Walking!!! Love this smile!
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Scarlet 1 year old!
It's been quite the year for this little one! But she really seems to be doing very well! Her next teething round or sickness round will tell the story of where her diabetes is sitting. We'll find out within this next year if she has permanent or transitional diabetes. She has started walking. I would say in this next week she'll be doing much more walking then crawling! Then the kids will really be in trouble! :) Two kids under 3 running around make quite the handful! Here are some pictures from the birthday party.Snuggles with daddy!Great Grandma Charlotte!Teagan! She's growing up so quickly!!Teagans expression is so priceless here! I think someone is wishing it was her birthday!Mom and auntie! She was much more interested on nawing on what she was holding!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Score! :)
Scored today with items for my cats. In May Coastal had $120 gift cards for $100. Today I decided to go get the cat litter and use the gift card I got. They had 40lbs of litter for $10 a bag, a $4 savings. Since I got 5 bags (will last at least 2 months) there was another $20 savings. The great thing is I wasn't aware that it was even on sale! Love it when that happens! :) Gift cards don't have to be for someone else!! I need to make sure I have savings account just for those kind of bargains! For this card I have gotten $140 worth of stuff for $100 and my gift card still has money on it. I highly doubt I'll find that sale on the litter next time!!
Now for my business. Things are truly in flux. As of now it'll be Erika working at the CPA's not me. She's always been more interested in the taxes and is thoroughly enjoying learning about all the in and outs and exceptions to the rules etc. so that will work well for her. Since I no longer have my larger client that will actually work out quite well for me as well. We'll see what the next couple of weeks bring! I just need to make sure that I'm not fretting about it while we're figuring out where we're headed! It's much much too easy to worry about things. My Father knows exactly what is best for me and I need to make sure I'm leaving all in his hands!!
And I'm loving this summer weather in September. It reached the mid 90's today which is unusual for this time of year here. I got a nice pick of tomatoes and beans and raspberries this evening.
Yummmm......
I'm freezing the tomatoes for spaghetti sauce, soups, etc. later on.
I was only expecting a few beans but actually got
quite a few more then I expected.
Now for my business. Things are truly in flux. As of now it'll be Erika working at the CPA's not me. She's always been more interested in the taxes and is thoroughly enjoying learning about all the in and outs and exceptions to the rules etc. so that will work well for her. Since I no longer have my larger client that will actually work out quite well for me as well. We'll see what the next couple of weeks bring! I just need to make sure that I'm not fretting about it while we're figuring out where we're headed! It's much much too easy to worry about things. My Father knows exactly what is best for me and I need to make sure I'm leaving all in his hands!!
And I'm loving this summer weather in September. It reached the mid 90's today which is unusual for this time of year here. I got a nice pick of tomatoes and beans and raspberries this evening.
I'm freezing the tomatoes for spaghetti sauce, soups, etc. later on.
I was only expecting a few beans but actually got
quite a few more then I expected.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Proud Grandma :)
 |
| Walking holding onto one finger!!! |
 |
| We have mastered the stairs!!! |
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Random thoughts and pictures
There is a thought that I've enjoyed this morning. An action or attitude of mine can really make or break a day for another. We have a really bad tendency in this day and age to use the phrase 'it's my life and I can do what I want' (especially growing up :) ). How many realize how doing what 'I want' affects the lives of those around them? There are many times our actions affect others for the good but it's the times that we get stubborn and do something even though something inside us is telling us NO that tends to bring catastrophe. Catastrophes handled with the right attitude can bring good in the end but why bring good the hard way when thinking of how actions/attitude will affect others at the first saves the heartache for others.
I think this got a bit off track but it's true no the less. :) Another thought is think of others, how can I help them? Sometimes the only help that can be given is prayer, sometimes it's visiting someone, sometimes it's calling, sometimes it's dropping a note in the mail.
