tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32590134943066050152024-03-21T21:19:25.192-07:00Small Town Girl living in the Big CityWhat is a small town girl from Pierce, Idaho doing in California? WAIT now 17 years Later Michigan...country girl at heart!!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-65368653818310212522015-03-05T18:34:00.001-08:002015-03-05T18:34:42.158-08:006 MonthsSix months ago today and I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime...I moved to Michigan. Oh I had done this before I had jumped in my car and moved to California but then it was just me. Just me and I could jump In my car and in less then 24 hours be back at home in Idaho! Nothing gained nothing lost! Now with a 3 year old child full of life and the light of my world it is different moving across the country three time zones not a day car ride away but the difference of a 3 to 4 day car ride away! <div><br></div><div>The questions still haunt me "did I do the right thing?" "Will she be happy here?" Then her blessed sweet voice says to me I love our stuff here and our new city. Does she miss her Dad? definately! Does she want to go back to California? Some days yes! Then thing that keeps me sane is she is a Rock! She has adapted to this move better then I could have ever imagined and on most days better then her mommy has! She is strong, Brave, and everything I could have dreamed of in a child! I look at her and I know as long as we have each other we will be ok! Better then ok we will be blessed beyond belief.</div><div><br></div><div>As we have recovered from our second bout of the flu in less then a month I still giggle about whe she went to the bathroom yesterday and had bright green poop from the blue Gatorade she had been drinking. She looks at me and grins ear to ear and says look mom it is green that is my favorite color! I love this kid!</div>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0Woodbridge Hills Portage42.207435 -85.633864tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-46165669775393743632015-02-24T19:01:00.001-08:002015-02-24T19:01:03.727-08:00Regrets<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today as I laid down to go to sleep I thought of all the silly things my Child said to me over the course of today...then I was like "what did she say the other day about magic cookies?" When it happened I thought to myself Blog about this...did I do it NO and now I will wonder what the saying was until the end of time. If be some improbable chance I do remember I am doing to stop doing what I am doing and document it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmk0SbMcLpZd7mwOFiq-oCSBAd6_UKd7NXardZhmbjlU5iq6ybtC9n-Wwob4wp9C0yJO9nHw5QK8CEwcrRbuRUuPZkix_pTAbpqoy9Lc6xrukbG1uYOJdoKkBiDfy0KC5xLDviugCjrag/s640/blogger-image--11196261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmk0SbMcLpZd7mwOFiq-oCSBAd6_UKd7NXardZhmbjlU5iq6ybtC9n-Wwob4wp9C0yJO9nHw5QK8CEwcrRbuRUuPZkix_pTAbpqoy9Lc6xrukbG1uYOJdoKkBiDfy0KC5xLDviugCjrag/s640/blogger-image--11196261.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The sad fact is I was probably too busy with a work email or doing things around the house but I am going to try and do better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today she came home from school saying cheers... To my absolute horror! I thought to myself if this make her happy I will embrace it. Cause honestly time goes by way too fast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOjH_SY8fR7OXI3EYEQ8xLn7jZn17VvK_iO9gIK77ag6KtrJFdL4XNYivFfrmutOmvMpLcl9Km6B8YKxrUGBkld_oQmGq-ZmXrdLvazq44IhJbsWBw70l6ckIjKYcl7cv8Ul82D5jGccg/s640/blogger-image--548767857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOjH_SY8fR7OXI3EYEQ8xLn7jZn17VvK_iO9gIK77ag6KtrJFdL4XNYivFfrmutOmvMpLcl9Km6B8YKxrUGBkld_oQmGq-ZmXrdLvazq44IhJbsWBw70l6ckIjKYcl7cv8Ul82D5jGccg/s640/blogger-image--548767857.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So yeah bed time came and went but we laughed, sang, cuddled and embraced the moment. I even got to hear her "Go Go Gators, Fight Fight Fight" cheer one last time before she closed her eyes and I wouldn't trade that for the world!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRW8mYlmzCVGqfuu8l1vmxJOtd-f7Jd6XTf4PsvwObmYvstPGMLl2JTnQx89HAGZ7qjaA09WUmYw_t10enprhHodpiOoS5uzSznTiITaLn37IDKk-O4hcKd0F2Hpa4prikLGOBn0dFong/s640/blogger-image-1868384335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRW8mYlmzCVGqfuu8l1vmxJOtd-f7Jd6XTf4PsvwObmYvstPGMLl2JTnQx89HAGZ7qjaA09WUmYw_t10enprhHodpiOoS5uzSznTiITaLn37IDKk-O4hcKd0F2Hpa4prikLGOBn0dFong/s640/blogger-image-1868384335.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-32667940675956108542015-02-15T06:07:00.004-08:002015-02-24T19:06:56.471-08:00The things Children say....<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I keep telling myself that I am going to document my child's funny saying but someone it never gets done. Today I am going to try and change that a little bit at a time. After having a 103 fever for 3 days it was a relief to have my silly and crazy girl back to herself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first morning conversation went like this:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Me: What in the world are you doing?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">C: Trying to be a Parrot</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Me: A Parrot?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">C: Yeah but your shoulder is too wiggly </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then we put her Valentines day gift of Hungry Hungry Hippos to good use since yesterday she really wasn't up to playing. As we started to play I realized why my father use to try and let us win without letting us know he was letting us we. Cause it is awesome to see you child get so excited when they win. As we played and my daughter adopted a third person perspective it filled my heart with joy and she won game after game. Well then that one time when I accidentally won because ball just went in my hippos mouth by fate and mom couldn't help it. As we put the balls back in to play again my daughter looks and me and says "Let Charlie win" At that moment I realized that I needed her to know she has to earn her wins, so I told her mommy doesn't let Charlie win Charlie has to earn her wins. This happened for a couple of games and then as we were putting the marbles together to start another game she tells me....I know, I know Charlie has to practice winning! Love My daughter and how bright she is I hope I don't fail at continuing to preserve that beautiful heart of Love she has!!</span></span>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-41429463161434599822014-12-07T06:10:00.001-08:002014-12-07T06:10:05.520-08:00First Michigan Holiday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yEYpZK91nntkIeEl5pQtQZ-ZiK7-CffasrxCXDa6bcmHramXMbrJ-G-t48lgUdESsGbtAfDQWDx_AdaIplVuZExcgHzWX5UwwgRN08ngSpD9i6O1lTuakEJNnHr-zlw0XwqGh1_hhVB2/s1600/IMG_0737.2014-11-27_234503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yEYpZK91nntkIeEl5pQtQZ-ZiK7-CffasrxCXDa6bcmHramXMbrJ-G-t48lgUdESsGbtAfDQWDx_AdaIplVuZExcgHzWX5UwwgRN08ngSpD9i6O1lTuakEJNnHr-zlw0XwqGh1_hhVB2/s1600/IMG_0737.2014-11-27_234503.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Well we are settling in and with that comes our first Holidays in Michigan. We went out to eat for Thanksgiving even though we did have a lot of offers to join friends. Charlie has been a Champ with the move, but after returning from California to get our stuff she has needed more one on one time with Mommy! She loves going out to eat so this was really a treat for her.<br />
