Well, our pastor asked me and Brandon, last night, what some of our goals were for 2012. I have to admit at first, I couldn't think of any. It was like the blank stare. Then we started naming some of the goals we have for our lives as a family. We want to build a home this spring and start really thinking about having kids. We also discussed how we want to get back to the heart of praying for and with one another daily. We're really good at this when we ride to school together, that's our time to do that, but we're not so good at prioritizing it when we're at home sleeping till 9 and hanging out all day. You'd think - you have more time to spend with the Lord - but somehow we're distracted. We need to work on that.
I also talked a little about discipleship. How I want to grow more with the person discipling me and the group that I'm growing with and also to start pouring into other girls. Discipleship is an amazing thing that I honestly was clueless about until a couple years ago. It's just chasing after the Lord by learning from the people who have done it before you. It's really less about the people and more about being Christlike. Yet, it still matters, the people you're pulling from, because they've got to be chasing after the Lord and growing and praying for how to lead you to closer to Christ. I am so thankful for those relationships and want to continue to invest more in them this year.
So we kept talking and kind of got on another subject, but I kept thinking of the goals I have for this year, especially spiritually, and it really kept coming back to me, that I want the presence. I want the presence in my personal quiet time and worship and I want the presence on my ministry team - whether we're practicing, or praying, or ministering through worship - and I want the presence in my church - from the moment people walk in to the door - and I want the presence to flow through every family in that house. It's so true that when you have a taste of something - you can never forget it and always want more. I have tasted being in the presence and I really want to chase after it and seek it in 2012 like never before. It's not like God doesn't want us to have it and it's not like it's something you just get sometimes and don't get sometimes. It's just a heart matter I think. As an individual, and as the whole body, we have to be spending daily quality time with Him, reading His word and seeking His will for every situation. It's not like He's going to show up in His fullness once a week when we sit down to pray and worship and then leave for the rest of the week, we have to be ready to get close with Him and carry that with us all the time. I'm ready for that. I'm ready to know Him on such a deeper level. I never want to get to the point where I think I've gone far enough. Because Jesus has always gone farther and I want that kind of close relationship with God, where everything that I say is what He would say and everything I do, would be what He would do. But starting with bite-size pieces, I want a daily, committed time of worship and learning from the Word. I want it prioritized and not cut short.
So these are some of our goals for 2012.....
husband & wife, mommy & daddy, musicians, travelers, lovers, friends. we are young and in love and on an adventure to live life to its fullest!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Better Late than Never
I can't believe it's already the end of 2011. I also can't believe my last post was in July, right after I got my job. A lot has happened since then and I can't think of hardly any of it that has been bad. Brandon and I are both teachers now and have had a successful first half of our first year. I've heard from lots of other people that the first year is the hardest and you might cry a lot and be stressed out but you'll make it through. I honestly think I may have cried once this whole year and really haven't been that overwhelmed. I love my kids, I love my kids' parents and I love my school. Everyone has been so supportive and it has been amazingly easy for me to get in the groove. I think I must attribute it to my school and the county I work in. It's the best possible place to be and I'm so thankful to get to pour into my kids' lives each day. They are the best.
On a different note, Brandon and I had a WONDERFUL Christmas. I was so thankful that we really got to see all of the different parts of our family. We got to spend time with both of Brandon's grandparents and extended family in Parkton and Hope Mills and then we came back home to celebrate with my parents and grandpa. Sadly, my mom's side of the family didn't make it up but we will hopefully get to see them at the end of the week. Overall, we love being with our family and eating all the great food!! :)
Another new thing in my life.... my friend Heidi and I have started doing photography. No, we are not professionals yet, but we are learning and taking lots of pictures and I think they have turned out really great so far. It's only going up from here! We've all got to start somewhere. Check out our photography blog here. We've recently done a maternity shoot and a wedding and I can't wait to post those pics! :)
So. That is all for now. I just wanted to update. Thanks to those of you who have reminded us that we need to post. It's fun to think that people read our blog. Hope you all have a relaxing week between Christmas and New Year. We have the whole week off and are going to live it up!!
Love.
On a different note, Brandon and I had a WONDERFUL Christmas. I was so thankful that we really got to see all of the different parts of our family. We got to spend time with both of Brandon's grandparents and extended family in Parkton and Hope Mills and then we came back home to celebrate with my parents and grandpa. Sadly, my mom's side of the family didn't make it up but we will hopefully get to see them at the end of the week. Overall, we love being with our family and eating all the great food!! :)
Another new thing in my life.... my friend Heidi and I have started doing photography. No, we are not professionals yet, but we are learning and taking lots of pictures and I think they have turned out really great so far. It's only going up from here! We've all got to start somewhere. Check out our photography blog here. We've recently done a maternity shoot and a wedding and I can't wait to post those pics! :)
So. That is all for now. I just wanted to update. Thanks to those of you who have reminded us that we need to post. It's fun to think that people read our blog. Hope you all have a relaxing week between Christmas and New Year. We have the whole week off and are going to live it up!!
Love.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The longest, best week
I don't think I can even describe all that has happened this week. It really feels like it has been a month since Monday rather than a week. Last week at this time I was preparing for my interview for Blowing Rock and trying to get lots of sleep after coming home from a busy wedding/beach weekend. My interview was at 10:10 the next morning and at about 3:00 that afternoon I was offered a year-long interim position as a 3rd grade teacher at Blowing Rock! Hallelujah!! What an amazing answer to prayer.
God definitely knew what He was doing. I honestly had trouble believing I would be smart enough to teach 3rd graders but now I'm getting more and more excited about the upcoming year. It's still really scary but I know that I can do ALL things through Christ!!
My husband also has a job at the same school as the middle school band and strings teacher and two more of my friends got jobs!! (Martha got 4th grade at Blowing Rock and my friend Danielle will be teaching either 3rd, 4th, or 6th in Jacksonville, NC)
Since Monday I've spent as much time as possible in my own classroom rearranging and trying to get organized. I've also helped my friend Christi paint her kindergarten classroom, went to watch my dad play bluegrass at Carolina Barbeque, and went to the Dierks Bentley concert. Oh and did I mention that I worked almost 40 hours at Hound Ears on top of all that? I guess that explains my "month-long" week.
This week I am looking forward to seeing my very-missed friend Kira Cardwell and getting in my classroom to do some more work. I'm so thankful for my teacher friends who have already given me ideas and are going to be helping me this week! Can I just say "THANK YOU JESUS!!!" I'm so excited. :)
On a different note. I just have to say again how wonderful my husband is. This has been an exhausting week for me and I haven't always been the most cheery person to be around. I'm so thankful that he still loves me and does his best to make things better when I'm feeling down or frustrated. I came home tonight to clean laundry. That just about says it all.
God definitely knew what He was doing. I honestly had trouble believing I would be smart enough to teach 3rd graders but now I'm getting more and more excited about the upcoming year. It's still really scary but I know that I can do ALL things through Christ!!
My husband also has a job at the same school as the middle school band and strings teacher and two more of my friends got jobs!! (Martha got 4th grade at Blowing Rock and my friend Danielle will be teaching either 3rd, 4th, or 6th in Jacksonville, NC)
Since Monday I've spent as much time as possible in my own classroom rearranging and trying to get organized. I've also helped my friend Christi paint her kindergarten classroom, went to watch my dad play bluegrass at Carolina Barbeque, and went to the Dierks Bentley concert. Oh and did I mention that I worked almost 40 hours at Hound Ears on top of all that? I guess that explains my "month-long" week.
This week I am looking forward to seeing my very-missed friend Kira Cardwell and getting in my classroom to do some more work. I'm so thankful for my teacher friends who have already given me ideas and are going to be helping me this week! Can I just say "THANK YOU JESUS!!!" I'm so excited. :)
On a different note. I just have to say again how wonderful my husband is. This has been an exhausting week for me and I haven't always been the most cheery person to be around. I'm so thankful that he still loves me and does his best to make things better when I'm feeling down or frustrated. I came home tonight to clean laundry. That just about says it all.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A lot can happen in less than a week
So my emotions have been a little up and down since my last post the day before my birthday! Looking back on my confidence and excitement last Thursday, it's hard for me to be so sure of my comment about "not being depressed if I don't get the job." Ok, that's a little dramatic. I admit it. I'm DEFINITELY not depressed. I actually found out that my amazing friend Christi Mercer DID get one of the jobs. It was totally God's timing and I'm so excited that she's about to live out her dream!! But let's get real, it's hard to hear a no when you want a yes. I'll be the first to admit it.
These past few days I've started to realize that sometimes you just have to do the acting until your heart catches up. I'm not talking about being fake, but there are certain things that God calls us to do that sometimes you just don't feel like doing. Like God calls us to worship and to believe that He works all things for our good. Just being honest, but for me, it was really hard for me to be ready to believe that God is going to work something out when I had just been believing as hard as I could that He was going to work the last thing out. I know they say that your faith isn't tested until you go through the hard stuff but I've been learning what it really means to activate that. It's way harder to believe you're going to get a job when you've just been told no. And it's also hard to worship and retain your joy in your salvation when you're bummed that your good enough wasn't good enough. Not trying to have a pity party here, actually looking back it sounds pretty pathetic, but in the moment, I was a baby. I cried over the spilled milk and found it hard to see the good. But I'm here to say that worshiping God through it all is worth it. Even if I never get the chance to be a teacher (yeah right!) then I will still choose to worship Him. Cause He is good.
Why is it so hard to remember how blessed you are when you're pouting? I guess your focus is just in the wrong place.
FREEZE. Just now got the call. I have another interview. I'm laughing right now. God is good. I kind of knew that interview call was coming because Brandon and I both met with a principal today about teaching jobs and band jobs but it's still exciting to hear that I really have one. I'm ready to knock it out. And to worship and trust and be joyful even if I hear another no.
So that's my life. It's just the truth. Sometimes I'm sad and grumpy and pouty and I'm just thankful that God still loves me through it. And I'm thankful that He's taught me how to do the right things until my heart realizes that it really IS the right thing (that way I don't go regretting saying or doing silly things.) Thank you to my husband who listens to it all and is willing to learn how to love me best. He really does do a great job. BTW Brandon has an interview WEDNESDAY. That's two days! Pray for him. I know he'd do such a good job!
And lastly, CONGRATULATIONS to my awesome, wonderful friend Christi. You're going to be the BEST teacher. Thanks for reading this blog. I know you will even without me telling you I posted something. I feel like the last few months we've gotten so much closer and I'm so excited about getting to enjoy this next season with you. And I'm excited about all the mutual breaks we will have. I see ski trips and vacations and lake dates in our future! Love you so much!!!
These past few days I've started to realize that sometimes you just have to do the acting until your heart catches up. I'm not talking about being fake, but there are certain things that God calls us to do that sometimes you just don't feel like doing. Like God calls us to worship and to believe that He works all things for our good. Just being honest, but for me, it was really hard for me to be ready to believe that God is going to work something out when I had just been believing as hard as I could that He was going to work the last thing out. I know they say that your faith isn't tested until you go through the hard stuff but I've been learning what it really means to activate that. It's way harder to believe you're going to get a job when you've just been told no. And it's also hard to worship and retain your joy in your salvation when you're bummed that your good enough wasn't good enough. Not trying to have a pity party here, actually looking back it sounds pretty pathetic, but in the moment, I was a baby. I cried over the spilled milk and found it hard to see the good. But I'm here to say that worshiping God through it all is worth it. Even if I never get the chance to be a teacher (yeah right!) then I will still choose to worship Him. Cause He is good.
Why is it so hard to remember how blessed you are when you're pouting? I guess your focus is just in the wrong place.
FREEZE. Just now got the call. I have another interview. I'm laughing right now. God is good. I kind of knew that interview call was coming because Brandon and I both met with a principal today about teaching jobs and band jobs but it's still exciting to hear that I really have one. I'm ready to knock it out. And to worship and trust and be joyful even if I hear another no.
So that's my life. It's just the truth. Sometimes I'm sad and grumpy and pouty and I'm just thankful that God still loves me through it. And I'm thankful that He's taught me how to do the right things until my heart realizes that it really IS the right thing (that way I don't go regretting saying or doing silly things.) Thank you to my husband who listens to it all and is willing to learn how to love me best. He really does do a great job. BTW Brandon has an interview WEDNESDAY. That's two days! Pray for him. I know he'd do such a good job!
