Remembering 2014

While we're never to dwell on the past it's the past that makes us what we are... that is why I think it's so important each year to look back and remember. Remember the good and the bad, the hardtimes and the joys, laughter and the tears because each of those make us into what we are today.

We had endings and new beginnings,, weddings and deaths, grow in age, stage, spirit, and life in general.  With each passing year, I'm amazed at how life changes. My children continue to get older while I remain ageless (amazing how that is!). I feel as if I change daily... I am far less tolerant (which is very scary), I don't let silly things bother me anymore though, I am far less adventurous (which is hard to believe because I'm not the adventure seeker in the first place), and I'm learning a lot about myself

So without further adoo.. I give you 2014...

                                                         

               Season#1 with Carmel Pups travel baseball... such a great group of kids and parents; struggled in the wins department, but they were a great team filled with laughter regardless! 

                                                 

                                   Cincinatti Reds!! Always up for a trip to cheer on the Reds! 

                                                   

                           New beginnings when my cousin Zach married his beautiful bride, Fumika at my

  parent's farm.  It was beautifu in so many ways.  Crazy to think that my cousins are so much younger     than I am, but so neat to have been there and am able to enjoy it all now. 

                                             

Family pictures! Are you kidding? It's been 3 years since we were subjected to family pictures?! Ugh, I can't believe I'm doing this again, but our buddy Mike is so good that he can shave off pounds, add smiles to our faces and create children that can stand beside one another without killler each other.  

I can't believe that I have a child that's a sophomore in high school and a fifth grader that's going to be going into middle school soon.  Cole is ready to drive and I'm afraid there's not enough alcohol in the world for this mom to to accept that he's growing up this quickly!

We weren't anle to make it to Georgia during the summer, but we made a trip down in December to celebrate Christmas and hug on the cousins.

                                                            

As the year winds down, I think of all the amazing things we've been able to do and all the things we've been able to share.  As I said, there have been tears and joys, deaths and new life, but through it alll we know that God is present in our lives and we're blessed beyond what we deserve.  So as we bid farewell to 2014 I say thank you Lord for all that we've learned, thank you for those we've loved and those we've lost and continue to bless us in 2015! 

 

Where you are on purpose...

Have you ever wondered how you got to where you are today? Why have you dealt with the pain that you've had? Why have you been blessed with so much? Where did the strength, courage, wisdom come from?  Where  did the fear and worry come from?

       And the Lord said, " I know the plans I made for you.  Plans to prosper you      and not to harm you, plans for a future."

I've done a lot of thinking recently...thinking about life, what happens and why it happens.  I know that God is in control of my life and I know that he always has my best interest at heart, but I must admit that there are times when I simply wonder if he knows what he's doing.  On those days when it seems I have a storm cloud hanging over my head, days when the pain seems to be too much to bare, those days when I have lost all faith in myself and everyone around me. It's those days when I need Him closer to my side, sticking to me like glue and holding me tight.  It's those days that I realize how important it is to be in the Word and to trust him with everything I have in me.  It's those days that I realize being human without God is horrible miserable impossible!!

                                   

So it is these times when I realize how important it is to be in the Word, pray without ceasing, clothe ourselves in righteousness and surrround ourselves with brothers and sisters in Christ.  

Dear Heavenly Father, you are worthy to be praised and adored.  It is from you and because of you that I have received everything that I have.  I pray, Lord Jesus, that you will continue to wrap your loving arms around me.  Continue to walk beside me and continue to carry me when I stumble.  Lord Jesus, forgive me for all those times I've neglected you and all the times I turn from you when I know what I should be doing. 

Father Jesus, please open my eyes that I might see your beauty all around me.  Open my ears that I might here your gentle whisper in all that I do.  Open my heart that I might be willing to love, honor and obey you all of my days.

Amen- 

       

Thankful, Grateful and Blessed

'Why is it that it takes the month of November for many of us to sit back and truly be thankful for all the blesssings that we've been given?! I try to not take things for granted and acknowlege my blesssings all year long, but in the month of November I challenge my friends, family and self to find one thing each day that we are thankful for.  Really lets you see how blessed you are...

