Thought for Week #13 of 2013 :)

Week #13 - Hello Monday!  

Random Thought - This is the 13th week of 2013.  Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13.  I feel bad for the individuals who suffer from this phobia, because it is the year 2013.. Here it is the 13th week of the 13th year.  HMMM- This phobia amazes me and yet it is one of the most prevalent fears in the world... Happy 13th week everyone!

I am having a hard time writing tonight - this may be a post that I publish tomorrow.  With being busy at work, busy at home, and lots of family time, I haven't had time to even consider what I am going to write about this week.  Off to bed I go.....  Happy Monday Everyone!

And here we are on Tuesday - I did miss my Monday deadline...Again.    I didn't really miss it, as I knew what I was doing when I went to bed last night.  But, I was so exhausted - I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and I couldn't find the energy to write about my week.  Speaking of the elliptical and loosing weight, I am consumed with the size of my jeans.  I am not sure what happened, but it seems as though overnight they no longer fit.  How does this seem possible.  For the last three days, I haven't been able to button my pants?  The same pants that fit just weeks ago and I bragged that I had finally put on a bachelor button - now the fabric doesn't even touch together... I am just holding my jeans up with my belt.  (OPPS - did I just share that?)  Is this what I get for exercising?  Last night was --- Day 3 of the Elliptical  Machine ... A mile in less then 30 minutes is pretty good for the elliptical. At least I think it is!!

This weekend, I was pumped - I bought a "Sweating to the Oldies"  DVD with Richard Simmons - Let me tell you it was much more fun when we were in high school then it is now.  I made Brennon do it with me last night - That lasted through the first song - the next words out of his mouth, "I am not into this aerobic thing."  So we shut it off and I used the elliptical. I sure didn't want him watching me sweating to the oldies.  Really,  I think that I should thank Carter for this stretchy skin that has so delightfully turned to fat.  I asked Brennon Saturday if I had ever had it before and he said no.  It is actually quite depressing. I guess this will be my motivation to loose weight.  I went to lunch today with some co-workers, and honestly it was the first time I had heard the phrase fupa....  Thank you Caitlin for introducing me to this new term.  I would explain what it is - but it may be a little inappropriate and I am just a little annoyed that my pregnancy resulted in that.  If you don't know what it is - I guess you can google it....my new friend the fupa... In researching this - the fupa is caused by stress.  When you are anxious, fat collects in your midsection to deliver nutrients to your organs... Well - I guess I need to take up yoga or maybe start meditating.  Whatever I have to do - it has to go away.  Brennon says I don't have a fupa... but I am not so sure :)

While I was exercising last night, I did do an egg wash for my hair.  I know, silly - and it probably won't work, but I read on Pinterest that a raw egg, olive oil and lemon juice is supposed to make your hair grow while making it soft and shiny.  I put this mixture on my hair to sit while I was exercising.  When I came upstairs, I asked Brennon if there were scrambled eggs in my hair.  He said no, but that I had egg yolk running down my face.  Pretty sure it was mixed with sweat and was the most disgusting thing I encountered last night.

HERE IS MY WEEK IN REVIEW....

I realized this last week that I am going to have to do some deleting on my facebook page.  I feel so sad when I get on facebook and there are parents complaining about their children, the sleepless nights, the long days, or  how naughty their children are.  I also want to add that it is okay to mention these things, but the constant complaints upsets me.  I understand having a rough night, or a sick child... but constant complaining about your children, your anger with them, and the way you speak about them makes me wonder why you continue to have children.  I would take anything to have one day with my baby and you take for granted how precious your children are.  I would love to stay up all night rocking my crying baby.  I  would trade a thousand sleepless nights for my child's arms around my neck... and I would love to hold my child and explain his naughty behavior and why he is in time out -   So, I know that me writing this on my blog is not going to change your view or your complaints - But, please remember that what you take for granted - others are praying for.  Well, that is end of my rant.