And lastly, CONGRATULATIONS to my awesome, wonderful friend Christi. You're going to be the BEST teacher. Thanks for reading this blog. I know you will even without me telling you I posted something. I feel like the last few months we've gotten so much closer and I'm so excited about getting to enjoy this next season with you. And I'm excited about all the mutual breaks we will have. I see ski trips and vacations and lake dates in our future! Love you so much!!!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
My 23rd Birthday!
Well I'm only an hour away from my 23rd birthday!! Where has the year gone? It went so fast but yet it seems like I was 22 for a long time. It's been a GREAT year I must say. I was married to my husband at 22, got to work some awesome jobs in Watauga County, and I have grown a tremendous amount spiritually! I have grown in my friendships with people and have seen friends go through exciting changes in their lives as well.
And here I am, about to turn 23. The biggest year yet. I'm believing for a job in Watauga County Schools for my 23rd year. I'm also thinking that this may be the year I get pregnant... BIG GASP!! Obviously it would be at the very END of my 23rd year, but it's definitely in the realm of possibilities! In the meantime, my 23rd year will be spent getting excited about my awesome friends Joy and Perry having their baby. There's a chance I am in the top 5 of the most excited people about that baby! 23 will probably also bring a new tattoo and maybe plans to build a garage apartment? I'm sure there is also lots more to come that I don't even know about yet, but I'm believing for GREAT things.
Although birthdays are not the hype that they are when you're younger, they are still special. I can't wait to spend time with friends and family. It's nice to be celebrated and loved. I absolutely know how much I am loved, birthday or not, but it's still fun to have a birthday.
Thank you to everyone who sent me texts or called today or sent facebook messages encouraging me in my interview. It means the world to me to know that my church family has my back. You are such a blessing and I hope to get to love you back in the ways that you always love me.
The interview went really well and I didn't leave with any regrets. That was my biggest prayer... that I wouldn't leave thinking "I wish I would've said this" or "I forgot that." And it was ANSWERED. Now it's all up to the Lord and I know that he has only good for me. I will not be depressed if He chooses that this is not the job for me but He knows that I hope that He says YES and I get the best phone call of all tomorrow.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! :) :) :)
And here I am, about to turn 23. The biggest year yet. I'm believing for a job in Watauga County Schools for my 23rd year. I'm also thinking that this may be the year I get pregnant... BIG GASP!! Obviously it would be at the very END of my 23rd year, but it's definitely in the realm of possibilities! In the meantime, my 23rd year will be spent getting excited about my awesome friends Joy and Perry having their baby. There's a chance I am in the top 5 of the most excited people about that baby! 23 will probably also bring a new tattoo and maybe plans to build a garage apartment? I'm sure there is also lots more to come that I don't even know about yet, but I'm believing for GREAT things.
Although birthdays are not the hype that they are when you're younger, they are still special. I can't wait to spend time with friends and family. It's nice to be celebrated and loved. I absolutely know how much I am loved, birthday or not, but it's still fun to have a birthday.
Thank you to everyone who sent me texts or called today or sent facebook messages encouraging me in my interview. It means the world to me to know that my church family has my back. You are such a blessing and I hope to get to love you back in the ways that you always love me.
The interview went really well and I didn't leave with any regrets. That was my biggest prayer... that I wouldn't leave thinking "I wish I would've said this" or "I forgot that." And it was ANSWERED. Now it's all up to the Lord and I know that he has only good for me. I will not be depressed if He chooses that this is not the job for me but He knows that I hope that He says YES and I get the best phone call of all tomorrow.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! :) :) :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thoughts on Marriage
It's Summertime!
Can't believe how the time has flown. Wedding season is UPON us. I had the MOST fun weekend celebrating Meagan Crawford (almost Lancaster) a couple weeks ago and now, in 2 DAYS, they will be married. Can't believe it. So excited.
Anyways, wedding season has really got me thinking about our marriage. Brandon and I celebrated our one year not that long ago and we truly have been so blessed. Some people say you're first year is so hard and you'll go through some times where you really have to remember why you love each other and such, but I just want to say, that does NOT have to be true. Brandon and I have had an AMAZING first year. God has provided for us and I'm amazed as I look back at where we were a year ago. I would say finances were the hardest thing for us but even that wasn't THAT hard.....
Our first summer being married, we started having to pay for all our bills on our own and Brandon even went on a mission trip to MEXICO but I don't even remember it being hard to pay for everything. Then Brandon student taught an HOUR away from Boone and I was the only one making money while we had to spend a bunch of money in gas but God still provided! Then I needed a new car but God provided with Brandon a new job (not his dream job - but a good job) and we had the extra money we needed for a car payment. I just have to remind myself of all these things because I do have to say that money is tight right now. It's like we just get settled and start dreaming about saving to build a house and then it's summertime and my income is cut in half because I'm working a part time summer job rather than my awesome teaching assistant job and we're traveling a ton for weddings and we want to invest in our friend's marriages - but it really does get hard. We have to prioritize and make some cuts - but ultimately I know that God will provide. It makes me thankful that we have enough to still give back to God and even though I know you don't give to get back, I know that since we have not stopped giving to Him, He's not going to let us go hungry. I mean, seriously - sometimes I act like we're starving on the streets - but really we have an awesome place to live, amazing parents and church family and we live the most blessed life!
Which brings me back to our first year. Can I just tell you how much I love my husband? I really do highly recommend marriage when it is founded in the Lord. I love Brandon more now than I ever have and I'm so grateful for a first year of memories. We never had those big fights where one of us would be sent to sleep on the couch or one of us stormed out the door. We have never ever not even once even given a THOUGHT to not being together for the rest of our lives. We went through job changes and broken cars and travel and honestly none of it was ever unbearably hard. Yes, marriage is an investment and it takes time and commitment but I really don't think it has to be a struggle. I know I talked a lot about finances (it is one of the bigger stressers in a marriage for sure) but it's really not all about that either. It's about loving each other and celebrating all the little things that life brings. It's about learning HOW to love each other. Yes, there are times when I get frustrated that things aren't cleaned up or one of us has not spent our money where we should have but we still really love each other. Brandon loves me by making up the bed when he doesn't want to and praying with me in the mornings. He loves me by writing me songs and dreaming about our future. He loves me by kissing me goodnight and letting me enjoy a girl's night once a week. I just feel so blessed. I know that our friends are going to love marriage just as much as we do. Congratulations to Frankie and Meagan and Nic and Kira. I can't wait to see how you guys grow in your first year. We serve such an awesome God who has blessed us with life's best.. marriage.
Now I'm off to work. I'm choosing to be thankful for the job that God has given me and an amazing boss who had been super awesome in giving me the time off I need for all our wedding adventures rather than being sad about missing church tonight. I do love my church though and wish I could be there. I will be praying for an awesome service and listening to the message as soon after as I can!!
Then, tomorrow morning I'm off start the celebration of Frankie and Meagan. It's going to be the most AMAZING two days. I could almost cry just thinking about it. Get ready!!!!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Beautiful Weekend
Well, another weekend has come and gone. They go by SO fast these days. Only 7 more days of school left and I can't wait to enjoy a summer full of weddings and fun.
So, this weekend we enjoyed lots of time in the sun - we just hung out around the house and Brandon built me a SWING. He said I could choose between a tire swing and a swing made out of wood. I chose wood, cause tire swings always get full of water and such and here's a pic!! It's wonderful. I keep trying to find a time when I can go down with my book (I'm re-reading Redeeming Love) and just read and swing. It's been SOO hot outside though.. I need a cool evening.
So I have to give a shout out to Jessica Langevin and Cait Mack. I don't know if they will read this blog but I'm thankful for loving church sisters that will volunteer their free time so that I can enjoy a day at Valle Crucis Park with my first graders. They are going to proctor for me and the other first grade assistant this week so I don't have to drive to the park late. I'm so thankful.
Random story to end this short blog. As I wrote the word "hot" describing how the temperatures have been soaring to the upper 80s, I'm reminded of a time in sixth grade during a spelling test. I still honestly have trouble when I'm writing the word "hot." I'm always tempted to write "hott," which is the spelling for a person who is really attractive. I guess sixth grade was the year that I started learning that word and started writing "hottie" to describe boys in notes to my friends. Anyways, the spelling word was "haughty" meaning arrogantly superior and disdainful (not to be confused with a cute sixth grade boy) and I of course spelled it "hottie." I remember we were in a smaller group setting doing a higher level spelling so each week a different person would call out the words and check the tests and I remember Jacque Bailey catching my mistake and calling me out on it - saying "Leslie spelled it like "h-o-t-t hott" I wanted to crawl under my desk. Is a sixth grader really supposed to know haughty over hottie?
Well - I'm off to finish The Bachelorette. Goodnight! :)
So, this weekend we enjoyed lots of time in the sun - we just hung out around the house and Brandon built me a SWING. He said I could choose between a tire swing and a swing made out of wood. I chose wood, cause tire swings always get full of water and such and here's a pic!! It's wonderful. I keep trying to find a time when I can go down with my book (I'm re-reading Redeeming Love) and just read and swing. It's been SOO hot outside though.. I need a cool evening.
So I have to give a shout out to Jessica Langevin and Cait Mack. I don't know if they will read this blog but I'm thankful for loving church sisters that will volunteer their free time so that I can enjoy a day at Valle Crucis Park with my first graders. They are going to proctor for me and the other first grade assistant this week so I don't have to drive to the park late. I'm so thankful.
Random story to end this short blog. As I wrote the word "hot" describing how the temperatures have been soaring to the upper 80s, I'm reminded of a time in sixth grade during a spelling test. I still honestly have trouble when I'm writing the word "hot." I'm always tempted to write "hott," which is the spelling for a person who is really attractive. I guess sixth grade was the year that I started learning that word and started writing "hottie" to describe boys in notes to my friends. Anyways, the spelling word was "haughty" meaning arrogantly superior and disdainful (not to be confused with a cute sixth grade boy) and I of course spelled it "hottie." I remember we were in a smaller group setting doing a higher level spelling so each week a different person would call out the words and check the tests and I remember Jacque Bailey catching my mistake and calling me out on it - saying "Leslie spelled it like "h-o-t-t hott" I wanted to crawl under my desk. Is a sixth grader really supposed to know haughty over hottie?
Well - I'm off to finish The Bachelorette. Goodnight! :)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Perfect First Anniversary
Where do I even begin? Yesterday was the most perfectly sweet day. We didn't go on a trip or anything but it seriously couldn't have been any better. Church at Cornerstone in the morning followed by an awesome time of fellowship with our Pastor's family and the Hamilton's at Proper (which is SO yummy!!), then we relaxed for a couple hours at home before starting what I hope will be our "Anniversary Traditions"
We wanted to eat a late dinner since we had a late lunch so we decided to go ahead and watch our wedding video before dinner. This is something I hope we will do every year! It was so special. It almost felt like we were watching someone else but it was just the sweetest thing to hear our vows again and to see all the people who were there to support and love us. I also loved hearing our Pastor give his "charge" or whatever you call it. It's important for us to hear again how we are supposed to value each other and submit and how we should view each other as a treasure that we guard. How great marriage is when it is as God has intended it to be! I'm so blessed that we belong to a church family who cares about getting you ready for marriage and nurturing you so that you're not alone in what to expect. I mean- it takes effort from the people in the marriage - you have to be willing to ask for help and you have to find people who can disciple you and give you the guidance you need - but the people at the Summit are there when you seek them out and we are so thankful.
Then Brandon gave me this awesome poem that he wrote in honor of it being the "paper" anniversary. He should seriously be a writer. Isn't this the sweetest thing you ever read? All I could say was, "you really see me that way?" I have the best husband!
Then we went to dinner (thanks to my parents for giving us an Outback giftcard!!) and then came back home to eat our one-year-old cake. I have had so many friends who have said that their cake was disgusting but ours was SOO good. It was still moist and delicious! If we wouldn't have been so full off of an amazing blooming onion and entree then we would've definitely downed a ton of cake. But seeing that we were full - I get to take the cake to 607 tonight for the season premier of Bachelorette. Get ready!!!
To end the night we watched the wedding videos that we took getting ready before the wedding, off the reception (all the dances), the video messages that our friends left us, and the videos we took on our honeymoon. SO MUCH FUN!!
I just laughed and cried through so much of it realizing how loved we are. Especially to our friends who left us messages - I wish I could show you all of your videos because they are hilarious - but we are just so thankful for everyone who took the time to be a part of our wedding! We love you all.