Thankful Day1: my boys! While there are days when they drive me absolutely out of my mind, I more often grateful that I have 2 healthy boys. I have been blessed with two healthy (and mostly) happy boys with which to love, support, encourage and shape.  I pray that I'm doing a decent job!

                                                  

Thankful Day2: my husband! Since November 2nd is his birthday, I guess it's the ideal day to be gratefull for him. After 18years of marriage he's still here enouraging me, putting up with me, helping with laundry and dishes and saying "I Love You"! Wow, lucky me...

                                                        

Thankful Day3: my job and co-workers! Most of us will have multiple jobs and bossess in our lifetime... some we will like and some that we will... NOT.  I am  so fortunate to work with a group of peole that are dedicated to bettering themseves, the children they come into conntact with andd the people they work with.  I work with educators that consider one another family and in an elementary that is a true blessing!

Thankful Day4: heat! I know it sounds silly, but as the temperatures begin to drop and the north winds begin to blow, I can't help but be so thankful that I have a warm car, a toasty home and clothes that keep me warm inside and out...this is not the case for many. I try to be mindful of the cold and those that don't have everything that I have to keep themselves warm and safe.  

Thankful Day5: my parents! Yes, God knows exactly what he's doing when he choses the people to be our parents.  I am so fortunate to have parents that have always and continue to love and support me, teach and encourage me, laugh and cry with me... God is Good! I am blessed to have an example like them.

Thankful Day6: my own health! I know so many people; family and friends, that struggle with constant illness or worse, but I am blessed with a healthy life.  I could lose some weight and drink less wine, but we all have those kinds of things we wish we could change, right?! :) 

Thankful Day7: CoCo kitty! Last October this beautiful little black fluffball was found in a dumpster at only 2 weeks old and I fell in love.  Even though Jake strongly dislikes cats he let me nurse this little boy back to health, bottle feed him and hold him everyday while we all fell in love with him.   He  loves us andd Dallas and the feeling is totally mutual.  

                                                        

  

Thankful Day8: my friends! Thank you, Lord for putting people in my life that I need! I am so fortunate to have friends that laugh and cry with me, love and reprimand me, act crazy with me and love me when I'm crazy.  I can't imagine what my life would be without some of you...

Thankful Day9: weekends! While I love my work and he people I work with, it wears me out.  I love that I can have the weekend to rejuvinate myself and go back on Monday ready to take on another week!

Thankful Day10: Starbucks! No I'm not being smarty pants and I'm not trying to be funny... Monday mornings come around and I'm not always certain tha I can do this... pumpkin spice lattes in the fall and peppermint mochas in the winter give me that boost that I need to push on through :)

                                                      

Thankful Day11: military! I am eternally grateful to the men and women that have and continue to make it possible for me to rest each night without fear.  Freedom is NOT free and for years there have been brave souls willling to sacrifice for me... 

                                          

Thankful Day12: my grandma D! I have been blessed with an amazing grandmother that has taught me so much. Being the oldest grandchild, I feel like I have a relationship with her that goes beyond the rest and I know that I've been fortunate to learn so much from the woman that helped shape my mother, who helped shape me... thank goodness myy boys are getting to know her too!

Thankful Day13: books! While I was working on finishing my new teaching degees, I didn't have the time to readd for fun and I MISSED it dearly.  I love the ability to just disappear into another world... to forget all the worries and troubles of the day.  

                                                      

       

Thankful Day14: prayer! The ability to share my burdens with my Heavenly Father, to thank Him for all the blessings and lessons and to know that there is someone always there for me.  There is so much in this life that I can't image walking through wiithout prayer...

Thankful Day15: wine! This is not meant to be funny nor is it meant to say that I can't survive without it, but after a long long day at work sometimes the best thing in life is to curl up in my comfy chair with a nice glass of Chardonnay.

Thankful Day16: Natalie Grant! I know it sounds silly, but tonight I was lucky enough to get to go to her concert at church and it was just the worship that I needed.  I'm grateful that God uses people like her to reach, heal, teach and bring to worship our Lord.  Amen Sista!

Thankful Day17:  faith! This last week was an amazingly painful one for a dear family who was holding their 7month old son while he struggled to survive another day.  Without their faith they might have been crushed, without their faith they might believe their son was doomed, and without faith those that love them might feel lost, but because of faith they know they'll see him again, they know he's now healed and they know they'll make it through this pain they're feeling.

