Today is my 26th (holy cow) birthday!
I am looking forward to spending it with friends, family, and my MilShelb!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas MilShelb Dad
Jake,
I just read the Christmas post I did for you last year. I am so glad that things are changing for the better for us every single day. We have truly come a long way. We got married jobless, penniless, and were truly livin' on love. Kind of funny when you think about it. You know, the thing is that we have always had the things that matter most. We have always had each other. We have always had a strong mutual love and respect for each other. We have always had our MilShelb. We have always had awesome family and friends.
This year our lives have changed drastically and for the better. We're both working (just like last year) and we've bought our first home together. We're both busy, but happily busy. We've learned to paint, fix toilets, tubs, sinks and patch walls. We've learned to rip out carpet and put down laminate flooring. We've learned to stretch our dollars to make the most of what we have. We've learned a great deal about working together and working towards common goals. We have truly become a team.
I am so proud of us. I am proud of how much our hard work has paid off. I am proud of you. I am so proud to be married to a hard-working, loving, generous man. I am proud to have a husband who leads his family and loves his family. I am proud of you.
You know, when we got married I loved you so so so much. I knew that the love I had for you then would change. It's supposed to. However, I didn't realize that the love would grow and turn into a truly deep love, respect, and admiration for you.
You are a good man, Jake. A real good man. You are amazing. I love you. I choose you. Every single day. Don't you ever forget that.
~Maggie
I just read the Christmas post I did for you last year. I am so glad that things are changing for the better for us every single day. We have truly come a long way. We got married jobless, penniless, and were truly livin' on love. Kind of funny when you think about it. You know, the thing is that we have always had the things that matter most. We have always had each other. We have always had a strong mutual love and respect for each other. We have always had our MilShelb. We have always had awesome family and friends.
This year our lives have changed drastically and for the better. We're both working (just like last year) and we've bought our first home together. We're both busy, but happily busy. We've learned to paint, fix toilets, tubs, sinks and patch walls. We've learned to rip out carpet and put down laminate flooring. We've learned to stretch our dollars to make the most of what we have. We've learned a great deal about working together and working towards common goals. We have truly become a team.
I am so proud of us. I am proud of how much our hard work has paid off. I am proud of you. I am so proud to be married to a hard-working, loving, generous man. I am proud to have a husband who leads his family and loves his family. I am proud of you.
You know, when we got married I loved you so so so much. I knew that the love I had for you then would change. It's supposed to. However, I didn't realize that the love would grow and turn into a truly deep love, respect, and admiration for you.
You are a good man, Jake. A real good man. You are amazing. I love you. I choose you. Every single day. Don't you ever forget that.
~Maggie
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Merry Christmas, MilShelb!
Love,
~Mama Llama
Saturday, December 17, 2011
I Laughed So Hard I Cried
You Know You're In A Dachshund House When....
1 Every purse and coat pocket is rifled when you walk through the door.
2 The bed has sausage shaped lumps under the covers.
3 The doggie door is only 8" high.
4 You're face gets licked by a dog standing on the back of the couch.
5 When you come into the house after being away only minutes and you are greeted like you've been gone for 10 years.
6 When someone hands you a tennis ball as soon as you walk in the door.
7 When the owner's introduce their Dachshund as their oldest son/daughter.
8 Footstools are placed strategically around the furniture and bed.
9 The house is decorated with Dachshund items.
10 The owner is decorated with Dachshund items.
11 Gates are placed in each doorway.
12 After the doorbell rings, you can't hear a thing for 10 minutes.
13 The alarm clock is set for HIS wake up time.
14 Dachshund "nose art" is proudly displayed on each window.
15 There are at least 45 balls laying around the house.
16 All socks, underwear, and shoes have holes in them.
17 The sign outside the house says, "Dachshund Lovers Parking Only."
18 You have to look before you take a step.
19 All squeak toys no long have squeaking ability.
20 The doors to many rooms must remain closed.
21 The owner's bed never remains made.
22 Rugs and furniture are all dark colors.
23 The cat litter box magically cleans itself.
24 You will find dogs instead of clothes in the laundry basket.
25 When you arrive, you find the living room covered with chewed up tampons, toilet paper rolls, Kleenex, etc…
26 All snow is shoveled from the yard to protect the "Ta-Ta's" of male Dachshunds.
27 You notice small fox holes in the yard.
28 You are kindly told not to eat the green beans and carrots because they are for the dogs.
29 Toy boxes are bone shaped.
30 All waste baskets and trash cans are elevated at least 3 ft. from the ground.
31 There is a Bissel Green Machine always within reach.
32 A cupboard is full of tiny clothes that were purchased before the owner realized that Dachshunds would rather remain nudists.
33 Company doesn't come around much anymore.
34 The owner talks a lot about getting a super king-sized bed.
35 The living room looks like it's covered with snow due to the batting which came out of de-stuffed toys.
36 Blankets cover each piece of furniture for better burrowing purposes.
37 The owner had no food yet his Dachshund has plenty of premium dog food.
38 The mailman is warned, "Watch out our he'll bite a hole in your sock."
39 The mailman passes a brightly colored card to other mailmen saying, "A dangerous animal lives inside. Do not use mail slot."
40 Bricks are placed inside trash cans so they don't get tipped over.
41 The Dachshund gets kisses before the owner's significant other.
42 The owner runs around looking for a "sitter" if they're going to be gone for more than a few hours.
43 It is too dangerous to walk around the house without shoes because of partly chewed up Nyla-Bones.
44 Little blue pee-pads are placed by the back door.
45 You notice that The Dachshund's receive more Christmas presents than human kids.
46 All the owner's computer "favorites" are Dachshund relate.
47 The grass is mowed very very very short.
48 There is always plenty of toilet paper to pick up poops.
49 The owner's bed is covered with no less than 4 gutted toys, 3 balls, and 2 nyla-bones.
50 You are immediately told not to sit in the dog's chair.
-Unknown Author
Found HERE.
1 Every purse and coat pocket is rifled when you walk through the door.
2 The bed has sausage shaped lumps under the covers.
3 The doggie door is only 8" high.
4 You're face gets licked by a dog standing on the back of the couch.
5 When you come into the house after being away only minutes and you are greeted like you've been gone for 10 years.
6 When someone hands you a tennis ball as soon as you walk in the door.
7 When the owner's introduce their Dachshund as their oldest son/daughter.
8 Footstools are placed strategically around the furniture and bed.
9 The house is decorated with Dachshund items.
10 The owner is decorated with Dachshund items.
11 Gates are placed in each doorway.
12 After the doorbell rings, you can't hear a thing for 10 minutes.
13 The alarm clock is set for HIS wake up time.
14 Dachshund "nose art" is proudly displayed on each window.
15 There are at least 45 balls laying around the house.
16 All socks, underwear, and shoes have holes in them.
17 The sign outside the house says, "Dachshund Lovers Parking Only."
18 You have to look before you take a step.
19 All squeak toys no long have squeaking ability.
20 The doors to many rooms must remain closed.
21 The owner's bed never remains made.
22 Rugs and furniture are all dark colors.
23 The cat litter box magically cleans itself.
24 You will find dogs instead of clothes in the laundry basket.
25 When you arrive, you find the living room covered with chewed up tampons, toilet paper rolls, Kleenex, etc…
26 All snow is shoveled from the yard to protect the "Ta-Ta's" of male Dachshunds.
27 You notice small fox holes in the yard.
28 You are kindly told not to eat the green beans and carrots because they are for the dogs.
29 Toy boxes are bone shaped.
30 All waste baskets and trash cans are elevated at least 3 ft. from the ground.
31 There is a Bissel Green Machine always within reach.
32 A cupboard is full of tiny clothes that were purchased before the owner realized that Dachshunds would rather remain nudists.
