30 before 30

It just hit me that I will be turning 30 this year!  Instead of making a New Year's resolution, I decided to make a list of 30 things I want to accomplish before turning 30.  Now, I realize most people give themselves a full year to complete this, but I just decided on this a few days ago. My list inCludes some fun, some things to better myself , and doing things for others. So, here's my list...

30 before 30

1.  Run a 5k (no walking)

2.  Make elderberry syrup

3.  Stay in a hotel in downtown Ft. Worth

4.  Try cooking new vegetables

5.  Go ice skating

6.  Pay for someone's drink at Starbucks

7.  Go to Rahr brewery

8.  Try a local restaurant in Fort Worth

9.  Make a wreath for our door

10.  Throw a baby shower for my sister in law

11.  Read a classic

12.  Give blood (I've never been able to do this and have always wanted to)

13.  Send out 5 cards "just because"

14.  Read 4 adult books

15.  Get a massage once per month

16.  Donate to a children's hospital

17.  Get a facial

18.  Watch someone's kids for them so that they can go out

19.  Make healthy sweets

20.  Try Bountiful Baskets

21.  Spend the afternoon in downtown McKinney

22.  Meet Anthony for lunch at work

23.  Get dressed up and go out

24.  Go one week without spending any money

25.  Buy 2 champagne glasses (I realize ever New Years Eve we have none)

26.  Have a game night with Anthony

27.  Plant flowers

28.  Buy myself fresh flowers "just because"

29.  Go to the food truck park in Ft. Worth

30.  Make and deliver baked goods to someone to brighten their day

I plan to keep track of the things I accomplish and report back monthly!

Catching Up

Wow....it's hard to believe that the last time I blogged (before yesterday) we hadn't even moved into the house and we've been in for 8 months!

We are loving our house and the dogs are too.  Here are few pictures.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas (6 days late) and a Happy New Year!

We had an amazing Christmas celebrating with both sides of the family.  It is so great to live near family!  We are wrapping up 2013 playing Just Dance and spending some quality time just the two of us (yeah...we're lame!). I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a great 2014!

Building a House

Building a house is stressful. How is the stress? Isn't it stressful?

I heard all three of these as we told people we were building. I didn't get it. How could it be stressful? We went with a big name builder. We got to pick what we want. We didn't have to do the work. This would be easy. Or so I thought!

Fast forward to now. I am officially stressed! After March 31st we have no place to live if our house isn't done or we aren't able to close. Our bricks were back ordered for weeks. We have them now and they JUST went on the house. More than half the month, there haven't been any workers in our house. And now it's crunch time. Will they finish in time for the VA appraisal? Will the VA appraiser come at the beginning or end of the 2 week time frame (hoping for the end)? Will everything else work out?

I'm trying to trust and have faith that God has a plan and He will take care of us. Worst case scenario, we move into storage for a week or two and stay with family.

On a more positive note, here's what's going on with the house now.
1. Brick is on!
2. Cabinets are in.
3. Countertops are scheduled to be delivered tomorrow.
4. Tiling is scheduled to start Wednesday!

I know it will all be worth it in the end to have a house just how we want it. And I'm glad that's the case, because I'm never moving again!

Meet James

I am linking up with Kelly over at Kelly's Korner today for Singles Day. When I first saw that Kelly did a Singles Day, I passed on it because I just knew my brother would kill me. But after it passed, I wished that I had. When I saw she was doing it again, I HAD to do it. I called him and told him about and he was unsure. So, I told him about her successes and sent him the link. And he agreed!

All that to introduce to you, my brother, James.

James is 26 years old and was born and raised a Texas boy, but now lives and works in Washington, D.C. as a budget analyst. He is a compassionate, caring, humorous, God loving man.  He is laid back and likes to have fun. He likes to joke around and make people laugh, but can be serious if he needs to be. He enjoys playing softball and kickball in his free time.

James is the kind of guy that will do anything for those who are in his life. He is the kind of person that you can always count on and will always keep their word. He is a family guy and values his family. He is not just a brother to me, but also a true friend. He is great with kids. He was even asked by friends to be the godfather to their children. 

