Surprise 30th

My best friend Rylen, well, she's a wise one.  And she's a thorough planner.  I mean like, way thorough.  She knows how to cross every t and dot every i.  And boy did she have me fooled.  Here I was, mopping around because I was turning 30 and I didn't want to and my only plan was to spend the evening with my bff at a nice restaurant in Turlock.  And I was cool with that.  Maybe a little bummed that I wouldn't be doing anything with my family or friends, but I was totally ok with chillin' with Neen for the evening while enjoying good food and a fancy drink, or 4. 

But oh no, that's not what she had planned for the evening.  Not at all.  You see, Rylen had sneakily (yes, that's totally a word) been planning a surprise party for me since March.  March people!  That's 2 months!  I must admit, I was suspicious a couple of times, but I didn't want to invest too much daydreaming and wishing to end up being disappointed.  'Cause that's what I do in my noggin, and it's bad news bears when expectations aren't met by reality.

*Please note, I didn't hold my camera once during my party.  What I did hold at all times, filled by Rylen regularly, was a glass of delicious, homemade sangria.

Upon arrival, I admit it, I cried.  Tears welled up in my eyes and they spilled out.  I tried to contain it, but I'm a girl and that just isn't easy.  I love that people came from all over.  Bottom right corner = my college roomie and her hubby, they drove up from Fresno.  And the adorable little one in the bottom left corner, she came all the way from Korea.  My good friends adopted her and had only had her in their possession for a couple weeks.  So yes, it totally counts that she came all the way from Korea.
If you notice, everyone was wearing black and/or white. I wasn't. I didn't get the memo. Kaitlin tried to dress me in a HOT pink cute top, but then the zipper on my nice jeans busted, so I went with plan b.

Gotta love sibling pictures.  And people pictures.  And friends.  Lots and lots of friends.

And bestie pictures.  And more random people pictures.  And nice sibling picture followed by sister picture.  And the bocce ball was christen.

Good times.  Seriously.  Words cannot express my gratitude towards all the planning, scheming, and lying that people went through to pull this off.  YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

Rylen, pay back is coming your way!  And now I owe you dinner at the Bistro!

To all you peeps that had your cameras present, please send me the link to where you've uploaded them.  :)

Easter

We're not keeping track of time right?  No one realizes that Easter was about 2 months ago.  So it's ok that I'm just now going to post about my Easter weekend/Sunday?  Yes it is, thankyouverymuch.

Saturday, per our family tradition, we dyed eggs.  That's right folks, no plastic candy filled eggs in the Montague household.  We only use use the read deal.  So then we can make egg salad after hunting the eggs.  Yep, you heard right again, we still hunt eggs.  At (then) 29 to 22 years of age, we hunt eggs.  I honestly think mom has just as much fun hiding them every year.

Paige and her beau Coleman.  The Easter bush, as we call it because it always is in bloom during the week of Easter.  And my little doghter.

Mom and Dad playing handbells at church.  Dad also played the trombone, but people were blocking him and I couldn't get a good picture.  Back in high school, I played handbells at church too.  Good times!  Oh, and there's me, partaking in the egg salad goodness...  I only really have egg salad sandwiches once a year, so you better believe I take advantage.

And that was Easter.  I didn't get all that many pictures, but what I did get will definitely keep the memories alive.  Egg dying - always a hoot to see what mess my brother will make (like the above picture).  Church - always a good thing for obvious reasons.  Hunting eggs - who doesn't like a friendly game of who can find the most eggs?  And of course spending time with family and loved ones. 

Hope you all had a great Easter too.  2 months ago...

*I'm going in order from my list of stuff I need to catch you up on.  Please bear with me.  I spent a lot of time over the 3 day weekend getting pictures edited and ready to be blogged about.  I'm organized now.  I have a list to prove it.  Maybe I'll go in order according to my list...  Either way, watch out, here come the blogs!

