We are on the last day of the month for my "May weight loss challenge". As of 2 days ago I had lost 7 lbs. As of this morning I had lost 6 lbs. Then we decided to do the final weigh in tomorrow morning. I was hoping for a day off, but I guess I have to work out today. :) I am very proud of myself. Usually when I try to set my mind on working out, I do it for about 2 weeks and stop. I was very good this month. I watched what I ate, mostly cut pop out and worked out a lot. I had one glass of pop at my Tastefully Simple Party and one in the middle of the month, and my stomach was NOT happy with me for that one. I have lost at least a 1/2 inch from all the areas I took measurements. Even if I'm not the winner, I'm proud of myself.

It's been a strange week this week. There are a lot of hurting people that I'm coming in contact with. I've been doing a lot of praying for other people. It's overwhelming at times, to feel the pain of other people. The strangest one for me...I have a friend who just found out her teenage daughter is pregnant. I'm not going to go into details, but it felt like a knife in my chest when I first heard it. It took my breath away. I saw the teenager today for the first time and was mad and jealous. Then mad at myself for being jealous of a 17 year old. Life just sucks sometimes, but I serve a God that cares about my emotions and helps me work through my anger and jealousy and most importantly, forgives me for that.

There have been a few ladies from the church that have been working out together on Wednesdays. For the month of May we started a "May weight loss challenge". Our goal is to lose 10 lbs. The winner gets to pick where to go out to eat and the others have to treat her. I'm glad we are doing it, because it's actually motivating me to work at it. I was at a good weight during the first pregnancy, but then after the miscarriage I ate crap and loaded up on pop and gained 15 lbs back. If I lose 10 I'll be happy with my weight, since technically I'm considered overweight for my height. We are on day 8 now. I won't let myself get on the scale until the 15th, but I feel great. I've been working out everyday, haven't been drinking pop (had one at my Tastefully Simple Party and just felt guilty), not eating fast food, and cutting the bad-for-me sweets out. I'm trying to watch portions and eating small healthy things throughout the day. I also took body measurements, so if I don't lose the weight, I can at least see that I'm toning up. I started at 143.0, so I'll let you know what happens!

I tend to always start these blogs out saying, "It's been forever since I wrote..." Then I think I will always do better, but that never happens. I am avoiding going to the grocery store and doing this instead. Isn't procrastination great? But I guess I'm doing something I need to do, so is it really procrastination?

Anyhoo...I guess I'll give a summery of what has been going on in my life for the past few months. It sure wasn't pretty. In January I found out I was pregnant again. Ryan and I were excited, but scared at the same time. There was constantly this sense of caution. It's really hard to explain. Looking back, were we not trusting God enough, or is that just a healthy emotional barrier that people put up when this has already happened to them? When I was about 6 weeks along I started bleeding and absolutely lost it emotionally. People kept saying that it could just be normal bleeding and everything could be alright, but I knew. We went to the doctor and had an ultrasound and everything looked normal. We saw the baby's heart beat. Ryan and I went out to celebrate afterward, but I still had a weird feeling. Then that evening I started cramping and the bleeding was worse and I knew that was it. I had gone into work the next day because I couldn't get into the doctor's until the day after that and I was a mess. At this point, the only person at work that knew was my co-worker Katy. Ryan was supposed to be at youth group that evening and I didn't want to be at home alone, so Katy was a great friend and invited me over to help keep my mind off of it. Once I got home I was in more pain, so Ryan canceled youth and came home to be with me. The next day I had an appointment. Our pastor's wife, Tish, came with us, since she is my North Carolina mom. It meant so much because she knew my mom would want to be here with us, but can't, so she would come with us. I couldn't see my own doctor. I had to see the most unsympathetic woman in the world, who confirmed that I did miscarry. I took a few days off to get my head straight. People said they could see a difference in my healing process between the last one and this one...that this one was faster. It may have been, but my hurt may have come out in different forms. At the same time I was majorly stressed and unhappy with work. I was a very bitter and cynical person. Talking to Tish, my emotions from the miscarriage could have been carried out in that fashion. I am trying to find ways to decrease my stress level at work and have been successful for the past 2 weeks or so. I was a mess two weeks ago at church. They had the baby dedication for two of my friends' babies. They had postponed it previously so the three of us could do the baby dedication together. I really didn't want to be there because all I kept thinking about was "what could have been." And to top it off, I ended up with a 24 hour stomach bug that day and was pretty sick when I got home. Good times.

