Touched by Baby Bronson...

So, I've been having a rough time lately with my attitude. I've been feeling like I am just not good enough, not pretty enough, etc etc... I've been struggling with going back to work Full-time and money issues and so on and so on. I've been hating the weather recently and really wishing Spring time would come a little quicker, I know, I know the Winter Blah's! I have been so busy and although it's a good thing it's really wearing and my emotions are coming out tenfold. I've also been feeling so picked on and playing the Why me, Why us game. As you all know this is a very horrible game to play and no one wins when playing it, please tell me why do we bother with it? I've been turning to blogs and a few friends for some help. The other night, I was reading through some blogs and a dear friend of mine had a post that I just couldn't pass up. A friend of hers has had a recent tragedy and is going going through a a true nightmare. The family has decided to keep friends and family up to date by blogging on their family blog. I would like to share with this EVERYONE I know for a couple of reasons.
1- This is a definite tragedy, that unfortunately happens all to often. I think we can all use a little reminder to hold those we love a little closer at night, take a few extra minutes to enjoy a some of life's pleasures and remember what is really important in our lives!
2- The Power of Prayer and Faith are simply amazing!!! I just don't think it will hurt to add a few more prayers for this amazing family!
3- Attitude! I still have all of my problems that I had last Friday, but I am most definately looking at them through different glasses. Hearing this story and how the family is dealing with their tragedy, makes me realize just how small and simple my issues at this time are.
4- Judgement... Should be enough said, I don't want to take away from the story in any way, partially because Bronson's mother does such a wonderful job of writing the story. The accident alone moved me to tears and had me on the edge of my seat, but to read that she was blaming herself, doesn't she have enough to deal with at this time? This is the type of tragedy that could happen to anyone, and although no one will want to admit it, I would bet we have all done this or something similar to this at some point, it was simply a tragic Accident! I would love to be able to step into thier lives and wake them up from this nightmare and let them have the day to do over!

I have been so touched and moved by this story that I find myself thinking of Bronson and his family during the day, wondering how they are making it through the day! I hope a few things will come from posting this blog.

- Each of you will take a few minutes to read this tragic story, add this family to your prayers.
- Bronson will make a full recovery and fast!
- Bronson's sweet mother will not blame herself and will realize that although she would love to take the day back and change it, accidents do happen!

Here is the link to Bronson's story: http://www.stakerzxposed.blogspot.com/ I recomend scrolling all the way down to the post dated Feb 1, and starting there.

With love and prayers, may a miracle touch this family!!!

Faboulous Friend

So, today Jo's BFF is turning 30. We just wanted to take a few minutes to tell her Happy Birthday! She is not only an amazing person, but a wonderful Best Friend. Annalee and Jo have been friends since the first day of 6th grade, and our friendship has dealt with boy issues, school issues, Divorce and marriage problems, Single mom moments, and being friends long distance! Through it all we have remained close. Thanks for all of your love and support Annalee, You are seriously the best Best Friend a girl could ask for! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!



Annalee and Jo shortly before the big move to North Dakota. Sept 2009

It's been awhile, so here's us.

So, it's been awhile since we seen a lot of you, and due to our recent Snow Day's, we took a few pictures of the two of us. Nothing special just a few random pics of us! Enjoy...


Another self portrait of Darin & Jo


Darin & Jo (self Portrait)


Jo, in the apron her mom made her for Christmas. Bakin' cookies!


Darin getting food from the deep freeze, ya know the Chocolate Chips, hamburger etc.


Darin and the dogs, playing!


While Jo was making cookies, Darin was working on taxes or so he says, he was probably catching up on Nascar.com, but enjoying himself on the computer none the less.

SURPRISE!!! Another winter storm.

This post is really late and I do apologize, things have been pretty busy. So the weekend of our Power Outage we had yet another Major Winter Storm. They were forcasting 12-36 inches of snow and 50 MPH winds. On Monday morning Darin got up to go to work, and called in to double check and was told not to go in, call back in hour to check again, this continued throughout the day. Jo's phone rang at 6:30 (she doesn't go in to work until 8), and was told we are working but don't stress to be there until 9. We started digging ourselves out of the driveway, you can't really tell how bad the drift was from the picture below but trust me, it's a good one. With Darin not able to go into work, we knew the roads were bad so he followed Jo into work, good thing because just as she was about to cross the highway to the driveway of work, she got pretty stuck. Working for a Construction company has it's advantages and they sent someone over with a loader to help us dig out, Jo did finally make it to work about 9:45! With the winds still going strong, they had us all head home about 2:30pm. So, Yes Jo did make it work, even with a short day. Take a look at the pics below to see the drifts and the results from the most recent Winter Storm. For the record, when Jo got home from work, she went to baking, made pumpkin cookies to send to Utah, and some Chocolate Chip Cookies to keep here for Darin! Somethng productive came from the day. On a side note, we got lucky to not receive another 12-36 inches of snow, but the wind I definately think we got plenty!


The Office window, during the storm! Couldn't even see out due to the snow drifted up on it.


The backyard after the wind calmed down, and the snow stopped for a bit.


The drift in front of the the car right next to the fourwheelers. To get the Mountaineer out we had to go through this drift!


The backyard at night snowing and blowing.