33 Company doesn't come around much anymore.
34 The owner talks a lot about getting a super king-sized bed.
35 The living room looks like it's covered with snow due to the batting which came out of de-stuffed toys.
36 Blankets cover each piece of furniture for better burrowing purposes.
37 The owner had no food yet his Dachshund has plenty of premium dog food.
38 The mailman is warned, "Watch out our he'll bite a hole in your sock."
39 The mailman passes a brightly colored card to other mailmen saying, "A dangerous animal lives inside. Do not use mail slot."
40 Bricks are placed inside trash cans so they don't get tipped over.
41 The Dachshund gets kisses before the owner's significant other.
42 The owner runs around looking for a "sitter" if they're going to be gone for more than a few hours.
43 It is too dangerous to walk around the house without shoes because of partly chewed up Nyla-Bones.
44 Little blue pee-pads are placed by the back door.
45 You notice that The Dachshund's receive more Christmas presents than human kids.
46 All the owner's computer "favorites" are Dachshund relate.
47 The grass is mowed very very very short.
48 There is always plenty of toilet paper to pick up poops.
49 The owner's bed is covered with no less than 4 gutted toys, 3 balls, and 2 nyla-bones.
50 You are immediately told not to sit in the dog's chair.
-Unknown Author
Found HERE.
Amazed
Wow! What a day.
Yesterday was a good day, but then I came home and saw that a horrible tragedy had struck in Houston to some of Milly and Shelby's blog friends. My heart broke. I cried. It amazes me that I do not know these people in real life, but I suppose I feel a bond with them- a pet lover's bond. I know that people who are obsessed enough with their pets to sit around and blog about them... those people are alright in my book. I understand them. I understand people who truly care about their animals. I understand people who put pets first. I understand people who love their pets and treat them with love and kindness and respect. I respect people like that.
I know some people think it's one of my quirks. You know, that I am MilShelb-obsessed and have a blog about them and they have their own blog. I send our Christmas cards for them. And, just you wait, Christmas this year is BIG for the MilShelb. I love those two little dogs more than life itself. It is crazy? Maybe. Or maybe it's the one thing that keeps me from going insane!
I say all of this to come to this point:
Dear Fellow Pet Bloggers-
You rock. You are an awesome group of people. You remind me daily that there are people in this world who are good. Good, strong, respectable people. I am truly blessed by your presence in my life- even if it is only through the computer. I am blessed to know you and your fur babies. I feel lucky to have been brought into your lives and your homes. You love Milly and Shelby. You care about them. You keep up with us. You are awesome. Thank you.
I am amazed at the outpouring of generosity that you have shown to the Pittie Pack. Wow. I just cannot put it into words. I am humbled by you.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Truly Happy and Blessed New Year.
~Maggie (MilShelb's Mom)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sweet Shelby
I am sitting here on the couch with Shelby on my lap and a thought popped into my head, "What would it be like to love and trust someone so much and not be able to understand them?" Shelby has no clue what I'm saying, but she trusts me and loves me. Then it occurred to me that I love and trust Shelby and I can't understand a single thing that comes out of her mouth. So, I guess love and trust isn't just about words... but feelings and actions. I hold her, pet her, talk to her, feed her... she trusts me. She kisses me, cuddles in close to me, runs to greet me... she loves me. I love her, too. She's a sweet sweet Shelby.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Struggling
Oprah once said, "Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." I found this quote while looking up quotes about struggling. Weird thing to look for? Sure. But, not so weird when you feel like you are struggling with something.
You see, I am a person with very few passions in life. I think that because I have few passions in life, I feel very strongly about them. One of those passions is animal welfare. If you are a regular around here (or know me in person) you know that the MilShelb (my miniature Dachshunds) are my life. Many would call them spoiled. I don't think they are. I really think that Jake and I work hard every day to give them the life that we feel they deserve. They have good, wholesome food to eat because we want them to be healthy and strong. They have regular visits to the vet because we believe in preventative medicines. (And, we both believe in the saying, "If you can't pay the vet, don't have a pet.") They sleep in the bed with us because they deserve to be in a soft warm bed at night. They are loved and adored beyond measure. They deserve it. Because they add more joy to our lives than we will ever be able to repay.
I realize that not many people take pet-ownership to the extreme that we do. That's ok. It's not necessary for you to bring your dog into your bed. It's certainly not necessary to buy expensive food (unless your dog has health problems like ours do). It's not even necessary to be so crazy about going to the vet that the vet tells you that you are overprotective. It IS necessary, however, to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and attention for your pet.
It breaks my heart to see animals who have been dumped at shelters. I am struggling with this. Not that it is anything new. Shelters have been around for a LONG time (sadly). They are becoming more and more over populated. The people who work at and volunteer for these shelters work hard. They know that there is a greater purpose to their work and their lives. They don't always "win the battle" so to speak, but they are out there fighting the "war" every single day.
The thing I am struggling with is I want to help. I want to do something... anything! I feel helpless. I would love to have another dog. Heck, I'd go and adopt 10 more right now if I were only following my heart. However, that is not a good idea for us. We cannot afford to have another dog and continue to provide the material things MilShelb are accustomed to, nor can we pretend that we will continue to be able to provide the attention and time that MilShelb currently get. (Which, I will admit, is not nearly as much as I would like since we both work full-time jobs.) Either way you slice it, MilShelb would get the short end of the stick and that's not right. They are always our top priority. They have to be. So, I am left with the desire to help and I don't know how or what to do.
This has really been weighing on my heart. It kills me that so many animals out there need homes. I am sure one day we will adopt another dog or 2, but now is not the time for that. I know there are other ways to help. I just need to figure out what is the right way for me to help. I have debated going to the shelter and helping on the weekends and in the summer. I am just not sure I can handle it. I have thought about collecting things that they need (like blankets, etc). I am doing some soul searching about this.
If anything awesome pops into your head about how I can help, please give me some ideas!
Until I figure this out, I will just say to everyone to please, please, please help stop the over population by spaying and neutering your pets! Please love your animals. Bring them in and make them a part of your home, life, and family. You cannot imagine how grateful they will be to you.
You see, I am a person with very few passions in life. I think that because I have few passions in life, I feel very strongly about them. One of those passions is animal welfare. If you are a regular around here (or know me in person) you know that the MilShelb (my miniature Dachshunds) are my life. Many would call them spoiled. I don't think they are. I really think that Jake and I work hard every day to give them the life that we feel they deserve. They have good, wholesome food to eat because we want them to be healthy and strong. They have regular visits to the vet because we believe in preventative medicines. (And, we both believe in the saying, "If you can't pay the vet, don't have a pet.") They sleep in the bed with us because they deserve to be in a soft warm bed at night. They are loved and adored beyond measure. They deserve it. Because they add more joy to our lives than we will ever be able to repay.