Thankful Day18: my students! It never ceases to amaze me that I'm supposed to be the teacher and yet it's those little kiddos that constantly teach me; patience, compassion, tolerance, love, determination and so much more.  

Thankful Day19: freedom! The freedom to love my God, the freedom to make my own choices, the freedom of speech, the freedom to love and be loved.  Freedom is so easily taken for granted...

Thankful Day20: Dallas! He's the best dog anyone could ever ask for and he's given us as much as we've given him.  Knowing that there's always someone to greet me when I come dragging myself through the door, someone that loves me when I don't love me and someone to hug me when I'm unhuggable.

                                                        

Thankful Day21: creativity! While I didn't always realize that it was a blessing to be a creative kind of person, I always knew I enjoyed it.  As I get older, I see that it's not a talent that everyone posseses and I also see that it's a way to relax and de-stress.

Thankful Day22: health... of myself and m loved ones.  It is so easy to take for granted that we havve healthy children, are healthy ourselves, have parents and grandparents and even great grandparents that are all healthy and happy. God Bless us ...

Thankful Day23: music! when the world seems to be falling apart, when we're ontop of a mountain, when we're alone or with friends music is something that can fill our hearts and minds and take us to the greatest place here on earth.  There have been so many times in my life that music has been the key that healed or comforted me like nothing else could.  It's often the simple things that make such a huge difference.

Thankful Day24: Thanksgiving! A day that forces us to remember. A day that forces us to be grateful. A day that brings us together with family both near and far to eat, laugh, hang out and just spend the day enjoying life!

Wow, there is so much to be thankful for this year and every other year.  I hate that it's often only once a year that we truly sit down and remember all the blessiings in our lives, but I'm grateful that we take the time at least this November.  

Bless and be Blessed...

Fall Frenzy

When  there's a crispness in the air and the leaves begin to turn to a beautiful shade of red and orange, I'm in heaven... I love it when we can wear a sweatshirt and curl up under a blanket at the football game.

                                          

When you're a teacher, there's also a special time in the fall... FALLL BREAK! This year it works out that I'm on break at a different time then my boys which means that I get two days all to myself.  Or so I thought.  For my first day of break I had intended to do absolutely nothing... relax, take a bath, and do nothing worthwhile, but it seems that other people had other plans for me.  I started my morning by tutoring one of my freshman students at 9am (which meant I had to be awake and clean- 1st thing that I had not planned on that early).  Then I knew that the laundry was getting out of control so it shouldn't be to hard to start a load or two, right?!  As the laundry was rolling around in the machine I got a call from my dad that was going to create even more unexpected work for me.  Yes, I answered the call anyway.  So next I'm cleaning all of my carpets because my parents rented a carpet cleaner and only need it for 1hr out of the 24hour rental...

                                            WORK, WORK, WORK over my fall break!

                                        

                                Well that was day 1, but I vowed that day 2 would be better!

So my plan for day 2 was going to be RELAX, RELAX, and more RELAX!  The morning started with some coffee and The Today Show followed by Grey's Anatomy that was saved from two nights earlier. HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH!  This is what I had planned for fall break.  Next a nice, long, HOT shower followed by a little more relaxation (I didn't want to wear myself out too quickly).  So I did plan on doing something productive today so I cut some wood, did a little sanding and even a little painting.

So what I thought might wind up as a bummer of a break has ended up as a positive... productive and beneficial.  Tomorrow is family picture day and that's a whole other can of ugly...

   

Monday morning motivation

I know that for many of us, Monday Mornings are a rough start to the week... but they keep on coming! That's why I came up with the Monday Morning Motivation so that I am assured to start the week off in the right frame of mind.  So grab your favorite cup of coffee and a comfy seat and join me for the Monday Morning motivator...

On this cold and dreary Monday morning in Indiana, I'm finding it very hard to be motivated. Of course I got up, got dressed and even made it to work on time, but I'm still not feeling productive.

Do you ever have those days?! You know what I mean...the kind where you simply don't want to do anything at all?!  How do you get yourself going? Share your tricks because today I'm failing... EPIC fail as my boys would say.