LOVE - I just reread my rant and was wondering if I should delete my words.  I have decided not to, as they are my true feelings. But, I have to follow up by saying that I am very thankful for all the love in my life.  I try to remember that those comments or posts are written by people who have not walked in my shoes. They may not understand how difficult it is to suffer from infertility or the worry and wonder if you will ever see those two little lines on a pregnancy test again... or if I became pregnant again, would  I be able to carry my baby to term.  I would take morning sickness every day for my entire pregnancy, I would lay upside down without a complaint, just to be blessed with a healthy full-term baby to share life with.  I am so thankful for Carter and all he has taught me. How I love him and wish he was with us.  I  am so thankful that God blessed me with a beautiful baby boy.  I am very thankful for my husband, who loves me, because of my strengths and despite my faults. I am thankful that he is my husband and the father to my child.  I could not imagine being on this journey with anyone else.  I feel blessed that God gave me struggles, and heartache, joys and blessings all which have led me to where I am in my life.  I continue to praise God for the love he has given me, the family he has blessed me with, and the road that led me straight to my Brennon and my sweet Carter.  

FAMILY - I was quite emotional this weekend.  Not because I was sad, but because I was filled with love.  There are so many things in my life to be thankful for. I am thankful for all the things that most days, I forget to be thankful for.  And I am thankful for the love of my family.  Brennon and I both have large families - Our family does hugs, kisses and I love you's.  We are there for each other and we share our lives.  We had two large family dinners this weekend.  Saturday, B's family was all together for swiss steak, cheesy potatoes, desserts and of course vanilla homemade ice cream.  And then Sunday, we brined and cooked a turkey.  Kevin smoked a ham and a turkey, and we had all of the fixings including butterfinger homemade ice cream.  The food was awesome and my family time was awesome! Overall, a great family weekend that again resulted in I am sure a bigger fupa. :)  Fupa what a silly word!

FRIENDS - I also had a great weekend with friends.  Summer, Brennon and I spent the afternoon Friday day drinking.... Which I hadn't done since Good Friday 2012 - I guess it is going to be an annual event.  We enjoyed ourselves and I seemed to have laughed enough that my stomach ached the next morning.  I have decided that day drinking these days involve a couple of glasses of wine, much different then day drinking when I was in my 20's.   Saturday night, our pal Evan had a sleepover at our house.  It was so much fun.  I am so thankful to Larry and Summer for allowing Evan to visit.  We played games, watched Cars and enjoyed homemade ice cream for breakfast.  In my defense, homemade ice cream consists of milk and eggs and those are breakfast foods.  Life is to short to be anything but happy and I truly believe that means ice cream for breakfast every once in awhile.

FAITH - Since this is a week I am feeling most thankful, I have to be thankful that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  He has offered us the most precious gift of all - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16


I was reminded again today that we are each on this Earth for a reason, a purpose under Heaven.  We are each given gifts to share with the world. The gifts we receive set us apart from other people.  God doesn't make mistakes, so every gift He gives us is to do His work.  Do we doubt the gifts that God gives us? Are there times that we do not trust in ourselves to use the gifts in the way they are intended?   There are times that I have doubts - about my life and my future.  The bible reminds us that God will provide for each of us who believes in Him.  He does have my best interests in mind, but sometimes it is very hard to trust... but I continue to be a work in progress and God continues to work in me. A strong relationship with God is trusting that God will not always provide a way out, but a way through.  I continue to pray that I fully appreciate the gifts that He has given me, and that I use them for good.  That my purpose on this Earth is to help others, to give instead of receive, to uplift and be of assistance to others.  I will continue to use these gifts every day, and continue to praise God for giving me these gifts, these joys, and these struggles.  For it is my responsibility to use my gifts to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

This brings me to my thought for the week.  "One day it will all come together and make perfect sense. You will see God's amazing plan and be thankful that every gift, every pain, every love and every moment brought you to where God wants you to be.  So for now, sit back, rejoice in God's love and allow God to take you places you never dreamed you would be.  I can't wait for another day on this Earth to use my gifts to do good and to TRUST IN GOD!

Have a great Tuesday and a wonderful week!  I have to go work out now... I suddenly have a huge motivation to loose weight!

