Interview Update

The guy that was to interview him was leaving when Torrey came as he was sick I guess.

The other guy that interviewed didn't act too interested in things and one question Torrey asked disappointed him a ton. He asked about benefits and found out for him it would be only $5 a week, but to add me and Turner it would be $100 a week.

That is $4800 a year for us to have insurance...and that isn't even Torrey

That would be a HUGE cut in pay, so...he doesn't think this is it.

We have been praying about it and God knows what we need to do. He did go to Costco as he has a friend there and that friend told him that he should stick it out with Safeway since he has 20 years in and try to go for management again.

I mentioned that since he is there and they help pay for college that maybe we should take advantage of that and work to get him his associates at least.

Needless to say we have NO idea, but whatever is not of FAITH is SIN...so we are walking on in FAITH and TRUSTING that God will show us our next step.

2nd Interview

Torrey has a second interview at Sprouts for the produce department. Please pray with us that God will open the doors he wants him to go through. We really would like this opportunity, but then we do not have future information to compare it to, so only God knows and can provide us the direction that we need, so we ask for Wisdom.

Prayer for my Hubby and Sprouts

Well, my hubby went to a job fair on Friday and he was very encouraged. He didn't start out that way at all.

As things would have it, he did marry me and nothing seems to be an easy task for me and it appears he is now affected by me in this area.

I printed off the map and several resumes for him as well as cleaned up his brief case so he could go walking in with class, sophistication, pose and confidence. Well, on his way to the location he somehow lost his humor as the directions took him to a beaten down area in Aurora that was a bunch of dilapidated homes.

He called me to find out what was going on, so I checked the website again for the location. It was what I had printed for him, yet it was apparently wrong as the address didn't even exist. (Word to the wise, in the future, when a website posts very small - approximate location - take warning of that)

I gave him the phone number to the store in Broomfield and then I continued to search to find it. Right as I found it I called him, but he was trying to call me. When we connected we both had the new address, so off he went again.

He called me at about 4:50 as I was heading out the door to babysit, but my love was so excited that I had to listen to him.

He went in and at the first phase he handed them his resume. They took one look and ushered him on. This thrilled him as the person right before him they only thanked and said they would be in touch.

He got to the second phase and they asked him if he prefers grocery or produce. He told them that he much prefers the produce area and with that, they sent him on to phase 3.

Phase 3 was an interview with the manager (I think that is who it was) and they really hit it off and they were talking as if he got the job not using "if". He was then asked which location he would want to work at, Parker or Aurora. He said he didn't care - I think because he is so excited about the possibility. I would rather Aurora.

There is another job fair this week in Boulder for the same company. I have been so thrilled with this company and have mentioned it to him on several occasions that I think he should apply.

Please pray with us that God would open a door for him. He desperately needs out of the situation he is in. I think that the Aurora area would be a better fit than Boulder now that I am thinking about it, but as long as he is with people, he will be fine no matter what.

Help us have wisdom as to what we need to do for the added travel time and cost. To me that is minimal if my honey is happy.

For those of you that don't have a Sprouts in your area...check out the site. This store is a GREAT store for produce. They put out 100 flats a week at the Broomfield store with no waste. Torrey's store puts out only 50 flats a week and 1/3 of it is thrown out.

Torrey's Birthday Celebration

Jack & Liz
Casey, Mom & Daycia
Matt, Shelley, Matthew & Dominick
Jonah & Keli
Dad and Simon
Amy & Logan
Kelly & Adrianna
Casey and Torrey
Torrey, Megan, Brandon & Daycia
Logan
Casey
Casey - OH SO CUTE
Adrianna & Cristina
Ocho
3/14/09

Torrey's Birthday Cake

3/13/09
Turner and I made a cake for Torrey that embodies two of his favorite things much to my chagrin.

Turner resting after making the cake
Elijah and Torrey's Dr. Pepper.

Beep, Beep, Beep with my daddy

2/28/09
Turner and Daddy have this strange game they play and it seems to only work for daddy. I tried it myself today and I did not get the same response at all.

Torrey will tap Turner on the nose 3 times while saying beep, thus the beep, beep, beep. This always gets a smile for Torrey.

Torrey starting with the first beep


Torrey getting his desired response from the third beep.

All for the love of Dogs...or Husbands

So, Elijah has been a trying dog since the time that he was a pup so I am told.

