Here's me doing a cannon ball into the cenote - see my head at the very bottom?

Trent was misbehaving so I locked him up in this 400 year old Spanish chapel - I think it's the confessional or something . . .?

Here's Trent having coffee time in the Garden of Eden - CIELO!! (heaven in Spanish)

At the bottom is the Ykodzonot Cenote

We're Here!!

We arrived yesterday (Tuesday) into Cancun airport around 12:30. We got our rental car (er make that a rental Jeep . . . of course), bought some water and headed out to Chichen Itza (pronounced Cheech-en Eetza). Side note – Chichen Itza are some famous Mayan ruins that have just been declared one of the 7 new wonders of the world. The highway to Chichen Itza was almost deserted – it’s a very nice highway. It felt so good to take the top off the Jeep and have the sun beating down on us and the wind blowing our hair – it felt like as we drove in toward the jungle that we were leaving all of our stress and worried behind. I literally screamed out the window at the top of my lungs “WE’RE IN MEXICO!!!” about 10 times. Trent looked at me like I was a freak – but I just laugh because I know he loves me for being goofy like that. It’s the strangest feeling – when I’m in Mexico, I feel like I am home, but I can’t speak a lick of Spanish (or Mayan).

About 2 hours later we arrived at Hacienda Chichen, the hotel we are staying at. It is seriously like staying in the Garden of Eden. The Hacienda is 400 years old and is AMAZING. The grounds are filled with Bird of Paradise plants taller than me, huge jungle type plans, fruit trees, many types of palm trees and lots of plants and flowers I’ve never seen before. Outside our bungalow is surrounded by Bird of Paradise and there’s a lime tree right outside our door (which we’ve sampled already and they’re delicious!). The Hacienda employs all local Mayan people, grow all of their own organic food and 10% of their profits go back into the Mayan community – I LOVE that! We had dinner by candlelight outside on the terrace – The food is fabulous – it’s so fresh and tasty! There’s no TV or radio in the room, so we were in bed by 9:00 and got a great nights rest.

This morning we woke up to coffee, fresh orange juice and a fruit plate brought to our room – how wonderful is that?! If you’ve never had Mexican coffee, you’ve got to come to Mexico just to try it! Then it was up to the office to see if I could find Mr. Jose Tamay who would be taking us to the Cenote Ykodzonot. Funny – when we got there, we had already met him – he runs the office and checked us in, we just didn’t know who he was! We talked for about an hour about all of the things that the Maya Foundation is doing in the area (I’ll fill you in on those later). It was a GREAT conversation and we learned so much – it was very fascinating. Mr. Jose couldn’t get away to take us, so he arranged for an employee at the hotel – Lorenzo – to take us. He was a delight to be around and he spoke very good English.

So after a swim in the gorgeous pool and a nice lunch out on the terrace again, we met up with Lorenzo, loaded up the jeep and headed out to the pueblo of Ykodzonot - It was about half an hour away. I was so glad that we had someone to guide us because it’s different here than in other parts of Mexico. It’s very safe, but there is definitely a language barrier. Even if you know Spanish it isn’t always helpful because here they speak Yucatec (or Mayan). Very few Mayan’s know Spanish – so communication is difficult. When we arrived in the pueblo, we took some small roads back through the jungle and there it was – the Cenote! OH MY WORD, it was gorgeous! I really have never seen anything like it – it was truly magical and unless you go there yourself I’ll never be able to explain it to you and pictures will never do it justice.

The walking paths, ladders and steps were all hand made by some of the local Mayan women and it was very rustic, but beautiful. Not many tourists come here, it’s mostly a place that locals use, so we stuck out like sore thumbs! When we got down to the Cenote (it’s kind of like an open well, you have to walk down into it) I couldn’t wait to jump in. The water is fresh water and there is something MAGICAL about. I am not kidding, when you get out your skin and hair feels so silky smooth you can’t believe it. Legend has it that the fountain of youth was a cenote’. There must be minerals or something special in it!

So, I was trying to figure out how to gracefully jump in the water because it’s just a little tiny deck where you get in, and finally I said “what the heck” and just ran and did a canon ball into the water. The few Mayans’ that were there thought that was pretty funny! I swam all the way to the other side where the sunlight was cascading down into the cenote’ from above and I just floated on my back, gazing up at the white limestone walls with swallows flying all around me and little black fish swimming all around me. The reflection from the water was throwing sparkles all over the tall walls and the vines cascading down into the water were beautiful – the combination of the sounds, sights and feeling of the water on my skin was mesmerizing. While floating on my back and enjoying every single sensation of this moment, I felt so overwhelmed with gratefulness and also disbelief. I could not believe that I was finally here! God is so incredible and I am so thankful. Now, when I go to my “happy place” – this is where I will go.

When I got out of the Cenote, there were some kids standing around watching us. I took pictures of them and showed them, talked with them a little bit and made fast friends (of course, it could have something to do with the candy we were passing out!). They were adorable girls and I was so happy to meet them – they had the most beautiful smiles!