And last but not least. Simplify! I've been so busy chasing my tail and trying to make enough to live that the rest of my life just hasn't really been there. I'm taking steps to hopefully have that solved by May of next year. It's going to be a process but in the end I think I'll be a lot happier and relaxed. Those that obey our Father and believe are cared for. I've experienced the natural and spiritual care so I'm not sure why I've allowed myself to get all caught up in the natural busyness of this life the last several months. That's why the anxiety got so high with my one client. In the end it'll mean being paid by the accountant but I'll still be having my own clients, just through the accountant, and Erika will be working for the both of us. So work will be nicely spread out and the headache of trying to take care of EVERYTHING will be gone. And the paycheck will be consistent! :) Erika has been a huge help but as the business owner I need to make sure all is taken care of and it's starting to wear on me! Sometimes having your own business just isn't worth the headache!!! I'm looking forward to seeing where the next 6 months take me!
Now for a couple of Scarlet pictures! :) I don't see Teagan near as often so I haven't had pictures in a while!
Grabbing grandma's hair! She loves being on shoulders now!
She's really starting to play with the little cars. Also is starting to take her first true steps this week!!
I think this got a bit off track but it's true no the less. :) Another thought is think of others, how can I help them? Sometimes the only help that can be given is prayer, sometimes it's visiting someone, sometimes it's calling, sometimes it's dropping a note in the mail.
And last but not least. Simplify! I've been so busy chasing my tail and trying to make enough to live that the rest of my life just hasn't really been there. I'm taking steps to hopefully have that solved by May of next year. It's going to be a process but in the end I think I'll be a lot happier and relaxed. Those that obey our Father and believe are cared for. I've experienced the natural and spiritual care so I'm not sure why I've allowed myself to get all caught up in the natural busyness of this life the last several months. That's why the anxiety got so high with my one client. In the end it'll mean being paid by the accountant but I'll still be having my own clients, just through the accountant, and Erika will be working for the both of us. So work will be nicely spread out and the headache of trying to take care of EVERYTHING will be gone. And the paycheck will be consistent! :) Erika has been a huge help but as the business owner I need to make sure all is taken care of and it's starting to wear on me! Sometimes having your own business just isn't worth the headache!!! I'm looking forward to seeing where the next 6 months take me!
Now for a couple of Scarlet pictures! :) I don't see Teagan near as often so I haven't had pictures in a while!
She's really starting to play with the little cars. Also is starting to take her first true steps this week!!
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Mixed Bag
It has surely been an interesting week! Being on someone else's payroll is sounding better all the time! It started out quite humbling. I finally found out the core problem with my client and while I can definitely see why he's upset I'm not sure that I could have done a whole lot different due to the size of the project and time constraints. However I really would like to apologize but something (my Father?) is telling me not now!! Seems a bit odd to be told not yet for apologizing but I won't argue! Anybody had that happen to them?
In reality the rest of the week has actually went fairly well. Tuesday and Wednesday things just seemed to fall into place. Not today though!! Went out to Hillsboro and the power had went out 5 minutes before I got there! Bummer because it takes me at least 45 minutes to get there!!! So I back tracked to a couple of other clients in Beaverton (The Tamale House next to Trader Joe's has yummy food!) and Tigard and then went back to Hillsboro. Payroll has to get done after all!!! Pretty sure it was the wind that knocked the power out. One thing that did fall into place late this afternoon (I love it when this happens :) ), I called the state to inquire about a form that I'd faxed in 9 weeks ago. It turns out that they'd just processed it TODAY! Unfortunately there was an issue but since I called in I was able to re-fax the form and hopefully it'll be finished by next week. No letter was needed due to timing, and it helps that I actually got the person who handles the faxes. (Their constantly two days behind with faxes for this particular application)
Weather changes are starting to happen! The wind has been whaling today! I'd say it was at least 40 mph gust, possibly higher. Started at midnight last night calmed a little during the day but has really picked up again tonight. This wind actually has kept things a bit cool rather then warming us up so fall is on the way. :) They're saying this is the earliest that they ever remember a fall wind hitting. However they're saying we'll be at 90* Sunday and Monday. Then rain Thursday and Friday. :( Guess we need it but I'd like a bit more time for the tomatoes and raspberries to ripen before the yo-yo starts!!! I'll have to post a picture of my raspberries next time. They're yummy and big! Ripening a handful at a time!
