It's Not Often Enough

It's not often enough that I take the time to brag on Jake. If you keep up with my blog then you know that Jake is my husband. He is so many wonderful things... he may be a "man of few words" but he is also a man of his word. If he says he'll do something, by golly- he's going to do it. He looks out for his family and the people who mean the most to him. He tries his best to keep people happy. He is my "strong and silent" man. For those of you who know me, you know that I am a very chatty person and never meet a stranger. A long time ago someone said something to me about Jake being my better half... well, I am somewhat of an independent woman and I do not believe in one person being half of another... but, he is my partner in crime (lol), partner in life... and, while he is not my other half, he is my WHOLE heart. He is a truly amazing man. Jake and I have had it rough for about the last year. We have been through many things that have truly worn me down and there have been times that I did not want to face another day knowing what I had to deal with... but Jake has not wavered in his strength. He has allowed so much to just roll right off of him. He "rolls with the punches" so to speak. We may not have chosen the situations we are a part of, but we will rise above it. I know that may sound like bragging, but I know that with Jake by my side and God pushing me through we will get through anything and come out better for it on the other end. I am truly blessed that he chose ME to share his life with. Me. What a lucky girl! :)

He truly is everything I ever wanted and everything I need. He is EVERYTHING to me. Jake, I love you.

Each Day

The way each day will look to you all starts with WHOM you're looking to...

I'm keeping my eyes on heaven. ;) He is the Maker of all things. The Beginning and the End. The Alpha and the Omega. He is all that Is and Was and Is To Come. He is.... wonderful, amazing.... He is the God who gives and takes away...

Doors...

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." -Flora Whittemore

Just something to think about...

The MilShelb

I have, hand down, the best dogs in the world. They truly are wonderful. Considering that this blog is supposed to be about them and I talk way too much about myself I thought I'd update you on them.
Milly and Shelby had visitors this week- their parents, Sport and Missy, and their uncle, Bill Bailey. They are not very good hostesses. lol They prefer for it to just be them and us. Milly, Shelby, and myself slept in our bed and forced Jake and the visitors (or intruders, as Shelby would call them) to sleep in the guest room. Shelby was nice to Missy most of the time but did not care for Bill Bailey at all. Poor Bill. Milly decided it would be best to live by the motto "if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all" and chose to ignore all of us during their visit. At least she wasn't mean. haha Though we enjoyed their visit, they are much happier at home and we are glad they are now back home. Milly and Shelby were glad to have their dad back in the bed, too! :)
If you know MilShelb, you know that their passion is chasing squirrels. They love squirrels... or maybe they hate them. I'm really not sure. They just really love chasing them. As soon as they see one in the yard they go running out the door and run the squirrel up the tree. They squirrel then jumps from tree to tree as if he is taunting them. It is so funny to watch. Shelby runs from tree to tree with her head pointed straight up into the air. I swear one day she will run smack into the tree! I bet the squirrel would LOVE that!! lol

Milly and Shelby add so much to our lives. I honestly could not imagine life without them. People say they are spoiled and lucky to have us... but the truth is that it is the other way around... we are so blessed to share our lives with them. We truly have gained so much more than we will ever give back to them.

Busy Day

I spent the day today being a very busy person, but loved every single bit of it. I went to the bbq benefit for an old friend. I saw tons of people from high school and really enjoyed myself. I also (finally) met my friend Marlie's little girl, Summer. She is precious!!
I spent the afternoon hanging out with my two little friends, Emily and Elijah, while their parents went to an early dinner. It was so much fun! It always amazes me that children can be so funny. They are just so sweet and say the cutest things. Today, Elijah told me (as I was trying to pick up some of his legos) that he was not done with his "mess"!! I laughed so hard. I think he called it a mess because Emily and I had been telling him he had made a big mess all over the living room... it had also spread into the kitchen and even into his bedroom. He is just too funny.