Ten on Tuesday - Thursday Edition

I'm late.  Again.  So sue me.  I'm busy.  And my internet sucks.  It's not sucking right now.  Kinda.  Speaking of internet, who do y'all use for service?  Do you bundle it with your TV and/or phone?  I need to change who I go through to someone that works.  Help!

1. What is your favorite piece of furniture in your house?
   Ummmmm...my bed... It's so comfy.
   
2. If it was raining so hard on a Saturday that you couldn’t leave your house, what would you spend the day doing?
   Yep.  I'd love it.  Sleep in for shizel.  Watch movies.  Putz on the 'net.  Read a book from my stack of books to read.  Bake/make something in the kitchen.  And if I got bored enough I'd clean.  But only if I was super bored.
    
3. What was your favorite candy as a child?For some reason I loved Abba Zabbas.  I don't know why.  They were always so heard to chew/gnaw on, but the peanut butter center was so worth it.  Oh, and big chew bubble gum.  I don't remember being a chocoholic when I was younger, but I sure am now!
    
4. Did you get an allowance? What was it based on? What did you do with it?Nope.  I did not get an allowance.  Chores were expected to be done and my parents didn't believe in rewarding for something that had to be done.  Plus, I've been working since I was like, 7, so I've been getting a paycheck since then.  Granted, it was only like $5 at the beginning, but still.  That's what happens when your family owns a business.
    
5. Do you have a favorite Etsy store?I have a lot of favorite Etsy stores.  I "favorite" a lot of items and sellers.  Sometimes I favorite to come back and order something later.  Sometimes it looks like something I can totally make, so I favorite it to save the idea.
    
6. Do you prefer time with family or time with friends?Yes.  Haha.  I prefer time with both, separately or together.  Whatevs.  I like having people around.
    
7. Looney Tunes, Tiny Toons, or Animaniacs?Tiny Toons!  I have something for things in miniture, and they were miniture Looney Tunes, just much much cuter.
    
8. Best daytime talk show: Oprah, Ellen, The Doctors, Tyra (ha!), Dr. Oz, or Dr. Phil?What's a daytime talk show?  I don't get to watch any of them...darn work...  But if I could watch one of them it would either be Oprah (duh! she's gives out cool stuff!) or Dr. Phil (cause he's straight forward and real).
    
9. Would you rather have the power of invisibility or the ability to fly?Fly.  I could get from here to there so much quicker.
    
10. Name 1 thing you love about being an adult.Making my own decisions.  I guess.

Your turn!

www.rootsandrings.com

Huh?

Oh my goodness! It's only 2:52pm. Time is DRAGGING by! Why isn't it 5 o'clock yet?

I know, I know. It is somewhere. Just not here.

So here's something random for you. I like songs that have to do with someday meeting your future mate, about waiting, about patience (hummm...). There aren't too, too many of them out there, so when I hear one I'm generally instantly drawn to it. Why? Well, because I'm waiting, and there is someone out there for me. My current favorite song version of this topic is "Someday Soon" by Francesca Battistelli. Love the song! Love the album! A definite must buy.

But don't waste your time going to Borders, 'cause they apparently don't sell CD's in their stores (at least not in Turlock) anymore. Boo Borders!

Someday Soon
I wanna be the one who knows everything about you
I wanna be the one who’s always on your mind
I wanna be the one to get all of your affection and attention
You’re the one that I’ve been waiting for, for all this time
And I can’t imagine anything, anything better than

Someday falling in love with you
Holding your hand
Making our plans all come true
Someday under a sky so blue
I’ll give you my heart
Our story will start someday soon

I wanna be the one who does everything with you
Watching stars, washing cars, taking walks, going to the store
I wanna be the one who gets to change her last name someday
To something that sounds something more like yours

Someday falling in love with you
Holding your hand
Making our plans all come true
Someday under a sky so blue
I’ll give you my heart
Our story will start someday soon

Yeah I’ll be telling you I love you
On a picture perfect day
And those words inside my head
They sound like angels singing praise
It’s what I was made to say