Our study was Acts 28 this week. I just enjoyed thinking on how the necessities were provided. They'd dumped everything overboard and yet when they left that island the necessities were provided by those on the island. Paul got the boost he needed when he was visited at one of the ports. I believe there was at least one other but I'm pulling a blank right now! But it's the same for us today. If I'm willing to listen and willing to do what's being laid on my heart then the necessities are provided, and there's a big difference between wants and necessities! I feel like some of what I consider necessary isn't even close, it's really a want!
In reality the rest of the week has actually went fairly well. Tuesday and Wednesday things just seemed to fall into place. Not today though!! Went out to Hillsboro and the power had went out 5 minutes before I got there! Bummer because it takes me at least 45 minutes to get there!!! So I back tracked to a couple of other clients in Beaverton (The Tamale House next to Trader Joe's has yummy food!) and Tigard and then went back to Hillsboro. Payroll has to get done after all!!! Pretty sure it was the wind that knocked the power out. One thing that did fall into place late this afternoon (I love it when this happens :) ), I called the state to inquire about a form that I'd faxed in 9 weeks ago. It turns out that they'd just processed it TODAY! Unfortunately there was an issue but since I called in I was able to re-fax the form and hopefully it'll be finished by next week. No letter was needed due to timing, and it helps that I actually got the person who handles the faxes. (Their constantly two days behind with faxes for this particular application)
Weather changes are starting to happen! The wind has been whaling today! I'd say it was at least 40 mph gust, possibly higher. Started at midnight last night calmed a little during the day but has really picked up again tonight. This wind actually has kept things a bit cool rather then warming us up so fall is on the way. :) They're saying this is the earliest that they ever remember a fall wind hitting. However they're saying we'll be at 90* Sunday and Monday. Then rain Thursday and Friday. :( Guess we need it but I'd like a bit more time for the tomatoes and raspberries to ripen before the yo-yo starts!!! I'll have to post a picture of my raspberries next time. They're yummy and big! Ripening a handful at a time!
Our study was Acts 28 this week. I just enjoyed thinking on how the necessities were provided. They'd dumped everything overboard and yet when they left that island the necessities were provided by those on the island. Paul got the boost he needed when he was visited at one of the ports. I believe there was at least one other but I'm pulling a blank right now! But it's the same for us today. If I'm willing to listen and willing to do what's being laid on my heart then the necessities are provided, and there's a big difference between wants and necessities! I feel like some of what I consider necessary isn't even close, it's really a want!
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Deleting FaceBook
Done!! :) Although I do have 14 days to reconsider. For those of you interested but you don't know how, google deleting FaceBook. An option will come up for you to click on that says just that. For me it was the second option down. All you need to do is put in the password and then verify with the typing numbers/letters that they show and it's done just that quick. You may want to save your pictures, (if you don't have them on a computer) or from others that you'll lose access to seeing. Then just simply open the picture and right click and save as and you're done.
FaceBook does have the option to deactivate an account but I don't believe it actually deletes it.
Now what to do with that FaceBook browsing time??!! To be quite frank I'll probably feel a little lost for the first few days!
I'll delete this section of the post in a couple of weeks but for those that want to stay in touch with me outside of this blog please email me! amekvold@gmail.com Please no spam!!!
FaceBook does have the option to deactivate an account but I don't believe it actually deletes it.
Now what to do with that FaceBook browsing time??!! To be quite frank I'll probably feel a little lost for the first few days!
I'll delete this section of the post in a couple of weeks but for those that want to stay in touch with me outside of this blog please email me! amekvold@gmail.com Please no spam!!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Erika to Dave "Can we start over?"
Hey.....
For starters there has not been one.single.day that I haven't thought about you...thought about where you are....are you alive or not!, what you are doing if you are alive, if you already knew the people you see daily, before or if you met them after, what you are feeling/thinking, when I will see you again, how would I react if/when I see you, what mom/Christina will think/feel and of course what will Grandma do?? All of those questions, all different scenarios....I think about it everyday.