It was getting time to leave and I still hadn’t met the women who run the Cenote, so I asked Lorenzo if we could meet them on the way out. As we were leaving, he walked right by them and I wasn’t sure what to do. Could I just walk by them after coming all this way to meet them? What in the world was I going to say to them? “Hello – I came all the way from America to meet you and I have no idea why” – can you say STALKER!? I tried to explain to Lorenzo that I saw them on the internet and came all this way to meet them and it seemed like he didn’t understand (in fact, he kind of looked at me weird). So we just stood there in front of them in this awkward weird silence and I remember thinking “Oh no, this isn’t what was supposed to happen”. We asked for a couple of soft drinks and they gave them to us. Then I took my camera and asked if I could get a picture of them – THAT broke the ice!! Then I asked if I could get a picture WITH them and the seemed to love that idea and then we had a connection. I showed them the pictures, laughed with them and then got their names. We said “adios” and then took off. Now, I have no idea what is going to come of this or why I felt like I had to meet them and see the Cenote and their pueblo, but I followed my heart and now one more of my dreams have come true! I know there will be more to this story . . . and I can’t wait to see it unfold!

We came back to the Hacienda (I had questions all the way there and all the way back for Lorenzo) and we are relaxing with the magical Cenote yokdzonot water soaking into our skin and hair. In a little bit we will go the Yaxkin (pronounced Yash-keen) where 2 women will be giving us a Mayan hot rock massage. The rocks are purified and blessed and have special significance – I can’t wait!!

Our Yucatan Adventure Starts Tonight!

Tonight we leave for a 10 day trip to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It truly is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world. We're going to celebrate our anniversary, to explore some missions opportunities and to scope out future retreat sites for a Women's Empowerment Trip that I'd like to host in 2009.

Tuesday thru Thursday we'll be visiting a Mayan village in the jungle, 3 hours from Cancun, located close to Chichen Itza. There is a village of incredible women who have built an eco park around a cenote and I feel compelled to go there to meet them. I have no idea why, but that's the exciting part! Here's an ariticle that might help explain:

A fifteen minute drive from Chichen Itza you'll find the town of Yokdzonot. Follow the wooden signs that clearly direct traffic to the ecological park, a place which eighteen local Mayan females proudly created with more faith and hard work than money.

The project was born from these females desire to give their families a better future. Tired of waiting for the men of the town to organize themselves and plan a community tourist endeavor, these Maya woman took upon themselves the incredible task of building, planning, and designing and managing the community property that is now a truly lovely eco-park.

The Yucatan Peninsula is a flat, thick shelf of limestone with thousands of miles of underground, water-filled caves interconnected by rivers. When the roof of one of these caves collapses, it produces a sinkhole or natural well, filled with fresh water.

“It was very hard,” Marisela recalls, “no-one believed we could do it, the place was filled with garbage and waste, we took over a year to clean the land. Then we brought each stone by hand to create the walking paths, we cut the wood to built the walking fence. We did these things with almost no money, no pay and with a lot of criticism from the other village people.”

Yokdzonot Ecological Cenote Park is a true jewel of community effort, a success story and the pride of all the family members of these females that stone by stone carry and built this ecological wonder.

So far, these Mayan females are a proud example of what good will and hard work can bring to a village.

I can't wait to see what God is up to and I can't wait to meet my new friends!

Check back - I'll be posting updates and hopefully pictures all along our journey.

There's a GREAT video of the women and the cenote HERE!

Pangea Day - Connecting the World!

What is Pangea Day? Pangea Day taps the power of film to strengthen tolerance and compassion while uniting millions of people to build a better future.

In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that — to help people see themselves in others — through the power of film.

Pangea Day's programming includes choirs in one country singing the national anthem of the country of another. Watch what happened when Kenya sang for India.



On May 10, 2008 — Pangea Day — sites in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro will be linked live to produce a program of powerful films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music.

The program will be broadcast live to the world through the Internet, television, digital cinemas, and mobile phones.

Of course, movies alone can't change the world. But the people who watch them can. So following May 10, 2008, Pangea Day organizers will facilitate community-building activities around the world by connecting inspired viewers with numerous organizations that are already doing groundbreaking work.

You're Invited - Girl's Night Out tonight @ the Chocolate Cafe'

If you're a girl, you're Invited to a Girl's Night Out

At The South Bend Chocolate Cafe' (downtown South Bend)

Friday May 9th @ 6:00

It's all you can eat fondue night for only $6.99 - YUM!

Come hang out with us and create your very own Heart Map to take home

You'll find out some cool stuff about yourself that you probably didn't know.

BRING FRIENDS!

Click HERE for details

RSVP by 4:00 @ 574-329-5190

Everything!

You are everything that I live for

Everything that I can’t believe is happening

You’re standing right in front of me

With arms wide open all I know is

Every day is filled with hope

You are everything that I believe for

And I can’t help but breathe you in, breathe again

Feeling all this life within

Every single beat of my heart

You’re everything good in my life

Everything honest and true

And all of those stars hanging up in the sky

Could never shine brighter than You!

"Everything" by Matthew West

Thank you Father for what you've been teaching me and for the things that you're allowing me to experience. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and words cannot express how much I love you and want to serve you - not just when things are easy, but ALL the time - every minute of the day, every beat of my heart. You are . . . . . EVERYTHING!

Be The Change That You Want To See

At first I couldn't figure out what my sign would say and then, about 3 minutes into the video, I saw them:

- Cute little boy holding a sign that says "Make Friends with The World"
- A woman's sign that says "Empower people to do extraordinary things"

Those are DEFINITELY my signs -I guess I'd have to carry around 2 of them!

What would your cardboard sign say?

Come on people - talk to me - let me know - put it out there on the world wide web and make a stand!!