Monday Mumblings

I'm so stinkin' sore!!! But hey, I have half a path from my driveway to my front porch and the pile of bricks in the backyard had decreased. Only took 5 1/2 hours, but I had help and got to it!
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Debbie can't fit me in!!! I wanna cry. I was really hoping I could get a massage today. Boo! :(
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Friday's dinner was almost better as leftovers today then it was as dinner Friday night... Hummm... Odd. Still good though. And healthly! Bonus!
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Need to remember to charge camera battery tonight before going to Phil Wickham concert tomorrow. Note to self...
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I'm REALLY excited about having an egg salad sandwich for dinner tonight. I'm so excited you don't even KNOW my excitement. I love egg salad sandwiches. And this is about the only time of the year that I eat them.
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I skipped Weight Watchers today. Why? Because I can. And because I ate a lot over the weekend. And because I don't want to face a gain this week...again. So I'm committing to being good. Forever.
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Hold My Heart

Last weekend I saw Tenth Avenue North at the Rock and Worship Roadshow in Fresno. I would say that they are my new favorite group. Their song "Hold My Heart" really speaks to me, probably because it's how I feel.

How long must I pray, must I pray to You?
How long must I wait, must I wait for You?
How long 'til I see Your face, see You shining through?

I'm on my knees, begging You to notice me.
I'm on my knees, Father will You turn to me?

One tear in the driving rain,
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart

I've been so afraid, afraid to close my eyes
So much can slip away before I say goodbye.
But if there's no other way, I'm done asking why.
I'm on my knees, begging You to turn to me
I'm on my knees, Father will You run to me?

One tear in the driving rain,
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart.

So many questions without answers, Your promises remain
I can't see but I'll take my chances to hear You call my name
To hear You call my name

One tear in the driving rain,
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Won't You come close and hold my heart.

Hold my heart, could you hold my heart?
Hold my heart.

How long must I pray and wait God? Do you hear the sound of my breaking heart? I know you're testing me with my patience. I hope I'm passing. But won't you, won't you come close and hold my heart...

Monday Mumblings

I'm SOOOOO tired! We didn't get home last night from the concert until 12:30am. So by the time I got Riley, got home and ready for bed it was closer to 1am. Eek! I'll be paying for this one for awhile.
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I just viewed my blog in regular blog format. You know, how you great people see it every day. I was just happened to skim my little bio blurp on the side. I need to update it. I don't have 2 dogs anymore. :(
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My jacket smells like In-N-Out. We stopped there to have a late dinner last night. Gotta wash it tonight.
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I love Monday mornings when I go to my blogger dashboard and see ALL the new posts from the people I follow. I love knowing that it'll take me half the morning to go through them all. While I'm working at work mind you...
----------
Eek! I just felt an earthquake. Just a little tremor (that word looks really funny and wrong to me right now) though. At first we, those of us that work upstairs, weren't sure if a semi just backed into the dock wrong (which happens every now and then) or if, well no if that was our only though. But someone looked it up and there was a 4.3 shake based out of Morgan Hill.
----------
Nobody else that I've asked felt the "earthquake". Maybe it was a false alarm.
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My tummy is grumbling. I did eat lunch though. But I have weight watchers in about 1 1/2 hours. I already fear this week. Last week I had a great lose of 3 pounds, but I'm afraid that I've gained 2 of that back. Only time will tell... I guess I'll just have some water for now.
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Weight Watchers - check! We're not gonna talk about it...
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Bible Study - check! Praise God for He is good! Amen!
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Grocery shopping done for tomorrow - check! I haven't been to Food Maxx in a long time. Not a bad place for the basic grocery needs. Will have to make mental note to go more often.
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It's officially 11:21pm. I'm tired. It's time for bed. Shower now or get up a bit earlier...? Ew, ee, oh, poop. I'll get up earlier.

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of my first blog.

Things to look back on...

