Joseph

I have been feeling the need to write down my feelings for days. My blog has become a journal of sorts and I have felt the Spirit strongly. Telling me to document this wonderful miracle that has occurred so that one day Joseph may read of the AMAZING love that our Savior has for him and the beautiful tender mercies that he has blessed us with in bringing Joseph to the United States and into our family.

Since the day I met Ben he has carried with him a heavy burden. The joy of having a son but not being able to be an active part of his life. Separated by the miles of living in a different country and speaking a different language all Ben could do was pray and think of his son everyday. From the day Ben and I married till this very day we have prayed for Joseph. We prayed that he would happy. That he would know we loved him. That we would one day see him soon. Most importantly we prayed that he would know he has not only an earthly father but a father in Heaven who loves him very much. Almost 5 years we have prayed and had faith. I will admit sometimes we wondered if we would ever get a chance to know Joseph. If Ben would ever be able to reunite and hold his son and tell him how much he loves him. To tell him there has not been one day in his entire 13 years of life that Ben has not thought of him and missed him.

Last Monday Ben and I were blindsides with an email from Tomoyo letting us know that Joseph desired to come and live with Ben and I as soon as possible. She asked us to love and support him in this decision and of course that was not a problem. Next week Joseph will come and join our family here in El Paso. He will be living with us indefinitely. I have never received a greater Christmas present. I am so grateful to this gift that his mother has given us. I know she loves Joesph very much. I know this is the hardest thing she has ever done and I feel so honored to have the opportunity to get to know Joseph. To love him, help raise him and have him be part of our life, part of our family. Oh Lord, How Great Thou Art.

As we have prepared the last week for Joseph to come it has been apparent that the Lords hand has been there. When I called to register Joseph for school they were so excited to have another Japanese student in the 7th grade. There is a Japanese girl that is really struggling because she is having a hard time picking up on English and has no one to speak Japanese with. I am sure it is no surprise to anyone that here in a town that borders Mexico most students in the English as a second language program speak Spanish. It is not often they have 1 student let alone 2 that speak Japanese and are in the same grade. What a tender mercy. We also have found that we have 4 families that speak Japanese in our ward. Including our Bishop. Again, tender mercy. Then as Ben and I were at tithing settlement with our Bishop we found that not only did our Bishop serve in the area that Josephs family lives in. Josephs grandfather was his Bishop when he was a missionary in Japan. Again, tender mercy.

I am so grateful for the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to have a Heavenly Father that knows us and knows what is best for us. A Heavenly Father that loves us and blesses us even when we grow impatient. A Heavenly Father that knows the deepest desires of our hearts and prepares us to receive them. My heart is so full of joy and love that my cup runneth over.

Especially at this time of year my mind turns to our Heavenly Father who gave his only Begotton Son so that we could live and have Eternal Life.

My testimony of my Savior has grown as I have seen his hand personally in our life. I know that I may not always receive blessings in the way I want or the way that I think I should but that the Lord blesses me with what is best for me. I know that God lives. I testify of his love. His Infinite Love.

Oh Lord, How Great Thou Art.

Miss Me?

Anyone miss me? I sure hope so. I have missed keeping in touch with all of you. As many of you may or may not know. El Paso has been the dark Abyss for me. The good news is the light is starting to shine on through.

It is no secret that I have had a hard time adjusting to life next to the border but I feel like after 10 months I am finally getting my barrings. That has also included having a bit of an attitude adjustment and then just making the decision to be happy. After all, I have my health, my hubby and the Lord. Right? I also have to give the people here in the Lone Star State some credit. I really have never met kinder people than we have here.

So let's bring you up to date in Life with the Lawyers the past few months....

October, Ben and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary. He surprised me with a weekend away in Reidoso, New Mexico. It was beautiful there and we loved seeing the fall foliage and the beautiful fall colors. He took me to a romantic cabin and we had a great time. It is always nice to get away.

Here are some of our favorite pictures.

Can you believe I was able to get this close to a deer? I must admit I was a little scared.

The picture above is my FAVORITE!

The end of summer beginning of fall is all about football here in El Paso. These people are CRAZY! After school starts everyone attends the high school football games even if they don't have kids attending there. Even the little kids get in on the action and let me tell you they take this stuff way serious. Some of our good friends have their kids involved. It is a family affair. Dad coaches, son plays, mom is the cheer coach and both daughters are cheerleaders. We went to a lot of the games and I had a great time watching the fans. It was CRAZY!

They have the kids do this before every game. I am serious. It is insane.

My good friend Anne and one of our YW from church. Erika.

