It's almost time!!

Look at the counter on the right of the screen...what does it say...well, that is how long until we hop on our plane destined for Israel and Turkey. The bags are packed, the house is clean, and we are excited. We leave our house tomorrow morning at 4:30 am to catch our first flight. Sweet Jack Dean is taking Joanie, Ben and I to the airport at the crack of dawn. The only thing still left to do is to finish a paper I am halfway through...good news we have a 7 hour layover in Chicago. So I am planning on knocking it out then. We will miss all of our friends and family...but we will be praying for them as we venture around the Holy Land. 

All packed and ready to go!! Even with room to spare. 

In Preparation

That's right my friends, the Blevins household has been in a state of craze for about the past week as we prepare for our 17 day excursion to Israel/Turkey. We leave Wednesday morning at 6:30am to head to Chicago, where we will catch a plane to Istanbul, Turkey, and then later that evening another plane to Tel Aviv. I think it will be about 48 hours between the time I leave my bed Wed morning and the time I hit a new bed Thursday evening.  So here is what I have done since Monday of this week...

1. Driven to Austin twice and back

2. Gone to three classes

3. Observed two student teachers

4. Lost my wallet

5. Read 500 + pages of material

6. Found my wallet

7. Mowed my yard

8. Did laundry

9. Shopped at costco twice

10. Visited the REI store for last minute supplies

11. Written 2 papers

12. Mourned the loss of a horse

13. Made dinner for little Luke Woodman and his family

14. Gone to a Riverside Staff meeting

15. Visited our new building space

16. Had a programming meeting

17. Read another 300 pages

18. Cooked dinner three times (that's a lot for me)

19. Climbed about 1000 flights of stairs (on the stairmaster of course)

20. Hung out with my great friends

And of course, no where in this list have I PACKED or CLEANED MY HOUSE!! That is on the agenda for today after I get back from working at the Loft. So much to do in so little time. But we are getting really excited about leaving this week. Should have more pictures to post later today.  

A Sad Day

As many of you know, Ben and I have three miniature horses. Yes another one of Ben's hairbrained ideas to start a collection. When we got our miniature horses, two of them were pregnant. Since we are getting ready to go on a big trip to Israel and Turkey for 17 days, we sent Tina, one of the pregnant mares who was due in early October to stay with the lady we bought her from. This way if she gave birth while we were gone, there would be someone there who knew what to do. 

Well, Tina had her baby yesterday morning. Unfortunately, the foal was born with a rare genetic disorder called "lethal white." This happens when two horses carrying the overo paint gene are bred with one another. When this happens there is a 1 in 4 chance that the baby will be born with this genetic disorder. Tina is  solid tan horse, with a blonde mane...she shows no signs of having the overo paint gene...but she must have been a carrier. Since, Tina was bred to another paint carrying this gene, the foal was born as a "lethal white." Foals who are born with this condition are solid white with blue eyes.  The same gene that creates the white skin, however,  also prevents the lower intestines from fully developing. Essentially, they can eat, but they can't poop...so that creates major problems. Usually, horses born with the lethal white condition die within the first 72 hours of life. 

Lana, our breeder, called Ben yesterday afternoon to tell him that Tina had delivered her baby...but she also told him there was  a problem. So he went over to Helotes to see the baby and talk with Lana about what to do. They eventually decided that it was best to put the foal down since she was in such discomfort and would not make it too much longer. 

I was in Austin the whole time this was going on. I called Ben after class and he told me the bad news. I started balling, I mean crying like a baby...walking down the street to my car, crying. To be honest it really hit me hard. I didn't even like Tina...she was mean and didn't really like me much, but I was so sad for her and for little spot (that's what Ben named the baby). Tina endured 11 months of pregnancy and before she could ever really bond with her baby, little spot was gone. How lonely she must feel, how sad to lose your little one before ever getting to know her, how discomforting it is to not know where your baby has gone. I know we are talking about a horse, but I do believe they have feelings...feelings that are much more sophisticated than we can imagine. I wonder if she knew that something was wrong and perhaps that is why she was grumpy all the time. Ben said Tina was a great mom for little spot during the few hours they got to be together. In the end, I guess this is God's way of helping me appreciate and like Tina.

