Cool Giveaway

Well, I was going through the blogs that I follow that had new posts and I found this exciting giveaway! It is really cool because she gives you 10 chances... which I think is wonderful! One of the entries is to tell her my favorite thing about being a pet parent. Well, I'd have to say this got me thinking. It's so hard to name one thing I like the most about being a pet parent... So, I'm making a list of all the reasons I love being a MilShelb Mom. :)

1. Their sweet faces... they always look like they understand exactly what you're going through.

2. Their warm little bodies... they are my own personal heaters at night all cuddled up in the bed with me.

3. The sense of accomplishment they give me. I feel like I (with Jake's help, of course) have raised some pretty amazing girls.

4. Their kisses. I love coming home after a long day and falling to my knees in the kitchen to get tons of MilShelb kisses!

5. Their mischievous side. They crack me up because it shows on their faces when they know they have done something bad... and then it takes me about 3 days to find out what they did. haha!

6. Their company.... it's so nice to have someone to hang out with at home. No lonely times here!

7. Their silly side. They do some of the silliest stuff and it always brightens my day by making me laugh.

I'm thinking this could go on for days... So, I'm going to sum it up. My favorite thing about being MilShelb's Mom is MilShelb. They make every thing worth it. They have changed my life for the better.

Weeds, Blooms, and Faith

I'll admit it, I'd seen this weed growing for a few weeks, but I just hadn't gotten out to the front yard to "deal with it"... until today. When I went out there and got closer to it I, literally, laughed out loud! I am ashamed to admit that it was HUGE. Here's my proof...

It was above my knee in height... and, yes, I was the tacky lady outside in my yard at 1pm in my pajama pants. lol Gotta love laziness. (In my defense, I have already been out of the house today and changed into something comfortable when I got home so I could write lesson plans.)

I was THRILLED to see this plant has a blossom (almost a bloom) on it! I was so excited I was yelling for Jake to come outside and look. I think he thought it was something important and promptly told me I was crazy when he saw what I was so excited about.

I found a job to apply for today that requires a "statement of faith". Though certainly not an odd request, it was something that stretched my brain a bit. I am a strong believer in God and I do share my faith with others. I know what I believe and I live my life on a mission to be positive and have a positive impact on others... to "let my light shine" so to speak so that others can just tell that I have God in my heart. I'm not a person who goes around telling everyone abut God (not that there is anything wrong with that at all) but I believe strongly in not pushing my faith on others. However, if someone asks me what gets me through the day or how I have been able to stay so positive with all the negative things going on right now, I can honestly say (and with a smile on my face) that God and prayer have gotten me through it. I just can't figure out how to state my beliefs on paper... how to tell people what I believe and why I believe what I believe and all of that. I am having a hard time writing this statement. I suppose instead of writing this blog I should be working on my statement... so that is what I shall do for now. Wish me luck!

Hail? In South Carolina? In April? Yes.

Three Generations

These are pictures of my Mom, Grandmother, and me... Three Generations. I love these ladies so much! They have guided me, given advice, and allowed me to make my own mistakes. They are amazing women and I am blessed to call them my family!

Love... a funny thing...

Do you know what love is? Is it something you can describe? Is it the same for everyone?

I have friends who are married. I have friends who are dating people. I have friends who are single. Some are good relationships while others aren't so great. Some have been together for a long time while others just met. Some are deeply in love and others, I wonder how and why they're still together. The point is, I have friends in all sorts of relationship situations... and each is entirely unique. I truly believe that relationships are as unique as the people in them.

I think marriage is a funny thing. It's easy for some and tough for others. It's not really something you can understand until you are married. Some people find out all too late exactly who they married, while others are thrilled with their new spouse.

I think it's easy to judge other people's relationships from the outside. It all really depends on how well you know the people and what you think of the spouse. No one will ever be truly good enough for those that you love most and no one will understand why that guy married that awful woman. lol It's just how it is... but the fact of the matter remains that it is not your marriage. You, obviously, do not see that person the way their spouse does. Good thing, since you're not married to them.

