Back From My Blogging Sabbatical...

The last couple of months have been quite busy for Michael and me, and I inadvertently took a long break from the world of blogging. No fear, though, I'm back! I was trying to re-enter the blogosphere with an exciting post, but I have no earth-shattering news or event. So, I guess I will explain what's been going on at the Ford's in the last few weeks.
I have recently poured a large amount of my time into organizing my life, and I am finally feeling much better about the whole situation. It's amazing to me how clutter can cause such anxiety. One little thing can be unorganized (i.e. my closet, car, work bag, lunch box, etc.) and I cannot cope. Is it unhealthy? Yes. Do I need Lexapro? Yes. Does Michael think I need Lexapro? Yes. Am I about to get on Lexapro? Yes. Anyway, my life is 99% organized now, and I am so excited about it.
Also, I am now working the same hours as you people reading this blog! I now have a full-time days position, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I so took for granted the small things like being able to have dinner with my husband. Working nights for a year really made me realize how special things like that are and how easily they can be overlooked. I am so thankful that God provided me the opportunity to have a job that I love so much. When you look at the big picture, working nights was really a small sacrifice considering how great my job is. I definitely have GREAT respect for people who work nights on a long term basis. I would need more than Lexapro!!
Michael and I have been enjoying thinking about what will be coming to our house around January 2010. Chaucer and Colette! We have our fingers crossed! Which reminds me, I have got to talk to my doctor (about the Lexapro) and our breeder (about the puppies)!
I promise I won't stay away as long this time...

Fun Filled Fourth...

As you may have read here, Michael and I spent the July 4th weekend with some friends at Eagle lake. Words cannot express how bruised and sore I am...My co-workers made so much fun of me when I limped around the unit on Monday. They all got a really good laugh out of my misery. No fear though, I've already got a couple of appointments scheduled with the chiropractor, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon specializing in spinal trauma, and massage therapist. I am certainly not near as young as I used to be. I will forever regret yelling, "Show me what you got Big Richard!!!". Besides the soreness, we had such a wonderful weekend. I have said this many times, and I will probably say it lots more, but I truly believe that I have the most wonderful friends in the world! They make my life so great!
This picture was taken approximately 20 seconds after I yelled out the quote mentioned above. It may explain my soreness...

Finally Finished...

Thanks to Kelly's Korner and her tour of homes (in a sense) I enjoy looking at pictures of my friend's homes. I don't think I have the dedication it takes to post pictures of my home every Friday, but I so enjoy looking at everyone elses.

Michael and I moved into our house a little over a year ago, and we have worked so hard to get it like we want it. We had no furniture or furnishings, a master bath that was desperate for attention, and a yard that had not been touched in over a year. I am SO thankful to say, though...that it's complete!! I just love coming home and being able to relax instead of knowing there's a major project hanging over my head. It's the best feeling in the world, and I am so very thankful for mine and Michael's home.

One of my favorite things to do is to entertain in my home. I feel like that is a way that I can share what God has blessed us with as well as fellowship with our friends and family. Nothing makes me happier than to open my home to others, and I hope that I can continue this habbit throughout my life.

I am always so impressed wth my friend, Sarah Denley, and her ability to actually post a picture of her home each week (Stop by and see her precious home...it is great!). I love seeing the diversity in everyone's taste, but it always ends up making a beautiful home. So, here's my one home tour. I will not be posting pictures of Michael's office...it's always a total mess, and I am embarrassed for you to see it. I love my husband with all of my heart, but we do not have the same cleaning habbitts. I may post some pictures if it ever gets clean?!?!?! BIG IF!!!

Anyway, if you are ever on the neighborhood, please stop by and see us :)...

Happy Father's Day...

Here's hoping that you have a wonderful Father's day. Michael and I are so thankful to be blessed with such great fathers and a grandfather. You all do so much for us, and for that, we are so very grateful. I cannot imagine where we would be today without the love and devotion that our fathers have shown us. I am so very glad to say that we are ultimately blessed with the ability to claim our Heavenly Father as our father, too...

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Busy Weekend Ahead...

I will be absent from the world of bogging for the weekend...Michael and I have a busy few days ahead of us. His younger brother, Jonathan, is getting married Saturday!! We are so very excited about all of the wedding festivities, and even more excited about Sara officially becoming a FORD!!! I can't wait to post some pictures from the weekend...

Winsty Thursday...Wrap Up...

OK, I think it's time to bring this series of posts to an end. I know that you are so tired of looking at pictures of Winston that are only special to us. So, in this final post, I will include some of our most favorite pictures of our beautiful dog.

We may have been a little biased, but we thought Winston was the most beautiful one in his litter. He was the first one born, biggest puppy, and we know that it was meant for us to be his parents, becuase when we contacted the breeder, he was the only male still available. He brought more joy to Michael and me than we could ever imagine, and although I am very sad everytime I walk by his favorite places to lay throughout the house, I know that we will see our Winston again one day. As far as I am concerned, he can destory every bed that exists in heaven. Here are some of our most favorite pictures of our sweety...

I still miss my baby so much. I was checking my email last night at work, and our sweet breeder, Wendy, had emailed me some pictures that she took of Winston before he came to live with us. I began to tear up, and I had to just shut the computer down and walk off...I was quickly losing it. I still sob like a baby everytime I blog about him. That is one reason I am choosing to end the posts about Winston. So, please pray for Michael and me as we contuniue to (somewhat stupidly) grieve. Our house is still so quiet. Some people probably think we have lost our mind, but they are the ones that never met our Winston.

We know that there will be more bulldogs in the future. As a matter of fact, the only thing that makes us happy is to talk about another one. We have already decided on names...Chaucer (male) or Penelope (female). It may be a while, but hopefully the next dog picture I post will be of a new puppy...

I want to say one last thank you to all of our family and friends that have called, texted, emailed, blogged, sent facebook messages, made donations in memory of Winston, offered to bring food, and sent cards and flowers. You are all so very special to us, and each kind thought or word has meant so much to us. God has truly blessed Michael and me with the most wonerful family and friends. We would not be who we are today without all of them. You all have made this terrible time a little easier. Our prayer has always been to be the type of friend that you all have been to us. Thanks again for listening to us babble about our precious Winsty Baby everytime we were around you.

Winsty Tuesday...Bed Disasters...

If you knew Winston, you knew he LOVED to destroy his bed. In the nine short months that we had Winston, he had FIVE different beds. He eventually learned that when he destroyed one bed, he had to sleep on the tile floor for a few weeks until his mommy felt sorry for him. The last one was around for a while...I'd like to think he was learning.

This was Winston's first bed, and it was my favorite. One night, Michael was telling Winston that only girls sleep on zebra print...

I guess Winston heard him because the next morning, we found this...

This was bed number four. My grandparents gave it to him for Christmas. I made him sit on it and promise me that he would not tear this one up...

and the next morning, we found this...