James (in the red jacket and shorts) with his best friend, friend's wife, and our Mom and Dad

James and I at a wedding

Enjoying the outdoors

Discouraged

Having taught in 3 different cities, I have had my share of interviews. I actually enjoy interviewing as I am very passionate about teaching and love to talk about it. Most schools asks the same types of questions and I've learned that I can tell a lot about a school from their questions.

One particular question stands out the most to me and it's one I'll never forget. It was was a week into the school year, they were desperate for another kinder teacher and I seriously wanted a teaching position. He asked, "do you get discouraged when you have to take a child to the office?" My response, "Yes." And we moved on. When I got ready to leave, he told me I shouldn't be discouraged by taking a child to the office. I smiled and nodded and I was very thankful when that principal called to say that they had gone another direction.

And that brings me to today. I am discouraged. I feel that it is my job to help each child be successful. I feel that if I have to write an office referral, I have done something wrong, too. Maybe I didn't try hard enough to find something to help that child. Maybe I didn't always show that child the love he/she needs from me. Maybe I am being t hard on them. Maybe I need to be even more patient. Maybe I can do more. I feel as if I have let the child down and the parent down. I feel as if I am the failure.

Maybe I will have a better grip on this when I am a parent and my kids are in school. What are your thoughts on kids going to the office?

House Update

As I mentioned in my last post, construction has begun on our new house. They poured the foundation December 7th. Since then, they have framed, covered the cram with boards, covered the roof and installed the windows! It is going really quick!

2012 In Review

I have done a terrible job at blogging this year, but it has been a year full of change. I want to take some time to recap the year because I enjoy looking back at things.

January-Gran was told her cancer had spread to her liver. She went home to be with our Lord on January 22nd.

April-Celebrated my 28th birthday. This was a hard birthday as I really missed my Gran.

May-threw my first baby shower for my good friend, Priscilla. I think we did a great job! I Interviewed for a 1st grade position with a district I really wanted to be a part of. Told those that I worked with that I probably would not be returning. That was hard.

June-Was officially offered and accepted the first grade position. Began packing up our apartment. Was on call for the birth of baby Owen. I was all ready to put on my big girl panties and support a good friend since her husband was away. My services were not needed.

July-Had my 4th sinus surgery. Helped one of my best friends welcome her husband home from overseas.

August-Loaded up our things and moved home. We had to say goodbye to some very good friends. I started my new job and loved it! We signed a contract on a house. It will be finished in March 2013!

September-Anthony moved home with me. We moved into our rental house. Anthony started his new job.

October-Helped throw a wedding shower for my cousin. October 6th was Anthony's last official day in the Air Force.

November-Celebrated Thanksgiving with Anthony's family. Went to my cousin's wedding in Arkansas.

December-the foundation was poured on our house and the building began. We had a white Christmas.

Newtown, CT

My heat aches for those in Newtown, Connecticut.  I ache for the parents, the students, the teachers and staff, and the community.  I cannot imagine what they are going through.

This hits very close too home for me, as it does most teachers.  Not only do I teach in an elementary school, I teach first grade. Those babies that were taken were first graders. I think of my students and the love for them. I just can't imagine being in that situation.  I can't imagine being in the shoes of Vicki Soto, the first grade teacher who died trying to protect her class.

As I got ready for school this morning, I prayed for those in Newtown.  I also prayed for all teachers returning to work today to students with new questions and fears. I prayed for strength, wisdom, and safety. Walking into the school was hard. As teachers, we hugged each other and discussed our feelings. And then those sweet babies came down the hall. I put on a brave face.  I hugged each of them tightly and told them how happy I was to see them. And the day went on. A grandmother came to eat lunch with her grandson. She is a retired teacher. She wanted to make sure and tell me she was thinking about me and that she knew it was hard. A few students asked questions, but I was very thankful that students felt that they were safe at school.

To those in Newtown, CT. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His arm around the community, the parents, students, and teachers.

Crazy

Life has been CRAZY!!!!

I moved back home the middle of August and started work right away.  I was lucky enough that I got to stay with family and didn't have to worry about that.  Anthony stayed for the rest of the month until his terminal leave started.  He joined me on the 30th.