You need to understand: I'm not mad. I am disappointed and saddened at times but never mad. Mainly because I don't know what made you leave, I don't know the thoughts that solidified your decision(if it has in fact always been your choice) BUT it never has nor ever will be my place to judge you for your choices, I can only accept what has been done and move forward with the best intentions.
And maybe it's selfish of me...or hopeful...but in every scenario where you come back you see me first. I know we had a different relationship, it was always you and me and Mom and Christina. Not that we weren't all a team but I know they have always understood each other better just as we had an understanding for each other. And I know now, that I didn't value what we had enough.
I wish I could have realized how I was treating you 4 years ago, really much longer than that but especially around that time. I can't change how I acted, yes I was selfish and didn't care enough about others like I could have but I can only hope that you would be able to forgive and move past that as well. I was young and naive (I still am, I'm not sure at what point in our lives we ever think we know everything and aren't naive in a certain ways) but I have grown so much more in the last four years than I could imagine. So I want to thank you for making me a part of a hard situation that I could learn immensely from.
I always looked up to you and always wanted to impress you but I understand now I didn't always show that. Others can't tell what we think in our heads and we did that a lot...stayed in our heads. Even though I felt we had a strong relationship we never talked about things below the surface and I would change that if you returned. I want to know about you, how are you feeling, what are you thinking.
I can understand why you would have resentment towards all of us and want to get out of the "situation" that you were in.....with a family that you felt didn't value and appreciate exactly the person you were/are. And you're valid to feel and think that because we didn't. But all four of us are at fault for that, our lack of good communication within the family was severely lacking and we can't change what we don't know is wrong. Now, that's not to say if you had spoken up about things that we would have changed but the opportunity would have been given. In no way am I trying to put blame anywhere because as I said before I see now what I was doing wrong and have put effort into changing and continue to put effort towards changing for the better. I hope you have been doing the same because I can only wish for you to be able to find happiness.
Everyone affected by your disappearance has changed for better and worse at times...because of this things would be very different now, I'm not sure how but I can only hope that we could start from scratch; in a way and I could show you how much I appreciate you and am so thankful that you are my father. I can only hope that you could be happy, I feel like you probably weren't for a very long time. You are very private but I wish I would have tried to understand your feelings more when you were here. I want to thank you for everything you taught me while you were around. How to be a good person, caring, thoughtful, helpful, gracious. goofy....I miss our goofiness. I think about it a lot because I know you would have so much fun with our girls. Teagan and Scarlet, they are so smart and fun, you would love them. I wish everyday that they will be able to meet you someday...someday soon. They are young enough that they wouldn't know what happened and wouldn't have any preconceptions about you, they would just love you for be their amazing grandpa, because you would be amazing! One day, years from now, they will hear about the one day you disappeared and how we know nothing about what happened to you. But I hope that the story can be different, I hope that they will know you by that time.
I know I'm writing a book, and if you are still reading.....I love you, I love you so much. What you did wasn't right. There were better ways to get out of your situation if that is indeed why you left. BUT it's not something that is unforgivable, I have forgiven you, I did a long time ago. It was easier for me because I have learned so much about myself through this experience and I am grateful for what I have learned. Because of this situation I have become a stronger, more compassionate person and I can only thank you for that. I have been shown how selfish I was as a kid/teen and young adult. I'm not saying I'm perfect now but I am aware and changing daily to become as selfless as possible. There are so many good qualities in you that I want to pass on to my children and I am thankful to have had you as an example.
I miss my father though, I miss your support in everything, I miss your laughter, I miss your voice, your hugs, your smiles, your teachings. There is not one thing about you that I don't miss, everything that I used to get so annoyed about I wish I could have the chance to even be annoyed about now because I wouldn't be. I want to show you the woman I have become and am changing to be. I want to prove to you what an awesome human being you created and mini-beings that have come from that.
I don't have any negative feelings toward you just sadness in place of anger. Sadness because of what you are missing and deciding to not be a part of. This is no one's doing but your own...unless something really did happen to you due to someone else's doing, I think about that and it breaks my heart if that is what really happened.