What sign would you write for me - What do you think I stand for?
(please answer - I'd LOVE to hear the answer to this question!)

We have a choice

Once what is wrong becomes clear,

then we have to choose:

we can go on as before,

recognizing our dishonesty and

living with it the best we can, OR

we can begin the effort to change

the way we think and live.

-- Wendell Berry

• What have you been just living with and tolerating?
• You don't have to tolerate it - you have the power to change it!!
• What will you choose today?

Kids Working For Peace

Come on adults, we've got to give our kids more credit than we've been giving them. They CARE about our planet and others in a way most of us adults have not experienced in a long, long time.

Most of them are living from their true essence - they haven't been hardened by the world yet and haven't begun believing the lies they hear that they "can't do this, and they can't do that - they're too young, etc., etc.".

Take a look at what kids can do when adults stand behind them, believe in them, support them and empower them! This organization was started by a kid - you've GOT to check this out!

Kids For Peace article - click here!

Kids For Peace Pledge

I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way.

I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day.

I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands.

I pledge to respect people in each and every land.

I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small.

I pledge to do my part to create peace for one and all.

I want to be a "Peace Kid" too! If we all put this into practice and supported our kids to put these simple things into practice, our world would definitely be a better place!

Two weeks from today . . .

Two weeks from today we'll be waking up to this!

The count down has begun!

What is Life Coaching?

Coaching is the art of helping people grow and maximize their potential without telling them what to do.

As your coach I can help you:

DISCOVER
Discover what’s really important to you

DESIGN
Design and create the life you want

ELIMINATE
Eliminate any obstacles that stand in your way

PARTNER
I’ll partner with you, motivate you, and keep you accountable all the way to success

Together, we’ll build an authentic, energizing friendship where we can laugh, share deeply, and talk with passion about what the future holds for you.

I'll help you once and for all get rid of the heavy baggage that's weighing you down so you can move forward with ease.

As your coach, I see you for who you are - a beautiful and magnificent Child of God - and I'm committed to helping you live the life of joy, happiness, peace and purpose that’s available to everyone.

Why settle for ordinary when you are EXTRAORDINARY!

Check out my website!

Funny Earth Day Video

Happy Earth Day!

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth - Genesis 1:1

Ideas Even a Toe Dipper In the Green Pool Can Deal With

1. I will relinquish my title of Most Likely to Acquire Useless Crap I Don’t Wear or Need.

Admit it — your closet is full of had-to-have items that have been punished to a life of hanging unworn. Your have enough notepads, pens, books, magnets, and collectible tchotchkes to fill a mini storage unit. Yes, our purchases keep the economy going, but most of us buy far more than we need. (There are whole TV shows dedicated to demonstrating ways to unclutter!) Remember that packaging, waste, and pollution are created to make these items available to you. If you trash those once-new goodies when you’re no longer interested in them, they will live in a landfill for years and years. It’s time to clean out, and stop the crap collecting.

2. I will avenge my phantom load.

Phantom load has nothing to do with the pounds that mysteriously appeared on your midsection over the holidays. The term refers to the energy wasted by electronics and power chargers when they are plugged in but not in use. That’s right — your computer cord, cell phone charger, and time-telling DVD player are all sucking energy from the outlet even when there isn’t anything attached or being watched (hence the spooky phantom-ness). Actually cut the power to your electronics by plugging them in to a power strip and flipping the switch to off when you’re not watching or listening.

3. I will be smarter than bottled water companies and drink for free what they are trying to sell me.

Kicking the plastic water bottle habit might sound like an impossible feat if you’re as addicted as the average thirsty American; last year we consumed about 50 billion plastic water bottles. If the fact that plastic is bad for the environment doesn’t get you to quit, just think: Several bottled water brands use the same H20 that’s available from your faucet. So buy an eco-chic reusable stainless steel bottle, and refill it throughout the day — for free. If you’re parched at the mere thought of quitting cold turkey, ease into a plastic-bottle–free life by bringing one less bottle a week to the gym, or by giving them up at the office.

4. If I can remember to TiVo “Dancing with the Stars,” I can remember to bring my own bags to the grocery store.

It’s as if plastic shopping bags are required to exit a store—the disposable sacks are forced on customers even when the purchase is just a can of soda. But plastic bags are made from petroleum and only about 1 percent of the estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion Annie Bell plastic bags consumed worldwide are recycled each year. Most end up in landfills (where they take perhaps 1000 years to decompose) or in the sea. If you start bringing your own bags now, you’ll be ahead of the curve if plastic ones become outlawed in your community.

5. I will switch to recycled paper products at home (but not if they make me chafe).

We know there are some folks out there who must have two-ply, but even you can commit to changing just one thing. If you have a Larry David-like aversion to recycled toilet paper, try the paper towels. If brown won’t match your kitchen colors, look for recycled paper towels that are whitened without chlorine or stick with washable dishcloths. By purchasing recycled paper products you’re preventing trees from being chopped down, and paper waste from ending up in landfills. In addition, less energy and water is required to produce a recycled paper product.

6. I will consider whether my meal came from the farm or the factory.

Big agriculture isn’t all bad. Everyone has a guilty culinary pleasure that comes from a big factory (see: Oreos, and Cap’n Crunch). But while you’re worrying about your own carbon footprint, remember that your food has one too. Think of how many miles your food has traveled (do you really need berries from Chile?), how many chemicals are used, and how much pollution and waste have been generated in the production of your foodstuffs. Support local agriculture by shopping for food at a farmers market. The goods will be fresh, and you might enjoy meeting some of the people who grew your dinner.

