A Look back at 2011 and a look into 2012!

Well here it is New Year's Eve and I'm thinking over this past year and everything that has happened I think I'll fill y'all in! 


January of 2011 found us in Nelsonville in a little apartment and looking for getting into another place. It also marked 1 year of being in this area (my husband grew up here so not for him but for me). 


February of 2011 found us moving to our trailer in The Plains,Oh and we were so excited. We also celebrated 3 years since we were engaged.


March of 2011 found us celebrating Bud's 28th Birthday. We also added a family member, our dog Kosar who was born in February of this year. 


April of 2011 found us still continuing in school to try and get our degrees by June of 2012! And found us wishing for spring to come quickly! 


May of 2011 found us celebrating Abby's 26th Birthday! We also had to end up putting a transmission in Hubby's truck! 


June of 2011 found us finishing up Spring quarter at hocking, enjoying youth camp at Nelsonville, and starting into Summer quarter. It also found us celebrating 5 years of being together on the 26th! 


July of 2011 found Abby heading to Nashville, TN for training as an A.C.E. Administrator and Supervisor. That was a long week! That was the longest Bud and I had ever been apart in the time that we'd been married! It also found us seeing my brother's newest girl Paislee for the first time and all of my family being together for the first time in 3 years! 


August of 2011 Found Abby helping to get Hocking Valley Christian Academy started in Nelsonville, painting and printing up stuff and preparing her first ever bulletin board. 


September of 2011 The school launched and Abby started teaching there and we also started our 5th quarter at Hocking College! 


October of 2011 Bud and Abby were the Song evangelist for a revival and had a great time doing it! 


November of 2011 We celebrated Thanksgiving with Bud's family.


December of 2011 We celebrated 3 years of Marriage on the 20th. We also were able to spend a week with my parents in Northern Ohio and got to see a little snow! 


My goals for 2012 are:


1) To grow closer to God through prayer, Bible reading and praise.
2) To finish my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
3) To learn to enjoy and savor each moment I'm given and make the best of it! 
4) To keep in better touch with my family and friends! 
5) To get organized in my home and keep it that way! 


These are not resolutions per-say but just some goals I have! Do any of you have goals for 2012 if so leave me a comment about them! 

HAPPY NEW YEARS! 

Time for Vacation to end

We have spent a week at my parents house and are planning to head home today. We even got some snow while here in the night. They were to get 2-4 inches but only got a light dusting which has mostly melted off now. I said if they got too much we'd have to stay on another night and Mom said "Goody, I'll keep ya another night!" But since we didn't get much we'll still heading home today. I've got to get the house in order before starting classes again next Tuesday! I'm a little anxious to get home and put out the new things I got for Christmas and settle back into a routine again!
  Will post again soon!

Christmas with Mom and Dad

We opened our gifts on Christmas Eve at Mom and Dad's! We got some neat stuff although I didn't take pictures of it all but it was so much fun!

 Bud & Abby's gifts!

 Our furry Son decided he wanted in this picture of the tree and gifts!

 Mom's Tree

 Mom reading the Christmas Story from Matthew.

 Dad in his chair listening to the Christmas Story!

Just remembering this morning that the reason we have Christmas is because God gave the Greatest Gift ever given! Jesus Christ! Thank You Lord for your unsurpassed gift of you only Son and the gift of salvation, sanctification and eternal life! Thank you Jesus for sending us the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide and direct our paths, to convict us of wrong doing and help us through our journey here on earth! I've been so reminded this Christmas season of all that God gave us through His Son Jesus! I've found myself each time I've prayed thanking Him for His wonderful Gift! I pray that you too will really remember today what the season is all about, not all the tinsel, lights and gifts or even the squeals of delight from children seeing the gifts they received on Christmas morning!

Christmas/ Anniversary!

We celebrated our Christmas on December 20, 2011 our 3rd wedding anniversary! I made a candlelight dinner (our first, LOL) and then we opened gifts by the Christmas lights and candle light! It was an enjoyable evening! 

 Our Candlelit dinner of Lasgne, Garlic Bread, Salad, and the Bottles (are not wine) are sparkling Grape juice, and olives. 

 Bud and Abby getting ready to eat their anniversary/Christmas dinner!

 Lasgne, Salad, and Garlic Cheese Bread. 

 Bud reading the Christmas Story from Matthew before we opened our gifts. Then we spent a little time in prayer thank God for his gifts and blessings over this past year! He has been so good to us! Thanking Him for His most generous gift of His Son and eternal life! 

 The gifts piled underneath the tree!

 Bud got an Ohio State Poster. (he's been wanting! LOL :) 

 Abby got an Amish Cookbook which is gonna come in handy even this weekend yet! 

 Bud opening another gift which was an Ohio State (can you tell he's a fan! LOL) hat and a civil war book. 