The next step...I got a bunch of blood work done to make sure there isn't anything genetically wrong with me that is causing the miscarriages. Everything came out normal. Which I wasn't sure to be happy or not about. If something was abnormal, I would have at least had a reason for this happening. Instead I'm just one of those statistics that this happens to. So, when we're given the ok, we will try again. Please pray for us. We are still very scared. There is nothing more we want then to have a baby.

We sang this song at church on Sunday and it really hit home with me. I'll explain later. Here's the song:

"Bring The Rain" by MercyMe

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holyIs the Lord God Almighty

February 7th...today was supposed to be my due date. It's just been a wierd day. I haven't been overly sad, which is good. I'm just sort of "blah". I guess I'm trying not to think about it too much or think about "what could have been".

Last weekend at church we had a Network seminar. Network is a program that helps you identify what your spiritual gift is, such as creative communication (worship band, drama, etc), intercession, mercy, teaching, etc. I found out that my top 3 were administration, hospitality, and helps. It wasn't that much of a surprise to have administration as my top one, since I love to organize and coordinate things. I also found that I'm a task structured person. There are 4 categories....people vs. task and structured vs unstructured. You can make 4 combos out of that. I focus mainly on the task at hand, and are very structured doing so. I also discovered that a passion of mine is getting new Christians plugged into Bible studies. When people first become Christians, they often don't get themselves plugged into Bible studies, probably because they don't know what to expect, are scared, etc. It's so important in their growth and we as a church aren't good about focusing in on those people. I also think we should be having GIGs (InterVarsity term for Groups Investigating God) for the non-Christians in our church, to have a safe and comfortable place for then to learn about who God is. For awhile I've been expressing this to leadership at church, but in a way felt guilty because I wanted it yet, was not willing to teach it. Through Network I realized teaching is not my gift so I shouldn't feel guilty for not leading it. I can take my gift of administration and help get these started and organize them. I am also going to help our assimilation pastor implement Network at our church. The goal is to get people through a 3 step process...first is a Bible study learning how to spend time with God, the second is learning about Jesus's characteristics and how to apply them to your life, and the third is Network. Once people complete Network we will be able to see what people's spiritual gifts are and be able to place them in tasks where they will flourish and be the most satisfied. I'm very excited about this because although I'm considered "leadership" at church, I often feel a disconnect since I can only be there 2 out of 4 Sundays a month. Some of the tasks I've been given can be easily done from home and I'm excited to do it.

Last night Ryan and I got to spend some time with our good friends Joylynn, Thor and Laura. Thor had a concert at a coffee shop so we went to that. Joy's such a good listener and let me vent about my job. It's been very frustrating, especially this past week. Decisions are being made about our animals that don't make any sense. I'm going to stop here since this a public blog and I don't want to get all worked up again. Ask me about it if you'd like. Today Joy is having tea party at her house. I'm super excited because she let me know she is making spring rolls. I'm going to go early and eat them all before everyone else gets there. :) I created a tea party hat yesterday. It's pretty funny. It'll be nice to hang out with the girls, even though I won't know most of them. Then tomorrow we are going to a friends house to watch the superbowl. Go Arizona! (I really don't care...I just say that because their quarterback openly talks about his faith and that's awesome).

I know it's been forever since I wrote. Nobody probably checks this anymore since I'm so sporadic in writing. Below I posted this thing that is going around facebook. I normally don't do stuff like this, but it's been fun getting to know people better and allowing people to know me better. I had to write 25 things about myself...habits, goals, facts, etc. Here it is...

1. I have had a bad habit since I was little where I chew on the side of my cheek. It's gross and I make funny faces doing it.

2. I can never sleep with socks on because I have to put the edge of the sheet between my big toe and the next toe. Ryan and I have named it "my toe sheet".

3. I love living in North Carolina...my church, job, friends, house...but if I had the chance to move back to Minnesota and work with the dolphins again, I would move in a heartbeat.

4. There is nothing else I want more right now then to have a baby. I had a miscarriage this summer and it was the hardest thing Ryan and I have ever gone through.

5. I love to sleep. I always take a nap on my days off and my normal bedtime is 9:30.

6. I love games but I don't like losing. When I was little and would lose, I would take the game board and tip it upside down and spill all the pieces. And now I just won't play Canasta with Ryan because he beats me everytime.

7. I have been a Christian since 1998. I try everyday to love God by spending time with Him and following what He wants me to do. I try everyday to love people like He does. I find it much easier to love God then to love people.