Here's a couple sweet videos from friends that made us smile!!
Here's a picture of the flowers Brandon bought for me and gave to me at
Valle Crucis Park (the site of our engagement) to start the weekend off right :)
Then Brandon gave me this awesome poem that he wrote in honor of it being the "paper" anniversary. He should seriously be a writer. Isn't this the sweetest thing you ever read? All I could say was, "you really see me that way?" I have the best husband!
Then we went to dinner (thanks to my parents for giving us an Outback giftcard!!) and then came back home to eat our one-year-old cake. I have had so many friends who have said that their cake was disgusting but ours was SOO good. It was still moist and delicious! If we wouldn't have been so full off of an amazing blooming onion and entree then we would've definitely downed a ton of cake. But seeing that we were full - I get to take the cake to 607 tonight for the season premier of Bachelorette. Get ready!!!
our awesome wedding cake!!
To end the night we watched the wedding videos that we took getting ready before the wedding, off the reception (all the dances), the video messages that our friends left us, and the videos we took on our honeymoon. SO MUCH FUN!!
I just laughed and cried through so much of it realizing how loved we are. Especially to our friends who left us messages - I wish I could show you all of your videos because they are hilarious - but we are just so thankful for everyone who took the time to be a part of our wedding! We love you all.
Here's a couple sweet videos from friends that made us smile!!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Our Life Lately
Busy. Busy. Busy.
I want to blog more. I don't really feel the need to apologize for not blogging in a while but I do want to say that I really want to blog more. Just for me. So I hope that I will start doing that.
So, Brandon and I have been dreaming big about our future. One thing that Brandon and I love the most is our yard. Sounds silly, I know, but we have the coolest yard. Even though we live in my parent's basement (yes, it's true) we still have an awesome little back yard that I love. We have a fire pit and a garden and I just love the nights when we get to enjoy it all. It's a part of summer and summer is almost here. But lately we've been dreaming more and more about the land next door that we're going to hopefully start building on in less than a year. It's the most beautiful land (see pictures below) and I love walking down the path that Brandon has spent hours mowing and maintaining and picturing where I want to put our tree swing, back porch and garden. It's going to be perfect.
Last Thursday I got to babysit some awesome kids and they're parents have the coolest house and yard. I love it. It's in the middle of the woods and it has all the things I've been dreaming about in my own yard: a tire swing, another swing that you climb up on a platform to jump off of (I can't wait to try it out one day) a garden and just some beautiful land for playing outside.
Also, they have another cool feature that I have never seen before - a bathtub on their porch!!! I know what you're thinking - trashy?? I may have thought that too, because here at the Sheppard/Hall household, there are a couple tubs outside from my dad's jobs and they are just sitting there and all I want to do is take them to the dump..... but this tub is put there for a purpose!!! It's hooked up and there is even hot water running to this tub! I got to give a sweet 4 year old her bath outside and it was the most fun thing ever. I'm going to need one of these tubs. I can just picture myself on a porch in the middle of the woods (it's secluded) reading my book in a hot bath under the stars... or giving my kids their baths outside on a cool summer evening.. it's just sooo much more fun that way don't you think???
So that's what we've been dreaming about. I just have to say that even though I'm excited about the next year and the fun stuff that is coming, I couldn't be more thankful for my life, my marriage, my friends, my church, my family. I'm just so completely blessed. 360 days into my marriage, I have the coolest place to live (many many thanks to my amazing parents) an amazing job that I love and people around me who love me. I serve an amazing God and I don't want a day to go by where I'm unaware of how greatly God has blessed me.
I want to blog more. I don't really feel the need to apologize for not blogging in a while but I do want to say that I really want to blog more. Just for me. So I hope that I will start doing that.
So, Brandon and I have been dreaming big about our future. One thing that Brandon and I love the most is our yard. Sounds silly, I know, but we have the coolest yard. Even though we live in my parent's basement (yes, it's true) we still have an awesome little back yard that I love. We have a fire pit and a garden and I just love the nights when we get to enjoy it all. It's a part of summer and summer is almost here. But lately we've been dreaming more and more about the land next door that we're going to hopefully start building on in less than a year. It's the most beautiful land (see pictures below) and I love walking down the path that Brandon has spent hours mowing and maintaining and picturing where I want to put our tree swing, back porch and garden. It's going to be perfect.
the view
the path that will be off the back deck
perfect tree for a swing
the slope where the house will sit :)
the path from the other direction
Last Thursday I got to babysit some awesome kids and they're parents have the coolest house and yard. I love it. It's in the middle of the woods and it has all the things I've been dreaming about in my own yard: a tire swing, another swing that you climb up on a platform to jump off of (I can't wait to try it out one day) a garden and just some beautiful land for playing outside.
Also, they have another cool feature that I have never seen before - a bathtub on their porch!!! I know what you're thinking - trashy?? I may have thought that too, because here at the Sheppard/Hall household, there are a couple tubs outside from my dad's jobs and they are just sitting there and all I want to do is take them to the dump..... but this tub is put there for a purpose!!! It's hooked up and there is even hot water running to this tub! I got to give a sweet 4 year old her bath outside and it was the most fun thing ever. I'm going to need one of these tubs. I can just picture myself on a porch in the middle of the woods (it's secluded) reading my book in a hot bath under the stars... or giving my kids their baths outside on a cool summer evening.. it's just sooo much more fun that way don't you think???
So that's what we've been dreaming about. I just have to say that even though I'm excited about the next year and the fun stuff that is coming, I couldn't be more thankful for my life, my marriage, my friends, my church, my family. I'm just so completely blessed. 360 days into my marriage, I have the coolest place to live (many many thanks to my amazing parents) an amazing job that I love and people around me who love me. I serve an amazing God and I don't want a day to go by where I'm unaware of how greatly God has blessed me.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Back to Real Life
So, the wonderful beach trip is over. It really was awesome. Lots of good family time, lots of good food, and a fair amount of laying-on-the-beach time for me. But I do have to say, it's good to be home. It's always nice to get back to your own bed and your own space. My absolute favorite part of being home is Layla. I love love love my dog and she is not missing out on the next trip, wherever it may be. My parents were great sitters though and I'm so thankful that they were able to keep her.
Back to real life. Here we are. The laundry is done, the dishes are done, shower invitations for Kira's shower are ordered and mother's day presents and student teacher presents are wrapped. I've actually gotten a lot done in the 36 hours I've been home. It was weird going back to school. It seemed like we had been out a month, yet it went by so fast. I truly do love my job even though this is going to be the craziest week at school. One sad part of my day: I don't get to go on the field trip today. They are going to the Lazy Five Ranch and I am kinda bummed that I don't get to go with them. Last night I was telling Brandon that I was sad even though I understand why I am needed at school today with the kindergardeners and he said one time when he was in 4th or 5th grade he didn't get to go on his field trip because he brought a game boy on the bus which is pretty harsh in my book. At least I'm just a teacher and all my kids will still get to have a good time. Now I'm off to a day with some kindergardeners, who truly are super super sweet.
Random side note - there are so many things that I've thought about blogging but I was noticing that you can't be totally honest on blogging for fear of hurting people's feelings. The only things I can be honest about are my husband (who knows that I love him even when I share our flaws) and me. This is probably a good thing because it keeps me from complaining and putting too much emphasis on shortcomings. I should be loving people and looking past the things I get frustrated with anyway. So, I'm counting it a blessing and keeping my complaining and griping to a minimum. I don't have the perfect life, but it's better to look at the good and realize the hard stuff makes me a better person!
On a happier note - I CAN NOT WAIT for PRAISE TEAM tonight!!!! Bring on 7:30 pm!!
Back to real life. Here we are. The laundry is done, the dishes are done, shower invitations for Kira's shower are ordered and mother's day presents and student teacher presents are wrapped. I've actually gotten a lot done in the 36 hours I've been home. It was weird going back to school. It seemed like we had been out a month, yet it went by so fast. I truly do love my job even though this is going to be the craziest week at school. One sad part of my day: I don't get to go on the field trip today. They are going to the Lazy Five Ranch and I am kinda bummed that I don't get to go with them. Last night I was telling Brandon that I was sad even though I understand why I am needed at school today with the kindergardeners and he said one time when he was in 4th or 5th grade he didn't get to go on his field trip because he brought a game boy on the bus which is pretty harsh in my book. At least I'm just a teacher and all my kids will still get to have a good time. Now I'm off to a day with some kindergardeners, who truly are super super sweet.
Random side note - there are so many things that I've thought about blogging but I was noticing that you can't be totally honest on blogging for fear of hurting people's feelings. The only things I can be honest about are my husband (who knows that I love him even when I share our flaws) and me. This is probably a good thing because it keeps me from complaining and putting too much emphasis on shortcomings. I should be loving people and looking past the things I get frustrated with anyway. So, I'm counting it a blessing and keeping my complaining and griping to a minimum. I don't have the perfect life, but it's better to look at the good and realize the hard stuff makes me a better person!
On a happier note - I CAN NOT WAIT for PRAISE TEAM tonight!!!! Bring on 7:30 pm!!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Off to Our Next Adventure!!
Day 5 of our trip is off to a good start! Woke up early to watch the wedding and then cleaned up a little before soaking up some sun. It is a BEAUTIFUL day here and I got to lay out under cloudless blue skies. I love it. There's nothing better.
Now we're headed off to ride the ferry to Southport and get some Britt's donuts at Carolina Beach and then we're riding back to Oak Island to eat at the famous Shagger Jack's. This is Perry's parents restaurant! I'm so excited about getting to see them and hang out for a while.
Then tomorrow we are going out on the boat all day and Sunday I'm trying to hit the beach before we have to leave. Sounds perfect right??
Here are some pics of my ring. I know you've been dying to see :)
Have a great weekend!!! :)
Now we're headed off to ride the ferry to Southport and get some Britt's donuts at Carolina Beach and then we're riding back to Oak Island to eat at the famous Shagger Jack's. This is Perry's parents restaurant! I'm so excited about getting to see them and hang out for a while.
Then tomorrow we are going out on the boat all day and Sunday I'm trying to hit the beach before we have to leave. Sounds perfect right??
Here are some pics of my ring. I know you've been dying to see :)
Have a great weekend!!! :)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Beach Vacation!!
So, here we are at the beach!! It's the best thing although I do really miss Layla.
The trip down was a success. Every moment I kept just thinking about how thankful I am to be married to a wonderful loving husband. He makes me smile. He wrote a song for our trip down and although I might not be supposed to share it... I am anyways. He didn't finish the verses. But it was a fun surprise for our trip. :)
So I wrote that yesterday and gave up trying to add the link for the song. Sadly you won't be able to hear it until Brandon decides to post it because I'm obviously not technologically savvy enough to post it. But I do want to tell you about our WONDERFUL Anniversary date we had last night. It wasn't really planned to be our anniversary date but that's what it turned out to be. We obviously celebrated a little early but now that I have my new job we have decided not to take a trip on our anniversary. We'll just go out for a nice dinner or something.
Back to the date!!!
It started out with family shopping at Independence Mall in Wilmington. I've been talking about getting a halo put around my engagement ring for a while now so we shopped at a few stores and found out the best thing would be to get it custom made which was pretty pricey. We had starbucks and Anna Grace jumped on the trampoline. We also got in the machine that shows you what hurricane-like winds feel like. Overall, it was just fun. Not your normal shopping in the mall. I did buy a pair of shorts at Forever 21 which I love and were incredibly reasonably priced. (love when that happens!)
Then, we decided not to take the family trip to Cracker Barrel but to set out on our own. As we were leaving the mall we stopped at Reeds because I remembered their "upgrade" program that they had since Brandon bought my ring there. I ended up falling in love with a ring and it was less than what we had talked about for custom-making a ring, and I will actually get to keep my original engagement ring. Maybe one day I'll put it in another ring or maybe I'll just save it - not sure yet. But bottom line, I get my new ring today!! :) :) I can't even describe how beautiful it is. My husband is amazing. I told him that I didn't want it if it was going to make him feel like my first ring wasn't good enough but we talked about how this was a better idea than custom making something because I still get to keep my ring and get a new one. Anyways, he's happy that I'm happy and this ring will definitely be the one I wear forever. :) :)
I know some people will probably think I'm a little ridiculous but bottom line, I don't really care. I love it so much.
