Faith in God and Coffee

Quick, short and to the point

2012-02-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

Just got back from my follow-up with Dr. W (who did my hysterectomy) All looks good, still not healed up but getting there. Another appt in 3 weeks.

Started taking Zoloft on Saturday 2/4/2012. Feeling alright, but already noticing some side effects that I don't love; jittery feeling, hair loss, headaches. But it's working well on the depression and that's ALL that matters.

So, I'm going to go pick up Da Boy from school and wait for Mr. Man to get home from work so I can finally be calm again. I'm beginning to realize that I don't like being home alone near as much as I used to - now I'm just lonely and jumpy and bored.

I just want to forget.

2012-02-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know...

…how much I’m going to be around the next several days - might be ‘not at all’ might be ‘all the time’. I’m really struggling with some stuff and Facebook (anyone surprised here?) just really screwed my mind up. One of my ‘Christian’ friends (who has been unfriend-ed, I know it’s rude, but really I couldn’t help it) posted a picture… God, I don’t even know if I can bear to explain or type it out…. of an aborted baby, bloody, horrible, dead.

I just had a hysterectomy. They removed my uterus. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for almost 4 years, unsuccessfully, because of severe endometriosis and adenomyosis. I am struggling very hard with my emotions and feelings because of this. I have not been able to cook raw meat, and I've barely been able to eat beef since I came home from the hospital. It grosses me out and makes me sick. Then about 30 minutes ago I saw the above stated post on facebook.

My depression is getting worse, I’m taking more pain pills than usual because I’m hurting more, but I’m not sure if those two things are actually connected or not. I’ll NOT be on FB for awhile, that I can tell you - but I don’t know about here or my tumblr.

I need to paint. I’ve started a new painting, but I’m hesitant to show it online because 99% of the time my paintings get ignored, and I honestly don’t think I can deal with that right now on top of everything else.

How do you unsee something? I need to know if there actually is a way. I have finally stopped crying and only threw up once...so much for that casadilla . I feel like I’m dying on the inside and I don’t know how to stop. I feel so very very alone right now. And broken. I can’t smile about anything. I feel like I don’t even want to breathe, but my body makes me.

Pray for me? Think happy thoughts for me? Something, anything. Just…. I don’t know. I want to say “whatever, fuck it, I just need to move on” but I can’t, I don’t know how. I don’t even know how to get this stuff out of my head, off my mind. I just keep seeing it over and over and over.

Anyway … there it is. I wasn’t planning on really getting into it, but I guess I did - someone will probably say “it’s good for you get it out”… just so you know. Thank you for taking the time to read this (if anyone does) and I hope you have a good rest of your day.

p.s. Unless you are Mr. Man, please don't call or text me today. I probably won't answer, I just really don't want to talk about it. I just want to go pick up Da Boy from school and hug him forever until I stop feeling like this. Also, If this IS Mr. Man reading this, I'll call you when we get home, but can we please not talk about this part? Thanks and I love you soooo much. I miss you and I wish you could come home. I'll be waiting for you when you get off work.

~Mira

Confessions

2012-01-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

On my mind,top 10 confessions:

((meme seen on tumblr))

1. I love the shows Sherlock, Merlin, and The Big Bang Theory.
2. I smoke too much.
3. I'm realizing that I'm becoming more depressed, more often.
4. I seek approval. For everything.
5. I am not a cutter, but when I stress or get very low, I pull hairs out from my scalp.
6. I'm scared that I'll never be able to eat red meat again.
7. For the last 3 minutes, I've been trying to talk myself out of publishing this specific post.
8. I hate my smile, because my teeth are bad and it's disgusting.
9. I eat way too many sunflower seeds.
10. I think my husband is amazingly handsome (among many other incredible things). I honestly fangirl over his cheekbones and eyes. I can't believe he picked me. I still don't really know why he did.

Maybe I really am going crazy

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

I think I wouldn't mind if I never left the house again. Although, I wonder how long it would be before someone noticed (besides Mr. Man and DaBoy) I could listen to church online, update my FB status with thoughts on the sermon, share antidotes about daily life, and I doubt anyone would know the difference.

I mean, except me.