7. I will take a day off from road rage and take mass transit or car-pool one day a week.

If you have public transportation options available to you, try switching to the train or bus one day a week. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline each year, and can reduce household expenses by $6,200. Plus you’ll get a day off from road rage. If you don’t live near public transportation, try organizing a once-a-week carpool with your neighbors or coworkers. You’ll save on fuel, tolls, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing cars from the road. As a bonus, you’ll gain access to that exclusive carpool lane.

SOURCE: The Daily Green

Little Orange Kittys For Everyone!

Last night I had the WEIRDEST (and most disturbing) dream. There was one funny part though. I dreamed I all of a sudden showed up at a friends house that's a few hours away. I didn't know how I'd gotten there or anything. My cat Petey (pictured at left) was there but instead of being all grown up he was a kitten and I couldn't figure out what was going on. Come to find out I had been missing and wandering around with amnesia for YEARS.

Here's the funny part - in an effort to show support and love to me, instead of tying ribbons around trees, all of my friends went out and bought little orange kittys to show support and hope that I would one day return! That is hilarious to me!! (So Debbie, if I come up missing maybe Corey will let you get a cat).

Does anyone have ANY idea what this dream could mean? It's so crazy!

If I was missing who would love me enough to get a little orange kitty?

Don't ask what the world needs.

Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.

Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.


-- Howard Thurman

My new website & logo!

Check out my new website - HERE!

My Dad and I teamed up on it - he has a business that does websites. He did an amazing job and I'm a really, really picky customer! Check out his website HERE.

Message in my e-mail box

Don't be afraid. You needn't slay the beast nor scale the entire mountain. That's not how it's done. You only need to move through today.

Think of the distance you've already covered. Focus on your strengths. Let each new step remind you of your freedom. Let every breath you take remind you of your power.

Seek out friends and guides; they're anxious to help. You're not alone. You're understood. This road has been walked before.

Dance life's dance, just a few steps at a time, and in the wink of an eye you will wonder to yourself, "What beast, what mountain? Was I having a dream?"

(taken from TUT daily e-mail messages)

Did you know that insurance companies are trying to implement A 'drive-through mastectomy' - where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached. Can you imagine having a part of your body actually cut off and it being considered an outpatient procedure?

There's a bill called The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients. Lifetime Television has put this bill on their Web page with a petition drive to show your support.

Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery. You never know, it could be you, me or someone you know who will be in need of this bill to pass.

PLEASE!! Sign the petition - it'll only take 30 seconds! CLICK HERE!

Free Hugs - Check this Out!

Happy Birthday My Love!

I love our life together -

there's nowhere else I'd rather be!

We're Back!

We're back from our visit with Trent's Mom in Naples, Florida.

We went down to spend Easter with her and her husband Hank. We had a great time, got some sun, ate a lot of good food, did some photography on the beach at sunset, shopped, played tennis, shuffleboard and went boating and fishing on the gulf. Good times, good times!

That's lot of action for living in the retirement park for a week!

Money - a different view (worth the read)

God said:

When you think about money, when you are concerned about it, you bog yourself down.

Much of the time, when you think about money, you are bemoaning the lack of it. Innocently, you put yourself back into the need mode. When do you feel you have enough money, beloveds?

Money is not the mainspring of your life. It is meant to be a convenience. It's easier to carry around paper than gold. Paper takes up much less space in your pocket. A nice convenience. Money is not meant to be the focus of your life. How much you earn, or how much you have saved, how much you have lost are not the substance of you.

Even so, how you spend money, whether you are generous or whether you stint, whether you hold on or let go, reveals you. How you are with money may well be a metaphor for your life. How you deal with money may well be how you deal with love. Not that love is meant to be dealt with. Love is just to be.

Once in a while there is someone who has a lot of money and is reluctant to part with it. He wants to be loved for himself. He fears people will love him for his money only. And, yes, there are those in the world who would.

Sometimes there is someone who is very generous with money, and he sees this as the way to receive love. In a sense, he buys love, for he has yet to learn his worth.

And then, as in the story of The Three Bears, there is one who is just right. He is generous for no other motive but to nurture the world. Like his life, his money is not for himself alone. It is not even his, you understand. He knows it is not his to flaunt nor his to keep nor even his to spend.

He understands that the money bequeathed him is Mine. He understands that he is the bookkeeper or accountant. He carries the cash for Me. That he has money is a gift, and he wishes to pass on the gift. He is a free-giver.

It is not that he feels he owes. It is not from a sense of obligation that he donates his wealth. A sense of responsibility is different from a sense of obligation. It is not that he has a debt to pay. It is that the money is not his possession, and yet he has say over it, and he wishes to use his money for the good of the universe, for this is his place in the world. He knows the importance of what he does. He knows he turns the tide of the world. He knows that he donates to Me.

Sometimes those who have the least give the most. They are wealthy.

This world you live in is to be shared. Share your heart because it is the natural thing to do. Your heart is your wealth. Stinginess with money may reveal stinginess of the heart.

Sometimes the expenditure of money is control. The one who holds the purse-strings is the controller. Yet money is not meant to be a whip to goad others to dance to the controller's tune. Let your money be a balm to the world. Free the world, not command it.