People have preconceived notions about marriage and what a marriage should look like. They think people should act a certain way and do certain things and be certain people. I cannot speak for anyone else (since I have already said that I truly believe a marriage is as unique as the people in it) but I truly think that people are as happy as they make up their mind to be. I believe that judging a person's marriage is not right. I believe that a marriage requires an adjustment and involves the two people in the marriage remaining true to one another.

Do I have the perfect marriage? No. Does anyone? Not that I know of. We have disagreements and, to be honest, are still getting to truly know each other because this is our first year of marriage. We're young and we're still growing and changing and learning as we go. Do I love him less than I did when we were dating or engaged? No. I love him more. I love him more every single day.

I think people think that marriage either ruins a great love or that you will always be deeply head over heels like a school girl in love with your spouse. As far as I know, neither are true... at least not for us. We are very in love. I do not think that will ever change. Is it the same gushy love that we had at first? No. That wears off... and is replaced (thankfully) by something better. Otherwise, people would walk through their entire life unable to think clearly or even breath properly when the guy walks in the room! lol

Sometimes I have conversations with my single or unmarried (but in relationships) friends about marriage. Though I haven't been married long and certainly cannot tell you what makes a marriage work and last for a lifetime, I can tell them (and you) what gets us through... Jake and I are best friends. We can tell each other anything and everything. We do not judge. We are slow to anger with one another. We are quick to stand up for each other. We are one another's biggest fans. I admire him. I respect him. I listen to him. He values my opinion and I love his smile. Most of all, we trust each other entirely.

It's funny... the relationship we have is like no other relationship I have ever experienced. We are rarely serious. We're both very sarcastic and, really, it helps us to communicate because we can say what we think in a somewhat sarcastic tone. It doesn't hurt each other's feelings... but it gets the point across. We laugh a lot. We laugh with each other and, sometimes even, at each other. We love love love Milly and Shelby. We have their best interests at heart in every decision we make that can have any effect on them what so ever. We have common goals and we work towards those together.

I know people who met, got engaged, and married within a year. I know people who dated for years before getting married. Jake and I did not rush into marriage and we took our time making this decision because we know what a big deal it is. We are in it for the long haul. That being said, I knew I would marry him the night I met him. A bold statement, I know. But from the day we met we became inseparable. He stole my heart with his ugly shoes and fleece sweatshirt (in June). He stole my heart that first time I met him... and I have never tried to take it back. :)

I never knew I could love someone as much as I love Jake. Yet, I love him more and more each day. I never knew I could love someone more than I love myself... be willing to do anything for that person. I never really knew what true love was until I met Jake. Love you, Jake Cake!

A Few Pictures and Stuff

Well, today has been busy but good. I helped my mom out at her school and also got to enjoy a dinner with my parents, younger sister, and her boyfriend. It was great to get to see everyone. :)

I've been preparing for the next long-term substitute position that I'm doing. It will start by May 5th but could really start at any time. I am really excited to get back to teaching!

I really hope I will be able to find a teaching job next year, but I am being realistic and realize that that will most likely not happen due to the fact that many teachers in our area are (unfortunately) being laid off. It makes me sad that education is not held as a top priority for so many. It should be close to number one... but it's not. I just feel like there are soooo many things that could change and/or be fixed if we had a better educated society. So many people put their all into their jobs as educators, but there is only so much that can be done with little resources, etc. It makes me sad. I feel like it is a great disadvantage to the students... I won't go on with the rambling because it gets me nowhere but frustrated! :)

Here are a few pictures I wanted to share with you!

Here's me... :)

Here's the "H" (I call him the H... short for "husband", of course!)

Milly, my love

Shelby... my heart!