Monday Morning Motivation

                                                          

I know that for many of us, Monday Mornings are a rough start to the week... but they keep on coming! That's why I came up with the Monday Morning Motivation so that I am assured to start the week off in the right frame of mind.  So grab your favorite cup of coffee and a comfy seat and join me for the Monday Morning motivator...

It seems that with age comes many new things... wrinkles, added weight, more responsibilities, menopause etc, but fortunately, the saying is correct that with age comes wisdom.  Wisdom comes from experiences; knowledge from growth, successes, failures, pain and joys.  I'm not sure what brought it on, but this weekend had me thinking about the wisdom I've gained over the past few years. As I approach another birthday, I realize that I continually change... grow and mature.  I am slower to anger (most of the time), slower to get emotional and slower to act before thinking.  

                                               

I am proud of the person that I've been in my youth, but I feel better about who I am as I age.  Not because I'm embarrassed of things I've done or because I regret choices I've made but because I've learned so much from the life I've lived so far... I hope to keep learning, to keep growing and to keep gaining wisdom each and every day.

Lord, help me to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Monday Morning Motivation

                                                        

I know that for many of us, Monday Mornings are a rough start to the week... but they keep on coming! That's why I came up with the Monday Morning Motivation so that I am assured to start the week off in the right frame of mind.  So grab your favorite cup of coffee and a comfy seat and join me for the Monday Morning motivator...

Unfortunately, last week was a bit challenging... the kids were more unruly than normal and work was extremely challenging which made it very difficult t keep a positive attitude. I've decided that I need to think of a few of my favorite things (Thanks Maria ;)  Lets hope that this will help me readjust:

                                         1.

Fall.. my favorite season! Crispness in the air, changing colors and hoodie sweatshirts.

                                           2.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes! Mmm Mmm good! Pumpkin anything.

                                     3.      

My adorable CoCo kitty! Saved from a dumpster at 2weeks old he's almost 1yr and I LOVE him!

                                   4.        

                                                   I'm sorry but if Adam doesn't make you happy...

                                                             5

                                       There is always something beautiful... just look around

So for this week, I'm going to try and focus on the positive side of things.  To try and think happy thoughts, remember a few of my favorite things... and most importantly PRAY without ceasing!  How about you try it too...

Groundhog Day...

                                            

Do you ever have a week that feel like you're trapped inside the movie Groundhog Day?! The last two weeks have been that way for me.  I can't seem to wake up and break out of this mayhem that I call my life.  Don't get me wrong - it's not a total disaster and there are moments that seem to work, but ultimately it feels like the full moon is staying out all month.

What do you do when you feel like things are spinning out of control?  When you feel like you're living in Groundhog Day is there a way you get out?

Fall is finally here

I love the sunshine, flip flops on my feet and bronze colored skin, but I must admit that when autumn comes around I get a bigger smile on my face.  There's a crispness in the air, Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks, jeans with a comfy hoodie (and still flip fllops) and the leaves that begin to look like a rainbow.

God is so good!  He knows that I need that little bit of beauty to remind me that he's still here... that masterpiece of red, orange and yellow to shoow me he's still in charge.  yep, God is Good!

What does fall mean to you? Are there traditions that keep you yearning for the change in seasons?

Yes, I think of pumpkins and apple orchards, football and tailgaiting, but I also think of those things I'm grateful for.  Thanksgiving.  Being grateful! Why is it that fall makes me think of this more than any other time?  Well at leaast I'm thinking!

Today I'm thinking of the list of things I'm thankful for... 

*friends and family   *health   *a home with more than I need inside   * job that I love   *mother and father that are still there whenever I need them  *two boys that are healthy and happy    

The list could go on and on and on, but I'm going to start here and keep smiling while the leaves change, while the apples fall from the trees, friends huddle next to the bonfire and we watch footbal every weekend! 

Patriot Shootout-Indiana

                                                   

The time we've been waiting for has finally come! Patriot Shootout-Indiana has worked so hard to get to this weekend and what an amazing success it was! I am so proud that I could be a part of this event and support Folds of Honor and the great mission that have! 

