Happy, Happy, May!!

I realize I haven't updated about anything in a really lone time, so I guess an update is due.

Not a whole lot has been happening but here's the scoop:

I decided, it was a really hard decision, that I'm leaving the Medical Coding program with the college. The classes I needed were only available at night, and I am not comfortable commuting to central Phoenix at night; scary and dangerous for a young woman like myself. I've decided instead to take some photography classes for two semesters at a different college and then be done with my college career. I enjoyed studying the medical aspects behind medical coding, it was enjoyable, although tough, though it was very interesting and fascinating. I also feel that the work place environment would not be suitable for me with my APD. I feel like nothing in the working world would make me feel successful with my APD. So that's that.






I have begun playing piano again, it feels wonderful to be playing music.

I've been praying for a long time that my husband would find a job that make him happy and be doing something that he enjoys.
He got called for interview the other day, interview was today. The interviewer was very impressed with him, probably because he's so darn handsome! Said they would call back. Not even 15 minutes later and he got a call back saying they would like to offer him the position!! HOORAY!
He will be basically be fixing computers and networking and complicated techy terms that I don't understand. I am so excited for him and very proud of my husband.
He gave his notice to his current employer, and he will start with the new company on the 20th.
I have also found a place for us to live that has convenient access to his new job and also a way for me to get to school in the fall. This is all God's work, I am very thankful that God listens to us.


Yesterday Stevan and I had the privilege to attend a U.S. Air Force Commissioning Ceremony for his dear friend Justin. It was a very nice ceremony as I have never been to any kind of Air Force ceremony.

Here are some pictures from the event:
(The lighting is terrible =[)

Taking oath. Justin on right, his brother on the left)

The official document saying he is now an Officer.

With his family, every member gave flowers to their moms, it was very sweet.

First Salute to Stevan
The first salute is a tradition where the enlisted member (Stevan) who was chosen by the Officer (Justin) as his first salute as an Officer. He has earned 2nd Lieutenant rank and is becoming a Pilot!

(The only good picture I got)

I think men and women in uniform are very professional looking and handsome/beautiful.
Congratulations Justin! Best of luck to you in your future as U.S. Air Force Pilot!

That's all that's been happening around here.

Happy May!

Sincerely Submitted,

L.Flores

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!
The Lord has risen!
He is risen indeed!
ALLELUIA!

Have a great week!

I know I haven't blogged in quite some time; and I apologize. I'll try and post this week.

Keep Christ in your day this week and every day!

Sincerely Submitted,

L.Flores

Hubby's first day

Hubby's first day of work today!! 

Stevan was offered two positions, a full time and a part time; so he took both. So he's going to be working a lot!
As much as I'll miss him while he's gone, I'm very thankful that he's working!

Very proud of my handsome husband! 

I made him his favorite meal last night to celebrate his employment; chicken teriyaki with rice. Very yummy meal. 

Oh and valentine's day was very nice =] Hubby and I went on a nice little picnic at the park, I did some shopping at goodwill and found some cute skirts for spring and summer. I made spaghetti for dinner we drank wine. He gave me a coupon book! With coupons like, "Good for one romantic massage from your loving husband" and "One trip to Hobby lobby" and several others =]
I made him paintings of a cherry tree. I should take a picture of it... BRB.

I imagine this is what fall looks like in Japan; pink flower blossoms everywhere.

I think that pretty much sums up of what's been going on here. 

=]

Happy Monday! 

Sincerely Submitted,

L.Flores

Elephants

I Just became aware today (from a friend on facebook) that people are killing elephants. It's terrible. They want their tusks for ivory.
=[
I have been sad for the past couple hours now, so sad that I can't focus on my school work.

Like THIS facebook page to find out more. Or go to THIS webpage to find out how you can help save elephants from going into extinction. They predict that by 2025 African elephants will be extinct. For only $50 a year, you can foster an elephant. The money helps save elephants, gives them shelter, love, attention, and food. What a great cause!

Also, since making my crocheted elephant, I'm thinking I could create more, start an Etsy shop, sell the elephants and the money I make will be donated to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

SAVE THE ELEPHANTS

Sincerely submitted,

L.Flores

A New Change

I've had this post written in my head for sometime, but have not had the courage to type it.
Why? Shame? Humiliation? Forgetfulness? Not-wanting-to-write-it-because-we-want-to-keep-it-a-secret? I don't know what the excuse was. I felt  no one would understand our "situation," we'd be laughed at, pitied, looked down on, or ridiculed.

So let me explain it to you and I hope you understand.

As December drew ever closer and closer, and job searching grew more daunting and daunting, my DH and I become worried, like normal couples should right? DH graduated, kept on job hunting, submitting application, after application, after application, no luck. Got a call for a interview, but was never called back about the position. BIG bummer, as the position was in Prescott; where I want to live.

We've been praying, and praying, and praying. Trusting in Him that He will guide us to the right spot and get us out of this "purgatory."