8. Often time people don't like me when they first meet me. They often think I'm stuck up. I don't like hearing this. I tend to be very shy and I'm a very self-consious person, so when I first meet someone, I come across as stuck up. Usually once I warm up, people like me just fine, but I know there are those out there that don't like me even after they get to know me, but I'm ok with that.

9. I cry a lot. Especially in church. Often times I cry because I see someone else is hurting and crying. Sometimes I wonder if I've used up all my tears yet.

10. My worse fears are being in a fire, drowning, and getting into a car accident.

11. I was married when I was 19 years old, which most people think is crazy. Ryan and I prayed about it a lot and we knew it was what God wanted us to do. Eight years later we are happier then ever.

12. I wasn't your typical college student. In college I never went to a party where alcohol was served.

13. I had my belly button pierced in high school and my nose pierced in college. I had to take them out when I interned at Brookfield Zoo.

14. I am a cat person, not a dog person. I didn't want a dog, but my husband brought Leia home and she was so cute I couldn't send her back.

15. If I could have one talent, it would be to have a good singing voice. I would love to sing in a band.

16. I have a major crush on David Cook from American Idol.

17. When I'm camping I'll wash my plate and utensils in the lake with sand, but at home I freak out if someone washes my plate with the sponge and not the clean dish rag.

18. I am a neat freak. I will let the house get somewhat cluttered, and then flip out that it's a mess and usually take it out on poor Ryan. I don't know how he puts up with me.

19. I can't stand it when people think they know what they are talking about, but in reality they are just making stuff up and want to hear thier own voices and get the last word in.

20. I started going to college to be an elementary teacher. I've always loved dolphins and whales and one day my best bud, Allyn, said "why don't you work with them?" So I investigated it and here I am today. Thanks, Als!

21. I would much rather stay at home then to go out. I am completely content hanging out in my pj's, watching tv or reading a book. I hate weeks where I have stuff planned every night.

22. My dream would be to be a stay at home mom until my kids go to school and then go back to working at the zoo with marine mammals. But...1. The likelyhood of me getting my job back would be slim to none after being out of the field for so long. 2. We couldn't afford it.

23. Finanical Peace University, a course taught by Dave Ramsey completely changed our lives. We are getting out of debt and are on a good path financially. I recommend it to everyone!

24. I love to eat. I have no self-control when it comes to food.

25. I am obsessed with Beverly Hills 90210. I watched it growing up. I have the first 4 seasons on DVD. I watch the new 90210. Growing up, when we would play house or school or whatever, I was always "Kelly Taylor" and Melissa was "Brenda Walsh". I wanted to be Kelly Taylor. Now Lauren Conrad is my new Kelly Taylor.

A few things I'm thankful for...
A: Air to breathe
B: Back tickles
C: Church, caramel apple cider, creativity
D:Dad
E: Energy
F: Family,Friends, food
G: Grace
H: Holy Spirit, House, Health
I: Ideas, ice cream
J: Jesus, Josh
K: Kindness, Knowledge, Kisses
L: Laughter, Love, Life
M: Mom, money, memories
N: New beginnings
O: Old friends
P: Pets
Q: Quiet
R: Ryan
S: Sleeping, sunshine, sleeping in the sunshine, smelly candles
T: Transportation
U: Unconditional love
V: Vision, vacations
W: Water
X: Xyanthopyll (causes leaves to change color in fall)
Y: You for reading this
Z: Zoos

Cards, cards, and more cards...At the beginning of December we are having an employee craft and bake sale at work. My co-worker talked me into selling my hand-made cards, so I've been a busy beaver mass producing cards. I'm still at the point where I am enjoying it, which is important. I signed up with less then a month to work, so I guess I can only blame myself.

We paid off Ryan's car!!! It felt good and bad to write that check. Bad because it was a good chunk leaving our bank account, but good because we are making visual process toward being debt free. I recommend Financial Peace University to everyone. (I think people at work are getting tired of me talking about it)

I am still loving the Financial Peace University class. We recently had a week about dumping debt which got me all pumped up, ready to pay of our debts (car loans and school loans). With the plan we can be debt free in 4 years (this isn't including the house). Sounds better then paying school loans for 10 more years. Our budget this month has gone well. There were a few things we forgot to budget for, such as pet supplies. Sorry, Leia, you can't eat this month. :) We were able to work it out though.