I don't mind going to Walmart, or maybe out for some Keno, or even Quizno's. But going places where I know people.... yeah I think I'm ok not doing that anymore. I'm sick of the pretending, "How do I feel? ~~Like I ought to be swinging from my neck in the shower~~ I'm doin' alright, better all the time, you?" the fake smiles, the little social lies "Oh we need to get together! Let's have lunch" (we ain't never havin' lunch, and you damn well know it) and all the rest.

I'm pretty sure I could pull it off. Well, just as long as no one ever came to the house looking for me. ;)

I don't wanna talk about it.

2012-01-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

But it seems like I have to. I've been putting it off. I'd rather just talk about my latest obsession; the BBC shows "Merlin" and "Sherlock", or tell you about how my Pastor hates "fish-breathed, fur ball vomiting house cats" (yes, that is a direct quote) or maybe about how long my hair is now, or something cute about Da Boy. But no .. it's time I get this off my .... well, chest ain't the right word... Soul? Heart? Mind?

On January 9th, I had a hysterectomy. They took my uterus, left my ovaries, and burned off the Endometriosis. <---- That word right there just echos in my head everytime I say it or think it. ENDO....ENDo...ENdo...Endo...endo......

I am still recovering. Well, my body is recovering. Me, I'm not so sure about.

"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." ♥ - C.S. Lewis (quoted from a friend on facebook)

My body is recovering, quite nicely I think. My weight is down (how the hell much can an empty uterus weigh?!) to 124. My incisions are glued (they only did stitches on the inside) and although they sometimes still are painful, it's nothing I can't handle. I still am having a hard time bending down or walking very far (or fast) but hell, with my back that's nothing I'm not used to. I'm going to leave the rest out; and put it down as T.M.I. (trust me on this one, I feel bad enough that I've already told Mr. Man about so much).

The 'me' inside though - is changed - more than the physical; the scars, the pain, the bleeding, the bullshit. A small example of what I mean....

Last night, I cooked dinner. Simple, easy, no big thing, Hamburger Helper Stroganoff. As I dumped the raw ground beef into the pan to brown it, I couldn't help but see the red, the uncooked, the raw ... the meat. All I could think about was my missing uterus. Where is it? What did they do with it? Stop Miranda (I said in my head) It's a COW, for Christ's sake! Yes, this is a cow... you're right. Cows are girls, oh my god, what if there is cow uterus in here??! Knock it off! You are just making it worse, just cook the fucking meat and get it brown! I turned up the heat. Cooked it faster. It turned brown, looked just like hamburger (like what the hell else should it look like?!). No problemo. I pulled myself together and continued cooking. Served dinner and sat down to eat. Mr. Man and I prayed and as I took the first forkful into my mouth, I couldn't imagine that this was beef. I knew it was, but I couldn't accept it. Couldn't make myself believe it.

Oh holy fuck I can't eat this!!!

I tried. I really did, but after a few more bites, I pushed aside my plate and ate my french bread slice.

It's that kind of thing that sneaks up on me, unawares, and bites me in the brain. And now, even as I type these letters to close my entry, I can't stop thinking about that meat. And here I was, so proud of myself for chatting nicely with that (very) pregnant lady we saw last night (I even smiled) asking her when she is due, and did she know if it was a boy or a girl. (April 23rd, a girl, to be named Brooklyn Savannah)

...now do you see why I didn't wanna talk about it?

~M

A quick summary...

2012-01-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

Just to update you what's going on, since I still haven't really found time to do a nice big blog about it all (well, that and I can't think of how to start) I'll sum up..

Da Boy is now with us 1 week at a time. 1 here, 1 there, repeat. Also, his biological father moved about an hour away, which makes getting Da Boy to school on time rather difficult.

Sissy T is getting married. In September. To a boy we haven't met. Yeah.

I have been diagnosed with Endo. Now, I have to have a hysterectomy. On Monday (no joke) And I'm scared. A Lot. So much for almost 4 years of trying to get pregnant. To be honest, I can't even form sentences about how I feel emotionally about this subject.

We started going to a new church. Full of wonderful people. Now the people at our old church barely speak to us and I feel like they don't want to be friends with us anymore.