I realize that not many people take pet-ownership to the extreme that we do. That's ok. It's not necessary for you to bring your dog into your bed. It's certainly not necessary to buy expensive food (unless your dog has health problems like ours do). It's not even necessary to be so crazy about going to the vet that the vet tells you that you are overprotective. It IS necessary, however, to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and attention for your pet.
It breaks my heart to see animals who have been dumped at shelters. I am struggling with this. Not that it is anything new. Shelters have been around for a LONG time (sadly). They are becoming more and more over populated. The people who work at and volunteer for these shelters work hard. They know that there is a greater purpose to their work and their lives. They don't always "win the battle" so to speak, but they are out there fighting the "war" every single day.
The thing I am struggling with is I want to help. I want to do something... anything! I feel helpless. I would love to have another dog. Heck, I'd go and adopt 10 more right now if I were only following my heart. However, that is not a good idea for us. We cannot afford to have another dog and continue to provide the material things MilShelb are accustomed to, nor can we pretend that we will continue to be able to provide the attention and time that MilShelb currently get. (Which, I will admit, is not nearly as much as I would like since we both work full-time jobs.) Either way you slice it, MilShelb would get the short end of the stick and that's not right. They are always our top priority. They have to be. So, I am left with the desire to help and I don't know how or what to do.
This has really been weighing on my heart. It kills me that so many animals out there need homes. I am sure one day we will adopt another dog or 2, but now is not the time for that. I know there are other ways to help. I just need to figure out what is the right way for me to help. I have debated going to the shelter and helping on the weekends and in the summer. I am just not sure I can handle it. I have thought about collecting things that they need (like blankets, etc). I am doing some soul searching about this.
If anything awesome pops into your head about how I can help, please give me some ideas!
Until I figure this out, I will just say to everyone to please, please, please help stop the over population by spaying and neutering your pets! Please love your animals. Bring them in and make them a part of your home, life, and family. You cannot imagine how grateful they will be to you.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful to you all for reading this blog. I know at times it can be boring, repetitive, (did I say) boring.
I am thankful for Jake. He is the one who keeps me going. He reminds me where I've been, how far I've come, and keeps me headed in the right direction. He is awesome!
I am thankful for the MilShelb. What kind of MilShelb Mom would I be without being thankful for them? They are my pride and joy. I love those girls. I am thankful everyday for their tail wags, slobbery kisses, and happy greeting dances.
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for the people who keep me grounded, happy, and feeling secure.
I am thankful for my coworkers and students. They make my days worth it. My job is by no means an easy one, but it is fun and rewarding. I love it. I am thankful for the people who help me to love my job.
Mostly, I am thankful for the many many blessings in my life. I am truly a blessed person and am so thankful for that.
I am thankful to you all for reading this blog. I know at times it can be boring, repetitive, (did I say) boring.
I am thankful for Jake. He is the one who keeps me going. He reminds me where I've been, how far I've come, and keeps me headed in the right direction. He is awesome!
I am thankful for the MilShelb. What kind of MilShelb Mom would I be without being thankful for them? They are my pride and joy. I love those girls. I am thankful everyday for their tail wags, slobbery kisses, and happy greeting dances.
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for the people who keep me grounded, happy, and feeling secure.
I am thankful for my coworkers and students. They make my days worth it. My job is by no means an easy one, but it is fun and rewarding. I love it. I am thankful for the people who help me to love my job.
Mostly, I am thankful for the many many blessings in my life. I am truly a blessed person and am so thankful for that.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Weddings Do That...
I was in a wedding yesterday as a bridesmaid. Weddings always make me think about marriage (not such a crazy thing) and specifically my marriage. You know, I am one of those wives who sings her husband's praises pretty frequently- not that I think he is perfect, but that he is real. I was thinking on my way home last night about how lucky I am to have met and married Jake. I was thinking of how being married sort of provides this sense of confidence. (Or, at least, if you have a good marriage.) For example, I decided that I know three things for sure and because I know these things I can be confident in many things.
1. I know that Jake will always make sure there is a roof over my head and a place to call home.
2. I know that he will always be faithful to me.
3. I know that he will always be honest with me.
There are many things that Jake does that drive me nuts. (Just like there are millions of things I do that drive him nuts.) But, I know those three things without a doubt. Jake is not a "sugar-coater". He tells it like it is and I can always trust him to be completely honest. I may not always like what he has to say, but I can always respect the fact that he was honest with me about it. Jake and I had a rough start to our life together, but we have come a long way. We have worked hard and are continuing to work hard to truly live the life of our dreams. It is hard to believe that this time two years ago we didn't have jobs and we were truly struggling and now we have jobs, a house, and a pretty stable life. We have worked our rear ends off to get here, but we are so glad we are where we are. We aren't exactly where we want to be yet, but we are headed in the right direction every single day.
On our wedding day, I gave Jake a ring that was engraved on the inside. It says, "I choose you." I tell him that from time to time. I chose him a long time ago (5 and a half years ago) and I choose him every day. I truly love the man I married and I am so grateful to him for the life he has built with me. It is truly an awesome feeling to know without a doubt that your husband loves you no matter what.
1. I know that Jake will always make sure there is a roof over my head and a place to call home.
2. I know that he will always be faithful to me.
3. I know that he will always be honest with me.
There are many things that Jake does that drive me nuts. (Just like there are millions of things I do that drive him nuts.) But, I know those three things without a doubt. Jake is not a "sugar-coater". He tells it like it is and I can always trust him to be completely honest. I may not always like what he has to say, but I can always respect the fact that he was honest with me about it. Jake and I had a rough start to our life together, but we have come a long way. We have worked hard and are continuing to work hard to truly live the life of our dreams. It is hard to believe that this time two years ago we didn't have jobs and we were truly struggling and now we have jobs, a house, and a pretty stable life. We have worked our rear ends off to get here, but we are so glad we are where we are. We aren't exactly where we want to be yet, but we are headed in the right direction every single day.
On our wedding day, I gave Jake a ring that was engraved on the inside. It says, "I choose you." I tell him that from time to time. I chose him a long time ago (5 and a half years ago) and I choose him every day. I truly love the man I married and I am so grateful to him for the life he has built with me. It is truly an awesome feeling to know without a doubt that your husband loves you no matter what.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Thinking A Lot About This...
I'll admit it. I am one of those people who sits in front of the computer for long amounts of time looking at the dogs at the shelters who need homes. My heart breaks for them. It kills me to know that many of them will never leave the shelter. It breaks my heart to know that many of them ended up there due to no fault of their own, but due to complete and utter selfishness of the person they love. It brings me to tears many times because I just hate that so much for them.
I cross-post things trying to help. I even attempted to foster a dog once. I cannot foster animals. It broke my heart to give her up and it wrecked my house to have her there. Milly and Shelby do not take kindly to other dogs.
