To blog or not to blog - that is the question...

I can't decide.

On one hand, I like having this place to preserve memories and to remind me of God's blessings and grace.

On the other hand, I don't like feeling like a failure when I miss a day, or two...or 60!  :)

When I started blogging, it was to remind me that I'm living and not sitting around waiting for a family of my own.  I wanted to make sure I was seizing every opportunity and living in the moments that make up this season of life.  At the time, it was literally one foot in front of the other, one choice at a time.  I'm so thankful that is no longer the case!  Living and enjoying life comes naturally - as it should.  It's no longer an effort.

I'm not sure why it is such a chore to sit down and type out a post.  I mean, I did it last year amid my toughest year of teaching yet.  What's different now?  Is it laziness?  Am I being undisciplined?  I definitely enjoy looking back at the past, seeing how the kids have changed and rereading some of the most precious moments.  Moments I'm not sure I would otherwise remember.

That alone is enough to keep trying, right?

What's in a Name?

So, I'm thinking of renaming my blog.  This is really quite a shocker considering how little I appreciate change.  Not to mention the fact that I had a hard enough time picking out the first one!  "Living the Dream" was supposed to remind me that even though my life's path may not have perfectly followed my dreams, I'm still blessed beyond measure.  I still feel this way, but I think I just need a new reminder.  A title that reflects me a little more personally.  However, vacation or not, my limited creative juices aren't quite flowing.  The only thing I've come up with so far is: "More than Enough", reminding myself that HE's more than enough for me.  I'd like a few to choose from, so if you have any ideas, let me know!

Back from a "digital" Vacation

I've been on somewhat of a digital vacation since the last day of school: no email, no blogging, no ipod, no computer. Instead, I've been...

...packing up my classroom

Where did the year go? It was a tough one, but I became a better teacher because of some of the challenges I faced.

...attending preschool graduation

Abby, Ella, and Ethan graduated from the "Zoo" to the "Park" at church.  It melted my heart to hear so many little ones singing praises to Jesus!

...shopping for bargains

The flowers and the plate cost $5.00 together. I was very excited! I was also able to share in Hannah's excitement in shopping for her new home. Shopping is SO much more fun when you're spending someone else's money. :)

...buying a new purse

I went to Tonya's Miche purse party, planning on not buying anything. But, yellow? How could I resist?!?  This purse stays so perfectly organized.  Best yet, a book easily fits inside, allowing me to read in between innings at the many, many ballgames I'm attending this summer.

...squeezing in as much horseback riding as possible

...reading

I finished Something Borrowed and Something Blue. Loved them! (Thanks, Les, for lending them to me!)

...spending quality time with my nephews/niece

Look at how little they were!!
I'm so thankful for my current "single" status. It allows me to drop everything when I get sweet phone calls or texts asking me to come over to play. :)

Last summer I had a huge to-do list. While there are a few things I want to get done, the focus of this summer is going to be on relaxing, having fun, and spending time with those I love.

It's been a while

So, it's been a while since I've posted.  Want to know what bothers me most about that?  When I look at the archive on the right hand side, under April there will only be the measly number 8.  Really?  Only eight posts out of 30 days?  What have I been doing?  Not blogging, that's for sure.  I promise to post about my trip to St. Louis, the Chonda Pierce concert, and Chase and Garrett's birthdays soon.  Maybe I'll be able to get these done before Friday.  Then, at least the number of posts in April will be in the double digits.  Hmmm, that may be a bit unrealistic...

Just because...

it makes me happy.  I had to share!

A few years ago, some girlfriends and I went shopping over Spring Break.  We found the cutest pair of flip flops.  I have LOVED them ever since.  This was several years ago, but they were still available last year.  I regretted not picking up an extra pair then.  So, I made a trip to Branson to see if they had them again this year.  I was in luck!  They did!!  It made me so happy!

Unfinished

This pot has been waiting for a plant (a hardy plant that I can't easily kill) for about 2 months now.

This picture frame has been waiting for a picture for about a month.

I gathered all necessary supplies to finish a birthday project a couple of weeks ago.  At least it won't be "unfinished" much longer.  I have to give it to a special someone on Friday!!

Do you have unfinished things like this around your house? 

Just a silly girl

A simple thing said or done.

It's not meant to hurt, but it does.

I feel unsafe.

The wall goes up.

And just like that, I've distanced myself from those I love and who love me.

Yep, that's me.  Just a silly girl.

A silly girl working hard to be better.

Let it Snow!

I just took Chloe out and was shocked to see this:

It's so beautiful!

I had no idea it was supposed to snow!  Maybe I just start watching the weather...

Feeling a little off

Do you ever feel this way?  I don't know the best way to desribe what I've been feeling.  Is it disgruntled, hormonal, tired, or stressed out?  Really the best way to describe it is by saying something's just a little "off".  I don't know what's going on.  I'm going to work on it!