 Abby with another pretty shirt (this one is teal and like the purple one I'm wearing!)

 Hubby bought me this beautiful clock! I put it up almost immediately in our entry/dinning room! It doesn't chime but it's so pretty!

 This was our dessert of eggnog cream pie sprinkled with candy sprinkles and drizzled with strawberry preserves. It was yummy! 

Our Christmas Eve

Hubby and I celebrated our Christmas Eve tonight since we'll be spending Christmas with my folks, we're celebrating our Christmas tomorrow so tonight is our Christmas Eve! I've been decorating still right along with celebrating. 

Our Tree 2011

 Abby Opening her Christmas Eve Gift

 Abby with her Christmas Eve Gift

 The Cookies I've made this year! (Wanted to make so many more but haven't had the time!)

 Bud Opening His Christmas Eve Gift (An 8x10 picture of Abraham Lincoln, He loves history stuff!)

 The tops of my Cupboards in the Kitchen Decorated with Gold Garland and a String of Colored lights.

 The top of our Front door decorated with pine and fake cranberries and colored lights. 

 The top of one of  Bud's bookshelves in the living room.

 The Top of another Bookshelf Decorated with my bouquet from our wedding and my tiara. (the flag is from Bud's dad who was in the Army and this was given to Bud at His dad's funeral)

 The Top of the piano decorated with various Candles and pine and fake cranberries and white lights. 

The top of another Shelf unit inside the front door. 

I'll be posting pictures from our Anniversary tomorrow and our Christmas. And of course our Family picture from 2011! Hopefully we'll get the dog and cat involved in the family pic but we'll see! LOL :)

My musings on the Christmas Story.

I find myself praising my Savior even more at this time of year. I've been becoming more aware of His life and the things He gave up to come to earth. A song I heard the other day said that the Lord of all creation lowered Himself to be born in a humble stable and in a feeding manger. I find myself thinking what was going through Mary's mind as she sang lullaby's to her little baby and kissed him. I can't imagine actually kissing the face of God. Such great responsibility rested on this girl (she was very young I'm sure), yet she was highly favored of God. The relationship she must've had with her Creator is one which I long to mimic. I'm not trying to idolize Mary just some musings I've had over the past several days. The fear that was hers in the beginning knowing that once people knew she was with child, she could be stoned and possibly lose Joseph her espoused husband.
       Joseph too had much to think of, confusing, conflicting even fearful thoughts I'm sure gripped his mind much of the time. Then the angel appearing in a dream confirming the news his dear Mary had told him, I'm sure this both gave him a little peace but yet even made his heart more fearful. The responsibility that Joseph had to his dear sweet Mary yet the responsibility of raising God's only Son must've been terribly stressful. If I could I'd love to imagine that night in the stable, Joseph pacing the floor worrying about the place his dear sweet Mary was giving birth, A STABLE, of all places. Yet he had tried every inn every place in town and hadn't been able to find a room. Mary's groans increasing with the pain of delivery and his worries about helping her with the delivery being a man and not knowing much about those things. I'm sure many questions went through his mind. Yet through it all this gentle peace that stole over him as the miracle of birth happened there in a lowly cattle stable, he at once truly knew this was the Son of God. As Joseph held this most precious baby in his arms and lifted his heart to God in prayer asking for His wisdom to guide the upbringing of this child. And as Mary lifted her song to God of praise knowing who this child was and yet sorrowing at how it all would end. 
      Then those lowly shepherds sitting round their fire visiting in the wee hours of the night startled by a dazzling light and such beautiful music. If I could I'd love to tell their story as well. There were several shepherds, Eliab, Caleb, Aaron, and Jacob along with Eliab's son Daniel, all watching sheep that night and discussing the current affairs of their country.  Eliab talked about the Roman army and how it seemed to occupy every part of their affairs making things so difficult, and then in a heartfelt prayer he said "Lord please send us the Messiah." Caleb, Aaron and Jacob were admiring the night sky when suddenly their faces changed to that of fright. Eliab looked up to see a whole host of angels in the night sky lifting their voices in praises to the Messiah. Then the angel messenger told them where they could find this baby and worship Him themselves. They hurried along even little Daniel leading his precious little lamb Snowflake. Daniel was excited to be able to see the One they had waited so long for and whom he'd heard of since the day he was born. After arriving at the humble stable the shepherds knelt in worship to their King! Then little Daniel looking fondly at his lamb in his heart knowing that he wanted to give Snowflake to this newborn King of Kings, turned and whispered to his father his wishes. His father after trying to persuade his son otherwise and making no headway decided that he would offer the lamb. And so the shepherds gave their humble gifts to the family. And went away praising God for His answer to prayer. 
      Just some things I've been thinking during this Christmas Season. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We've taken our time in getting decorations up in our trailer this year due to the fact we thought we were going to be moving to the house we're looking to purchase! But needless to say we've got some stuff up and will be celebrating our Christmas together this Friday.