I am still wrestling with what God wants to teach us through all of this. One thing I have learned is that as much as I wasn't excited about getting the minis, I have grown to care for and love them over these past few months. And as much as I wasn't excited about having more, I am sad that there will be no baby mini grazing in my back yard....well until Leena delivers her baby. I told Ben when I was so upset on the phone that this is why I didn't want to have animals...because I didn't like it when they got hurt or were sick. And he said, "well honey, how do you ever think we are going to be able to have children if you are constantly fearful of them being sick or hurt." And he is right, God doesn't want us to live in fear, he wants us to take risks and trust that he is in control. He doesn't mind us mourning for a bit, but he wants us to take hold of His promises for prosperity, hope, and a future. 

I think Ben put it best..."she'll be the only pure white horse in heaven named Spot." God wants us to have  a sense of humor in the face of tragedy. 

Little spot a few hours after she was born. 

Isn't she sweet!

Tina being a good mom!

Spot getting her sea legs!

The Big Surprise Part II

Well day 2 of the Big Surprise went great as well. Red River is having their big annual arts and crafts show this weekend, Aspencade. So there is lots of great shopping in downtown Red River. The girls spent the day shopping and then several of us (Janet S., Terri, Mom and I) headed up the mountain for a jeep ride. The mountain roads are a little rougher this year than I remember, but we made it up a good ways. The jeep we were in is one that Pop (Ben's grandad) has had for over 40 years. It to was born (aka made) in 1948, just like mom. So the Willy's Jeep celebrated its 60th birthday this year too! Last night we headed to the Sundance for dinner...of course it was absolutely delicious. Then we moved on to watch the dancers at the Motherlode. It was a lot of fun!! Today we plan on hanging out, having a late breakfast, and then driving back to Denver where I will get on a plane to head home. It's been wonderful to be in the mountains during this part of the year (this is the time of the year when Ben and I got married up here). It has been a nice reprieve from the heat and humidity of Texas. Here are some more pics from our adventures. 

Mom and I at lunch the first day!

All the ladies...shopping in Taos

Aspencade...this was one of our favorite things at the festival. Beautiful metal art. I would have brought one home had I been able to figure out how to get it home on the plane. 

Janet and Mom on the jeep ride.

Mom and I on top of the mountain. 

The 1948 Jeep Willy's!! It turned 60 this year too!

Mom, Janet, and Pop at the Motherlode last night. There were some great dancers out on the floor there. 

The Big Surprise

Many of you know that we have been planning a big surprise party for my mom's 60th birthday for the past few months. Terri, my mother-in-law, and I teamed up to get three of my mom's best friends to Red River, NM for a surprise girls weekend. Well, we found out yesterday that we had done a terrific job keeping it a secret because my mom was so surprised. We headed out to Taos yesterday morning for a day of shopping and lunch. What mom didn't realize is that her friends had flown into Albuquerque and were on their way to meet us in Taos for lunch. So Terri separated from mom and I and went to Doc Martins, this great restaurant in Taos, to meet the girls. Mom and I shopped a bit and walked around. Then we headed to Doc Martins to meet Terri and ER for lunch. We walked onto the back porch, mom was looking around for Terri and Pop and seemingly looking right through her good friends. Then the realization hit...Janet, Sharon, and Janet were sitting right in front of her. It was like she knew who they were, but couldn't fathom why they were sitting in this restaurant in New Mexico. So once she realized that these were indeed her very good friends...she broke down crying!! I mean crying...crying like she was sad...I was so confused...but she was so so excited!! It was truly amazing. She said she have never been so surprised in her life!! So after a beautiful lunch and good conversation, we shopped a little in Taos, then headed back to Red River to rest and enjoy one another's company. It was a great day all around!! 

Mom and I testing out her new camera prior to the Big Surprise!!

Hanging out and shopping in Taos before the big surprise!!

Mom and Sharon hugging!! She was so shocked!

Mom freaking out at the fact that her fantastic friends are here for her birthday!! She balled, she was so excited!!

The ladies (and ER)! Isn't he a lucky man. It was truly a beautiful day in Taos as we enjoyed our lunch on the patio. 

Spectacular Sixty!! Look at that beautiful jewelry...a J King Design, given to Mom by Jack and Joanie Dean. She loved it and it looks great on her. Thanks Jack and Joanie and Jamie!!

The deliciously, decadent desserts...I love birthdays cause you get to eat all sorts of sweet treats. 

The crew!! Aren't we cute. 

Back row: Terri, Mom, Me, Sharon, ER

Front Row: Janet S., Janet M. 

Terri and I, shopping in Taos. 

The beautiful landscape of New Mexico! The flowers are in bloom and so lovely. 

Today we are headed out to the arts and craft festival going on in downtown Red River and then for a little jeep ride, so stay tuned for more stories from the Big Surprise!

