Spring is in the Air!

I am back to blogging again after who knows how long. It seems to be a good outlet for me to write about my life, feelings, ups and downs, and just whatever I feel like. I cannot believe we are halfway through March right now. Where in the world has the time gone!?! I absolutely love the sunshine we have had these past couple days. The constant rain was more than annoying this weekend. I have to say I absolutely despise rain. I know that it brings water to the plants, life, etc. but I hate being wet when I am clothed. That is what a shower is for!:) Anyway, it put a damper on our weekend with my brother because we wanted to walk around outside, but the weather did not permit us to do so. Oh well, I am so thankful for the sun that will be shining this weekend:)

Not much has happened since the last time I wrote. The litter we are getting our puppy from was born this past weekend. Actually, 2 days earlier than expected. I emailed the kennel on Monday to tell them how excited we were that they were born. Then I got the dreaded email of how it was a really chaotic and eventful weekend there. The mother of the puppies died after giving birth. She (Rosie) had fallen ill Sunday and they had to do an emergency c-section to save the puppies. The mother did not not survive this surgery. I was just broken when I heard this. I could not believe how terrible this must be. Needless to say, they had to move on and care for the 9 puppies that this mother just birthed. They are rotating the puppies every 3 hours in order to feed them properly and enough to live. They are so good at what they do and I know they will do a phenominal job with all 9 of them. I cannot imagine what a task that is for them though! Anyway, we are set to get a girl sometime in May once she reaches 8 weeks. We are more than excited, but we are also nervous about the thought of having something to take care of that young:) Guess it is good prep for kids someday! We are hoping to have pictures soon and as soon as I have them I will post!

Peter and I have started working out much more avidly now that the weather is nicer. We have been running, fast-walking, and lifting weights at the gym. Yesterday, we went over to Peaks View Park and ran for a little bit over there. It was so beautiful and warm. The past couple days prior we have been going to the gym and working out big time. It is that time to get in real shape not just 'ok' shape to get by. It is summer-time and bathing suit weather approaching us soon!! I know I am ridiculous, but I know that I feel better about myself when I am working out, having more energy, and doing something I enjoy with someone I really enjoy:)

It is Thursday already again and tonight starts another week of our wonderful Esther Bible Study. I love the girls that have decided to join and make this their Thursday night. Time is precious and I am so thankful that each of them decided this was something they wanted to invest their time in. I love this group of girls because all of them are so different, but we have one common thread running through us---love for God and His people. That is all that matters in life. When all else fails, God does not! That is the best promise to remember especially in times of tribulation and trials that this world is going through right now. I know it is easier said than done in a lot of situations, but it has to become a way of life and a habit. God is not someone that is put on the shelf until certain days of the week or when you feel like being Godly for that moment. It is something that is daily, continual, and on-going. I loved the past week of the Esther study because it talked about how Esther had to put the situation in God's hands. She realized she could not control the results, but God knew the divine and perfect plan. A lot of times that is so true in our own lives. We try to control the situation because we want it to work out OUR way because we know best:)...wrong! God is the only one who knows the results and the BEST results for YOU. That is a weakness of my own because I tend to be controlling of situations because I think I know best, but ultimately I don't at all. It is just something I have to continue to work on. Anyway, just a little glimpse into the life of Esther.

I am going to get back to work here, but have a great weekend everyone!

It's Friday!

T.G.I.F everyone! I am so happy to be having a weekend off to spend in the nice warm weather we are expected to have. What a great way to end a terribly cold week....75 degree weather:) Time to get out the flip flops and short-sleeves! My favorite type of clothing! I swear I am meant to live in a warm climate. My body just does not do well in cold weather at all. I can honestly say that I have no desire to see another flake of snow for a LONG time! I guess seeing that I was pretty much born in snow country and lived there for a major portion of my life it really is not fun anymore.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know a particular group of girls over the past couple of weeks...my Esther girls:) I am blessed beyond measure with every single one of them and can't stop thanking God for bringing them into my life. They are amazing and all so different, which is what I love about our group--diversity! We went through Week 2 of the Esther study by Beth Moore and were able to sample beauty treatments, compliments of Amber:) I have to say...thank God for making me a girl! I sure love being pampered. Sometimes I take for granted getting my nails done, or my hair cut and colored every month, but seriously I could not imagine being a guy! They do not get to have all the fun that we do as women:) Now don't get me wrong, it sure can be a total pain in the butt being a girl sometimes too. I mean we do have to go through the child birth part and go through painful and rather annoying periods every month, but all in all we can still pamper ourselves. I really have loved reading the book of Esther and being able to dig deeper into this story and how God's hand has completely guided the story. Everything has been nothing short of a miracle! If you have never read the book of Esther or really have not done a good Bible study in a while--I recommend this one!

Tonight, Peter and I are heading to my favorite resturant of all times---Panera Bread---with a newly engaged couple Kristin and Tim! I have known Kristin for a couple years and Peter knows her fiance as well. I have to interview a SPED teacher for the last week of my class and she teaches in a SPED classroom so I immediately thought of her! It will be good to catch up with her and of course the wedding plans---and do a little school work on the side:)

No other major plans happening this weekend. My brother comes a week from today and I am so excited to have him stay with us for a long weekend. He has not seen our house since we moved in. Well, I am going to get back to work here, but I will blog later on next week. Have a great weekend everyone!!