And we are 3 again...for a short time

Today has been a long 18 month count down...today my oldest son arrives from Taiwan via a short stop over in Seattle to visit... Cory Evan truly gave my life meaning and made me realize how the smallest of things were to be treasured and recognized. I knew from a young age I wanted to be a Mom. My dad used to cook breakfast and as I sat at the table he would ask what life would hold for me as I grew up..and my answer was always the same "I just want to be a Mom and well maybe a job but really I just want to be a Mom" then the answer was always how many kids.."I want 12 of them (ok so that was at the age of 6 or 7) by the time I was in high school I knew I wanted kids and I thought 4 to 6 would be my perfect big family... I was blessed with 2 birth children but have raised and loved many...I still know my best job and most important role in life has been to be a Mom. I loved being a wife and having a family. I truly am too domesticated and would give Betty Crocker or June Cleaver a run for their money...but in the end my most important job has been being a Mom. Having a family in any regards as a single Mom or as a wife and partner is beyond a joy and so fulfilling... When Cory was born my life was in turmoil..my marriage already showing signs of concern but here was this perfect beautiful bundle of life...regardless of the situation I was so happy and felt a part of my heart captured. I was teaching preschool and kindergarten so Cory came to work with me and he was such a joy and how everyone loved him. Cory was a quiet baby that watched and took in all that was around him, his blue eyes were so full of life. Cory was always the first child to offer to help, to work extra, to exceed expectations and take full joy in his accomplishments and learn from his mistakes. He really never was a tough kiddo to raise he almost was as tough on himself as anyone else could ever have been when life handed him hard lessons! (a lil too much like his Mom)He loves big hugs and long talks, he appreciates the small things in life and loves animals and kids (hence his desire to continue to work with children). When Cory decided to go off to Taiwan I knew he had all the tools and would dazzle with his abilities and desire to succeed to learn. I also knew my heart would hurt and I would miss him dearly but I knew he would do ok and he would make me proud..and he has!I am envious of his travels and see the world thru his eyes, pictures and words and I know I will always be his Mom and as much as I would love to keep them little I am overjoyed at watching him grow up. His next adventure to Australia should prove exciting and worldly and another stamp in his passport! To raise kids that are productive people in society, the community and in their homes and families is one goal every parent hopes for. I want my children to be educated, hard workers, honest and real with themselves and achieve their goals but also be able to weather the ups and downs life hands us..and Cory is proving those skills and abilities...he will go far and he will succeed and he will always be my first born son..he showed me that my life dream to be a Mom has been so worth every minute! And I still have Nick at home and who knows who else will enter my life...but I am glad I didn't have 12 after all (I think my Dad is glad too!!)

Happy Holidays

In my living room are the wooden letters that spell FAMILY, the metal letters that spell BELIEVE and LIFE, words in pictures that spell CHERISH and soon my tree ornament that spells WISH in crystals will dazzle in holiday lights...and each word holds a part of my returning to the daily want and need to live...each is a reminder of the year (2007) since I have had to remember to breath instead of it being an automatic bodily function...there were truly days it was so painful I wanted to forget how important that small word meant and the possibilities it held for a new day...so this year BREATHE reminds me of its small yet vital importance to each minute, each hour and a new day....just breathe... This has been a year of many breathes, new starts, new discoveries and a return to feeling...and as I took a deep breathe I realized I would survive and I am thankful for each painful and sorrowful day as I am discovering it is ok to live and feel and I feel blessed .. I usually send out Christmas cards...I am sorry I haven't yet for those of you waiting but I want to take pictures with BOTH of my kids home and spending time together at the holidays. I am anxiously waiting for Cory to return December 20th and reunite with Nick and I. I am thankful he has had the discoveries he has had and is again embarking on.. in January 2012 as he goes to Australia! I am thankful for Yu Hsin in his life who has been by his side and he has discovered how beautiful and wonderful life and being in love is..his future is his and he is seeing the world and as much as I miss him daily I am excited for him! Nick moved home in March and was able to enroll in a highly qualified Fire Science program at Portland Community College. He is such a independent young man and spent the summer working not one but 2 jobs and attending summer college classes (he finished with a 4.0 GPA). I don't always see him daily but he does check in (often if we are out of milk!) and Troy moved back in..the boys have turned the garage into a "man cave" and have quite the set up out there! I went to San Francisco in July with Becky and we had a great 4th of July at Fisherman's Wharf, went to a Giants game and explored the city. I had a wonderful visit with Maxx and KT* as my brother and sis in law found a quick family need for Oregon help...and I felt so blessed to have such wonderful and a beautiful visit with the kids. I realized how fast my nieces and nephews have grown up and how much I truly love each one for who they are and the lives they lead. I am thankful for the relationships I have with each one and how i love by brothers and sisters and feel so fortunate to have a big family and so much support and love. They encourage, support and love thru good and bad..and sometimes it isn't easy :o) And my friends are all so different from one another but so precious in their part in my life...and often remind me to just enjoy it...life has many ups and downs and it helps create who we are...embrace the good with the bad, strengthen yourself with the lessons and we truly learn by not repeating the mistakes but by changing them...and thru it all Just Breathe... I will send out 2012 New Year cards with pictures of Joy, Family and Fun...and I hope all of you have a phenomenal Holiday and a new year is days away...find your Dreams and Wish...always Believe and Cherish one another.... Stephanie