I've been painting, and crocheting, and spending WAY too much time looking at Tumblr browsing #Merlin.

Mr. Man has been diagnosed with functional dyspepsia. Only problem is, the meds seem worse than the disease. Now he's having chest pains and tingling in his hands and feet. And I'm scared. A lot.

However....

I got a new camera for Christmas ... no joke, I don't think I've ever been so excited. It's a Canon, with a separate lens. Sheeeaaahhh!

Ok, that'll have to do for now. Da Boy leaves in an hour and I've gotta get his stuff together. Ciao for now, I will try to post more later today.
~M

Welcome Once Again

2012-01-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

You don't have to read this. I give you permission right now to close the page. I give you free reign over the comment box, and I PROMISE I will NOT get upset if you don't use that box. I am done trying to please everyone, and by proxy be pleased. I've learned that that isn't reasonable and it's also ridiculous. I'm a big girl now, and I can handle it. This is NOT going to be an Art Blog, nor yet and Crafting Blog, or even a Mommy Blog. This is Miranda's blog. What I post may not make any sense to you, but you aren't Miranda (and if you are, well, the hell with you, you aren't the right Miranda ;))

I've been spending a lot of time thinking lately, but not a lot of action has come from it. Mind you, a lot of things are going on (and I mean a LOT) and things are changing ... hell, my whole LIFE is changing. Anyway, I digress (for the moment) to tell you the reason this post showed up in your email/blog roll/reading list/thingy.

It's 2012 and since so many things are changing in my life, I need a place I can put it all down, in my own words and be able to not only document, but to review at a later date; (some of) the events of my life.

Take it or leave it. This is for me and those that love me. If you love me (or even kinda like me) I would be honored and thankful if you did read it. HOWEVER, please don't feel obligated to do so - this is neither the time nor the place for it.

I will post again later today if I have time, but for now I must go, it's lunch time and I'm hungry. I am going to try and post something, even if it's short and stupid, at least 4-5 times a week. I may screw that up, but I'm the only one who that will matter to, and I'm ok with it ;)

God Bless and stay strong. Enjoy your coffee. Know that you are loved, regardless.
~Miranda

Freedom Flowers

2011-09-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

~*~Freedom Flowers~*~

Crocheted hair flower (small alligator clip on back) with and without center puff.

I will be making hair flowers such as this (also different colors/designs) and selling them to help support the outreach program and food pantry at Freedom Church in Carson City, NV!

If you are interested in purchasing one or more of these flower clips before I am able to put them for sale on Etsy, please contact me at sweetpea.miranda@gmail.com - Thank you!!
~Miranda Mangiapelo

No one ever called me Betty Crocker

2011-06-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well it's just the truth, ya know?

(make sure to click the pictures to see them bigger!)

My Grandmother, yes, absolutely - the woman could cook anything! My Mom was the same way, I even have some of her handwritten recipes (not that I can really read them, but that's not the point)

(Mom and I making biscuits) (Mom's recipes)

My Aunt can cook very well, my friends can heat up the kitchen (A la Princessa!) but me? I could heat it up, but you'd probably need a fire extinguisher by the time I was done.

No, no (I can hear you Wendy and Chris) I'm not giving myself enough credit. That is what this blog post is for...

So after what seems like years weeks of ....

Mon: hamburger patties

Tue: chicken breasts

Wed: frozen pasta bowls

Thu: repeat

Mr. Man and I have decided to start "trying new things" as far as meals go. So, I broke out the cook book and we started looking through it.

So far we've tried TWO new recipes this week and both were home-runs!

And, all though I didn't get any pictures of the Pepper-Lime Chicken, I did manage a few of the ribs! I made the sauce (changed it, there was just no way I was going to put 2 frickin teaspoons of chili powder in there!), Mr. Man did the grillin', and even Da Boy joined in and "painted" the ribs with our sauce!

(I still think ours look better than the book's picture of the ribs!) Anyways ... we've picked out a ton of other recipes from the book, and if I remember I'll post about how those turn out too! I may not be Betty Crocker, but at least the boys and I won't starve ;)

~M

Today sucks.

2011-06-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Just like it has for the last 16 years. Of course the very first June 2nd that meant anything to me was WAY over the top of Suck-ass Mountain, but of course, when you’re 15, death of a parent is always harder.

