Vacation!

Aaaaa, We all need time to get away!  Especially my husband!! I could tell this new work scheduled was draining him, BIG TIME!  His body has the clock (for work) of three months on- 9 months off. So when we came to ND and he got a FULL TIME JOB I knew it would only be a matter of time before he would need a 'cool down' time. I am very proud that he made it as long as he did!  In March we started talking about it-- in April we called my Mom, Dad, Baby Sister, Little Sister and J-Dork to invite them along.  (Only Mom and Baby Sister were able to go). We were going to go and see the sights of Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. In the months leading up to your June trip we got busy-busy- busy! Neglectfully didn't hold any room, make reservations for any activities. So when the time came to do this we couldn't find any place to stay (close to) Yellowstone.  "So let's skip it." I said. "And just do Glacier." And that was the new plan.  Got the cabin booked and mentally started vacation.
As the days and weeks past for this 2-week long FUN-cation the more like a 'child waiting for their birthday party to begin' I got.  My Mom was coming to see us and see what life was like here. I couldn't wait!!  The day before she came I emptied the entire RV- vacuumed everything, Fabreze(ed) everything- scrubbed things I didn't even notice were dirty (until I looked at it with a "mother's" eyes, you all know what I'm talking about). I picked them up from the train station and I showed them BOOM-Town. We kept busy loading the Van and giggling and buying last minute essentials waiting for Brian to get home.  He worked late....It was getting dark- like 10pm late.  When he pulled in we were all happy to see him and loaded the last of the Van, potty breaks for everyone and we were OFF!
Yes, we drove through the night...OK, Brian drove through the night- I stayed awake as much as I could. 
At 3am the sun was peeking up over the horizon making the clouds glow and then BAM the snow caped 'mountain majesties'. They were Breath-Taking! We got to the cabin and crashed- time for naps and food all around!

We did so many fantastic and amazing things in Whitefish/Kalispel and in the Park.  

White Water Rafting (Brian picked the small boat, only held 5, it looked like dingy compared to the 16 person ones)

Zip-Lining (to keep my whits for the entire vacation I declined going, Brian, Mom and Baby Sister went) 

Drove the "Road to the Sun" (a MUST for anyone)

Seen the Wild Life (Big Horn Sheep/ Cinnamon Black Bear/Mountain Goats)

Looked at the trees from above (with cloud cover too!)

Slept-In

Ate Out

Enjoyed the Hot Tub (every night)

Don't know what our next big adventure will be but I can't wait to see it!

1/21/06~1/21/12

Six years....it doesn't feel like it at all!  On Facebook this morning I posted this about our 6Th wedding anniversary...

Marriage is like climbing Mt. Everest. It is sometimes hard as hell and you want to quit but someone who had gone before you told you how beautiful it is at the top so you keep going! Today Brian and I got to Base Camp number 6 and there is no one who I would rather climb to the top with!

It's completely true!   I can't see myself with any other man.  T

I heard the comparison of raising children to climbing Everest and since we don't have any kids ( sorry Princess and Chance) no two legged kids, I thought of it from an aspect I know.  Marriage...
From what I understand about Everest it isn't the nicest place all the time.  Actually probably MOST of the time.  Blowing harsh wind, sub-zero temps, feet and feet of snow n' ice (sounds like North Dakota!).  But so many people do this amazing thing- they let nothing stop them and they summit one of the tallest peeks in the world!  Men, Women, people with disabilities, people with chronic illnesses, black, white- whatever! They want the rush of being "on top of the world".  Brian and I both read a great book not that long ago called "Together On Top of the World".  Because I read this book from front to back and looked at the collection of pictures in the back I feel I have the right to tell you- you should read it too!  I couldn't put it down.  The couple in this book climb all 7 summits together!  They over come and over come while falling deeper and deeper in love with each other.
People who climb Everest most times are planing their next trip up that fabled mountain before they see the top.  The sights are breath taking and the pain and suffering are worth it in the end.  And that is why I compare marriage to climbing.  If given the opportunity to STOP and look around the sights are breath taking!  Sure, there are times where it is "hard as hell" and I want to give up!  Toss in the towel!  People get divorced all the time!  It would be easier if it was JUST my money, debt, laundry, dishes, blankets and remote!  But then who would I spend my money on with no husband? Who would I celebrate with when I write a check and pay off 2 of my consolidated student loans (just did that the other day only 2 more to go!) Who's wallet would I wash accidentally? Who would I cook for so I can have those dirty dishes and who would I eat with? Who would I cuddle with in bed at night? Who would I explain the plot of the movie to and remind him "that's the bad guy"?  If I tossed in the towel and quit half way through the climb I would have missed out on so much!  I am truly blessed to be with the man who has been there for me, fought for me, held me while I cried, laughed with me (and at me).  I am going to leave you with one of the bible readings from our wedding day...6 years ago today...

