Ode to Arizona

Watching Tank

Rhinestone Cowboy

Abandoned

Grandfather

Wherever the Wind May Take Us

Great-Great Billie

Tree of Life

After four years of living in the Arizona desert I am saying good-bye. I never thought that it would be difficult. Whether I liked it or not, after four years....the desert became my home. I met my husband there. It is were both my daughters were born. My "extended" family became my familia. I cried as I left. I am happy for the memories and friends I made in the desert. These are a few of the last moments I spent in Arizona. I feel a sense of pride having lived in the land of cowboys and Indians. I will not forget the lessons the desert taught me. There are so many people that I love in Arizona. I owe many of my friends and loved ones in Mesa an apology. I have not been in very good contact. Maybe it is selfish, but it hurts to hear the voices of those I left behind. As an adult I have become quite sentimental. Please accept my apology if you haven't heard from me. I promise we will talk soon. For now, Adios Amigos!

Please Stop Looking the Gift Horse in the Mouth

I've been thinking a lot about the government funded programs such as the Nutrition Assistance Program (more commonly known as food stamps), housing assistance, child care assistance and medical insurance. I've been participating in some of these programs for the past three years and have some very strong feelings on the matter. My family has been extremely blessed to receive assistance with both food costs and health insurance. When my daughter was born she spent four days in the NICU and several months later was diagnosed with a urinary reflux after spending several days in the hospital. All of her medical treatment and medication was covered through AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System). At the time I was a single mother working full time and going to school full time. Needless to say these services were greatly appreciated.

Earlier this year I had surgery after having a miscarriage. The procedure would have costed over a $10,000, but because I qualified for AHCCCS we didn't have to pay a dime. My husband works full time and is a part time student and I am a full time student. There have been times in our lives, like many other young families, when we simply didn't make enough money to meet our family's needs.

It's not always easy to meet deadlines and verification requirements for the Department of Economic Security. I recently spent seven hours in a DES office only to be told to return later with more documentation for my case. I'll admit, it can be a bit of a hassle to complete case work. However, in the end it is completely worth it. SO HERE IS MY ISSUE----> Every time I am at a DES office the room is flooded with vulgarity, whining and complaining from fellow benefit recipients about the job performance of DES employees and the program in general. Persons waiting in line are openly demanding and angry. Does anyone else see a problem with this? I am frankly appalled that people have the nerve to complain about the FREE services they are receiving. Because they are required to submit paper work for verification and visit an office for a few hours they seem to forget how their welfare benefits are made possible. Hard working American citizens tax dollars grant the underprivileged an opportunity to make their own lives better. Nobody owes them anything. They are lucky to be U.S. citizens. Considering the THOUSANDS of dollars that one individual may receive or save each year, they should be very grateful. I suggest they educate themselves on the welfare programs of such country's as the Republic of the Congo or some other wore torn nation. Maybe then they will appreciate the luxury's of a U.S. citizen. I personally consider myself extremely lucky to live in a country that will recognize my families needs and will offer help if ask.

I am also aware that I am part of a greater purpose. Meaning, I am a U.S. citizen who has an obligation to be productive and contribute to my community whenever possible. As I previously mentioned I am a full time student and working towards bettering my future. I do not consider government benefits a long term solution. When I achieve my goal of becoming a registered nurse, I will have the chance to give back to my country/fellow working citizens, by paying sufficient taxes on my wages.

I know welfare programs are a touchy subject, but anyone participating in a government assistance program should be very careful not to take for granted the gifts they receive. In other words, if you're sticking your hand out, you should probably keep your mouth shut.

Blessings in Disguise

 About a month ago my husband was let go from his job. We were a little nervous at first, but have really taken this opportunity to build our faith in our Father in Heaven. It has added a little more stress to our lives, but also opened new doors. Cass is a plumber by trade and has picked up enough side jobs to keep us going. It has also given him more time with Saylor and I. It has really given us a chance to grow as a family. We are trying our best to cover our bases, spiritually speaking. We can't afford to cut any corners there. He recently found full time employment which is a wonderful answer to our prayers.

Things have not all been cupcakes and roses by any means, but I see the Lord blessing our family everyday. Mostly, I see how the Lord works through his servants. We have had so many hands lifting us up.

I love that we have had more time with Cass, even if was for a few weeks. Saylor loves chasing after him on his skateboard. A few more months and she'll be ready for her own.

 feeding the ducks

  I forgot to mention in my last post that the best birthday present I got was my new camera. I was sick of posting crappy camera phone pics and Cass had me convinced that we couldn't afford a new camera. Surprises are the best! Now I can capture all his nice moves.

Weekend Get-Away: Sedona

My husband and I had the privilege of spending the weekend in lovely Sedona, Arizona.

 We left Saylor Mia with Auntie Emily. I was in desperate need of a break from my little two year-old tornado. At first I was feeling so guilty about leaving her. My sweet sister helped me realize that I was just feeling guilty because I wasn't leaving Saylor on a happy note. We have been at each other's throats for a few weeks now. The note would have continued to get more sour if I hadn't taken this relaxing trip with my sweet husband. I'm not ashamed to say, I really didn't miss her. I thought about her and wondered if she was having fun with her cousins, but mostly I tried to take advantage of the time to rejuvenate.

 Little critters kept crossing out path.

 We had some time to kill before we could check into our motel and there happened to be a pride festival going on. We wanted to check it out, but they wouldn't let us in..just joking! They wanted $10 for admission and we're more into free gay pride celebrations.

Next, we got suckered into sitting through a 90 minute presentation on time shares for a $75 cash card. It was a total sales pitch that was slightly awkward, but in the end worth the 75 bucks. Cha Ching!

I have mixed feelings about the shaved head. It's okay for now, but I'll be happy when it grows back. It's just a little too American History X for me. 

BBQ lunch

 These old tin signs were everywhere. This is in the bathroom at the resturant. Pretty clever.

My parents have had this tin hanging in their home for years. It was in our bathroom all growing up. You know you're pregnant when bathroom art makes you tear up a little becuase it reminds you of home.

 We stayed at a little mom and pop motel called the Baby Quail Inn. We stopped in for a quick rest before the show and got sucked into a home decor show. Cass was really into it until they gave away $40,000 for a middle class family to remodel their kitchen.I was so proud of him when got pissed off and protested that there are naked-starving kids in third world countries that could probably put that money to better use. My thoughts exactly, baby!

Gumption Fest 2011

Oak Creek Brewery

 The lovely, Eliz

Field Tripp

 Brian

Dan the front Man

As usual, Field Tripp thoroughly entertained Cassidy and I.

Cass thought I was weird, but I really liked these big things outside our motel. They looked like giant q-tips.

I'm a bit of rock hound so I LOVED all the giant crystals around town. You can imagine the types of crude humor my husband was conjuring up.

If you look in the back you can see some folks "enjoying life in Sedona." Ah-reminds me of Oregon.

Smokey Quartz

 Jerome, AZ

 Making....

...the same...

 ...face..

We couldn't have asked for a better trip. I'm so happy to be married to my sweet husband. We have our moments, but he is so good at bringing me back to my senses. I'm glad Heavenly Father sent him to me to balance me out. He amazes me everyday. There is nowhere else I'd rather be then right by his side.