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 :)
husband & wife, mommy & daddy, musicians, travelers, lovers, friends. we are young and in love and on an adventure to live life to its fullest!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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!
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