Goodbye 2013

Well another year over and a new one just beginning! What is it about this time of year that we get all excited to start over? This year I don't want to start over; I want to pick up where 2013 left me off :) 2013 was good to us... I didn't see it that way all through the year, but as I sit and reflect on it now, I can see how very much I've grown! I was blessed with 3 yes 3 good jobs, and may I add I choose to leave them, not the other way around, lol.

First my bus driving job with USAirport Parking that my sweetheart of a kid named Zack help me get. I LOVED driving that bus and I was good at it, unfortunately my back disagreed with all those suitcases. My best memory of that job was taking a load of cowboys to the airport for the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas; well I guess I must have been pretty close to a curb and a TREE, so they were taking bets on if I took out the tree or just the curb. I told them just to hang on I wasn't taking out anything, when I made it without a scratch or a curb check, they all clapped and one said "Guess this ai'nt her first rodeo!" I sooooo loved meeting all the people! Learned from that job, I CAN DO ANYTHING!!!!!

Second was my job with my beautiful Binney Water Purification Facility as an Administrative Assistant.... How Blessed was I to get that job with the help of my beautiful friend Carrie. I will never forget all I learned there and how very much I loved all my co-workers at the plant. Unfortunately or maybe fortunately, I love being HOME! The long days and tired evenings and all weekend playing catch up left me feeling like I had no life, no horse time and no family time, so time for a new change it was!!! The part I hated about leaving Binney was my boss, He gave me the most beautiful card that I treasure to this day. And it wasn't just him but all the guys there, what a amazing Plant City of Aurora has in those guys... I wish they knew that!!!

Now for my third job of 2013, working for Sykes.  I think I've found a pretty good fit here, working from home I can get my house in order a little bit each day and my weekends are FREE to do whatever it is I want to do, I can feed horses when Jeff is out plowing and most of all, I am in my favorite place in the world, my home! Now I know lots of you women out there love working outside the home but it has never been for me I guess. Hence the daycare I ran from home for 22 years, not only ran but LOVED running, I cried for 2 years when I stopped. So Sykes (or Alpine Access) is going to be a good long fit I believe, and I have the freedom to go part time later if I choose, and I can do it if or should I say when Jeff and I move to Heather Gardens, lol! Or even traveling in the 5th wheel if that is where life (and God) take us.

So I'm not kicking 2013 OUT the door, I'm thankful for all I have learned this year, I've let some relationships that hurt me in the past not hurt so much anymore and Jeff and I plan on working real hard on trying to revamp and rethink our business this year.

2013 brought us great new memories with our family and grandkids, wow what a BLESSING grandkids are!!!! I know those will continue in 2014, AND my mom is moving to COLORADO, so we have 30 years of being apart to catch up on, whoo hoooooo!!!!

So I say so long 2013 thank you for an amazing year! And Hello 2014, I can't wait to see what you hold in store for this girl, I do know it will be amazing also!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

AULD LANG SYNE - Graphics Enhanced Karaoke of Happy New-Year and Old Fri...

LIFE CHANGES

I've been thinking lately about the different changes we go through in life, and the way I see it is this; we have 3 different times in our life (possibly 4) and all those different times require a change, in our minds, in our hearts and mostly in our attitude... I want to say before I start, that I have always been a studier of people and life, I love hearing and learning from someone who has experienced what I am experiencing and how they have conquered tough times. I have always had a mentor (or 2) in my life, someone to keep me grounded when I am flighty.. And I must say my main mentor these days is amazing and a true gem, and I love her with my whole heart, she has been where I am in life and is always more then happy to share what she learned.. Anyways, back to the 3 changes, possibly 4....