• I went to Washington D.C.
• I got a new job!
• My best friend got married!
• I went to New York
• I moved
• I fell in love...
  to be continued...
  
• I went to Hawaii
• I went to Alaska

Of course, lots of other things happened. Those are just a few of the things that stand out.

Stay tuned while many other things happen throughout my life.

Alaska, Alaska, Alaska!

What is God doing to me?

Ever since I met Dennis, it seems that state of Alaska is showing up more and more in my life. Or maybe I'm just more aware of it, but I don't think that's it.

Sure, maybe I heard a lot about the state on the news because of Sarah Palin. But that's over now.

So...why does it seem like it's always turning up?

Like yesterday, I was flipping through a AAA Traveler magazine I got in the mail. Now, mind you, I've never gotten this publication in the mail before as I'm not a member of AAA. Page 4...

It's a Fact: Alaska

• 1.2 - Number of inhabitants per square mile in the state.
• 18 - Out of more than 200, number of countries in the world that are larger than Alaska.
• 350 - Highest altitude, in miles, that Alaska's Northern Lights reach.
• 50 - Number of years Alaska has been a state, as of 2009.

There you go, so random facts for you. But I come across this kind of stuff all the time!

God, what are you trying to tell me?

What the HAY?

A dear friend of mine- one that I never see or call, but we keep in touch various other ways- e-mailed me the other day. 1) She wanted to know what the heck is going on with Kaitlin (which you can read here), and 2) What is going on with Dennis? We've had a good back and forth e-mail rambling sessions going on. One that really touched me, not only because of her friendship and her concern, but because she is seeing things the same way that I am. Hopefully she doesn't mind that I'm posting our conversation, but I'll remove any names on her side to keep her anonymous.

But this will also kinda bring you up to speed I guess...

Kamakazie: ...just being nosey, but how is everything with Dennis?

Me: I don't know what's going on with Dennis quite honestly. He's confused, which confuses me. Just when I think we're taking a step forward it's followed by 2 steps back. He tells me that he's having a hard time not being together and that he can't stop thinking about me, but yet he doesn't feel he's "ready" to commit, he doesn't feel he's figured himself out to be in a healthy relationship, and is waiting to proceed with God's blessing. It's just so stinkin' HARD! I just keep telling him to be open to what God is doing in his life and to follow his heart. Maybe he can't stop thinking about me for a reason, because his head is telling his heart not yet. You know? I don't know. I'm at a loss and don't know what to do really. I have strong feelings for him, and they aren't going to go away overnight. And after having what we've had I can't drop to friend level. All I can do is pray, lots of prayer, LOTS. So, yeah, that's where that is...

Kamakazie: Hmmmmm... guys can be such a hard read... Do you think Dennis is having such a hard time with everything because he feels guilty? Guilty about the kids- for their sake and yours? Guilty about the fact that you would CLEARLY have to move to Alaska to be with him permanently because there is no way he can leave his children? Maybe he doesn't even realize he feels guilty but that is playing into his "indecision." Also, what type of "blessing" is he looking for? I mean, I know I believe God talks to us, but it isn't necessarily in a "Hey, Dennis, you know, I want you to be with Courtney!" type of way... Is he listening into the little things? Like you said, the fact that he can't stop thinking about you, the fact that you clicked with his kids (HUGE by the way!), the fact that you are a CHRISTIAN woman who loves the LORD??? Just curious if you've asked him what type of blessing he is looking for? Does he love you? Can he see himself with you when he's old? I know, all romantic notions, but important to ask and think about I guess... Sorry, guess i'm probably not helping- probably just giving you more to think about! YiKES! sorry about that!