School has been great, but just really busy.  It seems like I can never really get ahead.   I love the school I am at.  Everyone there is really nice.  It is very different in that parents are very involved. Mi get an email from a parent at least once a day.  It is really nice to just send an email instead of playing phone tag.

Once Anthony moved, it was time for us to find a place to live until our house is built.  We really didn't want to go back into an apartment with the 2 dogs.  At the same time though, we didnt want a whole house.  We looked around and didn't find anything.  Finally, we found a place online and went to check it out and it met our needs...More than one bedroom, a garage and a yard.  We filled out all the paperwork and moved our stuff in on the 15th.  Unfortunately, I completely skipped over turning on water, so we were not able to stay until the 17th.  We are all moved in and settled now.  We love the location.  There is so much nearby!

Anthony started his new job Monday.  It's lots of hours and very different than the life of a military firefighter, but I think he's going to like it.

Next weekend one of my best friends is coming to the area and I'm so excited to get to see her.  The weekend after that, I'm helping to host a wedding shower for my cousin.  After that, maybe I can rest a bit!

New Journey

This week, we have officially began a new journey in our life.  Saturday, we moved all of our stuff back home.  Monday, Anthony accepted a new job.  Wednesday, I signed a contract on our future house, and today, I officially started my new job.  Wow!  Just typing all of that overwhelms me!

Moving was exhausting.  I had been packing our things gradually over the summer (a perk of being a teacher).  So, that part of the move was pretty easy. And moving all of our stuff out was easy for me since 6 or 7 guys from the fire station came to help.  Unloading the 26 foot uhaul and getting everything to fit into the storage room...not so easy.  I was so thankful that one of my friends that I've known since I was three, and her husband, came to help.  We will never move ourselves again, even if we get paid to as we've learned there's a reason movers get paid so much!

Sunday, we drove around looking for houses for many hours. We didn't find anything we hadn't seen online and were about ready to give up when we found a new housing development in the area we wanted to be in.  We loved the features they offered and went in to talk to them.  We found a floor plan we loved and started pricing things and this house just felt like the right thing.  So, it looks like we will be homeowners in about 6 months!!!

Today was my first day.  It was what they call new teacher orientation.  It's always so intimidating going into a room with 200 people and not knowing anyone!  But, I met some new people and am reall excited about the year.  I've worked in my room a few days now and it's starting to come together. I can't wait until it is finished!

It may sound crazy, but as hectic as my life has been, I'm ready for school to start. I need that routine and normalcy again!

Design Star

I have a confession to make.  I'm addicted to HGTV.  I love just about every show on that channel and have spent most of my summer days with my TV turned to HGTV.

One that I've really enjoyed watching is Design Star.  There are 12 designers that compete against each other to have their own show.  Each week they have a challenge to decorate and then 1 or 2 of them are sent home. 

Well, it just so happened this year that there are three Texas designers.  And, one of those designers, Bex Hale, just so happens to live in the same town I do.  But that's not the exciting part.  Last week, when my mom was visiting and we were hitting up all Mom's favorite stores, we were in this great store downtown that has eclectric home furnishings.  Mom was admiring a piece when a familiar, red headed lady started talking to her about it.  It took a minute and then it registered...it was Bex Hale, it just had to be.  But, I wasn't going to say anything and embarass myself.  So, I waited until we got out of earshot and mentioned it to Mom.  So, Mom was brave and asked to take a picture and we visited for a bit.  She has such a great personality and was so friendly. 

Bex in her store, Relics.

But, the coolest part of all...she's a military wife!! 

Now, she was voted off the show on the 3rd or 4th show, but they also do a fan vote.  I am sure if they had played up the fact that she is a military spouse a bit more, she would be getting more votes.  As of Thursday, she was in 2nd place.  Wouldn't it be great to see a fellow military spouse win the fan vote?  You can help.  Go to HGTV's voting site and vote.  You can vote 10 times per day!