Next, we went to the place where we wanted to purchase Brandon's anniversary present. Brandon has decided he wants a gun. For our first anniversary we are investing in things we want rather than spending money on a trip. This beach trip is virtually free (other than gas and food) so we feel good about it! :)
Anyways, we went to a gun shop in Wilmington and Brandon compared some guns that he was interested in. Then the guy told us we could try shooting them and he would wave the lane fee and the gun rental fee so we only had to buy some target bullets. Brandon said he definitely wanted to so he could get a feel for what he liked better and somehow I ended up saying that I would shoot them too. I told Brandon later that the closest thing I had shot to a gun is one of those car wash hoses that kicks back when you hold it down cause of all the pressure. Lame huh?
So we went in there and Brandon shot first and then the guy taught me how. Brandon videoed but we later found out that it didn't work because it ran out of memory. It was the only disappointing part of the whole trip. You would have LOVED that video. I was scared to death and the guy was like "No, don't hold it like that, let me show you," and then I was just like "I'm scared!" but I shot it but I shot the thing that was holding the target and it knocked the whole thing down. In my fear I hadn't really aimed. I mean, I was aiming into an open room so it was ok but I wasn't concentrating on the target. Lol. Brandon said he was so nervous watching me do it but I have to admit it was actually fun. We both shot more rounds and I got a little more comfortable with the idea of him having a gun. All in all, a really cool surprise part of our date. We never expected we'd take time to shoot guns (especially me).
Then we headed down to the river to eat dinner but we ended up just taking pictures and walking and deciding to go back to Olive Garden. I actually talked Brandon into splitting the Tour of Italy even thought he normally doesn't want to share but it was enough food for us both and it saved us some money. He ended up saying it was a good idea at the end. Love it when that happens! :)
Then the drive home was a disaster. We took a wrong road and I had to pee so bad but all the gas stations looked sketchy. I finally got my bathroom and after a couple more wrong turns we made it to the Food Lion to buy Jack (his aunt and uncle's dog) food and headed home.
Yesterday was a SUCCESS! :)
Today we get to go the beach all day cause Brandon promised and then I get my RING!! pics to come :)
The trip down was a success. Every moment I kept just thinking about how thankful I am to be married to a wonderful loving husband. He makes me smile. He wrote a song for our trip down and although I might not be supposed to share it... I am anyways. He didn't finish the verses. But it was a fun surprise for our trip. :)
So I wrote that yesterday and gave up trying to add the link for the song. Sadly you won't be able to hear it until Brandon decides to post it because I'm obviously not technologically savvy enough to post it. But I do want to tell you about our WONDERFUL Anniversary date we had last night. It wasn't really planned to be our anniversary date but that's what it turned out to be. We obviously celebrated a little early but now that I have my new job we have decided not to take a trip on our anniversary. We'll just go out for a nice dinner or something.
Back to the date!!!
It started out with family shopping at Independence Mall in Wilmington. I've been talking about getting a halo put around my engagement ring for a while now so we shopped at a few stores and found out the best thing would be to get it custom made which was pretty pricey. We had starbucks and Anna Grace jumped on the trampoline. We also got in the machine that shows you what hurricane-like winds feel like. Overall, it was just fun. Not your normal shopping in the mall. I did buy a pair of shorts at Forever 21 which I love and were incredibly reasonably priced. (love when that happens!)
Then, we decided not to take the family trip to Cracker Barrel but to set out on our own. As we were leaving the mall we stopped at Reeds because I remembered their "upgrade" program that they had since Brandon bought my ring there. I ended up falling in love with a ring and it was less than what we had talked about for custom-making a ring, and I will actually get to keep my original engagement ring. Maybe one day I'll put it in another ring or maybe I'll just save it - not sure yet. But bottom line, I get my new ring today!! :) :) I can't even describe how beautiful it is. My husband is amazing. I told him that I didn't want it if it was going to make him feel like my first ring wasn't good enough but we talked about how this was a better idea than custom making something because I still get to keep my ring and get a new one. Anyways, he's happy that I'm happy and this ring will definitely be the one I wear forever. :) :)
I know some people will probably think I'm a little ridiculous but bottom line, I don't really care. I love it so much.
Next, we went to the place where we wanted to purchase Brandon's anniversary present. Brandon has decided he wants a gun. For our first anniversary we are investing in things we want rather than spending money on a trip. This beach trip is virtually free (other than gas and food) so we feel good about it! :)
Anyways, we went to a gun shop in Wilmington and Brandon compared some guns that he was interested in. Then the guy told us we could try shooting them and he would wave the lane fee and the gun rental fee so we only had to buy some target bullets. Brandon said he definitely wanted to so he could get a feel for what he liked better and somehow I ended up saying that I would shoot them too. I told Brandon later that the closest thing I had shot to a gun is one of those car wash hoses that kicks back when you hold it down cause of all the pressure. Lame huh?
So we went in there and Brandon shot first and then the guy taught me how. Brandon videoed but we later found out that it didn't work because it ran out of memory. It was the only disappointing part of the whole trip. You would have LOVED that video. I was scared to death and the guy was like "No, don't hold it like that, let me show you," and then I was just like "I'm scared!" but I shot it but I shot the thing that was holding the target and it knocked the whole thing down. In my fear I hadn't really aimed. I mean, I was aiming into an open room so it was ok but I wasn't concentrating on the target. Lol. Brandon said he was so nervous watching me do it but I have to admit it was actually fun. We both shot more rounds and I got a little more comfortable with the idea of him having a gun. All in all, a really cool surprise part of our date. We never expected we'd take time to shoot guns (especially me).
Then we headed down to the river to eat dinner but we ended up just taking pictures and walking and deciding to go back to Olive Garden. I actually talked Brandon into splitting the Tour of Italy even thought he normally doesn't want to share but it was enough food for us both and it saved us some money. He ended up saying it was a good idea at the end. Love it when that happens! :)
Then the drive home was a disaster. We took a wrong road and I had to pee so bad but all the gas stations looked sketchy. I finally got my bathroom and after a couple more wrong turns we made it to the Food Lion to buy Jack (his aunt and uncle's dog) food and headed home.
Yesterday was a SUCCESS! :)
Today we get to go the beach all day cause Brandon promised and then I get my RING!! pics to come :)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Bonfires and Almost Summer
I would say probably the most challenging part of our marriage is sharing the same experiences, while trying to find a way for us to both blog about it without being redundant. Just kidding, but seriously. Sorry I haven't blogged in a while though. Today was fun, I got to take Layla to school to see her mother and she loved it. I will let Leslie share more about that though. I really enjoyed the drive too. Theres not much better than riding through the mountains with your dog hanging her head out the window jamming out to U2's greatest hits. I really wanted to show you guys some photos of our awesome fire pit that we built Sunday. So far we have had two bonfires and they have been awesome. The weather is just right and I stayed out there last night until after midnight just playing guitar and chilling with the dog. Here are some photos:
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Joy
First of all, sorry I've been MIA. But let me just tell you, it's been for good reason. This has been the craziest week. Lots has happened since I got the job but I know what you're really waiting for is what I've been wanting to tell you...
I LOVE MY JOB!!!!
I can't even begin to tell you how amazing the past three days have been and how much I absolutely love everything about my job. Each day I've come home and Brandon's been asking "Was it still as great as yesterday?" and I just keep saying YES!!!
Things I love about my job:
1. The kids. I love being in the classroom and getting to invest in these wonderful little people. I love that they are excited about school and I love encouraging them when they aren't. They are so cute. 15 little cuties. 11 boys and 4 girls. Oh how I already love all of them.
2. My classroom. I know all the credit goes to my teacher but this room is AWESOME. It's organized and clean and bright and beautiful. There's a place for everything and I already feel at home. I have my OWN desk with a picture of me and my wonderful husband on it and it even has some flowers and a card (picture below) from my cooperating teacher last year (who is the other 1st grade teacher) and her little girl who is my class. It was so sweet.
3. My teacher. She is young and sweet and excited about the kids. Everything she does is for the kids. She takes time to explain things when they don't understand and I can't imagine her ever yelling. She is just the sweetest. I am SO thankful to be in a wonderful classroom with a great teacher. I know I'm going to learn so much. I really hope I'm here again next year!
4. My hours. I LOVE getting up in the morning and being done by 3. It's the greatest thing ever.
5. My school. (Which is basically the PEOPLE in my school) They are so welcoming and I already feel like part of a family. I love knowing the kids from last year and having kids run up to me and shout Mrs. Leslie with a hug.
Overall, I just can't say enough about it. God has brought me from a place where I would feel like being a teacher's assistant was not good enough and I am just finding all the reasons to be thankful for where I am. I get to work with an amazing teacher and really enjoy getting back to the classroom without being overwhelmed with having my own. I know this season has it's purpose and I'm glad God is giving me a clear picture of how it's all going to work out.
Not to mention all the exciting things coming up at school. The kids voted on pet week as their reward for filling the jewel jar and I'm making Brandon bring Layla to school next week. She's going to LOVE it and I'm going to love showing her off. Also, we get to go on a field trip after spring break AND the kids have their K-2 play coming up.
Did I tell you I love my job???
Brandon and I are off to dinner with the Tuckers. So excited. Haven't gotten to know them like I've wanted to and tonight we're changing that!!
I LOVE MY JOB!!!!
I can't even begin to tell you how amazing the past three days have been and how much I absolutely love everything about my job. Each day I've come home and Brandon's been asking "Was it still as great as yesterday?" and I just keep saying YES!!!
Things I love about my job:
1. The kids. I love being in the classroom and getting to invest in these wonderful little people. I love that they are excited about school and I love encouraging them when they aren't. They are so cute. 15 little cuties. 11 boys and 4 girls. Oh how I already love all of them.
2. My classroom. I know all the credit goes to my teacher but this room is AWESOME. It's organized and clean and bright and beautiful. There's a place for everything and I already feel at home. I have my OWN desk with a picture of me and my wonderful husband on it and it even has some flowers and a card (picture below) from my cooperating teacher last year (who is the other 1st grade teacher) and her little girl who is my class. It was so sweet.
3. My teacher. She is young and sweet and excited about the kids. Everything she does is for the kids. She takes time to explain things when they don't understand and I can't imagine her ever yelling. She is just the sweetest. I am SO thankful to be in a wonderful classroom with a great teacher. I know I'm going to learn so much. I really hope I'm here again next year!
4. My hours. I LOVE getting up in the morning and being done by 3. It's the greatest thing ever.
5. My school. (Which is basically the PEOPLE in my school) They are so welcoming and I already feel like part of a family. I love knowing the kids from last year and having kids run up to me and shout Mrs. Leslie with a hug.
Overall, I just can't say enough about it. God has brought me from a place where I would feel like being a teacher's assistant was not good enough and I am just finding all the reasons to be thankful for where I am. I get to work with an amazing teacher and really enjoy getting back to the classroom without being overwhelmed with having my own. I know this season has it's purpose and I'm glad God is giving me a clear picture of how it's all going to work out.
Not to mention all the exciting things coming up at school. The kids voted on pet week as their reward for filling the jewel jar and I'm making Brandon bring Layla to school next week. She's going to LOVE it and I'm going to love showing her off. Also, we get to go on a field trip after spring break AND the kids have their K-2 play coming up.
Did I tell you I love my job???
Brandon and I are off to dinner with the Tuckers. So excited. Haven't gotten to know them like I've wanted to and tonight we're changing that!!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
He keeps working!
God is doing big things in my life. I'm amazed at how He works it all out when you are in the right place at the right time and are doing what He's called you to do. So let me just tell you the awesome things that have happened in the last day!
- Yesterday I found out that I GOT THE TEACHER ASSISTANT JOB!!! They're waiting on things to come through for it to be "official" but it's official enough for me! I am going to be starting VERY soon. And I can't wait!
- Upon hearing that I got the job, I was a little nervous about figuring out how I was going to tell my current employers and how long it would take for me to get started because I should work a two weeks notice. BUT my principal had already been talking to my current boss and she has already started getting interviews together which is amazing, because I really don't want to leave anyone hanging
- I also babysit for a sweet little girl and I was worried about her mommy finding someone else to keep her but Hallelujah, He does it again! My sister is going to be able to keep her and my sister's really excited about it and I know she will do a fantabulous job. So I know sweet Em will be safe and Mrs. April won't have to stress about finding someone else in less than a week.
