Matthew 6:34 says...

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."

This verse has seem to fit the past few weeks or months I should say. It seems like everyone is going through trials and tribulations recently. It is so hard to see your friends and family suffer. Of course, being a woman, if you cry, I tend to cry also. People have lost loved ones, family members being sick, just sadness, it already seems like the holiday blues are hitting everyone also. There are times I just want to wave a magic wand and make everything disappear.

For me, I think the realization of the holidays coming up without a few important people being present is hitting me. For the first time in 5 years, for me anyways, Michael's Grandpa won't be there for Thanksgiving. Every year we go down to Arkansas for 4 days. It will just be a completely different atmosphere. Having someone that you are so use to be around, not be there. He was always so much fun when we watched football, worked on the yard or even when we all were playing with the kids. Not having him at the head of the table will just not be right. I couldn't even imagine having someone else sit there. Plus seeing how heartbroken Gigi is. Somedays, I feel like she is just lost. It's the worst feeling seeing it. I can't even imagine my life without Michael. I don't want to think of that day.

Then on the other end, my Grandma. I still get emotional about that one. There have been days where I just cry thinking she is not here. Again, happening now. Ugh. What is wrong with me? I think too maybe, it's because she was the last Grandparent on my Dad's side. Not having that, I can't even explain it. Just the feeling of having your Grandparents around. There is a different emotion you have and a different bond you share with them. It's on a different level. Not having that, it's heart wrenching. I am still working through it. I didn't think it would change me this much. I still have no idea how I might react on Christmas. I know she is in a much better place and so is Grandpa Jim but, I just wish they could come down and visit!

Plus, we have something else that started today. I am not quite sure where it's going and it's even scarier to me then what I have gone through in the past few months. All I can do is pray for strength for not just myself, but my family.

My heart goes out to everyone that is going through something right now. And believe me, that is quite a few of the people I love. But, God doesn't give us more then we can handle. I always have to remember, that even if I am just at the bottom of the barrel, there is someone that probably has it worst. I just need to remember that when I have something minor come up. It's not quite as bad as it could be. As for the hard stuff, well, faith and family (including friends) are probably the best medicine.

This is now on our fridge to remind us everyday where we can go if we think we have had enough.

"Come to me, all you are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Eventful weekend and then some...

Well another weekend has come and gone. Can you believe it's November? This year has been moving so quickly, I wish time would just slow down! But it's coming up on my favorite season: CHRISTMAS!!!! =) Before we start on that, how about a recap of this past "holiday."

I am not a big Halloween person. I think I stopped dressing up when I was about 8. I enjoyed giving candy out more than dressing up. Just not my thing. Friday we spent our evening with good friends, good food and without the babe. My parents offered to take Jake. I was a little hesitant because I knew I would miss him. And I did. Although, it was nice having a break and not having to leave so early due to our tired child! We enjoyed good conversations, amazing treats, and a hilarious version of Twilight. I still feel bad, but Michael wanted to watch it. Weird I know! It was very comical though. We sort of poked fun of everything. The bad acting, the sighs that happened about every 45 seconds, and the vegetarianism of the vampires. All in good fun. I am still a Twilight girl forever! It's my one girly thing! Haha.

Saturday we got to sleep in till about 7:30! We went to breakfast alone and then headed over to see our munchkin! He was so excited to see us! I love that little man! He told us about his trick or treating experience and showed us all his candy. He loves Nana and Papa! I think this is the first time he ever spent a night away....wow, so crazy! We stopped to get our grocery shopping on before heading home to watch the game. The game...very frustrating. Then we hit half time and Jake hit his head! The kid is just crazy at times and he finally connected with the toy chest! He had a pretty good gash above his eyebrow. It kept bleeding so we headed to the ER. We went to the new Methodist West. Can we say AMAZING?! There was no one there which was nice. Everything is so clean and new and the staff was awesome! We were out of there in a half hour or less. They ended up using the glue to keep it shut! It's still a bit puffy and purple but he is okay! We got home just in time to hear the announcers talk about how much we sucked the 3rd quarter. In my frustration, I started yelling at the TV. A downfall of mine during football season! The yelling must have been heard because we had an amazing 4th quarter and pulled out a win! Gotta love them Hawkeyes!! Saturday evening some friends came over and we watched a "scary" movie. Now I might not mention the movie because it is still in theaters. A friend of ours got a copy of it. Lol. I had heard some people that were horrified by it and some that weren't. Let me tell you something...I screamed. Twice. I'm interested in finding out the ending that was in theaters. Our DVD had 3. The one that went with the movie, scared me so bad. I screamed and jumped. It was just nuts! We then had to watch a happy movie so we popped in "Elf!" I love that movie =)

Today we thought we woke up late! We didn't. We forgot to turn our clocks back. We didn't go to church because we thought we were late. It took us about 2 hours to figure out why everything was messed up! Mind you, we were reminding people all day Friday and Saturday to turn their clocks back. Then we forget! Go figure! Well it's about 1 and we are going to head up to visit my Grandparents in Story City!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and Halloween!!

