Finally have internet

I haven't blogged in 2 years. But my husband and I are finally in the 21st century and have internet at home -- Yeah!!

Celebrating a Life

Two years ago my family, especially my brother, met with tragedy when my beautiful sister-in-law Kara Schenk McCue was swept off to Heaven. I had known Kara most of her life, but didn't really know know her until just before her death. She loved my brother with everything that was within her and understood his strange personality and way of doing things. She let him decorate their living room in Dale Earnhardt memorabilia. She embraced his helping nature and encouraged him to use that gift to help others. She was always willing to give you a recipe or show you her latest kitchen trick. She loved her family and let us all pick on her knowing she would return the favor when we least expected it. But above all these things she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will always grieve the loss of her from our lives here on earth, but rejoice that some sweet day will we see her again.

The Overdue Update

I wonder if most of us that starts these blogs feel a little weird updating people on our lives -- I mean does any one really want to know. But I love visiting my friends blogs and getting updates on whose pregnant, whose getting married, and what their kids are getting themselves into. Some here is the Ping's update.
Layla is half way through kindergarten which doesn't seem possible. She is learning so fast that I am realizing I have to brush up on some of my vocab. She wants to know what every word means and how to spell it. Jason and I are resolved to put God first in our finances and time. God has been blessing those efforts and we are so happy in all that He has provided and the many prayers He has answered. We are pumped up for summer to start to get back to porch sitting, BBQs, and bike rides. We are also still chugging along on trying to be debt free. I also recently started teaching myself how to sew thanks to my grandpa giving me my grandmother's sewing machine. I have been teaching Layla the basics. We also just revamped our basement to make it more liveable. It is now used as an office and sewing room. I have been prondering how I can impact our community, especially parents and kids and so may be starting to teach parenting classes in collaberation with my job and by blogging advice to parents on another site. We feel truly blessed and are excited to see what all God has in store for us.

The Big 6

Layla will be turning 6 later this month, so to celebrate we had a fashion show birthday party. These are some of the highlights. Her favorite gifts by far were the Baby Alives. These dolls pee after you give them a bottle of water. Isn't that great (include your own sarcastic tone) :) The party was a success and a blast! Thanks to all who attended and helped.

My husband

I would like to thank my husband for all that he does and tell the world how much I appreciate him. I appreciate him for how he loves me, for spending time with my family, for wanting to go to Ohio for Thanksgiving, for listening to me go on and on and on when I am hyper, for loving my cooking, for working so hard at his job to provide for our family, for wanting to get out of debt, for cuddling with me in the wee hours of the morning. I love my husband!!

Well I have officially turned GREEN. I have been having many conversations with my good friend Andrea N. about how to be a good earth citizen. I have been thinking about what my responsibility is to help the environment. I don't want to get too crazy -- like hugging trees or spray painting fur coats, but I want to do something. I asked my dad what he thought about the issue. He stated that as Christians we have a responsibility to be good stewards of what God has given us. So I have started a recycling bin on my back porch. Just the normal recycleables but it's a start. I wanted to encourage others and to ask if anyone if you have advice of other simple ways to care for the earth and ways to recycle odd items. Go green:)

One Year

Jason and I celebrated our one year anniversary yesterday. I can't believe how quickly this year has passed! The saying goes -- the 1st year is the hardest -- NOT TRUE, atleast not for us. I have had a blast. God has been so good to us and blessed us through the whole year. Last night Jason surprised me with a bouquet and a heart-felt letter, which totally made me cry. He has brought so much joy to my life and I am so thankful for him. I hope this is just one of many many years to come. I love you honey!