I want so badly to adopt a dog from a shelter. I want to add a dog to our family. This morning I did some research about how to best add another dog to your "pack" and based on what I read I am now even more convinced, sadly, that it would not be a wise decision. The websites I read recommended that if you have a female dog, it is best to add a male dog. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against other people owning male dogs, but every male dog I've ever had much to do with is a sprayer. I absolutely cannot stand that quality. It would make me upset and I have worked too hard to have a nice home to have a dog come along and pee all over the walls. Don't act shocked. It happens. You know it does. The websites also said that you should think twice if you have aggressive dogs. It is not that Milly and Shelby are aggressive in every sense of the word. They do well with other people and they like other dogs... as long as they do not feel that they are trespassing on their property. I guess it is not really that they are aggressive as that they are territorial. They know that this is their home and their yard and they do not appreciate other animals in or near it. The website also talked about how you might want to get a different sized dog as that can help with easing the tension some. However, it also said that you don't want to get a dog that is so much different in size that it may harm your current dog by playing too roughly or even by walking over it. Milly and Shelby are small. They don't weigh 40 pounds combined. So, there went that idea. Some websites advised against getting a puppy if your dog is territorial because your dog may hurt the puppy. It also talked about making sure you have enough space to be able to separate them and had some comments that made me think about what I would do if this didn't work out. I know in my heart I could not possibly take a dog back to a shelter. the very thought of it makes me sick. I know I could not ask Milly and Shelby to live in a house where they used to rule and now are miserable, either. I would be torn and I would be in a horrible position.
I hate that I have come to this conclusion, because I really do want another dog. I would love to have a bigger dog. I would love for our little family to have another furry friend to love. However, after reading all morning about this, I have decided that maybe what I want is not of concern. I have to remember that my job, first and foremost, is to make decisions with Milly and Shelby's best interest at heart and in mind. It is not really in their best interest to disrupt their household. It is not in their best interest to have their time with Jake and myself divided between them and another dog. It makes me sad, but for now I have decided we will continue to be a 4 member family.
I cross-post things trying to help. I even attempted to foster a dog once. I cannot foster animals. It broke my heart to give her up and it wrecked my house to have her there. Milly and Shelby do not take kindly to other dogs.
I want so badly to adopt a dog from a shelter. I want to add a dog to our family. This morning I did some research about how to best add another dog to your "pack" and based on what I read I am now even more convinced, sadly, that it would not be a wise decision. The websites I read recommended that if you have a female dog, it is best to add a male dog. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against other people owning male dogs, but every male dog I've ever had much to do with is a sprayer. I absolutely cannot stand that quality. It would make me upset and I have worked too hard to have a nice home to have a dog come along and pee all over the walls. Don't act shocked. It happens. You know it does. The websites also said that you should think twice if you have aggressive dogs. It is not that Milly and Shelby are aggressive in every sense of the word. They do well with other people and they like other dogs... as long as they do not feel that they are trespassing on their property. I guess it is not really that they are aggressive as that they are territorial. They know that this is their home and their yard and they do not appreciate other animals in or near it. The website also talked about how you might want to get a different sized dog as that can help with easing the tension some. However, it also said that you don't want to get a dog that is so much different in size that it may harm your current dog by playing too roughly or even by walking over it. Milly and Shelby are small. They don't weigh 40 pounds combined. So, there went that idea. Some websites advised against getting a puppy if your dog is territorial because your dog may hurt the puppy. It also talked about making sure you have enough space to be able to separate them and had some comments that made me think about what I would do if this didn't work out. I know in my heart I could not possibly take a dog back to a shelter. the very thought of it makes me sick. I know I could not ask Milly and Shelby to live in a house where they used to rule and now are miserable, either. I would be torn and I would be in a horrible position.
I hate that I have come to this conclusion, because I really do want another dog. I would love to have a bigger dog. I would love for our little family to have another furry friend to love. However, after reading all morning about this, I have decided that maybe what I want is not of concern. I have to remember that my job, first and foremost, is to make decisions with Milly and Shelby's best interest at heart and in mind. It is not really in their best interest to disrupt their household. It is not in their best interest to have their time with Jake and myself divided between them and another dog. It makes me sad, but for now I have decided we will continue to be a 4 member family.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
It Frustrates Me
I find all of these Dachshunds on websites that need to be adopted because their owners got rid of them. It frustrates me. It really does. First of all, people talk about how Dachshunds are hard dogs to handle. I'll give them that. Out of love for the breed, I'll say there are some things you should know about Dachshunds before adopting one:
1. They are stubborn. Really. They are very stubborn. (In fact, if your Dachshund isn't stubborn, there's something wrong with it.)
2. They know it all. (Obviously they don't talk. But, you can tell by the way they act that they honestly believe they know everything.)
3. They eat too much. They don't say no to food... so you have to say no to it for them. They need strict diets so that they are not overweight and putting strain on their backs. If you are a person who likes to show your dog love through food, you shouldn't have a Dachshund, otherwise you might literally love them to death.
4. They are DIFFICULT to housebreak. VERY difficult. In fact, some of them may very well never be house broken (or at least not fully house broken). If you value a spotless house, a Dachshund is not for you.
5. They need people. (Most dogs do.) If you are a person who is gone more than you are home, a Dachshund is not for you.
6. Many are spiteful. They don't get mad- they get even. If you do something to make them angry, it WILL come back to bite you. (This may just be my 2, but I have a feeling it's not.)
7. They need to be inside. They are not meant to be outside dogs and they will bark and bark and bark to let you know that. Put them in the house. Don't leave them out. They are small and do not do well with extreme (or even mild) heat or cold.
There are so many positive things about Dachshunds that outweigh the bad. But, if you aren't willing to deal with the bad, then the good will never outweigh it for you. Above all, you must remember that a dog, any dog, is a lifetime commitment. It is not something to be taken lightly. That decision impacts another living being's life. Keep that in mind when deciding on a dog.
When I got Milly and Shelby (my precious Dachshunds) I did not know anything about Dachshunds. I have learned a great deal in the past 4.5 years. Some of what I have learned is listed in #s 1-7 above. Some of what I have learned was hard and learned the hard way. It hurt. It made me mad. It made me want to jump up and down and scream and yell and cry... but it never made me love them less... and never made me want to give them up. The fact of the matter is that Milly and Shelby bring so much joy to my life that there is nothing I would not do to keep them. They have a forever home here with me and my husband. They are loved and cared for. We understand that things happen and we have learned to take some preventative measures when necessary (like picking up shoes so they don't end up with holes in them and closing doors so the carpet isn't ruined). It's really a small price to pay for the joy they add to our lives.
All I am asking is that before you pick a dog, do your research. Make the right choice for you. If you want a dog who is full of personality, love-of-life, tail wags, sloppy kisses, funny dances, and warning barks... a Dachshund is for you. They are truly awesome dogs... but they are NOT your "typical" dog by any means. Please make an informed and educated decision.
1. They are stubborn. Really. They are very stubborn. (In fact, if your Dachshund isn't stubborn, there's something wrong with it.)
2. They know it all. (Obviously they don't talk. But, you can tell by the way they act that they honestly believe they know everything.)
3. They eat too much. They don't say no to food... so you have to say no to it for them. They need strict diets so that they are not overweight and putting strain on their backs. If you are a person who likes to show your dog love through food, you shouldn't have a Dachshund, otherwise you might literally love them to death.
4. They are DIFFICULT to housebreak. VERY difficult. In fact, some of them may very well never be house broken (or at least not fully house broken). If you value a spotless house, a Dachshund is not for you.
5. They need people. (Most dogs do.) If you are a person who is gone more than you are home, a Dachshund is not for you.
6. Many are spiteful. They don't get mad- they get even. If you do something to make them angry, it WILL come back to bite you. (This may just be my 2, but I have a feeling it's not.)
