This ones for the girls..

"Does this outfit make me look fat?"

"Is this too short?"

"Is this too tight?"

"Does my butt look big in this?"

"Which shoes should I wear?"

How many women have ever been guilty of asking any of these questions? I'd venture to say most of us. I'm very careful to ask these questions of my husband not for fear of what he might say, but because he has absolutely no fashion sense whatsoever! This is the reason my sister-in-law and mom are called when Christmas approaches!

Here very soon Halle is going to be left with Jake all by herself. I have a shopping trip planned with the girls and I have a conference at the lake next week. So I was wondering, "What is she going to look like while I'm gone?" I have to admit I'm a little nervous. After all, I am the one that picks out clothes each day and fixes hair. So, the thought of Halle and Daddy all alone reminded me of the times I was left alone with my dad. It was always a great time because we never heard,"Empty the stairs! or Empty the dishwasher!" We just had fun!! I'm sure the house was a disaster much like mine will be when I return. But, I especially remember when dad fixed my hair. My ponytail was low and loose! Ugh! I hated low-loose ponytails!! Lol

As I grew up, I always depended on mom to tell me what looked good before I went out. I would ask these questions that we all have asked. I trusted her opinion! But, when mom wasn't there I had to settle for dad's opinion.

This was his answer every time..."Well, if you have to ask, it probably is." What great advice! So, now if I'm feeling fat in an outfit or if I wonder if something is too tight, I always remember what dad said and....I change!! Thanks, Dad!! ;)

My dad may kill me for this but it's crazy how much Halle looks like me!!;)

I'll Never Understand

There are things that happen in this disgusting world that I will never understand. Here are a few things on my mind today...

Here it goes...

We all heard the horror story unravel with baby Tyler Dasher. I was sickened to hear that this poor baby was missing from his crib that day. AND even more sickened to hear that his own mother took his life and dumped him like garbage in a nearby park. It was a very tough thing to swallow for us all. But, it struck a nerve with me. There are SOOOO many people that are unable to have children. People that would be excellent parents. People who can financially take care of their children...people who don't depend on others to raise their children. People who would nurture and love their child unconditionally. It breaks my heart and I just don't understand how we can have that kind of evil living in this world.

I am faced each day with children who live in horrible situations. Poor kids who go to bed hungry. They don't get attention at home. They don't have clothes or shoes that fit. They are abused and neglected. Why? I just don't understand.

There are pregnant women who don't take care of their bodies. They abuse drugs and alcohol. Why? I just don't understand.

All of these situations are horrific. They break my heart...more so now, than ever before!

Jake and I have been trying to conceive for 6 months now. I finally feel like I am ready to talk about how I'm feeling. Up until this point, just my close family and friends are really the only ones that know what is going on. I feel like they get tired of hearing about my troubles so I need a place that I can just "vent."

The past few months have been an emotional roller coaster. Each month, it is hard to bare the disappointment. I am so thankful for my little blessing of Halle. I'm so glad that God trusted me and picked me to be her mommy. So many things go through my mind with each disappointment. I think to myself..."Do I not deserve another baby?" I've begged God...I've had heart to heart talks with Him...and each time I feel a peace come over me. I know that HE is in control. Everyone says, "His timing is perfect." God is faithful...I know all of these things. I have complete faith that we will have another child. That God will bless us again with the perfect baby at the perfect time. It's just funny how we think we have everything planned out. I knew exactly how many years I wanted between children. We tried to be the responsible adults and put enough space between so that we were able to afford daycare. But, God's plans don't always coincide with ours. I once made the statement, "People plan and God laughs." Oh how true this is.

I'm amazed at how many people I talk to that have gone through similar situations or are currently going through it with me. I can't stress enough how thankful I am for the 3 year old miracle that brings joy to my life each and everyday. I just pray that God will choose to bless us again. Until then, I will keep my faith and trust in our LORD!!

Vegas

A few years ago, Jake and I had just sold our house and we were living in the upstairs of my parents house with our 18 month old baby. It wasn't an ideal situation but we were at a crossroads in our life and we weren't exactly sure which way to go. Our anniversary came and went and we were disappointed that we weren't able to do anything special. I remember driving home from Farmington through St. Joe State Park when we made the decision from that point on we were going to go to a new city each year to celebrate our anniversary. Last year, we chose Chicago. Neither of us had been and it was a blast. I have to say, I always get a little nervous going to new places because of the fear of the "unknown."

We decided on Vegas this year. I'm not really sure why. Afterall, neither of us gamble or drink. But it was a place that was definitely on our "Bucket List." Everyone asked me, "What are you guys going to do there?" I didn't know but I was sure that we could find something to do and I knew just being away--alone--together would be enough to make me happy.

I was a little stressed about the airport security. We got through without a problem at all. It was quick and painless. We flew Southwest airlines because the "Bags Fly Free" but we decided next time we will pay more to fly more comfortable. The flight there was extremely cramped and the way they do seating is not my style. I felt like I had to fight for a seat and I was nervous we wouldn't get to sit together.

Once we reached Vegas we hopped in a taxi and made it to our hotel. I have to say The Venetian was absolutely gorgeous! They had very nice rooms. We went out and walked along the strip they first evening. It was so pretty. All the lights from the hotels and casinos were gorgeous. We definitely saw a lot of things and quickly understood why Vegas has coined the phrase, "Sin City." It probably didn't help that we were there on Halloween weekend. We found a little concession stand on the strip and got food and sat along the sidewalk and watched all the craziness. At times I laughed and other times I cringed. My heart broke a few times especially when I would see the children alongside doing random things for money. I can't imagine living that life, let alone my child.

The highlight of our trip was definitely renting a car and exploring a little part of Nevada. I never realized just how beautiful it was there. We got to see the Hoover Dam and we went to Red Rock Canyon, which was gorgeous!!

Overall, it was a great trip. We got to celebrate the big Cardinal win with a bunch of Texas fans...it was GREAT!! :)