Did you know that only 1/2 of 1% of our population is in the military? That small amount of men and women allow the other 99% of us to rest easily each night knowing that we're protected and someone else is watching over.  This is just one reason why we support the Folds of Honor!

Friday night was the Gala at The Columbia Club in downtown Indiana and the turnout was amazing!! The room was filled with people helping people.  Stories of loss and pain then covered in a blanket of love from those around.  This is why I'm proud to be an American!

                                                      

Then Saturday was off to the course... FORE! The Legends Golf Course in Franklin, Indiana has been the home of the first 2 Patriot Shootout events here in Indiana and what a blessing it's been.  Men and women of our military together with men and women that love and support join together for a fun round of golf and competition to raise money for the Folds.

                                              

At the end of the weekend, I was exhausted... but in a good way! Money was raised, friends were made and lives were changed! That's what we meant to do... SUCCESS! The need doesn't go away after this weekend though.  All year long there are miltiary families that experience loss and children of those parents that are left with a hole in their hearts.  Folds of Honor works hard all year long to take care of these families, to provide for these children and show love and gratitude for the sacrifice.

Please continue to follow me in this mission... Folds of Honor!

Times Up...

Gone are the carefree days with no requirements, no time constaints, and no one telling us what to do... it's back to school!

                                          

There's a part of me that is thrilled elated excited  ready for school to start, but there's a very small, itty bitty, teeny weeny part of me that says "You've got to be kidding? Already?"  The part that's ready desperately desires structure and routine ( you guessed it, that's all me and not really my kids- or so they think).  It's nice to have carefree days where we can do whatever we want whenever we want, but the boys need some routine that summer just doesn't seem to bring. 

That other part of me... the teeny weeny part, that can't believe it's time to go back is the part that knows I didn't get all the items on my summer to-do list done.  Oh I had so many goals... so many plans... so many aspirations... and so few of them got done :(.  Can I blame my boys? It was all those baseball games! The golf lessons and matches! The constant cooking and cleaning! NOPE!! Those things were awesome- far more important (except the cooking and cleaning part and we all know I really didn't do much of that anyway.)

Honestly the most exhausting  stressful part of summer was the fact that I didn't have a job lined up for the fall.  I am so proud of what I did to finish my teaching license, but the scary part is knowing that now I really must find a "real" job. Time to beat the streets, sell myself, and find a job! Not an easy task... Just about the time I thought I had it all figured out, I didn't.  Fortunately, for me I have an amazing friend that continually reminds me to hang in there! I don't know what I'd do without Janine (ok, I  probably would drink WAY too much, complain WAY too much and feel WAY too sorry for myself).  Thank you Janine for saving everyone from ME!

Just about the time that I've given up, God sends me an angel.  A principal friend that says "If you want a job, you've got it at my school!"  Have you ever gone from panic and worry to totally elated in a matter of seconds?! That's what happened to me! Thank you, God for always knowing what I need and when... even though I think I do and clearly don't!

So next week it's

                                       

for most of my house.  It's back to routine, back to schedules, back to reality for 75% of my house.  Lord help us to get up early, dress in normal clothes and speak in civil tones to those we see before 9am.  

Monday Morning Motivation

                                                         

I know that for many of us, Monday Mornings are a rough start to the week... but they keep on coming! That's why I came up with the Monday Morning Motivation so that I am assured to start the week off in the right frame of mind.  So grab your favorite cup of coffee and a comfy seat and join me for the Monday Morning motivator...

                                                    

                                               This cup may not even be large enough for today! 

If you've read my blog at all you know that I've been a busy woman over the past few years... went back to school and got a dual license in Elementary Education and Special Education as well as started my own little business call Repurposed with A Purpose.  Both of these things have been a joy and a headache challenge at times.  Well right now the teaching thing is giving me the most stress.  Unfortunately, I know lots of great people looking to get a classroom to call their own and there just don't seem to be enough classrooms for all of us :(.  My girlfriend who also teaches has told me repeatedly "Don't stress out, they hire even after schoool starts" but in my mind I'm hearing ... "you spent a lot of time and money to get these degrees and you can't find a job?!"

I know, I know she's right and I'm wrong, but I'm just not a patient person.  So if you know a principal that is in need of a hard-working, punctual, determined, creative, super cool, super fun, super awesome teacher tell them to  give me a call...ASAP!