Love - Melissa

Thought for Week #12 of 2013

This week went by fast!  I can't believe that we are another Monday already!  This is the last Monday of March, and with that being said - I am up extremely early this morning.  If I am grumpy today, it is because I was awake before 5 am.  Since the house is quiet, and the coffee is strong, now would be a great time to put away Candy Crush Saga and work on my blog - "Ok Monday - Let's do this."

I had another productive week last week.  And when I mean productive, I mean I am pretty sure I beat 10 levels in Candy Crush this last week.  How can a dumb game irritate me so much.. and how hard is it to crush those stupid candies.  Right now I am stuck on level 88 and it is driving me batty. This is why Spring needs to make an appearance soon.  I need to be active and enjoying the nice weather -  not sitting on the couch so much playing a game.  At least I haven't been dreaming about crushing candy at night.  If that happens - I am done.

Speaking of Spring - I need some more vitamin D.  One of my doctor's told me that I should be taking 2000 mcg of Vitamin D in the winter and 600 mcg in the Summer.  That's all great and all but nothing compares to the sun.  This weekend I had a huge urge to go to the tanning bed and then straight to the YMCA.  Now, I know that tanning isn't great and I probably shouldn't do it, but I need something to get me out of this funk and to kick those winter time blues to the curb.  First stop - tanning bed... Second stop - exercise machine - I will see you this week at the Y :)  Maybe.

On a random thought the Budweiser Clysdale commerical gets me every time.  The love between owner and horse, the disappointment when the owner goes to leave....and then the horse runs to him. My heart feels full of love and seriously I feel all mushy - for goodness sake it is a beer commercial.  Beer commercials shouldn't make you feel mushy inside. I love it.  One of my favorites!  

Speaking of  LOVE -  Brennon and I spent quite a bit of time together this weekend.  We both decided that it would be great to sit on the couch, relax and just veg out.  Well, that started out great, until about 9:30 am on Saturday, when I decided I couldn't sit still any longer.  Once the dishes were in the dishwasher and the floors swept, I was searching for something to do.  My mind kept wondering to the pallet in the basement.  What could I do with it?  Brennon was pumped to carry the pallet upstairs to the dining room so I could inspect it and then down the stairs again to remove the pallet boards so I could make a sign for the living room - or at least attempt to make a sign for the living room.  Well, a little brown paint, painter's tape and a pallet, allowed me to make a rustic sign for my living room.  Upon hanging it on the wall, I realized I really didn't like the color of the wall - It just needed to be darker.  So to the basment I went to find the paint we had used.  We brought it upstairs and I started painting only to realize that the new can of paint didn't match the old can of paint.  Well - isn't that wonderful?  Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice... So some of the wall was painted and some was not .... STORY OF MY LIFE!  Well - let me tell you, the painting stopped - and I vegged on the couch with some Pinterest and Baseball Spring Training - Maybe the Cubs will have a winning season?  We watched some baseball and watched it snow outside - REALLY....more snow?  Brennon and I had a great weekend together.  And we did get the wall painted on Sunday - It was a GOOD Weekend!

FRIENDS - I think I spent most of this past week on the internet searching for the best hotel for the best price.  I even thought I was making the deal of the life time on the phone with Embassy Suites - only to realize that I was actually booked at the Hampton.  Now, I have to decide if Happy Hour is worth the extra $100.  I am super pumped we are booking our summer getaway with Larry and Summer and my pal Evan.  Also, excited that we will be heading to Chicago to see the mummies and dance with the dinosaurs!  I can't wait to meet Sue!  And to visit the big ships at the Navy Pier.  I am so excited - Evan's birthday can't come quick enough!

FAMILY -  Happy Birthday Samuel!  I am not sure where the time goes, but you turned 13 years old on Friday.  I remember cuddeling with you when you born, and kidding with Emalie that her little brother was goofy looking - You have grown up to be a very handsome young man and Brennon and I love you very much!!  I am still not sure who gets sick on their birthday and can't enjoy home made ice cream with me.  But - Brennon did get you the best birthday present.  To bad I ate the entire 5 lb bag since you were sick..... the entire 5 lb bag of gummy bears :)  HA HA 

FAITH -  God didn't bring me this far, to leave me here. My dreams are important and every day is a new beginning.  Joyce Meyers said on Facebook this weekend, "There is timing in for all things in our lives - and there is safety in being in God's perfect timing."