- Then, this morning I realized I had to write a resignation letter for my current job, but WAIT - I got an e-mail saying I don't have to because it will be considered a TRANSFER!! Do you know how much peace it gives me to know that it won't be on my Watauga County Schools profile that I resigned from a position but instead I just transferred to another position.
God is working it all out for my GOOD :)
Just had to brag on Him a little.
Can't wait for church tonight. If you don't have anywhere else to be (and even if you do) you should come to the Reel House across from Los Arcoiris for church tonight at 7 pm. I can guarantee that Jesus will be exalted and that you will be loved on! :)
Monday, April 4, 2011
It's Been a Great Weekend
There is something about the sunshine. It really does just do me some serious good! Here's a glimpse of my awesome weekend:
- Dinner and Bluegrass Music from my dad's bluegrass band SonRoad at Carolina Barbeque with my family. (Kira and Nic also came - I LOVED THAT). The barbeque was amazing and I loved being with my family. Lots of extended family came and my two second cousins played me with their April Fools jokes. Funny for them.
- Movie afterwards with Kira and Nic. We watched The Killers after some serious debate at the redbox. It was really cute and funny. I was worried that it would be a Mr and Mrs Smith knock-off but it wasn't too bad. I'm getting Morning Glory next. The redbox has lots of good movies right now.
- Lazy Saturday - I cleaned the house and I mean, REALLY cleaned it. I even dusted. Which is my least favorite thing ever to do. I can truly say that I now enjoy washing the dishes. I love to take my computer (like some of you have previously read) and watch shows on hulu while I do the dishes. It's relaxing and now I enjoy the dishes. But I don't think I'll ever enjoy dusting. It takes so much time and you have to move around so many things. Saturday I tried to be patient and move all the little things around and I'm glad I did. The house is clean and fresh. I also vacuumed and washed the sheets and our couch covers. They needed it because Layla got way too excited when Nic and Kira arrived and she got a little pee on the couch cover.
- Saturday night we went to the coffee house and I realized that I was NOT in college anymore. There were so many college kids and it was amazing to see the coffee house filled up like that. I'm so excited for them. I was there really early with Brandon cause he played with the band when this huge group of college kids walked in. They were all talking and knew each other and I just sat and thought about my days when it was like that for me. Such fun memories of the A-frame and cook outs and bonfires and all of it reminds me of sweet summertime which I'm so excited about. Anyways, this guy sat next to me and introduced himself and I said "Yeah, I'm married to him (and pointed to Brandon)" He was like "ok." As soon as it came out of my mouth, I thought, that was a lame thing to say. Why would he care? But really, a year ago, it would've been relevant because everyone in the coffeehouse knew Brandon. Now we are a little out of the loop. Not that we don't feel completely connected to Sonslight and their vision, but those college kids and all the people that go to coffee house are not the people we see all week long anymore. But I have to say that I'm really thankful for where I am. I'm thankful for my friends that are in the same stage of life as me that I know I will always have. God knows what He is doing.
- Sunday morning was AMAZING. I am just completely amazed at how our church is growing. Not in numbers necessarily but in maturity. We are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing in planting seeds. The kind of seeds that grow to look exactly like the fruit that produced them. I just have to give a shout out to Michael Baylor and Blake Elder who really stepped it up on a Sunday when some of our leaders had the awesome opportunity of traveling to another place. Church was still awesome and the Holy Spirit still showed up, and people's lives are still being changed. That's the kind of church I'm so thankful to be a part of. It was GOOOD.
- Sunday afternoon I was LAZY and I loved that too. Went to 607 again and laid in the sunshine. Got a little burnt (and very unequally burnt) and then watched Waiting for Superman, which is an awesome documentary that kinda made me annoyed that we aren't changing things but I'm thankful for the people who are really trying. For now, trying for me just looks like me being the best teacher I can be and not getting slack on my kids.
- Sunday evening I came home to see my husband and we crashed. Brandon and I got to talk about our days (He went golfing - I'm glad he got to do something for himself and I'm glad he found John Mark and Joseph on the course) I'm a lucky lucky girl. I woke up this morning with my contacts in and my clothes on. Obviously I fell asleep fast and hard and Brandon just left me there. But I'm glad I was up early to start the day right.
And another week begins!!!
- Dinner and Bluegrass Music from my dad's bluegrass band SonRoad at Carolina Barbeque with my family. (Kira and Nic also came - I LOVED THAT). The barbeque was amazing and I loved being with my family. Lots of extended family came and my two second cousins played me with their April Fools jokes. Funny for them.
- Movie afterwards with Kira and Nic. We watched The Killers after some serious debate at the redbox. It was really cute and funny. I was worried that it would be a Mr and Mrs Smith knock-off but it wasn't too bad. I'm getting Morning Glory next. The redbox has lots of good movies right now.
- Lazy Saturday - I cleaned the house and I mean, REALLY cleaned it. I even dusted. Which is my least favorite thing ever to do. I can truly say that I now enjoy washing the dishes. I love to take my computer (like some of you have previously read) and watch shows on hulu while I do the dishes. It's relaxing and now I enjoy the dishes. But I don't think I'll ever enjoy dusting. It takes so much time and you have to move around so many things. Saturday I tried to be patient and move all the little things around and I'm glad I did. The house is clean and fresh. I also vacuumed and washed the sheets and our couch covers. They needed it because Layla got way too excited when Nic and Kira arrived and she got a little pee on the couch cover.
- Saturday night we went to the coffee house and I realized that I was NOT in college anymore. There were so many college kids and it was amazing to see the coffee house filled up like that. I'm so excited for them. I was there really early with Brandon cause he played with the band when this huge group of college kids walked in. They were all talking and knew each other and I just sat and thought about my days when it was like that for me. Such fun memories of the A-frame and cook outs and bonfires and all of it reminds me of sweet summertime which I'm so excited about. Anyways, this guy sat next to me and introduced himself and I said "Yeah, I'm married to him (and pointed to Brandon)" He was like "ok." As soon as it came out of my mouth, I thought, that was a lame thing to say. Why would he care? But really, a year ago, it would've been relevant because everyone in the coffeehouse knew Brandon. Now we are a little out of the loop. Not that we don't feel completely connected to Sonslight and their vision, but those college kids and all the people that go to coffee house are not the people we see all week long anymore. But I have to say that I'm really thankful for where I am. I'm thankful for my friends that are in the same stage of life as me that I know I will always have. God knows what He is doing.
- Sunday morning was AMAZING. I am just completely amazed at how our church is growing. Not in numbers necessarily but in maturity. We are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing in planting seeds. The kind of seeds that grow to look exactly like the fruit that produced them. I just have to give a shout out to Michael Baylor and Blake Elder who really stepped it up on a Sunday when some of our leaders had the awesome opportunity of traveling to another place. Church was still awesome and the Holy Spirit still showed up, and people's lives are still being changed. That's the kind of church I'm so thankful to be a part of. It was GOOOD.
- Sunday afternoon I was LAZY and I loved that too. Went to 607 again and laid in the sunshine. Got a little burnt (and very unequally burnt) and then watched Waiting for Superman, which is an awesome documentary that kinda made me annoyed that we aren't changing things but I'm thankful for the people who are really trying. For now, trying for me just looks like me being the best teacher I can be and not getting slack on my kids.
- Sunday evening I came home to see my husband and we crashed. Brandon and I got to talk about our days (He went golfing - I'm glad he got to do something for himself and I'm glad he found John Mark and Joseph on the course) I'm a lucky lucky girl. I woke up this morning with my contacts in and my clothes on. Obviously I fell asleep fast and hard and Brandon just left me there. But I'm glad I was up early to start the day right.
And another week begins!!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Quick Update
The interview went SOOO great. Even if the job doesn't come with it, I still feel really good about getting to interview with an awesome group of educators. But I'm also hopeful! I hope that I hear back soon!
So thank you to everyone who was praying for me today. I am amazed at the people who have said they have called principals to tell me how great they think I am and the people who have been so encouraging. I have no doubt that I will be a teacher in Watauga County one day and I can't wait.
Now, I get to go enjoy an evening with family and Kira (yayyy!) at Carolina Barbeque in Newland. Feel free to come join us!! I get to eat barbeque and support my dad while he's singing awesome bluegrass music. He is awesome.
Love you all! Enjoy your Friday Night!
So thank you to everyone who was praying for me today. I am amazed at the people who have said they have called principals to tell me how great they think I am and the people who have been so encouraging. I have no doubt that I will be a teacher in Watauga County one day and I can't wait.
Now, I get to go enjoy an evening with family and Kira (yayyy!) at Carolina Barbeque in Newland. Feel free to come join us!! I get to eat barbeque and support my dad while he's singing awesome bluegrass music. He is awesome.
Love you all! Enjoy your Friday Night!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Greatest 3-Point Shot!
Wow. This week has been a whirlwind. Today I subbed in a kindergarten class and it was SO much fun. I was imagining yesterday what it would be like and I kept imagining that the kids would just be running around in chaos. And honestly, it kind of was that. But I loved it so much. The kids were so much fun and they had me laughing and smiling all day. It also went by incredibly fast because I was constantly moving around and trying to prepare for the next thing we were going to do. I could definitely enjoy teaching kindergarten.
After kindergarten, I headed to after school. Today I only had one first grader and a whole lot of tutors. Days like today, I'm just smiling to get paid for doing something fun. I played with my first grader for a while but when the tutors showed up, he of course picked out his favorite tutor and they began playing. Which left me to talk to some awesome ASU tutors (while supervising of course). Today was just really great. Sometimes you just need to talk and unwind. We talked about funny children and funny stories and it just ended on the right note.
Then, the most amazing thing happened. You're going to think it's stupid. But seriously, I was jaw-dropping shocked and I had about 6 ASU girls watching me that were all equally amazed. So, my friend Teryn (an ASU tutor) and I were just shooting the basketball and talking when we decided to try some longer shots. I admitted to Teryn that I had never made a three point shot that wasn't in granny form. So I stood at the three-point line, used all my force and of course shot an air ball. But then I got the bright idea to get a run and go and then stop at the line and still use all my force to hurl the ball to the net. (I'm trying to give you a good mental picture) and guess what, it MADE IT. It was the most perfect shot, making the net do that swooshing sound. Teryn and I just looked at each other and started squealing. And all the other tutors were cheering! It was awesome. I seriously screamed "I just made a three-pointer" like an 8 year old would. It was awesome. They gave me the ball to try again and Brooke (another tutor) was like, we should seriously be taping this. But I just thought, "we missed that already" but I still felt like this moment should be on America's Funniest Home Videos or something. But then I started my running, stopped at the line, did a little grunt and hurled the ball one more time and guess what..... you're not going to believe me... but I MADE IT AGAIN. We all were shocked. I wish I could tell you that I made it a third time, I didn't. But I can't tell you how exciting it is to do something you've never done before. Even if it's something as simple as making a shot from the three-point line.
You should try something you haven't been able to do before. Maybe you'll surprise yourself!
Anyways, I have an interview tomorrow at 10 a.m. Pray for me! I'm excited. I hope I get to post exciting news in the next few days :)
After kindergarten, I headed to after school. Today I only had one first grader and a whole lot of tutors. Days like today, I'm just smiling to get paid for doing something fun. I played with my first grader for a while but when the tutors showed up, he of course picked out his favorite tutor and they began playing. Which left me to talk to some awesome ASU tutors (while supervising of course). Today was just really great. Sometimes you just need to talk and unwind. We talked about funny children and funny stories and it just ended on the right note.
Then, the most amazing thing happened. You're going to think it's stupid. But seriously, I was jaw-dropping shocked and I had about 6 ASU girls watching me that were all equally amazed. So, my friend Teryn (an ASU tutor) and I were just shooting the basketball and talking when we decided to try some longer shots. I admitted to Teryn that I had never made a three point shot that wasn't in granny form. So I stood at the three-point line, used all my force and of course shot an air ball. But then I got the bright idea to get a run and go and then stop at the line and still use all my force to hurl the ball to the net. (I'm trying to give you a good mental picture) and guess what, it MADE IT. It was the most perfect shot, making the net do that swooshing sound. Teryn and I just looked at each other and started squealing. And all the other tutors were cheering! It was awesome. I seriously screamed "I just made a three-pointer" like an 8 year old would. It was awesome. They gave me the ball to try again and Brooke (another tutor) was like, we should seriously be taping this. But I just thought, "we missed that already" but I still felt like this moment should be on America's Funniest Home Videos or something. But then I started my running, stopped at the line, did a little grunt and hurled the ball one more time and guess what..... you're not going to believe me... but I MADE IT AGAIN. We all were shocked. I wish I could tell you that I made it a third time, I didn't. But I can't tell you how exciting it is to do something you've never done before. Even if it's something as simple as making a shot from the three-point line.
