Going through the breeds, part 2

This time I am going to introduce you to a few of my favorite possibilities. Actually, one of the following breeds I love so much, that I am ready to buy my first one today and start my business! Can you guess which one?

Look at this cute puppy:

This isn't a golden retriever, although it is just as cute as one. This is a Hovawart. It looks like a golden retriever with a lab's head. But, it comes in black, blond, or black and gold. They are "determined, obedient and affectionate, especially toward their master. Loyal to the family. Excellent with children..."

It's not bad looking, but that is one ginormous tail! Cute head; but, the tail ruins it.


This little fluff ball IS a golden retriever. An English Creme Golden Retriever

How could anyone pass up this little guy? That snow-white fur and black nose and eyes. This is a gorgeous dog and the breeding of them is a lot more selective than that of regular goldens. These are the creme-of-the-crop.

A golden retriever is always a good choice of dog - so loyal and gentle and playful. I would be delighted to breeding them for families!


Now, take a deep breath before gazing into these sweet eyes:

Floppy ears? Check!
Cute? Check! Check!

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, is "a happy, jovial breed with an enthusiastic nature and strong affinity to people and children. They are strongly dependant on people and crave attention and physical contact."


Um, can we say perfect.

Stoic...yet, playful.

I think I may have found the breed I was looking for.

But, since it is so fun to learn about other breeds, I'll keep looking. Just for fun.

Going through the breeds, part 1

Many of you know that I have gone through a multitude of career options. At some point in my life I have wanted to be almost every occupation - well, not quite, but it sure seems like it. I never dreamed I would not finish my bachelor's degree, or continue to even more school after that.

But, "a man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

It turns out, I am pretty good at administrative tasks and it turns out that may come in handy one day as a dentist's wife. God has given me great work experience that will, hopefully, allow me to help Hubs with his career. And, I have learned to be content where I am at. But, there is still a dream I have and still am pursuing.

Someday, I hope to own my own dog breeding business. You can't be surprised. From the moment I first laid my eyes on a dog, I have been attached. And, they seem to like me back. I hope to breed wonderful, affordable family pets.

Knowing my administrative mindset, I have in my head, the packet of information I will give out to all my customers. I have thought about my return policy and how the facility will look. I am just giddy thinking about the information that I am going to include. It just excites me to no end.

The most important detail, however, is still yet to be determined. What type of dog to breed?

Surprisingly, I am not interested in breeding labradors. Although, they could very well be considered my favorite, I believe that they are overbred and not bred wisely. There are so many labs and lab-mixes out there that I really don't think we need more. Contact me if you want more information on that soap-box.

They are such a great looking dog, though, and will surely forever have a special place in my heart.

So, in the search of my breed, I have some qualifications. I tend to go for larger dogs, so it will be. The usual temperament of the breed should be one that fits well with a family, like I said, I want people to enjoy  the fun and love of having a dog as part of their home. And, of course I melt when I see floppy ears, so I assume the rest of the world will as well.

In my research, I have found some fun and interesting possibilities:

This one may be a tad TOO big and slobbery. But, oh my, what an adorable photo. I probably will not go for a Saint Bernard:

This is too many wrinkles for my taste and do those paws belong to a lion? This giant Spanish Mastiff will not be my final choice:

I like the stately look of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, but the puppies aren't quite as good-looking as the adults. Plus, I'm not sure that the personality is what I am going for. 

I will post more of the dogs that I find. It is fun researching the MANY dogs God has created!

Too. Old.

I have been told I am too short. Too small. And, too blonde. But never have I been told I was too old. Until last night.

Sorry, we need someone under 25. You are too old.

I don't like that. I don't like it one bit. It only confirms what I have been telling Richard, that we are old. I don't feel old. I really don't feel any older than I was 4 years ago. I may have more life experiences, a tad bit more wisdom, and some mistakes under my belt, but that doesn't mean you are old, does it?

I still feel like I can connect with the young crowd. My little bro seems to think I don't act too much like an old person. He thinks I am cool. Wait, is "cool" still the right word to use? And sure I may be ready to go to bed right at 10pm, but I still can have fun. Please don't tell me I am old because we like to play cards with our friends on Friday night.

For so long, I wanted to be older. Now I don't want to be younger, but I would like to freeze time for a while. Since that is not an option, I know I should learn some sort of lesson from this.

All my life I have been saying "someday." Someday I will have a house. Someday, we will have kids. Someday, I will find a young girl to meet with. Someday I will even teach young women. Someday, I will organize my desk. Someday, I will love Hubs better.

Someday is here. Before I know it, I will truly be old and I would hate to look back at 26 and wonder why I didn't seize the day then, take opportunities then.