You know, every single mother I have ever spoken to talks about how much they love their children and how they did not really know what a blessing it is to be a mom until they became one. I tend to compare that type of relationship to the one I have with Milly and Shelby... and though I know that is no where near the same thing... I do think there are similarities. I was thinking on the way home about how much Milly and Shelby mean to me. They are just the highlight of my every day. More than love, I truly feel that they are my heart and soul. They are spoiled rotten- and I know that... but I feel that God gave me the MilShelb for a reason... and that reason is because I need them. :) They make my day. I say it all the time and I was thinking about if I really thought I meant it... and I have decided now that I really do... I would beg, steal, borrow... even sell every little last thing I own to keep them happy and healthy- with food in the bellies and a roof over their heads. I know it sounds silly to some of you- but I don't care. Those "dogs" are my babies. They are my life. I owe them more than I could ever repay for the love they show me each and every day. I was thinking about how when people's children need things there is no question of how or when- people just do whatever it is that needs to be done. I feel the same way about Milly and Shelby. There has never been a question when it comes to them. They go to the vet when they are sick- no matter the cost. They get medication and/or surgery when it is needed. I don't say "how much?" I say- you do what needs to be done. I have gone to emergency vets. I was truly confused when the vet came in to tell us the price before they performed Shelby's surgery. I was like, "well, duh. We'll take it." Granted, it was way less than I had imagined after he walked in and said it would be expensive, etc. I would have paid whatever they told me to make her better again. Jake and I were prepared to take a major hit and were relieved when it wasn't too bad. After we left for her to have her surgery, I looked at Jake and said, "now, what were we supposed to say? Oh, never mind. that much? You can keep her. Forget it. It's not worth it.????" Really?? The awful thing is that I'm sure that happens. Makes me sad...
Anyhow, the point is that I had a wonderful day and spent time with wonderful children and truly enjoyed myself... and came home to two wonderful children of my own. ;)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mother’s birthday. She is an amazing woman… and I, literally, owe her my life. I would not be here if it were not for her. More than just the literal sense of that, I would not be here today without her- without her guidance, support, and love. She has taught me so much about life- some are little things and some are big things, but I wanted to share some of those things to celebrate her… the woman I am most proud to call my MOTHER.

Lessons from Mom:
1. Pets are family members. They are a commitment.
2. Family is number one. Always be there for your family. They will always be there for you.
3. Wear comfortable shoes.
4. If you want it- HAVE it! ;)
5. Remember who’s you are.
6. When you smile, show your teeth.
7. Wear your hair the way you want. It’s on your head.
8. Don’t roll your eyes- it is not becoming of you.
9. Real women don’t wear aprons.
10. A simple smile can really change someone’s day.
11. Believe in your students. You truly may be the only one who does. Every child deserves someone to believe in them.
12. God loves you no matter what… and so does your mother. 
13. Don’t drink. Don’t smoke. Don’t cuss.
14. Love other people for who they are.
15. Don’t go out in public looking like a bum- you’ll see someone you know. Haha
Mostly, my mother has taught me three very important lessons. One, Put God first in your life and everything else will fall into place. Two, that she will always love me no matter what. Three, don’t marry someone you want to change. Love the man you marry with all your heart for exactly who he is.

Happy birthday to the most amazing woman I know. I love you, Mom.

I Do This Sometimes...

I do this sometimes and sometimes I think maybe it is not a good way to spend my time and others maybe it's ok... but sometimes I sit there and think about where I am, where I want to be, where I've been... and where I THOUGHT I would be. Needless to say, these things do not always add up. Some days I want to cry because I feel like my life is so "off track" and headed in 100 million directions at one time. Other days I feel blessed to be where I am, knowing that it could be worse and that it's really not all that bad at all. Still on other days I am just so thankful to come home to a wonderful husband, two sweet babies, and a roof over my head that nothing else could really matter. Today, however, is one of those days when I just want to cry. I feel defeated every now and then and, lately, it is much more frequently than it used to be. I hate that. I hate thinking that way and I hate feeling that way. I want to always be thankful and grateful and positive, but it just is not really possible. I have faith that God is with me and will continue to bless Jake and myself in ways we cannot even imagine.