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.  Song of Solomon 8:6-7

2011: In The Rear View Mirror

2011- a year full of change and ups and downs and everything in between!

January 2011- HAPPY NEW YEAR! Got a kiss at midnight from my hubby! <3 Celebrated our 5th year of marriage!

February 2011- Preached my first sermon AND  was asked to do another :)

March 2011- My BABY sister became a teenager!  Happy Birthday ButtChin, Nicole.  My Grandma Lane celebrates another Birthday in her 80s.

April 2011- Brian's brother encourages him to head to North Dakota to work...I discourage him because it is "just too far".

May 2011- Lupus Awareness Month! Preach sermon #2 AND was asked to do another.

June 2011- Brian's 33rd birthday, My 28th birthday and my Little Sisters wedding day <3. Preached my 3rd and final sermon in Wisconsin.










July 2011- Announce in both churches and on Facebook that we are moving to North Dakota...This blog starts.  My Grandma Lane breaks her hip and has a successful surgery  July 21st Brian leaves for Williston North Dakota.  July 22nd the RV is packed and with help from family I am on my way to see Brian!

August 2011- Find a church who needed us as much as we needed them!  I was asked to preach and Brian to play.  Grandma Lane has another surgery on her hip...comes out OK in the end! Brian starts work in the Oil Field!  10 year class reunion, I am sorry I had to miss it.

September 2011- Grandma Lane gets the "OK" to leave the nursing home.  My dad is the BIG five-one! My in-laws bring my car to us! Brian finishes training...and...is...off! Preaching again.

October 2011- Started my first North Dakota job. Grandma Lane is HOME! Met my new doctor, he has plans for me that don't involve Prednisone! We anticipate a cold winter and buy a 100lb LP tank for the RV. October 18th my fist date with Brian 8years ago!

November 2011- First snow of the year, just a dusting. Windows wrapped and skirting on the RV.  Went home for Turkey Day, surprised my family who didn't know we would be there...poor dad cried!  Visited Brian's family too.  The trip was sort lived but WORTH it! Start a new job after the fist doesn't work out.

December 2011- Brian helps train a new driver. Constant 40+* days with no snow.  Was asked to preach the first sermon of the new year. Christmas wasn't the same without family...and snow but Brian and I had a good time at church and got a ham dinner with the Pastor and his wife. New baby born in to the Ford Family.

Just remember......People will forget what U said, people will forget what U did, but people will never forget how U made them feel -Maya Angelou

Our Adventure Grows On....

Since the last time I wrote so much has happened....

• I started a new job.
• I am a cashier/receptionist at a car dealership.  Been there about 3 weeks.
• Thanksgiving
• Brian and I were lucky and blessed enough to get to go home for the holiday!  We surprised our families--there were tears--and it was hard to go home.  We don't know the next time we will be home but are hoping that Mom and Dad Nelson, Baby Sister Nelson, Little Sister Nelson and   J-Dork Nelson can meet us at Yellow Stone/Glacier National Park for a summer vacation...If not Brian wants to take me to Paris or Rome or on an Alaskan Cruise.....

I love my dreamer! He wants me to have moon and the stars!!

• Brian and I, as well as the church we attend were featured in the United Methodist Reporter 
• Here is the link to the feature story:  http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=8404
• My car is broken!
• Monday morning, after we came home from Thanksgiving in Wisconsin, I got in my car to head to work...and I had no gas, I found this weird because I had put $20.00 worth in that afternoon on my lunch break.  'Fantastic!' I think, 'Someone stole my gas!' Thankfully the van had a full tank from the trip.  After I get to work I called Brian and told him.  I removed my 'jumping to conclusions' foot from my mouth when I went home for lunch and had the sun to show me the blatant ring under my car--YUP your right my gas had all leaked out! I work for a Chevy dealer ship, and my car is a Ford (lol) but they said they would be willing to look at it and give me an idea of what the problem is (gas line or hole in the tank) and how much it will possibly cost.  The thing is it's a 2000 how much money do you put into a car that is 11 years old, and has it's third transmission, it is a good car! So we will bang it out I suppose... maybe for Christmas I'm getting a gas tank (erg).
• My phone died!
• All day Wednesday (11/30) it was acting slow.  And what I have learned about Black Berries is if they are acting stupid pull the battery and start over.  I am sure any tech-y people are freaking out yelling at my stupidity.  We it has worked in the past.  After the battery pull it was doing the load.  After the first try the screen when white and it did the load over...it did this 15 (no lie) time before the screen when white and stayed that way displaying an error message.  Lucky for me that the V-store (was that sneaky enough?) was open.  Brian and I go in and the lady tells me 'this is a problem with Black Berries'. Fantastic!  She called and ordered a replacement.  I told her I wanted it the next day and have them overnight it.  She told the Representative on the phone this and they told me I would have to pay 12.99 for the shipping charge or I could 2 day it and pay only 6.99, sounds like a scam to me. I said fine put it on my bill.  I received an e-mail that had the tracking info.  It told me that the phone wouldn't be at the store till Friday...that isn't "over night'' if you ask me!! So on Friday after work (6:30pm) I head over to the V-store.  The guy at the counter then has the guts to ask me if I was called to come pick up my phone.  I look at him blankly hoping he wants to take the words back before I make him look like a fool.  "No! My phone is dead! You were suppose to call my husband BUT I don't have a way to get a hold of him 'cause my phone is broken." He looked, not very hard. Then informs me it isn't here.  