Are you your brother's keeper? That thought may make you feel burdened and your heart sink. It's not like that. You are not to feel burdened. You are not all responsible for your brother's actions, inactions, nor poverty. He is responsible for himself. Yet, you, too, however, are responsible for yourself, and that means you keep an eye out for your brother and see that he is not in poverty.

You stand in for Me, and you serve Me, and so you serve the commonwealth of man on Earth, and this is your gratitude to Me, beloveds, not the words you say.

http://www.heavenletters.org/are-you-your-brothers-keeper.html

Letter from God - Sunglasses

Oh, My, such a little picture of yourself you have had. If you want to see yourself as you are, you will have to put sunglasses on. You may have to look into a mirror, or, otherwise, you would be too dazzled. As it is now, you are not dazzled enough

You tend to take yourself for granted, not reminding yourself that you are a creation of Mine! You, who are always wanting evidence of My existence, miss out on the most amazing evidence, and that is you, beloveds. You are evidence.

And yet your eyes do not see. But your eyes are going to. You will see yourself and every other Being on Earth as the marvelous God Creations you are. You are My dreams-come-true. I assure you, beloveds, you were not an afterthought. My whole focus has been and is on you, you, worthy to be called Child of God and just beginning to catch a glimpse of the Truth of Yourself.

LOVE, GOD
From http://www.heavenletters.org/

My son is the best!

Right now, as I speak, my son is making me homemade garlic mashed potatoes at 10:00! My teeth are real sore and I can only eat soft foods and I'm really HUNGRY!. I was sitting here saying that I wished I had some mashed potatoes and he jumped up and said "I'll make some for you Mom!" Wow!

He seriously makes the best mashed potatoes in the world - If there was a mashed potato contest, he would win. These ARE NOT boxed or quickie potatoes, he actually hand chops the garlic and browns it, then puts the potatoes through a ricer and adds all kinds of good stuff.

The Food Network has been the best influence on him - I'm glad I used to sit him in front of it when he was a baby! :0)

Open Wide!!

What a funny day yesterday! This is me in the orthodontist office getting the top braces done. They have to put this big spreader thing in your mouth so they can work.

What do you think? Should I have it enlarged for Trent's desk?

:0)

Taking off the mask . . .

I can't believe I'm posting this on the world wide web, but in an effort to "Live Happy and help others do the same" I am committed to being completely authentic and transparent in my life.

This is me without my fake tooth.

Soooo. . . long story short:

• I have terribly crooked teeth that I've always been ashamed of and when I was a kid I always covered my mouth when I smiled because I thought my smile was so nasty.


• Circumstances while I was growing up did not allow me to get my teeth fixed.


• When I was 20 and out on my own, I went to the orthodontist to get braces. At that time a new thing called "bonding and veneering" had just come out and I was given the choice to either fix my teeth right but it would take a few years, or spend less money and cover them up with a bunch of fake stuff. Of course I chose the immediate "fake" fix.


• My teeth continue to move as I get older even with the bonding on and I'm still extremely self conscious and HATE my pictures and the way I look.


• So 22 years later (the bonding was only supposed to last 7 - 10 years) - last Friday - I'm getting ready to take Cody to the bus stop and one of my "fake" teeth felt weird. I pushed on it with my tongue and it popped out! YIKES!


• Now you have to understand this is a recurring nightmare of mine (for real) and it was coming true. So I kept pinching myself and telling myself to wake up!


• I had quite a meltdown for about 5 minutes and then I sucked it up - decided I was calling the orthodontist to proceed with my treatment (I had been procrastinating because of money) and made the appointment.


• I was planning on going to the dentist and have him glue the tooth back on for the time being, but decided that I was going to rise to the challenge of living without the fake stuff on my tooth. I am who I am and I decided to take that mask off.

A week later, it's not so bad. I'm very self conscious but I have to admit there is something cool about just being who I am, even thought I don't look like I would like to. Half of my braces are on and I'm one step closer to my dream of having a beautiful smile!

It might not sound like a big deal to you, but for me going around without that tooth covered up is like being NAKED in front of the entire world. So I am proud of myself that I've risen to the challenge, embraced who I am and am taking steps (although painful) to fix the problem instead of masking it.

It makes me wonder what else in my life have I been masking and need to take the mask off? Hmmm . . .

(There's my fake tooth - but it's not in my mouth!)

24 Hours til B-Day (Braces Day)

24 hours from now I will be sitting in a chair at Dr. Long's office getting my braces on (to fix a severe crossbite and straighten my teeth). I have very mixed emotions about this. I'm excited to finally have a smile that I'm not ashamed of but I'm also a little embarrassed to wear braces at 42 years old! I'm also a little worried about the pain factor - Cody's mouth was like hamburger when he got his braces on. YIKES!!!

I Got a New Hair-Do!

I really needed a cut!

Curly Do!

Straight Do!

This weekend I took a group of girlfriends up North to the "shack". Two of them happen to be amazing hair stylists. As we were sitting around Friday night somehow we came up with the idea of cutting my hair all off. I was completely up for whatever they wanted to do -so the party began! Debbie Mann was the consultant and Kim Stewart was the stylist and they did a great job - I really love it! I was so lucky to have TWO stylists at the same time!!