Me: I don't know. That's just it, I don't know what he's feeling. Maybe he's feeling guilty. His parents, whom have never met me, are even telling him that he's crazy. Here he's found this girl that he keeps telling them how much of a catch and how amazing I am, and that I'm willing to move to Alaska, and his kids and I got along. Unfortunately though, their opinions aren't swaying his vote any at this point. He has told me that if he could, he would move for me, and I told him time and time again that there is no way he could because of the kids and that I was fine with that - wherever he is is where I want to be. He wondered how he could ever let me move because of how close I am with my family. I told him that ever since moving home from college I haven't truely felt at home, like this is just a resting point before God sends me somewhere else; I don't feel the connection with Hilmar like I used to. I don't know exactly he's wanting from God. I guess just a blessing that we're meant to be and good for one another. Part of this, and I understand his fear, is that he's divorced, and he never intended to get divorced, but it happened. And he doesn't want that to happen again. He's wants his next marriage, if he gets married again, to be forever and blessed by God. Understandable. But I don't know how exactly he expects God to tell him one way or another. Confirmations that I've gotten: he fits every single characteristic that I want in a spouse; I loved Alaska (face it, not everyone does), we clicked from the beginning, I know there are others I'm drawing blanks right now... But God took every "ideal" that I had and said, "No, this is how it's going to be." Like, "Look, you laugh at finding someone on the internet, well here he is." I can't just come out and ask him what kinds of blessings he's looking for, or if he can see himself growing old with me. I think that this point it would just muddy things up for him, someone besides me would have to ask him to make him think about those things. Too bad we don't have any mutual friends that I could get to do that... But I don't want to ask him and have him think that I'm trying to force him or make him commit. Does he love me? Right now, I don't know. At one time, yes. I believe he still has feelings for me, or why would he be thinking about me all the time? But how deep are those feelings, I don't know. Trust me, I've tried to figure things out. Unfortunately the male logic, as is female, is not that easy to understand. And unfortunately, he has to figure it out for himself. He did tell me that I'm the first person he would consider to be with. Right now though, I'm having a really hard time holding onto hope and keeping faith. I fear that if I cut off contact completely to give him the time and space he needs that I'll lose him forever because he'll forget about me. But I know that that is also Satan playing on my insecurities. And that I have to be faithful and hopeful. Do I love him? Yes. Can I imagine growing old with him? I can't imagine my life without him in it. And that's so crazy being as we only knew and dated each other for 4 months. But when you know it's right, you just know. No, don't be sorry. I've thought of everything just about, but it's nice to have an outsider's perspective that isn't negative.

Thank you! Thank you for your support, and for caring, and being there.

Kamakazie: I think Dennis' fears about Divorce are understandable. However, I also think, and this is my own opinion, but I think that divorce happens a lot of times when God is NOT the center of a relationship and when one or both people in the marriage are being selfish... Is Dennis' ex- wife a christian- did they get married as christians? I know that being a Christian doesn't necessarily mean people don't get divorced- I know too many people who have- but I also know a lot of Christians who have gotten divorced due to not allowing God to take over their relationship or the other partner not having a strong belief in God (& they chose to get married to that person any way)... I think I'm rambling here... sorry about that. A healthy marriage takes GOD, committment, compromise- all the things that you are already showing him... I hope that he realizes sometime soon that God is already showing him so many blessings through you. And I will be praying that you can be patient in God's timing for things to work out... or not work out as hard as that sounds like it will be on you. You seem so happy- happier than I have "seen" you in a long time and I truly hope that all this works out in the ways that you envision it playing out... Again, rambling!

I really liked how you told Dennis that Hilmar is just a resting place for you... I never knew you felt that way, but what a way to feel! I know there are great things out there for you and that God will reveal them to you in his timing! Patience truly is the hardest thing to have- trust me I know from waiting for "Son" to come home- LONGEST 19 months of my life! But, God's timing is perfect and you'll see that in the end...