1) we are children, in the care of our parents... This stage has happy sad times for me, I lived in a home with a lot of dysfunction, but I was Blessed with a mom and dad that loved me like no other. And I know now that Love conquers a multitude of sins (that's in the Bible somewhere, I promise:) and somehow through that dysfunction I seemed to have a greater "village" taking care of me!!! How awesome is that!!! So childhood is great:)

2) Marriage aka young adult, family the works!! This is where my life seemed to shine. I met and married my Jeffie (my knight in shining armor) and we had 2 amazing boys, we had some problems, but looking back I can't see them anymore:) We spent our time on the lake mostly.... boat, jet skies and lots of camping at Jackson.. I had my mother in law as my best friend, along with a group of girls from my bible study to help raise a family. I had a house full of kids, as I had a childcare in my home. The house was full and BUSY!!!! I even volunteered at so much... Boy scout leader, team mom (for many years) Bible Study leader, Victim asst. for Arapahoe County, sat on the board of Arapahoe County Child Care Asso. and more.... I just look at this and it makes me tired, which brings us to now.....

3) Empty nest, the time between the kids gone and not quite to retirement... I think I've struggled here the most...but I must say it seems to be coming together a little more now (after 10 years!!!) This is the time in your life where the kids have grown up and moved away and they have became different, some for the good and some, ummm not so much, but the fact is they are different kids then when they were our little boys.. and that is not so easy sometimes and, at least for me has been the hardest part of my life. THANK GOODNESS for my mentor these days who helps me through the changes and gently reminds me that no one can ever take away our memories, and that we need to spend time remembering those days, but don't camp there. The best part of this time is Jeff and I back to the sweethearts we were in high school, although that looks a little different too, if ya know what I mean, but that love and just the 2 of us is stronger then it has ever been... Also those grand babies, who we don't get to see too much cause their lives are very full, and that is OK now too... Better put a side note here that states that My Boys have turned into amazing men, each so different from when they were boys, but they are both my hero's and I love them lots and lots!!!!

So whats in store now????? I'm working on leaving the past behind and treasuring the memories, but have stopped wishing for things that can never be, because they were only how I seen them in my head in the first place. Also trying to get focused on what and where to go next.... I know if I don't get things going the way I am planning, I'll be just fine. What I do know is, I want to do more volunteering again, this time in the area's that bring me great joy, it seems more important then ever to give back!!! I'm a caregiver by nature and I will pursue that passion. Lord knows there are many places to put myself!!! Also, it is time for Jeff and I to start to explore where and how we can retire and live that part of life. I recently went to my mom's in AZ and think to myself, maybe someday:) I had a fb friend recently post that she had bought a new jazz CD, and just now was remembering how much she loved jazz music, I think this time is for rekindling the things you forgot you loved!!! Change is good and I want to embrace it.... Head on!!! For now I enjoy my LARGE family and amazing friends, I am truly BLESSED!!! and through it all, my hope is to remember, LIFE CHANGES, and LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS!!!!!! Enjoy your day, and don't forget to give back!!!

More DREAM:)

Ok friends, I'm going to start blogging on this page about the ranch and all that is going on with everything until we get our name registered. I will refer to everything I blog on this subject as "More dream"... So here's the update so far...

I have a meeting this week to get some things finalized on legal stuff (YUCK,YUCK!!!) and then by next week, God willing, our name should be registered and then the ball starts rolling (YIPPEE!!!!) Then we will get a business e-mail, face book page, a new blog spot, & PO BOX for those of you that have already asked where you can help. I found a firm that will do everything (paperwork wise) for us. This includes starting our incorporation, writing our by-laws and filing everything with the state and fed government. We are thinkin that is the way we will go. It will cost about $1000.00, so I'm saying "Thank you Lord for the snow this year and BRING ON MORE!!!!!"  I'm confident we will be a up and running 501(c)(3) non profit by June/July!!!!

In the mean time we are working hard at learning all we need to know... whewwww what a job!! I have been given the opportunity to go to a seminar in OR. at a ranch that does what we are wanting to do and learn from them and their triumphs and failures.. For this I am EXTREMELY EXCITED!!!! The cost on this is $300.00 + transportation and hotel for 4 days.. So here's my first plea for funds.. So if you feel led to give I feel led to receive:):):) Remember we are not tax deductible YET!!!!! Here is the website of that ranch, go to "Our program" and then "information clinics" This is in May... And Thank you in advance for your help, not only financially but in PRAYER....