So as Christmas approached and our apartment lease just about up, we decided we need to do something about or living situation. With neither of us having any income, we concluded it would not be a smart idea to renew our lease when we have no idea where we're going. Secondly, we didn't want to renew our lease and then not be able to make the $711 rent. That'd be bad, very bad, it would destroy our credit score. Right? Right.

We looked at our options.
Live on the street?
Or
move in to one our parent's houses?
Everyone in DH's family is allergic to cats; that wasn't an option, having two cats we'd be bringing them with us.
Oreo has lived with my parent's before (he was with me when I lived there) and with both dogs they have. Dovahkiin has visited my parent's house on many several occasions, and is okay with the dogs.

Anyway, we spoke to my parents, we needed a place to live until DH finds a job.

And that was that.

We spent a few weeks packing boxes, and organizing what we're keeping with us.

Now that we're here, I've been doing laundry for the family, cleaning dishes, cooking dinner, being a wife. I'll sweep their floors and vacuum bedrooms, dust when needed, and keep the bathroom tidy. We've been eating healthy and going on walks after dinner, tonight I even ran with both dogs to the park gate!

I see good in this, I'll become a better wife, I'll learn better meal planning strategies, and Dad can give us tips on couponing. I'll learn how to cook healthy and become healthier.

The cats have adjusted very well. I love that my dad built a cat-box area (years ago!!) that connects from the house to the garage, it's private for them, and it's a less of a mess to sweep everyday.

We'll get through this.

The employment rate is very low right now.

We'll get through this.

I just need to keep my head up, and keep telling myself:

We'll get through this.

We'll be fine.

Send some prayers our way, for DH to find a good career.

Sincerely Submitted,

L.Flores

Pray for a Miracle

Dear blog friends,

I logged onto Facebook the other day, and my heart became very heavy with sad news. A friend's brother and his wife just had a baby, her name is Heather Faith, she is not doing very well. In Tricia's facebook status she wrote:

"Just spoke to my brother, Thomas...their 1 week old baby girl is not doing well, she has a condition called Trisomy 22 and is fighting for her life. At this point, they need a miracle...so please pray for baby: Heather Faith, and for Thomas and Jessica's strength as they go through the hardest time of their life. I love you guys sooo much!"

The family has flown from their hometown from San Antonio, Texas to Colorado, where baby Heather Faith will be treated. She is surrounded by family.

They are in dire need of prayer, so if you pray, PLEASE pray.

A website has also been created for any financial donations you can make. Every little bit helps.

The website is HERE 


That's all.

Sincerely Submitted,

L.Flores


Updated 1/12/13

Here is an update from my friend from Facebook about her niece:

"My baby niece Heather Faith update: She has responded to voice and touch, opening her left eye and trying to open the right, slowy being weaned off ventilator a little at a time; Dr's are amazed by her progress! Keep Praying for Heather"

She has flown to Colorado to be with her new niece and to be with her brother and sister-in-law.
Baby heather has opened her eyes! What a miracle!

Keep praying everyone!!

Sincerely Submitted,

L.Flores

Hello 2013

2012 was a great year. I married my best friend. Went to ER [okay, so that wasn't so great]. Several very fun and relaxing vacations. Many memories created with my husband. Adopted a kitten. Continued being a "mother" to my elder cat, Oreo. Taught myself how to KNIT [will-you-look-at-that!?] and have since knitted 5 scarves. My sister taught me how to crochet on the last day of 2012, and I'm about to share with you my pride and joy that I completed.

Overall, I'd say that 2012 was a great year, and I am looking forward to what 2013 has in store for us.

Meet my pride and joy:

Meet Elle the Elephant! 

I started creating her 12/31/12 and completed her yesterday 1/5/13! 

I thought the flower pin on her head would really do the final touch.

Buttons for eyes.

I love my elephant. 

In previous years I used to make a short list of what I wanted to accomplish over the year, and then looked over every 3 months to see how I was doing. I'm not doing that this year as I only have a couple big goals that I'd like to complete this year, but it all depends on what God has in store for Stevan and I.

Goal #1: I pray that my husband will find a job soon, something that will provide for me and him and our small family. 

Goal #2: I hope that we can purchase a house this year. That may be TOO big of a goal, but I dearly want my OWN home, something to call OURS, and something to walk in the door and feel at home. If we can't buy this year, I hope to be renting a house or a townhome. I want to be OUT of an apartment.

Goal #3: Crochet a zillion more elephants/monkeys/any other animals! And continue knitting scarves and maybe make a baby blanket. They make great gifts! [HA! I could have everyone's Christmas gifts done super early this year! XD]

Also to eat healthy and stay healthy. 

That's all. And I think that is a list that is very manageable and a doable; if-I-do-say-so-myself! 

Now that I completed crocheting my elephant, my hands are itching to crochet more!!

School starts on the twelfth. 

Sincerely submitted,

L.Flores