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We put up our Christmas tree and my Girlie Girl is loving wearing her Christmas dress. Below she is deck out before we even had time to do her hair she wanted pictures. She keeps telling me that this is the best Christmas ever. Love seeing the world through the eyes of babies! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3bByIkx0RGcPHjB3clPXV1aLyAcwJ6cIaKvJmJu2B6LLqa4yyeZLD29pNDp0_12t_omsI1fVNto5VOtcGoz24qZib4ZgLF_KJdN9i1UiayzSTCSoB633i0khZSCxPrSf7NzGPpLNJFxP/s1600/IMG_0792.2014-12-06_133939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3bByIkx0RGcPHjB3clPXV1aLyAcwJ6cIaKvJmJu2B6LLqa4yyeZLD29pNDp0_12t_omsI1fVNto5VOtcGoz24qZib4ZgLF_KJdN9i1UiayzSTCSoB633i0khZSCxPrSf7NzGPpLNJFxP/s1600/IMG_0792.2014-12-06_133939.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>She is loving the snow! We had quite a bit of snow before Thanksgiving and it has since melted. She can't wait for it to snow again. Mommy on the other hand isn't as excited about this fact, but we will figure that out too. She wants to go skiing...a girl after my own heart.<br />
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The craziest thing at the moment on this adventure is we are looking at buying a house next year. Just praying for direction and making sure it is the right thing to do, As exciting as it is I have been a little overwhelmed by the entire process. I think it is just all the change which has been for the good, but will take some time to get use to.<br />
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Now to figure out how to update my blog title from Idaho to California and change it to..Idaho to California to Michigan! Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-43143786182802305462014-08-18T21:33:00.001-07:002014-08-18T21:33:11.754-07:00Being Real!I was trying to spell a word that was just outside of what spell correct can pick up with my very limited spelling skills and I thought to myself..."Self just be real"<div><br></div><div>I like to think that I am a pretty real person, but there is room for improvement always. One thing I have really tried hard to do the past few years is when I tell someone I am going to pray for them that I actually do it. Something I am a bit ashamed of is I will stop right in that moment and say a heartfelt prayer, but then move on with my life. I may not even pray about it again or follow up to see how the person is doing after praying for them. How heartfelt is that?</div><div><br></div><div>So tonight I write and I want to be more intentional with my prayers and love for others. Life is only as busy as we make it! There is always time to stop and pray or love on someone. If there isn't that what is the purpose in life?</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdwcL3qQaiZQrknwVvaZHXFh0-_cuQxDFAjBXTK1Micw4b-OeeRZoFsfeEIYQJ7UCka843wf9pqwyiPIjJWbIekMuBMEDsOaRld4RIdockpjg7j1-UXKRK84tpLyyHIVK7knWPd-lEP4D/s640/blogger-image--1413273174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdwcL3qQaiZQrknwVvaZHXFh0-_cuQxDFAjBXTK1Micw4b-OeeRZoFsfeEIYQJ7UCka843wf9pqwyiPIjJWbIekMuBMEDsOaRld4RIdockpjg7j1-UXKRK84tpLyyHIVK7knWPd-lEP4D/s640/blogger-image--1413273174.jpg"></a></div>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-32918507902463656282014-08-10T12:40:00.001-07:002014-08-10T12:40:30.492-07:00MichiganWell after a quick trip to Boston I turned around and jumped on a plane to Michigan the home town of Derek Jeter Kalamazoo. Nice to have such exciting opportunities in my life but now I am tired, very emotional, and have some big decisions to make in the very near future. I really enjoyed my trip to Kalamazoo it felt like going home. I love the idea of moving out of the city and hopeful that I could be a home owner at some point in my life.<div>That being said it is going to be something that has happened a lot faster then I planned. Which in all honesty is a good thing so I don't over think it too much.</div><div>The next few weeks could prove to be interesting and exciting for me!</div>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-35209928340096935482014-08-05T21:43:00.001-07:002014-08-05T21:44:42.226-07:00Bean TownWhat a view! What an adventure? Interviewing on the East Coast for an Amazing job. I would almost go as far as to say my "dream" job, but how do you pack up and leave everything you know. Ok when I was 24 I did it but at 40 with a 2 year old doesn't it seem a bit crazy? My belief is that God has a plan and I May not understand it but he could be opening doors I never imagined! Doing my best to live for the day and trust that all will work out as planned!<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm85wftqL1OiGIoXNv_1dJcxLgRQFOKi2_2Y3_VKHJFYbriDBb17o8eqgFe3SLj2g3o27oUgbtMnyuKEPoQbO4VJARKQohAHlsCPgRQOoV4Awau1-PoPa9_LjnP4azarZaKHU-Dlu-3Xa/s640/blogger-image--1921045302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm85wftqL1OiGIoXNv_1dJcxLgRQFOKi2_2Y3_VKHJFYbriDBb17o8eqgFe3SLj2g3o27oUgbtMnyuKEPoQbO4VJARKQohAHlsCPgRQOoV4Awau1-PoPa9_LjnP4azarZaKHU-Dlu-3Xa/s640/blogger-image--1921045302.jpg"></a></div>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0Royal Sonesta Boston 40 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge42.366916 -71.075099tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-55649059331945293572014-08-02T12:02:00.000-07:002014-08-02T12:02:02.612-07:00Boston, Michigan, Seattle, San Francisco....OH MY!!!Once again it has been forever since I have blogged. It is safe to say that the last four years of my life have been a little crazy and while I probably should have documented them I didn't. So now after going to Africa, having a child, being laid off from my job, moving and working a crappy job for a year, going back to the job I was laid off from as a contractor I find myself in an exciting phase of my life. Next week I will be off on a series of job interviews to see where my next adventure might take me. It is a bit scary and very exciting to see where this next chapter of my life takes me.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46GEXYoxeNvq96fWaZy8WrKK1O4hcJfjxKOzQmsh9mCyiE4EdFOuN2IdocReEwx-OLkpbVxonhgNxAX99qKipySJjDKsdJ_AOBV9xaD6PuA4A5QKHxfOsfpI5nbZLoddtygKRd7itLu9w/s1600/10471257_10152361107659121_1091431400216986944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46GEXYoxeNvq96fWaZy8WrKK1O4hcJfjxKOzQmsh9mCyiE4EdFOuN2IdocReEwx-OLkpbVxonhgNxAX99qKipySJjDKsdJ_AOBV9xaD6PuA4A5QKHxfOsfpI5nbZLoddtygKRd7itLu9w/s320/10471257_10152361107659121_1091431400216986944_n.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffGvzVDk95JAo9_J1kjXUzxNqrc_mk7pPh-s3Z7wbMHRerkHL9kGPbrlH-TRzPGP9wzG0SNfUAjO37v3p2XfaPe8Gsu_weVvwYROUcrk2QW_A1I1ZSdya3paAJBytU661OnCvQaGeO35X/s1600/10552413_10152362362444121_3295288539100205009_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffGvzVDk95JAo9_J1kjXUzxNqrc_mk7pPh-s3Z7wbMHRerkHL9kGPbrlH-TRzPGP9wzG0SNfUAjO37v3p2XfaPe8Gsu_weVvwYROUcrk2QW_A1I1ZSdya3paAJBytU661OnCvQaGeO35X/s320/10552413_10152362362444121_3295288539100205009_n.jpg" /></a>
The love of my life turns 3 in November and I can't believe how fast she is growing up. I hope whatever change takes place I can get her settled and some sort of routine in her life.Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-14927534393594569332014-01-11T14:36:00.001-08:002014-01-11T14:36:23.004-08:00My Daughters Laugh!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdoqCgbu5CfqGJD2DoftUvu6ySvQ1eSdhBkRIr_IRW-ReTIljNR6p0nHT4yRQcd2yRUO9N6a6hCqAvPJVMIZRRA6TPIvt0HHtZ4-Ocl81XrlYtrJzP4Q6PZIkk9PWTKb8WlMMxaHERupq/s1600/1393469_10151918927384121_1919203211_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdoqCgbu5CfqGJD2DoftUvu6ySvQ1eSdhBkRIr_IRW-ReTIljNR6p0nHT4yRQcd2yRUO9N6a6hCqAvPJVMIZRRA6TPIvt0HHtZ4-Ocl81XrlYtrJzP4Q6PZIkk9PWTKb8WlMMxaHERupq/s320/1393469_10151918927384121_1919203211_n.jpg" /></a></div>
Just when I think I am through wondering why I do what I do I hear infectious laughter come from my daughter's room. Her and her dad are upstairs doing whatever it is that makes her giggle from her belly.