So, for the first time I was told, "You are too old." The worst part was that it was to something I told myself I would do someday. Next time, I won't be too old. I'm gonna make my somedays, todays.

Changes, Responsibility, and Growing up

Hubs and I were talking tonight about all the responsibility that comes with changes and with growing-up. There's finances. There's jobs. There's home. There's marriage. There's family. There's church. There's friends. There's Christmas gifts. There's even just making dinner.

There is this tug - a pull between wanting to have a house, family, and be "grown-up" versus loving the easy life without quite as many choices and responsibility. If we could just skip that in-between awkward phase.

It's like junior high. Part of you loves the simple life of being a kid; yet the other part of you is ready to wear make-up and get a job. But you are just stuck in this awkward transition stage.

So, we are kind of in junior high again. We are in this dangling phase where we don't necessarily know what will happen in the future, but we can't continue not making changes and plans. The temptation is to sit and wait until we know what the future holds. But in doing so, we would miss out on so much of our lives.

And this, my friends, is how we learn to trust God.

Bombarded

When are you moving? The end of May.
When's your last day? I really don't know yet.
Why don't you know? We still need to figure out some things.
Like what? Lots of things.
Are you sad to leave your job? Yes, I will miss it a lot. I will miss the people I work with and the job itself. It's been the best job I've ever had.
What will you do instead? Read this.
When's Hubs's first day? That's one of those details we need to figure out.
Have you found a place to live? Not yet.
Will you rent or buy? Rent.
Apartment? No. Duplex or house.
When will you find a place? Hopefully, in April.
How big? Hopefully 2 bedrooms and a 2 car garage.
Will you get a puppy? Probably not.
How big is the town? 40,000 people.
How far away is it from your family? 4 hours from one side, 3.5 hours from the other.
Do you know anyone there? Yes, I grew up in that town, although I haven't stayed in touch with anyone. We also have an Aunt and Uncle who live there.
Are you excited? Extremely. It will be even more exciting when we have some more details figured out. Time is flying by and we will be extremely busy until the move. I know it will be here before we know it.

I've got big plans and they don't include becoming a blob.

Ever since I learned to form opinions, which was very early on in life, I decided that I would probably work forever. I had no idea how one keeps themself busy at home all day. And, I knew that I would go insane being confined to my home without anyone to talk to. The silence would probably kill me. The interaction alone from a job is enough of an incentive to work.

And so, I have worked for the past 10 years and been very happy. Throughout school I had part-time jobs; and, for the past 3 years I have worked full-time. Just recently the thought of being job-less in 3 months has become exciting to me.

The question arises, What will you do all day long without a job? Well, I will by no means become a big ol' blob. I've got plans.

I would like to finish my bachelor's degree. I was so indecisive in college. I changed my major numerous times and ended up taking plenty of classes, but not the right ones to graduate. So, it looks like I will be taking classes online to finish. And, I won't just be taking a class here and there, I will load up on the course work to finish as fast as possible. This is the first time I will be taking classes without balancing a job.

I will be able to work out in the morning! I hope to start my mornings with a run or with a trip to the Y. Not since college, have I been able to regularly work-out in the morning. Instead, I have been trying to fit it in after work. Can't wait.

And, all those women's ministries and Bible studies I hear about but immediately forget because they are during the day...I'll be able to participate in those!

I'll also be busy getting our home organized from the move. I will actually get to think about, and plan, and prepare supper. And grocery shop on a weekday??? That must be a treat! As we get to know people and learn about our community, I hope to get involved in other ways, too. And, I have one more plan that I cannot share yet (NO, it is not getting pregnant). If it works out, it will be a great way to keep up some skills and earn some extra income.

Unfortunately, these are all just plans right now. That is the easy part. The part that takes effort on my part will happen when we get to our new home and it is time to put these plans in action. I'm excited, though, for what could and what will be!

It is time.

The decision was really made in October. I wanted to wait until 2009 to tell - when if would feel more real. 2009 came. It felt more real, but still not enough. I wanted to wait until after the visit. The visit is over, and I am completely ready to tell you our news.



Moving is not a new thing to me. I've lived in 6 states and moved many times. It is exciting - an adventure. And this time, it will be Hubs and me together, starting a new chapter in our life and I couldn't be more excited and ready than I am now.

I knew I would be ready for the move at some point, but it took me a while to get here. I told myself I would never ever move back to Kansas. I wanted to move East - to the big trees, lakes, and hills. It is completely God who has changed my heart and mind. Never, ever did I think I would be excited to move to the middle of Kansas - wimpy trees, a few lakes, absolutely no hills, and a landscape that is more yellow than green.