Life's Puzzle...

I have made strides where I never thought my heart or mind would ever take...doors opened I never thought there were keys for and been blessed with phenomenal children, family and friends who encourage each step and listen to each cry and feel the warmth of each smile... So many blessings that it makes this time of the year a time to reflect and remember how far we have all come and yet there is so much still to create and seek...Life as amazing as it is.... it is still a puzzle that is completed one piece at a time... I have realized why I ALWAYS put the outside edges of the puzzle together first...they are simple, they make sense and are easy to find..they have a defined shape and lines and make the foundation easy...the inside pieces are all different colors and shapes and have to be turned around put together and taken apart to find the exact combination to fit together... Puzzles are one of those things I like to work on then for awhile, then walk away and come back when I have patience and time...sometimes Life doesn't give us that time and I have to remember my patience and take a deep breath...but keep working on each part and the end result can be a amazement of many little pieces that create a picture or scene... And then after lunch today a friend said..."You are such a beautiful puzzle..so many amazing parts and pieces...you offer so much and give to so many...I cant wait to see what happens as you keep putting the pieces together... So here I go....

Sharing...

Sometimes sharing is as simple as "all the toys are for all the kids"...sometimes it is breaking that cookie in two parts...

Sometimes it is talking about some of the important or intimate parts of your life...And sometimes THAT sharing is the toughest! Why does opening up feel so raw at times..

Trusting someone with you past or struggles, joys and accomplishments can be a very close feeling..and it is Ok! For most know I have walls that have protected me for 4.5 years..not negative walls but ones that helped me survive. But I am feeling ok with trusting and letting go and stepping away from the santuary of keeping everyone at a distance..for those who have had patience and continued to wait...thank you for believing in the "day" when I would remember it was ok and wonderful to be alive...

Things still take time...such as tonight I am still at work and thought WHY arent you headed home...I miss being soo excited to walk thru the doors...for that hug and kiss, for the time of making dinner, listening to the kids while sharing a meal, washing dishes and cleaning up, watching tv and telling the kids goodnight and just the peacefulness of family time. Sometimes we forget to step back and look at even a hectic day as being a blessed day...remember to listen to the kids, kiss and hug and make everyone so glad to be home..we should all look forward to driving home (there was a time long ago I dreaded it with fear and anxiety)..Someday coming home will be easier...for now one step at a time!

LaDeDa...only in Yachats!

This weekend is the 4th of July weekend and if you arent already on vacation...this is the place to be!

It reminds me of community, patriot spirit, neighbors and serenity! I love this sleepy yet vibriant town tucked away on the Oregon Coast..not a tourist attraction of the hustle and bustle and imported souveniors but instead homemade goodness and unique items! From my FAVORITE coffee and goodies shop The Village Bean to Raindogs and the best Taffy and Candy store to the cozy kitchen shop (amazing items you cant find ANYWHERE else!) To The Turtle Island Candle Shop and we love love the bookstore...Oh and Heidi's pizza and Deli to the Green Salmon.. everywhere you go is smiles and door being held open..please and thanks and a hug from some..it is like going home to comfort!