I have been praying a lot lately about my future where it will take us and was reminded today by a friend that my prayer is flawed. Instead of praying for God to remove the obstacles I should really be praying for strength and guidance to conquer the mountain I need to climb to get to the other side. A different friend encouraged me with this "God has everyday planned out for us. Why fret and worry about tomorrow if it is all planned out anyway? EVERY DETAIL of the day is already planned." I am not in control God is, yes he allows me to make my own decisions but he wants me to chose to follow him and let him be in control. He will not force his will on me he wants me to ask for his will and let him take control of every situation. Why do I find that so hard to understand? So many times thinking I know more than God does? I am reminded daily of just how awesome of a God I serve at 37 I never thought I would have a child of my own and he stepped in and said see what I can do? She is my joy! Also a reminder that we shouldn't put God in a box...I am guilty of this everyday. I pray for God to give me the strength to overcome and not run away. "The harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph." With God on our side we will have that triumph!!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-8883880147444193062014-01-09T16:12:00.001-08:002014-01-09T16:14:33.411-08:00New Year = New StartWhen thinking about the title of my post I realize that everyday is a new start and a blessing from God. I didn't set a New Year's resolution this year but instead to set a goal each day as to want to accomplish. It took some time for me to really decide on what I wanted to do and come to realize I feel so much failure when I set resolutions only to not see them come full circle.My message from God App today said "You have to face problems however difficult they are. Having the bravery to face your difficulties is the hardest step; working through the problem is often easier than you think. The first step is always the hardest." Most the time I take on a task and instead of taking baby steps and focus on the finish line. Don't get me wrong I am not saying you shouldn't have long term goals, but for me sometimes I take on too much too soon instead of trusting God and enjoying the process.
Today as I was at the park with my daughter I just sat back and enjoyed watching her run, slide, and swing. I loved that it brought her so much joy. Life's simple pleasures all to often get missed by day to day stress. The stress of finding a new job, paying bills, what to do for dinner, or just keeping up with the Jones never crossed my mind. As I realized this I realized how happy I truly am at this point in my life. Everything isn't close to perfect and I have a lot on my plate, but I am praying, trusting and believing God has a plan and it is bigger than anything I could ever imagine. I have spent the last 40 years of my life trying to control everything, make things perfect, or the way I think they should be. You know what it hasn't worked and I have be unhappy doing it. So I have a new approach, it's God turn and I want his will in my life whatever that might be. Am I afraid sometimes? Everyday, but I know I am in good hands.
This is the first time in a long time I have even signed onto blogger. Today as I did I was thinking in my head that I am going to do this everyday and use it as my journal, but then thoughts of failure and not being true to that crossed my mind. So I started to write and decided that I am going to take one day at a time, enjoy this time with my daughter, and document moments as often as I can. Sharing blessing, failures, successes, and frustrations. Starting there and seeing where it leads!!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-8568990056606674202013-03-30T11:55:00.001-07:002013-03-30T11:55:41.970-07:00Trying to get back in the Swing of things!!!No Mom this is not an April Fools joke....I am starting a new job on Monday and have decided that I am going to forget so many of Miss Charlie's firsts that I need to get my rear in gear and start blogging again.
She is already talking up a storm and as we can understand a lot of what she is saying there is a lot that is still in question and I truly believe this is a good thing. Her favorite thing right now is tell me that she is stinky and poo poo. Most the time she is right, but she uses it to get out of taking naps and/or doing things she doesn't want to do.
We have had two successful days without her bottle and as fearful as I was about taking it from her I think it was harder on her dad and I then it has been on her.
Well this post is short and sweet,but hopefully I can keep them coming and make some good memories for my baby girl.<strike></strike>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-7135472293991604342012-06-18T15:31:00.000-07:002012-06-18T15:31:07.943-07:00Boy How time flies!!!It has been forever and a day since my last post and my mom and Cindy I am sure have given up on me. I am going to try and get into the groove again as Miss Charlie grows up way to fast for my liking. Tomorrow my baby will be 7 months old. She is crawling and wanting to walk so bad she just can't stand it. Her newest thing is standing up in her crib. Which she thinks is pretty awesome until she tries to sit down and can't figure out how to do it without falling. Mom and Dad are super scared that she is going to figure out a way to crawl out of the crib and land on her head, so we watch very close. I think we are going to have to drop the mattress again just to avoid that from happening.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UL6KVFEm1gc9-Xu2j4EO15y3N3BUy2i6wIOMpjYb7-H8x1esWd6yse3D34HElh6yajnnLlKZtWYvhhAKTOpDleVn16qywE8anCE_sBeZI8RAdD65cXhI_qwDGHIKP2VUeado2ORWaAYJ/s1600/img_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UL6KVFEm1gc9-Xu2j4EO15y3N3BUy2i6wIOMpjYb7-H8x1esWd6yse3D34HElh6yajnnLlKZtWYvhhAKTOpDleVn16qywE8anCE_sBeZI8RAdD65cXhI_qwDGHIKP2VUeado2ORWaAYJ/s320/img_0038.jpg" /></a>
This last week she has just had so much personality. It is amazing to see the changes from day to day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPl65UtphQYAEq_il-ABqJeZibOoEcpl0Or_jxN0WTF2q1xsAiJ7xhmyWl0PEgI5EA1MWZPB9PkXGhq_UZmZrH0swUSO66gOmI0vfrC4G8kXgTZrhCqm2nNHy5B-WAHBlVQMYnHAT3G6V/s1600/img_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPl65UtphQYAEq_il-ABqJeZibOoEcpl0Or_jxN0WTF2q1xsAiJ7xhmyWl0PEgI5EA1MWZPB9PkXGhq_UZmZrH0swUSO66gOmI0vfrC4G8kXgTZrhCqm2nNHy5B-WAHBlVQMYnHAT3G6V/s320/img_0008.jpg" /></a>
Ok and now I hope we are back on track because I am now able to upload pictures. We leave for Idaho in Two days so I will be sure to update you on the trip when we get back!!!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-59901745082245678292012-01-03T16:01:00.000-08:002012-01-03T16:01:20.654-08:00Charlize Renae Kinard-Davis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaS9MLhFfq5i03oaZn-kbhWhTu0vG18FRFuDXlold5KJpCFjM78eH2DJSw4lZLY5QWyga2Uywu0qq8nlgbNKzkc_mseOf1T7bqsSNFt2z7njRxepv185J3hXvyzSiVx4r7A8em3lLVrye/s1600/download+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="291" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaS9MLhFfq5i03oaZn-kbhWhTu0vG18FRFuDXlold5KJpCFjM78eH2DJSw4lZLY5QWyga2Uywu0qq8nlgbNKzkc_mseOf1T7bqsSNFt2z7njRxepv185J3hXvyzSiVx4r7A8em3lLVrye/s400/download+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
On November 12, 2011 my life changed forever and I experienced what my family likes to call "THE BIG LOVE" My daughter Charlie was born and true to form for her momma she didn't come into this world without a little drama (Go figure).<br />