On a brighter note, you know you have a good friend when they can pick up on you not being yourself even before you can!  I'm so thankful for this.  Thanks, Friend, for checking on me and reminding me that you're always there.  Thank you for loving and care for me.  What a treasure you are!

The Blind Side

Tonight, Mom and I went to see "The Blind Side".  It was totally amazing!  It was the best movie I have seen in quite awhile.  It was clean, funny, touching, and moving.  Sandra Bullock is one of my all-time favorite actresses.  I love her movies, and I think that this is hands-down her best performance.  She was fantastic.  I just can't say enough good things about this movie.  Grab your friends and family and run to your nearest movie theater.  This movie will NOT disappoint.  If you go, let me know what you think!

Thanks, Carl

Carl,
Thank you for spending over 45 minutes with me on the phone trying to problem solve what was wrong with my interent.  Thank you for not treating me like an idiot.  Thanks for being patient and not giving up after we'd tried countless different things and restarted the computer 5 times!  Who would have thought that the whole problem was caused by a program that your company made me install?  Thanks for laughing with me and keeping things light-hearted.

Sincerely,
a now satisfied customer

Long Overdue

Has it really been 2 weeks since I've posted?  I was having a little internet connection issue, but  I finally got that fixed on Sunday.  Due to a little bout with OCD, I don't feel that I can just pick up where I left off without first covering what I've been doing during my blogging absence.  So, being the list maker that I am, here's the rundown.

• I've been setting boundaries at work by prioritizing things. I was not living a balanced life at all!
• I've been putting things in order at home.  Including putting up my Christmas tree.  (Thanks, Mom!)
• I've broken the nasty habit of biting my nails.  (It makes me gag to file them, though!  Yuck!)
• I've started Christmas shopping.  (Once of my favorite things!)
• I've been encouraged by others. (Another post about this coming soon.)
• I've been spending more time talking to those I love.
• I've been regularly attending church on Wednesdays nights.  (So uplifting!)
• I've been patiently waiting on God.  (The patiently part is new for me.)

That's pretty much it.  Nothing earth shattering or out of the ordinary.  Just life. 

Rising Above

It's time to rise above.

It's time to rise above the lies, gossip, slander, harassment, dirty looks, personal and professional attacks, and hatred.

It's time that I stop living in fear and dread and start living like a child of the King of Kings. He is my defender and protector.

As long as I'm speaking and living truth, I have nothing to prove.

Those who wish harm on me will fail in their deceitful, underhanded attempts.

God is in control.

A dear friend emailed me the words to the song "Tornado" by Sara Groves. It fits my situation perfectly! Thank you, Friend, for reminding me of the bigger picture.

You live your life like a tornado.

Destruction follows everywhere you go.

And you have no plans to stop or slow (oh).

I will not let this bitter root grow in me.

I will not let you leave that legacy,

But it gets so hard when pain is all I see (oh).

And every time I find healing, you're making a new mess,

And I am learning the real meaning of forgiveness.

And I tried to remove myself from your path,

But I keep on waking up in the aftermath.

So I pick up again and say I won't look back (oh).

And I will not let this bitter root grow in me.

I will not let you leave that legacy,

But this constant fight is breaking me (oh).

And every time I find healing, you're making a new mess,

And I am learning the real meaning of forgiveness.

And it hurts when you hit at the hearts of the ones I love;

When everything you touch is rubble and dust.

And it gets so hard to know how to trust,

But I will not let that bitter root grow.

I will not let it, no no. But it gets so hard (oh).

And every time I find healing you're making a new mess,

And I am learning the real meaning of forgiveness.

And I could move and never send you a forwarding address,

Or I could learn the real meaning of forgiveness.

"Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:10-12

100% - Is it possible?

I'm beginning to think it's impossible to give 100% of yourself to every part of your life. If I give 100% to school, inevitably I'm behind at home on cleaning or laundry or yard work. If I give 100% to life at home (i.e. planning and cooking healthy meals, working out, making sure everything is in it's place, grocery shopping, paying bills, blogging, getting to bed on time) it means there's papers I've left ungraded, Math Power-Points that are unwritten, emails that have not been responded to, lessons that need to be planned, professional books that need to be read, etc... You'll notice I've yet to mention time spent reading the Word or in prayer. What about nurturing my relationships with family and friends? Where's the balance in all of it? How do I find it? I feel like it's a give and take. One day I may be more focused on what needs to be done for my job. Another day, my focus may need to shift to my home and making sure I'm all caught up on work here. But, how do I keep from feeling guilty when I can't devote my time and energy to all my responsibilities every day? I'm afraid that if I live in the moment, I'll forget something! If you have any suggestions on this, please share! I'm in desperate need of your help!!

You know it's fall because...

the air turns crisp.

you can leave the blinds open all day and you don't worry about heating up the house.

"every leaf becomes a flower"!

it's football season!

(Chase is #1 with the baggy pants. Ha!)

Ozark North Elementary is selling big, beautiful mums at their Fall Festival.