I think I have aged this season....

Yes, calming the heart down! After a really sucky (no other word describes it) 3rd quarter, once again, The Hawkeyes pull out an amazing performance for the 4th quarter! Now, 1 request. Please, please, please, don't save it all for the end again! I am not sure how much more I can take!! I have aged so much this season! I will be gray by the end!

 

He is still my hero!!!

Saturday we hit up the pumpkin patch in Cambridge like we do every year! Each year something new opens up and it's a great time for kids and parents! We had the privilege of spending the morning with the Axtell's! Beth and Cash were suppose to join us, but she thought it was too early!! We met at Starbucks (perfect start to any morning) and headed up north! It was a little chilly and muddy, but it was a complete blast! We all had an amazing time!

We fed the animals:

 

 

Took some fun photos:

 Played in the corn and jumped on the giant pillow:

 

 New attraction:

*The Luge*

 

Shot some apples:

 

We took a hay ride and enjoyed the scenery:

 

Here are some pics of the kiddos:

The Axtell Family:

 

 

Janzen family photo:

 

We ended up in the general store and filled ourselves with hot cider and pumpkin donuts.

It was a fantastic morning! We will repeat this even every year! Even if we go 3 times! I love this place!

With 2 seconds left...

This catch makes it 8-0!

McNutt, you are my hero!

I have never been so stressed over a game!

**Go Hawks!**

Forks has nothing on 50312

It has been raining for almost 24 hours straight. Not just sprinkling, stead rainfall. When I woke up this morning our window was open. I could hear the rain coming down and it gave me no motivation to get out of bed. After turning my snooze off about 8 times, I finally dragged myself out of bed. It turned out to be one of those: do my hair or my face days. Always do the face! I also didn't take in consideration the weather conditions or pay any attention to the news in the background.


First off, I had no idea how cold it was outside. I walked into the garage without grabbing my coat. I opened the garage door and about froze. At least I dressed my child appropriately! When I got to work it wasn't raining too hard, so I thought I would tough it out and walk outside. Again, weather related, I didn't realize there was wind involved. The rain was blowing all up and down my left side, I continued walking into work while dodging puddles and trying to keep my umbrella from flying to never never land. Second factor I didn't see coming was my shoes. I wore my flats. Not the greatest for walking, or jumping in my case, over puddles. So my feet were completely drenched when I got into work! Of course this weather makes me exhausted and all I want to do is go home and veg out on the couch! Let's just say my productivity was lacking most of the day but lunch was amazing! Once again though, my feet were cold and wet!

Now the fun part. Michael has been working late. He is working on a custom house and blah blah blah...Well I get home and went to let the dogs out. Now Hawkeye, he's a big dog, sort of annoying at times and a total baby so I know he hated being in the rain. They little squirt Zoey...rain is her forte. She prances around, rolls in mud, splashes through puddles and it just an all around pain in the butt. You have to keep a close eye on that little thing. Sure enough, she somehow squirmed her way out of her collar and took off. 

Let's break this down. It is pouring outside, the wind is bending the new trees sideways, I have my flats on, no coat at this time and my little spastic dog is galloping all over the place. I call her name. Doesn't come. More firm this time. Still no response. I put Hawkeye in the house and run after the little mutt. She then takes me on a joy run all over the neighborhood. People were actually starring out their windows at me. Glad to be entertainment. After finding some scent she wasn't use to, she stops. Now I have a wet, mud covered, smelly dog and I forgot to bring her leash with me so I had to carry her with my arms out, back to the house. The next tricky part is both of us are drenched head to toe and there was no way I as putting that little terror down until she had a bath. Jake kindly opened the door and lovingly said "You gross mommy!" Thank you Jakey. The child has no filters! About an hour later she was clean and dry. When Michael got home, he took one look at me and said "Hard day?" Thank you Michael! Ugh! At that point, I just smiled and said "I'm taking a shower."

I really do live in a circus....

The suspect in question:

"A Ha" Moment...

I finally figured out a sport that is worse than Baseball!

EOM