that there are hurt feelings involved.  Feelings of jealously.  Being replaced might even come to mind if kids are involved.  It's not a competition. It isn't necessary to make pubic tantrums and have high school melt downs. There's a reason you all aren't together anymore!  Get over it and move on and keep the trap shut in front of your kids, their friends and their friends parents!  Yes, there should be rules! 

And yes, I did say that one of my ex's "friends" had a horse face, but I consider that factual.   I'm just saying!

Two Month Count Down...

Two months from today I will be saying vows to my future hubby to be.  I can't believe time has gone so fast!  As my Cousin Mike told me this morning, I need to stop worrying about all the little stuff I can't control.  The bugs, weather, if my Uncle is going to move his cows from the front pasture to an out pasture?  hehehe.  Ok, I can probably beg on the cow thing, but as long as they don't start answering for me on the vows I'm good to go.  Did I also mention that a train runs behind my Aunt and Uncles?  Too much to call and ask that they find another route for the 30th?  I'm kidding...kind of!

From today on my focus is solely on the happy day ahead and I know everything else will work out.  There will be crazy moments...it is my wedding after all...but I also know those moments will add to the memories of the day. 

I don't think it's too much to ask we all pray for NO rain, low temps, I don't fall/trip/pass out, and the bugs find another place to be for the day.  Hey, God performs miracles! 

It Was More Than Just Fishing

Robert, Delany and I went to Lake Afton last Sunday.  It was our first time, as a couple/family, that we were at the lake together.  I can say that there will be many more trips...with higher SPF sunscreen for some of us...I won't name names! 
This day will hold a very special place in my heart for all time for many reasons:

1. Delaney drove us there and drove me to the bathroom, without complaint, the umpteenth time I had to go.
2. Robert loves the lake as much as I do and we share many of the same memories growing up.
3. We cooked hot dogs on the grill and Robert burnt mine just the way I like them.
4. I had smore's.
5. Robert helped his daughter fish and it was more than just fishing.
6. Robert started a fire to light the grill with the cigarette lighter of his truck because I forgot to pack a lighter.  I now call him Robmacgyver.
7. Robert caught a fish and let me take credit for it to take a pic and send to my sister to prove that I can hold a fishing pole AND knew which end was up!
8. I laid in my lawn chair and sunbathed and read a book and Robert never asked me to lift a finger.
9.  He understands that Princess's don't do slimy.
10.  Delaney put some type of creepy fish thing on my chair when I had gotten up.  I tried not to squeal like a girl.
11.  I didn't puke when Robert was putting liver and worms on their fishing hooks.
12.  Robert and I realized we both love strawberry Twizzlers. 
13.  Robert tans and I burn.
14.  I miss my Grandma Alta and it was hard for me not to cry.  Although she would be extremely disappointed that I turned into a girly girl...but I can still do minnows!
15. Robert and I were able to relax and remember exactly why we fell in love.
16.  Delaney had a good time and wants to go back often.
17.  Robert was sexy casting and reeling his fishing pole.
18.  Robert made me laugh so hard when every time he would sit down he would have to jump back up again to grab his pole.  Then as soon as he would get up the fish would leave the pole alone.  This went on the four plus hours we were there.
19. Said fish that was messing with Robert was finally caught.  The fish was missing an eyeball when we finally got done with the photo shoot.
20. Did I mention I had smore's?

What Doesn't Kill You...

Robert and I seem to have gone through a lot in the short six months we have been together.  I had the normal flu, bronchitis, pneumonia and then H1N1 all in a three month period (basically the first three months of our relationship) and Robert has had hernia surgery.

Saturday, April 14th was a testament to our strong relationship.  We survived our first tornado together.  I don't mean just a tornado watch and we were glued to the TV.  I mean tornado, heading straight for our house, in our shelters praying tornado.

Highlights:
Robert knows that 12hrs of tornado coverage isn't enough.
Robert knows he's not suppose to turn the channel while there are tornado warnings for any part of Kansas.
Robert knows that I will yell at him if he opens the door when the sirens are going off to see if he can actually see the tornado that is baring down on us and might kill us. 
I will not spend another tornado in a closet without him beside me. 
We know that Monkey has breathe bad enough to knock a grown man unconscious.
 Monkey will need his own closet next round of storms. 
I made sure I had a bra on.
I had the pleasure of praying with my Mom.
Baby Sixx licked my Mom's tears and laid on her to bring her comfort.
Baby Sixx had no idea she was in a 1x1 closet and why we were so upset.
Monkey wouldn't get in the closet with Robert and pulled his stitches and I left Robert in the hallway on the floor and returned to my closet...yes, I'm still making up for this and all I can say is I was mad he wasn't already in his closet and waited until the very last minute!
Willow was sacrificed and had to go to the garage in her carrier because there wasn't room in either closet.
Mom will not spend another storm in a closet at our home.
After the storm lifted and we were clear, Robert held me for 2hrs straight and wouldn't leave my side.
I was thankful that my dress was still at the bridal store and wasn't with me.
You can quote all the weather mumble jumble you want, but that tornado turned because prayers work!

Wedding Plans

I was lucky enough (and just naive enough) that my Mom and my Sister planned most of my first wedding.  I picked out the material for the bridesmaid dresses and I picked out my dress, and had some say in the cake.  Oh, and I also picked out the theme of the wedding.  I THINK I picked out the invitations, too?

I don't remember the first time being stressful, although there was a problem with a fight that happen weeks before my wedding and my childhood best friend was not in my wedding (we've made up and all is good in the world!), but other than that it was all good!  I remember going into the bathroom right before I walked down the isle and vomiting...but that is SO normal for me so I don't even consider that an issue. 

This time is stressful.  My Sister is helping me plan, which I'm so thankful for, but she's in Texas and I'm here and I have to visual everything! Also, as some of you know, my Sister has control issues. Then, I have the whole divorce parents thing, throwing Roberts Mom, friends and family into the mix and praying to the good Lord above that my Cousin Mike is only kidding about picking up road kill to BBQ and feed everyone! 

Robert and me can't remember why we talked ourselves out of eloping.  I'm blaming my niece Kelcy because I distinctly remember asking her if she would be mad if she wasn't  there and she said, "I will never forgive you, Aunt Jonya".  There it is!