Thanks, Tina for putting two back for me!

Stormy gets darker and darker

I absolutely L-O-V-E fall!

I love the colors, smells, and temperatures.

My favorite holiday (Thanksgiving) is in fall.

Ahh, it's fall!! Can you feel it?

Shopping for Jeans

I love to shop. I love to shop except when it comes to shopping for jeans. I hate shopping for jeans. I have such a hard time finding exactly what I want. The pockets have to be just right, the length just so, the fit perfect, and the price can't be out of the budget. It's impossible! I'm down to 1 pair of jeans, so there was no putting it off any longer. Luckily, at school on Friday, I saw my friend, Kim, wearing a cute pair of jeans. I asked her where she got them and she said Cato. So, Kelly and I headed to Cato this afternoon to find the perfect pairs for a discounted price. You'll never believe it, but we found them! And on the second try on, too. They're not perfect because they're stretch, but for $25, I'll put on a belt. I was very happy with out find!!

On our way back to my house we passed the square in Ozark. Kelly saw a sign for a cute little candy shop, so we stopped and did a little shopping on the square and followed it up with lunch at a great little Mexican place.

There were several festivities going on at the square. You couldn't help but feel and smell fall in the air. I don't know about you, but that alone puts a little pep in my step! It was a great day. Thanks, Kelly, for sharing it with me!! I'm glad you're not sick of me after spending 5 days a week together!

I finished the day off with a trip to the mall (I had a coupon for buy a Yankee candle, get one free. Couldn't resist!) and a quick trip to the grocery store. After that, Tina and I hit the gym. Got start working off all that sugar I consumed on my birthday!

Still Here

Just in case you're wondering, I'm still here and I still plan on blogging. I have pictures from Labor Day weekend and other thoughts to share about upcoming milestones. Tomorrow is another day, one where blogging will be at the top of the list of things to do when I get home. :)

(Leslie, no nasty comment is needed. Ha!)

What's Up?

What I've been doing:

• grading papers
• attending meetings
• writing lesson plans
• hanging up hall displays
• updating bulleting boards
• teaching procedures
• answering questions (TONS of them!)
• writing newsletters and returning parent phone calls and notes
• teaching
• building relationships
• assessing
• redirecting off task students
• helping students learn the art of organization
• managing recess duty
• giving advice ("Ms. Myers, nobody will be my friend this year because I was mean and rude last year.")
• working out (not nearly enough)
• fixing dinner at home
• picking up the house
• driving to and from work (and Wal-Mart!)
• attending church
• getting more involved at church
• catching up with friends and family on the phone since I don't get to see them anymore
• getting a hair cut
• being attacked at gas stations (see below picture)

What I have not been doing:

• eating lunch out with friends
• going to movies
• watching TV or reading (until tonight)
• seeing my family
• doing laundry
• sleeping in
• staying up late
• going to BUNKO
• blogging

I'm looking forward to October when my students will be trained, and I will have, hopefully, gotten into a routine!

Routines, Prayer Meeting, and Bruises

I can't believe it's been over a week since I've posted! I've been working really, really hard to get into a routine since I've been back to school. I guess I've not done a good job at making blogging a part of it.

The first few months of school seem to be some of the busiest with extra nights at school for Parent Orientation, Open House, and Conferences. Not to mention all the meetings. I'm making it a point to be more conservative and eat only at home during the week. So, I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to fix dinner, work out, keep things in order at home (laundry and cleaning) and finish work I've brought home while making time for family and even a little relaxation. I must say, it's nearly impossible on nights like tonight when I don't get home until 8:30. Oh, well. I'm not giving up. Things will slow down and I'll get it all figured out!

Enough complaining, I want to share something positive. My class this year is so sweet! They are kind to one another, work hard, and are eager to please. They are reminding me why I love teaching. On Fridays we have our weekly Class Meeting. During this time we talk about things that are concerning them. One little boy shared a sad story. After hearing it, another little boy said, "I'm going to pray for you." How amazing is that? Before I knew it 2 more people had their hands up with prayer requests for the class. I must say it was a first!

Finally, Chase (my 12 year old nephew) found out today that he made the A team in football! I'm so proud of him and the way he gives 100% in all sports that he plays. Last Friday I heard that he came home with some unbelievable bruises from football practice. I went over to check them out. I was speechless! It made me hurt for him to just look at them. Check them out for yourself.

He wasn't complaining, but was celebrating! Boys! Oh, well. It's like I always say, if you're going to be hurting, you might as well have something to show for it!

I guess that's all for tonight. Not a whole lot, but at least I'm working on putting blogging back into my routine!

August 2, 2009

Are you believing this weather? It's absolutely wonderful, isn't it? Are you enjoying the weekend outside? I have been! I mowed the yard yesterday evening and couldn't help taking some pictures because I've never seen grass so green in AUGUST!

With that, I'm headed out to enjoy this unseasonable weather!