My Dad was a great guy… liked by many and deeply loved by those that loved him. He was tall and strong and funny. He knew Karate. He loved to dance and listen to music. He could knock it out of the park when it came to one-liners. He loved his daughter.

Now he’s gone. Does he know he has a grandson that looks so much like him, sometimes I can’t believe my eyes? Does he know that I finally found the guy I was meant to be with? Does he know that I’m loved, safe, protected, and happy? Does he know that I can’t believe I ever got this far without him? Does he know that I still need him, love him, miss him, hate him for leaving me without him?

Good Friday? Rant...

2011-04-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

I love how, as a Christian, I am expected to allow people to walk all over me. To say things that hurt me, piss me off, or demean me - but I'm not allowed to 'get my feelings hurt' 'get pissed off' or say anything back to them. I'm just supposed to let it go, smile, and pretend that they aren't total idiots (therefore proving myself to be one). Gee, thanks for that.

Why is that? I'm beginning to hate facebook because of this. People seem bent on saying things on there that not only are rude, crude, and otherwise totally unacceptable, yet somehow if I contradict them in any manner, I'm the bad guy!! WTF?! Seriously ... I'm really done with people thinking I don't care if they tell me abortion is right, gay marriage is cool, or giving birth in hospitals is bad (and I'm pretty sure this includes breast feeding too, OMW).

Yes, I know .. calm down Miranda. It's Good Friday, think about the sacrifice that Christ made for you - don't downplay it by getting all worked up over something that isn't worth it. But you know what? This isn't just about today .. this shit happens all the time, and I'm finally fed up. I believe it's time to sever some connections, clean up the mess, get rid of the problem. Burn those bridges that lead to harmful and scary places. I'm afraid to, though. I'm afraid because I know that I will be the 'bitch' for doing it - I don't want to lose friends .. I don't have enough to be losing. But is it worth keeping these friendships - and the cost of my emotional balance, my inner peace? My stress levels are through the roof, and everytime I get upset like this, ya know what happens next? I can guarantee that within 24 hours my back will be out, with shooting pains down my legs and a migraine, and I'll be hurting again, not just emotionally, but physically.

I'll end up being a pariah on FB to those people. And not just FB, but a number of other sites, where we all connect. Is it worth it; to maybe be cast away from my other friends because of these few people that are making me crazy? Am I the one in the wrong here? I don't know .. I'm sure some people reading this are laughing because this is all my own fault and here I am bitching about it and blaming others. I know that I have a hand in this, I realize that. I have my own issues that I have to deal with and part of that is just that I see these people with things that I wish to have, that don't treasure them. They have this most wonderful treasure and they do nothing but complain and gripe and treat it like it doesn't mean anything - yet I would give anything for the blessing they have.

I'm not sure what to do right now .. ranting about it has helped a little, but now it's time to act on it. What to do - sever the ties and move on, or smile and plot their deaths in my head?

100 Day Challenge - Day 4

2011-03-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Day 04 - A picture of something you'd like to do again.

I spent 13 months working a cattle ranch in Nevada when I was in my teens, damn, I miss it. And no, not just "horseback riding"... I miss it all, the horses, the smell of sage and cattle, the wind through your hair, tugging on your hat, the feel of the leather chaps and the rush of the earth flying past as you and your horse become one, loping through the valleys.

100 Day Challenge - Day 3

2011-03-17T13:21:00.001-07:00

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
NCIS - no doubt about it!

100 Day Challenge - Day 2

2011-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Day 02 - A picture of you and a person you have been close with for awhile.

Joanna Mahan and I - June 2010. We've been friends for 11 years.

100 Day Challenge - Day 1

2011-03-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - A picture of yourself and 15 facts about yourself.

FACTS
1. I am married to the other half of my soul
2. I am a mom
3. I dropped out of HS and got my GED at 17
4. I dislike my smile
5. I am left handed
6. I was born in '79
7. I have been an orphan for 4 years
8. I am addicted to coffee and cigarettes
9. I have never been outside the US
10. I have a degenerative back disease.
11. I hate this picture
12. I trust in God
13. I have some really great friends - that I've never met.
14. I have only broken 1 bone in my body
15. I hate surveys and stuff like this.