Soap Box

You know, every now and again I have to step up on to my soap box and say things that I think are common sense, but obviously (and sadly) are not. I stumbled across a website today. One that made me sad... and happy. It's called "Dogs Deserve Better". You can visit it by clicking here. I have been raised that an animal, a pet, is a part of your family. You are to love and care for that pet to the best of your ability. I realize I may be "preaching to the choir" so to speak, but I have to say it. If you have your pet on a chain in your yard all day- you do not DESERVE that pet. I would no more leave Milly or Shelby on a chain in my yard than I would walk around my neighborhood naked. It's stupid. It's silly. It's mean. It's embarrassing.

It makes me sad... sad and ANGRY that people treat their animals like this. It makes me happy that people are taking the time to do something about it. I always feel so badly for dogs I see outside and alone. A dog is a social creature. It needs a pack. You are it's pack. To Milly and Shelby, Jake and I are their pack members. They understand that they are to love and protect us... and we are to love, protect, and provide for them. It's a basic thing. Granted, sleeping in the bed is not really a necessity... but would I have it any other way? No. I'm not saying that everyone should allow their dogs to sleep in their beds and stay in sleeping on the couch while they're at work... what I'm saying is that people need to do what is BEST for their animals. Get 'em a fence, for crying out loud! Would you want a chain stuck around your neck and only a small place to run? Like you could even run with a chain around your neck! Ha!

The fact of the matter is that dogs deserve better. They give you their all and they deserve your best.

My aim will always be a simple one when it comes to Milly and Shelby... and yet not so easy at the same time. My goal is (as they say) "to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am." I'll be honest, I will never be that person... I will give it my all, though. Why? Well, because Milly and Shelby are my heart... and they deserve the best. They deserve better than the best. So do other dogs. All dogs deserve better... but especially those who are chained up, forgotten, and neglected.

To Milly and Shelby- I love you more than life itself. You are the glue that keeps my life together. You are the light in my dark days. I love you. I'll love you until all the stars fall from the sky. I've said it before and I'll say it again and again, I would sell every last thing I own to keep you happy and healthy. I'd beg, steal, or borrow to keep you by my side... and you will never see a day when you are stuck outside, unwanted and unloved. NEVER.

Facial

I went for a facial today... lovely! I rarely do things like that, but it is so my thing! I just love girlie things. Anyhow, I went to Bangs Salon and Spa to a friend of mine (Brittany). She's great! My Mom paid for me to go, which is super sweet of her. I have a wonderful mother! :) Thanks, Mom!

Wordless Wednesday

Ok, so lots of people do wordless Wednesdays. I realize this is not entirely wordless, but I had nothing really to say today. So this is my (almost) wordless Wednesday post.

Doxie Love

I finished the painting I have been working on for our living room. It's nothing fancy, but it really represents us and our home. We truly LOVE our MilShelb. They have taught us so much about life. They make the days worth it and the hard times a little easier. Some people may think I'm strange, but there truly is no other love like the love we have for them and they have for us.

(Sorry for making you turn your head weird ways- I'll look in to how to rotate these on here!)

Been Painting

I have been painting yesterday and today. I finally finished the one I was working on for my aunt. It turned out really well! I haven't done anything like this one before and I am very pleased with how it turned out. Unfortunately, the picture loaded sideways, so you'll have to turn your head at an odd angle to see it, as I have no idea how to rotate photos on here! lol

Plants and stuff

Well, I have been working on this blog all day- not that you can tell AT ALL. I have worked on buttons and links and codes... and am frustrated because I simply do not know how to do it all. Oh well. Luckily, one of my friend's husbands has volunteered to help me. So, hopefully I will have all of this done in the next few days. Thanks Adrian! :)

On my way out of the house Saturday I noticed some new blooms on the bushes in the front yard... so I took a few pictures of those. I also took a few of some other plants.