7. They need to be inside. They are not meant to be outside dogs and they will bark and bark and bark to let you know that. Put them in the house. Don't leave them out. They are small and do not do well with extreme (or even mild) heat or cold.
There are so many positive things about Dachshunds that outweigh the bad. But, if you aren't willing to deal with the bad, then the good will never outweigh it for you. Above all, you must remember that a dog, any dog, is a lifetime commitment. It is not something to be taken lightly. That decision impacts another living being's life. Keep that in mind when deciding on a dog.
When I got Milly and Shelby (my precious Dachshunds) I did not know anything about Dachshunds. I have learned a great deal in the past 4.5 years. Some of what I have learned is listed in #s 1-7 above. Some of what I have learned was hard and learned the hard way. It hurt. It made me mad. It made me want to jump up and down and scream and yell and cry... but it never made me love them less... and never made me want to give them up. The fact of the matter is that Milly and Shelby bring so much joy to my life that there is nothing I would not do to keep them. They have a forever home here with me and my husband. They are loved and cared for. We understand that things happen and we have learned to take some preventative measures when necessary (like picking up shoes so they don't end up with holes in them and closing doors so the carpet isn't ruined). It's really a small price to pay for the joy they add to our lives.
All I am asking is that before you pick a dog, do your research. Make the right choice for you. If you want a dog who is full of personality, love-of-life, tail wags, sloppy kisses, funny dances, and warning barks... a Dachshund is for you. They are truly awesome dogs... but they are NOT your "typical" dog by any means. Please make an informed and educated decision.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
You
You keep me sane.
You make me laugh.
You make me smile.
You come to my rescue.
You know me.
You love me.
You are amazing.
You. Are. My. Life.
I love you.
You make me laugh.
You make me smile.
You come to my rescue.
You know me.
You love me.
You are amazing.
You. Are. My. Life.
I love you.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
I Rarely Admit This
And maybe that's part of the problem, but it's a hard thing to admit.
I rarely admit that I need other people. I try very hard to be independent (and am for the most part). I hate to admit that I can't do it all. I cannot be everything to everyone. I cannot be 10 different places at one time. I cannot be one person to someone and another person to someone else. It is so hard. Sometimes (ok, all the time) I bite off more than I can chew, so to speak.
My latest example: Here's is my life as it currently stands:
Sunday- church (not nearly often enough), laundry, cleaning, grading/school work/preparing for my class I'm taking
Monday- work, meeting, get ready for Tuesday, go home, make dinner (sometimes), watch tv, go to bed
Tuesday- work, class, go home, eat dinner Jake made, watch tv, go to bed
Wednesday- work, meeting, get ready for Thursday/plan for next week, go home, make dinner, watch tv, go to bed
Thursday- work, plan for next week, make copies for next week, go home, make dinner, watch tv, go to bed
Friday- work, finalize things for next week, go home, make dinner, watch tv, get a few things done around the house, to go bed
Saturday- spend entire day doing things around the house
Through all of this I am also being evaluated this year to hopefully get a continuing contract. It is exhausting. Utterly exhausting.
I rarely admit that I need other people. I try very hard to be independent (and am for the most part). I hate to admit that I can't do it all. I cannot be everything to everyone. I cannot be 10 different places at one time. I cannot be one person to someone and another person to someone else. It is so hard. Sometimes (ok, all the time) I bite off more than I can chew, so to speak.
My latest example: Here's is my life as it currently stands:
Sunday- church (not nearly often enough), laundry, cleaning, grading/school work/preparing for my class I'm taking
Monday- work, meeting, get ready for Tuesday, go home, make dinner (sometimes), watch tv, go to bed
Tuesday- work, class, go home, eat dinner Jake made, watch tv, go to bed
Wednesday- work, meeting, get ready for Thursday/plan for next week, go home, make dinner, watch tv, go to bed
Thursday- work, plan for next week, make copies for next week, go home, make dinner, watch tv, go to bed
Friday- work, finalize things for next week, go home, make dinner, watch tv, get a few things done around the house, to go bed
Saturday- spend entire day doing things around the house
Through all of this I am also being evaluated this year to hopefully get a continuing contract. It is exhausting. Utterly exhausting.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Birdies and Yard Work
They were starting to rust and not look so hot...
So, now they're shining. :)
Perfect!
Before... pitiful, diseased bushes.
No more! Chopped them down, pulled them up... they're gone!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Something You Miss
I haven't been doing this 30 day challenge... but I saw Katie's post and thought I'd join in.
Something I miss is actually someone I miss. I miss Lily. She was our family pet growing up and she passed away last year. It's weird to go to my Mom's and not see her. Really, sometimes I look for her because I forget. She was so gentle with Milly and Shelby. She was always so sweet to me. So loving. I miss that sweet face and her loving eyes. I miss her company. I just plain ol' miss her.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Go Gamecocks!
Jake and I stay pretty busy. I don't ever feel like we get to spend enough time together. But, is there ever really "enough time" with someone you love? I don't think so. I think maybe it's because we started dating in high school and had a good bit of free time to spend together (of course, then we thought we were busy. I don't think I knew what busy was. lol) Today our lives are all about working, cooking, cleaning, fixing up the house, and spending time with the MilShelb. Mostly, our lives are all about working- unfortunately. Jake and I both have demanding jobs. I love my job, don't get me wrong, but I do wish we had similar schedules because Jake works a lot of weekends and weekends are my only free time. (I use that term loosely, of course, because I bring junk home to do over the weekends because we only get to hang out on the evenings really and I don't bring stuff home during the week. You know, I think teaching may be the only profession where people give you a funny look when you don't bring your work home with you. lol
Anoy how, yesterday was our first game of the season. Jake is a die-hard Gamecock fan and we spent the day in Charlotte tailgating and then went to the game that night. It was great to spend time with Jake. We also got to spend time with Jake's brother, sister-in-law, and some people Jake grew up with. It was hot, but overall, it was a nice day.
Anoy how, yesterday was our first game of the season. Jake is a die-hard Gamecock fan and we spent the day in Charlotte tailgating and then went to the game that night. It was great to spend time with Jake. We also got to spend time with Jake's brother, sister-in-law, and some people Jake grew up with. It was hot, but overall, it was a nice day.
This is when Jake offered to take a picture of me after I asked for one of both of us. I am somewhere in saying "no" when he took this. lol
Me and Jake
Here come the Gamecocks!
First kickoff of the Gamecock season!
Pretty building that was near us... of course, it had the wrong colors when I took the pic, but it did change colors throughout the night.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Thank God I Ain't...
I am going to an Eric Church concert in about 2 months with a great friend and I have been listening to his music to prepare (DORKY, I know). I found this song called "What I Almost Was" and part of it says, "Thank God I ain't what I almost was." Amen to that. I cannot tell you how many times I look back and think about how different my life would be if things had turned out this way or that.
... I could have married my high school sweet heart... Thank God for Jake.
... I could have quit college sophomore year and become a dental hygienist... Thank God for a 4-year degree.
... I could have moved to Florida when Jake got that job offer... Thank God for chickening out.
... I could have done so many things differently... Thank God for leading me where He wants me to be.
I am just so glad to be who I am and not be who I could have been. I could have been a completely different person, but I am who I am. Thank God for that. :)
... I could have married my high school sweet heart... Thank God for Jake.