5 Years of Bliss!!

Well, Ben and I have been married for 5 years today. That's right we made it to our 5th anniversary. Who would have ever thought it possible...beside the good Lord who brought us together. I have learned so much about life in these past 5 years, things I would have never dreamed of. I have learned about patience, grace, and sacrifice. I have learned that life doesn't always go the way you plan, especially in a marriage. I have learned that marriage isn't about reciprocity or giving a little to get a little. Its about being obedient to G-d all the time. I have learned that is it possible to love someone more each and everyday. I have learned that you should never go to bed mad or upset. I have learned that men can't read your mind and you should never expect them to. I have learned that G-d uses marriage as a way to teach us His love and patience. I have learned that I am often very hard to love. I have learned that not being selfish is a very hard thing to do. I have learned that kind words and a smile can go a long way. I have learned that marriage takes a lot of work...but that it is so worth it. 

I know I often give Ben a hard time and do not edify him as I should...but he truly is a remarkable husband and I am blessed to have him. So happy anniversary babe! 

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A terrible loss!

I found out yesterday evening that one of my  student teachers from last year committed suicide earlier this week. Adrian was in New York teaching and apparently doing a fantastic job. He was an amazing person, with a huge heart and a desire to change lives. He constantly questioned and challenged himself to become a better teacher. He was thoughtful, caring, funny, and super intelligent. Adrian will be deeply missed by so many. I thank G-d that I was able to know him, if even just for a year! My heart breaks for his family and friends. May G-d grant them His supernatural understanding and peace as they cope through this difficult time.  Please take a moment as you read this to pray for the Cane family...they laid their son to rest today, September 11, 2008! A day they will never forget. 

The Latest Scoop

Okay here is the latest scoop at the Blevins' abode!!

Ben got a new TV!! 42' Samsung LCD flat panel.  Please remember that we do not have any sort of cable or even rabbit ears. This TV is for movies and video games. Pretty nice huh!! This is his anniversary, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Easter, memorial day, birthday, and any other holiday for which you would give presents present. I do like the fact that the TV is red around the edges!

This is our new flooring courtesy of my dad who bought several pallets of this stuff at an auction.  Now we just have to figure out how to install it. We are going to put it in our study and sitting room. We'll see how it goes. 

Working out for our Israel/Turkey Trip. We leave in just about 3 weeks. We will be traveling for 17 days from Oct 1-18! Walking an average of 8-10 miles a day. So we are trying to get in shape. Here are some of our traveling companions. 

Went to Grady King's birthday party today....it was a hunting/camo theme. Look at those crazy kids.

Grady got a hunting dog for his birthday. Isn't she sweet. Her name is Chocky or how ever you spell that. 

She tried to hide under this chair and take a nap, but the kids just couldn't keep their hands off her.

The Joys of Horse Ownership

So yesterday evening, I walked outside to see what Ben was doing and I found this...

How can mini horses make so much poop...oh, could it be because we have 3!! Just another one of Ben's collections. Most people would get one mini horse and see how it went...not Ben, he was passionate about having a whole mini heard. 

And no...I didn't offer to help!!

We've started letting the horses graze in the back yard. Here is Leena chowing down on the Bermuda. 

Bandit and Tina enjoy the nice long grass I didn't weed eat when I did yard work this weekend. I ran out of gas!! They really are excellent lawn mowers. 

While I was in Huntsville last weekend, my sweet husband and his friend Chris Church installed lighting on my deck. We have had our deck for almost three years now and have never had any lighting for it. It really was pretty dangerous to tell you the truth since there are stairs and bends everywhere you turn. Our good friend Kathy Cueny even broke one of our Waterford goblets trying to maneuver our deck in the dark!! So in hopes that we won't have any more accidents involving our really expensive crystal or other important things like people's limbs, we decided it was time to bring some light to this joint!! I absolutely love my new lighting. In typical Ben style though, he got the best and brightest lights possible.  Our lighting system pretty much illuminates  the entire acre on the south side of our house. But the good news is, he  installed a dimmer...that's right, we have mood lighting on our deck. If only, I could muster enough energy to get out there and restain it!! Soon. Here are some pics of my deck...one of my favorite parts of our house. 

The upper deck of our deck!! Got that table and chairs for $50 at a garage sale!!

One side of our new lighting system!! 

School is back in session...which means every free moment I have, I am reading. So to make the best of it, I took a glass of wine and my latest reading material out to the deck. And now that I have deck lighting, I can stay out all night. And last night was beautiful, cool with a slight breeze. It's starting to feel like fall (at moments).