Me: Yea, I don't know the details of their marriage. But as far as I know they were both christians when they got married, I know Dennis was for sure. Was their relationship centered around God? I couldn't tell you, but I'm guessing no. I asked Dennis when I was up there how he and his ex met, he told me how and even though he didn't feel it was right they still got married. It sounds like they yelled at each other a lot during their marriage, which isn't healthy at all. And it sounds like she if not both were selfish, not selfless. He was in a different place during that time, and he knows that his heart wasn't focused on God and that his next relationship must be. And, well, she had multiple affairs during their marriage, hence the divorce. It's sad. And he recognizes that they weren't meant to be married, which probably adds to his fear and being positive that it's in God's plan. At least he was blessed with 2 beautiful, well behaved children. But yes, all relationships need to be centered around God. And all ramblings allowed! And yes, I have been the happiest that I've been in a LONG time. I love being in love, and feeling loved, and having that someone in my life, especially when it feels so right and from God. Thank you for seeing that in me too.

Yea, I feel that Hilmar is just a stopping point in my life, not where I'm to end up and stay. Patience sucks! But, I know God is testing me to trust Him and to be patient. It's still not easy though! I can't help but think though that years down the road our relationship will be strong because of what we're going through, God willing... And we'll probably even laugh about it a little.

Keep rambling. I like to hear others ramble for a change. It's refreshing, really it is!



So there you have it. That's kinda what's going on, at least that's me and my thoughts and using a friend as a sound board.

Continue to pray people.

To Alaska, and beyond!

As you all know, from late last Friday through early, early Wednesday, I was in Alaska. Anchorage, Alaska to be exact. And boy did I have a time! So here's a run down of how my time was...

Friday:
After riding BART to the SF Airport then flying from 5:30pm to 11:40pm, I was pooped. But I was EXCITED! The plane couldn't fly fast enough and get there soon enough. Dennis, the greatest guy ever, was waiting for me just outside security. Be still my heart, I was so happy to see him again! After a quick stop by his apartment to meet the roommate, Paul, it was time to head to the hotel and turn in for the night. Don't worry folks, there were 2 beds. Dennis had to be at work early the next morning, so it wasn't a late night. Well, it was a late night only because I landed at midnight. You know what I mean!

Saturday:
Dennis went to work before 8am. Yawn! I slept in. Now, you have to realize that right now there is only about 7 hours of sunlight. Sun comes up around 9am and goes down before 4pm. So, it's kinda hard to get out of bed without the sun, cause that's what I'm used to. So slept in, until about 9:30. Slowly I got ready for the day. What did the day entail you ask, being as Dennis is at work? Paul volunteered to drive me around and see some sights. The only problem. It was cloudy and snowing. So Paul picked me up around 11:30.

We drove down Highway 1. Funny, Alaska has a Highway 1 just like California that follows the coastline. Hummm... I'll have to google it and see if my Hwy 1 is the same as there Hwy 1. Dennis had told Paul that I like to take pictures, so Paul tried to find spots that would be good to ... take pictures. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating.
But as you can see against the black tankers at "Ship Creek", the snow was coming down!
Soon enough, and early I might add, Dennis text messaged me to let me know that he was getting off early and was on his way to pick up his kids, Ashlynne and Elijah, and would be at the apartment shortly. Moment of truth folks, are his kids going to like me? This could be a make it or break it situation! But don't worry, I passed! I think... I'm pretty sure I did. Ashlynne and I were instant best friends, Elijah took a little more time to warm up to me.

So, with kids in tow, we stopped at the Wild Berry Chocolate something-a-rather place. The kids got a little bag of jelly bellys, then we were on the road. We drove down Highway 1 (ha!) down to Girdwood, where we had a late lunch at Jack Sprat near Alyeska Ski Resort. On the way back to the hotel, I had fun with the kids and the camera.
We went to the hotel to relax for a bit. The kids took relaxing as jumping from bathtub ledge, to bed, to bed and back to the bathtub ledge. Very exciting! Then it was off to dinner. We went to the Moose's Tooth where we met up with Alex, Dasha, and their son Silus, and Paul. After dinner we made a stop at Chuck E. Cheese for the kids to run off some of their energy. Then to bed we all went.