http://www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org/default.aspx

Meanwhile, I am reading, reading, reading!!!! Everything I can get my hands on about abused children. And let me tell you I am CRYING,CRYING, CRYING!!!! I will also tell you, that I KNOW THAT I KNOW my whole life has been a dress rehearsal for just this time!!! I'm thanking my Lord for the life I've lead, the good and the bad, as it has brought me to this place and time. I feel the 22 years as a childcare provider and sitting on the Board with Arapahoe County Childcare Asso. for a number of years, ALONG with my life long love of horses is now coming to full circle of exactly what and where  am suppose to be!!! So keep us in your prayers as we get though all this legal stuff to get to the job of healing & restoring the hearts of broken children... Not to mention the love we will be providing for the neglected and abused horses... God Bless y'all!!!! And THANK YOU for all of you who have offered your support, we sure can't do this alone... It is way too BIG!!!!

CONFRONTATION!!!!!!

Let's see, how do I start this blog????? Right to the point I guess like everything else I share.. Let me first say I write this blog to share my life experiences, so as maybe someone can learn from some of my mistakes and mostly my triumphant's of 51 years on this planet we call EARTH!!!!

So last night a friend was over, and we are embarking on a big new adventure, but it is a BIG adventure that we all must be on the same page about... Now before I start I want to let you all know I love this man like he was my brother, and I think the reason I do is because of what I am about to share with you all!!!!

So anyways we got to talking about everything, come to find out he was not on the same page AT ALL!!! So long story short we talked (Very LOUD) to get our points across. To the tune of about 4 hours... Well when he left, NOTHING had been gotten on the "same page" if ya know what I mean;) So I stayed up most of the night stewing about how "WRONG & UNREASONABLE" HE was, lol.... Then it finally came to me, he made a "little" sense in a "few" areas :) So I reworked "MY" plan to include his thoughts ~ go figure!!! So I called him this morning to run by my new thoughts, and he goes yea, I think that could really work. I told him I was furious with him last night, and he "CALMLY" goes yea, I knew you were, lol.... Did I mention, I really love him!!! Well as I go through this day, "MY" plan is now even BETTER!!!! because of him!!! Then I talked to my son (MJ) and tell it all to him and say " you know your mom is a little strong willed at times" well he didn't say a word, but I heard the laugh, and could almost hear him say "YA THINK????" then we talked about another friend from years ago, from the lake, and lots of people had major issues with him, but I loved him... and just today I figured out why.....

Because you knew right where he stood, and he may come right back at ya where you think he wasn't listening but he was and when we would go home for the week, most of the time we would come back and say " you were right there and I was wrong here" and we had mutual respect for each other... Same with my "brother" last night... We didn't need to agree on everything BUT...... We did need to talk it out!!! So yes I hate confrontation, but I believe it is so much better to get it all out on the table (in love), than to keep silent and go for weeks, months and even years, Angry in you heart, because you never laid your thought out on the table... I have people in my life who are not able to talk things out and I respect that, but those people don't seem to hold the same place in my heart as the ones who can speak freely and go home and blow up and come back with a "I was wrong here, but you were a little off there" and in turn make a much better relationship in the long run..

All that said to say this, LIFE is worth the "fight"!!!! It, for me at least, has ALWAYS made for a stronger, and deeper relationship... One of true love and respect for the other person... Life is about trials and disputes... It's how you come out on the other side that counts.. So if I'm ever unreasonable, TELL ME!!!, Then give me a day or two, I'll come tell ya I'm sorry and love ya!!! God Bless, Go live this beautiful life to the fullest, and remember to do it in LOVE!!!!!

Enjoying where I am in my life

This morning I was thinkin about how much my life has changed in the last year. And I am so thankful for the changes....Let's see where to start???? I KNOW:)

DRAMA; These days I have no time for it!!! Don't get me wrong, threre are troubles in peoples lives that is truely trouble and needs fixing and compassion, and I love it that God has shown me how to be a compassionate ear in those cases.... But really some people are ALWAYS in a mess, drama with a capital DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD...... Thers no time in my world for that anymore, nor the people who are constantly in it... I know that sounds rough coming from me... But I just don't have the time. At my age, my friends are starting to battle sickness, and taking care of aging parents, and yes even starting to die.... That is where I want my Ear to be these days.