A few weeks ago we took the youth group to the Dixie Classic Fair. My friend and co-worker Kelly went with us as well. First we ate food. Then we rode a ride in the rain. Then we ate more food. Then we went to the Mandisa and Matthew West concert. Not a fan of Mandisa but she did do some fun old classic songs like "Stop in the Name of Love" and "Respect". Kelly and I had a blast. There are pictures to prove it, but I have yet to see them. Then Matthew West performed. I hadn't really heard of him before, but we decided to go up front since he was a cutie. So we grabbed the girls from youth group and headed up there. We were in the 2nd row. Kelly and I were acting like we were 12. We had a blast! Then Matthew jumped off stage and landed next to Kelly and I. She rubs his arm raw, I just touch his arm. Crazy girls. Oh wait, it wasn't just us girls. Zack and Chris did it too! After the concert Kelly and I said "This will not be the night that we remember being cold and wet. This is the night we were 12 again."

I found out my mom is coming in December to visit! I am so excited!!!! The Angel family Christmas party is the first weekend, so we'll drive up to Maryland together. I can't wait!!!

At church Ryan and I are taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University seminar. Each week we watch a DVD with the lesson, then have a discussion with a group of about 20 people. During the week there is "homework" to do. We have only taken the class for 2 weeks now, but I have realized how blessed Ryan and I are when it comes to money. Don't know what we are doing right, but we must be doing something right. The class talks about baby step #1 is to set up an emergency fund of $1000. Ryan and I have never not had at least that amount in the bank. We have never had to live paycheck to paycheck.There are people in the class that say they don't even know how they can save $1 a month to put towards the emergency fund because every penny goes to bills. That's insane to me. But on the other hand, there is probably one thing they could find that they could do without for that month. Ryan and I have lived a lifestyle where if we want it, we get it. Now I'm not saying that is good. We want to be able to manage our finances so we have a lot saved up for retirement, emergencies, etc. I'm not saying I don't want to not spend my money on anything fun anymore. We just want to be good stewards of our money, so we will be putting ourselves on a budget each month. It'll be hard for me to get in that mindset again. We had an "allowance" in college. If I wanted McDonald's at the end of the month, but only had $1 in my allowance, yet we still had money, no McDonalds. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bragging here, but it has made me greatful.

Happy birthday to Ryan! He turned the big 3-0 today. Yesterday we went to Raleigh for a Jars of Clay, Switchfoot and Third Day concert. There was another band too, but I can't remember their name. I wasn't impressed anyway. The concerts were very good. Unfortunately we missed some of Jars of Clay, because they started at 6:00 and we got there a little late because we both had to work and it was a 2 hour drive. It was cool seeing these 3 bands together, because they were all some of the first bands that I listened to when I became a Christian, so they had a huge influence on my faith. And it's cool that 10 years later, they still do. The venue was cool. It was an outdoor pavilion, some of which had a roof over it. We were at the point where the roof stopped and it was just open air behind us. There was a section where you could find a place in this huge grassy area, but we ended up getting tickets with an actual seat. It reminded me a lot of Cornerstone. Being out with the stars above you, breeze blowing, and rocking out to some awesome music. I miss Cornerstone. Maybe someday I'll be back.

As for me personally, I'm doing fine. God has really healed me and I'm very thankful for that. I still have my moments, but I'm sure that will always be there. I know God knows that my #1 desire is to have a baby. I want to be a mom so bad. It'll happen someday.

So here is what is going on in my life. I was pregnant. I am no longer pregnant. Ryan and I started trying in May and we got pregnant in May. We couldn't believe how fast it happened. We were so excited. I enjoyed being pregnant. For a few weeks I did hate food, and for me that is just crazy. I felt sick in the evenings. After that went away I was feeling great. I'd get tired, but feeling great. I remember even saying to people, "When I felt sick, my body was at least giving me a sign that I am pregnant. Now that I feel good and aren't showing yet, it is kinda scary because there is no real indication that I am pregnant." Little did I know... Even though it is really hard right now, I don't want to forget that joy Ryan and I had for our first pregnancy. The night we found out we were pregnant I heard David Cook's song "time of our lives" and thought just that, that this is the time of our lives. Ryan treated me like a princess. He kissed my belly every night and said goodnight to the baby.