How to Choose What to Weed Out

Check out this site to help get control of your crazy busy life!
www.crazybusylife.com

Here's an excerpt from the site that I found helpful today:

How to Choose What To Weed Out

A reader who is a productivity trainer by profession sent in this tip:
"As a mom, wife and business owner I find myself having to weed things out of my life from time to time in order to stay balanced.

In those cases, I've had the best success by asking myself what my natural child - the part of me that is curious and delighted by life - would like to do.

I haven't regretted one of those decisions yet."

This is a great way to start thinking about what you would keep in your life - and weed out - if you wanted to simplify things.

The Papaya Dance - the new dance craze

Move over Soulja Boy - there's a new dance craze in town. This is a great story about how dancing relieves stress, makes work better, connects people and makes them happy. Check it out!



Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to learn the PAPAYA!!

LIVE HAPPY!

Today's note from God

Every morning I get a personalized note from God in my e-mail box - here's what it said today:

If you knew just how scared most people are, Lanette, you'd be even braver. Running faster, jumping higher, and laughing louder

A trip to the Yucatan!!

Finally - Trent and I get to go back to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico (specifically the state of Quintana Roo). It's our favorite place in the whole entire world and I'm convinced I will live there someday (long story - just ask me sometime). It truly is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire world - when we're there it's the strangest thing but I feel like I'm home.

We'll be mixing our trip up a bit and doing A LOT of exploring this time!

We will stay 2 days at Hacienda Chichen in the jungle visiting the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza (one of the new 7 wonders of the world). Then we will drive to Akumal (about an hour south of Cancun) and stay in a gorgeous ocean front Penthouse condo.

For our anniversary on May 20th we will drive down to Tulum and stay in this amazing eco-resort Azulik - it's PARADISE! There are only 17 cabanas and there is no electricity. I can't wait!! We're going for our anniversary but I'm also in the middle of planning some women's spirituality retreats down there too. I'll keep you posted on that!

Each cabana is directly on the ocean and is lit with candles only, has a hollowed out tree trunk for a bathtub, a lounge bed suspended from the ceiling and the main bed covered in mosquito netting. It's just one step up from camping but will be so romantic!

Everything at this resort is done all natural - there's even a tree trunk hot tub out on the beautiful terrace overlooking the ocean.

Here's the view right outside the cabanas. WOW!

What a GREAT Weekend!

We had an awesome weekend - well, except for Trent being sick and us having to make a trip into Whitehall, MI to get some medicine for strep throat. The poor guy was really sick.

Friday we went up to the cottage at Silver Lake for the weekend and it was GORGEOUS! Close to 3' of snow! The guys went up to snowmobile and I figured I would get some work done. Trent ended up being too sick to go snowmobiling, but Cody got to go with our good friends, Troy and Dawn Turnock and their son Cody. They rode for 12 hours and had a blast!

Today, we went to Sand Mountain and it was covered in snow. Cody, CJ and I climbed it and it was beautiful! Then we went out to the lighthouse and it was magnificent! I LOVE the lighthouse in the summer, but this was incredible. Lake Michigan was frozen solid for a really long way - and what was really cool was it was frozen into wave shapes that we got to walk across.

After that Cody and Trent took off on the snowmobiles and rode across frozen Silver Lake and went out to the ORV area on snowmobiles. Cody said it was the coolest thing ever. I was too chicken to go out on the lake - I guess I missed out!

I'll post some pics tomorrow! I love our little shack!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

It's time for a change and my blog is under construction.

Here are 2 videos that will give you a picture of where I'm at on my journey right now - ENJOY!

New Photography

Check out a couple new pictures I took last week

Click HERE

Leave me comments on what you think!

Eco-resolutions for the New Year

Ideas Even a Toe Dipper In the Green Pool Can Deal With

1. I will relinquish my title of Most Likely to Acquire Useless Crap I Don’t Wear or Need.

Admit it — your closet is full of had-to-have items that have been punished to a life of hanging unworn. Your have enough notepads, pens, books, magnets, and collectible tchotchkes to fill a mini storage unit. Yes, our purchases keep the economy going, but most of us buy far more than we need. (There are whole TV shows dedicated to demonstrating ways to unclutter!) Remember that packaging, waste, and pollution are created to make these items available to you. If you trash those once-new goodies when you’re no longer interested in them, they will live in a landfill for years and years. It’s time to clean out, and stop the crap collecting.

2. I will avenge my phantom load.

Phantom load has nothing to do with the pounds that mysteriously appeared on your midsection over the holidays. The term refers to the energy wasted by electronics and power chargers when they are plugged in but not in use. That’s right — your computer cord, cell phone charger, and time-telling DVD player are all sucking energy from the outlet even when there isn’t anything attached or being watched (hence the spooky phantom-ness). Actually cut the power to your electronics by plugging them in to a power strip and flipping the switch to off when you’re not watching or listening.

3. I will be smarter than bottled water companies and drink for free what they are trying to sell me.

Kicking the plastic water bottle habit might sound like an impossible feat if you’re as addicted as the average thirsty American; last year we consumed about 50 billion plastic water bottles. If the fact that plastic is bad for the environment doesn’t get you to quit, just think: Several bottled water brands use the same H20 that’s available from your faucet. So buy an eco-chic reusable stainless steel bottle, and refill it throughout the day — for free. If you’re parched at the mere thought of quitting cold turkey, ease into a plastic-bottle–free life by bringing one less bottle a week to the gym, or by giving them up at the office.