MONEY; Or should I say lack of it:) Most all of you know how scary last year was for us, but looking back, I'm thankful for the lesson. Through it I've learned to REALLY enjoy the simple life, staying home and counting my BLESSINGS day by day... So now that we have the money to pay bills and life isn't as scary as it was a year ago, we still can't afford much. Now I know a 5 dollar movie with my cousin is a treat. We have met friends in town for wing night and the cost is 15 bucks for Jeff and I both, and that includes a 5 dollar tip:) I love it that we have found peace right here in our own backyard.. Jeff loves to be HOME, playing on the computer and watching Matt Dillon on TV. We enjoyed SKYPING last night from my cousins and Aunt in Cali...Can you believe we can see them right there in their living room??? That is AWESOMENESS!!!! I am finding I LOVE cooking again. and the simple pleasure of cleaning the horse stalls makes me smile. I love that I gave myself permission to stay in bed this morning till 10:00 watching the cooking channel, and then wasted time here BLOGGING (or is that a waste of time? I'm thinking NOT:) So if I don't get to Hawaii this year OR EVER, I am totally at peace with that...:)

So when was it that I got all this peaceful wisdom????? Well I'm not sure... I know it didn't come easy for me. You see I'm a doer, always busy at something, always on the run..... But the last year forced me, not only because of money, but also some pretty extreme pain in my body, to SLOW down, take it easy, help the people God puts on my heart via the telephone or FB. I've found my body isn't as sore when I don't stress it, AND the people in my life are the ones I talk to on a constant basis, who encourage me, and I encourage them. For the first time, in a long time, Life is going as it should.... I'm excited about the future.... I'm thinking I may even want to plant a garden, and give myself the TIME to take care of it... AND have lots of friends over to help me eat the fruits of my labor!!!! So if ya want to come visit, COME ON OVER, the coffee pot is always on:)

SOOOO that said, do yourself a favor and find what makes you tic, and how you  are most happy... But please remember, nobody is ever truly happy in a self absorbed world of ME.... So find you, but remember to find a way to help those around you also... Be BLESSED my friends and go make it a great day!!!!!!



The 4 Musketeers after 50

Yesterday I had lunch with the girls from my Bible Study in Aurora. Jeff calls us the 4 Musketeers!!! We 4 have been a tight group since about 1998! We have been through raising kids, and the pain that comes with letting kids go (our adult kids) the taking care of our aging parents, our parents dying, 2 have lost her spouses already. I guess you call that life!! Anyways, I was just thinking about all our changes and that these girls are the only people on this earth who know EVERYTHING about my life, well along with Jeff, but truly these girls probably know more of my emotions because..... Well just because we are girlfriends!! We've cried together at funerals or trials with or families and we rejoiced together at weddings and the births of our grandchildren. We know each others deepest secrets and our deepest pains, and have been there for each other through them all. We sat in the ER together when one of us thought we were having heart trouble, come to find out it was nothing we laughed all the way home...

But Yesterday when we met it was very different. You see we had always been pretty good to meet once a month or so for all these years, but this last year has been different. One of us lost a mom and is taking care of her dad in her home, another has been working long hours and now has a dog to take care of and is going to start square dancing, the other is babysitting her grandchildren a few days a week, and I have been holding down the ranch enjoying more then ever my country lifestyle :) But YESTERDAY when we got together for the first time in 6 months, there was a "different" about each of us..... As we ate our salad and toasted the new year with sparkling apple cider, we noticed in us, as we filled each other in on our lives, there was a CRAZY kind of peace and calm on everyone of us..... Oh we still had all the same issues in our lives, maybe even worse, one taking total care of her wheelchair bound dad and one facing back surgery this month,,,,,, BUT it was different, we all said we are just going with the flow ONE day at a time... And everyone of us felt we were right where we are suppose to be in God's plan in our lives, no questioning JUST PEACE...

Oh how I thank God for these girls and our 4 hour lunches together, whenever we can do it... We vowed to do it once a month at G's house cause of her daddy. I think we will keep that vow. What an amazing life we've had. Thank you Lord! I think life after 50 is better then before, just sayin'