I was due on November 5th and my mom arrived in town on November 7th the evening before my next doctor's appointment. When we went to the appointment Tuesday morning I had expressed concern that the baby wasn't as active as she had been in the past so my MD scheduled a non stress test. Mom and I went directly to the hospital from my appointment and my amniotic fluid was around 9.3 and anything under 10 was considered low so I was schedule for another stress test on Friday morning if she didn't come before then. So we started the waiting game which grandma wasn't very good at. I had another MD appointment on Thursday and now looking back I say my Doctor jinxed me because she told me I had a 6 or 7 LBS baby that was in great position so once she decides to come it should go smooth.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mOlsj0Ocg6KM8u5r5l_aFFcNjHIm1k0UTGUiXb6Z-iNIZddNT6Xz7uBgGpeSK9C3RtXH23lT2C-7ZufDufaieNCcu23zQlJbprM6O2gEwNiZevtebQXe4mmLLwzQcCuFxyMtwnZNfyCI/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="291" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mOlsj0Ocg6KM8u5r5l_aFFcNjHIm1k0UTGUiXb6Z-iNIZddNT6Xz7uBgGpeSK9C3RtXH23lT2C-7ZufDufaieNCcu23zQlJbprM6O2gEwNiZevtebQXe4mmLLwzQcCuFxyMtwnZNfyCI/s400/download+%25282%2529.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
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In the mean time my Auntie Terri had asked what the number of the amniotic fluid meant and of course I had no clue. Friday morning came and we had to be at the hospital by 8am and in order to pass the time and have pretty toes for delivery mom and I were going to get our toes done after my appointment. When we got to the hospital we had the same nurse as we did before and while she was doing the test I asked her the question that my Auntie had asked me and she told me that anything at 5 or below and I wouldn't be going home. Then in the next breath told me I was at 5.3 and she didn't think I was going home, but she had to call the MD. I forgot to mention that this was on 11/11/11 so when they decided to induce me grandma got excited. I called Charlie's dad LeNorris right before he walked into a job interview and looking back maybe I should have waited until after he was done because I know he worried the entire time. We drove back to the house to pick up my stuff while they got the paperwork ready for me to be admitted to the hospital and checked into the hospital.<br />
LeNorris had surgery on his foot the Tuesday that I had the non stress test so he was in a lot of pain. He came by the hospital after his interview to make sure I was ok...he had to see it with his own eyes. Then I sent him home to rest and mom and I started the longest wait of my life. We played cribbage and she made Charlie a blanket and nothing happened. The biggest excitement which wasn't really good was Charlie kept rolling over on her umbilical cord and cutting off her oxygen supply since my fluid was low so they would have to roll me over in different positions to move her off of it. When the doctor came in at 4pm on Saturday nothing had changed since we checked in Friday morning and she told us we probably wouldn't have the baby until tomorrow. So I called LeNorris and told him to stay home and rest since he was in pain. Later he told me he thought I didn't want him there and I felt bad.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HCFKrLmLFmWGK5Na-PqqanIqEN_SDtggYO-W6KxKTRNjiPN81KGGqy1VBSU27e8Nz5hk4n28T53wQ67MuArgi2YqUXn0LemuCxm4stc0kymLndcyy7-_KgxlVBWzkHKeX8BwjiocunVs/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="291" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HCFKrLmLFmWGK5Na-PqqanIqEN_SDtggYO-W6KxKTRNjiPN81KGGqy1VBSU27e8Nz5hk4n28T53wQ67MuArgi2YqUXn0LemuCxm4stc0kymLndcyy7-_KgxlVBWzkHKeX8BwjiocunVs/s400/download+%25283%2529.jpeg" /></a></div>So after getting my head around nothing was going to happen and I was stuck in the hospital for yet another day between 5-5:30pm I really had to go to the bathroom. Since I was being induce they had to check me before letting me go in even though the doctor had just been in at 4pm and checked me. The nurse was surprised to find that I was at 4cm, but said it was fine for me to use the restroom. When I finished and came out I was in a lot of pain. I asked for drugs and when I would be able to get an epidural. So the anesthesiologist was called and I thought I was in for a drug induced comfortable night...I was wrong! After struggling to get the epidural I was told I could use the bathroom after they inserted the catheter, but Miss Charlie decided it was time for her to come into the world right then. Unfortunately she didn't handle the contractions at this time and we had to have an emergency C-Section. After getting in the O.R. I found out the epidural didn't work, so after trying to restart it then poking me 3 to 4 times for a spinal tap and being unsuccessful I had to be put under general anesthesia for the delivery. Below is Charlie and my first picture together though I was not aware of it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0PUVMfcS9j_xwEfL-ds7t1E0yLl7BL9M2T_EWB3gSaOevf8A2DIwPUQjvFE_fa31rhiGQlPZF_9TZEB8dBl_3EjDOigRl9nvPA03JgnYMfxWXCwxq6UCjlcOIwoTGoNXjqN_MuwnY2xY/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0PUVMfcS9j_xwEfL-ds7t1E0yLl7BL9M2T_EWB3gSaOevf8A2DIwPUQjvFE_fa31rhiGQlPZF_9TZEB8dBl_3EjDOigRl9nvPA03JgnYMfxWXCwxq6UCjlcOIwoTGoNXjqN_MuwnY2xY/s400/download.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
After being in the hospital for 6 days I was ready to get home, but after being let go I found myself back in the hosptial again the next day with complications. Needless to say it was a difficult process to recovery, but my little princess was worth it all. I love her so much!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-52544051943861737322011-06-10T12:26:00.000-07:002011-06-10T12:26:07.599-07:00Blessings!I heard this song by Laura Story a few weeks ago called Blessings.<br />
The words go:<br />
We pray for blessings, we pray for peace<br />
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep<br />
We pray for healing, for prosperity<br />
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering<br />
<br />
All the while You hear each spoken need<br />
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things<br />
<br />
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops<br />
What if Your healing comes through tears?<br />
What if a thousand sleepless nights<br />
Are what it takes to know You're near?<br />
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What if trials of this life<br />
Are Your mercies in disguise?<br />
<br />
I wonder how many times I have been so focused on what I want and what I am not getting that I have missed the blessing that are right in front of me. It was a nice reminder that just because Life isn't the way we planned it doesn't mean God has forgot about us it just means he has bigger things in store.<br />
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The past few months I have found myself in the Why me? mode and it has just been the past few weeks I have come to realize the blessing God has given me. I don't know what tomorrow is going to bring or most days how I am going to make it with a child, but I know that if I leave it in God's hands it will work out how he intended.<br />