This past week, I continued to struggle with patience.  I want things to happen in my time, and God continues to remind me that all things happen in His perfect timing.  I found myself questioning things in my life, that honestly are out of my control, and again I have to let go.  As I write my blog weekly, I am sensing a theme here.  I recognize it, so why is so hard to relinquish control?  I have to remind myself that there is always going to be doubt.  It is when doubt enters my mind that I have to remember that God knows and is working with me.  I have to replace the doubt with faith.

I am here and I am ready for my dreams to come true.  A part of living is dreaming, and a part of dreaming is praying that your dreams come true.  I know my heart's desires.  I believe that this is my time.  I have to keep the fath, and every time something bad happens, I have to remember that it is not my time yet, to remember hope and patience and to allow God to guide my footsteps the way I should go.  Never let your fear decide your fate.  Even though, it happens in God's time, doesn't mean that I don't have a responsibility to do my part.   To announce my dreams and to work towards them.

Brennon and I were watching "The Bible" last night on the History Channel.  Afterwards, Brennon and I were just cuddling and talking,  we both decided that we wouldn't be where we were without faith.  As we had watched Jesus see his destiny, and to beg to God to spare him.  He said, "If it is Your Will - Then it is also mine."    The power in those words.  I cry as I write them.  I immediately thought back to being in the hospital room in August - begging and pleading with God for my child to make it.  I remember my water breaking and knowing this was it.  I remember praying to God that I didn't want my child to suffer and if this was His will - to  please not let my child suffer.  It is now I see, God gave His son - so that mine could be with Him.   I may not understand, I may not like that my child is not here, but that one moment taught me so much.  It not only changed me, but it changed my life, my outlook on life, and my priorities in life.  I am no longer so consumed with the little things in life that don't matter.  Yes - it is snowing in March - yes, an annoyance, but not something to get worked up about.  Yes, money can be tight, and I might have to transfer money from my savings account - again instead of being worried - I need to be thankful that I have a savings account.  I look at the world around us, and for a moment thought,  if we would stop getting so worked up about the little things, and just go with the flow, we would have more time for the big things in life and realize that we have everything we need.

I am strong and I am loved.  I can help others because of my journey and I will be blessed.  God didn't bring me this far to leave me, and I know that if I continue to trust in Him, relinquish my control, continue to ask for forgiveness and thank God for everything and believe in His word - I will hold my child again someday.  What a precious thought.  Not today - but someday.  I have so much to be thankful for and Carter, your short and precious life has taught Daddy and Mommy many, many things.  And our goal had been to teach you... Well done son!

My Thought for the Week - is simple.... "Your encouragement may be the only good thing someone receives this week."  No one is placed in our lives by accident.  So the next time you are burdened with an inconvenience, an annoyance, place it on your heart to give instead of receive - Encourage those around you and be reminded that you are a blessing to someone.  Good words for me to remember this week....

Enjoy your last week of March!  And may peace, love and happiness surround you. - Melissa

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Quiche

This is one of my new favorite recipes - If you like Jalapeño Poppers and Enjoy a great Quiche - This recipe is a must try.  

1 Pie Crust (Pillsbury Pie Crusts Work Best)

4 Fresh Jalapeños - 3 Diced & Deseeded, 1 Sliced

1 Package of Cream Cheese, softened

1 Pound of Bacon - More or Less to Taste - 

1 Bag of Shredded Cheese (I used Colby Jack)

8 Eggs

1/2 Cup Milk

1/2 Cup Real Butter
Paprika

DIRECTIONS - 

1.  Cook 1 pound of Bacon.  I baked my bacon in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until desired crispyness.  I patted away extra grease and set aside.

This is 7 slices of bacon - Next time we will use more!

