Determination

This weekend I came to Cripple Creek, CO with Mikey for a training conference he is taking. We haven't had much time together the past month, so it was a fun chance to spend some time together driving and hanging out in the evenings. Since I'm flying solo during the day in this tiny mountain town, I've had lots of time to think and reflect on everything :) So why not blog about a few of those thoughts!

I feel I've come to a new phase in my life and walk with God. I feel a new determination in my heart and spirit. So here's a few things I feel I need to express my determination to work on. I think so many times, we have to make a conscious choice to allow God to work in us and make a conscious choice to get past hurdles.

-I'm determined to give it my BEST shot in ADJUSTING as we become parents and enter a new phase in life, realizing this will also change Mike and I's relationship together

- I'm determined to learn to get over things quickly and not hold onto grudges. This is NOT a gene that runs in my family or something I've been taught. I think it's even more difficult being a woman and all the emotions that come with us. I'm seeing too many years of bitterness and unforgiveness over small and big things. I want to learn to forgive and move on quickly!

-I'm determined to be content wherever I am. Before I moved to Durango, I got a couple of prophetic words to not put roots down, and I think I took that too literally. Mike and I are open to wherever God would lead us together. Until then, Durango it is! So I'm learning to make it home :)

-I'm determined to have fun with my kids: silly nicknames for things, praying together, making up crazy dances, laughing together, going on mission trips when they are young, playing the best pranks on their dad....all things I didn't get to enjoy alot growing up, although God has brought awesome friends into my life to fill some void there. I want a JOYFUL home with our new growing family!

-I'm determined to allow God to put His confidence back in me. I can tell I've lost a lot of that the past couple years, confidence in who I am and the ability to build relationships. It's time for a refill and to let the jewel of a person that He's placed inside of me out to shine for others to see...again. When I'm more confident in knowing and living who God has made me, I love my husband more fully. I love others more fully. That's what I desire. Mike and I have been prayed over that the past several months was going to be a season of rest and peace. I think with God's peace comes a trust. I don't think there can be true confidence without trusting Him because my confidence needs to come from my trusting Him. I'm grateful for this season of life.

-I'm determined to be a woman of renoun that God has spoken over me, over and over again. A woman of grace and beauty that loves people past personality differences and perspective differences

- I'm determined to find a way to learn to play the drums! I've ALWAYS wanted to, AND I married into a family with the last name of one of the greatest drummers ever... Gene Krupa :) Coincidence? I think not! Maybe I'll throw some singing in there too.

-Lastly, I'm determined to make up as many prego dances as I can with this belly! The other day, I was in the shower jamming to my IPOD and found a pretty fun dance that's all in the knees and a little booty bouncing. Music is one of my very favorite things and it's fun to come up with new ways to jam out even if my mobility is becoming very limited. I know the shimmy will definitely be out. I already have a terrible shimmy, BUT imagine trying to shimmy being fully prego...you'd topple over!

The Hunt and Hopefully...THE KILL!

So I (Steph) am THOROUGHLY p*ssed off! Today as I was putting away some pots and pans, I discovered mouse pills AGAIN! Let's set something straight from the start. This country girl does NOT do mice. I feel like my home and privacy have been violated. I find it personally insulting (pardon the drama).The audacity of the nasty critter!! Ugh. Last month, we had this same problem for the first time since we've lived in our quaint little apartment. We caught the fatty in the laundry room with a trap (sorry for your mice lovers. I'm really a kind person-lol). So we did major cleaning in our kitchen cabinets, dishes, etc. Mike and I both enjoy keeping a clean home. I can honestly say that. So... where is the evil critter getting in and why?How can anyone be a fan of something that invades your home just to poop EVERYWHERE in it? I would never do that. Neither should mice. I just know it's going to sneak up on my bed at night, when Mikey is on shift, and nibble my toes. I would FREAK! Ok, back to reality...

With that in mind, I'm finishing eating dinner and then heading to City Market to find mouse traps galore. The hunt is on, and the little nuisance is soon to be found! Just to help with any perspective I haven't made clear, if any of you know my husband well, he does NOT like snakes. He freaks out and can't handle seeing one, much less one LIVING in his home. His snake is my mouse. It's all I can do not to call 911 to get him and his guys over here to help me cope. Ok, not really but it describes how I feel!

Disclaimer: Due to pregnancy horomones, Steph's emotions might be a little outlandish/dramatic as she describes her honest thoughts... though her lack of tolerance for mice is very real. Real live mice will be harmed in the next 48 hours with as little violence as possible.