Elijah is very much a dog that desires to be with people and does not like to be left alone. He used to destroy Torrey's apartment when he was younger...and not just a little bit. He used to tear up and eat Torrey's furniture, curtains, books, games, plastic, etc...

We knew he still liked to have Torrey around when Torrey's mom lived with him because he would still get upset and pee on things, but that was not too bad.

When Elijah moved in last year with Torrey, he did the marking of his territory but otherwise it wasn't too bad.

We did try to figure out what we needed to do when we left the home. Saidee has stayed in one room when I would leave and it has worked for her, so we tried that with both of them. It worked for a time and then Elijah started to dig at the carpet. I wasn't going to keep him there as I had spent thousands of dollars the year before putting in new carpet in hopes of having it for years and hopefully a family.

From there we tried a bathroom with music and his bed and kong, but that didn't work either as he chewed up the bottom of the door. (I forgot to get picture of this one fore you, will try to catch that here soon.)

After this we tried just letting him be in the garage. Well, he was able to chew and claw up the bottom of the garage door and take off the weather strip.

So, now what? ...well we figured we would put them outside together as about 3 years ago I had extended the fence and put in an all wood fence. Well, Elijah found a way to break some boards and get him and Saidee out.

Now we proceed to get a doghouse to block him from that area and provide him with a place to den. That seems to work well for a while and then he starts to dig in the yard and next the garden. We found that putting his poop there would stop him for a time or putting pepper down.

We have him stopped and content again until one day we come home and he has started to dig under the fence...okay...bricks are in front of it.

Now we come home to a dog that is opening the fence gates...okay, now we have padlocks on the gate.

Next is a doozy...we come home to have a big hole through the fence as if a lion escaped in a cartoon and we hear Elijah but can't see him. We find him next to the fence, on the neighbors side, caught in a bush because someone put him on the tie down we have for him when we are in the front yard. So, he got out, someone found him, he let them touch him and hook him up but no note, no call, nothing...AHHHH.

Well, now what? We have tried everything and are running out of options.

In the winter when it was too cold we would put the dogs in the garage in their cages with a fan and music and that seemed to work, so we try that again.

I come home to find a dog that somehow opened the cage and was wandering around the garage. AHHHH

So, While I am home I attempt to work with Elijah and put him in the cage and come back to him so he knows he isn't in trouble and that I am coming back. I also put a master lock on it thinking there is no way now. Well, it seemed to be successful so we put him in it for a night out and we come home to a dog standing at our sliding glass door. We go out and see that he has somehow bent the cage and squeezed through the smallest opening and we have no idea how.

We are completely at a loss as to what to do next as nothing is working. We are currently thinking of Wrought Iron fences that have bricks underneath so the dogs can't dig, an underground fence/boundary system, behavior training, a doggie sedative when we have to leave....we are at a loss. Anyone else have a persistent dog that you can't get rid of because it would kill your spouse? I need some ideas on what else to try. I don't want to risk his life, have more things ruined and with the upcoming baby, I am afraid of what else he is able to do.

All the while, Saidee is being inflicted to the same solutions because I am trying to be fair, but am getting frustrated that Saidee, who is manageable, is getting the consequences and adjusting appropriately.

ADVICE????

Anniversary Presents and Outings

For our anniversary I wanted to do something special for us both as well as try to stick with something traditional for the first anniversary (paper). I decided that since I have not had time to edit all our pictures so that also means that we have none ordered or hanging on the wall that I would take one of my favorites and get it oil painted and change up the picture display in our house. I ordered this done and they sent it to me within a few days as well as upgraded it to a larger size for free and I used a coupon to get 20% off as well. I was very pleased with the results and think the display will be great once I finish it up.


I decided to try to wrap it on the wall and had it all done up nice when right when Torrey pulled up from work the whole display fell off the picture. I quickly had to put it all back up and determined to listen to my sister and allow him to open it early as he would either get to do it or wake up and find it done for him. He read his card first and then unveiled it and just stared at it for a while. I think he was pleased with what he saw. He really didn't say much.

Torrey whisked me away Sunday afternoon up to Longmont to stay at the Raddison. It was a HUGE room that had a nice big jet tub. He knows how much I have wanted to just sit and soak in a tub during my pregnancy and our tub is small...it works, but this was a nice treat. With this room he also bought a romantic package that was dinner for two followed by champagne and strawberries. He was disappointed in this part as they did not have the champagne nor strawberries in the room as they were supposed to and when he went to ask for the champagne, he felt bad asking for the strawberries too. I have a very sensitive hearted man.