2.  Allow pie crust to warm to room temperature.  Soften Cream Cheese.  Unroll pie crust and place crust in pie pan.  Spread Cream Cheese on crust.  Slice 1 Jalapeño and set aside for later - Dice remaining 3 Jalapeños (removing most of the seeds)  and sprinkle on top of cream cheese.  Sprinkle shredded cheese lightly on top.  Sprinkle with coarse black pepper.

3.  Layer bacon over the cream cheese and diced jalapeños.  When making it again, I will double the layer of bacon.  Can you ever have to much bacon?

4.  Melt butter in microwave. Add milk and eggs and whisk well! 

5.   Pour Egg Mixture over the bacon.  Sprinkle with Paprika - 

6.  Top with Shredded Cheese and put sliced jalapeños on top.  Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, lower the temperature to 350 degrees for 30 minutes - 35 minutes until eggs are cooked completely.

7.  The finished quiche - Warm from the oven.  Serve with Salsa or Sour Cream - Serves 4-6 people

I love this recipe -  I can't believe I am sharing ...... I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!  Melissa

Pretty Pumped for Homemade Ice Cream!

Evan is my Homemade Ice Cream Helper!

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream - YES PLEASE!  We made this last night and it was wonderful.  A huge thank you to my Aunt Sandra who mixed and matched recipes to make this perfect ice cream!  Now that I have it perfected, it is time to experiment with flavors - BRING ON SUMMER WEATHER!

Items Needed:

- Ice Cream Maker

- Bag of Ice

- Ice Cream Salt (In the Culligan Man's Home - Rock Salt :)

Ingredients For Vanilla Ice Cream:

 - 6 Eggs

 - 2 tsp Vanilla (I love Mexican Vanilla...brought home from Puerto Vallarta)

 - 3 cups Sugar

 - 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream

 - 1 quart of Half and Half

 - Whole Milk 

In a large bowl, whisk 6 eggs.  Add 2 tsp vanilla - more or less to taste.  Mix in 3 cups of sugar and blend well.  Add in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, and 4 cups of half and half.  Whisk together.....

Pour into Ice Cream Freezer.  Add mixer/blade (what cha ma call it) to freezer and add whole milk to the line.  Make sure there is at least 3 inches at the top so the ice cream has room to expand, otherwise it will not freeze well.  Surround with ice and salt and turn your ice cream machine on! Attach the motor, plug in and wait... for creamy, yummy vanilla ice cream!

Thought for Week #11 of 2013 :)

What to talk about this week?  Yesterday was the 11th Monday of 2013.  I know, I know - I am slipping.  Today is Tuesday!  I almost thought that I would skip a week because  I really didn't have much to ramble about, but don't worry, even though I missed my Monday deadline, I still got it done.  Yesterday was just so busy!

I am sharing a picture of my cat this week.  I have decided that I very well could become a crazy cat lady except I dislike cats.  My cat is CrAzY - and I am pretty sure I made her that way.  I continue to teach her tricks just so I can tell people that I have a crazy cat.  (opps - not sure I meant to share that.)  So far, I have taught her how to fetch, and how to beg for treats.  If I tell her to "lay down" she does.  But, I am beginning to believe that my cat thinks she is a dog.  This amazes me because she hates dogs, and pretty much she dislikes all people that own dogs. She will hiss, attack and hide any time a dog visits our home.  I am pretty positive that she was not  near a dog during her first few weeks of life. So not sure where she picked up the mannerisms of a dog.  Anyway, back to my story.  My cat growls at the mailman.  One of these days, I will come home to the screen busted out of the living room windows.  You should see the way she pounces at the mailman from the back of the chair.  I have had to replace the roman blinds many times!  Today, she was watching shadows perched on the rocking chair.  So steady, she rocked back and forth.  My question being, how in the world can that 18 pound fat cat be so balanced.  I have put her on a diet but I just don't believe it is working....It just makes her grumpy.  (Just like me - diets make me grumpy too!) Oh the joys of owning a cat... Now, to blog about my last week.