A MilShelb Concern

Well, it's not really a MilShelb concern, it's really a Milly concern. Milly is crazy. I say that and I know how it sounds. It sounds mean. I don't mean it in a mean way. I mean it in an honest way and I am seeking opinions, advice, and to see if anyone else has this issue... so, to all the dog Moms out there- hear me out- and help me out! lol

It started forever ago it seems. I call it obsessive. She will get a tennis ball and walk around with it in her mouth and act as if she wants to play. That's not the case though. Milly does not fetch and she does not really want to play. If you do actually get the ball and throw it she will run to retrieve it, but she is clearly annoyed with you and does not care for this at all. She runs up to us and acts as if she wants to play, then when we go to take the ball she runs away. She will then come back and sit just out of arm's reach and place the ball on the ground. she then starts making this weird almost whiny noise and starts sticking her tongue in and out of her mouth. It is the strangest thing I have ever seem. I will admit, there seems to be a simple solution, right? Just take the ball away. And, that used to work. The ball would be put away and you'd think that'd be enough. We even banned all balls from our house at one point. No luck. She just decided to be "crazy" with another toy. So, it's not actually the ball that is the problem, though that is her favorite toy... it seems to be a personality issue. Other than the fact that it's highly annoying (which I can overlook most of the time) it is also harmful to both her and us. If you do get the ball or try to hand her whatever toy it is- she bites you! She does not know how to take the toy from you, so her solution is to bite your hand so that you drop the toy. I've learned not to hand her toys. I normally roll them to her. lol Anyhow, the way it is harmful to her is that she gets VERY worked up about it. To the point where she seems to be out of control. She is shaking and doing that (weird, creepy) tongue thing, and is clearly in distress. She does not do this all the time, but she goes through phases. Sometimes she acts like that more than once a day for weeks at a time and other times she'll go a week or so without acting like that at all. I do not get it.

If you have any idea what is going on or any way to help her please let me know. When leaving advice, please keep in mind that we prefer positive reinforcement. We do not hit. We do not yell. We treat them as we would like to be treated- with respect.

Thanks for any ideas you may have!!

Southern Loves

Well, a friend of mine is having a giveaway! Besides the fact that she's having this giveaway, she is also a wonderful person, friend, and mom... and you should check out her blog at Southern Loves. I think giveaways are really cool! I'm thinking about doing one as well, but I'm thinking I'll help Shelby do one instead. that way she can give away cute little doggie things! Anyhow, check out Southern Loves... you'll love reading her blog about her life as a mommy of two precious children!

I've Never Been One...

to keep up with political things or news or things unrelated to my every day life. I know this is a horrible thing to admit, and I do not at all consider it to be one of my better qualities... but, it is the truth and honesty is the best policy!

Anyhow, I just finished reading "Veil of Roses" by Laura Fitzgerald.

What an amazing book. It was so interesting! I have always known that, living in America, I am a lucky person. I am truly blessed with freedoms that, as the author points out through her character in the novel, I take for granted every single day of my life. In terms of this book, I was able to date before being engaged and then married. I was able to truly know the man I am married to. I cannot imagine not even knowing someone and then being expected to be married to them... then there is the idea of arranged marriages. I know that this is something that still exists and it is something I cannot even fathom. The thought of my parents picking the man I would marry makes me laugh out loud! I know they would have my best interest at heart... but we have different ideas on so many things... I can only imagine who they would have picked. Though, I like to think if they had met Jake they would have picked him for me! He is wonderful! Anyhow, I recommend this book. It is truly eye opening (especially if you don't keep up with anything like me).

I am thankful for the life I have been blessed with. I am thankful for the freedoms I have been granted simply by being born American.

Oh Happy Days...

I had a great day today! I don't think it would really be out of the ordinary for anyone else, but it was just PERFECT for me!

A friend of my best friend asked me to sub in her classroom today. She teaches second grade. Second grade is the age I student taught in and, by default, is my favorite grade. I love that age! There's just nothing like them. :) I had to get up sooooo early to get there in time. I got up at 5. I know that's not early for most working people, but I slept til 9 the morning before... so you get the picture. The thing was, I woke up at 4:30 and could not fall back to sleep out of (I'll admit it and feel a bit stupid) excitement! lol I haven't gotten the chance to work with younger students in so long.