Our supper was nice as we were one of the only ones out on the patio and had some very tasty food. They didn't have cheesecake to finish up the meal, but we didn't need it as I had a special treat in our room for later anyway.

Before we ordered I asked to go back to the room and was able to bring Torrey his medication to help throw off what I was up to. I went back and set up the basket that I had put together filled with some of his favorite treats and then a basket full of things to give my honey a special treat from head to toe.

When I got back, we ordered and he had a nice juicy steak and I got some tuna. They both were very good but we were unable to finish them.

Torrey needed to make a phone call after we were done (which I am still uncertain what that was for), so I went back to the room to draw him a bath and to setup 7 candles (for our month/year we got married and for the perfect number).

When Torrey got back, I washed his hair and then did a massage that ended on his feet. If any of you know me, I HATE feet so much. My honey's feet had been hurting and so much stress can be released in a foot massage. My dear man was so relaxed and I felt so happy. He got my undivided attention for more than 2 hours where I just pampered him as best I could.

The other fun thing to the room was that it had a sleep number bed and FEATHER PILLOWS. I always bring mine with whenever I leave home and I didn't even need it as they had a bed full of pillows. I have not slept so well in a long time. I don't even think that I remember waking up to use the bathroom.

The next morning we slept in and enjoyed the garden area at the hotel. When we left, Torrey took me to Joe's Crab shack for lunch and then we went by Hallmark where he spent tons of time looking for things.

After we left there we came home for a bit to take a nap. I can hardly make it through a day without a little nap. When we woke up, he had one more thing planned for me. He took me to Carrabba's for supper. He knows it is one of my all time favorites. We had such a nice conversation and time together.

When we got home, he lavished me with the gifts that you see in this picture. (still not knowing what the phone call was about and still being told there is something that he hasn't done/given me yet.....my man likes to delay things and it drives me nuts as I want to know.

We enjoyed one of the Hallmark movies that he got for me and crashed for a wonderful first anniversary.

The below picture is one of the gifts he got me that is for Turner. I also gave him a gift that goes towards Turner's room as well. The basket that all his stuff was in I thought we could use in there for his laundry or just to organize his things.

Once I know what the phone call was all about or what is still to come, I will update you all.

Father's day for Torrey

Well, like Mother's Day, Father's Day did not turn out quite as I expected, but it was very nice.

After church we went over to my sister's to have pot roast with my dad. We stayed and chatted and held little Simon for a while and then Torrey and I needed to leave so that we could prepare for VBS, soccer and have our own time together.

I had planned on making him a meal, but the events of the family work day at our house had me wiped out so I didn't get everything for Torrey done. I was glad that I had gotten the shopping done that I needed for the day.

Torrey and I had a great afternoon together. We sat outside in our swing and just talked. It was nice to have a day with him and discuss our future and our past and our hopes and dreams for our little one. We were both able to conclude that we really want me home and we will do whatever it takes so that we raise and nurture our child and not anyone else (not that there are not others that influence our child as we have a great family).

Torrey's gift was odd to some from what I heard, but it was totally my husband. He ended up crying (which isn't anything odd for him) after he read the card from the baby. He usually cries after he reads the card from the dog, but not this time. I think the Dog might officially be become only a dog.

Oh, and yes there is an I Love Mommy outfit in there, but it was a buy one get one free and so far we have no Mommy things and tons of Daddy things. :D

To be or not to be a Produce Head Clerk?

Torrey approached his Produce Manager yesterday and asked him if he would like a head clerk as this store does not currently have one.

His manager said that he would love one but it is up to Bob (the store manager). Torrey went and talked with him and he wants to give Torrey the job, but has to check with corporate to make sure they will approve it. (have to love business politics)

What does this mean - well it means a little more money, more possibility, and a better chance of GUARANTEED full time hours.

Please be praying with us as he pursues this. He has been so excited at this new store. They absolutely love him and are singing his praises. He is trying to keep himself on the ground but it has been hard for as many praises that are ringing his name. He has received some special recognitions and gift certificates as well as they have done a great job of giving him as many hours as they can since he was asked if he wanted 40. The lowest he has had was 36, but was called in that week for an extra 2.