This week was consumed with the GREAT Bathroom Disaster of 2013.  Oh if only the walls could talk, they would be laughing at the shenanigans that have happened at the Zellmer household this past week.  Each night after work, I have watched my husband go into the bathroom and try to make the drywall perfect, the texture perfect and the tile perfect.  It is time to win the lottery, because I can't afford another home project with my husband that involves dry wall.  We have to win so I won't feel the need to be cheap, and can hire the work done.  I have promised Brennon that the next home project that we need to do, will be hired done.  I love my husband to much for the amount of emotion it causes Brennon and I.  But the bathroom is done!  Besides a few finishing touches,  it is done.  I would like to take out the window and use ceramic tile to complete the tub area, but that will have to wait until summer.  It is just to cold right now.... and with the holes that popped up every time we took down tile in the bathroom, I am afraid of what is behind the tub.... The entire wall might just fall in?  I am not superstitious - but maybe I should knock on wood!

LOVE - FRIENDS - FAMILY - We are really out of groceries. I believe we have some margarita mix, ketchup and maybe a piece of cheese.   Usually we go grocery shopping on the weekends. There was no need to this weekend, because we didn't eat unless we were eating out.  OPPS! Not good for the weight loss!  Which, I finally stepped on the scale.  I think I gained weight.  Anyway, the Big Juanita, Happy Hour and Friends at the Windrow Friday night.  Hanging out on the couch with Summer, and Casey's Pizza while watching Brennon finish the bathroom on Saturday and then the Windrow again Saturday night with B's mom and dad.   I was reminded again how much we love and appreciate them.  They helped us with the bathroom and are willing to do whatever to help us out.  I was also able to spend time with my family this weekend too.  DOUBLE BLESSED!   This Sunday, my mom had family dinner, and we were able to consume lots of corned beef and cabbage.  It was awesome, although I have to apologize to anyone that had to ride with Brennon in the truck today for work!  Emalie and I made Irish soda bread, and I am quite thankful I didn't make homemade ice cream because I was stuffed.  

FAITH - What happens when my daily message from God is the same one I received weeks ago?  Was this just a mistake?  Or do you think it was a sign, and I just needed reminded again.  Sometimes, I need a good thump on my head to see things that are right in front of me.  This message again makes me think that I should be doing something, but I am not sure what?  My message again reminded me that my talent is God's gift to me - What I do with it is my gift to God.  I just wish I knew what I was to being doing.  Each of us is blessed with many gifts and talents..... Am I supposed to be doing something different, something more?  While I ponder that, I am still holding on tight to my New Year's Resolution... Have you given up on yours?  I continue to pray each day that I continue to trust in God.  And when I become discouraged, I remind myself that I am not in control.  I have to let go and let God.  I will trust in the Lord with all my heart.  Which will be my thought for next week.  When I become overwhelmed, happy, sad, scared, excited or feeling mediocre, I will take a deep breath and trust that I am right where I need to be, every moment of my life has led me to where I am and the road that I am headed on.  Thanks for being a part of my life - Have a great week!  Until next Monday - Melissa

Better Than Sex Cake

Devil's Food Cake Mix  PLUS Ingredients to Make Cake
1 - 14 oz Can Of Carnation Milk
6 T of Caramel - More or Less... I use more :)
1 small jar of Hot Fudge Sundae Topping
1 container of Cool Whip
1 Package of Heath Topping


1.  Bake Cake according to box.  I substituted milk instead of water and added an extra egg, and 1/4 teaspoon of real butter.  My cake tasted like homemade cake!

2.  When it is hot out of the oven, take a fork and poke thousands of holes all over the cake.

3.  Mix together the can of Carnation Milk and Caramel in a small sauce pan on medium heat.  Pour over the cake.  It will soak into the cake (Like Magic)

4.  Heat Hot Fudge in the Microwave.  Once the milk mixture is soaked into the cake, spread hot fudge sauce evenly over the cake.