... I could have quit college sophomore year and become a dental hygienist... Thank God for a 4-year degree.
... I could have moved to Florida when Jake got that job offer... Thank God for chickening out.
... I could have done so many things differently... Thank God for leading me where He wants me to be.
I am just so glad to be who I am and not be who I could have been. I could have been a completely different person, but I am who I am. Thank God for that. :)
Monday, August 29, 2011
It's Hard Sometimes
It's hard sometimes to just do the "grown-up" thing and get over it. But, I have to. I have to take the higher road and get out of the drama. Life is too short and I am too old for this mess. I need to learn to smile, nod, and keep my mouth shut. I'm working on it. lol! Old habits are hard to break.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
My Friend Melissa
Just over a year ago I started my new job at my new school... and met my new friend, Melissa. Melissa quickly became my close school friend and quickly after that she moved on to being my best friend. Melissa is awesome. She really is. She's funny and has taught me a ton about shopping. I love to shop and Melissa always knows the deals going on and the best places to find coupons. I have bought more clothes with her this year than I have in the last 3 years combined. lol
The thing is, it's just so nice to have someone you can hang out with and talk to and get to know and not feel dumb or judged. Melissa rocks!
Melissa's husband is in the military and she is moving tomorrow... and will be pretty far away. It makes me so sad to lose such a great friend. Not that I've lost her... just that I have lost the frequent weekend shopping trips and lunches out. You see, I don't make friends easy. I'm a nice enough person, but I am a little odd. lol I'll admit it. So, I am just sad.
Melissa is moving on to another state and a new phase in her life- motherhood! I am so excited for her and her husband. I cannot wait to go visit and meet her sweet baby when she is born.
I know that I will miss her greatly. I already do! lol
The thing is, it's just so nice to have someone you can hang out with and talk to and get to know and not feel dumb or judged. Melissa rocks!
Melissa's husband is in the military and she is moving tomorrow... and will be pretty far away. It makes me so sad to lose such a great friend. Not that I've lost her... just that I have lost the frequent weekend shopping trips and lunches out. You see, I don't make friends easy. I'm a nice enough person, but I am a little odd. lol I'll admit it. So, I am just sad.
Melissa is moving on to another state and a new phase in her life- motherhood! I am so excited for her and her husband. I cannot wait to go visit and meet her sweet baby when she is born.
I know that I will miss her greatly. I already do! lol
Friday, August 26, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Man. I Needed That.
This morning on the way to work I caught the tail end of someone on the radio (I listen to WMHK which is a Christian radio station) talking about affirmation and why it is so important in relationships with children as well as your spouse. I stink at this- to put it lightly. I am GREAT at praising my "kids" (my students). Heck, I even praise MilShelb on a constant basis. Jake? Hah. Nah. Hardly ever.
It made me so sad to realize this. When I got bored with that station and happened to switch over to a country station and they were playing Keith Urban's Without You.
Call it whatever you want, but I'd call it divine intervention. I feel like God was trying to remind me that Jake needs for me to praise him. I need to remember to do that. I need to make an effort to thank him. I need to stop taking out the frustrations of my job, friend/family life and remember a few things.:
1. Jake is my husband. I promised him over 2 years ago that I would prize him above all others. I need to do that.
2. Jake is one of the most generous people I know. He gives and gives and gives. He should be thanked.
3. Jake has given up certain dreams for me. That is hard to do. That is so extremely unselfish.
4. Jake is proud of me. He is proud of me because he knows how hard I have worked to get where I am professionally. I am proud of him, too. He needs to hear it.
5. Everything that I have at this current time... the most important things to me... I have because of him. Because he stopped at nothing to get me what I wanted and what he felt like I deserved. I have an awesome house (if I do say so myself) because my husband knows how to handle money and helped me work it out. I have 2 AWESOME dogters that Jake gave in and got for us... and he fell in love with them, too. I have an awesome home environment because we are happy together. (Please, don't mistake this for me saying we are always happy, sappy, mushy... because that is not true. But, we're happy together and we work out the rest. lol)
6. Jake loves me. He loves me for exactly who I am. That is hard to do. I know that because I am me and there are things about me that are hard to love. But, he does. He does with all of his heart.
The point is not that Jake fussed about me not praising him... because that is not true. He didn't say a thing. He wouldn't. That's not the kind of man he is. The point is that I heard this on the radio and it touched my heart and I knew that it was something I need to work on. I plan to do that starting today!
It made me so sad to realize this. When I got bored with that station and happened to switch over to a country station and they were playing Keith Urban's Without You.
Call it whatever you want, but I'd call it divine intervention. I feel like God was trying to remind me that Jake needs for me to praise him. I need to remember to do that. I need to make an effort to thank him. I need to stop taking out the frustrations of my job, friend/family life and remember a few things.:
1. Jake is my husband. I promised him over 2 years ago that I would prize him above all others. I need to do that.
2. Jake is one of the most generous people I know. He gives and gives and gives. He should be thanked.
3. Jake has given up certain dreams for me. That is hard to do. That is so extremely unselfish.
4. Jake is proud of me. He is proud of me because he knows how hard I have worked to get where I am professionally. I am proud of him, too. He needs to hear it.
5. Everything that I have at this current time... the most important things to me... I have because of him. Because he stopped at nothing to get me what I wanted and what he felt like I deserved. I have an awesome house (if I do say so myself) because my husband knows how to handle money and helped me work it out. I have 2 AWESOME dogters that Jake gave in and got for us... and he fell in love with them, too. I have an awesome home environment because we are happy together. (Please, don't mistake this for me saying we are always happy, sappy, mushy... because that is not true. But, we're happy together and we work out the rest. lol)
6. Jake loves me. He loves me for exactly who I am. That is hard to do. I know that because I am me and there are things about me that are hard to love. But, he does. He does with all of his heart.
The point is not that Jake fussed about me not praising him... because that is not true. He didn't say a thing. He wouldn't. That's not the kind of man he is. The point is that I heard this on the radio and it touched my heart and I knew that it was something I need to work on. I plan to do that starting today!
Friday, August 12, 2011
It's Funny How Things Change
It's so funny how things change... and how things don't change. It's obviously not "haha funny" but just funny "strange".
Some days I think, "man, this is the LIFE."
Other days I think, "what in the word is wrong with people?!"
Most days, though, I'm blessed enough to think, "man, this is the LIFE!"
Some days I think, "man, this is the LIFE."
Other days I think, "what in the word is wrong with people?!"
Most days, though, I'm blessed enough to think, "man, this is the LIFE!"
Friday, August 5, 2011
It Is not Often
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~~~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 - 2005 ~~~~~
It is not often that I talk about politics (or being politically correct), on here or elsewhere... and, truth be told, I'm not a very politically savvy person, but I do have my own (maybe unfounded) opinions and I found this quote tonight from a past post I did on MySpace 500 million years ago (I don't have Myspace anymore really) and thought I'd put it on here.
The honest truth is that I feel that people have long forgotten the value of hard work and the pride that comes from doing something your durn self. There's something to be said for a person who sets goals, works hard, and achieves what they set out for and them some. Maybe it's not easy. Maybe it takes a while. So what? Big whoop. When it's all said and done you got what you wanted and you did it yourself. I LOVE that feeling!