School's Out for the Summer

It's summer!  Actually, I have been done with school for almost 2 4 weeks!  (I started this post a while ago, but never finished it.)  So far, I have read one book, slept alot, and watched a lot of TV.  Real productive, huh?  So, I decided I needed a summer bucket list (actually, I saw the idea on Pinterest).  And where better to post that list that my blog? 
So, here's what I'm hoping to do/accomplish this summer:

~Read 4 books entirely for fun and 1 educational book.
~Get back to work out and stick with it. 
~Go to a Texas Rangers game.
~Enjoy a snowcone.
~Clean out and pack all closets.
~Spend a week at my parents.
~Have friends over and enjoy our last couple months here.
~Move into my new classroom.
~Sinus surger #4 (fun, huh?)
~Try out new recipes.
~Keep the flowers alive that I planted this spring. 

Not a real exciting list...I know.  But, I'm looking forward to most of it!  What are you looking forward to this summer?

Safe Cleaning

As we get ready to move, I have started cleaning our apartment.  We still have a couple months to go, but I figure I should start now to avoid late nights of cleaning later on.  Two things that I've spent hours on and just couldn't get clean were the shower and the stove top.  I hate the smell of the cleaners you usually buy for these things, especially being trapped in the bathroom with those fumes.  So, I began searching Pinterest and other online sites.



I started with the shower.  I came across a recipe of 1 part Dawn dish soap and 1part vinegar.  Perfect!  While vinegar doesn't smell great, it's not a toxic smell.  I mixed up 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of blue Dawn.  I sprayed it on the shower and let soak for about 2 hours.  I came back and scrubbed just a little with a sponge and it looked great!

 Next up, I decided to tackle the stove.  We have a gas stove and the top is white.  All around the burned was dirty (not really sure what it was).  Every time after I cook,  I spray it down with different clearners and scrub, but nothing seems to work.  I did some research and didn't find anything that I just loved.  I really didn't want to use amonia and deal with that smell.  So, I used what I knew.  I knew both Dawn and baking soda could be used in cleaning dishes, so I decided to try the combo.  I used about 1 part Dawn to 2 parts baking soda and then added water to get it the consistancy I wanted.  I used my finger to rub it on the stove, let it sit for about 10 minutes and then scrubbed with a sponge.  Almost all of the caked on "stuff" was gone!  I then wiped it down with a dry paper towel to avoid too much sudsing and then a wet paper towel.  I am really impressed with how it turned out.  It's not perfect, but it's 100% better.  I think I will try it again and let it set a little longer and then used a toothbrush to scrub.

I'm very pleased with the ways of cleaning without using harmful chemicals.  I don't want to be exposed to those chemicals, nor do I want my furbabies exposed!

What chemical free ways of cleaning have you found that work?

Change

"For I know the plans for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

This verse has been one of the most important verses in my life over the past few years.

Just over four years ago, Anthony told me he wanted to enlist in the Air Force. I remember that day quite well. It was my 24th birthday. I was devastated. We weren't even engaged and I was so scared I would lose him. But God had other plans.

Fast forward about a year. Anthony graduated tech school and I resigned from my teaching job early. As we moved to our new base, I began searching for a new teaching job. I prayed and prayed that I would find me the right job. School started and still no job.  It was a hard to keep faith during such a trying time, but I continued to trust that God had a plan.  Two weeks later I was hired to teach in a school with an amazing faculty. I couldn't have asked for more.

And that brings me to now. Anthony's time in the Air Force is up this fall. We are ready to be closer to our families. But again, that means more change.  Changes that we don't always have complete control of.  We both need new jobs.  And then we need a house.  It's hard not really knowing what will happen, where we will be and where we will live.  Will we both get jobs?  But, just when it gets overwhelming, I am taken back to the above verse.  God WILL take care of us.  It might not be what we want and when we want it.  We might have to struggle.  But those hard times, that struggling, is what makes us who we are.  So, I continue to trust Him that everything will pan out and we will be okay.

That being said, I have been offered a first grade position!  While I have taught first grade the past 2 years, this year will be different.  I will be working at a different time of school, as it is not in an economically disadvantaged area, like I am used to and love.  It will be a new experience, but I trust that He wants to me be there for a reason. 

Now, we need one more job and a house.  I can't wait to see what God has in store!