The 4th is sooo FUN...pie at the local community center to dancing and music at the Green Salmon...the beach for beautiful fireworks and the best...the LaDeDa Parade..it reminds you of why we LOVE being American...the colors, characters and creativeness...you must must must go!!! Check out GoYachats on Facebook for up-to-date events and OHHH visit the Whale in the Park!! if I wasnt headed to San Fran I would most definately be here for the weekend...and bring an empty tummy this town is full of delights!

Sock Monkeys and the Oregon Coast!

Ok I love older toys...they have such character and imagination but two of my FAVORITES are Sock Monkeys and Potato Heads! I love love love Potato Heads and actually have a vast collection (U of O Duck, Elvis, R2D2, Rangers Baseball, TrailBlazers basketball...plus a fireman, ghost, princess, chef and many many others!) and I love the Sock Monkey..he or she always has beautiful red lips and a smile...I have yet to collect any but they just make me happy!

SOOOO one of my FAVORITE places ever is in Yachats Oregon...best little city on the Oregon Beach...go to http://www.thevillagebean.com and drool! They have the best coffee, homemade cookies, lemonade ohh and the staff...lovely, bubbly and so welcoming! Our family either lives in Yachats full time, part time plus a beach house and the star attraction is walking up the street to the Village Bean most mornings and a afternoon snack..and OHHH the unique display (and for sale) items captivate me..ok I always leave with SOMETHING! And this last visit I left with a Sock Monkey Coffee Cozy! These are soo adorable!! So Since I leave for San Fran next Friday this will be a one week Give Away !

Leave a blog comment with your name and email for 1 entry...share this blog on your Facebook for a 2nd entry (leave comment and just say SHARED!)

And for a 3rd entry share it on your blog or twitter! (again leave a SHARED comment!)

And stop by The Village Bean this summer and love love love their Facebook page too! (Be ready to DROOL!)

MONDAY...Oh wait...TUESDAY!!

I lost a day..but it was a wonderful day spent having breakfast with my Dad and Gayle and driving thru Seattle on my way home...Sometimes without the music on and just looking around at all that surrounded me. The drive home always seems to go so fast and getting there always takes so long. Maybe it is the excitement to see everyone and enjoy the island....

But I am HOME and just in time to announce the winner of the Lee Farms blog....TRISH! You

just must stop at the Farm and see all the goodies and smell all the delightful planters (Oh and they have 2 HUGE dogs be sure to say HI!)

I have 10 days until I am on a plane headed to San Fransisco and am so excited to be spending time in a city I loved to visit as a little girl. I love seafood, chinese food, San Fransisco Park..The GIANTS (oh did I mention I am going to a GAME!) and finally FINALLY I am going to Alcatraz..it really has been a dream of mine..wonder if Sean Connery is hanging around with Nicolas Cage..I Love The Rock or Clint Eastwood in Escape from Alcatraz...hmm

I will spend my birthday and the 4th of July where I was born as a Bay Area baby!
New give away this week before I go that is SOOO fun and adorable!

Lee Farms GiveAway

Ok so my last give away is a week past due..been a little busy!!

The winner is...Heidi ! Of Tried and True Cooking with Heidi (some delish recipes..check out her blog!)

nd this weeks give away is from a new place I discovered after passing it many many times..Lee Farms in Tualatin OR...what a wonderful wonderful place with fresh baked goods, hanging baskets and fun rides for the kids and ohhh they have goats!
www.leefarmsoregon.com
Homemade cider donuts, apple butter, honey, fresh fruit and veggies!! So I picked out some small gifts to share...2 magnets Live Love Laugh and Dream (2 of my favorite sayings) and 4 honey flavored sticks (cinnamon, coconut, green apple and a suprise flavor!)
Leave a comment with your email and earn a extra entry by sharing this link on your blog or Facebook

Celebrating...LISA ROSE

I spent last weekend putting together a graduation party for my neice who graduated from the University of Oregon! I am so proud of her and her preserverance to complete college. Lisa has a special soul..she is gentle and kind with a heart of pure gold. She wants peace and kindness, gentleness and goodness for all and she has a love for animals and children that is amazing.
When the kids were young you would often find Lisa and Cory reading Harry Potter adventures or Lisa watching over the younger kids and helping them with toys. If one of the kids were sad or hurt she was at their side comforting them. The small ones would go to her to listen to a story or watch her draw a picture. She is patient, quiet and kind..
Life hasn't always been fair or easy but she has taken many things with stride and continued on with spirit and determination. I am proud of her not only for completing college but for becoming such a beautiful and amazing young woman that is smart, talented, loving and has a beautiful soul....
Lisa thank you for always being you and I am so proud of you and love you...thank you for being my neice

Its been a wet wet Spring!