4. If I can remember to TiVo “Dancing with the Stars,” I can remember to bring my own bags to the grocery store.

It’s as if plastic shopping bags are required to exit a store—the disposable sacks are forced on customers even when the purchase is just a can of soda. But plastic bags are made from petroleum and only about 1 percent of the estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion Annie Bell plastic bags consumed worldwide are recycled each year. Most end up in landfills (where they take perhaps 1000 years to decompose) or in the sea. If you start bringing your own bags now, you’ll be ahead of the curve if plastic ones become outlawed in your community.

5. I will switch to recycled paper products at home (but not if they make me chafe).

We know there are some folks out there who must have two-ply, but even you can commit to changing just one thing. If you have a Larry David-like aversion to recycled toilet paper, try the paper towels. If brown won’t match your kitchen colors, look for recycled paper towels that are whitened without chlorine or stick with washable dishcloths. By purchasing recycled paper products you’re preventing trees from being chopped down, and paper waste from ending up in landfills. In addition, less energy and water is required to produce a recycled paper product.

6. I will consider whether my meal came from the farm or the factory.

Big agriculture isn’t all bad. Everyone has a guilty culinary pleasure that comes from a big factory (see: Oreos, and Cap’n Crunch). But while you’re worrying about your own carbon footprint, remember that your food has one too. Think of how many miles your food has traveled (do you really need berries from Chile?), how many chemicals are used, and how much pollution and waste have been generated in the production of your foodstuffs. Support local agriculture by shopping for food at a farmers market. The goods will be fresh, and you might enjoy meeting some of the people who grew your dinner.

7. I will take a day off from road rage and take mass transit or car-pool one day a week.

If you have public transportation options available to you, try switching to the train or bus one day a week. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline each year, and can reduce household expenses by $6,200. Plus you’ll get a day off from road rage. If you don’t live near public transportation, try organizing a once-a-week carpool with your neighbors or coworkers. You’ll save on fuel, tolls, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing cars from the road. As a bonus, you’ll gain access to that exclusive carpool lane.

SOURCE: The Daily Green

The first time that you opened your eyes

Did you realize that you would be my savior?

The first breath that left your lips

did you know that you would change this world forever?

I celebrate the day

that you were born to die

so I could one day pray

for you to save my life!

Happy Birthday Jesus

Thank you for coming to earth to show us how to live and love.

Your sacrifice has changed my life and I will love you forever!

My prayer for Christmas - please watch this

This video reflects my heart this Christmas. If we all pulled together, we could make a HUGE difference right here in our own community!





Want to know what you can do to help - go t0 "The Bridge"

The BEST Christmas movie EVER!

Just in case you didn't get a chance to watch it this year, here's a great montage of the bestest clips from the bestest Christmas movie EVER - Christmas Vacation - watch and enjoy! It just wouldn't be Christmas with out it!



Which part is your favorite?

Mine:

#1 - The squirrel scene
#2 - The sledding scene
#3 - Uncle & tree on fire

Now this is my idea of Christmas!!

This morning Trent, Cody and I went down to The Bridge to help with their Secret Santa day where kids could come "shop" for their parents. My friends Merri, Aaron, Linda, Jean Anne and her husband David and son Walker were all there to serve to.

I got to wrap the presents for them and Trent and Cody served coffee and hot chocolate to the parents while they waited. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!! I don't even need any Christmas presents, because that's what Christmas is to me.

Check out the news story here - Melody and Shaun were adorable - I got to wrap all of their presents for them and their brother Robert. I hope their family has a wonderful Christmas!

Fear Factor at youth group

Here's a video I made from our special event "Waypoint Fear Factor" a couple of weeks ago - check it out!

Computer Crash!

Well, I've known it was coming, but I didn't expect it to be on my new laptop - I thought it would be on the old Dell desktop that we've had for awhile.

A couple of weeks ago I had a prompting to back up my stuff on my laptop (stuff being MY LIFE - 2 years of studies, all of my workshops, future ideas and brainstorms, 3 years of pictures, my calendar and lots of other stuff). I went right out and bought an external hard drive and hooked it up the next day. The problem is that I am a dummy when it comes to stuff like that (I'd much rather work with people than technology) and I did not get my files moved to the hard drive.

4 days later I'm working away and my computer had a fit and just died on me - it was a sad, sad day. Right now it's at a document recovery place and I'm going to be paying them BIG BUCKS to hopefully retrieve the data.

Let this be a lesson to you - Back your stuff up now!

Ouch - I have a broken finger . . .

The embarrassing thing is that I broke it awhile ago and ignored it hoping it would get better . . . it didn't.

When I went to Dr. Oppman he sent me to an orthopedic surgeon who said that it was too complicated for him and I had to go to a hand specialist.

After talking to the hand specialist the surgeon decided to try splinting it for 8 weeks - fun. If that doesn't work, which I really don't have much confidence that it will seeing that the tendon has completely come off the to knuckle, I have to have surgery. YIKES!

How did I do it you're wondering? Well, I can officially say that I have a football injury now.

My friend Judy

So today and every day, I will choose to allow difficult situations, even ones as difficult as this, to make me better.

In particular, I choose to try to love better – love Jesus better and love people better – everyday . . . Judy Gregory

A couple of days ago my good friend Judy had to speak at a funeral . . . her Dad's funeral. I have no idea how she was able to do it, except that she is a person of great strength and courage. What she had to say, especially under the circumstances of his death will be forever etched upon my heart.