A few weeks ago Ben and I had a great time taking the Laurels from our ward down to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the BYU game. Our bishop, tons of ward members and the Mia Maids and Laurels all went to the game. I have to say it was the BEST time. We took the girls to the tailgating party and then to Deseret Book after the game. We have AMAZING youth in our ward. Ben and I completely enjoyed ourselves.

I just love this picture of Ben. He is such a nerd. But he is my nerd and I would have it no other way.

Aren't we so cute?

I recently enrolled in a cake decorating class with a couple of friends from the ward. Let me just say that decorating a cake is much harder than it looks. Me and roses. We don't really get along but I am determined to conquer the rose. I am confident that with continual practice you will soon be able to tell that it is a rose I actually made. For some reason they look more like carnations.

This was my first cake. Don't look to close and it doesn't look half bad.

My second cake is below. Stay tuned for more to come.

Thanksgiving was low key and wonderful. Ben marched in the parade that morning while I stayed home and got dinner ready. We had our friend Sharon and her kids over. Her husband was just deployed to Iraq last week so we were glad to be able to spend the holidays with them. She has become my dear friend.

We had all the trimmings and were way full by the end of the day.

The kids had fun playing dress up and playing with the dog.

Even Hero got lucky and got to lick all the pan from the turkey. Yummy!

It has been strange getting ready for Christmas with no snow. I have been looking at peoples blogs. Seeing them in coats and wondering to myself....why is everyone bundled up. It is so warm outside. I have been in capris and tee shirts till this week.....

Then came the STORM!

This was the record breaking snowfall that we had earlier this week. They haven't had snow like this since 1931. We have another cold night tonight but by next week we should be back in the 60's. I must say. I do love the sunshine but it was nice to have some snow just in time for the Christmas Season!

Well that about sums it up. Nothing too exciting but I can't wait to get caught up with everyone and their blogs. I hope everyone has a great Christmas season. Make it count.

Our New Addition

This is the newest addition to our family. Hero! We didn't pick out the name. Otherwise it would be somethig cooler but he is the cutest dog on the block.

Could you resist this face?

He went to the groomers for the first time today and I was laughing when I heard Hero try to bit the gentleman who was blow drying him. Apparently he didn't like it. He is a little spoiled.

Isn't he just so cute? He certainly has made the house feel full of life. He is so full of energy and he is my constant shadow. With Ben back in school full time and Lucky gone he sure has been fun to have around.

I just love my in-laws

So Ben and I have had the flu. I was having one of those days to say the least and needed a good laugh. Well my brother in law Stephen and his family succeeded. I couldn't help but laugh when I received their personal memorial to Lucky today.

Thanks, I love you guys!

Chick-fil-A , Amazon, Free

For you Chick-fil-A Lovers. Go here and register for a free Chick-fil-A sandwich. Simple as 123.

http://www.chickenwave.com/

Click on below link for free Big Kahuna Reef game download from Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Kahuna-Reef-Game-Download-PC/dp/B001K7HV3Q/

Keep posted for more freebies.

Cha-Ching $$$$

With the economy being what it is I know that people have been looking for ways to save money. Me included. Now, a few weeks ago I went to Utah and my sister-in-law Katie taught me some FABULOUS money saving tips that you can do no matter where you live. (thanks, Katie I owe you) Ben is very excited since I just cut our grocery bill more than in half and I have been getting more groceries and building up my food storage at the same time. I am so excited at how well it has been going I have been sharing with everyone I know. Below is one of my latest examples.

This is from my trip to Albertson's on Monday.

4- 12 packs of Pepsi

1- Digiorno Pizza

4- Boxes of Cereal

4- Boxes of Pizza Rolls

4- Ears of corn

2- Boxes of Suddenly Salad

1- Box of Granola Bars

4- Boxes of Yoplait Plus yogurt

2- Bags of Chex Mix

16 lbs of Meat

3 lbs of Bacon

Total was $34.16

I have two parties in the next 2 weeks. I am taking drinks to one. Hence, the Pepsi and a pasta salad to the other. My pasta salad only cost me .70 and the soda cost $2.00

Last night I did my produce run and what would normally have cost $67.00 cost $25.42 by the time I was done.

This is a pretty simple way of shopping. I will admit the first time takes some time but after that it is pretty fast and easy. I have also learned how to get freebies for lunch and dinner out. Anyone want to learn? Just let me know I am more than HAPPY to help.