I love the rain..i really really do...but I also know that Summer will come SOMETIME...but this year I have my doubts on how much Summer we Oregonians will have! We set records all year so far for the most days of rain, the most inches of snow late in the season, the most rain in 30 days..in a 24 hr hour period...the list goes on and on! But as I walked up my sidewalk last night I stopped...my roses are in bloom and so colorful..

I realized I was being impatient and for this I must take a deep breath...hold faith and realize all that liquid sunshine is purposeful...my flowers are blooming, the trees and grass are SO green this year and I am in no big hurry for skyrocketing electrical bills sans the AC once it is needed..so the Sun will come eventually...and just remember the cool wet Spring in August when I am frustrated with 95+ degrees and the electric bill has arrived...Just breath and slow down...dont rush and look for the positive in what we have...

Wilsonville Arts Festival

What a beautiful day in this some what of a WET State I live in...FINALLY above 80 degress and I took full advantage!

www.wilsonvillearts.org

I walked and walked the booths and tried to find something to share...so here is is...A black cord necklace with tourquoise and clear glass beads on a green wrap metal cord. I loved it! It was handmade by Four Cedars Studio in Eatonville, WA

So next week on Thursday I will pick on lucky viewer! So make sure to leave a comment with your email address!!

Good Luck

Drive...just Drive

The one thing I LOVE about Oregon is I can go from the ocean (coast) to the mountians to the desert in one day...OK a long drive but it can be done!

While on my recent trip I found myself so facinated by the different terrain and the change in weather and the trees and landscaping....I felt I could drive..just drive for hours..ok I did!

This was a drive to remember and find the lost pieces but to also take in all that surrounds me and the beauty of my journey.

I experienced memories and feeling of the sorrow and mourning of losing Bill, the pain and anguish of a divorce and DV relationship...yet the birth of my children, the gift of beautiful friendships and relationships, my strength and belief in God and the true future that lays ahead of me so full of new beginnings was overwhelming...yet I never want to forget where I have been or what I have gone thru. I found it was time to release the pain and feelings of being trapped in sorrow and fear....I needed to start living! The one true jem that Bill left me was my strength and my goodness..he believed in me..and I was beginning to believe in me.

Pain and fear have a great hold on us...yet they limit us and stunt us in growth...I miss Bill every day with all my heart and soul but I cherish all he gave to me and stood by me. We made me promise to never stop living, laughing or being me..somehow that has been set aside as I have grieved and filled with sorrow. We had many talked on my trek across Oregon and I listened to that talk of how he admired me and was amazed at all I had given him and how he had never been "in love" until he met me...Steph...it is time to LOVE you..time to take all you know and all you are and live...this is a journey..

Ohhh look for a Giveaway on Monday! I am attending the Festival of Art this weekend and will find a goodie to share!

In this Little House

This was the house that a community helped build a home...We moved to this little house on a very cold October 20th, 1989 with a wee baby of 5 months. I fell in love with its homemade craftsman style. You could sit on the hardwood floors or stare at the glass door knobs and know it was crafted with local wood and love. The house was built by a mill worker and he was very talented! I loved the space and wood..I hated the no insulation and having to go to the basement to feed the monster wood burner (a coal converted furnace)..but would I ever understand the impact that this house had for 10 yrs and even now 22 yrs later as I returned.

This house reminded me of my time in Harney County. The community and my friends provided wonderful support and structure..they were my base and the reason I fell in love with this area. Yet my marriage was like the unfunctioning furnance and cold without insulation. As warm and cozy as my house looked from the street it was cold inside. One wall has magnificient old glass bricks...you could see the warm sunlite shine thru but you couldnt see the messy house, unfolded laundry, me in my PJs at 2pm or the tears that ran down my face.

