A fun weekend

Mark and I started out our weekend right away on Friday night. Our town has a farmers market that Mark and I had never gone to. This Friday night we decided we would go. There was not a lot of produce, as not much grows around here, but we did pick up some shrimp scampi raviolis that we had for dinner. We also bought some homeade jam, we can' wait to taste. We had so much fun buying our dinner at the farmers market and then coming home and cooking it. Mark said it was very European of us. On Saturday we worked outside. I pulled weeds and mowed the backyard while Mark worked in the frontyard. When I was done I helped Mark a little bit in the frontyard. After all of the yard work we showered and then went to get massages at a local massage school. I fell asleep during mine, it was so relaxing. We then went to the Lands' End store inside of Sears; I could not find anything I wanted. After shopping we went to Qdoba for dinner and we both had burritos. We then went to the mall to walk around. We watched a movie, and went to bed. Sunday morning was church, I can't wait till next year when we have church at 11. I am now making oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to take on a YW retreat that I am going on this week. We are taking the YW to Steamboat Springs. We have a lot of fun things planned for the YW, it should be a lot of fun. We are trying to move forward with our life since Arianne has left. We are trying to do things that we both enjoy. Today at church during 2nd hour we met with a guy in our ward whose daughter did not come home for almost a month. He was telling us how he and his wife handled it. And also that he told her she could live by their rules or leave. What is it with teenage girls that decide to leave? He told Mark that what he did sounded like it had to be done. It felt good to talk to someone that kind of knows how we feel, expcially Mark as he was the one who laid down the law. Well, I have to pack, and get a few things ready for the retreat.

You won't believe this

I still can't believe it. On Saturday we went to a water park in our town called, The Bay. It's a small water park, with four slides, a small pool for swimming, lots of grass, and lounge chairs for lounging. When we arrived Arianne and I found a spot with a lot of shade, and a little sun. When I saw this spot I thought it would be perfect, since Mark is not a huge fan of the sun. Mark showed up a few minutes after Arianne and I arrived (he was trying to find a pair of flip flops) I went over to meet Mark so I could show him our spot. I put some sunscreen on him, and asked if he wanted to go on the slides. He said YES!!! I couldn't believe it. Mark was outside, and playing in the water. He seemed to be having a good time. After sliding for about 30 minutes we decided to take a break. When we were sitting in our area, Mark said, "You should have found a spot with more sun." Me, "What, you hate the sun" Mark, "I know, but I wanted to get a little color." Me, "Who are you, and what did you do with my husband?" I could not believe it. Mark was outside, playing in the water, and complaining that our spot did not have enough sun. Just when I think I know him, he goes looking for more sun.


As if this weren't enough. Later that day we decided to go to the mall to look for a fathers day present for Mark. He is looking for a pair of Croc flip flops. The kiosk for the Crocs is right outside of Old Navy. I said to Arianne that she could go in Old Navy and pick out a couple pairs of flip flops. After Mark and I were done at the kiosk I told Mark that Arianne was in Old Navy and I needed to go in to pay for her flip flops. Now this is the unbelievable part. Mark went in Old Navy with me. Did you read what I typed, MARK WAS IN OLD NAVY. I know, I can't believe it myself. He only lasted about five minutes before he had to leave, but he was in Old Navy.
I know that for some of you, this will be hard to believe. I was with Mark and I still have a hard time believing it.

All I can say is that Mark totally surprised me on Saturday. I was so happy that he was outside, hanging out, playing in the water, and walking around Old Navy. He really is the best husbnad. I love him so much.

Pictures, and the Denver Zoo

Pictures
When I posted my last post about putting up some pictures I did not realiz what time it was. I had to do something, I don't remember what it was.

Denver Zoo
Today I bought a yearly pass to the Denver Zoo. Me and a guest can go back as many times as I want for the next year. I have not been to a zoo in a long time. I really had a fun time. I think I will go back again next week. Hopefully next time I won't get lost.

Pictures

OK, I'm going to try to figure out how to put pictures on my blog. Wish me luck.

Another year

Here I am at 36. It feels like I'm heading downhill to 40. For biological reasons this was the worst birthday I have ever had.

Thank goodness I have Mark. He really is the best husband. He has put up with my crankiness for the last few days, and when I came clean with him today about what was really bothering me, he said he knew, and that he was trying to be careful about what he said. He really is the best husband.

We really celebrated my birthday last month when we went to see Phantom of the Opera. I asked Mark a week ago if he was going to get me a small token gift for my birthday; he told me I was greedy :-) This morning when Mark was leaving for work he gave me a present. It was a t-shirt from Lands End (my favorite) and chocolate truffles. I thought that was it, I had my real present last month. BUT, around 2:30 this afternoon the doorbell rang. When I looked through the peephole I saw a flower delivery guy with a vase of red and yellow tulips; I was so excited. Tonight we went to Olive Garden, it was delicious. When we got home Mark gave me another t-shirt and a card. In one way this was the hardest birthday I have ever had to endure, but in more ways, Mark of course made it a fun birthday for me. Thank goodness I have Mark. When I am totally sad, and cranky with him, he always understands. I love him.

WORST BIRTHDAY EVER

Getting back to normal

Our life has been crazy for the last few months. I mentioned a couple posts back that my parents were coming out for a visit. The reason for the visit was that my stress level was so high I did not know what to do. I am so grateful to my parents for being willing and able to help my family; but even more then helping out my family, I am grateful that they were able to support and help me. I am also grateful for Mark's parents. They were always available to offer advice, and to remind Mark and I that we need to keep our faith strong. It was such a comforting feeling every time we would be talking to Bill and Helen to hear them say, "We are praying for you." I am also grateful for Howard and Rachel. I felt like I could call Rachel whenever I needed some support, or needed to vent my frustration, or when I just really did not know what else to do. And of course Howard: he was willing to offer his help whenever we needed it. I also am grateful to my Bishop, who was so willing to help our family.

So, what was going on? Why all the stress? What I can say is that adopting a 16 year old, who has spent most of her life trying to survive on her own, and pushing anyone and everyone away, comes with a certain set of challenges. Our life is starting to get back to normal. As a family we are working on gaining back trust and privileges.

I did not intend for this post to sound so much like a thank you note. However, I am truly grateful for the love and support that our family has given to us in a very difficult time.