Our puppy is still in the tearing up phase and is quite destructive! The other day I had some mint candy kisses on the kitchen table and he got them down and ate a bunch and then got sick, it was quite disgusting! He can finish a raw hide bone in an hour! This will be his first Christmas he is now 10 months old.

Updates

Wow, a lot has happened in the last month! I went to Nashville, TN for ACE administrator's training leaving DH home alone, boy was that a tough week! I got very homesick!
After returning home I had to do a ton of catch up work on school, had a mid-term to take and assignments to turn in for sociology class. That class ended on August 3, 2011 and we started Pre-algebra on August 4, 2011 and had our first test in there today! It's not going too bad though!
Got home today and found the dog had chewed into DH's CD case and chewed up CD's! GRRRR! He went in the crate for a good while and will have to keep going in the crate when we're not home he's just too destructive!
DH got out Christmas music yesterday of all things! LOL :) I like Christmas but am dreading winter this year!
Well I give piano lessons today in Logan.
I'm also back on a diet watching points with weight watchers I've been eating salads for lunch and fruit for dessert! I actually feel lots better than cramming myself full of processed foods! Maybe I should be a vegetarian! LOL No I'm kidding, I like my meat and cheese and such!

A visit with family

I have been so enjoying being at my parents this weekend! My youngest brother just returned from Afghanistan so we threw him a welcome home party yesterday and it was fun but lots of work! DH did the grilling for it! Tomorrow my older brother and his family from from FLA will be in and I'll finally get to  meet my 1 year old neice and see my 5 year old neice whom I haven't seen since 2008! So it's been an exciting and eventful weekend.
By the way America's birthday is tomorrow! Lets make it the best yet!

Back to School with a vengence! :)

Well today was our second day back to school, and frankly I'm bored in the sociology class and I hope I do okay! I spent several hours trying to read and study the first chapter for class tomorrow! At least our teacher is funny but it's a long 2 1/2 hours!

I miss Mar and Connie our Education professors classes went by so quickly when we were in their classes!

However some new things coming on the horizon like a possible position in a Christian School come fall! I'm excited about what God is doing for our valley in ways of leading us to go deeper with him and also to start somethings to try and draw our sister churches together!

Well I must get going must get to sleep earlier tonight since we're now getting up at 7:30 AM which really isn't too bad except I'm just not used to it! Good practice for later!

Canoing!

Yay today is the day that we get to go canoing and I'm excited, I love going canoing! I'm going with my sis-in-law. Hubby doesn't like water too much and said maybe if he ever gets his courage back up he'll go again! I like going and going swimming while i'm at it! Don't know if we'll be allowed today since the river is up a bit! But I must go get ready to go, have to stop by our old place and pick up my crock shoes so I don't destroy good ones!
Camp has been wonderful and refreshing and I have had many prayer answered! Thank you Jesus, for giving us just what we need!

Healing

Our Puppy has been sick since Sunday night and we haven't had the money to take him to the vet so last night I decided before church that we would annoint him and pray over him. I believed God could do it because it says in His word cares for the sparrows so why wouldn't he care about another of His creatures. And He's worked in that way before, I had a dog several years ago that got Parvovirus, which severely dehydrates and will kill them pretty quickly and again I didn't have alot of money but I did do the at home IV solution but even that didn't seem to help so it gots so bad I finally just put him back out on the porch (I had, had my church family praying for him as well) and the next morning he scarfed down his food! So I believe in the power of prayer even for your pets!
Last night was a wonderful service at SEO Youth Camp! People shouting praises and walking the aisles several were saved or recieved help at the altar. I've really been enjoying as much of camp as we've been able to get into! We are to sing tonight since last night we didn't get the chance which is perfectly all right by me, God was there and it's up to God how he directs the service.

Busy, Busy Tuesday Ahead

Well Tuesday has arrived and it will be a busy one with lessons beginning at 3:30 and going through 5:45! Then we have Camp service tonight. I enjoyed last night it was a very good service, they did the mortgage burning ceremony for the camp since it was paid off this year!
Puppy is still sick and not sure what I'm gonna do with him! The Veterinarian said to worm him and I'm gonna get pepto to give to him!
Well anyways I better get ready to face my day. Will probably write more later!

Monday in the Life....

Goodmorning out there in cyberspace! Well what a morning I was awakened by my dear hubby this morning informing me that the cat had been sick, only to get up and find the real culprit was the dog with diaherrea! Yucky, Yucky, Yuk! So I mopped floors and he scrubbed carpets and now we're just watching hoping he doesn't get sick again!
Today is the first day of Nelsonville Youth Camp, in Nelsonville, OH! I'm excited for this week because I feel like I need a spiritual refreshing.
Yesterday we went to Royalton, OH to preach for them and they want us to come back again this Sunday so that's cool. It's a nice little church with potential in the community!