Sunday:
We work up to Ashlynne yelling "Room Service", which she really wanted to order. Instead we got dressed and went to the "upscale" continential breakfast. Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, so good!!! After really getting ready, we left and drove around some, then drove around some more. We went to the Ulu Factory where I took this picture of Dennis and his kiddos.
They are very well behaved. I must say. And boy do they love their dad. Then we drove around some more. Have you ever seen a reindeer? Especially a reindeer on a lease? Yeah, me either. But I have now!
After driving around some more we stopped for a late lunch. After lunch we took the kids back to their mom's. We made a quick stop at Best Buy so I could look at laptops and see if there were any good deals for the week. Alaska = no sales tax. Then we headed back to the hotel to relax some before going to dinner.

Dinner was at the Glacier Brewhouse. Dennis and I weren't very hungry since we ate lunch late, so we shared a meal. Mahi mahi, very tasty! After dinner we went to see Four Christmases. It was funny, I wouldn't necessarily see it in the theater again though. Wait for the DVD.

Oh, did I mention that Sunday the 30th was also Dennis' birthday...?

Monday:
After waking up and looking out the window, we learned that finally it was clear out. So we got up. Had breakfast, waffles again. And headed out. Dennis needed to run a few errands, so I was along for the ride. Then we drove around some to see the views that I couldn't see before because of the clouds. Like this one...
Down by the inlet was much colder than in town. Probably because there was a breeze blowing adding a wind chill factor.
We decided to drive to "the valley", which would be Wasilla area. Home of Sarah Palin. We made a stop on the way at a church where a friend of Dennis' is the youth pastor to say hello. Then after a stop at Target we turning around to head back to Anchorage to pick up the kids.

Paul joined us for dinner at Kobe Temppanyaki. Dinner was good. But right after dinner we were on a quest. On a quest to find the Northern Lights. So we trekked up a mountain, and when I say trekked I mean drove. We didn't find the lights. But we did find negative degree weather! -5 baby! All I wanted to do was be there when it hit 0 degrees. (look at the bottom corner to see temperature reading)
While driving back to the hotel, we called my sister Kaitlin to visit. Then we all shared jokes. Elijah was sleeping, but Ashlynne loves to tell and make up jokes. Once we were back at the hotel it was time to sleep. Ashlynne had school the next morning, Dennis was to drive her, and she wanted me to do her hair.

Tuesday:
After waking up to do Ashlynne's hair, I went right back to sleep. I was tired! Dennis got back and cuddled with Elijah, who was also still sleeping. After breakfast, we got ready for the day, checked out of the hotel, and hit the road. Guess what we did... Yep, drove around. It was still clear out and Dennis wanted to show me some of his favorite neighborhoods. We had lunch at Humpy's, halibut fish and chips, then went to pick up Ashlynne from school.
After having the kids for just a little longer that afternoon we dropped them off at their mom's then had the last bit of alone time before I had to leave. So we made rice krispies for Kaitlin, Dennis swears that his are the best. Then we went to Barnes and Noble, Target, around. Both of us weren't really hungry being as we had a late lunch.
So we went back to his place and tried to watch a movie. But we fell asleep. When we woke up it was time to go to the airport. This I was not looking forward to. I hate saying goodbye. I know it's not a goodbye forever, because I'll be seeing him again soon. But I had such a good time visiting his world and seeing Alaska that it was hard.

So what did I do...? I slept the entire way home. In fact, my flight leaving Anchorage left late, and I made it to my flight out of Seattle at final boarding call. I even slept most of the ride on BART back to Pleasanton. Then I slept some of the way home while mom was driving. I got home, showered, and slept some more. And honestly, when I wasn't sleeping I was fighting (unsuccessfully) back tears.

But not to worry, he'll be back down at the end of December! And there is a 99% chance that the kids will be coming too. I'm excited!

But Dennis... if you think -5 is cold, just wait until you feel the cold while surrounded by fog. I'm not kidding. It feels much colder. Bring a coat.