Me: "Can you call V and ask them where it is? I asked it be over nighted."
Him: "Have you ever over nighted any thing in Williston? --Me: "Yes.  I got it on time."--Him: "Doesn't exist."
Him: "You'll have to call V and ask them to track it with the confirmation number given to you."
I'm half way across the store by now Me: "I wasn't given one."
Him: "Oh, that's right that is for something different....Sorry Hon."  My brain exploded right there and I should have yelled at him for his insincere sexist comment but I just stormed out.  Now by the looks of the e-mail I won't have a phone until Monday night.  And that means....No Facebook, No Twitter, No communication with anyone.  I can't believe how much I miss those "I love you" texts Brian and I would exchange during the day.

Other than all that--Not much has been going on the last 3 weeks.  Hehehe.

Trust and Obey....

On Sunday I was preaching from the pulpit of the Methodist Church here in Williston (it's the only one~look it up).  I was preaching on Exodus 17:1-7 (Water from the Rock).  I went on and on about the many times water is referred to in the bible (Old/New/Epistle/Gospel).  But let me travel back in time some....(the dots are the time machine working, lol).

 The announcement for Joys and Concerns came and a mic was passed around.  One man,alone,in the very front pew raised his hand.  The mic was given to him.  He spoke with a quiver and the heavy breathing that someone has when they are trying not to completely and totally break down in a 'Great Flood' of tears.  He asked for prayers for his wife and their marriage.  No prayers for him ONLY for that of his wife and a marriage that he 'doesn't think is going to make it'. :( As he was talking I couldn't help but think about my sermon.  After going on and on and on about water I bring up the real point of the Exodus reading~trusting in God.  I even encourage people to trust God in their family lives and marriages. These words (that I had penned a week before) flashed in my head. 

I take my spot (atop my step stool) behind the pulpit and I knew God was definitely in this place! 

Talk about the pressure!!

I hope the young man, probably in his mid to late 30s, felt God that day!  I hope he takes that HUGE leap of faith and trusts God in his marriage.  I hope that his wife felt the Spirit as well where ever she was that morning. 

The closing hymn that morning was Trust and Obey...I have posted the words below.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey. But we never can prove the delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey. Please pray for this man,his wife and their marriage- thank you my dear Blogger Family!~Jess

Time Has Past-

Time is what prevents everything from happening at once.  ~John Archibald Wheeler

Fall is here, as well as where you are reading this from.  The nights are colder.  The space heater has been running alot but we are staying warm!

Until next time!Well, It seams like years since my last blog.  I am sorry for the delay! I have a good reason :0).  I am looking for a job and have been for what feels like forever!  I hate looking for work.  I honestly thought that the epicenter of jobs and employment would make this task a little less painful.  I would go further into this subject but I know Brian will be reading and I don't need a family feud going on, haha.  So a new subject....Brian as secussfully completed training and is on his own! ( I am a very proud wife)  He puts in long days that make is 4 (on) and 2 (off) schedule seam like the Ironman Triatholon.  I have also been asked to preach again on 9/25.  If there is any interest I can post the last 2 sermons I have done for you to read - just coment below.  Along with preaching I have started a "Young Adult" Sunday School Class for 20s and 30s.  I am excited to make some friends my own age around here too!!  I have seen a doctor here in Williston too.  I didn't like him (even tho he was good looking) and Brian COMPLETLY disliked him.  I was happy when all they sugested was to see a specialist.  He is only in Williston once a month and the earliest he can see me is January.  Looks like we will be taking a road trip to Minot (2 hours one way).  I have seen Montana! (Big deal!!) Went to a small shop (1 hour away) called *Pink* by Tracy.  She has alot of cute purses.  I walked away with one.  Pink and zebra...doesn't get much better than that.

