A New Year Brings New Adventures

As I look back on 2014 I have many emotions come back at once.

There have been times of challenge, like getting through grad school while working full time. There have been times of extreme heartache and heartbreak, like when my best friend's husband passed away unexpectedly.  There have been times that took my breath away, like seeing those 2 lines on the pregnancy test. And there have been times that reminded me of God's amazing love, like hearing Marisa's heartbeat for the first time.
2014 has brought great sorrow and great joy. It has been a true Rollercoaster ride.

As I look towards 2015, I look with excitement in my heart and a smile on my face. I know that it will come with its own set of challenges and adventures- times of sorrow and of joy. But, with 2015 comes the time when I see Marisa's sweet face for the first time and get to watch Milly and Shelby take on the roles of big sisters. What I'm most excited for is seeing Jake become a daddy to a two-legged. I know he will be amazing.

I want to take this time to thank all of my friends, family, and coworkers for their love and support in 2014. You have truly brought me so much joy.

Thank you especially to Jake and the MilShelb, the three that fill my heart and keep me going every day. You love me more than I deserve and I am forever greatful for your love.

Here's to another year and many more adventures!

Day 14 of 30 Day Challenge

Describe 5 strengths you have.

Well, I'm a pretty strong person... so, in no particular order...

1. I am good at teaching. I know how to teach and I love it!

2. Being a MilShelb Mom. They may be my weakness, but being their mom is my strength. I stand up for them, put them first, act as an advocate for them, and keep them safe. I'm a good MilShelb Mom.

3. Being a wife. I don't get it right all the time, but I think the fact that I'm still happily married after nearly 5 years says a lot. (Or maybe I just have a really good husband. Takes two, ya know.)

4. DIY skills. I'm a great DIYer. (Just don't ask the H. LOL!)

5. Finishing what I started. That's not a strength I see in many people these days. But, I am great at finishing what I start. No use in starting if you don't plan to finish.

Day 13 of 30 Day Challenge

Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

Ok, in no particular order:

1. Milly and Shelby. Those little dogs are my heartbeat at my feet. They can do no wrong (and even if they do, I'm still hooked and don't care). Their sweet brown eyes just melt my heart.

2. The H. Here's another who can do no wrong. Ok. That's not true. (Laugh with me here, folks.) But, he smiles his smile and it doesn't matter. He's my best friend and I love him.

3. Sour gummy worms. Yep. I said it. I love those things. I can eat myself sick on those.

4. People with "broken wings." This is a big one. I always end up feeling sorry for people I shouldn't feel sorry for and want to help them however I can.

5. The snooze button. I press that thing every single morning. Most of the time more than once. I have a weakness for sleep!

Day 12 of 30 Day Challenge

Describe a typical day in your life

This very thought cracks me up because teachers don't have "typical" days. The only thing typical about the life of a teacher is that it's not typical. 

But, I'll do my best.

5:00am- alarm goes off, hit snooze

5:09am- alarm goes off again, hit snooze again (my poor husband)

5:18am- possibly get out of bed

5:20am- shower, get dressed and ready for work

6:00am (if I'm lucky)- out the door

6:35am (if I'm lucky)- arrive at work

Fast forward a few hours through the not typical part

At some point I get home.

Play ball with Milly in the yard

Make dinner

Eat dinner

Watch tv

Pick clothes for next day

Bed around 8:30

Phew!

Day 11 of 30 Day Challenge

Describe a few of your pet peeves. 

Well, I have to say that I have some pet peeves... Quite a few of them!

I cannot stand for people to sniffle. Seriously?! BLOW your nose!!

It drives me crazy when grown adults write the wrong "there, their, or they're." Really, it's basic emelentary grammar, folks ! 

Whining is absolutely not tolerated. I cannot take whining. Especially from adults.

My number one pet peeve is probably when people make excuses for their behavior or choices. Just own it already. As my mother says, "they've got the same 24 hours in their day that I've got in mine."

I could go on... But I think I'll start to sound like a psycho! Lol! 

Popcorn Be Gone!

The H and I have talked for years about getting rid of the popcorn ceilings in our house. We hate them. They're dated, ugly, and ( let's face it) you can't clean them! 

So today I decided to try my hand at popcorn removal. I've looked at YouTube videos and blogs by other DIYers and I figured if they can do it so can I. 

They warn you it's messy, so I put trash bags over the counter and toilet. 

It did no good. I didn't tape, though. I should have taped. Oh well. Live and learn. 

It's a tiny half bath. Here's part of it before. 

And the other part before. 

Hers the tools I used: 

A step ladder (I'm only 5 ft 1), a bottle of water and vinegar, and a scrapey tool I grabbed from the garage. 

About half way through the scraping process...

All done with the scraping process! If you get this stuff really good and wet it just comes right off. But a warning- the goopier it is, the more it sticks to the floor.

What a mess I had on my hands (and hair, shorts, shirt, face, floor, walls... You get the picture)!

That junk was everywhere!! 

So I swept it up.

And then washed the ceiling, walls, counter, toilet, fixtures, and floor.

I am really proud of myself and can't wait to paint! Might even get to that tomorrow! 

Day 9 of 30 Day Challenge

Day 9- What defines you?

I am defined by many things. I am defined by the people who love me. I am defined by the job I do. I am defined by the words that come out of mouth. I am defined by my actions and reactions. I am defined by the things I allow to be a part of my life. I am defined by the choices I make. I am defined by my love for God. I am defined by His unfailing love for me.