A beautiful Sunday morning!

It's a beautiful Sunday morning and Father's Day to boot! I want to wish my Father a wonderful and happy Fathers day! I love him dearly!
Today hubby and I are going to Royalton, Ohio to preach, praying that God will bless the people there and help Bud as he preaches and us as we sing for them. I'm excited I like going to meet new people and visiting different churches (however I also enjoy coming home to comfort of our own church which we love!). Since my Dear Hubby is a pastor/preacher we get called occasionally for a preaching service or even for singing.
Well it's going to be a long day and I need to go get ready to go. Missing Kosar this morning since he's staying with Aunt Kimmy! Feels strange not to be taking him out or feeding him or having him on my heels since he's my buddy, but we'll have him back tonight!
Well I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and all you dads out there have a wonderful Father's Day!

Treat-A-Friend Animal Snacks

I began a new journey today. I am now making and selling treats for your pets! I have posted on ebay!
Here are a few pictures of what I have made:

These are Round Shaped Dog Biscuits

They are $7.95/15 pieces

or

$13.95/Lb

Plus S&H

These are Heart Shaped Dog Biscuits

They are $7.95/15

or

$13.95/ LB

Plus S&H

If you would like to order please email me or go look up Gourmet Dog Biscuits on ebay my username is reitzcowgirl21

email is treat_a_friend@yahoo.com

And Thanks for reading the blog!

It's another Saturday in the Life....

Wow what a to do list for today, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and blogging of course! I plan to start taking pictures of the recipes I fix to post on here! I love cooking.
I've been reading so much about blogging the past day or so and want to give it a whirl! Sounds like it could be interesting, and it's nice to have a place to write stuff that happens!
Tomorrow Bud will be preaching at a church in Royalton, OH, of course I'll be there too but he'll be doing the preaching and we'll probably do a little singing. Never been to this church before and I'm excited!
My two furry children Kosar and Bandit are at it again fighting, some of their fights are just funny, when Bandit (cat) comes bouncing across the floor on both hind legs claws out to attack an unsuspecting Kosar (dog) you just have to laugh! It's good comic relief!
So how do we feel about baking dog treats?? I found some pretty neat recipes, and when you're on a budget and have to work with what you have on hand it's great to search for recipes that use what you have on hand such as peanut butter (dogs love) flour, milk, oatmeal and baking powder! I think I'll give it whirl hopefully Kosar will love the change! Those dog treats are expensive sometimes!

Crazy times

So yesterday I was filing papers in my new filing cabinent and ran across the renewal notice for the license on my car, here I've been driving on expired tags for 3 weeks! Ugh now for the late fee on getting the plates renewed!
Yesterday just didn't turn out to be a very good day, paying bills always gets me all uptight and stressed and then all my piano lesson students cancelled on me! Out of 11 students I didn't have one lesson this week! Hopefully next week will be better!
Today will be laundry day and I think I may tear into gettting a Junior church theme going! Really wanting to get back into children's ministry had so much fun doing it and our church needs a junior church. Gotta figure out which theme to use and what I need to do that theme as far as decor and such. It's always fun. Hopefully I can pull it together before school starts up again which really my schedule isn't all that bad!
The puppy is cutting teeth and was having issues the last couple nights he wants to sleep right on Bud's pillow and there just isn't room and then he licks and licks and licks at you and keeps you awake so everytime he tried we shoved him back to the foot of the bed last night!
Tonight was fun went and played BINGO with the in-laws we bring prizes of household items such as dish soap, toilet paper, cookies, paper towels, soap and shampoo and conditioner, decor items and such. It's a fun time to get together we all pitch in for the meal tonight was cookout style we had hamburgers and hot dogs and potato salad and chips and watermelon and cookies, and so many other things!

Another Day in the Life

Today has been kind of laid back! It's been great though because we're on break from school right now and so enjoying it.
I got out and played in the dirt for awhile and planted some flowers like I've been wanting to and petted Mango the cat who adopted us! LOL He's really pretty but if he doesn't like something you do he'll bite you! I had to smack him a few times (just a light smack nothing that would hurt) to get him to stop. Finally I just put him down.
Life has been pretty hectic up till this weekend, between school and teaching piano I stay quite busy! This week was our finals and we had some pretty big ones we were worried about but it seems we've passed with flying colors at least that's what we hope!
We've also started back on our weight watchers diet hoping to shed some very much unwanted pounds! I'm hoping to find some great new recipes to try that are low in points values and yet filling! Yesterday we had huge salads for lunch but they didn't last very long, today we had BBQ Pork sandwiches and fruit.