100 Day Challenge

2011-03-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

I will not be doing these everyday - I will take my time and do them when I want to, but as close to "daily" as I can. I am also posting these on FB!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for awhile.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of something you'd like to do again.
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most fucked up things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.
Day 31 - A picture of a tradition you have.
Day 32 - A picture of a crazy night.
Day 33 - A picture of the house you grew up in.
Day 34 - A picture of your currently most played CD.
Day 35 - A picture of your favorite place to eat.
Day 36 - A picture of your ‘other half'.
Day 37 - A picture of the people you spend most of your time with.
Day 38 - A picture of the best part of your day.
Day 39 - A picture of your favorite movie.
Day 40 - A picture of your favorite Disney character.
Day 41 - A picture of your pet.
Day 42 - A picture of your dream house.
Day 43 - A picture of something you can’t function without.
Day 44 - A picture of someone you’re told you look like.
Day 45 - A picture of your room.
Day 46 - A picture of where you wish you were right now.
Day 47 - A picture of your favorite place to shop.
Day 48 - A picture of your favorite actress/actor.
Day 49 - A picture of where you live.
Day 50 - A picture of your most frequented place.
Day 51 - A picture of your dream car.
Day 52 - A picture of your favorite sport.
Day 53 - A picture of someone you think is hot.
Day 54 - A picture of the one thing you would bring if you
were stranded on a deserted island.
Day 55 - A picture of the last movie you saw in theaters.
Day 56 - A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 57 - A picture of your favorite holiday.
Day 58 - A picture of your favorite animal.
Day 59 - A picture of a random item that you own.
Day 60 - A picture of your pet.
Day 61 - School class picture
Day 62 - Last place you traveled to
Day 63 - An Award or Certificate you've received
Day 64 - Favorite childhood book
Day 65 - A picture of you and your best friend
Day 66 - A picture in your room
Day 67 - Something Green
Day 68 - A magazine you like
Day 69 - Something Red
Day 70 - Something you borrowed from someone else
Day 71 - A picture of your favorite piece of jewelry
Day 72 - A stuffed animal
Day 73 - Your lunch
Day 74 - Something you found under your bed
Day 75 - You and a friend
Day 76 - Something that annoys you
Day 77 - The last thing that you bought
Day 78 - Your sunglasses
Day 79 - A ticket from somewhere you've been
Day 80 - Your favorite childhood movie
Day 81 - Something you baked
Day 82 - The most embarrassing thing in your closet
Day 83 - The moon tonight
Day 84 - Your favorite pair of shorts
Day 85 - Something Pink
Day 86 - Something your mom bought you
Day 87 - Something you hold dear to your heart
Day 88 - Your bathroom
Day 89 - What's in your fridge?
Day 90 - Your latest drawing/art/craft.
Day 91 - Something that made you smile today
Day 92 - Something weird in your house
Day 93 - The view from your bedroom window
Day 94 - What your doing right now
Day 95 - Something yellow
Day 96 - A place you went today
Day 97 - Something heart shaped
Day 98 - Your favorite nail polish color
Day 99 - Something that makes you feel accomplished
Day 100 - The final picture of yourself

Mirapelo Art

2010-07-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

So, I've finally opened up shop on Etsy. I'm both thrilled and terrified by the prospect of complete strangers seeing my artwork, but it's what I feel is the best way to begin this part of the Journey.

I seriously don't know what I'm doing; the painting, the shop, all of it - I'm going in blind, but I'm not alone. I'm backed up by my Father, supported on both sides by my husband and son, and cheered for on the sidelines by my friends. Now, if only I could scavenge a bit of confidence in myself...

I'm running out of canvases!

2010-07-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Help, help!! I'm out of canvas and I've still got paint on my brush!

Seriously though... it's kind of true. I've got two more paintings ready to sell, a third on the easel for Da Boy that's at halfway and only 2 canvases left. I'm almost afraid to use them, in case I get commissioned for a piece. Although, it's highly doubtful that would happen, considering it hasn't yet, but hey - ya never know!

Here are my latest paintings.