~~~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 - 2005 ~~~~~
It is not often that I talk about politics (or being politically correct), on here or elsewhere... and, truth be told, I'm not a very politically savvy person, but I do have my own (maybe unfounded) opinions and I found this quote tonight from a past post I did on MySpace 500 million years ago (I don't have Myspace anymore really) and thought I'd put it on here.
The honest truth is that I feel that people have long forgotten the value of hard work and the pride that comes from doing something your durn self. There's something to be said for a person who sets goals, works hard, and achieves what they set out for and them some. Maybe it's not easy. Maybe it takes a while. So what? Big whoop. When it's all said and done you got what you wanted and you did it yourself. I LOVE that feeling!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Super Cute Chair
Where'd it come from, you ask?
Well, it came from Goodwill and it looked like this:
Well, it came from Goodwill and it looked like this:
Then, I spray painted the base to look like this:
With Shelby's help, of course! :)
Then, I covered the seat and back of the chair:
Then, I put it all together:
Close-up of the fabric:
Did I mention that this chair cost me ONLY about $6?
The chair was $3 from Goodwill, the fabric was a major deal for only $2, and the spray paint was left over from other projects, but I am estimating I used only about $1 of it. I am so excited to put this in my classroom!
I just need to add some slidy things on the bottom so I don't scratch up the floor. Yay!!!
Monday, July 18, 2011
If Someone Had Told Me
I'd marry that long haired, ugly shoe wearin' kid I met randomly... I'd have laughed in their faces.
If they'd told me I'd fall madly in love with him the first time I laid eyes on him... I promise I would have choked on my drink.
If they'd said that he would be my best friend, stick with me through thick and thin I'd have thought they were crazy.
That kid didn't have a care in the world.
But, they would have been right.
My world, as I knew it, changed forever the night I met Jake.
(And I'm betting his did, too.)
If someone told me years ago that another person could make me feel like I am floating on cloud nine- I really could have thought, "yeah, right." My little miss independent self would have never thought they would be right.
If someone told me years ago that I would build my entire world around another person I would have told them no.
But, I do. Every single day.
If someone told me years ago that I would still be thrilled to see Jake every night when he gets home from work I would have told them I doubt it.
But I am. Every single day.
If someone told me years ago that the same person who makes me the happiest I've ever been can also make me the maddest I've ever been... ok, I might would have believed it. lol
If someone told me years ago that the long haired, ugly shoe wearin' kid would be my husband, my best friend, my entire world... I would have never believed them.
But, really, he has always been a dream come true.
They say some people are meant to be together. We are truly meant for each other. He is not my other half... he is my WHOLE heart. He is the smile on my face. He is the twinkle in my eye. He is the every beat of my heart. I love him more than I ever thought I could... and every single day I love him more than the day before.
Happy Anniversary, Jake! Here's to another wonderful year of wedded bliss. ;)
I am so glad I found you- the person who is happy to share a seat on the bus.
If they'd told me I'd fall madly in love with him the first time I laid eyes on him... I promise I would have choked on my drink.
If they'd said that he would be my best friend, stick with me through thick and thin I'd have thought they were crazy.
That kid didn't have a care in the world.
But, they would have been right.
My world, as I knew it, changed forever the night I met Jake.
(And I'm betting his did, too.)
If someone told me years ago that another person could make me feel like I am floating on cloud nine- I really could have thought, "yeah, right." My little miss independent self would have never thought they would be right.
If someone told me years ago that I would build my entire world around another person I would have told them no.
But, I do. Every single day.
If someone told me years ago that I would still be thrilled to see Jake every night when he gets home from work I would have told them I doubt it.
But I am. Every single day.
If someone told me years ago that the same person who makes me the happiest I've ever been can also make me the maddest I've ever been... ok, I might would have believed it. lol
If someone told me years ago that the long haired, ugly shoe wearin' kid would be my husband, my best friend, my entire world... I would have never believed them.
But, really, he has always been a dream come true.
They say some people are meant to be together. We are truly meant for each other. He is not my other half... he is my WHOLE heart. He is the smile on my face. He is the twinkle in my eye. He is the every beat of my heart. I love him more than I ever thought I could... and every single day I love him more than the day before.
Happy Anniversary, Jake! Here's to another wonderful year of wedded bliss. ;)
I am so glad I found you- the person who is happy to share a seat on the bus.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
My Heart
My heart is grateful today... and many days. I get up in a house. I eat food I purchased with our own money from our own fridge. I drive a nice car to and from where ever it is life is taking me that day. I share our home with two wonderful doxies that stole my heart even before I met them. I am a grateful person.
Last year I wrote a few times about being blessed to have a husband who supports my dreams. I am still so grateful for this. He is an amazing man. He puts me first time and time again. I am so grateful for him.
I love you, Jake. Thank you for always believing in me and for allowing me to follow my dreams.
Last year I wrote a few times about being blessed to have a husband who supports my dreams. I am still so grateful for this. He is an amazing man. He puts me first time and time again. I am so grateful for him.
I love you, Jake. Thank you for always believing in me and for allowing me to follow my dreams.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Every Now and Then I Go Back...
Every now and then I go back in my mind.
I remember when times were tough. So so tough.
Just a little over one year ago we had only begun the process of getting our lives on track and really seeing that we were headed in the right direction.
It is so crazy to me how one year can really change your life.
For one whole year (and really a little more than that) we were without jobs.
We were struggling.
We were hardly getting by.
But, we did it.
Can I just say that I am so proud of us?
Because I am.
For one whole (school) year I taught in a school where I learned more in that time span than I ever learned in college.
I met people who gave me a chance.
They gave me the chance to live my dream.
In that year we also bought our first home.
Bought a house... and we're making it our home.
It helps me to go back and remember where we've come from.
Because it makes me forever grateful for where we are.
For who we are.
For how we got there.
I am so unbelievably proud of us.
Of me.
Of Jake.
Of what we have accomplished.
And I am thrilled to see where we are headed!
I remember when times were tough. So so tough.
Just a little over one year ago we had only begun the process of getting our lives on track and really seeing that we were headed in the right direction.
It is so crazy to me how one year can really change your life.
For one whole year (and really a little more than that) we were without jobs.
We were struggling.
We were hardly getting by.
But, we did it.
Can I just say that I am so proud of us?
Because I am.
For one whole (school) year I taught in a school where I learned more in that time span than I ever learned in college.
I met people who gave me a chance.
They gave me the chance to live my dream.
In that year we also bought our first home.
Bought a house... and we're making it our home.
It helps me to go back and remember where we've come from.
Because it makes me forever grateful for where we are.
For who we are.
For how we got there.
I am so unbelievably proud of us.
Of me.
Of Jake.
Of what we have accomplished.
And I am thrilled to see where we are headed!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thankful for...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Vintage Thingies Thursday
I LOVE Suzanne's Vintage Thingies Thursday and have always wanted to link up to it... however, I don't have anything vintage. That is, until my Mom bought me this AWESOME vintage table cloth.
I have always admired these at flea markets, but honestly just can't afford them. Well, my Mom bought me a few for our new house.
There's another view:
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Let Me Tell You about The Man Who Raised Me
Now, for most people, the man who raised you is your Dad. And, this man is my Dad in almost every sense of the word... except the basic part. You see, this is my Dad who married my Mom after my real dad was killed in a car accident. This is my Dad who loved me as his own, wanted the best for me, and stepped up to the plate.