You should try something you haven't been able to do before. Maybe you'll surprise yourself!
Anyways, I have an interview tomorrow at 10 a.m. Pray for me! I'm excited. I hope I get to post exciting news in the next few days :)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Mostly not about the Circus
I have been a total slacker. It's been like a bazillion days since I've blogged. Really only about 6. But that's a BUNCH when the last time I blogged it was twice in a day. I know I said I was going to blog about the circus. And I had full intention of doing that. I uploaded pictures and tried to remember all the amusing things that happened but now, five days later, it really doesn't pique my interest.
The circus in a nutshell:
what I expect from a circus: rings of fire, tightropes, tigers, acrobats hanging from the ceiling and throwing each other from hanger to hanger, clowns, elephants, etc.
what I saw at THIS circus: spongebob, a monkey, motorcycles, clowns, contortionists, a dog dressed up as a lion (a chihuahua sized dog) and Tiny the Elephant
Overall. It was interesting and somewhat entertaining. Favorite part was sitting between Megan Hill and Jamie Sheppard and watching my handsome husband do his thing (he works at the Convocation Center).
But.. I would give it a 3 on a scale of 10. Megan was more generous giving it a 6.
New topic. Praise team practice is awesome. I just can't tell you how much I love these people. I love the ones who have been there all three years that I have and I love the ones who came for the first time tonight. I just feel so completely blessed. They challenge me to be real and excited and to lean in. I am so thankful.
I also am SO thankful and in love with my husband. Yes, we can drive each other crazy sometimes but he is the most WONDERFUL man and I love that he has such passion and drive for the things that God has shown Him. I know we are going places. I have expectations for the things God has promised us and I'm going to push towards it even as we try to be patient.
Brandon also did the dishes tonight. He gets brownie points. I was just in the middle of saying, "wish these dishes were done" when I looked and saw they WERE done. I had to bite my tongue. I should have believed he would. He exceeded my expectations. Great surprise.
Last topic before bedtime. God is doing AMAZING things in my life right now when it comes to my job. I am looking forward to the day when looking and believing for a job is not so important. I mean, it's what I will do every day in my life and it's a big part of my purpose, but at the same time, sometimes I feel like the job shouldn't be the priority. I want who I am to be the priority and who God is shaping me to be. But that comes in things like looking for a job. Anyways, I digress. These past few weeks have been crazy. I know I told everyone that I was going to apply for that morning job and I didn't. I actually LISTENED to the Holy Spirit and didn't go with the easy route (applying for a job I was 95% sure I would get) Instead, I waited. And He's been doing some things. All of a sudden, I've been able to really talk to four different principals in the county and ask for their advice and their recommendations and their support. I've also been able to substitute teach twice at an elementary school I love in the past week after not subbing one day in 9 months. And now I have an interview. Hello friends, an INTERVIEW. I'm not sure when yet but it will be in the next few days. It will be for a teaching assistant position and I'm so excited about it. I truly love my kids in after school but this is a step in the right direction for sure. It would be back in the classroom, working with an amazing teacher and getting closer to my dream job.
Please be praying for me!
I love you all. Thanks for sticking with us after I took a way too long break from blogging. I promise to try harder this week! :)
The circus in a nutshell:
what I expect from a circus: rings of fire, tightropes, tigers, acrobats hanging from the ceiling and throwing each other from hanger to hanger, clowns, elephants, etc.
what I saw at THIS circus: spongebob, a monkey, motorcycles, clowns, contortionists, a dog dressed up as a lion (a chihuahua sized dog) and Tiny the Elephant
Overall. It was interesting and somewhat entertaining. Favorite part was sitting between Megan Hill and Jamie Sheppard and watching my handsome husband do his thing (he works at the Convocation Center).
But.. I would give it a 3 on a scale of 10. Megan was more generous giving it a 6.
New topic. Praise team practice is awesome. I just can't tell you how much I love these people. I love the ones who have been there all three years that I have and I love the ones who came for the first time tonight. I just feel so completely blessed. They challenge me to be real and excited and to lean in. I am so thankful.
I also am SO thankful and in love with my husband. Yes, we can drive each other crazy sometimes but he is the most WONDERFUL man and I love that he has such passion and drive for the things that God has shown Him. I know we are going places. I have expectations for the things God has promised us and I'm going to push towards it even as we try to be patient.
Brandon also did the dishes tonight. He gets brownie points. I was just in the middle of saying, "wish these dishes were done" when I looked and saw they WERE done. I had to bite my tongue. I should have believed he would. He exceeded my expectations. Great surprise.
Last topic before bedtime. God is doing AMAZING things in my life right now when it comes to my job. I am looking forward to the day when looking and believing for a job is not so important. I mean, it's what I will do every day in my life and it's a big part of my purpose, but at the same time, sometimes I feel like the job shouldn't be the priority. I want who I am to be the priority and who God is shaping me to be. But that comes in things like looking for a job. Anyways, I digress. These past few weeks have been crazy. I know I told everyone that I was going to apply for that morning job and I didn't. I actually LISTENED to the Holy Spirit and didn't go with the easy route (applying for a job I was 95% sure I would get) Instead, I waited. And He's been doing some things. All of a sudden, I've been able to really talk to four different principals in the county and ask for their advice and their recommendations and their support. I've also been able to substitute teach twice at an elementary school I love in the past week after not subbing one day in 9 months. And now I have an interview. Hello friends, an INTERVIEW. I'm not sure when yet but it will be in the next few days. It will be for a teaching assistant position and I'm so excited about it. I truly love my kids in after school but this is a step in the right direction for sure. It would be back in the classroom, working with an amazing teacher and getting closer to my dream job.
Please be praying for me!
I love you all. Thanks for sticking with us after I took a way too long break from blogging. I promise to try harder this week! :)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Where's the Remote?
Well I just got home from work after what has been the longest and most strenuous stretch of work every. I went to work at 3:00 pm yesterday and worked to 12:00 am, then I came home and watched some TV because I am weird and can't just go to bed. Then I had to be at work at 6:00 am this morning and I worked until 1:30 pm. I am TIRED!!!!!! Despite the long hours I actually really enjoyed work. I was an usher for the circus last night and got to sit right beside the ring and watch both showings of the circus. I got into some pretty deep conversations with the elephant trainer, of course the deep conversations were about elephants. lol. I also got tons of free Papa John's pizza and we all went to Hardee's this morning on the clock and ate breakfast. Aside from that I got to put my skills to work today designing some lighting for the football banquet and working on the audio system. I love it when I get to do things like that.
So you are probably wondering why this blog is titled "Where's the Remote?" right? Well let me explain. I just got home from work and I am exhausted. I put on my gym clothes left the door open so I can get a nice breeze and put in a movie. Now I am laying on the couch and I need to start the DVD. I have been listening to the title menu music for way to long now and the looping is annoying me. However I think I would rather listen to the music than get up and start the movie. We actually don't have a remote for the DVD player so I don't even know why it's called that. I guess it should be called "We don't have a Remote". Well I need to take a nap so I can play some basketball later this evening. So long.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Both Home Mid-Day
Today has been interesting. Our apartment is super small. So last night Brandon asked if I would be home until time for work today. I said yes and he said "oh." That said it all. We both need our "me" time and we knew we were going to be competing for space. So this morning I went upstairs to have my time, workout and blog while Brandon stayed downstairs and did his thing. But then I come back down, took my shower, and then started my cleaning spree. There's nothing I love more during the day than washing the dishes and making my lunch while I watch the biggest loser. I feel productive but I also get to watch a show I love. But today Brandon is home. And he decided to learn a new lick in a song. It is LOUD. If you go to Cornerstone or are on the praise team, you know that Brandon likes to play his guitar LOUD. So I'm in the kitchen, washing the dishes and he's BLARING in the living room. But all his stuff is set up so he can't go upstairs, and the dishes are downstairs, so I can't go anywhere.
I tell him he's going to have to give me a few minutes to finish the dishes so he comes to help make it go faster. But then I want to also dry and put all the dishes away. Haha. Competing for space. Funny. I have a friend who always asks me how in the world we have our quiet times in the same house. It's funny cause normally we are not here at the same times during the morning/mid-day so we don't have to think about it. And we also have my parent's part of the house so we have extra space to go if we need our "me" time but today reminded us both that we have to share the house sometimes when we're not doing the same things. Obviously we are here a lot of the time together, but normally we're cooking together or watching a movie together or just spending quality time together. And when we are together but still doing different things, we have to find the balance.
So today we found our solution!! I put on these big professional headphones of Brandon's so I could listen/watch biggest loser on my laptop and it has a LONG cord so I can still move around the kitchen and get all the dishes washed and put away. I can still hear him a little, but he's not drowning out my show. Bottom line, we can make anything work. We love each other!
Also, thought I would comment about my workout this morning. I talked to Anna last night and she said I definitely should try to workout more than just once a week. 2 things I love about the circuits that we did on Monday night.
1. They are easy and don't really take too much time but they also make you still feel like you've really worked your muscles.
2. You get to choose how hard you push yourself. They never really get old because you just push harder as you get stronger.
This morning I did the 10 workouts for 45 and 30 seconds each. If it's possible for me to be more sore than I was yesterday, then I probably will be tomorrow. I was shaking the whole time I did them for 30 seconds.
But it's worth it. Brandon has already been telling me how he can tell I'm slimming down. That feels good!
Hope you've enjoyed my blog #2 of the day. Still hoping Brandon will blog soon :)
Have a great day :)
I tell him he's going to have to give me a few minutes to finish the dishes so he comes to help make it go faster. But then I want to also dry and put all the dishes away. Haha. Competing for space. Funny. I have a friend who always asks me how in the world we have our quiet times in the same house. It's funny cause normally we are not here at the same times during the morning/mid-day so we don't have to think about it. And we also have my parent's part of the house so we have extra space to go if we need our "me" time but today reminded us both that we have to share the house sometimes when we're not doing the same things. Obviously we are here a lot of the time together, but normally we're cooking together or watching a movie together or just spending quality time together. And when we are together but still doing different things, we have to find the balance.
So today we found our solution!! I put on these big professional headphones of Brandon's so I could listen/watch biggest loser on my laptop and it has a LONG cord so I can still move around the kitchen and get all the dishes washed and put away. I can still hear him a little, but he's not drowning out my show. Bottom line, we can make anything work. We love each other!
Also, thought I would comment about my workout this morning. I talked to Anna last night and she said I definitely should try to workout more than just once a week. 2 things I love about the circuits that we did on Monday night.
1. They are easy and don't really take too much time but they also make you still feel like you've really worked your muscles.
2. You get to choose how hard you push yourself. They never really get old because you just push harder as you get stronger.
This morning I did the 10 workouts for 45 and 30 seconds each. If it's possible for me to be more sore than I was yesterday, then I probably will be tomorrow. I was shaking the whole time I did them for 30 seconds.
But it's worth it. Brandon has already been telling me how he can tell I'm slimming down. That feels good!
Hope you've enjoyed my blog #2 of the day. Still hoping Brandon will blog soon :)
Have a great day :)
Car Games and Babies :)
We went to Wendy's last night with some friends after church and got to talking about fun games to play in the car. Our friends thought our games were quite hilarious but when we're frequently driving almost 4 hours to fayetteville to see Brandon's family, we get creative in the games we play in the car. The two we have played most recently are virtual hide and seek and coffeepot. Two fun games that I want to tell you about in case you get bored in a long car ride.
1. Virtual Hide and Seek - I got this one from a website called mom's minivan or something. I will definitely be looking for that website again when I have kids. It has fun games to keep kids distracted and make the car rides go faster. Anyways, Virtual Hide and Seek. Basically you pick a place in your house to hide. The fun part is that you can be any size. So you can hide in the ketchup bottle in the fridge or in the wii (that was Brandon's hiding place). You can hide anywhere that you can actually get to (we omitted inside the walls, ceiling etc.) You then ask yes or no questions until you can find them. I actually hid two places, behind my earring holder and under a piece of carpet that Layla always pulls up and Brandon couldn't find me! It was fun.