Butterfly Heaven

9"x9" acrylics on canvas

For Sale: $50

Salvation is Here

16"x20" acrylics on canvas

for sale: $125

There is paint on my heart

2010-07-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

I've started painting again. Well, I don't know if 'again' is really the word. I started painting about two years ago, but I only did one picture and ended up hating it. It's been hanging in my bathroom since then, and I despair every time I see it. I have been told it's not that bad and it's kinda cool with the texture in the background and for the most part I agree, it's just that I know I could have done it better, but I didn't even try.

You see, I've always wanted to be a painter, but there's just one problem... I can't draw. Literally cannot draw a straight line with a ruler, I even have difficulty with even-sided squares and round circles. But, I thought maybe, if I tried painting... it would be easier. I have all these pictures and designs in my head, I just can't get them to my hand.

So, I finally convinced myself and Mr. Man that I wanted to try again. I got all my supplies together, estimated what I needed to buy to get started, did some research, set everything up, and began. This is what came out of that effort.

"Butterflies"

Acrylics on Canvas

8"x10"

I was extremely proud of this picture... even as it was drying I knew I loved it. I was planning on listing it on my Etsy shop (which I have only just set-up and haven't used yet) and attempting to sell it. But first, I wanted opinions. Confirmation that it was good. So... I posted it on Facebook. Low and behold - people seemed to like it! I talked about selling it, wondering what my friends thought I should ask for it. Then .. the amazing thing happened... I was contacted by a very good friend of mine Alice D. She wants to buy it for a friend of hers that saw the painting and loved it! $50 dollars and wham - I've sold my very first painting! I am to deliver the painting tomorrow at church, where she will pay me for it (in cash, thank you very much!) Also, we've been talking about a butterfly painting for her.

squeeeee!!

I've painted a few others, I even got Da Boy into it! Here are a couple of my other works - yes they are in a different style, but I'm trying out new things, I want to see what I like doing the most.

"From Afar"

Acrylics on frame back

11"x14"

"Mark 1:10"

Acrylics on cardboard

5"x7"

Please, tell me what you think of my work. If you don't like them ~~I'll kill you~~ don't worry, I can take it! Just give me your honest opinions!

Post-It Note Tuesday 6/29/2KX

2010-06-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Wordful Wednesday-Phone Photo Memories

2010-06-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Isn't taking pictures with your phone so much fun?! I love it, I just wish I had a better phone, and therefore, a better camera in it. Here are my favorite camera shots from my lousy phone. I'm hoping to get a better phone soon, so maybe next time I'll have better pics for you! I did my best to make these photos better through photoshop - at least now you can see what the pictures are of!

Da Boy - we called him "Spike" for 2 days

(5-6 months ago)

Self portrait - my new haircut

(6 months ago maybe?)

(2009) Mr. Man makin' a funny at a restaurant.

(2009) I told them "Make nice funny faces"

(to boys 'nice' = calm)

Mr. Man and Sissy T at her

going away party in SoCal (2009)

Adso when he was teensy. He was so friggin cute.

(2008)

Sora, the day we brought him home. No, his head

really isn't that blurry. (2009)

Da Boy at Grandma's house, making pancakes

(Thanksgiving 2009)

Me - 2nd place as a Faerie for Halloween at

Casino Fandango (2008)

Da Boy on his best behavior waiting in the

church office. (2009)

The one in which Da Boy steals my camera

2010-06-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

I plugged in the camera this morning to upload a photo of Da Boy I had taken last Wednesday, the day before he left for his birth dad's house. Then I saw that he had gotten all "photographer" on me again and took 97 pictures with it when I asked him to bring me the camera. 97 yeah. Most of which were out of focus snaps of the TV and the cats. Oh, and his feet. He did, however, get a couple of Mr. Man and I that aren't too bad at all! Here are the pics I had planned to post, and a few of his best shots.

**** Da Boy's Photoshoot starts below!!****

iSparkle Designs - Grand Opening

2010-06-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm very proud to present iSparkle Designs - a blog design shop!

I am very excited about this new venture of mine and I am inviting all of my readers to head over there and "follow" that blog as well. You can get there by clicking the button above. Check it out - enter the giveaway, look at the catalog, maybe even order a new design for your blog. The first giveaway starts at 9am today (in about 30 minutes).