I had a wonderful weekend meeting with friends and smiling, laughing, hugging and talking..so much to share! I missed them all so dearly..they warmed my heart and made me smile. They reminded me of the fun and good times, the times where I loved life and loved being a part of this community. I wanted to put 36 hours into one day and stretch out my 3 day weekend into longer. I wanted to hear their voices and laughter over and over...I want them to know how much I dearly miss them and how much I love them for all they have given to me and how I never stopped missing or thinking of them...and how I will never go 12 plus years again without knowing how their week went, what their kids are doing..or how they are doing...Life is too Short and people do grow a part because we get too busy or forget to check in or move away..but isnt there people you just miss so dearly and wonder how they are...After this weekend it reminds me to slow down and take the time because my friends are worth it..people are worth it

I woke up this morning..opened my window and missed the smell of juniper and listening to the wind..and I miss the sound of laughter..until next time I said..just until next time

10 Thoughts on Whole Living

10 Thoughts on Whole Living:

1) Rather than trying to fix your body, focus on how you want it to feel

2) The mark of true confidence is the ability to look someone in the eye!

3) Let the Seasons Guide your diet..the Earth grows what you need when you need it

4) Respect your feet. They have mastered the art of staying grounded while moving forward

5) Take charge of your own reflection. Stop letting the mirror win

6) Enlightenment doesn't always make a grand entrance. It slowly transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary

7) Change happens somehwere between the acceptance of now and the anticipation of whats to come

8) Dont obsess over weight loss, wellness is about making your life bigger, not smaller

9) Suprise yourself, push past your physical limits

10) Nothing connects you to who you are quite like the people who knew you when!

By Terri Trespicio

As I read and re-read this all morning out of my Whole Living magazine I realized these are some of the most powerful and true statements I can apply to my journey! Oh and #4 definately supports a pedicure this weekend!

Going Home

Most people consider going home the city in which they were born or raised..I consider going home to the place I started my family and grew roots..I remember the first day I went into the local grocery store..lost and looking like I was a traveler stopping for supplies on my desert hike. The checker smiles and asks where I am headed to..I replied "Here..we just moved here last night"..HERE she said loudly..."WHY do you have family here?"
You see I had just moved to a very small population yet HUGE land mass of a county 131 miles from any other city..Harney County, OR ..more precise.. Burns, Oregon (look it up on a map..you will see!) I said "No my husband transferred with NAPA and we have a small baby"..still looking puzzled she said "OH"
Yet
In this small community I began to grow roots...I raised my child, had a second baby, found a church, a group of friends..and began to realize family isn't always by blood or marriage yet by relationships. My first experience of living in such a community came within 6 mo. of living there, my baby became very ill and Lifeflight was on standby..I remember feeling so alone with family over 5 hours away..I called the minister of the small church we had been attending, that Saturday night, to ask him to put Cory and I on the prayer list..I need as much as we could get! He did more than that..John and Ruth showed up after services the next day and every day after for a week, the congregation brought meals, Grandma Linda and Desi came and held him so I could go home and shower, Elmer and his wife brought a beautiful blanket and prayed with me..the list goes on...and I felt safe..I felt home.
I was apart of the community and volunteered, was a part of the MOMS club, went to football games, all church happenings, supported the schools and worked in the community. We built a family of beautiful friends that were there for good or bad. We had a church that would envelope you in their love and God spirit and I fell in love with each of them. My kids played in the street, down the road, at neighbors and had wonderful Pseudo-Grandparents who my own birth family cherished as they knew their importance in our lives. I had friends that were more like sister that I couldn't breathe without on certain days. We attended weddings, funerals, parties, baby showers, Popsicles in the sun, tears over coffee and dinners when one of us were sick or needed a break.
One Spring I left quickly..into the late afternoon.. with the sun setting I drove out of town..a divorce pending, secrets of a marriage I couldn't share, fearful days and night being left so I could feel safe...and the sickness in my heart of stomach of leaving my home...my family..my community.
How often I would think of moving back..of feeling safe..of my children running in the streets safely laughing with their friends..of growing older with my friends...I had created new friends and was a part of a new community...but somehow over time I have realized I still will always have a part of my heart in Harney County..

And I am going back to visit in 2 weeks..not just a drive thru but a 3 day visit..and I feel like I am going home

A NEw Me a NEw Start

So 10 days away from 60 days..ok that makes today Day 50...and I am down 25 lbs. But it isnt just the weight loss it is the journey I have started.