Anyhow, I got to the school around 7... which is why I had to wake up so early because the school is 45 minutes from my house. I got there at 7 and left when school was out around 2:15. The kids were great. The other teachers, subs, office staff... they were all so NICE! I was very impressed. The principal even remembered me from the job fair I went to in February. Now, I know some people would think "biiiiig whoop". But, there were hundreds of people there and I only got to speak with her for about 3 minutes. I feel like I must have made some sort of impression on here and that made me feel good. For those of you who read this blog and don't know me, I am admittedly an outgoing, smiling, happy, friendly, and approachable person. I feel like people notice that I am not nervous and I am confident in myself. I also have been told that I tend to give off a very positive vibe. (I really try to be a very positive person.) So, anyhow, that just really made my day that she remembered me!

Another thing is that when I left the school I had a message about a job I had applied for at a preschool facility as a lead teacher. I called them back and explained that I would be doing a long term sub position very soon and won't be available until June. they said they were looking to fill the current positions in the next two weeks, but are planning to have more openings in mid to late June and would contact me then (apparently they will be opening more classrooms). Perfect! I am so excited to have a prospect.

I picked up Taco Bell on my way home. I LOVE Taco Bell! It is truly a personal favorite. When I got home Jake and I ate our dinner and watched two shows we had on the DVR. What a great day!! :) I know it seems simple, but I really really enjoyed it!!

A Dog's Best Friend

A Dog's Best Friend

O Lord, don't let me once forget
How I love my trusty pet-
Help me learn to disregard
canine craters in my yard
Show me how to be a buddy
even when my sofa's muddy,
Don't allow my pooch to munch
postal carriers for lunch,
Shield my neighbor's cat from view,
guide my steps around the doo,
Train me not to curse and scowl,
when it's puppy's night to howl,
Grant I shan't awake in fear
with a cold nose in my ear,
Give me patience without end-
Help me be; A DOG'S BEST FRIEND.

Author Unknown

BORED

and, yes, I did mean to type that in all caps. That is because I am, in fact, all capital letters "BORED." I have watched enough HGTV to make my brain explode. I have taken my time doing every little thing. I am so bored. I'm not good with down time. I NEED to have something to do. Maybe you're thinking I could make myself useful and clean? Well, the house really isn't too dirty. Sure, it's a little messy, but I'm no neat freak. Just ask my Mom. lol Perhaps you're thinking I could go for a walk. Well, I would, but the thing is that there are random dogs running loose around this neighborhood and I don't want to chance taking Milly and Shelby and it turning into a fight. Now, I could go alone on a walk- but let's just be honest... that is NOT fun. I am not that physically fit, but I am skinny. I don't really want to walk around just for the heck of it. Today I watched tv with the MilShelb in the living room cuddled on the big chair. When I got too bored with that we moved to the bedroom and watched tv in there. Once I could no longer bear to watch tv any more I went outside for about 10 minutes, but it's not sunny today nor is it really warm... so back in the house I went. I can't wait for this long term sub position to begin! It starts some time in the end of April or beginning of May and I am so excited to be around people (not that my husband and the MilShelb are not wonderful company) and have some excitement in my life! There's really never a dull moment when you're around kids. That's one of the great things about teaching. :)

Young and In Love

Once upon a time we were young and in love... not that we are not still young and in love. We are. We're only 24. We're newly weds (nearly 9 months). I am blessed to have Jake as my husband. He is an amazing man. When I look back at pictures like the one above I can't help but go back to the "simpler" days in my mind... days when we were carefree. :) I miss those days. The picture above was at Myrtle Beach for Mustang Week the first year we were together... we'd actually only met about 2 months before. Jake was not my "type" but, as one of my co-workers (at the time) told me "look where that type's gotten you"... and, boy, was she right? I cannot tell you how happy I am that I took a chance on a long-haired, bearded, horrible dresser in a bright yellow Mustang. Nor can I express how glad I am that he took a chance on me. I love that man more than life itself. Jake, you are my whole heart. :)

Sometimes I get to thinking...