Please go to my sister-in-laws blog. She and her sisters keep it updated with tips for food storage, some great links for saving money and some YUMMY recipes. Recipes that they have tried and liked. It also allows you to use your food storage. I personally recommend trying the Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies. (way, way yummy and you can't even tell they are whole wheat) I would also try the Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas and the Wingers Copy Cat sauce for sticky fingers.

http://sistersalwayssimplifying.blogspot.com/

One more thing, for you Kashi Brand users. That is one of my most expensive things when I shop. Well with my new way of shopping I have got my Kashi cereal for $1.00 a box and my Kashi bars for $1.50 a box. Oh! Don't you just love saving money?

Today we had a hard day saying goodbye to our sweet Lucky Lou. It was very unexpected but due to old age and kidney failure it was his time to go.

One of Lucky's favorite things in this world next to food was Ben. Anytime Ben sat on the couch Lucky was right there begging Ben to pick him up and love him. Funny thing is Lucky was supposed to be my dog. Ben said he didn't really want Lucky and didn't care which dog I chose. Well he may not have chose Lucky but he chose Ben. They soon became best friends and Ben was the only one Lucky would sit and cuddle with.

Lucky's other favorite past time was fighting with Nala over the spot in front of the window so that they could bask in the sun. Sometimes they would both give in and share but usually it was a battle of wills.

As you can see, Lucky loved to sleep and eat. Typical man.

We love our animals very much and Lucky will be missed greatly. The house already seems empty without him. However, for the first time in 4 years we ate in peace.

We love you and will miss you very much!

Check it out!

So lately I have been working on ways to continually invite the Spirit in my day and in our home as much as I can. One way that works for me is I like to listen to BYU TV and BYU Radio. I have found it very uplifting and insightful.

Anyway, Ben and I watched a program called Real Families, Real Answers. The particular episode we watched was Keeping a Marriage Strong. Very insightful and very inspired. At the end they gave a website for more information. So I checked it out. It has a wealth of knowledge and information on all types of things. The information includes Strengthening Families, Parenting, Family Finances and Addictions. I recommend taking some time to check it out. I promise it will be worth your time.

Let me know what you think. ENJOY!

www.realfamiliesrealanswers.org

Get me OUTTA HERE!

One thing that we have to do here in Texas is to have them come spray once a month for spiders and scorpions. Apparently they are very common in our area and I don't want to take any chances. I made my appointment with the bug man and on Thursday they came to spray. Luckily we had a visitor at the same time. Guess who came to visit in the backyard.....

Yep, a BIG lovely tarantula. I was freaking out! Wouldn't you?

Anyway, he couldn't out last the spray and poison. He died quickly in the backyard and I am not so sad to report there was no burial service for him. I was doing the Hallelujah dance!

Let's pray that he is our last visitor for awhile. Plus this didn't help in the quest for me to grow to love El Paso.

Cloudcroft

As many of you know the lovely El Paso sand and dry dry desert has left a lot to be desired for this East Coast girl. It is difficult to find living green plants. My husband is much better at finding the beauty all around but me...not so much.

After much research and suggestions from friends Ben decided to take me to Cloudcroft. It is a few hours from our house. I can't say that I was too excited for the drive but he assured me it would be well worth the wait and it would be like leaving El Paso behind and being in the Utah Mountains. Well I couldn't turn that down so off we went on our journey and I was not disappointed. It was beautiful. Pine trees and everything. Who would of ever thought I would be so excited to see so many trees.

I brought my camera and I was ready to take pictures. I got it out ready to get busy and realized I left my CF card for the camera at home. Boy was I upset. I'm a photographer and I can't even remember to check and see if I have everything? Anyway, on the way out there was this spot with and AMAZING view. Ben and I decided to make the best of the situation and we pulled out our cell phone and used that camera. Not the best picture. When I was ready to give up we met the Nans. The were a cute couple that was touring the US in their RV. He had a nice Nikon camera and we got to talking. He was kind enough to take some pictures of Ben and I and email them to us. I was so grateful to meet such wonderful people. Plus now you all can see the wonderful view.

Enjoy!

I'm still alive!

So things have been CRAZY here in El Paso. My business has really taken off. Word of mouth has given me lots of business. I am getting one to two calls a day for appointments. I couldn't be happier. I have updated my website and it is very professional and just like I wanted it. It takes a few weeks for the name jeannelawyerphotography.com to be transferred to this new website so the address is a little weird right now but feel free to check it out.

jlawyer1.photobiz.com

Below is some of my latest work.

A week ago I was lucky enough to go to Utah and do a wedding for my cousin Katie. It was so beautiful at Thanksgiving Point where we did her pictures. Almost as pretty as she was. It is not hard to do great work when you have such a beautiful subject.

Here a couple of my favorite shots.