5.  Cover and Put in Fridge (Overnight would be best.)

6.  Allow Cool Whip to Thaw... Spread the container of Cool Whip like frosting.  Sprinkle  Heath Topping over Cake.

7.  SERVE and Enjoy!

Thought for Week #10 of 2013

I have so much to share this week.  Today - the 10th Monday of 2013 and I am 33 years old....  I remember 10 years ago, thinking about where my life would be at 33 and I would never imagine I would be the person I am today.  Isn't that amazing?  In 2003, I was sure that I would be married to my first husband and have at least 3 children.... HEE HEE.  Not at all where I am today! In the last ten years, I got married, gained 2 awesome brothers, and got divorced.  I never thought I was strong enough to endure the pain of divorce, but shortly after, I  met Brennon. It was then I realized... everything happens for a reason. I knew immediately, he was the  man that I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with.  We got married and I was blessed with another wonderful family and then we were blessed with our sweet Carter.... Brennon and I have been together for  8 years now, and I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world.  Ten years ago, I worked at the YMCA and truly believed that I would work there forever, to make it my career... but opportunities became available and I moved on to Human Services, working with both children and adults.  I changed my friends....  I changed my underwear.  I met some new friends and I  kept some great friends.    I welcomed new members to my family and said goodbye to some cherished loved ones.  There has been many changes in 10 years, and yet it is hard to believe that I am 33 years old...I still feel 23!  I can honestly say that everything happens for a reason.  Every joy, every heartache has brought me to where I am today and the person I am meant to be.

To reflect on the last ten years, it reminds me that you should never take life for granted, to love the life you live, and to live the life you love.  Carter, you remind mommy to start each day like it is my birthday!  Brennon was grumpy yesterday and I said, "don't be grumpy you will ruin my birthday."  He said during a stressful remodel moment, "we will never have good birthdays again because Carter isn't here."  We both had a moment of tears and hugs, and yet, I know that God would not want us to stop living and enjoying life, just because Carter is with Him.  But, we do miss you Carter Baby.... A LOT :)

TODAY - I really did have a great birthday yesterday - but let me share that today, I am extremely exhausted!  I am not sure if it is the weather, the great bathroom floor disaster of 2013 or daylight savings time..  I found myself sitting at my desk today, and fighting the urge to lay my head down on the desk for a little snooze.  I felt like I was in "The Nap" episode of Seinfeld when George set up a nap time retreat under his desk.  (If only my desk was big enough...and if you haven't seen that episode, GOOGLE it!)  I was so pumped that this morning Channel 8 said 40's and 50's at the end of the week.  It can not come soon enough.  I can't wait to walk outside.  I will be so happy, I may even run... Oh wait, scratch that, I am not going to run.  I keep thinking about that Seinfeld episode and I just keep laughing..  WOW, I am just full of rambling thoughts today.

Oh well, here is my last week in review....

LOVE -  True love is when you can remodel an area of your home and not yell at each other.  Let me start out by saying I really didn't mean to break the bathroom - it just happened.  Now, let me also say, that I am a strong believer in "Everything Happens For a Reason" - and truly, if I hadn't broke the bathroom floor we wouldn't have found the need to replace it, which means that it would have gotten worse and we would of had to spend way more money. I just wanted to peek under the linoleum. Truly - I didn't mean for it to happen this weekend.  BUT - maybe there was a reason we were supposed to do it this weekend!

Prior to me breaking the floor, we had talked about buying a new bathroom, complete with a new bathtub, vanity, sink, and all the necessities. After I broke the flooring and found rotten floor boards, I realized the remodel was happening sooner rather then later.  But, then that darn snow word showed up, and we were nervous to take a trip to Des Moines.  SO, I settled for a new floor and toilet.  It's all good... Iowa Methodist can wait another couple of weeks for their payment!  And I really didn't need a birthday present!  Just to add to the story a little - In addition to the new toilet and floor tiles, I did buy a new medicine cabinet, vanity and sink too, along with new ceramic tiles for the shower and mud, texture and paint.  Add that to the 1/2 of beef we purchased this week, the locker fees, and the deep freeze to hold all of this meat.... it was a pretty expensive week!  Really - what was I thinking?  Except that when it is all done, I will have a pretty cool bathroom... and for those of you who have been to my house know that  my bathroom was a much needed update.  (I still kinda blame this on Brennon - he was roaming around the house on Saturday looking for a project... and, well I gave him one :)  There was a few moments where I had to stay out of the way, and Brennon had to walk to the garage and take a deep breath, but we are still happily married.  Today is Day #3 of the bathroom remodel, and I will be happy when I can wash my hands in the bathroom again!