So this is what happened...We are currently in Minnesota visiting family. Mom and Josh came down for a few days, and dad came down as well. I got to see my 2 year old niece a ton. She is the cutest thing on this planet. We went to a Twin's game, lots of shopping, Science Museum, the zoo, etc. I even had a surprise baby shower. On Wednesday and Thursday I had some light bleeding. I called the doctor and they said I shouldn't be alarmed and many women bleed some. I should go to the hospital if the bleeding increases or if I get heavy cramping. We were going to Ryan's grandpa's house 3 hours away from the cities. We were a few minutes away from grandpa's house and I felt heavy bleeding. I checked it out and told Ryan we needed to go to the hospital. So we went to the ER because OB wouldn't see me because I was only 12 weeks. They did an exam, ultrasounds, and blood work. After 3 hours of being there, the doctor came in and told us the bad news. I have what is called a "blighted ovum". It is when the egg is fertilized and develops into an embryo, but then gets absorbed by the uterus. The gestational sac where the baby would be and the placenta still develop. However the sac is empty since the baby never really grew. They detected this on the ultrasound. The sac is about the size that it would be at 7 weeks of pregnancy. And to make matters worse, this is only the beginning of my miscarriage. I still have to get rid of that sac and placenta. Hopefully my body does it naturally so I don't need a procedure to do it. The doctor said to expect a lot of bleeding and cramping. I got some pain meds from him. I just want it to be over.

People keep asking how I'm doing. It's such a funny question. Do they really want to know how I'm doing? I just lost my first baby. I was fooled for 3 months that I was pregnant, when really I may have only been for a very short while. I kept telling Ryan "I just want to go home." Which is true. I want my kitties to snuggle. I want my own bed. I want to be able to escape if I want to. However, tonight was ok. We had the whole Monson clan here for dinner and I was able to get my mind off of it some. It's hard when I have to see people for the first time since they found out, it's hard e-mailing people, it's hard to see the baby gifts I received. I will make it though. I will be stronger because of it. I really am not looking forward to going to work again. It will be hard to see my friends there. I know they support me, but again, it's just hard to see people. I don't want to call my dad on Monday. I know what it is like to feel other people's pain, and I don't want people to feel pain because of what Ryan and I are going through. Sometimes compassion sucks. I love my family and friends to death and I know they love me. I have been so blessed with them and we will get tons of support from them. There are still other people we have to tell. I hate telling people. I know Ryan and I debated who we were going to tell we were pregnant and when. Our reasoning was to tell family, friends, and church, because if something bad did happen, we would want their support. And we do, however, when we are pregnant again, I'm not sure how we are going to go about doing it. Having to tell people that you lost your baby is one of the hardest things I had to do.

Please pray for us. God will heal us over time. I have no doubt about that.

I know it has been months. I apologize to the 2 of you that may check this and who continue to find it never updated. As I have said before, I just haven't felt like writing anything. Life has had some ups and downs lately, but I will be vague and for that I apologize as well. I guess I just don't feel like putting everything out there for the world to see sometimes. As for the "ups" in my life right now, at some point, hopefully soon, I will elaborate more. So you guys will have something to look forward to. Until next time...

What a beautiful day. It is in the mid-70's today and sunny. Ryan and I have been outside for a few hours doing yardwork, which I am surprisingly enjoying. It is probably because it is such a nice day, so doing anything outside would be pleasant.

Leia is still doing good. Potty training is time consuming. It is discouraging hearing that a lot of puppies aren't fully trained until they are a year old. We are using a crate, which is helping a whole lot. When we got her she was 4 pounds. Now she is 6.6 lbs. She can climb up the stairs of the porch now. Our little girl is growing up so fast :)

I know it was been forever. For some reason, I haven't had any desire to write on here. Let's see if I can remember some highlights.

We got a puppy. Her name is Leia. She is 6 weeks old and since she's so young, the breed is uncertain. We think she is 1/2 golden retriever, 1/2 something else. We got her on Friday, so we are still learning. She is quite the handful, but a ton of fun too.

Work has been good. For the first time since Sept. all of our animals are in their normal exhibits and everything is "back to normal". We had some construction going on, which threw stuff off for quite a long time.

It's pathetic, but I really can't think of anything else that has been going on. I'm sure there is, but again, I just don't feel like writing on this thing. :( I'm a bum. Time for me to get come cleaning done while the puppy is actually sleeping.