2. CoffeePot - I'm pretty sure that Becky Fain taught Brandon this game and then they taught it to me. But coffeepot stands for a verb and again you ask yes or no questions. So for this game, I chose breathing. Sometimes the obvious verbs are the hardest for others to guess. So Brandon asks yes or no questions but instead of saying the verb you say coffee pot. So he would ask me, "Do you coffeepot everyday?" my answer is yes. (because I breathe every day) Then he asks, "Is coffeepotting dangerous?" my answer is no. Then he asks "Do you need special equipment to coffeepot?" My answer is no. And you keep doing that until you can figure it out. Coffeepotting can be any verb. Running, bullriding (that was Brandon's that I couldn't figure out), eating etc.
These are both fun games. We also found this one called fortunately, unfortunately that would be fun to play with a group or with kids. Someone says something like "unfortunately, there is a tiger in the car" and then someone else would say "fortunately, he doesn't have any teeth" and then someone else would say "unfortunately, he needs to use the bathroom" and you keep going back and forth and see where the story takes you.
We also like to play "what would you do if you had $.... especially when we see those big signs for 245 million dollars or whatever.
On a side note, I keep seeing the facebook pages from people that I graduated with and they're all starting to have BABIES. I already have a few friends that have had them, but I'm excited for the day when a really close friend has one and I can hold it as MUCH as I want to. Sadly, Brandon and I were not together when his aunt had her second child (that was a while ago) but he was the last baby that I probably could have gotten my hands on ALOT. I did get to hold him some when he was a few months old but for some reason I don't remember being in Fayetteville a lot that year. Now he's almost 3!!! I can't believe it.
We're not ready for a baby. But it will be so much fun when we are! And I'm thankful that we've already started getting some AMAZING hand-me-downs from his aunt for that time in our lives :)
1. Virtual Hide and Seek - I got this one from a website called mom's minivan or something. I will definitely be looking for that website again when I have kids. It has fun games to keep kids distracted and make the car rides go faster. Anyways, Virtual Hide and Seek. Basically you pick a place in your house to hide. The fun part is that you can be any size. So you can hide in the ketchup bottle in the fridge or in the wii (that was Brandon's hiding place). You can hide anywhere that you can actually get to (we omitted inside the walls, ceiling etc.) You then ask yes or no questions until you can find them. I actually hid two places, behind my earring holder and under a piece of carpet that Layla always pulls up and Brandon couldn't find me! It was fun.
2. CoffeePot - I'm pretty sure that Becky Fain taught Brandon this game and then they taught it to me. But coffeepot stands for a verb and again you ask yes or no questions. So for this game, I chose breathing. Sometimes the obvious verbs are the hardest for others to guess. So Brandon asks yes or no questions but instead of saying the verb you say coffee pot. So he would ask me, "Do you coffeepot everyday?" my answer is yes. (because I breathe every day) Then he asks, "Is coffeepotting dangerous?" my answer is no. Then he asks "Do you need special equipment to coffeepot?" My answer is no. And you keep doing that until you can figure it out. Coffeepotting can be any verb. Running, bullriding (that was Brandon's that I couldn't figure out), eating etc.
These are both fun games. We also found this one called fortunately, unfortunately that would be fun to play with a group or with kids. Someone says something like "unfortunately, there is a tiger in the car" and then someone else would say "fortunately, he doesn't have any teeth" and then someone else would say "unfortunately, he needs to use the bathroom" and you keep going back and forth and see where the story takes you.
We also like to play "what would you do if you had $.... especially when we see those big signs for 245 million dollars or whatever.
On a side note, I keep seeing the facebook pages from people that I graduated with and they're all starting to have BABIES. I already have a few friends that have had them, but I'm excited for the day when a really close friend has one and I can hold it as MUCH as I want to. Sadly, Brandon and I were not together when his aunt had her second child (that was a while ago) but he was the last baby that I probably could have gotten my hands on ALOT. I did get to hold him some when he was a few months old but for some reason I don't remember being in Fayetteville a lot that year. Now he's almost 3!!! I can't believe it.
We're not ready for a baby. But it will be so much fun when we are! And I'm thankful that we've already started getting some AMAZING hand-me-downs from his aunt for that time in our lives :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Ouch!
Last night I felt like there were a lot of things I wanted to blog about. But I was so tired I just decided to wait until this morning. But this morning all I can think about is how every part of my body hurts! On Monday night I went to a workout class with Anna George at New River Gymnastics! It was definitely worth it. Although I am in pain right now, I kind of like it. I know that I am building muscle in places that I haven't in a long time. Yesterday, I thought that I must have just not really been that out of shape. Today, I have found out differently. I am SOOO sore. I mean, EVERYTHING hurts. especially sneezing.
Anyways, TOMORROW, I get to go to the circus at the convocation center with my sister. I haven't been to the circus in FOREVER. I can't wait. I hope there will be acrobats and an elephant. They are my favorite. And I think they should be standards at all circuses. I will definitely be posting some pictures.
Sorry this blog post is lame. Maybe tomorrow I will have more interesting things to say.
Or maybe my husband will blog soon??? :)
Anyways, TOMORROW, I get to go to the circus at the convocation center with my sister. I haven't been to the circus in FOREVER. I can't wait. I hope there will be acrobats and an elephant. They are my favorite. And I think they should be standards at all circuses. I will definitely be posting some pictures.
Sorry this blog post is lame. Maybe tomorrow I will have more interesting things to say.
Or maybe my husband will blog soon??? :)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
We're Back Home
Wow. What an amazing weekend this has been. We headed to Fayetteville, spent a day in the sunshine waiting for the doors to open for Winter Jam, enjoyed the Winter Jam concert, picked up Katie (Brandon's sister) after she got home from Disney World, slept in, visited with Brandon's Ma Ma, packed up our new couch (it's wonderful), headed to Clemmons for Nic and Kira's first wedding shower, enjoyed some awesome time celebrating two wonderful people and seeing friends we haven't seen in a while, did some grocery shopping, finally headed home to unpack, got some wonderful love from our sweet puppy who we missed terribly and now we're finally here, on our new couch, ready to watch a redbox movie before bed.
THAT was a weekend!!
We are so incredibly blessed to have the friends and family that we do. Just want to give a shout out to our wonderful friends Nic and Kira. We are so excited to be a part of their wedding day. We know they are going to have such a wonderful marriage and we are so glad that there are other young couples in our church family who are getting married. It's going to be a ton of fun to enjoy being young and in love together. Anyways, today was a sweet, sweet day of watching friends and family come together to celebrate an amazing couple like they should. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.
The last thing I want to say before I enjoy a movie with my husband is that this week is going to be a week of exciting things. I'm believing that doors are going to open and SOMETHING is going to happen. Not sure what yet, but I know it is. Please pray for me this week. Pray that I am open to whatever God has for me and that I don't miss any opportunities. Pray that I would clearly listen to the Holy Spirit as He guides me to make the right decisions for us. I don't believe that so much would happen at the end of last week for it to be for no reason. Even if it's just for me to learn to listen and be obedient, I want to learn from it. God is for us. You can also be praying for Brandon. He submitted his application for a job as well and we trust that God knows what He is doing with that too. Thanks. We love you!
THAT was a weekend!!
We are so incredibly blessed to have the friends and family that we do. Just want to give a shout out to our wonderful friends Nic and Kira. We are so excited to be a part of their wedding day. We know they are going to have such a wonderful marriage and we are so glad that there are other young couples in our church family who are getting married. It's going to be a ton of fun to enjoy being young and in love together. Anyways, today was a sweet, sweet day of watching friends and family come together to celebrate an amazing couple like they should. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.
The last thing I want to say before I enjoy a movie with my husband is that this week is going to be a week of exciting things. I'm believing that doors are going to open and SOMETHING is going to happen. Not sure what yet, but I know it is. Please pray for me this week. Pray that I am open to whatever God has for me and that I don't miss any opportunities. Pray that I would clearly listen to the Holy Spirit as He guides me to make the right decisions for us. I don't believe that so much would happen at the end of last week for it to be for no reason. Even if it's just for me to learn to listen and be obedient, I want to learn from it. God is for us. You can also be praying for Brandon. He submitted his application for a job as well and we trust that God knows what He is doing with that too. Thanks. We love you!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Busy Life
The last two days have been a whirlwind of excitement, nervousness, stress, happiness, etc. I don't even know where to begin in typing up all that's happened. Basically, Thursday I got several phone calls that made me realize I need to get on my game as far as really going for a teaching job. You know that morning job that I was going to apply for? For some reason, I just kept finding excuses not to take that application in. Now I'm seeing that the Lord had reasons for that.
Anyways, I'm trying to get my application in for Watauga County Schools so that if something opens up, I'll be ready. And I'm going to apply for everything I can because an interview definitely couldn't hurt if I get the chance to let a principal know who I am. The past couple days I have been extremely thankful for the people in the county who have kept me in mind and kept me informed. It's definitely true that in Watauga County, things happen fast. And if you don't know people, then you don't get told about what's opening and shifting and yada ya.
So, yesterday I got to sub for most of the 2nd graders that were in my 1st grade class last year at Cove Creek. Thanks to Mrs. Reece for thinking about me and to Mrs. Johnson who made it possible even though I still had to be at Bethel at 1:30 for after school. It was WONDERFUL. Sometimes a person just needs those days to remember what they're going for and why they fight for the job they want. I love those kids. I love teaching and learning and enjoying the little moments throughout the day. I was thinking last night that if I ever get a job at Cove Creek (which would be my dreams come true) then they may never learn to call me Mrs. Hall. So many of them know me as Ms. Leslie. I didn't even have to introduce myself.
So now we are in Fayetteville. I've got a couple things I have to type so I can finally submit my online application and then we're going to enjoy the AMAZING weather and head to a concert that consists of David Crowder Band, Kutless, Newsong, and many more.
I absolutely love my in-laws. They are amazing. It's going to be a fun day :)
Anyways, I'm trying to get my application in for Watauga County Schools so that if something opens up, I'll be ready. And I'm going to apply for everything I can because an interview definitely couldn't hurt if I get the chance to let a principal know who I am. The past couple days I have been extremely thankful for the people in the county who have kept me in mind and kept me informed. It's definitely true that in Watauga County, things happen fast. And if you don't know people, then you don't get told about what's opening and shifting and yada ya.
So, yesterday I got to sub for most of the 2nd graders that were in my 1st grade class last year at Cove Creek. Thanks to Mrs. Reece for thinking about me and to Mrs. Johnson who made it possible even though I still had to be at Bethel at 1:30 for after school. It was WONDERFUL. Sometimes a person just needs those days to remember what they're going for and why they fight for the job they want. I love those kids. I love teaching and learning and enjoying the little moments throughout the day. I was thinking last night that if I ever get a job at Cove Creek (which would be my dreams come true) then they may never learn to call me Mrs. Hall. So many of them know me as Ms. Leslie. I didn't even have to introduce myself.
So now we are in Fayetteville. I've got a couple things I have to type so I can finally submit my online application and then we're going to enjoy the AMAZING weather and head to a concert that consists of David Crowder Band, Kutless, Newsong, and many more.
I absolutely love my in-laws. They are amazing. It's going to be a fun day :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday Morning
Well I wasn't really planning on this blog going here, but I woke up this morning with my spirit just screaming praise to Jesus. Maybe a spiritual hangover from last night, (lol ie. w.o.w.) or maybe just the revelation that the Holy Spirit is with us 24/7. I was walking to the shower trying to be as quiet as possible because Leslie was still asleep just in awe of how great our God is. I am a guitar player by the worlds standards, but I am a worship leader in the kingdom. In my mind I don't even see myself playing guitar sometimes, I see myself with a mic just leading God's people in worship. Not singing of course, although I would love to be able to sing, but just ministering to the people. I can't be long because I have to go to work, but just know that God loves you and he wants more. Your not just a person on a list with a check on your name if your saved, you are a child of God. He is calling you to more. He wants you to live in the fullness of His spirit. It's going to require sacrifice on your part, and sacrifice isn't easy. A sacrifice doesn't even count unless it's something that you love or are deeply rooted to. But if you will just press in and honestly pursue God then that's when spells will be broken and burdens lifted. That's when the healing begins of physical, emotional, and mental wounds. When you open your mouth and cry out to Him, it's instant. There is no waiting period for God to get back to you. He has been waiting on you all this time.