Being in Utah wasn't all work and no play. It was kind of nice to visit and not have Ben with me. Even though he is a good sport and goes with me to see my friends, he patience is like any mans and is limited. My parents were even out of town and although I missed seeing them it also was nice to do what I wanted, when I wanted and it was FUN!

The day before I left I was able to have lunch with my mother-in-law and all my sister-in-laws as well as my beautiful neices. It is always so much fun to spend time with them. We had a yummy lunch at MiMi's Cafe. One place I always have to go when I am in Utah.

It was so fun to see everyone. I am glad we live closer so it is a little easier to go home to visit. I couldn't have asked for a better family.

Becky, Muriel, Me, Mom (Donna) and Sheri.

Well hopefully there will be more to come. Life is starting to get busy and we are getting out more so I will have something to blog about.

Easter Weekend

So our life is finally getting settled here in El Paso. We actually have something to blog about other than unpacking and adjusting. This has been our hardest move yet but one thing is for sure. I have never met more kind, helpful people as I have here in El Paso.

Easter weekend I was able to attend one of Ben's "GIGS". They marched in an Easter Parade. I went with my friend Andrea and her three kids. Andrea and I joked pretty hard because it wasn't anything like a Utah parade. I don't even think we saw one float. We decided to call it an Easter Political March since all that seemed to be in the parade was candidates for local offices. However, I must say that the Army Band was wonderful. The best in the parade.

This is Ben's life here in the Fort Bliss Band. He plays the sax. It hasn't been his favorite thing. He really misses playing his bassoon. He is trying his best to stay positive and find time to practice his bassoon so he can get his Charlie 1 and what that means to us is that he can move to the type of band he desires.

Easter Sunday, my friend Ann invited Ben and I to her home for dinner. It was so nice to be around people and have somewhere to go since all of our family is in Utah. The meal was delicious and the company was even better.

My new friends, Tiffany and Ann. They are sister in laws and have lived next door to each other for 15 years. It is nice to finally have some friends and be able to get out and do some fun thing.

Easter morning my hubby was as cute as ever and surprised me with a wonderful breakfast and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It was such a treat. Church was wonderful and I appreciated the time to be able to sit and reflect upon the resurrection and the love our Savior has for each of us. I have such a strong testimony of the atonement and our Savior, Jesus Christ. He has risen! He is our brother, our Savior, and our King.

Catching Up.

I know many of you have inquired about my poor blogging the past few months but all I can say is please forgive me. It has been a challenge moving across the country and adjusting to this strange world they call El Paso, Texas.

I have had many requests to see the inside of our house so I am happy to give you a partial tour.

This is the view you would see right when you walk in our front door.

This is the ghetto loft we have not really decorated yet. We are not really sure what we are going to do. The door you see leads out to our balcony. We love to sit out there and watch the beautiful sunsets.

This is our beautiful new couch. I just LOVE it. Our other couch was destroyed by naughty little kitties. They don't seem to like the leather so problem is now solved. Whoo Hoo!

The view of our living room from the loft.

Our living room from another angle. Let me tell you how much we LOVE the fireplace. We have used it many times and it is so fun.

Our bedroom is right off the hall here. Not my favorite to have the master bedroom on the main floor but it was worth the sacrifice. The positive outweighed the negative in this case.

Our kitchen. Yes, that is a big window you see there. I absolutely love how much light comes into the house. There are HUGE windows in every room. It is great.

Our kitchen. A little small but bigger than we had in any place we have lived. The great thing is that Ben and I finally have enough space that we can cook together. Something we always enjoyed doing together but it was always difficult in a small kitchen.

Another view of our dining area off the kitchen and that ends our tour of the house.

This is Elder Eldredge. My cousin. He is serving here in El Paso and we were able to meet up with him and take him and his companion to lunch. My what a small world it is.

Ben and I love how kind the people are here. We are slowly settling into our routines. Ben has only worked 5 days since we moved here. Bringing it to a total of 8 weeks he has been home with me. Even though I love him to pieces I am ready for him to be back at work so I can get into a routine.

I have started working part time in sales for a member of our Bishopric. He is great and I really enjoy what I do. Ben is a little disappointed with this band because of what they do he won't be able to play his bassoon much. They do a lot of marching so he will most likely play the clarinet.

That about sums everything up. I just hope that there will be a time in the very near future when I feel at home again. Like I did in Maryland. I miss seeing my boys Brandon and Nato each week and loving on them when I am having a bad day. Many tears have been shed but at least technology has advanced so that we can talk on the phone, web cam and send mail. I miss you all my Maryland friends!