There are many things I hope for:
I hope that you are safe and okay. I hope one day you can find happiness, I hope one day to know what happened, I hope that it isn't just pride that is keeping you from coming back if indeed you did leave on your own will. If it is pride, I hope you can get over it and through it because things will be far different(in a good way) than I think, you think they will be. Of course it won't be a breeze and not everything will fall perfectly into place because it's a complicated situation but things will get better and it takes times. I know that it will take less time the sooner you have contact. And honestly if you are tired of all of us and never want to see any of us again, that is alright (not completely but as close as can be) but at least let us know you are alive. The worst part about all of this is not knowing whether you are dead or alive. Then we can stop thinking you are dead but still having hope that you are alive....there's no closure or grieve fully because we are always hoping and maybe in denial but we don't know because we have no answers. It's answers we want and who cares if you don't have then all right now, that's fine, because our biggest one is "Are you alive???". If nothing else comes from me writing this, which I hope it wasn't too depressing, only hopeful for you..I hope you understand we just want to know if you are alive and we can leave it at that. I know I am willing to let you take your time and do what you need to do without disturbance as long as I know that one answer.
Sorry to have written a book and again if you are still reading thank you for all you are and have ever done for me in my life. I love you like no one else in my life, you have a special part in my heart. I want you to remember that I love you, WE love you no matter what you think and are always here for you. Please remember what a great person you are and I wish you can overcome pride because we are past that by now.
Love you to the moon and back....
Missing you....
Your always hopeful, daughter...
Erika
P.S.
Stop missing out on all of the great things in our lives.....I want to know what is new and great in your life.....I want to know everything there is to know about you.
One of my favorite bad jokes from you : "Where does ice cream come from?"
"where?"
"Iceland! DUH!"
"hahahahahahaha!!!"
Love you daddy!
For starters there has not been one.single.day that I haven't thought about you...thought about where you are....are you alive or not!, what you are doing if you are alive, if you already knew the people you see daily, before or if you met them after, what you are feeling/thinking, when I will see you again, how would I react if/when I see you, what mom/Christina will think/feel and of course what will Grandma do?? All of those questions, all different scenarios....I think about it everyday.
You need to understand: I'm not mad. I am disappointed and saddened at times but never mad. Mainly because I don't know what made you leave, I don't know the thoughts that solidified your decision(if it has in fact always been your choice) BUT it never has nor ever will be my place to judge you for your choices, I can only accept what has been done and move forward with the best intentions.
And maybe it's selfish of me...or hopeful...but in every scenario where you come back you see me first. I know we had a different relationship, it was always you and me and Mom and Christina. Not that we weren't all a team but I know they have always understood each other better just as we had an understanding for each other. And I know now, that I didn't value what we had enough.
I wish I could have realized how I was treating you 4 years ago, really much longer than that but especially around that time. I can't change how I acted, yes I was selfish and didn't care enough about others like I could have but I can only hope that you would be able to forgive and move past that as well. I was young and naive (I still am, I'm not sure at what point in our lives we ever think we know everything and aren't naive in a certain ways) but I have grown so much more in the last four years than I could imagine. So I want to thank you for making me a part of a hard situation that I could learn immensely from.
I always looked up to you and always wanted to impress you but I understand now I didn't always show that. Others can't tell what we think in our heads and we did that a lot...stayed in our heads. Even though I felt we had a strong relationship we never talked about things below the surface and I would change that if you returned. I want to know about you, how are you feeling, what are you thinking.
I can understand why you would have resentment towards all of us and want to get out of the "situation" that you were in.....with a family that you felt didn't value and appreciate exactly the person you were/are. And you're valid to feel and think that because we didn't. But all four of us are at fault for that, our lack of good communication within the family was severely lacking and we can't change what we don't know is wrong. Now, that's not to say if you had spoken up about things that we would have changed but the opportunity would have been given. In no way am I trying to put blame anywhere because as I said before I see now what I was doing wrong and have put effort into changing and continue to put effort towards changing for the better. I hope you have been doing the same because I can only wish for you to be able to find happiness.