So if a blog is supposed to be what's on my heart, then here you have it. If you need some proof, then I dare you to ask Him to show you. He will meet you where ever you are and if you have become complacent then just begin pursuing His presence and I guarantee you that the fire will come back and will be out of control. And if you are tired of church, then maybe take a step back and reevaluate things, this isn't about church or ministry. This isn't about what you can do for God. This is about letting God in your life and trusting His guidance in every aspect of your life. Your personal relationship with God comes first, then worry about that other stuff. Ministry is important, but it will not be effective if you and God aren't were you need to be.
Ok well off to work. lol. I love you guys, yes even you weirdo's that I don't know. Until next time.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
W.O.W.
There's this term that I believe Michael Baylor may have coined. It's called wide open wednesdays (wow). Tonight was one of those nights. I love my church. And that's why Wednesday nights are another night I look forward to every week. Tonight was truly amazing. I just have to say that I am so blessed to have the pastor and the church that I have. Tonight as my pastor shared some things that the Lord has told him specifically about our church and our city and as he's ministering and telling us to love one another, I know without a shadow of a doubt that he's whole heart in it. He loves people. I mean, really really loves people. And him asking us to just love people and the holy spirit shifting some things in that place totally convicted me to do just that. I want to be changed.
Sorry if that got a little deep, but it's hard to talk about something that powerful without going there. I do just love my church family though. And I'm really going to try harder to love people that are in the place that maybe I was in a few years ago or the people that are harder for me to love.
On a less serious note... this morning I babysat Emerson (a 14 month old sweetheart) who I babysit one morning a week. Can I just tell you that babies that are first learning to walk are the most fun ever? All morning I would set her down a couple feet in front of me and she'd take 5-8 steps to get to me and we'd celebrate and giggle over how she made it! So much fun. She also is just a cuddle bug. She will love on her stuffed animals like crazy and loves to be cuddled and read to. It was a fun morning (even though getting up that early after the time change was no fun!)
Anyways, I'm off to bed. I was debating not blogging but Brandon showed me the blog counter which is up to 330... (HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE??) and so he said you were waiting to read this. So I hope you liked it. Goodnight!
Sorry if that got a little deep, but it's hard to talk about something that powerful without going there. I do just love my church family though. And I'm really going to try harder to love people that are in the place that maybe I was in a few years ago or the people that are harder for me to love.
On a less serious note... this morning I babysat Emerson (a 14 month old sweetheart) who I babysit one morning a week. Can I just tell you that babies that are first learning to walk are the most fun ever? All morning I would set her down a couple feet in front of me and she'd take 5-8 steps to get to me and we'd celebrate and giggle over how she made it! So much fun. She also is just a cuddle bug. She will love on her stuffed animals like crazy and loves to be cuddled and read to. It was a fun morning (even though getting up that early after the time change was no fun!)
Anyways, I'm off to bed. I was debating not blogging but Brandon showed me the blog counter which is up to 330... (HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE??) and so he said you were waiting to read this. So I hope you liked it. Goodnight!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I also love Tuesdays
two major things i want to talk about. 1. how great my husband is and 2. how i love tuesdays as much as i love mondays
1. Please tell me that you at least SMILED while reading Brandon's last post. I was leaving Bethel this afternoon and I went to check the blog and ended up sitting in the parking lot until I had read the entire thing. After bugging brandon to just post something on the blog last night, he did his brief biography. Not that it wasn't a good, sweet post (especially where he called me beautiful) but it wasn't quite what I was imagining. He said it was because i basically forced him, but when i saw the post today I just couldn't contain my joy. I already LOVE our blog. cause it's just me and him and real life. And oh how real he was about those hot dogs. I really love him. I love that he makes me happy without even really trying.
2. Today was a really great day. I love that almost every day of the week I look forward to my evenings. On Tuesdays I always (except when Jamie is out of town for spring break like last week) meet up with Jamie for dinner at Los. It's a highlight of my week since I hardly ever see her and get to have good deep sister conversation. We meet at 6ish and we always have plenty of time to sit around and just chat. Tonights conversation was about how we love praise team and how we love chocolate. It was a little more than that but oh how we love chocolate. it made me think of the amazing chocolate chip pound cake that kirbi's mom made. I think i made jamie's mouth water just describing how perfectly moist it was (even after 11 days).
Then after dinner at Los we head over to praise team practice. It's family and amazing musicians and singing and praising Jesus (all my absolute favorite things) all at one time. There's nothing better. I'm just amazed at how we are growing together and learning more and more. The musicians are amazing, the singers are amazing, the relationships are amazing and we have an awesome leader who for sure knows who to follow (Jesus that is). Oh man. Praise team practice. If you love to sing or play, come to the reel house on tuesdays at 7 pm. it will bless your soul.
So now I'm off to bed. Wednesdays are also awesome days as you can imagine. Tomorrow I'll tell you all about it. Goodnight!!
1. Please tell me that you at least SMILED while reading Brandon's last post. I was leaving Bethel this afternoon and I went to check the blog and ended up sitting in the parking lot until I had read the entire thing. After bugging brandon to just post something on the blog last night, he did his brief biography. Not that it wasn't a good, sweet post (especially where he called me beautiful) but it wasn't quite what I was imagining. He said it was because i basically forced him, but when i saw the post today I just couldn't contain my joy. I already LOVE our blog. cause it's just me and him and real life. And oh how real he was about those hot dogs. I really love him. I love that he makes me happy without even really trying.
2. Today was a really great day. I love that almost every day of the week I look forward to my evenings. On Tuesdays I always (except when Jamie is out of town for spring break like last week) meet up with Jamie for dinner at Los. It's a highlight of my week since I hardly ever see her and get to have good deep sister conversation. We meet at 6ish and we always have plenty of time to sit around and just chat. Tonights conversation was about how we love praise team and how we love chocolate. It was a little more than that but oh how we love chocolate. it made me think of the amazing chocolate chip pound cake that kirbi's mom made. I think i made jamie's mouth water just describing how perfectly moist it was (even after 11 days).
Then after dinner at Los we head over to praise team practice. It's family and amazing musicians and singing and praising Jesus (all my absolute favorite things) all at one time. There's nothing better. I'm just amazed at how we are growing together and learning more and more. The musicians are amazing, the singers are amazing, the relationships are amazing and we have an awesome leader who for sure knows who to follow (Jesus that is). Oh man. Praise team practice. If you love to sing or play, come to the reel house on tuesdays at 7 pm. it will bless your soul.
So now I'm off to bed. Wednesdays are also awesome days as you can imagine. Tomorrow I'll tell you all about it. Goodnight!!
2 Jumbo Hot Dogs for $2.99!!!
Well today I decided to rebel a little and not eat my organic peanut butter and banana sandwich that I brought for lunch. Sometimes I just want to go against the grain and eat the worst possible thing I can find. Starting at around 10:15 this morning the battle against right and wrong began in my head. I knew that we were saving money and that it wasn't really responsible of me to go out and buy lunch. Especially since I had packed a lunch. On the other hand I ate that same thing yesterday and I got paid today. So what's the big deal right? So lunch time came and I had decided that I was going to do it, I was going to Hardee's despite everything within me saying no. I clocked out and headed down the hallway towards the backdoor, my conscious and stomach both screaming stop. I knew that once I stepped foot out that door there was no turning back. I grabbed the door handle, gave it a quick determined turn, and thrust myself through the door. The moment I was outside I could see that beautiful red building with shiny delicious advertisements on every window. As I approached the building debating on which burger to get I saw it, 2 Jumbo Hot Dogs for $2.99!!!! There was nothing Anyone could do to change my mind and I don't even like hot dogs. I walked in, made my purchase, and walked back to work instantly feeling horrible about my decision. I knew I had done wrong and I thought that my punishment would have taken place when I got home. Little did I know as I ate those two jumbo hot dogs covered in chili and mustard that my punishment was coming sooner rather than later. After the first bite I knew I was in for it and I ate them anyways. Getting out of that chair and walking to the trashcan was literally the hardest thing I have done in a long time. Now as I am sitting here telling you of this tale of bravery and stupidity I am wishing I wasn't such a rebel.
Moral of this story: Don't every eat 2 Jumbo Hot Dogs for $2.99. These things always sound so good before you eat them even though we know it's not true.
Moral of this story: Don't every eat 2 Jumbo Hot Dogs for $2.99. These things always sound so good before you eat them even though we know it's not true.
The Husband
Hello blog world! I don't have much to say this evening so I just thought I would introduce myself. I am 23 years old and married to the most beautiful woman in the world. I currently work as assistant production manager at a local venue and I also work as a freelance audio engineer. I play lead guitar at Cornerstone Summit and I am the music director for Son's Light Ministries. I love God and trust Him with every aspect of my life. That's about all I have right now, so until next time...
Monday, March 14, 2011
New Job & Mondays
Well, I think I'm officially going to apply for a job at a child care center for the mornings. Part of me really doesn't want to. I'm enjoying my mornings at home, doing random things like hemming pants and dreaming of making a t-shirt quilt. But, I definitely need to get back to the real world. And a few mornings a week spent with some cute kids can't be that bad right? If you know me, you know how much I love love love kids, especially little ones!
On a completely different note, tonight is the season finale of the Bachelor. I know the basis of the show is completely off, but I can't help but get so into it every season. However, my favorite part (by far) is spending time with my friends on Monday nights. Even if we one day decide to nix the bachelor, or for the upcoming weeks where dancing with the stars will be on instead, you will still find me at 607 every Monday night. I have the absolute best friends in the world. Being married is wonderful. I absolutely love coming home to B every evening, going on date nights, and traveling together. But there is something undeniable about a group of girls getting together and catching up with one another and loving on each other. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Brandon and a couple of guy friends have started taking advantage of our Monday nights where the girls are together and I think they have also enjoyed their "man night." Life is good. And I'm so glad it's Monday!
On a completely different note, tonight is the season finale of the Bachelor. I know the basis of the show is completely off, but I can't help but get so into it every season. However, my favorite part (by far) is spending time with my friends on Monday nights. Even if we one day decide to nix the bachelor, or for the upcoming weeks where dancing with the stars will be on instead, you will still find me at 607 every Monday night. I have the absolute best friends in the world. Being married is wonderful. I absolutely love coming home to B every evening, going on date nights, and traveling together. But there is something undeniable about a group of girls getting together and catching up with one another and loving on each other. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Brandon and a couple of guy friends have started taking advantage of our Monday nights where the girls are together and I think they have also enjoyed their "man night." Life is good. And I'm so glad it's Monday!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Day 1
After spending what seems like an eternity trying to make a cool background for our new blog, I am finally able to say hello to the blog world. I've talked to several people about entering the blog world and after bugging Brandon about names and coming up with the simple "Life with the Halls," we have decided to test the waters.
Our lives may not be interesting to many people, but for us - this life is the only one we have. If nothing else, we hope this blog will be a fun way to share the things we are learning and how we are growing, and in ten years, hopefully we'll be able to look back and be able to see all that God has brought us through.
Then there's the fun years to come - traveling, getting cool jobs, having babies and much more :)
All those things, I know I will want to tell the world about! (or at least the few friends who will find this blog interesting)
So, if you don't know who we are.... my name is Leslie Hall and I've been married to Brandon for almost 10 months now. We live in a basement apartment in my parents house with our dog Layla, who just turned two. We love our God, we love our church, we love music, we love our friends and we both have amazing families (one lives upstairs, and the other in Parkton, NC)
Hopefully tomorrow will bring some interesting things for us to blog about. Goodnight world!
Our lives may not be interesting to many people, but for us - this life is the only one we have. If nothing else, we hope this blog will be a fun way to share the things we are learning and how we are growing, and in ten years, hopefully we'll be able to look back and be able to see all that God has brought us through.
Then there's the fun years to come - traveling, getting cool jobs, having babies and much more :)
All those things, I know I will want to tell the world about! (or at least the few friends who will find this blog interesting)
So, if you don't know who we are.... my name is Leslie Hall and I've been married to Brandon for almost 10 months now. We live in a basement apartment in my parents house with our dog Layla, who just turned two. We love our God, we love our church, we love music, we love our friends and we both have amazing families (one lives upstairs, and the other in Parkton, NC)
Hopefully tomorrow will bring some interesting things for us to blog about. Goodnight world!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)