Can't wait to see you there!
~Miranda

Weekend of Awesome

2010-06-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, all! I can only hope your weekend was as full of awesome as ours was! Friday night, Mr. Man and Da Boy got crazy doing laundry, and I couldn't resist grabbing the camera. Most of the pictures that we took (Da Boy snagged the camera from me and snapped several) didn't turn out too well, seems like my camera doesn't do 'action' very well! :)

This is how it all started!

Yes, that's Da Boy as Mr. Man dumps all the clean laundry on him

Then came the "sock fight"

I only wish I had thought to do a video instead of photos.

Would have been epic!

Saturday, Mr. Man, Da Boy and I hopped in the car and drove over to the Nevada State Railroad Museum for our first family train ride.

As they blew the train whistle and I snapped this pic, I realized how awesome it is to be Da Boy's Mom.

After the train ride, we gave Day Boy the first installment of his allowance - Three whole dollars per week, for doing his chore list. Which, by the way, is no simple task! It includes helping with dishes, taking out his trash and helping with the laundry (hence the sock fight above!). He's been doing great, so he got his allowance. We took him to Target and he picked out some Hot Wheels cars and paid for them himself. I've never seen him prouder. Wish I'd had the camera with me for that!

Later that afternoon we hooked up with my "adopted" parents, Alice and Lou, for church. Service and worship were amazing, as usual, and Pastor Bill really hit the nail on the head with some points about staying with God's plan, even when it seems like it's changing. It really made me think about this new blog design business I'm opening (tomorrow, hint-hint). But, we'll talk about that later...

After church, the whole famn-damily went to the chinese restaurant for dinner and then we headed out to see the Comstock Cowboys perform at the Carson City Rendezvous. It was a lot of fun (except the part where Da Boy ran away, off into the grass all the way to the cars before I finally caught up with him and just about whacked him one in public!) The music was great and all the ladies and gentlemen in their costumes were wonderful.

Sunday we took it easy, and enjoyed a yummy dinner out in our front yard. It was pretty laid-back for the most part, and today it's "catch up" time. The grand opening for iSparkle Designs is tomorrow, and needless to say - I'm not ready. But - it'll work for now, and I think as long as I can get some more followers on that blog, it'll turn out just fine. Time for me to go, however, Da Boy is chanting "I unnnnry" at me and begging for lunch.

Good News and Better News

2010-06-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

The good news is... Mr. Man and I started a new class at church last night called "Church History". I've been looking forward to this class for months now, ever since they first started talking about offering it. So, we grabbed our bibles and headed to class, after dropping Da Boy off at the church child care room. Besides the teacher, our class totaled 11 people. We were given the book "The Church in History" by B.K. Kuiper and with that and a Power Point, we got to work. This class is exactly what I've been praying for; an in-depth study of the Christian church, from Jesus to modern time, including a study in the denominations.

I'm so happy that we signed up for this class, it's going to be difficult; we are already in a growth group, plus regular church and our own daily devotionals, also Mr. Man is in a men's group studying the Book of Mark. I spent 2 hours last night, transcribing my notes and the power point to a notebook, and that was just for the first class! But, I think it'll be good for us, and I'm happy to see that Mr. Man is also excited about it.

The better news is.... the test results are in and I don't have to have surgery on my back! Can I get a woot woot?! If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go read the post in which I explain whats wrong. I was pretty worried to have this test done, alone, but it turned out that it was no big deal and I'm just a wussy. Go me. I took Da Boy over to a friend's house for a bit, and he had a blast. The doctor that did the test was wonderful, very kind and gentle. Yes, he gave me the "if you don't quit smoking you are going to die" lecture, but I don't mind that, especially since Mr. Man and I are trying to quit. This test was really uber important because basically it would tell us if there was any nerve damage in my back or legs, and if so, I would need surgery. But... there's not any! Just irritation, which I can alleviate with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory meds and quitting smoking. I really believe that God heard all of our prayers, and also the prayers of our friends. Some might call it luck, or even Fate... but I know the truth. I have been so blessed in this life, and I know that God wouldn't let me down this time.