Easter

Easter was very mellow for us this year. We had a wonderful Easter service at Solid Rock. Pastor Mark John always inspires me. He looks EXACTLY like Ryan Seacrest. It's uncanny. Seriously, they could be twins. But, he has a fun and fresh take on life and Jesus and I just love hearing his sermons. Of course the music is my favorite. The Worship team is amazing. I get tears in my eyes every time. Jack and Haley stayed with us and were so well behaved. They colored and played quietly. I was so proud. After church service, we had a yummy brunch at John's parents' house. Lee was in Australia doing his ministry stuff, and we missed him a lot. The rain stopped just long enough for us to hide eggs outside and watch the kids scramble around for their loot. It was another great afternoon spent with our loving family.

Mac eats chocolate

I used to be an animal nurse (for about 7 years) and so I know the devastating affects chocolate can have on dogs. I've spent countless hours nursing dogs back to health and even watching some die. Chocolate contains a chemical called Theobromide. It's harmless to humans, but dogs can't metabolize it, so when ingested in certain amounts, it is toxic and potentially fatal. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic. Most of us keep milk chocolate around, and it takes one ounce per pound of dog to be toxic. Keep in mind a chocolate bar is about 2-3 ounces.

So, the other day my dog ate some. I knew this was a possibility, so that's why I decided to keep our bag of Easter candy in the car. Well, while I was upstairs taking a shower, Jack, my 3 year old son decided to go out to the garage, climb into the car and eat the candy. Mac, our 5 month old Lab followed him and dug in. You should have seen the look on both of their faces when I came down and caught them. Later, it was funny, but at the time I was furious. So, I quickly jumped into action. I knew that hydrogen peroxide would make him throw up, so I did the math and gave him 4 tablespoons and shoved him outside. He threw up immediately and for the next 15 minutes. Then I checked his heart rate which was only slightly elevated. I knew he had only eaten about 15 Hershey kisses, so he was going to be okay. Just another day in the life of The Brase Family.

I'M 39 TODAY! One year closer to 40. Ya know what? It's totally okay. I'm in a much better place today than 10 years ago and soooo much better than 20 years ago. I learn something new with each passing year and I feel I get better with age. I have a wonderful family and although we struggle at times and have "those" days, I couldn't be happier. God has truly blessed us. I have an amazing group of friends who encourage me and keep me sane. I love you all.
I have nothing extraordinary planned for today and that's fine. My mom took the day off and will come with us for Haley's swimming lesson. We may head to the zoo or the park, not sure. Tonight I'm helping my good friend Erin raise money for her son's t-ball team at Papa's Pizza. Ya gotta love eating pizza to help raise money. So glad I quit that diet. The weather is fabulous today, I have my health and my family. This day couldn't be better.

I just spent an amazing weekend at Level One YogaFit training. It was held in Hood River which is only 30 minutes from our family cabin in Trout Lake. So, my family spent the weekend there so I could attend the training and not have such a huge commute or be without them all weekend.
I learned a bunch of information that I know will help me in my journey with mind-body. I felt very comfortable because I already have a bit of experience teaching some form of Yoga, so when we had to practice teach, everything went smooth which made me feel great. I have a great deal to learn still and have already signed up for the Anatomy and Alignment training in August. I'm so excited. Now I just need a class to practice on. Hmmmm.
I didn't get the Admin Assist. position, but that's okay. It wasn't meant to be. Something else will come along that is the perfect fit. I feel it.

Looking up

Well, I haven't heard back regarding the position I applied and interviewed for. I should have heard something by now based on my conversation with them, so I'm pretty sure it went to someone else. Am I bummed? You bet! It's so frustrating because I know how well suited I am for this position and I know I would rock it! But, there's no reason to dwell on things I can't control.
I'm heading to my first YogaFit training this weekend. It's in Hood River, close to our family cabin, so we will be staying there and my family can hike and play while I attend the classes during the day and then come home to see them at night. I'm super excited about YogaFit. I've really gotten into the whole mind/body format and hope to broaden my knowledge and someday teach. It's a lengthy process and takes time, but I'm ready for the challenge.
I started selling Avon. I have to laugh because Avon always reminds me of my Grandma. But, the products are pretty great. It was only$10 to become a rep and the perks are great. I love girly girl things like makeup and lotions so this is right up my alley. I've never been the pushy salesman type but I don't need to. I've only been a rep for less than a week and am already getting tons of orders. Fun way to make a little extra cash.
So, even though I'm bummed about the job thing, I'm keeping my head held high and staying positive about the future. I think if God wanted me to have this position, He would make it happen. God has other plans, so I'll just see where He takes me.

Interview

So I interviewed for an Admin Assist. position today. I feel like the interview went well, but it's hard to get a good read on whether or not I'll be called back for a second. I really, REALLY want this position, so I'm staying positive and hoping for the best.
Don't get me wrong, I love being at home with my kids, but I also feel that they are at a point right now where they will be okay being away from me for a few hours each day. In fact I think they need it. The position I am applying for is at Clubsport and they have a phenominal child care center there. I wouldn't even call it a child care center so much as an awesome day camp for kids. There is so much to do and the gals there are very dedicated to the kids. The hours would be M-F 9-1 so absolutely perfect for my schedule. Haley will be in school part of that time and it will be a great way to get Jack used to school next year.
I've always been very lucky that my husband does well at his job and allows me the opportunity to stay at home with the kids, but with the economy the way it is, it doesn't hurt to start bringing in some cash that we can put away for college, retirement, emergencies, etc. Besides, I love working and always have. I feel good when I can help provide for our family financially and it's wonderful to get outside the home and be part of a team. This really is a dream job for me, so keep your fingers crossed for me and add me to your prayers.

Poker Night

Ashley hosted a couple's poker party at her place. It was a blast. John isn't always up to meeting new people and making new friends, but he really enjoyed himself. Ashley and Jesse are super down to earth, cool people. Although I'm not much of a card player, I had fun and even won a hand, I think. There was some drinking happening. I think the card game went a little faster after Ashley and I left the table for some living room dancing. Good times. Phoebe and Trisha from Clubsport (hands down the very best fitness facility EVER) were there and I met a gal named Erika. Her daughter, Stella and my daughter will attend Deer Creek Elementary next year. We are going to plan a playdate so our girls can meet and feel that much more comfortable when they go to Kindergarten for the very first time. I'm trying not to freak out. That's a whole different post. Gulp.