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So now I am a little over a week until I find out what we are having and I can't wait to find out if it is a boy or a girl. Everyone keeps asking me what I want and the truthful answer is I really don't care I just want to know one way or the other. Grandma and Grandpa Kinard along with Daddy are hoping for a boy. There are mixed feelings between my friends some say they think a Boy other a girl. I pray we will know on June 20th...baby needs to not be shy if it is going to survive in this family.Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-24250438304200420842011-05-18T13:29:00.000-07:002011-05-18T13:38:28.659-07:00Blessed to be an American!I was spending my after lunch time looking through Facebook updates and it broke my heart to see some of the posted that people have put up there. I realize that most of the people that are posting have never left the country let alone spent time in a 3rd world country. I didn't grow up rich but I never went without and I can say that I never went WEEK let alone months without meat. My day doesn't consist of planning my one and only meal for the day. Most of the people if they do get one meal a day feel very lucky! So it may not make a lot of sense to many people because we have government programs that cloth, feed, and send children to school. Americans many times choose not to eat, get educated, or go to the doctor because of pride not because it isn't available to them.Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-55471763887143032572011-05-12T12:28:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:41:16.299-07:00My Little Fur Babies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55rQ7iocH7hEOMYwSq8YyCynSIWn8dd8jYnisb0ZQD6JOkTACKFFhxMuIxB3MGoBe1aG9bM1AHjwcU2i99bDK8iZmAr37V8TfIo35gPrD0bXrOV0c3lNfOHRF1p-EPF4pxTUhGZjUqdUH/s1600/230734_10150190531404121_630569120_6798388_3368190_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55rQ7iocH7hEOMYwSq8YyCynSIWn8dd8jYnisb0ZQD6JOkTACKFFhxMuIxB3MGoBe1aG9bM1AHjwcU2i99bDK8iZmAr37V8TfIo35gPrD0bXrOV0c3lNfOHRF1p-EPF4pxTUhGZjUqdUH/s400/230734_10150190531404121_630569120_6798388_3368190_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605913000299940450" /></a><br />Well there have been a lot of changes in my household lately, but the one my fur babies love the most is having a man around the house. If you didn't think they could get spoiled any more then they already were think again. LeNorris has been a God sent when it comes to taking care of "the boys" as they are so fondly known around the house. He takes them for walks at least once a day and shows them a ton of attention that "mommy" just hasn't been up to showing them the past few months. I have yet to get a picture of it, but it is pretty funny to see my boyfriend who is rather large rolling around town with 2 Shih Tzu's at his side, but he loves it just as much as they do.Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-39155909087843405792011-05-07T12:26:00.000-07:002011-05-07T12:34:57.235-07:00We are having a baby!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBNhcQCthXeT4FE5UEIIW0JaxoGcP2OYjpVnl1Ee2UE8WS0aTDo-vNzHIR1eFJGu3ptQ1robVtoekgFXapsYhgB63zdFpwZyat9Q7NW26pIU1wUssey9I1mz4dlkAkfMjKdWDbU1tg1md/s1600/IMG_1030.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBNhcQCthXeT4FE5UEIIW0JaxoGcP2OYjpVnl1Ee2UE8WS0aTDo-vNzHIR1eFJGu3ptQ1robVtoekgFXapsYhgB63zdFpwZyat9Q7NW26pIU1wUssey9I1mz4dlkAkfMjKdWDbU1tg1md/s400/IMG_1030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604058140434717906" /></a><br /><br />Well to say it has been a crazy year is kind of an understatement. After returning from Africa I had a lot of health problems and after several tests in February was given a clean bill of health. After all of that I still wasn't feeling my best and after some encouragement from my Aunt Terri took a pregnancy test and found out I was expecting. This was a complete shock considering last month my OB had told me that this would be near impossible at my age....Just goes to show you that the doctor isn't always right. We keep going back and forth about the due date so it is sometime between Nov 7 and Nov 17. I am banking on Nov 17th and I just have a big baby in there considering that daddy measures in at 6'6.Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-66360295656725508802011-03-01T09:42:00.000-08:002011-03-01T09:53:30.613-08:00What is Happiness?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVR0WvwvKAdJg9toHVHgqhl4RuMPNCL-9B7UT6RNU8uWqfMKiOY9XF2kiDC7aw466rAysrhr1T9gG8ce-kahydG_nwvTQ4pt00JX4NukhrsfBFCe1CohJtNgFTu0rWFwsx3kqZJGyOyBb/s1600/imagejpeg_2_14%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVR0WvwvKAdJg9toHVHgqhl4RuMPNCL-9B7UT6RNU8uWqfMKiOY9XF2kiDC7aw466rAysrhr1T9gG8ce-kahydG_nwvTQ4pt00JX4NukhrsfBFCe1CohJtNgFTu0rWFwsx3kqZJGyOyBb/s400/imagejpeg_2_14%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579168530959864514" /></a><br /><br />There are many answers to that question depending on who you ask. Today while I was driving to work I was pondering a saying that I wrote down a few weeks ago "Happiness does not come from seeking new landscapes but from having new eyes on the same life you've always been living" We are a very blessed people after my trip to Africa I am ashamed at the amount of stuff I have. Then I started to think most of the people that live in Jos Nigeria. They are just happy if they have a meal everyday, a roof over head, and warm clothes during the winter months. I wonder how many people here in America would be happy with just that? Not many that I know of, even the homeless and poverty stricken have more then those people do. The sad thing is we still aren't happy. Then add the job, the car, the money and we want more. I don't want to be so busy seeking the material things that I forget what I am really here for...to seek more of God! Enjoy time with family, stop and smell the roses, live in the day. I find myself so caught up with the worries of tomorrow that I forget to stop and enjoy the blessings of today.<br /><br />Yesterday when I received this picture of my niece it was all I needed to make me happy. It reminded me to live in the moment and be thankful for what I have not upset over the things I don't!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-5834805021146935692011-02-22T15:51:00.000-08:002011-02-22T15:53:26.104-08:00Who is holding the bubbles in your life??I had posted a link to this story last year and today was touched by it again! I don't want to be the one holding the bubbles:<br /><br />Holding On, by Cathy Huffer, Back2Back Mexico Staff<br />By Back2Back <br /><br />Marcos<br />This is Marcos. Recently we blew bubbles together. I purposely held the bubbles so they wouldn’t spill. After just a short bit it became quite apparent that he wanted to hold the bubbles. I started out with a simple “no”. However, our struggle grew and I realized this little guy was quite determined. So I began my explanation of what could happen if I gave him the bubble bottle. He seemed unimpressed and kept fighting me for the bubbles. As stubborn as I can be, I finally caved and let him have the bubbles. Just as I expected, he spilled the bubbles all down the front of his shirt as the bottle fell to the ground spilling out on the ground around it.