Until then, I'm going to continue making some signs, building benches and tables, and relaxing by painting and creating...

Monday Morning Motivation

   

                                                    

I know that for many of us, Monday Mornings are a rough start to the week... but they keep on coming! That's why I came up with the Monday Morning Motivation so that I am assured to start the week off in the right frame of mind.  So grab your favorite cup of coffee and a comfy seat and join me for the Monday Morning motivator...

As we approach the 4th of July, I am thinking about Independence and what it takes to get that.  Most importantly, I am thinking of those men and women that have helped us gain that Independence.

                                        

I have been blessed to be friends with a beautiful military family that has a mission in life to help take care of others... military families in particular.  The Folds of Honor Foundation was founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 pilot, golf course owner, PGA Professional and USGA member. A Major in the Air National Guard and a decorated military aviator, Rooney has served three combat tours in Iraq. After returning from his second tour, Major Rooney witnessed a profound situation that drove him to create the Folds of Honor Foundation. The Folds of Honor is an organization that works to take care of military families that have had loss or injury due to their service.  Raising money to send children of fallen soldiers to school, help famillies keep their homes and try to carry  on a normal life after pain and tradgedy is just part of their mission.

I am s grateful that their is a way for me to be a part of this amazing journey!! Patriot Shoootout Indiana is a golf outing and gala used to raise money for the Folds of Honor.  There's an evening of dressing up, bidding on Silent Auction items and then listening to tear jerking stories of how this organization have helped so many families.  Next day raise more money by golfing! Winner of the Indiana Shootout gets to go to the Patriot Shootout in Oklahoma to golf at Dan Rooney's course with celebrities and men and women who serve or have served us proudly.  AMAZING EVENT! AMAZING ORGANIZATION!

Join me August 22, 2014 at The Columbia Club; Indianapolis,  IN for the gala and then 

  August 23, 2014 at The Legends golf course in Franklin, IN for The Patriot Shoootout Indiana

Monday Morning Motivation

I know that for many of us, Monday Mornings are a rough start to the week... but they keep on coming! That's why I came up with the Monday Morning Motivation so that I am assured to start the week off in the right frame of mind.  So grab your favorite cup of coffee and a comfy seat and join me for the Monday Morning motivator...

I would not have expected to be up and ready presentable  going at 9am on Monday morning during my summer break! Oh but alas, it comes down to my kids... they'd hate to be referred to as kids because with one teenage boy and one tween boy they somehow  think they're full grown men.  Anyway, this summer has been a busy one, but this mornning I'm choosing to be grateful that I have the summer to be with my boys.

When you're in the midst of raising young ones you can feel overwhelmed and exhausted, praying that this time would end, but be careful... it goes so da** dang incredibly fast! Because my oldest is getting ready to drive, I've had time recently to think back and realize that those days when I thought I'd never make  through simply flew by!  I coudn't see it then and still rush some days away with my 10 year old, but I also realize it goes so FAST that I have to remember to slow down and enjoy the moments as they happen.

With that all said, today's Monday Morning motivation is to slow down... take each day as it comes... smell the roses... make lemonade out of lemons and margaritas out of limes! Count to 10 when you think you can't handle the kids anymore because they'll be gone before we know it...

Summer Time is Fun Time

I love, love, love summer vacation! I love teaching and I love my kids at school, but this is a great time to relax, rejuvinate and refresh...

                                        

Or at least that's what I thought!! Heck no, this summer is crazy unbelievable   jam packed summer! It seems that the boys have got a personal chauffeur this summer because I am spending all of my time running, running, and running (OK, so it's actually driving since I do NOT run)  from one place to the next!

Jake and I are grateful that we're able to let the boys experience lots of different things, but I hate to say that he might have over done it this summer! It seems that both boys are doing the junior golf
program 2 days a week at the country club, the youngest is on the club's junior golf team which means weekly matching at various courses, both boys are playing in the Hamilton County Jr PGA


golf program with matches each week at various courses throughout Hamilton County and the
youngest is playing on a travel baseball team with practices and multi-day tournaments each week.
Yes, my schedule is a big full this summer....


We are going from one golf course...

                                                    

                                                   

to another...