We got to go to Hancock for Christmas this year. It was a bumpy start, but we had a great time. Our plane left Greensboro on Christmas Eve. We arrived in Detroit in the morning to catch our flight, however they informed us that we wouldn't be getting on that flight and that we couldn't get to Marquette until the next morning (Christmas). What? Because of the cold weather in Marquette they had to put extra fuel on the plane, therefor bumping 8 people off the flight. At least they treated us well. We got free tickets to use later, a hotel room and lots of food vouchers. There were 6 of us that wanted to rent a van together and drive up to Marquette, but it would have cost way too much. Crazy what you will do when you are desperate to get home for Christmas. I was very upset. I just wanted to be home. I fought the tears in the airport, but then as soon as we got to the hotel I broke down. We did get to see Phil and Sandy. They picked us up at the hotel and went out to lunch. I went to bed at 6:00 that night so I didn't have to think about it. We had no problems getting out the next morning. We had a delicious Christmas breakfast at the airport and headed to Marquette. Dad was there waiting for us at the airport and drove us back home. Josh and Amy were at the house waiting for us. (Gracie too). Mom was at work so we headed to the hospital to see her. When she got home we celebrated Christmas. The next day we went out to dad's to celebrate. We went snowshoeing, ate a lot of food, had hot cider, played with the doggies, etc. There is always something special about dad's. I can't explain it. Maybe Josh knows what I'm talking about. The rest of the week was good. I got to hang out a lot with Josh and Amy. We ate at my favorite restaurant and ate my favorite pizza. Josh's band, Senator Dexter, played at a bar. It was really fun seeing them play, even if it was a lot different than it used to be. There were a lot of familiar songs and they played my favorite. It was so nice to be home for Christmas. Who knows when I'll be able to again.

I got promoted at work! Since my supervisor retired this summer, my co-worker got his position, opening up a Keeper II position. I had applied and had an interview in December. I found out on Wednesday. For the most part my job is the same except more responsibility...training people, making sure tasks get done, etc.

I know it's been a long time. Let's see...what happened over the past month? My birthday was Nov. 16th. I had to work on my b-day, but afterwards we went out dinner with some of my co-workers. On the 17th we went to a Casting Crowns concert. I wasn't sure how much we would like it, but we really enjoyed it. And thanks to Chris and Tish, we had great seats. Ryan's parents came that night for a week. We did some shopping, went to Duke University in Durham, played a lot of cards, baked cookies, and ate a lot. They were here over Thanksgiving. I worked so Ryan and his parents cooked. We also had friends over as well, so they helped with the cooking. We had 12 people over and it was a blast! I love having parties at our new house. We don't have place settings for 12 people, but who cares if you have to eat off paper plates on Thanksgiving! It was great to have them over. We love visitors!

The beginning of this month we went to Maryland for a weekend for the Angel Christmas party. It was so great to see everyone. This was the first year that Ryan and I got to go. And it was the first time he got to meet some of the family. We stayed at Jerri's.

We have been busy getting ready for Christmas. There has been Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, lots of cookies (almost to the point where I never want to eat a cookie again). On the 24th we are heading home to Hancock and I can't wait!

This past weekend my mom came to visit. Her plane arrived on Thursday afternoon. What I like about the Greensboro airport is you can pay $ .25 per 15 min to park, then go in the airport to wait for the people to deplane. It is so much more exciting seeing them walk down the hall and greeting them in the airport, then driving around and picking them up at the curb. We went to Ryan's school, TJ Maxx, and then out to eat at McAlister's Deli. On Friday I took her to the zoo, then that evening we headed to Bat Cave, NC. We got a cabin and a campground there. We roasted hotdogs over a fire and just relaxed. The next day we went to Chimney Rock and hiked the long/strenuous trail, which isn't too bad once you get past the first 15 minutes. It was the film site of "Last of the Mohicans" so that night we rented it and got to say "we were there!" In Chimney Rock we bummed around the stores and ate some good ole' Southern cooking. Sunday we went to church and then out to eat with people from church. One night we watched "Mean Girls". Tuesday we went out to eat and hit the mall and a few stores. I took the day off on Wednesday to take her to the airport. It was sad to say goodbye, like always.

Ryan and I had a few busy days. On Friday we had youth group. We did a "video blast" night with video games for the kids to play. It was a hit and the adults had fun too! Saturday we went to my co-worker's Katy's for dinner and to play cards, and of course play with her 5 week old baby. It sure makes me have the baby itch. :) Last night we had a potluck (or covered dish as they call it in the south) with the church. It's always great to just get together since we don't do it as often as we used to when we met on Sat. nights. Ryan and I had the day off together today. We slept in, went to Saw IV, bought a lawn mower, caught up on tv shows, and baked. I love having days off together.