<br /><br />Later that night God brought this back to my memory. As I recalled the sequence of events, He spoke these truths to my heart. Often I am like Marcos, wanting so badly to hold onto a situation, a relationship, control over my loved ones, a career, whatever it may be. As long as it is in the Lord’s hands, I can dip my wand in the bubbles and enjoy. However the moment I grab things back and take control, things begin to get messy. I find if I try and manipulate the situation around me when I know God has something different in mind, things get messy. I’ve seen it in my teen years when I wanted a relationship to last longer even after God told me to let it go, or when I thought I knew making more money would make me happier and it didn’t, and now wishing things were different with my mom and not wanting to feel the hurt. God wants differently. God wants to be in control and asks me to trust. Who’s holding the bubbles in your life?<br /><br />Original link: http://back2backministries.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/holding-on/Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-27149527743254385302011-02-22T14:27:00.000-08:002011-02-22T15:44:25.722-08:00Our team in AfricaBertke's Buddies <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_szq0QFh4XqTct5tur8gDpz_J7vmXk-S4z7wv37YFeeTP7Z9Fs8-3ZRezIKWSA77cnQ-SEEktyhzOhNBZD_fUpG1fIlDxLgjpqFmbT83xHMRx7JX6L336KaYuDfmlzA0IThox1-a8i093/s1600/168235_10150092203034121_630569120_6002076_4272700_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_szq0QFh4XqTct5tur8gDpz_J7vmXk-S4z7wv37YFeeTP7Z9Fs8-3ZRezIKWSA77cnQ-SEEktyhzOhNBZD_fUpG1fIlDxLgjpqFmbT83xHMRx7JX6L336KaYuDfmlzA0IThox1-a8i093/s400/168235_10150092203034121_630569120_6002076_4272700_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663673971648914" /></a><br />Back2Back Staff Kids<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZsPb7EBrpnT37hF40ZN4hTEem05c_VuDsakIVzJ6ZOeLvMx2EvRV-6b96ukZ-dhghzp4mXvX3BxI_v9SxDSBO1h0TVL65RJ7ALW4TZizn4na6j1xOsONQUrvjq46F-Uik7M4Q_3UNsa3/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZsPb7EBrpnT37hF40ZN4hTEem05c_VuDsakIVzJ6ZOeLvMx2EvRV-6b96ukZ-dhghzp4mXvX3BxI_v9SxDSBO1h0TVL65RJ7ALW4TZizn4na6j1xOsONQUrvjq46F-Uik7M4Q_3UNsa3/s400/IMG_3027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663333609548706" /></a><br />Jason and Will<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqANuV1M-pcE6RuwBMGAE3WqJpQhRBR9cUuG2SoJY2WvpKHpQSnrw1Ta8jXsri58OVGNd32nNSixU5ooyX2xNbCAtuNgEyIwBEsrogiOpCzS1ew3jQRbUt_9QHEA0lcIagyS-Xjwsp-4P/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqANuV1M-pcE6RuwBMGAE3WqJpQhRBR9cUuG2SoJY2WvpKHpQSnrw1Ta8jXsri58OVGNd32nNSixU5ooyX2xNbCAtuNgEyIwBEsrogiOpCzS1ew3jQRbUt_9QHEA0lcIagyS-Xjwsp-4P/s400/IMG_0965.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576662863806316418" /></a><br />Karen and Brian<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWnppFuqyfHjmOy2279A5XUIHQeAlhQYxvIeEH4gC4B-f6g8-IUtZWDNgYWuLOHaiwYvXJuewMz07-_sBiOLZsuMgFiWTAoyJatzL6YBWXL4SeW1UEv8Ky_mDpXkLH7oxGEWd_1QaYSdz/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWnppFuqyfHjmOy2279A5XUIHQeAlhQYxvIeEH4gC4B-f6g8-IUtZWDNgYWuLOHaiwYvXJuewMz07-_sBiOLZsuMgFiWTAoyJatzL6YBWXL4SeW1UEv8Ky_mDpXkLH7oxGEWd_1QaYSdz/s400/IMG_0954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576662857978718258" /></a><br />Ibro, Brian, and Sunday<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-nQgCOug_JfY6dTzfrLOr_1TnWbZgWUogLqPg_AveqK07JPBWfvSR5t4APh-ZWx3Q9JbAFSqTbIT6HiMa3ofR5QDfnBvnAQQCTFU_LUt2mbQwlrBbsyYIpqxQxJqlu5RQTa4F3B-6hjW/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-nQgCOug_JfY6dTzfrLOr_1TnWbZgWUogLqPg_AveqK07JPBWfvSR5t4APh-ZWx3Q9JbAFSqTbIT6HiMa3ofR5QDfnBvnAQQCTFU_LUt2mbQwlrBbsyYIpqxQxJqlu5RQTa4F3B-6hjW/s400/IMG_0887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576662853765754034" /></a><br />SSE Boar hole crew Ibro, Barnabas, Brian, and Casey<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK3ndE6IVe2Gmfl1V8DeA6klK7ovLj6qqJbZC4G02yT83SZlTAtUK8rkTU0P5_9aRwOj-b14z6gs_stA31K0WuX6WZCoEwhwnDesgmJA__W2nx4YQc-v2EPwYtbq2z3nWWc18m4hf8tBj/s1600/DSC02946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK3ndE6IVe2Gmfl1V8DeA6klK7ovLj6qqJbZC4G02yT83SZlTAtUK8rkTU0P5_9aRwOj-b14z6gs_stA31K0WuX6WZCoEwhwnDesgmJA__W2nx4YQc-v2EPwYtbq2z3nWWc18m4hf8tBj/s400/DSC02946.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661761219814834" /></a><br />Inchy (I am sure I am spelling it wrong but an amazing man of God)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2iLYzz9GhyphenhyphenNKjEF1r0oQFfRqYeyxLgsXSSIRaSo3GQ5eSGx3v7LKQZaa0W4VS2edBEjw9vnAPcjDUxXQx-kgaAkd-vRrhXo37CHs_vimmV8yHes9Cc-M4jDCkQKB9ifLVHfuE0L-zD0V/s1600/DSC02810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2iLYzz9GhyphenhyphenNKjEF1r0oQFfRqYeyxLgsXSSIRaSo3GQ5eSGx3v7LKQZaa0W4VS2edBEjw9vnAPcjDUxXQx-kgaAkd-vRrhXo37CHs_vimmV8yHes9Cc-M4jDCkQKB9ifLVHfuE0L-zD0V/s400/DSC02810.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661755744296626" /></a><br />Crist and Eileen Hamilton<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKufbhX6mmocug2HnBlyPFClXR8uIIbUTk33Kk_nP4qPGiq0FagH2gIFjptk30nLTbJ4aNHqoTl_LvlNdTzszZhlQ_w4HIA_5AgAfN2V2S9mUlkUem65LI0sYk8BT9rlcTO5qSdIfmIAT/s1600/DSC02806.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKufbhX6mmocug2HnBlyPFClXR8uIIbUTk33Kk_nP4qPGiq0FagH2gIFjptk30nLTbJ4aNHqoTl_LvlNdTzszZhlQ_w4HIA_5AgAfN2V2S9mUlkUem65LI0sYk8BT9rlcTO5qSdIfmIAT/s400/DSC02806.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576660077025876658" /></a><br />Maria,Daniel, JoJo, and Casey<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH0cNO3p0YLuZz1YTFGspyj-qGKQF6o4AUs_M3Ptf2LG_w1gnwThotZCWwmhXf3S1fQPYHBwWrNCDBnDr1cc-94S1JDDVauJU6UgmN_MnnXLx66g_vM6iSMqLs4EQbGq2_wapoJb49XFM/s1600/DSC02783.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH0cNO3p0YLuZz1YTFGspyj-qGKQF6o4AUs_M3Ptf2LG_w1gnwThotZCWwmhXf3S1fQPYHBwWrNCDBnDr1cc-94S1JDDVauJU6UgmN_MnnXLx66g_vM6iSMqLs4EQbGq2_wapoJb49XFM/s400/DSC02783.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576660074885805634" /></a><br />The Guckenbergers<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FU166psAgrl_q5iNJLn3I_AUkZtaKh9Gt9GeUFS3jQCMPX2VWC9HpMX8nWCY0ab3nMIU2ThRjMQXpDOuZaRpqF2j0k4GSrNXR0WzKa15syCkbr6PKBOV-xqemRF1lhu4P0F6lFVhoCyE/s1600/DSC02575.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FU166psAgrl_q5iNJLn3I_AUkZtaKh9Gt9GeUFS3jQCMPX2VWC9HpMX8nWCY0ab3nMIU2ThRjMQXpDOuZaRpqF2j0k4GSrNXR0WzKa15syCkbr6PKBOV-xqemRF1lhu4P0F6lFVhoCyE/s400/DSC02575.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576660063449870786" /></a><br />Jim, Diane (aka Momma Frye),JoJo, Jeremiah, Rashell and Maria<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPuNM8MSUVjAQKoq5XmV8zlXfdKzEheKkHhTi8xEYDAmoon0Zl1OvcqlKrE8mRY_fbRBc9fC2SxYmD_j-BArneLsF0ocKRWnmdHPCCno2SC8P9JbMGygQnC0eiD3Wd1o90z12MWmwyCwS/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPuNM8MSUVjAQKoq5XmV8zlXfdKzEheKkHhTi8xEYDAmoon0Zl1OvcqlKrE8mRY_fbRBc9fC2SxYmD_j-BArneLsF0ocKRWnmdHPCCno2SC8P9JbMGygQnC0eiD3Wd1o90z12MWmwyCwS/s400/IMG_0891.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576645577797291186" /></a>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-88277269280428627372011-02-22T11:36:00.001-08:002011-02-22T11:43:16.088-08:00Follow up on Lydia....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdBIErhZwdMv2XQYbxkzLuehqJldPDkc3lEIZqBgF5Um7vK3I0fWgUFKuCkAhx2qHl-ZDcgweEcbgS7BxlV2gHjTyWqNfZxPTXeAiDNXyoGppK_eZ5xK7weLuZfMI6z10rbPBkfiX7Kg5/s1600/DSC_0494.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdBIErhZwdMv2XQYbxkzLuehqJldPDkc3lEIZqBgF5Um7vK3I0fWgUFKuCkAhx2qHl-ZDcgweEcbgS7BxlV2gHjTyWqNfZxPTXeAiDNXyoGppK_eZ5xK7weLuZfMI6z10rbPBkfiX7Kg5/s400/DSC_0494.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576601685743733538" /></a><br />Yesterday at work I recieved an email from back to back with a new blog post and as I read it tears came to my eyes. I continue to pray for Lydia and know God will continue to provide..