                                                      

                                                   

And from one baseball diamond...

                                              

to another!

                                                     

But alas, I love summer break when I get to watch my boys grow and learn (even when they don't realize it's happening)! I get to see them experiment with new things, take on new adventures, and GROW GROW GROW!

Free at Last...

Yes, it has been a LONG time since I've been able to consistantly blog, but I'm FREE AT LAST so that's going to change!  Summer break has never felt so good.  This school year seemed like it was far more emotionally draining than years past so I can honestly say that I was more ready than ever!

                                          

As I sit here and sip my coffee, I have already made a list a mile long of things I want to do this summer- a sort of Summer Bucket List/To Do list.  Some of it is fun while some is more necessity; repainting rooms and clearing the clutter from my office :(  But I do know that the boys and I are going to be doing lots of golf and baseball and while they're golfing I'm going to be poolside!

On that note... get ready because there will be lots to talk about! Summer must read books, awesome projects from my other busines (www.facebook.com/repurposedwithpurpose) and then the regular summer time adventures.  Stay posted the jouurney is just beginning...

Monday Morning Motivation

I know that for many of us, Monday Mornings are a rough start to the week... but they keep on coming! That's why I came up with the Monday Morning Motivation so that I am assured to start the week off in the right frame of mind.  So grab your favorite cup of coffee and a comfy seat and join me for the Monday Morning motivator...

I cannot believe how long it has been. There is no question I have allowed busy to dictate my life... No more!!

Yes it is sad that it has taken the entire school year to realize that there are some things I simply must make priority... Family, me-time, rest and rejuvenation. So this Monday is the beginning a new me...

Is there something in your life that's holding you back? Is there something you should be spending more time doing? Someone you should be spending more time with? Decide today that you will no longer allow the craziness of your life to dictate what you do!

Today I am taking back my life and Monday will be the beginning of something beautiful...

Bring on spring...

With the official start of spring just a week away I am appalled  saddened to see piles of snow still covering the ground! I hate to whine and complain say it, but this winter has really wore me out.  My feet are crying for flip flops and my legs are begging for a different shade of white!!

You see, the boys and I have different Spring Break schedules this year (insert cheering and screaming ) and I have a HUGE list of things I hope to accomplish while I'm home alone.  I want to paint, go to the grocery ALONE, get a massage, organize my teaching materials by subject and theme, get a manicure and pedicure, restock my inventory for www.facebook.com/repurposedwithpurpose and maybe even enjoy some "girly" TV shows in peace 

and quiet.

None the less, this cold and miserable weather that we've had this winter has caused my husband to make an unexpected road trip vacation during my Spring Break.  Don't get me wrong, I NEED some sunshine and I do LOVE visiting the Georgia Bakers,  but what about MY plans?!  What about MY time?! MY list?! Well, MY list is gone and instead it's headed to Georgia for some much needed sunshine.

Incase you haven't heard me talk about it before, when we go to Georgia we go the Cannon Branch Farrms.  This is 1500 acres of pecan orchard that my brother in law runs for his wife's family.  They are the 5th generation to run this land and we're lucky enough to get to come play on it! We spend our time riding 4 wheelers and Polaris Rangers, hunting armadillos and other rodents, eating pecans from the ground and anything else our heart desires because the farm equals FREEDOM.  

My boys learned how to shoot a gun about a year ago (once I realized they were capable of holding it and not shooting me).  We enjoy taking target practice with barrels out in the orchards and then hunting destructive rodents and animals at night.  Did you know that an armadillo can single handedly knock a pecan tree down because it burrows under the trees? Those pesky possums and raccoons carry so many diseases and illnesses that we're not to fond of them either.  

Besides all the will games and hunts, there are the cousins.  My brother and sister in law have what we affectionately call a circus.  The oldest is a girl age 6, followed by a boy that's 4 and then lastly twin girls which are 2 years old.  It's crazy. Chaos.  FUN! Add our two boys and we have a wild party every single day we're together.  

So I didn't get my room painted or my nails done, and I didn't get to make some inventory for my little store or go to the grocery all alone, but I had a good Spring Break.  I was able to be with family. I was able to hear constant laughter. I was able to make memories that are far more valuable than MY list.