But, I am completely at peace with this move and I am very ready to do this. As we drove back to Nebraska, we saw the most gorgeous sunset on the horizon due to the flat, tree-less prairie.

Hubs has the best opportunity to work for a God-fearing dentist and with a great team. I know he is going to love it and makes my heart happy to see him so excited. He will learn a ton about dentistry, running a dental practice, all while glorifying God with his profession. We know that God has led us to this place - no doubts.

There are times it seems a little scary; and at times there is too much to think about. There are times that I will be sad to go; times that I will be strong for Hubs and times he will be strong for his Feath.

And, I will get to pursue one of my dreams of finishing my degree. I am looking forward to seeing what else God will do in my life when we get there.

Today is a great day.

The little things can sometimes make the day great. Things like:

Waking up without a headache for the first time in who knows how long.

Waking up feeling rested.

Seeing that Hubs not only read, but left comments(!) on my blog.

Getting off of work at 11:30am.

Going on a road trip with Hubs.

Looking forward to an ice cream shake from Bogey's tonight.

Looking Back

Last week we cleared our pictures from Hubs's about-to-crash computer and put them on mine. It was a great time of looking back on our life together. I was surprised to see how much we've changed and decided to take you on a short journey of our years together.

Nov 2004: Our first visit to Kansas to meet the Taylor family.

Dec 2004: Our first Christmas in Kansas. We did some skeet shooting. Hubs loves the picture of me with all those shells around.

Dec. 2004: Ice skating at Crown Center in Kansas City

March 2005: A trip to the Omaha Zoo is a must for all dating couples.

July 2005: Clabaugh vacation to Colorado - we had just gotten engaged!

August 2005: Hubs gets his whitecoat!

July 2006: We honeymooned in Riveria Maya, Mexico. It was wonderful.

August 2007: Clabaugh vacation to Colorado - we walked to Starbucks almost every morning.


Nov 2007: Thanksgiving Day 5K race. Hubs got his wisdom teeth pulled 2 days before and it was 20 degrees out!

July 2008: Vacation in Hawaii!

I've known Hubs for 4 1/2 years now, and my life prior to him seems sorta surreal. It seems like so much longer - in a good way. When I catch up with friends on facebook or look back through pictures, I hardly recognize myself. Do you ever feel like that?

I hope I have matured in all areas of life. And, looking back, I see how friends and experiences molded me into who I am now, but man do I see how far I still have to go!

I am really good at looking back and missing the past; and looking way ahead waiting for the future. But, purposeful life lived right now is what causes me to grow and become that woman I want to be. The last week has been lived without purpose, just going with the flow, and I realized how lazy, depressed, and self-absorbed I get.

This morning began a new day. A day of action. A day to reach out to others. A day to live for the Lord. A day lived on purpose, with a purpose. And, I feel better today.

A New Stage of Life

Just a few weeks ago, I was holding on tightly to 2008. Today is a completely different story - bring in the new year!


We've noticed, when hanging out with friends, that we are all in different stages of life. Some have houses and are working on those; some have children and are developing a family. Most have moved past the stage of life we are currently in: married college couple going from day to day.

I have been perfectly content in this stage. I love renting. I enjoy being able to make plans at the last minute and not worrying about what to do with the kids. My job is great and we've done lots of fun traveling. Our life is pretty simple and, despite a few short-lived longings for the next step, I have enjoyed where we are at right now. Part of me has not wanted to move forward. I am comfortable in this stage.

2009, to me, will be about moving to a new stage in life. Hubs will not be in college anymore. He'll be kicking off his career, while I take classes online to finish my degree. We will probably still rent for a while, but we'll look for a bigger place so we can add a dog (hopefully) to the family, realizing that buying a home is right around the corner. We will not stop traveling - with 3 trips already planned, we are talking about a couple more, too! Our conversations will change: we will discuss how to use our resources wisely to plan for owning a dental practice and having a family someday. 2009, my friends, seems like the start of a whole new chapter of our lives.
We. Will. Officially. Be Grown-ups.

Hubs and I couldn't be more excited for it! God has prepared us in every way for our next journey in life. I've realized that our lives will change, but we will will be the same people. We can't wait to start looking for places to live, planning for what is ahead, and living this next journey.

That is what 2009 has in store for us...what does it have in store for YOU?

When I grow up, I want to be... Part II

I am not what I wanted to be when I grew up.

God had different plans for me. I've struggled with that at times, but contentment is found being in the will of God and not my own. So, as I continue to align God's plan as my own, my dreams are modified.