God has been good to encourage my man. He has needed it so bad and am thrilled with how he is doing and how encouraged he feels.

continue to pray for us as we figure out how to be married. It still has its moments and we are trying to figure out how to do better at being each other's best friend.

thanks for all the prayers already and the encouragement.

My Candy Letter to my Bit-O-Honey

Torrey got several cards for Valentine's day and presents to go with them.

His first was from the dogs and they gave him some stuffed dogs that matched them (black & white).

His second gift was the book "Guess how much I love you." This is one of my favorite books and I give it to everyone of my nephews and niece when they come into the world. I decided that Torrey should have one too.

His third gift was a candy letter and with it he got two old fashioned candy jars. One of them holds candy to help him on evenings when his blood sugar drops and he needs something, the other is when his mood drops and he needs encouragement. Here is the note that was attached.

My Bit-O-Honey,

I Skored the day I met and married you, but I would never have guessed that the day I went through your line at Safeway. I thought you were a Nerd and boy oh boy did I Snicker after I left. But I have now come to know that the Goober I first saw was a Life Saver to so many people because you are unafraid to share the truth of Jesus.

Even though we don’t have 100 Grand in savings, I do hope that our Almond Joy will bring us a Baby Ruth and we together can be the Three Musketeers until God will bring us more and more Sugar Babies. We will teach our children to invest their Pay Day and to love and honor God.

You are such a Fun Dip and hope that we will get to take trips to the Milky Way and sit back together and see the Starbursts in the sky and be Carefree together, but for now, let’s take a “visit” to Israel and be Sweethearts together.

You are my Hubba Bubba boyfriend, and I want to get my Hugs and Kisses from you and you alone both Now & Later and forever.

Love you Mounds & Mounds,

Your Tootsie Roll


His last card was a poem from God and I fixed his Israel watch and gave him a video "Walk where Jesus Walked."

God’s Valentine Gift
By Joanna Fuchs
God’s Valentine gift of love to us
Was not a bunch of flowers;
It wasn’t candy, or a book
To while away the hours.
His gift was to become a man,
So He could freely give
His sacrificial love for us,
So you and I could live.
He gave us sweet salvation, and
Instruction, good and true--
To love our friends and enemies
And love our Savior, too.
So as we give our Valentines,
Let’s thank our Lord and King;
The reason we have love to give
Is that He gave everything.

Torrey and I went to Carabas to eat and then went to MadCap Theatre to laugh our heads off. We had a great Valentine celebration and determined that next year we would celebrate after the day as it would be cheaper and not so time consuming. Had we not called ahead for seating at Carabas, we would have waited 90 minutes. What surprises me is that people were doing it.

Where are the stainless drinks?

The fabulous man that I married is a kid to the core, so you would think that I would understand him since I have loved kids since I was much younger. It, however, appears that when it comes to dealing with my husband I lack the understanding that I tend to have with children.

Marriage is absolutely a sanctification process and I embrace it greatly even though it is hard.

I have been doing a lot of reading about how men desire respect and time with their wife and how that means very different things to men than it does to women. I am trying to use what I learn in the real life situation I am living and it has been helpful. I think I need to read faster though as I tend to read the pages I need after I have already messed up in my dealings with my husband and friend.

Just last night I got all over him because he had broke something and it really was not a big deal at all. I was actually more upset that he could have hurt himself, but it came out as if I cared about the item that was broken.

Today, on the way to work, I read about how men feel that when they talk they get in trouble and when they stay quiet they get in trouble, so they often do the less talking because it warrants less trouble. Well, Torrey didn't want to tell me about what he broke last night because he was afraid. I do not desire my husband to be afraid to talk to me.

We were able to have a good conversation (from my point of view) about how I need him to tell me things because if he won't tell me something so small, it causes insecurity in me because I wonder what else he isn't telling me. He understood and so......

Today, he calls me to tell me he spilled his drink on a doily of mine and ruined it. I mentioned a few things that he should have done and started down the path of scolding when I realized, He is NOT my child and he did exactly what I asked him to do so I need not thwart what I asked of him.

From this we both determined that we need to get some better containers to aide against spilling since he loves his sugar drinks and we have had a few spill already and need to figure out how to get him what he needs yet protect the home.

All this to say, we are both learning and loving each other through it, but seriously...Where are the sugar drinks that have no coloring?