Sunday Funday

Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous.

Brian and I decided to attend the local Methodist church here in Williston.  We picked an interesting Sunday to attend as the VBS was running the service.  After there was a yummy pot luck (Methodists know how to cook).  After chit-chatting with some folks the pastor's wife came up to Brian and said "I hear you play the organ.  *sigh* We have been praying for help in our music department for sometime."  Brian responds with, "Here I am." She goes on to talk about how they need help in the pulpit as well.  Here is where I sell myself a little.  Tell her I have preached some and am a lay speaker in my church back home.  "Well, we need someone for the 21st of August when were are on vacation. I'll talk to my husband to make sure."

So, here were are.  Only in ND for 1week and BAM we are taking over a church :).  I am 100% OK with being here and this cements the fact that we are MEANT to be here.  I am reminded of the hymn "Here I Am Lord".  Here are the words...

"  I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.  "

As I leave you with this Blog- I urge you to listen deep to the calling of God in your life. 

<3  Love from ND  <3

Home Sweet Home

Hello from the great plains of North Dakota!

It was a heck of a drive! 700 miles in 24hours (nap included).  My BIL drove the RV without a single problem (Thanks Eli!).  Brian and I have been alone for a week.  Brian doesn't have a job just yet but the manager of the shop said he could vouch for him getting a position (yippee!)  The only person who can do the interview and first day paperwork is on vacation 'till the 15th of August-so now we wait.  In the meantime we have been 'sight seeing' around our new town.  We found lots of things to do (no money quite yet to do them) and a lot of nice people!  Everyone you talk to for more than 5 minutes hands you a business card (maybe they hand them out at the boarder, lol).  In fact today two young men helped us change the break pads on our van (all they wanted was money for food, we pitched in a little more "J" did a fantastic job!)  The dogs are getting used to the new environment.  I worry about Chance, he isn't eating normally.  I hope it only has to do with nerves and soon goes away.  Princess loves following the sun (which is ALWAYS out here) from window to window taking naps (nothing has changed with her).  Williston (the town where we are) has a Puppy Park.  Brian and I have taken the dogs everyday.  Princess loves the openness for running and Chance (who is normally a big oaf) loves the ramps and tunnels in the agility part.  I still don't have a car so that also means no job. I also get board often siting in the RV when Brian goes out but it is all for a good cause!  I am liking North Dakota very much and can't wait for the opportunitys that can come of this ADVENTURE.  We still don't have a computer so these Blogs will be far and few between but the Library has AC :). 

Until the next time! ~J

The Beginning-

The journey of 1-million miles starts with one step.  Oh, and is that true!  

In April my Brother-In-Law Eli called my husband and tells Brian about all the work in North Dakota.  Brian laughs it off.  When he hangs up the phone Brian calls me into the room to tell me about the conversation.

"No. Do you know how far away ND is?" I argued.

"Yes, I don't want to go anyway." Brian says.

I could tell there was something different about this job idea that Eli was feeding Brian.  Eli has called Brian numerous times since we have been married to tell him about job offers and Brian never bites.  Brian is a very independent thinker.  He needs to know EVERYTHING about that something before he feels comfortable enough to even think about the possibility.  What was different?  ND was everywhere!  You couldn't turn around with out bumping into someone who lived/lives or knows someone who lives/lived in ND.  Oh, and the oil fields! Everyone knows someone who is making a killing with an oil company!  From April to May Brian did research, thought, planned and thought some more. (He likes to think).  When he told me he was going to peruse a job as a Tanker Driver for an oil company in ND as much as I hated it I was twice as much behind him.  I KNOW that my husband would do NOTHING to hurt me, himself, our marriage or put our two kids (they are dogs) in risk.  

The job applications are in.  The RV (my castle, yes we will be living in it) is getting tuned up and we are looking into a better car for Brian.  My home is in boxes that will be located in a spare bed room at my In-laws home until we come back.  Maybe 2years maybe 10 only God knows (and probably Brian too).  We are not in ND yet, Brian hopes to head out soon but I will linger till the end of the month to tie up the loose ends.

My husband and I have an amazing journey before us and we are young enough to set-out on this crazy adventure with nothing but hope!

So, here starts my blog.  I hope to be diligent enough to type to you in it everyday or at least when something interesting happens.  The only thing I ask for is prayers!  Prayers for Brian and his work-Prayers that I can find a good job out there too-Prayers for my health ( I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2009)-Prayers for the State of North Dakota and it's oil workers (not everyone likes the idea of drilling).

When we meet again I will be writing to you from the Plains of North Dakota! <3