Judy, you have had a HUGE impact on my life. Thank you for your leadership, your teaching, your example, and your friendship.

If you want to be inspired today - click here and read the entire message

The 1st Annual Rajski Turkey Bowl

Yes, believe it or not, the Turkey Bowl is just touch football played with a thawed fresh turkey instead of a football.

Bailey making a run with the turkey. Right after this shot she threw the turkey at me unexpectedly and hit me in the face - it was hilarious but I still have a fat lip today from it!

Here's Trent getting ready to launch a turkey pass

Josh is goin for it - tryin to score with the turkey but Taylor is right on him!

And a fun (but sick) time was had by all!

God, in the busy-ness of my day, I sometimes forget to stop to thank You for all that is good in my life. My blessings are many and my heart is filled with gratefulness for the gift of living, for the ability to love and be loved, for the opportunity to see the everyday wonders of creation, for sleep and water, for a mind that thinks and a body that feels.

I thank you, too, for those things in my life that are less than I would hope them to be. Things that seem challenging, unfair, or difficult. When my heart feels stretched and empty and pools of tears form in my weary eyes, still I rejoice that you are as near to me as my next breath and that in the midst of turbulence, I am growing and learning. In the silence of my soul, I thank you most of all for your unconditional and eternal love. Amen.
Copyright ©1999-2007 explorefaith.org

Thanksgiving funny

Watch this - it's pretty funny!

Oh Deer!

This is Cody's first deer - an 8 point BUCK - 1 shot - 200 yards away!

He gutted it himself in the field and endured an initiation I can't speak of.

I can't believe my baby was man enough to do that.

Is it possible to be extremely proud and horrified at the same time?

Here's the hunting crew celebrating the first shoot of the season!

They call him "The Shooter" now.

Todd, Cody, Aaron and Trent (pretty sexy camo, huh?)

Does anyone have any good recipes for venison?

The only way you can live the life that God created you to live is with God. At the core of our being nothing works except knowing Him.

Recognize that you were created to live in the presence of God and the more aware you are of His presence in your life the more powerfully you will live your life. Erwin McManus

Update!

I was shocked when I got on my blog and saw how long it's been since I've posted. Here's what's been going on, in no particular order:

On Friday I spent about an hour and a half at JaRoss spa sitting in the relaxation room with a warm herbal neck wrap, baking in the sauna, soaking in the jacuzzi, lounging in the big comfy robe and pampering myself with exotic body scrubs, lotions and hair products. Guess how much I paid for it? NOTHING . . . well, I paid $30 last month for a membership that lasts for a year. I can go in anytime and and the facilities as much as I want and it's free! I love it and it's a great way to relax and recharge. You should do it for yourself!

I've been working on some programs for my coaching practice. Here are some of the programs that I'll be offering for 2008: (Coaching is not for people in crisis, but people who want to get the most out of life)

• Holistic Health - Spa environment with aromatherapy, music & relaxation exercises, concentrating on your mind, body, spirit and soul
• Fitness & Wellness Program - Motivational environment using inspiring images and quotes to stay motivated -focus on building a healthy lifestyle instead of just going on another diet (again)
• Relationship Repair and Rebuild - Working through relational problems and building strength in relationships- couples, parents, family, business
• Teen Program (age 14 - 19 female or male) - Fun and interactive environment using art, photos, music and more to find out who you really are and what’s important to you
• Academic Coaching - A 10 session program for students who want to excel in their school work and figure out what they want to do in college
• Jump Start - A one-time two-hour coaching session designed for women who are tired of letting life just “happen to them.” - A great pick me up!
• Goal Setting - Tired of setting goals and not reaching them? Do you even know what your goals are? Find out what’s important to you and how to get there.
• Relax and Recharge - Come to this 2 hour session to relax, de-stress and refuel. Shift your attitude and perspective so that you can again see life in a happy, joyful positive way. (This is a great Christmas gift for someone special!)

Youth ministry has turned out to be much different than anyone anticipated - Blair and I are slowly working on building trust and rebuilding the ministry - it's going to take some time. In the meantime I feel God has confimred to me that coaching is my passion and the direction that I'm still supposed to be going in. Sometimes it's really hard to balance both jobs.

Family life is good, crazy and never a dull moment. Cody is 14 . . . going on 21 . . . Enough said! There is never a dull moment in our house and I am constantly on my toes reading and researching on how to be an effective parent. I am very grateful to my son that he is inpsiring me to learn so much right now and he's helping fuel my passion to help families work better.

Trent and I just got back from Vegas last week for a business conference that we always go to. It was fun, but we're always ready to leave. We didn't win anything, but had a great time seeing the CORR (championship offroad racing), Louie Anderson, Dick's Last Resort and the Titanic Exhibition.

We had to get all new countertops because the countertops we had were junk. That wasn't fun cuz our kitchen was all tore up again - ughhhh. But now it's almost as good as new and we just have some final things to do.

I'm getting excited for the holidays! We are simplifying this year and spending more money on spending time with people we love rather than buying a bunch of dumb gifts that they won't even use. I can't say what they are, but it's going to be great. We're also going to have Thanksgiving at our house, a Christmas party and maybe even a New Year's Party. Fun times, fun times.

Alright I guess that's it - give me an update on what you've been doing!