FAMILY -  Have I mentioned that I love my family.  And because my birthday was this weekend, I was able to go out to eat on Friday night to the Windrow, Saturday night to A&G, and honestly if we weren't working on the bathroom, I would have went out to eat on Sunday. (PS - This is exactly why I am chubby!)  What an amazing birthday weekend with family!

I had hoped to have family over for Sunday dinner - I did find a Chicago Style Italian Beef recipe online yesterday and it turned out awesome.  I began with a meat rub of italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, red chili peppers, and paprika.  It makes my mouth water.  I even roasted the onions, red peppers and pepperoncinis in the oven with olive oil and seasonings.  Add a toasted bun and provolone cheese and my taste buds were happy! I was sad that it started to snow and we couldn't have a family dinner.   But I did enjoy my wonderful sandwich, Candy Crush, and the Nascar Race.  Pretty pumped that Matt Kenseth won the race.  It was his birthday yesterday also, and I know that he won just for our birthdays. :)  GO #20... (PS - I never ever thought I would root for the #20 car as it was previously Tony Stewart's number, and I really didn't like Tony Stewart.)  I sure was busy sitting around while Brennon worked on the bathroom.  WOW, here I am with my rambling thoughts again.

FRIENDS -  I have to share - I said last week, that I was letting go of past anger and hurt, and I did.  I feel like a different person.  It was crazy how upset I was and how much better I felt after letting it go.  This past week, was a week with friends.  I continue to be so thankful for Summer and Larry and for the friendship they provide.  It is funny, that we were talking this week, that this experience has changed us and even changed our friendship.  We are closer now because of the moments of weakness I had, and the strength she provided.  I was also pretty pumped to spend my Saturday morning with Evan.  What a sweet little boy.  I just love that kid.  He reminds me of the simple things in life and I truly enjoy playing with him. I also went to dinner with Kelly and Callie on Wednesday night.  It was nice to go out and have a few drinks. Jason and Sadie stopped by yesterday... and Grace and Abby made me the sweetest birthday cards and even brought me cake.  Another reason why it was a great birthday.

WEDDING PLANS WITH THE FUTURE HOGANS -  This week, Carter received mail from his "favorite aunt and uncle" -  Emalie and James.  It seriously brought a smile and a tear at the same time. That Hogan boy and that future Hogan girl - are just to thoughtful!  It was so nice of them to include Carter in their special day.

FAITH -  Today, I pray that God continues to bless us.  I am reminded again, that we take for granted all the things that someone else is praying for. I think about the prayers that Brennon and I say each day, and I think about the people who take those simple prayers for granted.  And yet, I take for granted the home that I live in.  I am worried about my bathroom remodel, and yet there 2.6 billion people in the world who don't have a toilet. Another 100 million people in the world live without shelter.  Those statistics really put in to perspective what I worry about.  How about freedom.  You and I take our freedom for granted, and yet, we have active duty soldiers in a hundred and fifty different countries defending our freedom for us.  I really do think that as the human race, we have become so materialistic that the small blessings that we have day to day are taken for granted.

This brings me to my THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK..... "Believe in yourself, and love the life you live."  My goal for the next week is to enjoy my life.  I believe that I am on this Earth for a reason, and until my time on Earth is done, I want to be a blessing, to treat people right, and to love the life I live.  No more wishing away my days waiting for better days, and to remember the small things that I take for granted, others are praying for.  For I believe in myself, and God believes in me... and I know that He isn't done blessing me yet.  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28  May I continue to be of assistance to God, assistance to others, and assistance to myself.

"May the Lord Bless You and Protect You." Many blessings to you for the next week.  Love - Melissa