Everyone affected by your disappearance has changed for better and worse at times...because of this things would be very different now, I'm not sure how but I can only hope that we could start from scratch; in a way and I could show you how much I appreciate you and am so thankful that you are my father. I can only hope that you could be happy, I feel like you probably weren't for a very long time. You are very private but I wish I would have tried to understand your feelings more when you were here. I want to thank you for everything you taught me while you were around. How to be a good person, caring, thoughtful, helpful, gracious. goofy....I miss our goofiness. I think about it a lot because I know you would have so much fun with our girls. Teagan and Scarlet, they are so smart and fun, you would love them. I wish everyday that they will be able to meet you someday...someday soon. They are young enough that they wouldn't know what happened and wouldn't have any preconceptions about you, they would just love you for be their amazing grandpa, because you would be amazing! One day, years from now, they will hear about the one day you disappeared and how we know nothing about what happened to you. But I hope that the story can be different, I hope that they will know you by that time.
I know I'm writing a book, and if you are still reading.....I love you, I love you so much. What you did wasn't right. There were better ways to get out of your situation if that is indeed why you left. BUT it's not something that is unforgivable, I have forgiven you, I did a long time ago. It was easier for me because I have learned so much about myself through this experience and I am grateful for what I have learned. Because of this situation I have become a stronger, more compassionate person and I can only thank you for that. I have been shown how selfish I was as a kid/teen and young adult. I'm not saying I'm perfect now but I am aware and changing daily to become as selfless as possible. There are so many good qualities in you that I want to pass on to my children and I am thankful to have had you as an example.
I miss my father though, I miss your support in everything, I miss your laughter, I miss your voice, your hugs, your smiles, your teachings. There is not one thing about you that I don't miss, everything that I used to get so annoyed about I wish I could have the chance to even be annoyed about now because I wouldn't be. I want to show you the woman I have become and am changing to be. I want to prove to you what an awesome human being you created and mini-beings that have come from that.
I don't have any negative feelings toward you just sadness in place of anger. Sadness because of what you are missing and deciding to not be a part of. This is no one's doing but your own...unless something really did happen to you due to someone else's doing, I think about that and it breaks my heart if that is what really happened.
There are many things I hope for:
I hope that you are safe and okay. I hope one day you can find happiness, I hope one day to know what happened, I hope that it isn't just pride that is keeping you from coming back if indeed you did leave on your own will. If it is pride, I hope you can get over it and through it because things will be far different(in a good way) than I think, you think they will be. Of course it won't be a breeze and not everything will fall perfectly into place because it's a complicated situation but things will get better and it takes times. I know that it will take less time the sooner you have contact. And honestly if you are tired of all of us and never want to see any of us again, that is alright (not completely but as close as can be) but at least let us know you are alive. The worst part about all of this is not knowing whether you are dead or alive. Then we can stop thinking you are dead but still having hope that you are alive....there's no closure or grieve fully because we are always hoping and maybe in denial but we don't know because we have no answers. It's answers we want and who cares if you don't have then all right now, that's fine, because our biggest one is "Are you alive???". If nothing else comes from me writing this, which I hope it wasn't too depressing, only hopeful for you..I hope you understand we just want to know if you are alive and we can leave it at that. I know I am willing to let you take your time and do what you need to do without disturbance as long as I know that one answer.
Sorry to have written a book and again if you are still reading thank you for all you are and have ever done for me in my life. I love you like no one else in my life, you have a special part in my heart. I want you to remember that I love you, WE love you no matter what you think and are always here for you. Please remember what a great person you are and I wish you can overcome pride because we are past that by now.
Love you to the moon and back....
Missing you....
Your always hopeful, daughter...
Erika
P.S.
Stop missing out on all of the great things in our lives.....I want to know what is new and great in your life.....I want to know everything there is to know about you.
One of my favorite bad jokes from you : "Where does ice cream come from?"
"where?"
"Iceland! DUH!"
"hahahahahahaha!!!"
Love you daddy!
x
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