Baby Shower Brunch

My dear friend Priscilla is expecting a little boy next month.  Priscilla is one of those people that goes out of her way to do things for others.  My friend Donae and I wanted to return the favor by hosting a shower for her.  She didn't want anything big, so we decided on a brunch.  Neither of us had thrown a shower, so it was a new adventure for us both. 

We started scouring Pinterest months in advance to come up with some ideas.  I think it turned out great. 

Donae and I made this ribbon wreath to hang in Owen's room.

Our friend Aften wasn't able to come, but she sent this diaper cake.  It was so cute and such a relief to not have to attempt to make one.  Donae and I were quite concerned with how ours would turn out.

We kept the food pretty simple.  We had fruit and dip, donuts, muffins, sausage balls and sausage pinwheels. 

 Donae and I found this idea on pinterest.  It includes slippers, chocolate, face wipes, sanitizer, wisps, lotion, hair ties and other things that she will be able to use while in the hospital. 

 She got lots of goodies for Owen!  We had a great time hosting and everything turned out well.  So, I will mark this down as a success!  I can't think of a more deserving person to throw a shower for.  She is going to be such a great mommy to two! 

It's My Birthday,I'll Cry If I Want To

And cry I did.

It wasn't a bad birthday. I was showered with lots of love from friends, family and colleagues. My team at work celebrated with cupcakes. Anthony bought a cake and flowers and made dinner. I received tons of Facebook messages, texts and calls. My students sang happy birthday to me and showered me with drawings and hugs.

But it wasn't the same. There was no card from Gran. No singing phone call from Gran. No Gran.

I couldn't get past that. All day, my heart longed to hear from Gran again. And that's all I could focus on. I spent most of the day in a major funk and I took it out on poor Anthony.

And honestly, for the first time ever, I am glad my birthday is over. Today was a new day and my heart was a little lighter.

Adapting, Part 2

While life as a military wife hasn't been what I expected, I am so very grateful for what life has been like.

While it was a bit disappointing that military life hasn't even taken us out of the state of Texas, I am glad we have remained a short drive from family throughout these past years. We have lost 2 grandparents, a niece, and a dog. We were very lucky to be able to make the short drive to be with family during these times.

And while making friends was a bit challenging at first, we have made some amazing friends over the years. They are friends that have been there as we have lost loved ones and any time I am in need.

But most importantly, I have grown since we moved here. I have learned to be independent, as Anthony isn't always here. I have learned to deal with the yucky stuff like bugs and car problems, and the more serious harder stuff like cancer and death. I have learned to lean on my husband and to rely on him.

But most importantly, I have learned that I can and will get through it with God by my side.

Adapting

It has been three years since I left my job, my friends, and pretty much everything I knew and truly began living the life of a military wife.

It hasn't been anything like I expected. I expected that we would move across the country, or even to the other side of the world. I envisioned a very tight knit community of military. I thought making friends would be easy.

Instead, we moved a few hours away and didn't leave the state. While we are close with some of the families that Anthony works with, I wouldn't go as far as saying everyone is tight knit. And making friends took a long time and wasn't easy. We all live different lives with different schedules. We don't get together very often as a group. And it's hard to make plans when your husband works every other day.

While it wasn't exactly what I expected, and it has been a hard 3 years, these three years have been three of the most important years of our lives full of memories and new friends!

For those of you that are military wives, was it what you expected?

Spring Break 2012

Spring break is officially underway! 

I have been counting down the days until this week finally arrived.  I really needed the break.  I'm not going anywhere or doing anything exciting. 

So far, Mom and Dad have come into town for the weekend.  Mom and I did lots of shopping.  I tried out several new recipes.  We did lots of visiting.  And the puppies did a lot of playing.

Speaking of recipes, you should try these cilantro lime tilapia tacos.  And on that note, I am completely in love with skinnytaste.com.  She has so many amazing looking recipes!



I also made these AMAZING Rolo chocolate chip cookies.  We have eaten 3/4 of the cookies already.  They are a bit time consuming, so don't make them if you are in a hurry.  But, they are definately worth the effort!

The rest of spring break consists of crossing things off my amazingly fun to do list and St. Patty's Day party on Saturday.  What are you up to this week?