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lydia, by Crist and Eileen Hamilton, Back2Back Nigeria Staff<br />By Back2Back <br />Let us introduce you to a widow from Jos by the name of Lydia. She had an accident recently and is now under Dr. Zamani’s care at the Doctor’s compound in the Kisayhip Village. We met her for the first time a few weeks ago when we took a team from the U.S. there to pray with the patients and to give them a live chicken and some food. Diane from North Carolina and Rashell from California were the two that went in to pray with her and get to know her better. She told them that she had to take all that she had to come to the doctor’s for treatment and she wasn’t sure what she would do when she returned home since she had nothing left except her place to stay. She was thankful to the Lord, however, for His provision and her beautiful smile radiated to show proof of what she said. She was so grateful to have women spend time with her and to pray for her needs.<br /><br /><br />Some on the team pooled their money together and last week I was able to stop in and pray with her and give her the money that the Lord had provided for her. She was speechless, thankful and smiling from ear to ear.<br /><br />Yesterday at the village church, who should we notice coming down the aisle (on her crutches) during the offering but Lydia with the biggest smile on her face. She had walked down the dusty, rocky road from the doctor’s compound to the church (about 1/4 mile) with a thankful heart. We are humbled by people like Lydia – they have so little by this world’s standards, yet like the widow in the Bible who gave her last coin to the Lord, Lydia, with a thankful heart, is His treasured child and is being blessed by God for her faithfulness.Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-42951573560751943652011-02-22T10:34:00.001-08:002011-02-22T11:35:42.984-08:00LydiaI think the reason I have had a hard time blogging about Africa is there is still so much to process. This trip changed me and all I can say is WOW! There were a lot of doubts about going on this trip for me, was I doing for myself, is this really what God has planned for me? I continue to learn everyday I shouldn't question God's purpose I should just go with it. If this story is the only reason I went to Africa it is more then enough. This is a widow from Nigeria named Lydia. She had been in a bad car accident in November and was still under Dr. Zumani's care in the Kisayhip village in January when we visited.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRcdjLqixlhdcrD2-AtYU5XHjEdtU4vj3E7myZ-7Jb23IOqjJqRWpQfBdXBEzuFM-69L2O882HTarAjXSxITeZVu3lHHJyusTyIxL0VBJz-4Zrt5vYOTftr_2zW-oGGde9YyxR2Sb2kqa/s1600/DSC_0500.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRcdjLqixlhdcrD2-AtYU5XHjEdtU4vj3E7myZ-7Jb23IOqjJqRWpQfBdXBEzuFM-69L2O882HTarAjXSxITeZVu3lHHJyusTyIxL0VBJz-4Zrt5vYOTftr_2zW-oGGde9YyxR2Sb2kqa/s400/DSC_0500.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576587022440648770" /></a> A little background on Dr. Zumani he is a healer he prays and God tells him how to treat each patient in his care. People travel from Jos to the Village to seek his care. It was a great reminder that God is still performing miracles in this day and age. As we talked to one of the Nigerian Back2Back staff he explain that a miracle is all these people have. I don't think twice about going to the doctor or hospital if I am sick or hurt and the doctor will fix the problem. I learned that I don't put enough trust in the healing power of God. I am not saying not to go to the doctor, but I should be also praying for healing and/or that God guides the doctors treating me the way he guides Dr. Zumani. I find myself so caught up my own worry I forget to give it to God.<br /><br /><br />The team that was there with us from North Carolina had donated money to take each patient under Dr. Zumani's care a chicken dinner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a7oD8aKuocFZ48VQceqaXE6Mq7OhQwoAReW00GNBfKdW_JKtFqwwMYO1r_BUo0zLvlqmRTowt5oDUwTnEwFIZY7WgywObWr-2keKDnRr3p9_sT6cWVdTCRKA_fuHHq3Et9KwLFq8G29r/s1600/DSC_0488.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a7oD8aKuocFZ48VQceqaXE6Mq7OhQwoAReW00GNBfKdW_JKtFqwwMYO1r_BUo0zLvlqmRTowt5oDUwTnEwFIZY7WgywObWr-2keKDnRr3p9_sT6cWVdTCRKA_fuHHq3Et9KwLFq8G29r/s400/DSC_0488.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576586066023368386" /></a><br /><br />As you can see this consisted of a live chicken, rice, and oil. I was in awe...I have no idea what it is to live with a refrigerator or even electricity. We are so blessed here in America. I would have a lot to learn if I had to live in these conditions. As you can see I made Momma Frye carry the chicken while I opted for the rice and oil. This gentleman in this picture is an Evangelist from Nigeria who drove us all around Jos taking amazing care of us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKonfBt-7_tx5KWMeeGZxgVreD-4kx_9dl3TtdpjCY5mLco5jvI7vIXa19Yoa-8NBjXYOzQ8GLh7fCLI2OxmJNObiWPgYNvfcnokB4b1b-rhAJzxE9xYrOtNs3-z8UYKMOotnElAft_iVC/s1600/DSC_0501.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKonfBt-7_tx5KWMeeGZxgVreD-4kx_9dl3TtdpjCY5mLco5jvI7vIXa19Yoa-8NBjXYOzQ8GLh7fCLI2OxmJNObiWPgYNvfcnokB4b1b-rhAJzxE9xYrOtNs3-z8UYKMOotnElAft_iVC/s400/DSC_0501.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576587015857622002" /></a> Lydia touched my life in so many ways as we prayed for her that day all she wanted prayer for was her ankle to heal, but as we talked with her and got to know her she was a widow. Her children were in Jos and she had spent all her money to come out to the village for treatment. I went home that evening with a different perspective of what we think God should provide for use and what we actually need him to provide. I fell asleep feeling very selfish.<br />That was not the only thing I went to sleep with that night. I was starting to get sick so I pulled up my Cipro and started taking it thinking that would help. The next morning was Sunday and I wasn't feeling better, but I was not missing church in Africa. I have heard how amazing it was, so I popped another Cipro and off to church we went. Cipro on an empty stomach proved to be a bad idea and I spent most of the service throwing up. The first time I did it into the wind, but quickly learned that lesson when it ended up on me. I found myself sitting on the school steps praying that God would take my sick stomach away. Then I realized about 1/4 mile away Lydia was there with her injury and she continued to smile through it all. I decided to walk down that way to see if it made me feel better if nothing else I could use the latrine instead of the bush. I wasn't sure about if it was rude to stop by and say hello to Lydia or not, but as I got closer I didn't have to worry about that. She was sitting outside listening to the music from Church. We sat and talked, prayed, cried, she was just thankful for the company. It touch me in so many ways because I offered to help her out and she wouldn't hear of it, but she couldn't believe that I would even ask. I left that day hoping I would see her again before I left. I was blessed on the last day to be able to stop by and say good-bye!