His name is Michael (and that's what I call him). He's a hard-worker and truly taught me the importance of hard work. He is generous and caring. He always does what he thinks is right. He loves his kids and my Mom more than anything on this earth.
To MilShelb, he is Gpa. They LOVE him! They get all wiggly and excited when he comes in the house. Milly loves to play ball with him and Shelby just loves to cuddle up in his lap.
So, to Michael, thank you for all you do for me. You are a good man and I am blessed that you are my Dad. Happy Father's Day!
His name is Michael (and that's what I call him). He's a hard-worker and truly taught me the importance of hard work. He is generous and caring. He always does what he thinks is right. He loves his kids and my Mom more than anything on this earth.
To MilShelb, he is Gpa. They LOVE him! They get all wiggly and excited when he comes in the house. Milly loves to play ball with him and Shelby just loves to cuddle up in his lap.
So, to Michael, thank you for all you do for me. You are a good man and I am blessed that you are my Dad. Happy Father's Day!
My Dad is the one on the right. My father-in-law is the one on the left.
Now, I can't very well put up a picture with my father-in-law in it without saying "Happy Father's day, Tim!"
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Let Me Tell Ya 'Bout My Best Friend...
My best friend is my husband- cliche, I know. However, I truly believe that a best friend is a person with whom you can say anything and everything, but at the same time know when it's best to keep your mouth shut. A best friend is someone who knows you for exactly who you are. They accept you. They love you. They love the exact person you are. They can overlook your irritating traits and see past the differences to the heart of you.
You see, my husband is a good man. He knows me. He loves me. He appreciates me. I never feel like second best and I never feel like I don't add up. He believes in me. He wants what is best for me and does his best to see that I have that- even when it means giving up his wants and putting his dreams aside. He is truly a gentleman. Every day I am amazed by him... and even more amazed that he is so humble.
He works hard. He puts us first. He is awesome. You know what, he's more than that though.
He is a man of few words. He cares about his family. He loves his Mama. His favorite color is yellow. He loves pizza and ice cream almost as much as I do. He thinks Milly and Shelby hung the moon. He does not come off as a very outgoing person, but really he's a goofy guy. He is hard to understand and impossible to forget. He values people who understand that value of hard work. He cannot stand laziness. He loves comedies. He does not at all care for chick flicks. He likes to play video games every now and then. He is obsessed with football. He does not drink. He does not smoke. He does not lie, cheat, or steal. He is an honest man. He is a generous man. He'd gladly give you the shirt off his back and never think twice about it. He is someone I admire and respect. He makes me want to be a better person.
He is my best friend.
You see, my husband is a good man. He knows me. He loves me. He appreciates me. I never feel like second best and I never feel like I don't add up. He believes in me. He wants what is best for me and does his best to see that I have that- even when it means giving up his wants and putting his dreams aside. He is truly a gentleman. Every day I am amazed by him... and even more amazed that he is so humble.
He works hard. He puts us first. He is awesome. You know what, he's more than that though.
He is a man of few words. He cares about his family. He loves his Mama. His favorite color is yellow. He loves pizza and ice cream almost as much as I do. He thinks Milly and Shelby hung the moon. He does not come off as a very outgoing person, but really he's a goofy guy. He is hard to understand and impossible to forget. He values people who understand that value of hard work. He cannot stand laziness. He loves comedies. He does not at all care for chick flicks. He likes to play video games every now and then. He is obsessed with football. He does not drink. He does not smoke. He does not lie, cheat, or steal. He is an honest man. He is a generous man. He'd gladly give you the shirt off his back and never think twice about it. He is someone I admire and respect. He makes me want to be a better person.
He is my best friend.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Not Many People Know It
And maybe it's because I don't show it the way I should...
But, due to a few comments made (innocently) recently I just have to get this off my chest.
I love, respect, and admire my husband. I'll have his back until the day I die. I stand behind him, walk beside him, and never try to lead him in any way he does not want to go. He is the head of our household and the leader of our family. He makes the important decisions and I respect his choices. Thankfully, he asks my opinion, but I never expect him to, because, as I said, he leads this household.
Jake and I do not appear to have the typical relationship and I think that causes us to be misunderstood. The thing is, many people judge what they do not understand. I don't really think we're all that weird, but apparently some people do.
I think a lot of people do not realize the amount of respect I have for him and the fact that I not only realize that he leads our household, but encourage him to do so. I think people know me as being independent, stubborn, and strong willed... and they expect that that personality carried over into all aspects of my life- but it doesn't. While I don't feel the need to explain the dynamics of my relationship with my husband, I do feel the need to set the record straight.
I love him. I respect him. He loves me. He respects me. We are partners in this life. Our life works just fine for us. You should not judge what you don't understand. You should just stay out of it.
But, due to a few comments made (innocently) recently I just have to get this off my chest.
I love, respect, and admire my husband. I'll have his back until the day I die. I stand behind him, walk beside him, and never try to lead him in any way he does not want to go. He is the head of our household and the leader of our family. He makes the important decisions and I respect his choices. Thankfully, he asks my opinion, but I never expect him to, because, as I said, he leads this household.
Jake and I do not appear to have the typical relationship and I think that causes us to be misunderstood. The thing is, many people judge what they do not understand. I don't really think we're all that weird, but apparently some people do.
I think a lot of people do not realize the amount of respect I have for him and the fact that I not only realize that he leads our household, but encourage him to do so. I think people know me as being independent, stubborn, and strong willed... and they expect that that personality carried over into all aspects of my life- but it doesn't. While I don't feel the need to explain the dynamics of my relationship with my husband, I do feel the need to set the record straight.
I love him. I respect him. He loves me. He respects me. We are partners in this life. Our life works just fine for us. You should not judge what you don't understand. You should just stay out of it.
Love This Song
Randy Travis: If I Didn't Have You
Well I lost my heart on the day we met
But I gained a lot that I don't regret
Then I hung around till you said I do
I knew I wouldn't have nothin' if I didn't have you
Well it changed my thinking when you changed your name
And neither one of us will ever be the same
And I swear I'm never gonna be untrue
Cause I wouldn't have nothin' if I didn't have you
If I didn't have you I'd long ago
Been left in the dark out in the cold
Blowing around from town to town
Like a feather in the wind
If I didn't have you I know I'd be
Floundering around like a ship at sea
Lost in the rain of a hurricane
And that's where I'd have been
But I didn't get lost cause I saw your light
Shining like a beacon on a cold dark night
Then sun came up and the skies turned blue
No I wouldn't have nothing if I didn't have you
Well I count my blessings every night I pray
That the Lord lets me keep you just one more day
And every day he does cause God knows too
That I wouldn't have nothing if I didn't have you
If I didn't have you I'd long ago
Been left in the dark out in the cold
Blowing around from town to town
Like a feather in the wind
If I didn't have you I know I'd be
Floundering around like a ship at sea
Lost in the rain of a hurricane
And that's where I'd have been
But I didn't get lost cause I saw your light
Shining like a beacon on a cold dark night
Then sun came up and the skies turned blue
No I wouldn't have nothing if I didn't have you
Well I've already said it but I swear it's true
I know I wouldn't have nothing if I didn't have you
Jake, I wouldn't have "nothin'" if I didn't have you. You are my heart, my life, my reason for living. I love you more than life itself.
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