Back in the Positive

I'm home! Boo...

I'll post a more detailed post that will go up tomorrow. But here's something to tide you over.

It had a great time!!! Alaska is beautiful. Dennis is doing wonderful. And his kids are sweet and well behaved.

One day it was down to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. I survived! It really wasn't that bad. The cold that we, in California, feel right now is what 20 feels like in Alaska. Totally doable.

Here's a link to my pictures. I know, I really didn't take all that much. I'm a slacker. But... I did have more of Dennis and I, then he deleted them because he didn't like how he looked. Punk!

Stay tuned. I'll be back. I have a lot of catching up to do. Especially on sleep...

Mr. Alaska, part 2

So I've gotten a couple "What's up with Mr. Alaska?" questions lately. So maybe it's time to share some more.

If you'd like to read part 1 to get caught up (like I'm going to real quick to know where I left off), then please do so before reading more.

Ok, so the latest. Guess what? We're still talking! Shocking I know! It's really quite cute, we act as one another's alarm clock. He's really good at "hitting the snooze button", groggily asking if I can call back in 10 minutes. We talk throughout the day. And when we're not talking we're texting.

What do we talk and text so much about you ask? Everything! The meaning of life, world peace, the weather (not kidding!), his kids, my family, his upcoming trip, life in our respective locations, God, what we're looking for in a future mate, etc. And I think we've almost solved world hunger. But we talk about the same stuff you would if you were on a date.

Did I mention his upcoming trip? Oh, look at that I did. Did I mention before that he's coming to California? Coincidence? Fate? Part of God's plan...? Hummm....not sure, I'm leaning more towards the latter though.... This Sunday, Dennis flies into San Francisco for work. He'll be in meetings for 2 days. Tuesday I'm ditching work a little early, I'm taking 3 days off, and I'm driving to San Francisco to meet him, hang out with him, and see how we click. We'll be staying there for a night then coming back to Hilmar. He leaves the following Sunday.

Can I admit? I'm not one bit worried about this. Not at all. Nervous, yes! Excited, definitely! Anxious, yep! But not worried or concerned. We get along great on the phone. Now it's just to see if we get along great in person. Every now and again though, a little butterfly does flips in my tummy.

So you know what that means...? Any guesses?

None. No, come on you guys!

That means that next week I'll have pictures to share! I know that some of you are super excited about that.

Note to family... I'll leave every contact number, itinarery, driving route, etc. with numerous people to calm your concerns. Please understand that with meeting guys online, like was pushed on me for so long, that eventually you have to meet them. Just pray for God's will.

Mr. Alaska

I have a new friend! I know... Go me for making friends! But I don't think this person is meant to be just a friend. Let me tell you a story.

About 2 weeks ago I received a message on myspace. Some very good looking guy commenting on my quote, and telling me that I am attractive which made reading the quote easier. Humm... odd... Whatever, I'll answer but be short. Although he is attractive, he lives in Alaska. But it doesn't hurt to be friendly. Plus! Plus, he has a lot of God and Christianity references on his page. Huge plus!

So I responded. Thanks, blah blah blah. I don't remember what exactly was exchanged in the messages. But next thing you know I'm corresponding a lot with this guy.

WOW! I just looked it up, it's only been since August 16th. Feels like forever. Anyway...I digress...

So, we've been e-mailing. Actually we don't e-mail really anymore. Now we text. A lot. Oh, and we talk on the phone. A lot. Which I really quite enjoy. Actually, I enjoy everything that I've gotten to know about Dennis and his life and his faith and his hope, ambitions, and dreams. What do we talk about you ask? Everything under the sun.

So here are some of his stats:

Age: 34

Divorced, with 2 young children.

Works as a Regional Manager for Pac Sun

Grew up all over (including CA) as his father was in the Air Force.

Love the Lord and lives to serve Him.

Passionate about life.

I'm liking where God is taking this.

To be continued...