Sometimes I get to thinking... and it really never does me any good. Today I was thinking about how unfair life is. Not really life in general... mostly the job market. There are so many what-ifs and if-onlys. It drives me nuts! I think things like "if-only I had graduated on time instead of a year late. I would have a job." Or "what-if I had chosen a different major?" Or "what-if I lived somewhere else?" Or "if-only..." I could go on for days. The fact of the matter is that when I get to thinking that way I have to snap myself out of it and remind myself that, like it or not, I am EXACTLY where I need to be. God has a plan for me, for Jake, and for us as a family. He knows best. It's hard. It's not easy at all to be unemployed. It's hard to see people I should have graduated with who are teaching... and complaining about their jobs, their kids (students), their money. I just smile but I want to laugh in their face! I want to say "ha! You chose to teach to help the kids. If you didn't, you chose to teach for the WRONG reason." Or "Ha! You think you don't have any money?? You have at least $30,000 more than I do! Compared to me, you're RICH."

I realize I am being negative. I am not trying to be negative. The thing is, you can only take things for so long before they get to you. I am trying so hard to find a job. Any job. Really, ANY job. I haven't found anything. I'd love to teach, but at this point I'll do anything. I'd really like a job that involves working with people and not just behind a cubicle wall... but if that's what I get I'll happily accept and do my job with pride and work hard to do my best. I just wish someone would give me a chance.

Dogs Live Here

I saw this online and thought it really said exactly how I feel. I know it may seem a bit "harsh" but it is the honest truth. Milly and Shelby are my world. Our home is their "world."
Dogs Live Here

My dog and I live in this house. You are welcome to come and visit me anytime but we have a few things that you must understand before you visit:

You must expect a few dog hairs to stick to your clothes. I vacuum and clean on a regular basis, but dogs live in this house too.

You may be licked and given a paw a few times but they do this because they love people and want to say "Hello", so if you feel that you are too good for their love then you may not feel welcome here because this is their home too.

My dog is well mannered and very clean but if you are one of those people who think ALL animals are dirty and smelly then you and I will probably have difficulty feeling comfortable during your visit.

If you don't like the sound of barking, then my home is not likely to be a pleasant place for you. My dogs protect me by letting me know I have a visitor. Whether it be a friend or uninvited stranger. If you are a friend, my dogs will consider you their friend too but if you are an unwelcome guest, my dogs will protect me with their lives as I would theirs.

Do not expect me to lock my dogs in another room during your visit. I have trained my dogs well so they will not do anything to you except maybe want a pat on the head. I will not subject them to feel as if they are being punished by locking them away for no reason. That would just be cruel.

When you walk in my home, be careful not to trip on a squeaky toy or a bone. These are my dogs' little treasures and I will not take them away from them just to show you that I keep a clean house. they knows where all their toys are. They may not look like much to you, but to them, they are worth more than gold.

You see, This is OUR home. We have been together for a long time. I raised them into well mannered, beautifully behaved dogs. I am proud of them.

I consider them my personal gifts from God. They has done nothing but give me their endless love and devotion for many years. I love them dearly and want to make their years happy ones. As happy as they make mine.

When you go home to your family, they stay here with me. Fine and loving companions. They are MY family and I wouldn't change that for the world.

When I was sick, they stayed right by my side as I did theirs when they were not having a good day. A better friend I could not ask for. When no one else cared, my Dogs did. They have given me nothing but pure joy and I love them endlessly.

So please understand that I am not being rude. I'm just looking out for my best friends.

~unknown

Lend Me a Pup

I love this poem and thought I'd share it with you. :)

Lend Me a Pup

I will lend to you for awhile,
a pup, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe two or three
But will you, 'till I call him back,
take care of him for me.