It isnt a control issue with my Mom, a struggle with my parents divorce, a comfort after divorcing a domestic violence marriage, a frustration with my kids or sorrow after losing Bill...it is food, a needed resource for survival, but a unhealthy comfort that has had its own super power on me..because I let it

So now I control the food...when I am sad, frustrated, angry or empty I get to make the choice..healthy or give in...I took Easter Day off and jumped off the wagon to eat as I wanted..then Monday came and i woke up with the thought Ohhh just one more day off plan and I will order that Egg McMuffin and eat pizza...I will go back on plan tomorrow...WHAT WAS I THINKING...Hello I had given my self control and I was losing grip..one day can so easily became 2 or 3 or 5...NO..get up fix your MF oatmeal..YOU are worth it!! I did and I am worth it...but it isnt a diet it is a lifestyle change...I am going to have off days but I am in control so turn those around quickly and restart...

Having this Super Power is amazing...for most of my life food has been a battle for all the things listed above..but I have used it to fill the empty holes, comfort the sorrow and hurt and let it control me...now where did I lay down my magic lasso and park the invisible plane...

My Super Power I have Discovered

So yes I have lost 10 lbs in 9 days..but it isn't just the weight loss..it is the journey! I have found I am stronger than my weakness (junk food, carbs and all unhealthiness!) Truly I hold the power..the will power and the power of choice!

It isn't always an easy choice but when thinking of the results and benefits it is a necessity.. I can and will..I have the strength and power...Hmmm maybe I should buy a cape and make it a Super Human Strength..the willpower against the Carb and Unhealthy..

I didn't add it over night so alas I have resolved I can not subtract it over night (even though Math isnt my strong point I do understand the logistics of reason!) So this 9 days is 10 lbs! My reward for being true to me and a Super Power..a pedicure with bright green polish and a gem!

On to my next goal of 30 days On Program...even though I take it Day by Day..I also want to know there is a reward for a long term (not quite capturing bad guys and saving the world..But I am SAVING ME!!!)

A NEW Journey

Life I have decided is made up of many journeys that take us different directions..like a road trip..and some times we get lost or off on a path that isn't positive or healthy...
So I have decided my journey needs to make a change on a different path..
My health means my kids have a Mom for many years and I have so many plans and dreams to fulfill..so my new journey begins..where food isn't the focus but health and a future are..
After talking to my health coach last night the question of "Picture your self at the end of the journey".. "What do you want to look or feel like?"...I have pondered that all night..it has been so long I have NO idea what that looks like or feels like..I have had 2 babies (now 18 and 21) I have had major health issues (gall bladder, tubal, psuto brain tumor, thyroid and torn knee issues) that have plauged me for 20 years..so I have no idea who to live again thinner and healthy (never over 105lbs until after HS)So I have decided at this time I can not think THAT far out..right now is for today..these 24 hours where I will stay OP (on plan) and be good to myself (read a book, listen to music & visit with friends) instead of eating food or veggie around....maybe just maybe as I go along the ideal "future" me will be visible..the inside me will still be me with healtier ideals!

Soooo the journey begins..my feelings today..excited with a topping of nerves and hope...

Dear God:

Help her live her life
to the fullest.
Please promote her
and cause her to excel
above her expectations.
Help her to shine
in the darkest places
where it is impossible
to love.
Protect her at all times,
lift her up when she needs
you the most,

and

Let her know when
she walks with you,
She will always
be safe.

I have felt these words spoken to God by many of my friends as they have supported me and helped to guide me to become a strong person and to begin to heal over loss.

One part of my life that felt empty or lost was that of my beliefs and my relationship with God. I never lost God or felt angry..but I felt I needed to be lead back to his light and word...to rekindle that belief and know I am living my life as He has taught.
So my friend who walked beside me as I rekindle this deep need and relationship was Rachelle. We began going to the church across the street from where we lived..it is warm and inviting with music that warms your soul and brings tears with its message and meaning. We went a few times a month and some times attendance was spotty but we have always said how glad we are after the service. It renews that relationship you have with God..it strengthens your weary soul and it reminds you there is no purer or bigger love than his. God is good and also very patient!