Right now, what I want to be as I continue growing up is a college graduate and a great wife. As I continue on, whatever God wants me to be...I want to be that too!

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I am still working towards who I wanted to be when I grew up.

For the most part, these have stayed the same. I still have a lot of growing to do.

Right now, who I want to be as I continue growing up is a godly woman, who depends on the Lord for her strength, who puts others' needs before her own, who is informed and intelligent, kind and fun, passionate and bold.

I think it is great to dream of being something as we are young. I think it is even greater to chase those dreams and make them goals. How fulfilling it is to acheive those goals and make dreams reality. But for those of you that are like me; and we aren't what we planned to be: That is no less of a great thing! Because as long as we are who God wants us to be, and as long as we pursue that high calling, whatever it is, we are right where we should be.

Thus says the LORD:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-24

New Shoes & More

It has crossed my mind that most of my blogging friends write about much more substantial, worthwhile things in life (ie - their children, their house building progress) besides their new shoes. Oh well.

Richard heard on the radio that a local mall was giving out a $15 gas card if you spent a certain amount of money at any of their stores this weekend. Richard and I both were overdue on new running shoes and Richard also needed some stuff for his bike, so we decided this would be a great time to take a little shopping trip. Once we got to the shoe store, our decision was confirmed because Scheel's was having a sale on shoes - $15 off any pair!

I must insert a little aside here - I have only had one pair of running shoes so far (Asic's Kayanos) and they lasted me 3 years. Therefore, the shoe shopping experience for Richard versus me is quite different. I have no idea what I am looking for in a running shoe - comfort? support? So, I would pick a shoe that I liked, show it to my hubby, and he would give the yea or nay.

So, I pick out 3 pairs of shoes and ask a saleslady to bring me a size 6. She returns with nothing. So I pick out 3 more pairs of shoes and she returns with the kayanos (same shoes I have been running in). I try them on and they are great shoes really. So comfy and I already know that they are good shoes for me since I have enjoyed the pair I have already. The down-side is that the Kayanos are pricey. I ask for 2 more pairs of shoes, just to compare, and she returns with none. Richard finally asks, "Do you have ANY in a size 6?" She encourages me to keep picking out some and she will keep checking. So, I grab 5 pairs of shoes - not caring about the style, fit, or brand anymore - just hoping that there will be some in the back room! While she is gone, I start picking out some more, knowing she will come back with nothing, but to my surprise, she comes back with 4 pairs. I try them on and narrow it down to 3 pairs - Asics Kayano, Asics Nimbus, and Brooks Defyance (like you care, right?).

Here they are - my new pair of running shoes. The Brooks Defyance. The Asics were great, but more bulky than the Brooks. Plus, the Brooks were less pricey which is a plus for sure.

I have been told that you should put 400 miles on your running shoes before buying a new pair. Hence the reason I had my last pair for 3 years! I've starting a spreadsheet and I am going to record how long it takes me to get to 400 miles...any guesses? I haven't updated you on my running progress, but I have continued to run since the Havelock race is over. I will admit that vacation and the extreme heat has put a damper on the progress, but I am not going to let myself quit. Honestly, I have come to enjoy the activity.

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Richard and I took a bike ride on Saturday morning. That is a great way start the day. It wasn't unbearably hot and I just love the morning-time. We also went to the pool and played Bingo with our flock. Richard and I didn't win, but it was fun.

My grandparents were in town and we had coffee with them. They gave us great encouragement from the Word in making decisions for our future. Verses that I am sure God wanted us to remember as we seek His will for our life.

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At my Bible study on Saturday morning we continued discussing Elohim, which is the word used for God during the creation account, and other places throughout the Bible. I don't think it was coincidence that I was studying this name while we were in Hawaii. God revealed Himself to me in how great and awesome He is through His creative creation. Look up these verses and you will see what I mean:

Isaiah 40: 12, 15, 22, 26-31

Yet a God this big - who weighs the mountains, pulls the heavens back like curtains, and lifts up the islands - He desires a personal relationship with you and me.

Friday Already!

This week has flown by for us, which is unusual. Next week, Richard has finals and then we only have one more year of dental school. I am sitting here amazed at how times flies and how fast we are "growing up." We have gotten very comfortable with our life as it is, but big changes are on the way.

Last Sunday, the Clabaugh family got together and watched the Master's on the big screen. Tiger didn't manage to win, but it was fun and there was lots of good food as you can see us filling up our plates in the picture. Golf actually gets pretty interesting at the very end, when it is down to every stroke (I hope that is the right terminology).



Well, it is rainy outside and I think it is a perfect night for hot chocolate, my sweat pants, and a girlie movie.