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-52008834682056337692011-02-21T14:01:00.000-08:002011-02-21T14:10:40.436-08:00Daytona 500 Winner's Trevor Bayne<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0tjm8YykYZsCPRRMXSeV_FD52kXaWPsMN8Cpgn3kUHpJaA_swgEpsWJ7A8gIPlJc4-Mc5lPV6RMQekYLbpDykb8bdFUlVlTT4IsCdAjdkz0tOXPdIqy1t-X3AF6wqgOFXp1zFfG5bNoS/s1600/182033_1857531848073_1534176111_32065064_639153_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0tjm8YykYZsCPRRMXSeV_FD52kXaWPsMN8Cpgn3kUHpJaA_swgEpsWJ7A8gIPlJc4-Mc5lPV6RMQekYLbpDykb8bdFUlVlTT4IsCdAjdkz0tOXPdIqy1t-X3AF6wqgOFXp1zFfG5bNoS/s400/182033_1857531848073_1534176111_32065064_639153_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576266741118091042" /></a><br />Yesterday afternoon while doing the laundry my boyfriend decided that he wanted to watch the Daytona 500. I was like REALLY? NASCAR is kind of dumb and I have never watched it in all my life not really interested in starting now. One the last lap a found myself cheering for #21 only because it was some young kid driving the car. Before they came around the final corner I said #21 is going to win and my boyfriend disagreed with me, but as he come across the finish line I jumped up and yelled "I told you so." That was the end of our NASCAR watching, but as we sat there and watch the race I told him I have a friend that just started working for Back2Back this fall and he was a Chaplin for NASCAR. So this afternoon I get an email from Back2Back with the announcement that Trevor Bayne was donating part of his winnings to Back2Back. I continue to read and it gets better he gave Back2Back a shout out on National TV..then it gets better he had been in Monterrey in November...so then I see a picture on Beth's Facebook page and there is Trevor Bayne holding the little girl I sponsor in Mexico! It made my day God always comes through in Big ways. We may never know the reasons why he has us going through things, but I do trust that it is for a bigger purpose!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-45792119170674521242011-02-09T14:43:00.001-08:002011-02-16T13:59:24.023-08:00AFRICA.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_N5oiR7rnM7Dx4zv1WPOQOeHqjkQyR_s8KB3zFoeyv-UyFC_NKLMsKNoQihJJ_2MVobfWkXuAB2FS6aGKyCnRQueGilAMotUE4mpNDV0djwgwxft5378FtasrZoP-8SEU44i3aApnA8L/s1600/DSC01766.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_N5oiR7rnM7Dx4zv1WPOQOeHqjkQyR_s8KB3zFoeyv-UyFC_NKLMsKNoQihJJ_2MVobfWkXuAB2FS6aGKyCnRQueGilAMotUE4mpNDV0djwgwxft5378FtasrZoP-8SEU44i3aApnA8L/s400/DSC01766.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571824366659885330" /></a><br /><br />I never in my life dreamed that I would be going to Africa on my sabbatical from work let alone doing a mission trip to Jos Nigeria. It has been difficult to blog about this experience because putting it in words just doesn't seem to justify it.<br /><br />As I flew over the Massive Sahara desert I could never have imagined any like it, it made me realize how big the world really was. The on the descent into Abuja I had my world rocked like it has never been rocked before...WHAT AM I DOING? Forget about the emails from the embassy the CAPITAL of Nigeria is covered with dirt roads and tons of campfires burning all around...seriously??? That is when the airport came into sight and I was thinking to myself there is no why this huge plane is going to land at that tiny airport. Ok not only is this all going through my brain but I was suppose to meet up with the group leader in Germany and fly in together. Problem was his plane had trouble in Ohio so it was delay, so yes I am by myself! There is another couple from Wyoming that are also on the flight but I have know clue who they are. All I can think it just get through customs and look for someone that looks like Todd Guckenberger (Todd's twin brother John was meeting us at the airport). Luckily Jeremiah and JoJo found me so at least we were all lost together.<br /><br />I am still thinking this is a small airport and it should be any problem finding John, but as we passed through customs, got our luggage and were headed to the door outside I felt a bit panicked. Did John not show up because Brian's plane was delayed? All I could think is I do have the phone number for the Nigerian staff in Back2Back don't I...as we left the little airport outside I glanced around and at first didn't see John. Thank goodness he spotted the 3 lost Americans that didn't know what to do. Well Welcome to Nigeria!Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259013494306605015.post-72120586732085152872011-02-09T14:28:00.000-08:002011-02-09T14:43:24.374-08:00Auntie gets to meet Lily Grace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLxPhw8DtEuYXo6HqKyM7PQVFHAuX67fnL4ciZsaSro6emG_p4i4PnjHxHJo0XpH5VDmccIgoGBBsO7MTeScs9AW6YMrWIsK1rJWV7eZJGG8-xGYGwxH-j7xaG2x2qhLJXhssoQaRDzBT/s1600/Lily+backwards.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLxPhw8DtEuYXo6HqKyM7PQVFHAuX67fnL4ciZsaSro6emG_p4i4PnjHxHJo0XpH5VDmccIgoGBBsO7MTeScs9AW6YMrWIsK1rJWV7eZJGG8-xGYGwxH-j7xaG2x2qhLJXhssoQaRDzBT/s400/Lily+backwards.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571821708281141666" /></a><br />Well there isn't a lot to say about this trip back East except it made me sad that I can't get out to see her more. Maybe Auntie should start looking for a ticket in March. As you can see here she is quite the Character...I can't wait for her to start talking! I hope her daddy's potty mouth doesn't rub off on the princess!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5n_s5BAfVm-PXRdta8oPZ2rCkoFNv47QMkGulVO0dDfcJpa2MoD8Seb7FfJS-dWZA4sXcIXsWEerPo4hvktW_FtGCqQwj4fW_M17r2VWL0WNjHO83wkwIl3Fky68-HugGOr6lZMhulX0/s1600/bath.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5n_s5BAfVm-PXRdta8oPZ2rCkoFNv47QMkGulVO0dDfcJpa2MoD8Seb7FfJS-dWZA4sXcIXsWEerPo4hvktW_FtGCqQwj4fW_M17r2VWL0WNjHO83wkwIl3Fky68-HugGOr6lZMhulX0/s400/bath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571822260139283250" /></a><br />She loves bath time and pretty much being Naked...I told my brother he might want to worry about that a little (hahaha). She is always happy and I just can't believe how much personality she has. Kyle remember how they say that your kids act like you? You were and still are AMAZING, but you are going to have your hands full with this one...all of us will I think!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nAQonjG6u0fHIDn6pnARK7qr1-eTzD11tXntoA46Rlj3vxwb0C5DxFjllj4JfwiO0gaxy35X2WaAZao7UJkVgJ3_VH8dh4u_eAphVJsCvjzbCXvnKZBaYceYEZvmN4trK3oMRQZDvWj2/s1600/arching+back.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nAQonjG6u0fHIDn6pnARK7qr1-eTzD11tXntoA46Rlj3vxwb0C5DxFjllj4JfwiO0gaxy35X2WaAZao7UJkVgJ3_VH8dh4u_eAphVJsCvjzbCXvnKZBaYceYEZvmN4trK3oMRQZDvWj2/s400/arching+back.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571823239326329586" /></a><br />So the new thing when I was there was she was starting to arch her back, but that is nothing compared to now...she rolled over for me the other day on Skype. I am so thankful for that because I just wish I could be closer. This way at least we can see each other over the computer....Now if I could just find a way to read to via Skype??? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDojJ_IPsZX9QW3gt4v7EFY2lV85mvEMcb4LV8HYt9Np4SDsko8T1OcZ8RAd85mGDfsBI5vp1ljE_kLR8cWpN5RkpSWquxoU0DKfkfrhU4NciZZiRuWnpQYfFxWAIW0yOAuxY0jeBgEAVS/s1600/reading.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDojJ_IPsZX9QW3gt4v7EFY2lV85mvEMcb4LV8HYt9Np4SDsko8T1OcZ8RAd85mGDfsBI5vp1ljE_kLR8cWpN5RkpSWquxoU0DKfkfrhU4NciZZiRuWnpQYfFxWAIW0yOAuxY0jeBgEAVS/s400/reading.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571824028350921266" /></a>Rashellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02889709978495015599noreply@blogger.com0