We chit chatted with others and joined in to worship together and I was in such awe of Rachelle's spiritual strength and her depth of Gods word and teachings..I was in wonder of her connection with God and I was beginning to find my way back to the importance of my beliefs...there is no greater love or acceptance.

Before any other relationship comes that of mine with God. There is an emptyness that comes from straying or walking down the other path..but there is a fulfilling and deep warmth when you strengthen your beliefs and your walk with God..it is a wholeness and a pureness...and it feels so right

For I know the plans I have for YOU, declares the LORD!
Jeremiah 29:11

I found this today and thought I could write so many testimonials for this thought..but it is true..Being strong sometimes is the only choice..the past 3 years have shown me I can handle alot but it isn't always easy or is it an asset..but it is an ability..ok one I have used alot..but I am ok...

The Homeboys!

I have been a Duck fan since very young and growing up in Eugene area meant driving past the campus and going to Autzen Stadium. Sports camps, drama groups and sometimes just grabbing a bite to eat, made going to the campus a larger than life experience. My boys spent 4 summers attending wrestling camp for 2 weeks at the U of O..I felt like I was returning to college again.. walking thru the dorms and listening to their adventures and the runs on Autzen's stairs...the games I attended were so exciting and full of OOOOOOOOO's and fan support..sometimes it makes your skin tingle (well ok sometimes that is because it is soo cold you lose partial feeling) but the smiles and the laughter and all the green and gold..it is like a county fair without the rides..or Disneyland..The Greatest Place on Earth (why not we already have the Duck!)

All season the hype has been there..sitting on the edge of my chair..sometime almost on the floor..and the next day's raspy voice yet a smile that couldn't be stopped..because the day before was a Oregon Ducks football game..I had eyes wide with excitement, nails clutching at my seat and forget the eliptical I did enough cardio for a week with jumping up and down and hollering...GO GO GO YESSSS that's My Ducks! Sometimes a OHHH No Ohhh Cmon..I BELIEVE...whew a perfect season ended with a victorious win again Oregon State..now to wait for Jan 10, 2011

I found that this year Dec 25th excitement wasn't for Christmas but it meant that many days closer to the Natty's and closer to see the Ducks represent. Ohhh a 10 days left countdown seemed to drag on..teasing me and making me wait to see the end one way or another to a glorious 2010-2011 football season

I played I LOVE MY DUCKS and Return of the Quack so many times my dog now wags her tail in rhythm and all the neighbors shake their heads. December was celebrated in Yellow and Green ..what.. wait Red and Green..huh?? we live in Oregon..YELLOW and Green..Go Ducks Go replaced Ho Ho Ho and the posts on Facebook were of excitement for that guy to arrive..no not Santa..Chip Kelly!

In the meantime we had announcements of awards and recognitions and outstanding player awards from across the nation in support of my Ducks..Coach of the Year..Chip Kelly was announced more than once..and my favorite lists weren't groceries or "Santa I Wants" but were AP Polls, Coaches Polls and BCS standings..continually in the top 2 and usually #1..

Listening to Sebastian Bach rock the Ducks Power Ballad and Ellen was at the EMU on campus, celebrities support the big O gear and people all over the State of Oregon rave and CHEER...WE LOVE OUR DUCKS..because we do..we really do

It has been a tough economic year and for many a downturn and struggle..and here was a team pulling us together good or bad and kept rolling in the wins to support their fans, school and state. Chip Kelly kept the group respectful and honorable..building a team & bringing a state together.

So after a 10 day countdown, tonight was the night..and it was our night..not for a win but for pride and sportsmanship, for true fans and a great state..There is always a winner and a loser by points..but for heartfelt and loyal fans The Ducks are winners..and without really knowing the true impact they have had.. they gave joy, pride and dignity to the State of Oregon..they made this fan more than once have tears of joy and smiles of pride...

So with my heart I posted this last night on my Facebook page and meant every word:

They made school history, 12-0 season, took home a slew of trophy's..Chip Kelly was named & awarded many Coach of the Years..La Michael James won many awards..we were in the top 2 90% of the season & were #1 on many of the polls all season...many of the players coming back next year..they were respectful and honorable and represented Oregon and its finest..THANK YOU U of O 2010 Players and Staff..GO DUCKS!!