Yesterday Jake and I had a talk about our future and how things will work out and all of that. I admire Jake's optimism. I know I must drive him nuts sometimes because I am almost always worried about jobs lately. I know I make him want to yell at me but he just smiles and reminds me that it will be ok and it's all going to work out. Jake truly is a wonderful man. I talked to Jake about that I know that we will most likely end up moving and chances are it will be somewhat far away. I talked to him about being nervous about moving to a new place. I am scared to death of that! I know it will all be fine and that God would not move us to a place where we will be miserable. I am just so nervous about leaving everything I have ever know and moving somewhere new. On one hand I am somewhat excited, but the nervousness overpowers that greatly.

Eventually... and hopefully sooner rather than later... things will work out. We will find jobs. We will move. We will be happy and healthy. Things will be ok. One of my friends reminded me that things will happen in time... but it is God's time and not ours. That makes it hard sometimes, but I trust God to see me through this. He will not leave me. I know that for sure.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

on Valentine's Day weekend! lol

Another Chapter Is Coming to an End

Well, as always... things change. People come and go. Life moves on... and so do opportunities. My time at Saluda Trail Middle School and my long term substitute position is coming to a close in around 3 weeks. It makes me sad... but all good things must come to an end... and so does this. However, I have learned a great deal through this opportunity. I have met wonderful people who have taught me about teaching and about life. I have met wonderful kids who I know will succeed. I have met kids that I will think about in the future and wonder where they are and how they turned out. I have met teachers that inspire me to continue on this journey... to press onward and to be that person who cares for that kid... to be the person I set out to be... the one who believes in them and what they're about no matter what. With everything that has been going on this year in my life I have many times lost sight of the goal and of my reason for going into education. Some may call me naive and others may laugh, but I set out to be a teacher to make a difference. I was blessed to have a wonderful mother who has devoted her entire life to helping students succeed. I am never surprised when people come up to us that she has taught years ago and know exactly who she is- and they are excited to see her, tell her how they're doing, and thank her for her help. She is an amazing woman. I hope to one day be even half the teacher she is today. I have also been blessed to have inspirational teachers who give their all in their classrooms each and every day. they truly changed my life and made me a better person.
As this opportunity comes to a close, I can look back and be so thankful to a principal who gave me- a first year teacher- a chance. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A big thank you to everyone who has helped me by guiding me and teaching me to be a better teacher. A huge thank you to the people who made my days better and offered assistance in hundreds of ways.
I am on to other things... maybe not bigger and maybe not better... but other things. A new chapter in my life is beginning and I am embracing the change while taking all of my new knowledge with me.

Ups and Downs...

You know, life is full of ups and downs. This year is no different... and it's only February. :) It's crazy to think of how each and every day turns out so differently from the way we planned. You know there's a quote that says "We plan and God laughs." I really feel like that is so true. I bet He looks down and thinks we're so silly. I don't know about you- but I am a planner. That's just my nature. I am not a spur of the moment person nor will I ever be. I hate when plans get changed at the last minute or messed up in some way or another. I used to be really bad about it, but have learned to let a lot of things go. I'm not as bad about getting bent out of shape about plans anymore. The things is, I think we plan to give us a sense of purpose. Granted, only God knows what's really going to happen and I am trusting in Him to lead me and, when He sees fit, mess up my plans. lol I know in my heart that His plans are far better than mine could ever be. It's hard to let go and give it to God sometimes... I won't lie... all the time. lol It's so hard! I keep telling myself that He has a plan for me. I keep telling other people that. Other people keep telling me that- but it doesn't make it any easier! lol It's just so hard. I feel like I'm nearing a deadline and things aren't done. I feel like that a lot. I feel rushed and stressed over my current situation. I need to stop. I need to soak it all in, take a deep breath, and LET IT GO!

All I can say is that I am thankful that God has blessed me with a husband who can take my stress and let it roll right off him. It doesn't stress him out. I'm so glad! He is such a strong man. I am so thankful for him.

Here I go again... planning my future like it makes a difference. I'm going to job fairs this month and emailing everyone I know about possible jobs... it's like my mom tells me all the time- faith without works is dead. I have faith enough to move mountains... now all I need is the works.

Here's the song I've been listening to...

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Animals

The question is not, "Can they reason?" nor, "Can they talk?" but rather, "Can they suffer?" ~Jeremy Bentham
Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight. ~Albert Schweitzer

Just a couple quotes to remind people... animals are suffering. Don't breed or buy while shelter pets die!