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd's life's land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this Pup will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness
we'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay!
But should you call him back
much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.
If, by our love, we've managed,
your wishes to achieve!
In memory of him we loved,
to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup and love him all his life.

author unknown

The Fam on MilShelb's Birthday!

The Birthday Girls

Happy Birthday to Milly and Shelby!

The Lights of My Life!!

Excited for the MilShelb

Milly and Shelby got a GREAT surprise today! They were featured on Who's Your Dachshund. How cool is that?! I am so excited for them! Check out the blog. It's a really neat one. It's written by ten different people who all have Dachshunds.

New Hair Cut :)

I got a great hair cut yesterday from my sister-in-law, Jessica Howard. She does an awesome job! :) Here are a few pics:

More Plants

I think I am finally just about finished planting new plants in the yard. Jake helped me yesterday, which really made it go a lot faster. It was so hot here. I can't believe it's only April and it was around 90 outside! I'm thinking this is going to be one HOT summer. Not that I'm complaining. I love the sunshine. :) I'm just wondering if my plants will survive the heat. Hope so!!

The MilShelb wanted me to be done with planting in the front yard.

A new plant in the back yard... a Hosta. This one goes in the sun, cool huh?

Some of the plants in the front yard.

More plants in the front yard.

Jake really liked this one. He thought it was "cool."

Made Me Think

You know, I read people's blogs every day. I keep up with what everyone I "follow" posts. I was reading "Exploits of a Military Mama" (http://www.exploitsofamilitarymama.com/) and her post today was about lessons she has learned through her husband's deployment. She made many wonderful points and I felt that many of them apply to people who don't have military spouses as well. She closed by asking if any of her readers have any marriage rules that we make sure to follow. I responded by telling that we do not leave the house without saying "I love you" even if we're mad. You never know what might happen out there in the big ol' world.

On a less depressing note, I thought I'd add a few other "rules" (spoken or not) that help us to live in the same house and remain in a pretty good relationship. (Thanks for the idea, Sally!)

1. Pick up after yourself. You are an adult and you are capable of doing this. (I'll admit, this is my WORST one to follow. I am working on it though.)

2. Share. Share whatever needs to be shared. If you think it'd make the other person happy, then share it! Don't be selfish.

3. Respect the other person's space. Each person should have their own space... and that space should be respected.

4. Respect each other.

5. Open up. Say what you think but say it in a nice way. Don't hurt feelings on purpose.

There are so many more... but the more I write these the more I think it sounds like Jake and I don't get along. lol The truth is, I am married to a man that I not only love, but respect and admire. He is an amazing person and I am blessed to share my life with him. Do we get along 100% of the time? No. Who does? No one. (And if they say they do- they're pulling your leg. lol) But, we can always remember and keep in mind that we said "I do" and we're in it for the long haul. We truly are "two peas in a pod." I love that man. :)

Something to Remember

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

(I found this at http://www.thedontquitpoem.com/thePoem.htm)

Happy Easter!

I have had a great day today with my family! Jake and I went to lunch at my parents' and we also took a few pictures. I wanted to share them with you!

My little family: Jake, Me, Milly, and Shelby :)

Me and my Mama!

The 'rents and Me

Jake, Mom, Michael, Me, and Grandmama

Mom, Me, and Grandmama

Mom and Me :)

Don't ask... lol!

Great Day

I spent the day with my Mom today. She's off work for Spring Break and it was such a nice day. We went shopping and had lunch and shopped some more. She's so much fun! When I got home I worked in the yard some and planted some plants in the pots on my front porch. Here's the pics:

Gotta Have 'Em!

Oh my! I just saw this on http://dachshundlove.blogspot.com/ and am IN LOVE with these pants! I MUST buy them!! :)

http://www1.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi24381&rootCategory=cat70012&catId=cat120051&sortKey=Default&section=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70012