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!

Getting Involved

Jason and I have been wanting to get more involved in our community, so last week we attended a city county council meeting for our annual budget. Our mayor has been really shady in writing and trying to pass the budget, so needless to say the meeting was heated. The city council members were split in their ability to stand up and be assertive. I was disappointed in the ones that just rolled over. However, 4 council members stood up for justice and truth, and in return, they were attacked by the mayor. So one of those council members held a open public meeting for citizens to ask questions about the budget last night and that meeting was even more heated. I say all this to encourage all bloggers and friends to not be ignorant. Be informed. Check out what your elected officials are doing. They are making decisions using our tax money to forward their desires. Now I know I can't make a blanket statement about all politicians because I met several men and women with integrity last night, but ignorance is not bliss. If you vote (and you should), be informed. Know what they believe in, if they are honest. Empty promises do nothing to better anything.

Trying to be Debt Free

I have been listening to Dave Ramsey every afternoon that I can and I am desperately trying to get debt free. I am beginning to see that the forces of this world are fighting hard to keep me down. I will be triumphant -- with the Lord's help. And I wanted to encourage my fellow bloggers as I encourage myself. Here is some things I have learned. Sometimes earning more money just makes you spend more. Learn to live on less. Also try try try to create an emergency fund of atleast $1000 to keep you going on the road to financial freedom for those unfortunate mishaps of car repairs or broken glasses. I say all this in hopes that I will soon take my own advice and that my husband will get as fired up about it as I am. Good luck to all and May God shower us with his blessings. Please leave any tips for have.

Consumer Alert

Well there are many things about becoming an adult that are confusing and overwhelming and that make me just want to be a kid again. Like: keeping track of dentist and doctor payments/insurance/charges. Jason and I have learned that hard way that "helping" professionals may not always have our best interest in mind. I write today to warn all consumers to keep track of all tests run and services charged. Write everything down. Ask lots of questions. Don't give them permission to do things that you don't think are necessary. Be up on what your insurance covers and keep in contact with your provider to have up to date details on benefits paid and maximum money allowed per service. We have had the misfortune of being charged for things we don't need and for being blindly led into lots of services without all the information. We have also experienced that these professionals are not perfect. I know what a shocker, but we trust them to be as close to perfect as possible. My last advice is to be assertive. We have also gotten people to listen when we speak up. Good luck to all and your future adult-making activities.

Changes

Seems like things are always changing. Jason got braces yesterday:) He really doesn't look that different. He has been teasing me that when he is done with them in three years that I will think he's hot. Well I already do:) I also just started working part time for the YMCA and am enjoying some of the change of pace, like the money and being able to play like a kid, but I miss the extra hour of sleep. Jason and I are both missing Layla like "big-old-crazy" (our own phrase) since she has started school. Change definitely brings all sorts of emotions.

Learning A Lot

Layla not only had her first week at school last week but also learned how to ride her bike without training wheels. We are so proud of her and her bravery. She only ran into the bush 4 times:) Before we know it she will be driving.

Jesus Saves

Last night at church I began to feel a great burden and conviction for lost souls. More and more the news reports of disasters across the world. And more and more people die without the saving knowledge of Christ. I want to do my part to let people know that the only way to Heaven is through Christ. You must accept Him as your Savior and live for Him. The choice is simple but the rewards are great. If you want to know more about Him, I would love help. May God Bless each of you and may His love rule in your hearts. For those that are already His, I hope this encourages you to pray for me and yourselves to be enboldened with the message of Christ.

Kindergarten Success

Layla had a great first day at Kindergarten. Jason and I and Layla's mom Shari all went with her. Layla was a little nervous but I think us adults were more nervous than she was. She called us when she got home to report that she only cried once in reading time but that she had a great day. She was full of excitement over all the things she learned. We are so proud of her. She told us she couldn't wait for her second, third, fourth and fifth day:) Congrats Layla May.

Kindergarten

Layla starts kindergarten August 14th. I feel like our whole life is going to change. I am so excited for her to learn new things but I know I am going to miss seeing her on Thursdays. Jason and I are going to Marion to be with her on her 1st day. I am nervous that our presence will make her nervous, but this is a big day for us. We need to go for to help ourselves through the transition more than she needs us. Layla gets nervous around a lot of new people. I just really hope we don't make her cry. We are so proud of her.

I am still learning this computer stuff. This is some better views of the wedding:)

These are some snapshots of Jason and I renewing our vows for our family. The day was absolutely perfect. I love my husband so much!! And I so appreciate all my parents especially my mother did to make this possible.

Our Ceremony

Layla, Jason, and I leave in six days for Loudonville, Oh to have a vacation. But more than that, we will be having a wedding ceremony to celebrate with our family and friends. We will also be having a memorial service for my sister-in-law who passed away July of last year. A mixed emotion weekend but a much needed break from normal life:)

All is well in Ping Land

I have really been enjoying this summer, spending time with Jason, Layla, friends, and family. We just love to sit on our front porch. All the neighborhood kids come and sit with us and play games. We are truly blessed. Another bonus is that Jason's brother and family live right across the street. It feels like college again - when I can just walk out my front door and see a friend. I am currently working out like crazy and having a blast doing it. And I also have been planning our marriage celebration ceremony. Since Jason and I eloped, we want to celebrate with our families. God is good. Hope all is well with all of you. God Bless.

As promised these are some pictures from Easter. The one of us all three together is Jason's 31st birthday. Jason and Layla went to meet all of my Dad's family and we stayed with Nicole Johnson and her wonderfrul husband and their children. We had a blast!!

Postponing grad school

Well after much thought and prayer, Jason and I have decided that now is not the right time to go to grad school. I am excited about just "being" this summer and enjoying my time with my new family. God has given me a real peace about it. I will maybe attend in the future.

My Birthday

I turned 27 on Friday the 13th. I had a whole weekend of celebrating and my sweet husband and step daughter and family made it really special. I am so blessed.

GRAD SCHOOL

I have finished my grad school application and will be turning it in this week!!! Now I can focus on planning our ceremony.

Easter

Easter was fabulous! Layla, Jason and I stayed the weekend with my life long friends Nichole and Donny and their kids Natalie and DJ. We did not really sleep all weekend but we had a blast. Layla did great with meeting so many new people. I hope to post some pictures soon.

Nothin really

Feeling a little puny today, not sure why except maybe just really really tired.
In three days Jason, Layla, and I will go to Ohio to visit my family. They have not met Layla yet -- I am so excited. I hope to post pictures upon our return. I am 93% done with my application for grad school. I have written all of my papers and now just have the revision and compilation to do.

Peas in a Pod

This is Layla (my step daughter) and Shelby (my niece). I have both of them every other weekend. They are inseperable:)

This is Jason and I the day after we got married in Brown County.

Birthday

Today is Jason's 31st Birthday. We are celebrating with pizza and movies. I love him so much. We will be celebrating 6 months next week. God has blessed me with him and Layla.

I have never ever done this before. I feel like such an old fart because I am so out of touch with technology. I don't have a my space account or own an ipod -- does that make me a dork:)